### the resources needed and how specialisation of enforcement professionals will be supported; ### specific steps to secure the necessary resources , both human and financial , and how specialisation of enforcement professionals will be supported;


### 1. stresses that the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (crpd) and the crpd committee’s 2015 recommendations1 oblige the eu as a signatory of the crpd to end discrimination for all persons with disabilities (pwd) and to become a role model in its implementation to ensure their equal enjoyment of all human rights and full participation in all areas of society2 ; ### 1. stresses that the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (crpd) and the crpd committee’s 2015 recommendations1 oblige the eu as a signatory of the crpd to end discrimination for all persons with disabilities (pwd) and to become a role model in its implementation to ensure their equal enjoyment of all human rights and full participation in all areas of society2 ; takes note of the crpd committee decision at its twenty-sixth session on the list of issues in relation to the european union and calls for appropriate follow-up by the eu and its member states;


### 1. highlights that persons with disabilities’ exercise of the right to work9 is closely linked to measures to tackle discrimination , poverty and obstacles in education , training , housing , care , personal mobility and the built environment; ### 1. highlights that persons with disabilities’ exercise of the right to work9 is closely linked to measures to tackle discrimination , poverty and obstacles in education , training , housing , care , personal mobility and the built environment; calls , in this regard , to unblock the horizontal anti-discrimination directive;


### 2. urges the commission to step up its efforts to meet the needs of pwd , such as those expressed in parliament’s resolutions of 7 october 2021 entitled ‘protection of pwd with disabilities through petitions: lessons learnt’3 and of 8 july 2020 on the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities in the covid-19 crisis4 ; ### 2. urges the commission to step up its efforts to meet the needs of pwd , such as those expressed in parliament’s resolutions of 7 october 2021 entitled ‘protection of pwd with disabilities through petitions: lessons learnt’3 including in particular the need for a gradual convergence of the definitions of accessibility , participation and community-based living as a means of enhancing cohesion among member states , and of 8 july 2020 on the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities in the covid-19 crisis4 ;


### 3. underlines that independent living goes hand in hand with the freedom to choose one’s place of residence5 , inclusive education6 , a guarantee of democratic rights7such as the right to vote8 , and access to the open labour market with an adequate salary9; ### 3. underlines that independent living goes hand in hand with the freedom to choose one’s place of residence5 , inclusive education6 , a guarantee of democratic rights7 such as the right to vote8 , and access to the open labour market with an adequate salary9; access to public infrastructure , services and goods , particularly healthcare , information and communication , as well as transport and banking services;


### a. whereas disability results from the interaction between persons who have long-term physical , mental , intellectual or sensory impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others; ### a. whereas disability results from the interaction between persons who have a long-term physical , intellectual or sensory incapacity and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others;


### b. whereas approximately 1 in 6 people in the eu live with some kind of disability; whereas 50.6 % of persons with disabilities are employed and 28.4 % are at risk of poverty or social exclusion , compared to 74.8 %7 and 18.4 % respectively of persons without disabilities8 ; ### b. whereas approximately 1 in 6 people in the eu live with some kind of disability; whereas rheumatic and musculoskeletal are associated with high levels of disability , comprise the biggest cause of physical disability in the eu , and account for over 50% percent of years lived with disabilities (ylds) in europe;1a; whereas 50.6 % of persons with disabilities are employed and 28.4 % are at risk of poverty or social exclusion , compared to 74.8 %7 and 18.4 % respectively of persons without disabilities8 ;


### b. whereas approximately 1 in 6 people in the eu live with some kind of disability; whereas 50.6 % of persons with disabilities are employed and 28.4 % are at risk of poverty or social exclusion , compared to 74.8 %7 and 18.4 % respectively of persons without disabilities8 ; ### b. whereas approximately 1 in 6 people in the eu live with some kind of disability; whereas 50.6 % of persons with disabilities are employed and 28.4 % are at risk of poverty or social exclusion , compared to 74.8 %7 and 18.4 % respectively of persons without disabilities8 ; whereas the activity rate of disable persons is 61.0 % compared to 82.3% of persons without disabilities;


### — having regard to council directive 92/43/eec of 21 may 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora , ### deleted


### — having regard to directive 2001/42/ec of the european parliament and of the council of 27 june 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment , ### deleted


### — having regard to eu’s biodiversity strategy for 2030 , ### deleted


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


### 1. considers that too much parliamentary time is taken up with targeting conservative member states , such as hungary or poland , but that not enough is done to eliminate corruption and breaches of the rule of law and media freedom in other member states; ### deleted


