### 18. notes with concern the increasing disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law , particularly in the ongoing conflicts around the world; underlines the utmost importance for humanitarian aid agencies to be able to provide full , timely and unhindered assistance to all vulnerable populations and calls on all parties to armed conflicts to protect civilian populations and humanitarian and medical workers; calls for the systematic creation of humanitarian corridors in regions at war and in combat situations , whenever necessary , in order to allow civilians at risk to escape the conflict , and strongly condemns any attacks on them; ### 18. notes with concern the increasing disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law , particularly in the ongoing conflicts around the world; underlines the utmost importance for humanitarian aid agencies to be able to provide full , timely and unhindered assistance to all vulnerable populations and calls on all parties to armed conflicts to protect civilian populations , including media workers and humanitarian and medical workers; calls for the systematic creation of humanitarian corridors in regions at war and in combat situations , whenever necessary , in order to allow civilians at risk to escape the conflict , and strongly condemns any attacks on them;


### 19. strongly condemns and is deeply concerned by the serious violations of international humanitarian law by russian armed forces in russia’s war of aggression against ukraine; ### 19. strongly condemns and is deeply concerned by the serious violations of international humanitarian law by russian armed forces in russia’s war of aggression against ukraine; calls for assistance to be provided to the ukrainian side in gathering evidence of violations of international humanitarian law , passing on the evidence to the competent authorities and initiating proceedings against those entities and individuals who have committed violations of international humanitarian law;


### 20. strongly welcomes the continuous contribution of the international criminal court (icc) to the fight against impunity; calls for the eu and its member states to provide the icc with sufficient support to enable it to carry out its work; reiterates its condemnation of continuous efforts to undermine the legitimacy and work of the icc by authoritarian and illiberal regimes and calls for the eu and its member states to continue their efforts to counter them; welcomes the fact that the eu has provided support for the very first time to the icc’s investigation capacities to help it scale up its investigations into war crimes committed by russian armed forces in ukraine; ### 20. strongly welcomes the continuous contribution of the international criminal court (icc) to the fight against impunity; calls for the eu and its member states to provide the icc with sufficient support to enable it to carry out its work; reiterates its condemnation of continuous efforts to undermine the legitimacy and work of the icc by totalitarian , dictatorial and authoritarian regimes and calls for the eu and its member states to continue their efforts to counter them; welcomes the fact that the eu has provided support for the very first time to the icc’s investigation capacities to help it scale up its investigations into war crimes committed by russian armed forces in ukraine , and encourages the eu and its member states to support the collection of evidence in other third countries where crimes against humanity or genocide occur , based on credible reports;


### 20. strongly welcomes the continuous contribution of the international criminal court (icc) to the fight against impunity; calls for the eu and its member states to provide the icc with sufficient support to enable it to carry out its work; reiterates its condemnation of continuous efforts to undermine the legitimacy and work of the icc by authoritarian and illiberal regimes and calls for the eu and its member states to continue their efforts to counter them; welcomes the fact that the eu has provided support for the very first time to the icc’s investigation capacities to help it scale up its investigations into war crimes committed by russian armed forces in ukraine; ### 20. strongly welcomes the continuous contribution of the international criminal court (icc) to the fight against impunity; calls for the eu and its member states to provide the icc with sufficient support to enable it to carry out its work; reiterates its condemnation of continuous efforts to undermine the legitimacy and work of the icc by authoritarian and illiberal regimes and calls for the eu and its member states to continue their efforts to counter them , and respond to threats and sanctions against human rights defenders cooperating with the court; welcomes the eu and eu member states unprecedented support for the role of the icc;


### 20. strongly welcomes the continuous contribution of the international criminal court (icc) to the fight against impunity; calls for the eu and its member states to provide the icc with sufficient support to enable it to carry out its work; reiterates its condemnation of continuous efforts to undermine the legitimacy and work of the icc by authoritarian and illiberal regimes and calls for the eu and its member states to continue their efforts to counter them; welcomes the fact that the eu has provided support for the very first time to the icc’s investigation capacities to help it scale up its investigations into war crimes committed by russian armed forces in ukraine; ### 20. strongly welcomes the continuous contribution of the international criminal court (icc) to the fight against impunity; calls for the eu and its member states to provide the icc with sufficient support to enable it to carry out its work; calls on the eu and its member states to encourage their partners to ratify the treaty of rome and thus expand the court's jurisdiction; reiterates its condemnation of continuous efforts to undermine the legitimacy and work of the icc by authoritarian and illiberal regimes and calls for the eu and its member states to continue their efforts to counter them; welcomes the fact that the eu has provided support for the very first time to the icc’s investigation capacities to help it scale up its investigations into war crimes committed by russian armed forces in ukraine;


### 20. strongly welcomes the continuous contribution of the international criminal court (icc) to the fight against impunity; calls for the eu and its member states to provide the icc with sufficient support to enable it to carry out its work; reiterates its condemnation of continuous efforts to undermine the legitimacy and work of the icc by authoritarian and illiberal regimes and calls for the eu and its member states to continue their efforts to counter them; welcomes the fact that the eu has provided support for the very first time to the icc’s investigation capacities to help it scale up its investigations into war crimes committed by russian armed forces in ukraine; ### 20. strongly welcomes the continuous contribution of the international criminal court (icc) to the fight against impunity; calls for the eu and its member states to provide the icc with sufficient support to enable it to carry out its work; reiterates its condemnation of continuous efforts to undermine the legitimacy and work of the icc by authoritarian and illiberal regimes and calls for the eu and its member states to continue their efforts to counter them; welcomes the fact that the eu has provided support for the very first time to the icc’s investigation capacities to help it scale up its investigations into war crimes committed by russian armed forces in ukraine and punish those responsible for those crimes;


### 21. reiterates its call on the commission to develop a comprehensive eu action plan on fighting impunity , which should include a chapter on ukraine; calls for the eu and its international partners to make full use of all relevant instruments to fight impunity , including support for universal jurisdiction at national level , special tribunals at a national and international level including for the crime of aggression , as well as establishing flexible cooperation and funding mechanisms to swiftly collect and analyse evidence of crimes; calls on the commission to ensure that these instruments are applied in a coordinated and complementary manner with other relevant eu and member state instruments; reiterates its commitment to providing all possible assistance to ensure accountability for atrocities committed by russian armed forces in ukraine and provide effective remedies for the damages suffered by ukrainian civilians; ### 21. reiterates its call on the commission to develop a comprehensive eu action plan on fighting impunity , which should include a chapter on ukraine; calls for the eu and its international partners to make full use of all relevant instruments to fight impunity , including support for special tribunals at a national and international level including for the crime of aggression , as well as establishing flexible cooperation and funding mechanisms to swiftly collect and analyse evidence of these crimes; calls on the commission to ensure that these instruments are applied in a coordinated and complementary manner with other relevant eu and member state instruments; reiterates its commitment to providing all possible assistance to ensure accountability for atrocities committed by russian armed forces in ukraine and provide effective remedies for the damages suffered by ukrainian civilians;