### 2. considers that particular attention should be paid to the principle of non-discrimination anchored in article 21 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union (‘the charter’) and stresses that this provision must be duly respected; calls , therefore , on the commission to further develop a rigorous mechanism for a regular assessment of the situation of fundamental rights , and , in particular , the right to non-discrimination , as it constitutes one of the most frequently violated rights; ### deleted


### 2. calls on the commission to cease its strategies of identity politics , favouring groups based on sex , ethnicity , skin colour , group history or self-perception; notes that so-called ‘positive discrimination’ includes negative discrimination towards those not in that particular group; further notes that intersectional discrimination does not solve the problems of underprivileged people , but rather multiplies a victim mentality for people in every applicable category; urges the commission and the member states to take a meritocratic viewpoint , whereby people are judged on individual merit; ### deleted


### 2. calls on the commission to cease its strategies of identity politics , favouring groups based on sex , ethnicity , skin colour , group history or self-perception; notes that so-called ‘positive discrimination’ includes negative discrimination towards those not in that particular group; further notes that intersectional discrimination does not solve the problems of underprivileged people , but rather multiplies a victim mentality for people in every applicable category; urges the commission and the member states to take a meritocratic viewpoint , whereby people are judged on individual merit; ### 2. stresses with concern that discriminatory practices continue to occur , based on grounds such as sex , race , colour , ethnic or social origin , genetic features , language , religion or belief , political or any other opinion , membership of a national minority , property , birth , disability , age or sexual orientation; emphasises the obvious link between deteriorating rule of law standards and violations of fundamental rights;


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


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


### 4. condemns governmental politicisation of the media , whereby governments use it as a tool for their own propaganda; urges the member states to decouple broadcasting councils from political parties , ensuring independence of financing , editorial freedom and journalistic integrity; notes that the german broadcasters ard and zdf are firmly in the hands of politicians , despite decades of appeals by the german constitutional court to try and change this; ### 4. regrets the fact that that the safety of journalists is not universally guaranteed; underlines the importance of media pluralism and the need to protect journalists against threats and attacks in order to prevent self-censorship and to assure freedom of expression and the right to information and safeguard the journalistic profession; calls on the commission to improve the instruments for assessing measures taken by governments that may undermine freedom of information and pluralism;


### rule of law ### deleted


### rule of law ### rule of law and fundamental rights


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


### 5. highlights the seeming impunity of some national governments to rule of law scrutiny , especially germany , where political parties continue to exert influence in the appointment of judges , and seek to eliminate political opposition parties by intimidation and spurious court cases; ### 5. underlines that the rule of law is a cornerstone of democracy , maintains the separation of powers , ensures accountability , contributes to trust in public institutions and guarantees the principles of legality , legal certainty , prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive powers , judicial independence , impartiality , and equality before the law; stresses that the rule of law and judicial independence in particular are critical for citizens’ ability to enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms;


### 5. highlights the seeming impunity of some national governments to rule of law scrutiny , especially germany , where political parties continue to exert influence in the appointment of judges , and seek to eliminate political opposition parties by intimidation and spurious court cases; ### 5. highlights the rule of law backsliding in many member states over different periods and by different levels of authority , from the executive level through procedures such as fast-tracking laws in periods of state emergencies , to the local level such as pervasive abuse by policing authorities;


### right to congregate , free movement and freedom of conscience ### deleted


### 6. condemns the violence of antifa rioting in the midst of peaceful vaccine passport protests across europe; notes the allegations that they are working in cooperation with police authorities to create headlines and discredit the protests; ### deleted


### 7. recognises that freedom of conscience includes the right to conscientious objection; notes with concern that there are still member states in which competent and well-qualified medical staff are denied employment , or have their employment terminated , because of their conscientious objection to life-ending procedures; urges sweden and finland to end their practice of compelling midwives to perform abortions even if this is against their conscience; ### deleted


### 8. deplores the vaccine mandates , which coerce and oblige all citizens to take part in a medical trial of experimental gene therapies , some of which were tested on the kidneys of aborted babies (moderna and pfizer) , contrary to article 10 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and article 9 of the european convention on human rights; ### deleted


### freedom of expression ### deleted


### 9. reiterates that freedom of speech is a fundamental right , vital for the development of a pluralistic and democratic society; emphasises that any restriction to the online or offline exercise of this freedom , such as the removal of content , must be exceptional , prescribed by law and justified by the pursuit of a legitimate aim , in accordance with article 11 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and article 10 of the european convention on human rights; ### deleted


### 9. reiterates that freedom of speech is a fundamental right , vital for the development of a pluralistic and democratic society; emphasises that any restriction to the online or offline exercise of this freedom , such as the removal of content , must be exceptional , prescribed by law and justified by the pursuit of a legitimate aim , in accordance with article 11 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and article 10 of the european convention on human rights; ### 9. deplores the fact that a significant number of roma people in the eu still live in marginalised settlements in extremely precarious conditions and in very poor socio-economic circumstances , often lacking access to clean drinking water , electricity , safe and adequate housing , education , employment , healthcare , sewage facilities and waste collection; recalls that the situation in roma settlements is in clear violation of human rights and fundamental rights and has serious ramifications , especially for roma children; urges the member states to follow the council recommendation on roma equality , inclusion and participation as well as the eu roma strategic framework on equality , inclusion and participation for 2020 - 2030 and to make full use of eu and national funding towards this end; calls on the commission to intensify the monitoring of member states’ progress and take further steps accordingly;


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


### 10. is concerned about the use of the vague notion of ‘hate speech’; calls on the commission and the member states to work , in cooperation with internet companies , to provide adequate safeguards , in particular to ensure that any interference is limited to what is necessary and proportionate , and to include the possibility of judicial redress; ### 10. calls on the member states to ensure proper involvement of social-legal protection bodies regarding children and social guardianship in marginalised roma communities in order to ensure that children receive the protection and care necessary for their well-being and development , while respecting their best interests and to put in place procedures tailored to the different needs of marginalised roma communities in order to carry out their duties in the same way as for children from the majority population;


### 10. is concerned about the use of the vague notion of ‘hate speech’; calls on the commission and the member states to work , in cooperation with internet companies , to provide adequate safeguards , in particular to ensure that any interference is limited to what is necessary and proportionate , and to include the possibility of judicial redress; ### 10. highlights the growing racist and xenophobic sentiments by opinion leaders , politicians and the media that have created a hostile climate for advocates and organisations working against racism;


### 11. calls for transparent implementation and public review of the eu guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief , adopted by the council on 24 june 20137 , as called for by parliament in its resolution of 15 january 2019 on eu guidelines and the mandate of the eu special envoy on the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the eu8 ; calls for progress reports on the implementation of the guidelines to be communicated regularly to parliament and the council; ### deleted


### 11. calls for transparent implementation and public review of the eu guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief , adopted by the council on 24 june 20137 , as called for by parliament in its resolution of 15 january 2019 on eu guidelines and the mandate of the eu special envoy on the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the eu8 ; calls for progress reports on the implementation of the guidelines to be communicated regularly to parliament and the council; ### 11. deplores the fact that the practice of segregation of children from minority groups in schools remains a significant issue in europe; emphasises that such practices often stem from misdiagnosing these children with intellectual disabilities based on their social or personal circumstances; calls on the member states to strengthen their inclusive policies to prevent these discriminatory practices , both intentional and non-intentional and to put in place supervisory mechanisms in order to review and where necessary reverse diagnostic decisions;


### promoting the european way of life ### deleted


### promoting the european way of life ### environmental protection


### 12. fully supports the work of frontex in their difficult task protecting the eu external borders against floods of illegal migrants; ### deleted


### 12. fully supports the work of frontex in their difficult task protecting the eu external borders against floods of illegal migrants; ### 12. highlights article37 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , which affirms that measures towards achieving a high level of environmental protection and the improvement of the quality of the environment must be integrated into the policies of the union;


### 13. strongly condemns ngos masquerading as aid agencies while facilitating the smuggling of unqualified migrants into the eu; urges the commission to cease funding such entities; ### deleted


### 14. urges the commission to adhere to its competences under the treaties , and not seek to encroach on member state sovereignty , especially in the area of health legislation; ### deleted


### 14. urges the commission to adhere to its competences under the treaties , and not seek to encroach on member state sovereignty , especially in the area of health legislation; ### 14. calls for the eu wide implementation of the aarhus convention that links environmental rights and human rights; highlights that environmental impairment and the failure of some public authorities to provide information about serious environmental risks to which individuals are exposed , may have severe harmful consequences for individuals; calls for the protection of journalists , activists , ngos , rights defenders , whistleblowers and public watchdogs acting in these fields.


### 15. condemns the intolerant rhetoric that describes any conservative voice as being ‘anti-vax’ , anti-choice , racist , bigoted or misogynistic; urges the commission and the council to live up to our motto of ‘united in diversity’ by encouraging lively debate on topics with an open mind , rather than ad hominem attacks; ### deleted


### right to protect bodily autonomy ### deleted


### 16. deeply regrets the draconian imposition of the eu digital covid certificate , which has seen the fundamental rights of every eu citizen damaged or lost; notes that the costs (financial as well as psychological) far outweigh any health benefits , as healthy people and those at low risk of death from covid-19 are forced to obey ever-changing , unreasonable , disproportionate and ineffective legal mandates in order to meet their family , enter their workplace (including the premises of the european parliament) , cross schengen borders , attend a place of worship , or enter a concert hall , shopping centre or social club; notes that the costs of these unprecedented governmental controls will be regretted by many for decades to come; ### deleted