### 22. reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty , which is a cruel , inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the eu must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators; ### 22. reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty , which is a cruel , inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; especially condemns retention of the death penalty for non-violent crimes such as blasphemy and apostasy and recalls that the mere existence of the death penalty already has a chilling effect on the freedom of conscience , expression , religion or belief; stresses that the eu must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium , starting with abolishing capital sentences for non-violent crimes , such as blasphemy and apostasy , as a first step towards its abolition; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators;


### 22. reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty , which is a cruel , inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the eu must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators; ### 22. reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty , which is a cruel , inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the eu must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; condemns in strong terms , enforcement of blasphemy laws across the globe that carry the possibility of death penalty to the convicted; reiterates that the freedom to choose one’s religion , to believe or not to believe at all remains a fundamental human right that cannot be punished by death or any degrading treatment; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators;


### 22. reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty , which is a cruel , inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the eu must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators; ### 22. reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty , which is a cruel , inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the eu must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment , enforced disappearances , arbitrary detentions and unlawful killings and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators;


### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; ### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them to improve the life opportunities of their members and their families locally and enjoy a decent and safe life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling and human trafficking; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of safe and legal pathways , while respecting the principles of subsidiarity and responsibility of each eu member state; and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries;


### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; ### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; stresses the need to manage migration in a manner governed by the principles of solidarity , balance and the sharing of responsibility between countries; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling and underscores the importance of implementing readmission and cooperation agreements with third countries on border management; stresses in particular the need to increase the fight against organised crime groups that engage in human trafficking; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries;


### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; ### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , particularly focusing on displaced women , children , ethnic , religious and belief minorities and persons with disabilities , who are among the most vulnerable , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries;


### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; ### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; urges for solidarity and responsibility at european level to alleviate the burden that front-line member states bear owing to their geographical location;


### 41. strongly condemns the grave violations of human rights committed by the russian armed forces; underlines the utmost importance of ensuring accountability for these violations and calls for the eu and its member states to continue to offer their full support for the actors , measures and mechanisms to this end , including the ukrainian prosecutors , investigators and judiciary , the icc , the commission of inquiry of the un human rights council , and national investigations under the principle of universal jurisdiction; stresses the importance of swiftly gathering and preserving evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity and welcomes the efforts of independent civil society to this end; calls on the commission to provide all the necessary assistance in this process , including additional funding from the ndici – global europe , and urges the member states to engage in this process themselves whenever they are in a position to do so; welcomes the amended mandate of the eu advisory mission to ukraine and the commission’s proposal to extend the mandate of eurojust to support the fight against impunity; calls for an informed decision to be made about the most appropriate solution to hold to account the individuals and entities responsible for enabling russia’s war of aggression against ukraine and the war crimes committed on ukrainian territory , which could include the creation of a special international court or enabling the icc to deliberate on these crimes; ### 41. strongly condemns the grave violations of human rights committed by the russian armed forces; underlines the utmost importance of ensuring accountability for these violations and calls for the eu and its member states to continue to offer their full support for the actors , measures and mechanisms to this end , including the ukrainian prosecutors , investigators and judiciary , the icc , the commission of inquiry of the un human rights council , and national investigations under the principle of universal jurisdiction; stresses the importance of swiftly gathering and preserving evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity and welcomes the efforts of independent civil society to this end; calls on the commission to provide all the necessary assistance in this process , including funding from the ndici – global europe , and urges the member states to engage in this process themselves whenever they are in a position to do so; welcomes the amended mandate of the eu advisory mission to ukraine and the commission’s proposal to extend the mandate of eurojust to support the fight against impunity; calls for an informed decision to be made about the most appropriate solution to hold to account the individuals and entities responsible for enabling russia’s war of aggression against ukraine and the war crimes committed on ukrainian territory , which could include the creation of a special international court or enabling the icc to deliberate on these crimes;


### 43. underlines that human rights , a healthy environment and combating climate change are dependent on one another; calls for progress towards the recognition of the right to a clean , healthy and sustainable environment , as laid out in resolution 48/13 of the un human rights council , and stresses its appreciation for the peaceful work undertaken by environmental human rights defenders including land defenders and their lawyers , as well as indigenous activists , to preserve and safeguard such an environment despite the threat of violence and the risk to their lives; recognises , moreover , the important role of civil society organisations , including environmental faith-based organisations , as well as indigenous peoples for their invaluable work in the preservation of the environment; ### 43. is aware of the correlation between human rights , a healthy environment and combating climate change; calls for progress towards the recognition of the right to a clean , healthy and sustainable environment , as laid out in resolution 48/13 of the un human rights council , and stresses its appreciation for the peaceful work undertaken by environmental human rights defenders including land defenders and their lawyers , as well as indigenous activists , to preserve and safeguard such an environment despite the threat of violence and the risk to their lives; recognises , moreover , the important role of civil society organisations , including environmental faith-based organisations , as well as indigenous peoples for their invaluable work in the preservation of the environment;


### 43. underlines that human rights , a healthy environment and combating climate change are dependent on one another; calls for progress towards the recognition of the right to a clean , healthy and sustainable environment , as laid out in resolution 48/13 of the un human rights council , and stresses its appreciation for the peaceful work undertaken by environmental human rights defenders including land defenders and their lawyers , as well as indigenous activists , to preserve and safeguard such an environment despite the threat of violence and the risk to their lives; recognises , moreover , the important role of civil society organisations , including environmental faith-based organisations , as well as indigenous peoples for their invaluable work in the preservation of the environment; ### 43. underlines that human rights , a healthy environment and combating climate change are dependent on one another; calls for progress towards the recognition of the right to a clean , healthy and sustainable environment , as laid out in resolution 48/13 of the un human rights council , and stresses its appreciation for the peaceful work undertaken by environmental human rights defenders including land and water defenders and their lawyers , as well as indigenous activists , to preserve and safeguard such an environment despite the threat of violence and the risk to their lives; recognises , moreover , the important role of civil society organisations , including environmental faith-based organisations and their leaders , as well as indigenous peoples who claim their rights peacefully for their invaluable work in the preservation of the environment;


### 44. calls for the eu and its member states to step up their contribution to the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss globally , in particular by ensuring that goods imported by the eu are produced in accordance with human rights protected under international law , including the rights of indigenous people , and do not contribute to deforestation or damage to natural ecosystems; ### 44. calls for the eu and its member states to step up their contribution to the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss globally , in particular by ensuring that goods imported by the eu are produced in accordance with human rights protected under international law , including the rights of indigenous people , and do not contribute to serious deforestation or dangerous damage to natural ecosystems with a balance approach that do not impede the development of the communities and their population in third countries;