### 17. expresses grave concern about the excessive lockdown measures , which have put businesses into debt and closure , seen people separated from their loved ones and families (often during their final hours) , increased mental illness through isolation , led to rises in domestic violence , as people are imprisoned in their homes and prevented from having external contact , and seen children unnecessarily masked and vaccinated; urges the member states to encourage early treatment of the sars-cov-2 infection9 ; ### deleted


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


### 18. urges the president of parliament to rescind the obligation for parliament staff to show their eu digital covid certificate in order to access their workplace , as this is in contravention of the gdpr , whereby personal data collected for one purpose (crossing borders) cannot be repurposed for another (entering parliament’s premises) , with the privacy contraventions this entails; further urges her to seek assurance that dna data has not been collected , stored and transferred to third parties; ### 18. 1. is alarmed by the significant increase in domestic violence during the pandemic of covid-19; commends prompt responses by some national , regional and local governments to put in place measures to help victims of domestic violence , such as expansion of helplines and information sharing , introduction of codeword schemes at pharmacies , pop-up counselling centres at grocery shops or concealed applications to facilitate reporting of domestic violence and abuse; points out , however , to the general lack of shelters or other safe accommodation options for survivors of domestic violence; therefore urges the member states to allocate adequate funding to existing shelters to help them increase their capacities , as well as to facilitate the setting-up of additional shelters and safe housing facilities for survivors , including for accompanying minors; moreover calls on the member states to ensure that services for survivors are regarded as essential and remain open , and are complemented by adequate and specialized training for police forces as well as targeted justice responses with the aim to increase preparedness for the future;


### 19. calls on the commission to present full details of contracts concluded for the purchase of covid-19 vaccines , without redactions , and calls for full transparency of health data associated with the vaccines’ efficacy and side effects; notes that manufacturers of harmful vaccines are liable under directive 85/374/eec; ### deleted


### 20. calls on the member states to take urgent action against acts of modern slavery or reproductive exploitation through surrogacy agreements; ### deleted


### — having regard to article 2(1) of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , which enshrines the right to life for all persons , ### deleted


### — having regard to article 2(1) of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , which enshrines the right to life for all persons , ### — having regard to article 2(1) of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union ,


### — having regard to article 20 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , which states that everyone is equal before the law , ### deleted


### — having regard to article 20 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , which states that everyone is equal before the law , ### — having regard to article 20 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union ,


### — having regard to article 21 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , which prohibits all forms of discrimination , ### deleted


### — having regard to article 21 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , which prohibits all forms of discrimination , ### — having regard to article 21 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union ,


### — having regard to regulation (eu) 2016/679 of the european parliament and of the council of 27 april 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data , and repealing directive 95/46/ec (general data protection regulation)1 , ### deleted


### — having regard to council directive 2002/90/ec of 28 november 2002 defining the facilitation of unauthorised entry , transit and residence2 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the ruling of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) of 21 june 2017 in case c-621/15 , n. w and others v sanofi pasteur msd snc and others , regarding directive 85/374/eec3 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the cjeu ruling of 18 october 2011 in case c-34/10 , oliver brüstle v greenpeace ev4 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the exchange of views held on 30 june 2021 at the german chancellor’s office with the german federal constitutional court , during which more than 750 constitutional complaints about excessive lockdown measures were dismissed5 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the political instrumentalisation of the german public prosecutor’s office , whereby political opponents are subjected to spurious legal claims designed to waste their time , energy and resources , thereby harming their chances in elections , ### deleted


### — having regard to president von der leyen’s heavily redacted disclosure of vaccine purchase contracts to meps , ### deleted


### a. whereas the years 2020 and 2021 saw the most draconian loss of fundamental rights in the history of the eu , whereby citizens were forced to stay at home , close businesses , remain distant from friends and family , maintain physical distance and go untreated for ‘non-urgent’ medical issues , were prevented from attending places of worship and from travelling within and outside the eu , and were forced to show a historically worrisome pass to enter premises or vehicles; ### deleted


### a. whereas the years 2020 and 2021 saw the most draconian loss of fundamental rights in the history of the eu , whereby citizens were forced to stay at home , close businesses , remain distant from friends and family , maintain physical distance and go untreated for ‘non-urgent’ medical issues , were prevented from attending places of worship and from travelling within and outside the eu , and were forced to show a historically worrisome pass to enter premises or vehicles; ### a. whereas in many member states , the lockdown and social distancing measures during the covid-19 pandemic have been associated with an exponential increase in the prevalence and intensity of cases of intimate partner violence , psychological violence and coercive control and cyber violence , and with a 60 % increase in emergency calls reported by victims of domestic violence(18); whereas requirement to stay at home and the alarming upsurge in the ‘shadow pandemic’ made it difficult for women and children to access effective protection , support services and justice and revealed that support resources and structures were insufficient and that victims had limited access to support services , leaving many of them without adequate and timely protection; whereas best practices in specific measures to provide timely and accessible assistance to victims , including setting up emergency texting systems or creating contact points to seek help in pharmacies and supermarkets should be shared among the member states; whereas in spite of the prevalence of the phenomenon , intimate partner violence against women remains under-reported in the eu by the victims , their families , friends , acquaintances and neighbours , for various reasons , especially during the covid-19 pandemic , and whereas there is a significant lack of comprehensive , comparable and gender-disaggregated data , making it difficult to fully assess the impact of the crisis;


### a. whereas the years 2020 and 2021 saw the most draconian loss of fundamental rights in the history of the eu , whereby citizens were forced to stay at home , close businesses , remain distant from friends and family , maintain physical distance and go untreated for ‘non-urgent’ medical issues , were prevented from attending places of worship and from travelling within and outside the eu , and were forced to show a historically worrisome pass to enter premises or vehicles; ### a. whereas in the years 2020 and 2021 restrictive measures to combat the covid-19 pandemic interfered with a wide range of fundamental rights , such as to movement and assembly , to private and family life , including personal data protection , and to education , work and social security; whereas the pandemic exacerbated existing challenges and inequalities in all areas of life , especially affecting vulnerable groups , and sparked an increase in racist incidents;


### b. whereas more than 325 000 illegal crossings were detected by the european border and coast guard agency (frontex) and member state border controls between january 2020 and december 20216 , with untold numbers of illegal migrants , traffickers and smugglers entering , remaining in and destabilising the security of our union; ### deleted


### c. whereas eu law , as upheld in the case of brüstle v greenpeace , affirms the right to life and dignity of every human embryo , and this right should therefore be protected under article 2 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; ### deleted


### right to equal treatment ### rights of children , elderly and people with disabilities


### media freedom ### media freedom and the protection of journalists


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


### 3. condemns attempts by governments to silence media outlets that criticise them and to eliminate media freedom and pluralism; also condemns social media platforms that censor , deplatform or intimidate independent journalists and free citizens who express a narrative differing from that of mainstream media; ### 3. calls on member states to protect and develop an independent , pluralist and free media sector; condemns in this respect any measures aimed at silencing critical media and undermining media freedom and pluralism;


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


### 1. underlines that the annual rule of law report is a key element of the eu’s rule of law toolbox; ### 1. underlines that the annual rule of law report is a key element of the eu’s rule of law toolbox; welcomes the entry into force of the new rule of law conditionality mechanism; notes the importance of strengthening and streamlining existing mechanisms to ensure that the principles and values enshrined in the treaties are upheld throughout the union;


### 1. recalls that the union is founded on the values enshrined in article 2 teu; recalls further that the rule of law , as enshrined in eu primary law and further defined in the case-law of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) , is akin to democracy and fundamental rights; stresses that any backsliding on the rule of law in any given member state automatically undermines eu values in the eu as a whole; agrees with the commission that these values should never be taken for granted , even though the eu is recognised as having very high standards in this regard; underlines the importance of the credible global example provided by the eu in upholding the rule of law internally and in supporting democracy worldwide; ### 1. recalls that the union is founded on the values enshrined in article 2 teu; recalls further that the rule of law , as enshrined in eu primary law and further defined in the case-law of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) , is akin to democracy and fundamental rights; reiterates that protection of these fundamental values is a shared responsibility of all eu institutions and all member states; stresses that any backsliding on the rule of law in any given member state automatically undermines eu values in the eu as a whole; agrees with the commission that these values should never be taken for granted , even though the eu is recognised as having very high standards in this regard; considers it necessary to support the constant and continuous strengthening and improvement of the rule of law in order to avoid any possible risk of regression; underlines the importance of the credible global example provided by the eu in upholding the rule of law internally and in supporting democracy worldwide;


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


### 3. recalls that the rule of law conditionality regulation applies both to individual breaches of the principles of the rule of law and to ‘systemic’ breaches that are widespread or are a result of recurrent practices or omissions by public authorities , or general measures adopted by such authorities; regrets that the structure of the 2021 rule of law report does not always lend itself to the effective identification of such systemic breaches and calls on the commission for improvements in this respect. ### 3. recalls that the rule of law conditionality regulation applies both to individual breaches of the principles of the rule of law and to ‘systemic’ breaches that are widespread or are a result of recurrent practices or omissions by public authorities , or general measures adopted by such authorities; regrets that the structure of the 2021 rule of law report does not always lend itself to the effective identification of such systemic breaches and calls on the commission for improvements in this respect; calls on the commission to act against the breaches it has identified in its previous annual rule of law reports.