### 45. underlines that trade agreements often offer the possibility for the eu to work with third countries to address their domestic situation by providing some conditions that would serve to enhance living standards , as well as allow for some conditionality to improve the human rights situation in those countries; notes , however , that in some cases there has been little to no improvement in the countries concerned; notes that excessive and exploitative business activities often have detrimental effects on human rights in third countries; ### 45. underlines that trade agreements often offer the possibility for the eu to work with third countries to address their domestic situation by providing some conditions that would serve to enhance living standards , as well as allow for conditionality to improve the human rights situation in those countries; notes , however , that in some cases there has been little to no improvement in the countries concerned; notes that excessive and exploitative business activities often have detrimental effects on human rights in third countries;


### 46. calls for the eu to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls , in particular , for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated regulation on the generalised scheme of preferences (gsp+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting gsp+ status , including following up on any possible violations; calls for a standing invitation for the eu to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries gsp+ status; reiterates its calls for the commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations , including the revocation of gsp+ status if warranted; ### 46. calls for the eu to make more and coherent use of clauses in trade agreements that protect human rights , including closer monitoring and adequate enforcement of human rights commitments , and to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls , in particular , for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated regulation on the generalised scheme of preferences (gsp+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting gsp+ status , including following up on any possible violations; calls on the commission to keep the european parliament adequately informed in this regard; calls for a standing invitation for the eu to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries gsp+ status; reiterates its calls for the commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations , including the revocation of gsp+ status if warranted;


### 46. calls for the eu to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls , in particular , for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated regulation on the generalised scheme of preferences (gsp+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting gsp+ status , including following up on any possible violations; calls for a standing invitation for the eu to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries gsp+ status; reiterates its calls for the commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations , including the revocation of gsp+ status if warranted; ### 46. calls for the eu to use of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls , in particular , for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated regulation on the generalised scheme of preferences (gsp+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting gsp+ status , including following up on any possible violations; calls for a standing invitation for the eu to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries gsp+ status; reiterates its calls for the commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations , including the consideration of revocation gsp+ status if warranted;


### 47. welcomes the commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human , labour and environmental rights; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all publicly listed undertakings and to small and medium-sized undertakings operating in high-risk economic sectors; calls on the commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal , notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on eu imports of goods produced through forced labour; ### 47. welcomes the commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human , labour and environmental rights with a balance approach that does not harm the development of the communities and their population in third countries; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all publicly listed undertakings operating in high-risk economic sectors; calls on the commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal , notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on eu imports of goods produced through forced labour;


### 47. welcomes the commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human , labour and environmental rights; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all publicly listed undertakings and to small and medium-sized undertakings operating in high-risk economic sectors; calls on the commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal , notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on eu imports of goods produced through forced labour; ### 47. welcomes the commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human , labour and environmental rights; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all large companies , as well as to small and medium-sized undertakings operating in high-risk world regions and economic sectors; calls on the commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal , notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on eu imports of goods produced through forced labour;


### 48. stresses that human rights must fully encompass the digital sphere and must be protected from the improper use of technology; underlines the risks posed by digital technologies to personal liberty and democracy at large and condemns the role of digital technologies in human rights violations; calls for more intensive efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework on digital technologies , which should balance the need to protect human rights with taking advantage of the possible gains such technologies can offer for human well-being; ### 48. stresses that human rights must fully encompass the digital sphere and must be protected from the unethical use of technology; recognises that digital technologies can pose a risk to human rights and dignity when used unethically , and condemns the role of digital technologies , including artificial intelligence , in human rights violations , though surveillance , monitoring , harassment and limitations to freedom of expression for religious minorities; calls for more intensive efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework on digital technologies and human-centric artificial intelligence , which should balance the need to protect human rights with taking advantage of the possible gains such technologies can offer for human well-being; calls on the swift adoption of the artificial intelligence (ai) act as an effective tool to safeguard that ai is used to this aim , with special focus on high risk ai; calls on the attention economy used by , among others , social media platforms to be included within the scope of high risk ai in order to protect vulnerable groups from being targeted by disinformation and manipulation of the public opinion;


### 48. stresses that human rights must fully encompass the digital sphere and must be protected from the improper use of technology; underlines the risks posed by digital technologies to personal liberty and democracy at large and condemns the role of digital technologies in human rights violations; calls for more intensive efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework on digital technologies , which should balance the need to protect human rights with taking advantage of the possible gains such technologies can offer for human well-being; ### 48. stresses that human rights must fully encompass the digital sphere and individuals must be protected from the improper use or abuse of technology , either by state or non-state actors , including business companies providing or benefitting from these technologies; underlines the risks posed by digital technologies to personal liberty and democracy at large and condemns the role of misuse or abuse digital technologies that lead or imply human rights violations , in particular privacy and data protection; calls for more intensive efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework on digital technologies , which should balance the need to protect human rights with taking advantage of the possible gains such technologies can offer for human well-being;


### 1. recalls that eige was established in order to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality in the union; ### 1. recalls that eige was established in order to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality in the union , a task in which it has proven to be vital and effective , and therefore underlines that eige needs to be provided with sufficient and stable financial and human resources to fulfil its tasks;


### 1. recalls that eige was established in order to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality in the union; ### 1. recalls that eige was established in order to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality in the union through providing research and data;


### 3. recommends the allocation of more staff to eige in order to cope with a sharp rise of requests for technical assistance on gender mainstreaming; ### 3. recommends the adequate allocation of resources , including staff , to eige in order to cope with a sharp rise of requests for technical assistance on gender mainstreaming;


### e. whereas gender-responsive budgeting consists of understanding the impact of budgetary and policy decisions on gender equality and adjusting public expenditure and revenue accordingly; ### e. whereas the provision of services should be based on data-driven identification of needs , with budgetary resources being allocated on the basis of this research; whereas gender-responsive budgeting consists of understanding the impact of budgetary and policy decisions on gender equality and adjusting public expenditure and revenue accordingly;


### 3. welcomes the increasing number of women involved in politics , but stresses that we are far from reaching gender parity; ### 3. welcomes the increasing number of women involved in politics , with the european parliament showing considerable leadership in this area with 40% of elected parliamentarians being women , but stresses that we are far from reaching gender parity;


### 5. welcomes the adoption of gender action plans by all parliament committees; notes , however , the lack of monitoring and implementation of these plans; ### 5. welcomes the adoption of gender action plans by all parliament committees; notes , however , the lack of monitoring and implementation of these plans; emphasises that the gender mainstreaming network of the european parliament is responsible for mainstreaming a gender inclusive approach into committees and delegations , and their work;


### 7. insists on the need to introduce binding quotas in the upcoming revision of the eu electoral law; ### 7. encourages all institutions and eu member states to take account of the need for a gender inclusive european parliament when crafting revisions to electoral laws; further encourages political parties at both national and eu level to introduce quotas when deciding electoral candidates; calls for support mechanisms and best practices to be shared with political parties to that end;


### 8. regrets the lack of gender-responsive recruitment procedures in parliament; ### 8. asks that the european parliament services advance gender-responsive recruitment procedures in parliament;