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


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


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


### 3. notes that crises such as the covid-19 pandemic have shown that measures taken in urgency can have democratic deficits and lead to corruption , and that they lack proper scrutiny; stresses , therefore , the need for clear legal arrangements ensuring respect for the rule of law also during times of crisis; ### 3. notes that crises such as the covid-19 pandemic have shown that extraordinary measures taken in urgency can have democratic deficits , implying restriction of fundamental rights and affecting the normal functioning of constitutional and legal systems and public administrations , possibly leading , in certain cases , to corruption and constantly lacking proper scrutiny; stresses , therefore , the need for clear legal arrangements , especially as regards justification of the necessity and proportionality of the measures , their legal basis and their limitation in time , ensuring respect for the rule of law also during times of crisis;


### — having regard to the treaty on european union (teu) , and in particular article 2 , article 3(1) , article 3(3) , second subparagraph , article 4(3) and articles 5 , 6 , 7 , 11 and 49 thereof , ### — having regard to the treaty on european union (teu) , and in particular article 2 , article 3(1) , article 3(3) , second subparagraph , article 4(3) and articles 5 , 6 , 7 , 11 and 19 thereof ,


### — having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , and in particular the articles thereof relating to respect for and the protection and promotion of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights in the union , including articles 70 , 258 , 259 , 260 , 263 and 265 , ### — having regard to the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , and in particular the articles thereof relating to respect for and the protection and promotion of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights in the union , including articles 70 , 258 , 259 , 260 , 263 , 265 and 267 ,


### 4. notes that the covid-19 pandemic has also shown that high levels of digitalisation have increased the resilience and efficiency of justice systems; agrees with the commission that digitalisation should be fostered and investment in human and financial resources prioritised in some member states in order to increase the efficiency of their justice systems; welcomes the fact that digitalising the public administration and the judiciary is a priority in many member states’ recovery and resilience plans; ### 4. notes that the covid-19 pandemic has also shown that high levels of digitalisation have increased the resilience and efficiency of justice systems and expedites decision making by public administrations; agrees with the commission that digitalisation should be fostered to greater degree and investment in human and financial resources prioritised in some member states in order to increase the efficiency of their justice systems; welcomes the fact that digitalising the public administration and the judiciary is a priority in many member states’ recovery and resilience plans;


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


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


### 7. welcomes the fact that lawyers are now part of the eu justice scoreboard’s questionnaire; stresses that independent lawyers are also essential to independent justice systems; reiterates the need for lawyers and the judiciary to be highly qualified and regularly trained in the rule of law and in eu law in general , and calls on the commission to extend the scope of its next report to include this area; ### 7. welcomes the fact that lawyers are now part of the eu justice scoreboard’s questionnaire; stresses that the existence of an efficient judicial system implies the need for lawyers to be free to display full independence and professional integrity in advising and representing their clients; stresses therefore that independent lawyers are also essential to independent justice systems; stresses the fundamental role of legal professions in ensuring the protection of fundamental rights and strengthening the rule of law; reiterates in this connection the need for lawyers and the judiciary to be highly qualified and regularly trained in the rule of law and in eu law in general , and calls on the commission to extend the scope of its next report to include this area;


### 8. is deeply preoccupied by the fact that judicial independence continues to be an issue of serious concern in some member states; condemns the continued political attacks on the independence of judiciary , the primacy of eu law and the implementation of the cjeu’s rulings in hungary and poland; notes with deep regret that these attacks have been worsening since the publication of the report and often target judges and prosecutors who have contested the backsliding on judicial independence; ### 8. is deeply preoccupied by the fact that judicial independence continues to be an issue of serious concern in some member states; condemns the continued political attacks on the independence of judiciary , the primacy of eu law and the implementation of the cjeu’s rulings in the member states under the article 7(1) teu procedure; notes with deep regret that these attacks have been worsening since the publication of the report and often target judges and prosecutors who have contested the backsliding on judicial independence;


### 9. defends the position that the principle of the separation of powers is essential to the proper functioning of justice systems across the eu and requires institutional structures where not only judges but also prosecution services are independent from undue political pressure; ### 9. defends the position that the principle of the separation of powers is essential to the proper functioning of justice systems across the eu and in ensuring their independence , impartiality and efficiency and requires institutional structures where not only judges but also prosecution services are independent from undue pressure , especially from political circles;