### 10. calls for gender balance to be ensured at all levels of plenary , committee and delegation work , including when appointing coordinators , rapporteurs and shadow rapporteurs and when distributing speaking time; ### deleted


### 11. calls on the political groups to establish internal rules ensuring gender equality in their internal functioning; ### 11. calls on the political groups to establish internal rules ensuring gender equality in their internal functioning; calls for best practice guides and advice to be made available to political groups to that end;


### 13. requests the collection of data on vertical and horizontal representation of the staff of the political groups and of anonymised data on pay gaps for members’ assistants , group staff or administrative staff to ensure pay transparency; ### 13. requests the collection of data on vertical and horizontal representation of the staff of the political groups and of anonymised data on pay gaps for members’ assistants , group staff and administrative staff to ensure pay transparency;


### a. ensure public access to the external audit of the anti-harassment committee dealing with cases involving members; ### deleted


### b. carry out an external evaluation of parliament’s existing anti-harassment committee dealing with complaints about sexual harassment among staff; ### b. carry out an evaluation of parliament’s existing anti-harassment committee dealing with complaints about sexual harassment among staff , making best use of in-house parliamentary resources; stresses that members can only be adjudicated on by their peers and voters;


### c. recompose the anti-harassment bodies to include external legal , medical and therapeutic experts; ### c. to ensure a more comprehensive and holistic analysis of complaints and remedies , recompose the anti-harassment bodies to include legal , medical and therapeutic experts as are already working in the european parliament;


### d. introduce mandatory anti-harassment training for members by making it a prerequisite for signing the code of appropriate behaviour; ### d. calls on the services to ensure that the anti-harassment training for members is easily accessible , including through making the courses available in more languages and through targeted outreach through heads of delegation; calls on the political groups to encourage their members to undertake the anti-harassment training;


### 17. calls for the institutionalisation of the gender mainstreaming network in the rules of procedure; ### 17. calls for the institutionalisation of the gender mainstreaming network through a standing discussion item in the agendas of committee meetings;


### 18. commits to working more closely with the european institute for gender equality to deliver regular training on gender mainstreaming for members , group staff , parliamentary assistants and staff of committee secretariats; ### 18. encourages closer work with the european institute for gender equality by delivering regular training on gender mainstreaming for members , group staff , parliamentary assistants , parliamentary services and staff of committee secretariats;


### 19. commits to modifying the rules of procedure to include a specific procedure for gender mainstreaming amendments; ### 19. stresses that gender mainstreaming amendments in all committees are the responsibility of members of the gender mainstreaming network; regrets that this work is very ad hoc thus far and should be implemented on a more structured basis;


### 20. calls for all missions of the committees and delegations to be gender-balanced and for the gender equality dimension to be examined; ### deleted


### 21. welcomes the commitment in the gender action plan roadmap to ensure that conferences include gender-balanced panels and experts to examine the gender equality dimension in the specific area of focus; ### 21. welcomes the commitment in the gender action plan roadmap to ensure that conferences include gender-balanced panels and experts , with the possibility to examine the gender equality dimension in the specific area of focus;


### 23. asks the commission to carry out a gender impact assessment for each legislative proposal; commits to carrying out a gender impact assessment for each own initiative legislative report; ### 23. asks the commission to carry out a published gender impact assessment for each legislative proposal;


### 24. regrets that , overall , gender mainstreaming has not yet been applied across the eu budget; ### 24. regrets that , overall , gender mainstreaming has not yet been applied across the eu budget; urges the european commission to act on the recommendations of the european court of auditors in this regard;


### 35. calls for the establishment of a working group composed of representatives of each political group and chaired by the gender mainstreaming standing rapporteurs of parliament to steer the work in that area; ### 35. calls for the incorporation of representatives of each political group into the high level group on gender equality and diversity to steer the work in that area;


### a. whereas female entrepreneurs and self-employed are an under-utilised source of economic growth and job creation; whereas supporting this group can strengthen eu competitiveness; ### a. whereas female entrepreneurs and self-employed are an under-utilised source of economic growth and job creation; whereas self-employment needs to be recognised as a form of work which helps to create jobs and reduce unemployment; whereas supporting female entrepreneurs and self-employed can strengthen eu competitiveness;


### d. whereas women face more difficulties in pursuing entrepreneurship than men; whereas barriers include a lack of specific training , a lower level of self-confidence , less access to social and business networks and difficulties in reconciling work and family life; ### d. whereas women face more difficulties in pursuing entrepreneurship than men; whereas barriers include a lack of specific training , a lower level of self-confidence , less access and tools for social and business networks and difficulties in reconciling work and family life;


### f. whereas statistics show that female entrepreneurs have more difficulties than men in raising finance; whereas women-led companies still account for a very small portion of investment recipients; whereas all-male founding teams received 93 % of all capital invested in european tech in 20188 ; ### f. whereas statistics show that female entrepreneurs have more difficulties than men in raising finance and capital; whereas women-led companies still account for a very small portion of investment recipients; whereas all-male founding teams received 93 % of all capital invested in european tech in 20188 ; whereas women’s innovations are less often identified and acknowledged as innovations and promising ideas;


### h. whereas only 10 % of business angels in europe are women9 and only 10 % all senior positions in private equity and venture capital firms globally10 are occupied by women; whereas several studies show that investment managers tend to provide capital to those who are similar to themselves; whereas developing the ecosystem is key to improving funding conditions sustainably for women-led companies and creating a reliable network of female investors; ### h. whereas only 10 % of business angels in europe are women9 and women are especially underrepresented among private equity investors on digitalization; only 10 % all senior positions in private equity and venture capital firms globally10 are occupied by women; whereas several studies show that investment managers tend to provide capital to those who are similar to themselves; whereas developing the ecosystem is key to improving funding conditions sustainably for women-led companies and creating a reliable network of female investors;


### 3. highlights the necessity and importance of recognising and promoting women entrepreneurs as role models; notes , in this regard , the european network of female entrepreneurship ambassadors , which encourages women to consider entrepreneurship as a career; ### 3. highlights the necessity and importance of recognising and promoting women entrepreneurs and investors as role models; notes , in this regard , the eu prize for women innovators 2021 and the european network of female entrepreneurship ambassadors , which encourages women to consider entrepreneurship as a career; calls on the european commission to highlight prominent female entrepreneurs and investors as role models by launching a europe-wide campaign raising awareness about the potential of entrepreneurship targeting predominantly women and conducting case studies of women entrepreneurs;


### 8. calls on member states and the commission to facilitate access to funds for women entrepreneurs and self-employed; urges the commission to establish a european network of gender-conscious investors; considers that such a network will be able to provide women-led companies with relevant connections , networks and funding opportunities; ### 8. calls on member states and the commission to boost awareness and to facilitate easier access to finance for women entrepreneurs and self-employed including alternative forms of financing making sure finance is available and reach the female entrepreneurs and self-employed; notes that female entrepreneurs are more likely to use alternative sources such as crowdlending and funding platforms; notes that in certain cases microcredits have proven to be successful in motivating more women to start their own business; urges the commission to establish a european network of gender-conscious investors; considers that such a network will be able to provide women-led companies with relevant connections , networks and funding opportunities;


### 8. calls on member states and the commission to facilitate access to funds for women entrepreneurs and self-employed; urges the commission to establish a european network of gender-conscious investors; considers that such a network will be able to provide women-led companies with relevant connections , networks and funding opportunities; ### 8. calls on member states and the commission to facilitate access to funds for women entrepreneurs and self-employed women , including specific criteria to foster entrepreneurship among women with disabilities; urges the commission to establish a european network of gender-conscious investors; considers that such a network will be able to provide women-led companies with relevant connections , networks and funding opportunities;


### 11. calls on the commission and member states to systematically track and monitor gender-disaggregated data across the whole union to ensure high-quality data on eu and national funding programmes; highlights that this could serve as a basis for more informed policy decisions in the future; ### 11. calls on the commission and member states to systematically track and monitor gender-disaggregated data across the whole union to ensure high-quality data on eu and national funding programmes; highlights that this could serve as a basis for more informed policy decisions in the future; notes that a women’s entrepreneurial dimension has to be recognized in the formation of business- and sme-related policies to ensure an adequate policy framework that supports more female entrepreneurship and innovation by diversity;


### 11. calls on the commission and member states to systematically track and monitor gender-disaggregated data across the whole union to ensure high-quality data on eu and national funding programmes; highlights that this could serve as a basis for more informed policy decisions in the future; ### 11. calls on the commission and member states to systematically track and monitor gender-disaggregated data , including disability as an indicator , across the whole union to ensure high-quality data on eu and national funding programmes; highlights that this could serve as a basis for more informed policy decisions in the future;


### 12. emphasises the need to remove administrative barriers to starting a business in order to make becoming an entrepreneur or self-employed more attractive to women; calls on member states to consider developing standardised administrative packages for entrepreneurs to follow in the early stages of starting a business; believes that this will ease the administrative burden in interactions with local authorities such as tax authorities , municipalities , etc.; ### 12. emphasises the need to remove administrative barriers to starting a business in order to make becoming an entrepreneur or self-employed more attractive to women and also immigrant women; calls on member states to consider developing standardised administrative packages for entrepreneurs to follow in the early stages of starting a business; believes that this will ease the administrative burden in interactions with local authorities such as tax authorities , municipalities , etc.;


### 13. highlights the importance of work-life balance for women entrepreneurs and self-employed; calls on member states to support social frameworks , such as flexible childcare , that are essential to encouraging more women to take part in entrepreneurship; welcomes actions already taken by member states on this matter; recognises national differences in social policy and respect for subsidiarity; ### 13. highlights the importance of work-life balance , care economy and good quality and affordable social services as a prerequisite for women entrepreneurs and self-employed; calls on member states to support social frameworks , such as flexible childcare , that are essential to encouraging more women to take part in entrepreneurship; welcomes actions already taken by member states on this matter; recognises national differences in social policy and respect for subsidiarity;


### 13. highlights the importance of work-life balance for women entrepreneurs and self-employed; calls on member states to support social frameworks , such as flexible childcare , that are essential to encouraging more women to take part in entrepreneurship; welcomes actions already taken by member states on this matter; recognises national differences in social policy and respect for subsidiarity; ### 13. highlights the importance of work-life balance for women entrepreneurs and self-employed; calls on member states to support social frameworks , such as elderly and flexible childcare , that are essential to encouraging more women to take part in entrepreneurship; welcomes actions already taken by member states on this matter; recognises national differences in social policy and respect for subsidiarity;


### (6) better working and living conditions , including through adequate minimum wages , benefit both workers and businesses in the union and are a prerequisite for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth. addressing large differences in the coverage and adequacy of minimum wage protection contributes to improving the fairness of the eu labour market and promote economic , social progress and upward convergence. competition in the single market should be based on high social standards , innovation and productivity improvements ensuring a level playing field. ### (6) better working and living conditions , including through adequate minimum wages , benefit both workers and businesses in the union and are a prerequisite for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth. addressing large differences in the coverage and adequacy of minimum wage protection contributes to improving the fairness of the eu labour market and promote economic , social progress and upward convergence , as well as promoting gender equality. competition in the single market should be based on high social standards , innovation and productivity improvements ensuring a level playing field.


### (7) when set at adequate levels , minimum wages protect the income of disadvantaged workers , help ensure a decent living , and limit the fall in income during bad times , as recognised in convention 131 of the international labour organisation on the establishment of a system of minimum wage fixing. minimum wages contribute to sustaining domestic demand , strengthen incentives to work , reduce wage inequalities and in-work poverty. ### (7) when set at adequate levels , minimum wages protect the income of disadvantaged workers , help ensure a decent living , and limit the fall in income during times of crisis and through post crisis periods , as recognised in convention 131 of the international labour organisation on the establishment of a system of minimum wage fixing. minimum wages contribute to sustaining domestic demand , strengthen incentives to work , reduce wage inequalities and in-work poverty. taking into account the over-representation of women in low-paying jobs , minimum wages can also make a significant contribution towards ensuring adequate pay for all and narrowing gender pay gaps.


### (8) women , young and low-skilled workers and persons with disabilities have a higher probability of being minimum wage or low wage earners than other groups. during economic downturns , such as the covid-19 crisis , the role of minimum wages in protecting low-wage workers becomes increasingly important and is essential to support a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery. addressing minimum wage contributes to gender equality , closing the gender pay and pension gap as well as elevating women out of poverty. ### (8) women , single parents , young and low-skilled workers and persons with disabilities have a higher probability of being minimum wage or low wage earners than other groups. during economic downturns , such as the covid-19 crisis , the role of minimum wages in protecting low-wage workers becomes increasingly important and is essential to support a sustainable and inclusive economic recovery. addressing minimum wage contributes to gender equality , creating equal opportunities , helping to ensure equal treatment at work , closing the gender pay and pension gap as well as elevating women out of poverty and/or social exclusion1a.


### (9) the covid-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the services sector and small firms , which both have a high share of minimum wage earners. in addition , minimum wages are also important in view of the structural trends that are reshaping labour markets and which are increasingly characterised by high shares of non-standard and precarious work. these trends have led to an increased job polarisation resulting in an increasing share of low-paid and low-skilled occupations in most member states , as well as to higher wage inequality in some of them. ### (9) the covid-19 pandemic and crisis is having a significant and gendered impact on the the labour market , particularly the healthcare sector , care and other essential sectors , services sector and small firms , which have a high share of minimum wage earners. taking into account the over-representation of women in these sectors , women saw an unprecedented rise in workload , health risks and challenges to work-life balance due to the increase in unpaid care and household work during the pandemic. in addition , minimum wages are also important in view of the structural trends that are reshaping labour markets and which are increasingly characterised by high shares of non-standard occupations and precarious work. these trends have led to an increased job polarisation resulting in an increasing share of low-paid and low-skilled occupations in most member states , as well as to higher wage inequality in some of them.