### 10. welcomes the opinion of the advocate general of the cjeu of 2 december 2021 to dismiss the action for annulment lodged by hungary and poland in march 2021 against regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget1 ; applauds the continued , thorough and consistent defence by the cjeu of the rule of law; ### 10. welcomes the opinion of the advocate general of the cjeu of 2 december 2021 to dismiss the action for annulment lodged by the member states under the article 7(1) teu procedure in march 2021 against regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget1 ; applauds the continued , thorough and consistent defence by the cjeu of the rule of law;


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


### 12. urges the commission , furthermore , to make robust use of its toolkit , including infringement procedures and the conditionality mechanism , where appropriate , to quickly and efficiently address any backsliding on the rule of law in national justice systems; ### 12. urges the commission , furthermore , to make robust use of its toolkit , including infringement procedures , art. 7 teu procedure and the conditionality mechanism , where appropriate , to quickly and efficiently address any backsliding on the rule of law in national justice systems and to protect eu financial interests;


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


### 14. recalls the important role of journalists and civil society in raising the alarm about , and drawing attention to , any breaches of the rule of law , including with regard to the proper functioning of justice systems , and calls for them to be given enhanced protection against intimidation or violence; condemns the instrumental use of justice to undermine freedom of information , notably through the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (slapps) in the eu; ### 14. recalls the important role of journalists and civil society in raising the alarm about , and drawing attention to , any breaches of the rule of law , including with regard to the proper functioning of justice systems , and calls for them to be given enhanced protection against intimidation or violence; underlines the importance of strengthening the transparency of public administrations and governments; points out the necessity to ensure access to trustworthy and reliable information sources in order to guarantee quality journalism and help to effectively tackle the spread of disinformation and misinformation; condemns the instrumental use of justice to undermine freedom of information , notably through the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (slapps) in the eu; urgently calls the commission to present proposals for binding union legislation on common and effective safeguards for victims of slaaps across the union , including through a directive establishing minimum standards for protection against slaaps;


### 14. recalls the important role of journalists and civil society in raising the alarm about , and drawing attention to , any breaches of the rule of law , including with regard to the proper functioning of justice systems , and calls for them to be given enhanced protection against intimidation or violence; condemns the instrumental use of justice to undermine freedom of information , notably through the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (slapps) in the eu; ### 14. recalls the important role of journalists and civil society in raising the alarm about , and drawing attention to , any breaches of the rule of law , including with regard to the proper functioning of justice systems , and calls for them to be given enhanced protection against intimidation or violence; expresses concern that both journalists and civil society have seen their activities constrained by the effects of the pandemic restrictions; highlights the essential role of the media in providing reliable information and clarifying the actions taken by the authorities , particularly in times of crisis; welcomes the measures taken by certain member states to support the media and journalists; condemns , at the opposite extreme , the instrumental use of justice to undermine freedom of information , notably through the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (slapps) in the eu;


### e. whereas , however , the overall number of petitions remains modest in relation to the total population of the eu , revealing that efforts still need to be stepped up to increase citizens’ awareness about their right to petition; whereas , in exercising the right to petition , citizens expect that the eu institutions will provide added value in finding a solution to their problems; ### e. whereas , however , the overall number of petitions remains modest in relation to the total population of the eu , revealing that efforts still need to be stepped up to increase citizens’ awareness about their right to petition and about this tool; whereas , in exercising the right to petition , citizens expect that the eu institutions will provide added value in finding a solution to their problems;


### k. whereas the committee on petitions carefully examines and deals with each petition submitted to parliament; whereas each petitioner has the right to receive a reply informing him or her about the decision on admissibility and follow-up actions taken by the committee within a reasonable period of time , in his or her own language or in the language used in the petition; ### k. whereas the committee on petitions carefully examines and deals with each petition submitted to parliament; whereas each petitioner has the right to receive a reply informing him or her about the decision on admissibility and follow-up actions taken by the committee within a reasonable period of time , in his or her own language or in the language used in the petition; whereas any petitioner may request that their petition be reopened on the basis of any relevant developments;


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


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


### 3. points out that petitions constitute a unique opportunity for parliament and the other eu institutions to directly connect with eu citizens and maintain a regular dialogue with them , particularly in cases where they are affected by the misapplication or breach of eu law; stresses the need for enhanced cooperation between the eu institutions and national , regional and local authorities on inquiries regarding the implementation of and compliance with eu law; believes that such cooperation is crucial to address and resolve citizens’ concerns over the application of eu law and contributes to strengthening the democratic legitimacy and accountability of the union; calls , therefore , for the more active participation of member states’ representatives in committee meetings and for swifter responses to the requests for clarification or information sent by the committee on petitions to the national authorities; ### 3. points out that petitions constitute a unique opportunity for parliament and the other eu institutions to directly connect with eu citizens and maintain a regular dialogue with them , particularly in cases where they are affected by the incorrect application of eu law; stresses the need for enhanced cooperation between the union institutions , bodies and agencies and national , regional and local authorities on inquiries regarding the implementation of and compliance with eu law; believes that such cooperation is crucial to address and resolve citizens’ concerns over the application of eu law and contributes to strengthening the democratic legitimacy and accountability of the union; calls , therefore , for the more active participation of member states’ representatives in committee meetings and for swifter responses to the requests for clarification or information sent by the committee on petitions to the national authorities;