### (15) this directive establishes minimum requirements at union level to ensure both that minimum wages are set at adequate level and that workers have access to minimum wage protection , in the form of a statutory minimum wage or in the form of wages set under collective agreements as defined for the purpose of this directive. ### (15) this directive establishes minimum requirements at union level to ensure both that minimum wages are set at adequate level and that workers have equal access to minimum wage protection , in the form of a statutory minimum wage or in the form of wages set under collective agreements as defined for the purpose of this directive.


### (17) this directive should apply to workers who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by the law , collective agreements or practice in force in each member state , with consideration to the criteria established by the court of justice of the european union for determining the status of a worker. provided that they fulfil those criteria , domestic workers , on-demand workers , intermittent workers , voucher based-workers , bogus self-employed , platform workers , trainees and apprentices could fall within the scope of this directive. genuinely self-employed persons do not fall within the scope of this directive since they do not fulfil those criteria. the abuse of the status of self-employed persons , as defined in national law , either at national level or in cross-border situations , is a form of falsely declared work that is frequently associated with undeclared work. bogus self-employment occurs when a person is declared to be self-employed while fulfilling the conditions characteristic of an employment relationship , in order to avoid certain legal or fiscal obligations. such persons should fall within the scope of this directive. the determination of the existence of an employment relationship should be guided by the facts relating to the actual performance of the work and not by the parties' description of the relationship. ### (17) this directive should apply to workers who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by the law , collective agreements or practice in force in each member state , provided that they fulfil those criteria , domestic workers , on-demand workers , intermittent workers , voucher based-workers , bogus self-employed , platform workers , trainees and apprentices could fall within the scope of this directive. genuinely self-employed persons do not fall within the scope of this directive since they do not fulfil those criteria. the abuse of the status of self-employed persons , as defined in national law , either at national level or in cross-border situations , is a form of falsely declared work that is frequently associated with undeclared work. bogus self-employment occurs when a person is declared to be self-employed while fulfilling the conditions characteristic of an employment relationship , in order to avoid certain legal or fiscal obligations. such persons should fall within the scope of this directive. the determination of the existence of an employment relationship should be guided by the facts relating to the actual performance of the work and not by the parties' description of the relationship.


### (17) this directive should apply to workers who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by the law , collective agreements or practice in force in each member state , with consideration to the criteria established by the court of justice of the european union for determining the status of a worker. provided that they fulfil those criteria , domestic workers , on-demand workers , intermittent workers , voucher based-workers , bogus self-employed , platform workers , trainees and apprentices could fall within the scope of this directive. genuinely self-employed persons do not fall within the scope of this directive since they do not fulfil those criteria. the abuse of the status of self-employed persons , as defined in national law , either at national level or in cross-border situations , is a form of falsely declared work that is frequently associated with undeclared work. bogus self-employment occurs when a person is declared to be self-employed while fulfilling the conditions characteristic of an employment relationship , in order to avoid certain legal or fiscal obligations. such persons should fall within the scope of this directive. the determination of the existence of an employment relationship should be guided by the facts relating to the actual performance of the work and not by the parties' description of the relationship. ### (17) this directive should equally apply to workers who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by the law , collective agreements or practice in force in each member state , with consideration to the criteria established by the court of justice of the european union for determining the status of a worker. provided that they fulfil those criteria , domestic workers , on-demand workers , intermittent workers , voucher based-workers , bogus self-employed , platform workers , trainees and apprentices could fall within the scope of this directive. genuinely self-employed persons do not fall within the scope of this directive since they do not fulfil those criteria. the abuse of the status of self-employed persons , as defined in national law , either at national level or in cross-border situations , is a form of falsely declared work that is frequently associated with undeclared work. bogus self-employment occurs when a person is declared to be self-employed while fulfilling the conditions characteristic of an employment relationship , in order to avoid certain legal or fiscal obligations. such persons should fall within the scope of this directive. the determination of the existence of an employment relationship should be guided by the facts relating to the actual performance of the work and not by the parties' description of the relationship.


### (19) in a context of declining collective bargaining coverage , it is essential that the member states promote collective bargaining to enhance workers’ access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements. member states with a high collective bargaining coverage tend to have a low share of low-wage workers and high minimum wages. member states with a small share of low wage earners have a collective bargaining coverage rate above 70%. similarly , the majority of the member states with high levels of minimum wages relative to the median wage have a collective bargaining coverage above 70%. while all member states should be encouraged to promote collective bargaining , those who do not reach this level of coverage should , in consultation and/or agreement with the social partners , provide for or , where it already exists , strengthen a framework of facilitative procedures and institutional arrangements enabling the conditions for collective bargaining. such framework should be established by law or by tripartite agreement.. ### (19) in a context of declining collective bargaining coverage , it is essential that the member states promote collective bargaining to enhance workers’ access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements. this applies in particular to member states with a low collective bargaining coverage. member states with a high collective bargaining coverage tend to have a low share of low-wage workers and high minimum wages. member states with a small share of low wage earners have a collective bargaining coverage rate above 70%. similarly , the majority of the member states with high levels of minimum wages relative to the median wage have a collective bargaining coverage above 70%. while all member states should be encouraged to promote collective bargaining , those who do not reach this level of coverage should , in consultation and/or agreement with the social partners , provide for or , where it already exists , strengthen a framework of facilitative procedures and institutional arrangements enabling the conditions for collective bargaining. such framework may be established by law or by tripartite agreement..


### (21) minimum wages are considered adequate if they are fair in relation to the wage distribution in the country and if they provide a decent standard of living. the adequacy of statutory minimum wages is determined in view of the national socio-economic conditions , including employment growth , competitiveness as well as regional and sectoral developments. their adequacy should be assessed at least in relation to their purchasing power , to the productivity developments and to their relation to the gross wage levels , distribution and growth. the use of indicators commonly used at international level , such as 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage , can help guide the assessment of minimum wage adequacy in relation to the gross level of wages. ### (21) minimum wages are considered adequate if they are fair in relation to the wage distribution in the country and if they provide a decent standard of living. the adequacy of statutory minimum wages is determined in view of the national socio-economic conditions , including employment growth , competitiveness as well as regional and sectoral developments. their adequacy should be assessed at least in relation to their purchasing power , to the productivity developments and to their relation to the gross wage levels , distribution and growth. the use of indicators commonly used in each member state and that are in accordance with their national laws and practices can help guide the assessment of minimum wage adequacy in relation to the gross level of wages.


### (23) an effective enforcement system , including controls and field inspections , is necessary to ensure the functioning of national statutory minimum wage frameworks. to strengthen the effectiveness of enforcement authorities , a close cooperation with the social partners is also needed , including to address critical challenges such as those related to sub-contracting , bogus self-employment or non-recorded overtime. moreover , workers should have easily access to appropriate information on applicable statutory minimum wages to ensure an adequate degree of transparency and predictability as regards their working conditions. ### (23) an effective enforcement system , including controls and field inspections , is necessary to ensure the functioning of national statutory minimum wage frameworks. to strengthen the effectiveness of enforcement authorities , a close cooperation with the social partners is also needed , including to address critical challenges such as those related to sub-contracting , bogus self-employment or non-recorded overtime; and surveying the salary levels , pay gap and average wages of women. moreover , workers should have easily access to appropriate information on applicable statutory minimum wages to ensure an adequate degree of transparency and predictability as regards their working conditions.


### (23) an effective enforcement system , including controls and field inspections , is necessary to ensure the functioning of national statutory minimum wage frameworks. to strengthen the effectiveness of enforcement authorities , a close cooperation with the social partners is also needed , including to address critical challenges such as those related to sub-contracting , bogus self-employment or non-recorded overtime. moreover , workers should have easily access to appropriate information on applicable statutory minimum wages to ensure an adequate degree of transparency and predictability as regards their working conditions. ### (23) an effective enforcement system , including controls and field inspections , is necessary to ensure the functioning of national statutory minimum wage frameworks. to strengthen the effectiveness of enforcement authorities , a close cooperation with the social partners is also needed , including to address critical challenges such as those related to sub-contracting , bogus self-employment or non-recorded overtime. moreover , all workers should have equal and easy access to appropriate information on applicable statutory minimum wages to ensure an adequate degree of transparency and predictability as regards their working conditions.


### (25) reliable monitoring and data collection are key to ensure the effective protection of minimum wages. the commission should report every year to the european parliament and to the council its assessment of developments in the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages on the basis of annual data and information to be provided by member states. in addition , progress should be monitored in the framework of the process of economic and employment policy coordination at union level. in that context , the employment committee should examine every year the situation in the member states on the basis of the reports produced by the commission and other multilateral surveillance tools such as benchmarking. ### (25) reliable monitoring and data collection , also of sex-disaggregated data , are key to ensure the effective protection of minimum wages and monitoring their gender dimension. the commission should report every year to the european parliament and to the council its assessment of developments in the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages on the basis of annual data and information to be provided by member states. in addition , progress should be monitored in the framework of the process of economic and employment policy coordination at union level. in that context , the employment committee should examine every year the situation in the member states on the basis of the reports produced by the commission and other multilateral surveillance tools such as benchmarking.


### (25) reliable monitoring and data collection are key to ensure the effective protection of minimum wages. the commission should report every year to the european parliament and to the council its assessment of developments in the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages on the basis of annual data and information to be provided by member states. in addition , progress should be monitored in the framework of the process of economic and employment policy coordination at union level. in that context , the employment committee should examine every year the situation in the member states on the basis of the reports produced by the commission and other multilateral surveillance tools such as benchmarking. ### (25) reliable monitoring and gender and age disaggregated data collection within the labour force are key to ensure the effective protection of minimum wages. the commission should report every year to the european parliament and to the council its assessment of developments in the adequacy and coverage of minimum wages on the basis of annual data and information to be provided by member states. in addition , progress should be monitored in the framework of the process of economic and employment policy coordination at union level. in that context , the employment committee should examine every year the situation in the member states on the basis of the reports produced by the commission and other multilateral surveillance tools such as benchmarking.


### (30) in implementing this directive member states should avoid imposing administrative , financial and legal constraints in a way which would hold back the creation and development of micro , small and medium-sized enterprises. member states are therefore invited to assess the impact of their transposition act on small and medium-sized enterprises in order to ensure that they are not disproportionately affected , giving specific attention to micro-enterprises and to the administrative burden , and to publish the results of such assessments. if found that micro , small and medium-sized enterprises are disproportionately affected , member states should consider introducing measures to support these enterprises to adjust their remuneration structures to the new requirements. ### (30) as women tend to work more in smes and studies show that the size of an enterprise can affect wage setting mechanisms , financial benefits and career development opportunities , including for women , due consideration must be given to the unique circumstances of europe’s small and medium sized enterprises concerning their size and ability to implement new requirements and therefore taking into account their structure that makes them disproportionally affected by administrative and regulatory burdens. when implementing this directive member states should avoid imposing administrative , financial and legal constraints in a way which would hold back the creation and development of micro , small and medium-sized enterprises. member states are therefore invited to assess the impact of their transposition act on small and medium-sized enterprises in order to ensure that they are not disproportionately affected , giving specific attention to micro-enterprises and to the administrative burden , and to publish the results of such assessments. if found that micro , small and medium-sized enterprises are disproportionately affected , member states should consider introducing measures to support these enterprises to adjust their remuneration structures to the new requirements. member states should consider reducing the administrative burden for smes and micro-enterprises , without significantly diminishing the rights of workers within smes and micro-enterprises established by this directive , and essentially maintaining equality of treatment of workers within such enterprises and workers of other enterprises


### 3. nothing in this directive shall be construed as imposing an obligation on the member states where wage setting is ensured exclusively via collective agreements to introduce a statutory minimum wage nor to make the collective agreements universally applicable. ### 3. the application of this directive shall be in full compliance with the freedom of association , as recognised in the charter of fundamental rights of the european union. nothing in this directive shall be construed as imposing an obligation on the member states where wage setting is ensured exclusively or mainly via collective agreements to introduce a statutory minimum wage nor to make the collective agreements universally applicable.


### this directive applies to workers in the union who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by law , collective agreements or practice in force in each member state , with consideration to the case-law of the court of justice of the european union. ### this directive applies to workers in the union who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by law , collective agreements or practice in force in each member state.


### this directive applies to workers in the union who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by law , collective agreements or practice in force in each member state , with consideration to the case-law of the court of justice of the european union. ### this directive applies to all workers equally in the union who have an employment contract or employment relationship as defined by law , collective agreements or practice in force in each member state , with consideration to the case-law of the court of justice of the european union.


### (2) ‘statutory minimum wage’ means a minimum wage set by law , or other binding legal provisions; ### (2) ‘statutory minimum wage’ means a minimum wage set by law , or other binding legal provisions , that are not the conclusions of prior collective bargaining;


### (3) ‘collective bargaining’ means all negotiations which take place between an employer , a group of employers or one or more employers’ organisations , on the one hand , and one or more workers’ organisations , on the other , for determining working conditions and terms of employment; and/or regulating relations between employers and workers; and/or regulating relations between employers or their organisations and a worker organisation or worker organisations; ### (3) ‘collective bargaining’ means all negotiations which take place in each member state in accordance with their national laws and practices between an employer , a group of employers or one or more employers’ organisations , on the one hand , and one or more workers’ organisations , on the other , for determining working conditions and terms of employment; and/or regulating relations between employers and workers; and/or regulating relations between employers or their organisations and a worker organisation or worker organisations;


### (4) ‘collective agreement’ means all agreements in writing regarding working conditions and terms of employment concluded by the social partners as an outcome of collective bargaining; ### (4) ‘collective agreement’ means all agreements in each member state in accordance with their national laws and practices in writing regarding working conditions and terms of employment concluded by the social partners as an outcome of collective bargaining;


### (5) ‘collective bargaining coverage’ means the share of workers at national level to whom a collective agreement applies; ### (5) ‘collective bargaining coverage’ means the share of workers in each member state in accordance with their national laws and practices national laws and practices to whom a collective agreement applies;


### 2. member states where collective bargaining coverage is less than 70% of the workers defined within the meaning of article 2 shall in addition provide for a framework of enabling conditions for collective bargaining , either by law after consultation of the social partners or by agreement with them , and shall establish an action plan to promote collective bargaining. the action plan shall be made public and shall be notified to the european commission. ### 2. member states where collective bargaining coverage is less than 70% of the workers defined within the meaning of article 2 may in addition provide for a framework of enabling conditions for collective bargaining , either by law after consultation of the social partners or by agreement with them , and may establish an action plan to promote collective bargaining. the action plan may be made public.


### 1. member states with statutory minimum wages shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the setting and updating of statutory minimum wages are guided by criteria set to promote adequacy with the aim to achieve decent working and living conditions , social cohesion and upward convergence. member states shall define those criteria in accordance with their national practices , either in relevant national legislation , in decisions of the competent bodies or in tripartite agreements. the criteria shall be defined in a stable and clear way. ### 1. member states with statutory minimum wages shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the setting and updating of statutory minimum wages are guided by criteria set to promote adequacy with the aim to achieve decent working and living conditions , social cohesion and upward convergence , as well as promoting equal opportunities and gender equality. member states shall define those criteria in accordance with their national practices , either in relevant national legislation , in decisions of the competent bodies or in tripartite agreements. the criteria shall be defined in a stable and clear way.


### 1. member states with statutory minimum wages shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the setting and updating of statutory minimum wages are guided by criteria set to promote adequacy with the aim to achieve decent working and living conditions , social cohesion and upward convergence. member states shall define those criteria in accordance with their national practices , either in relevant national legislation , in decisions of the competent bodies or in tripartite agreements. the criteria shall be defined in a stable and clear way. ### 1. member states with statutory minimum wages , that are not the conclusions of prior collective bargaining , shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the setting and updating of statutory minimum wages are guided by criteria set to promote adequacy with the aim to achieve decent working and living conditions , social cohesion and upward convergence. member states shall define those criteria in accordance with their national practices , either in relevant national legislation , in decisions of the competent bodies or in tripartite agreements. the criteria shall be defined in a stable and clear way.


### 2. the national criteria referred to in paragraph 1 shall include at least the following elements: ### 2. the national criteria referred to in paragraph 1 can include at least the following elements whose relevance and relative weight may be decided by member states in accordance with their prevailing national socio-economic conditions


### 1. member states may allow different rates of statutory minimum wage for specific groups of workers. member states shall keep these variations to a minimum , and ensure that any variation is non-discriminatory , proportionate , limited in time if relevant , and objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim. ### 1. member states shall ensure equal opportunities and equal treatment of workers in the application of statutory minimum wage protection. member states may allow different rates of statutory minimum wage for specific groups of workers. member states shall keep these variations to a minimum , and ensure that any variation is non-discriminatory , proportionate , limited in time if relevant , and objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim.


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the social partners are involved in a timely and effective manner in statutory minimum wage setting and updating , including through participation in consultative bodies referred to in article 5(5) and notably as concerns: ### member states shall take the necessary measures to facilitate that the social partners are involved in a timely and effective manner in statutory minimum wage setting and updating , including through participation in consultative bodies referred to in article 5(5) and notably as concerns:


### 8 effective access of workers to statutory minimum wages ### 8 equal and effective access of workers to statutory minimum wages


### (3) ensure that information on statutory minimum wages is made publicly available in a clear , comprehensive and easily accessible way. ### (3) ensure that information on statutory minimum wages is made publicly available in a clear , comprehensive and easily accessible way , including accessibility for workers with disabilities.


### 1. member states shall task their competent authorities with developing effective data collection tools to monitor the coverage and adequacy of minimum wages. ### 1. member states shall task their competent authorities with developing effective data collection tools , that can ensure that data is adequately disaggregated (gender , age group , type of employment contract (part time/ full time) , etc) , to monitor the coverage and adequacy of minimum wages.


### 3. member states shall ensure that information regarding minimum wage protection , including collective agreements and wage provisions therein , is transparent and publicly accessible. ### 3. member states shall ensure that information regarding minimum wage protection , including collective agreements and wage provisions therein , is transparent and publicly accessible in line with pay transparency principles.


### 3. member states shall ensure that information regarding minimum wage protection , including collective agreements and wage provisions therein , is transparent and publicly accessible. ### 3. member states shall ensure that information regarding minimum wage protection , including collective agreements and wage provisions therein , is transparent and publicly and easily accessible.


### 5. on the basis of the report issued by the commission , the employment committee set up in accordance with article 150 tfeu shall carry out every year an examination of the promotion of collective bargaining on wage setting and of the adequacy of minimum wages in the member states. ### 5. on the basis of the report issued by the commission , the employment committee set up in accordance with article 150 tfeu shall carry out every year an examination of the promotion of collective bargaining on wage setting and of the adequacy of minimum wages and their gender dimension in the member states.


### 1. member states shall ensure that , without prejudice to specific forms of redress and dispute resolution provided for , where applicable , in collective agreements , workers , including those whose employment relationship has ended , have access to effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress , including adequate compensation , in the case of infringements of their rights relating to statutory minimum wages or minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements. ### 1. member states shall in accordance with their national laws and practices , and without prejudice to specific forms of redress and dispute resolution provided for , and where applicable , ensure that in collective agreements , workers , including those whose employment relationship has ended , have access to effective and impartial dispute resolution and a right to redress , including adequate compensation , in the case of infringements of their rights relating to statutory minimum wages or minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements.


### 2. member states shall take the measures necessary to protect workers , including those who are workers’ representatives , from any adverse treatment by the employer and from any adverse consequences resulting from a complaint lodged with the employer or resulting from any proceedings initiated with the aim of enforcing compliance with the rights relating to statutory minimum wages or minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements. ### 2. member states shall in accordance with their national laws and practices , and where applicable take the measures necessary to protect workers , including those who are workers’ representatives , from any adverse treatment by the employer and from any adverse consequences resulting from a complaint lodged with the employer or resulting from any proceedings initiated with the aim of enforcing compliance with the rights relating to statutory minimum wages or minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements.


### member states shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of national provisions. the penalties provided for shall be effective , proportionate and dissuasive. ### the penalties laid down by the member states in accordance with their national laws and practices shall be effective , proportionate and dissuasive.


### 3. this directive is without prejudice to any other rights conferred on workers by other legal acts of the union. ### 3. this directive is without prejudice to any rights conferred on workers by other legal acts of the union.


### this directive is addressed to the member states. ### this directive is addressed to the member states except denmark and sweden.