### 5. calls on the commission to assess whether national authorities are taking the necessary measures to respond to citizens’ concerns as expressed in their petitions where cases of systemic failure in compliance with eu law occur; ### 5. calls on the commission to encourage national authorities to take the necessary measures , where they have not already done so , to respond to citizens’ concerns as expressed in their petitions where cases of systemic failure in compliance with eu law occur;


### 6. recalls that cooperation with other committees in parliament is essential for the accurate and comprehensive treatment of petitions; notes that in 2020 , 56 petitions were sent to other committees for opinion and 385 for information; welcomes the fact that 40 opinions and 60 acknowledgements of taking petitions into consideration in their work were received from other committees; recalls that petitioners are informed of the decisions to request opinions from other committees for the treatment of their petitions; calls on parliamentary committees to step up their efforts to actively contribute to the examination of petitions – by proving their expertise – and thus enable parliament to respond more swiftly and comprehensively to citizens’ concerns; regrets that the peti network could not meet in 2020; ### 6. recalls that cooperation with other committees in parliament is essential for the accurate and comprehensive treatment of petitions; notes that in 2020 , 56 petitions were sent to other committees for opinion and 385 for information; welcomes the fact that 40 opinions and 60 acknowledgements of taking petitions into consideration in their work were received from other committees; notes that the public hearings organised jointly with other parliamentary committees facilitate a thorough examination of petitions; recalls that petitioners are informed of the decisions to request opinions from other committees for the treatment of their petitions; calls on parliamentary committees to step up their efforts to actively contribute to the examination of petitions – by proving their expertise – and thus enable parliament to respond more swiftly and comprehensively to citizens’ concerns; regrets that the peti network could not meet in 2020;


### 7. believes that the petitions network is a useful tool for facilitating the follow-up of petitions in parliamentary and legislative work; trusts that regular meetings of the petitions network are crucial in order to strengthen cooperation between parliamentary committees through the exchange of information and sharing of best practices among the network’s members; ### 7. believes that the petitions network is a useful tool for facilitating the follow-up of petitions in parliamentary and legislative work; that this network should enhance dialogue and cooperation with the commission and other eu institutions; trusts that regular meetings of the petitions network are crucial in order to strengthen cooperation between parliamentary committees through the exchange of information and sharing of best practices among the network’s members;


### 10. draws attention to the large number of petitions on covid-19 that the committee on petitions examined and replied to in 2020 , mostly by using its urgency procedure; stresses that most of these petitions called for the protection of citizens’ health against the spread of the virus , including questions on treatments , protective equipment and on the acquisition and distribution of vaccines , as well as for the assessment of the management of the health crisis in the member states; recalls , also , that many petitioners raised concerns over the impact of national emergency measures , including lockdowns , on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , calling into question travel and work restrictions , obstacles to the freedom of movement within the schengen area , as well as the management of cancelled flights and trips during the pandemic; ### 10. draws attention to the large number of petitions on covid-19 that the committee on petitions examined and replied to in 2020 , mostly by using its urgency procedure; stresses that most of these petitions called for the protection of citizens’ health against the spread of the virus , including questions on treatments , protective equipment and on the acquisition and distribution of vaccines , as well as for the assessment of the management of the health crisis in the member states; recalls , also , that many petitioners raised concerns over the impact of national emergency measures , including lockdowns , on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , calling into question travel and work restrictions , and the initial lack of coordination among member states on internal border controls which pose obstacles to the freedom of movement within the schengen area and a particular problem for many cross-border workers , students and binational couples , as well as the management of cancelled flights and trips during the pandemic; takes the view that , particularly in times of a major crisis , the rapid and effective handling of petitions is a prerequisite for citizens’ trust in the eu institutions;


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


### 13. draws attention to the hearing of 29 october 2020 on ‘union citizenship: empowerment , inclusion , participation’ , which the committee on petitions held jointly with the committee on legal affairs , the committee on constitutional affairs and the committee on civil liberties , justice and home affairs; considers that this event represented a significant contribution by parliament to the commission’s 2020 eu citizenship report; ### 13. draws attention to the hearing of 29 october 2020 on ‘union citizenship: empowerment , inclusion , participation’ , which the committee on petitions held jointly with the committee on legal affairs , the committee on constitutional affairs and the committee on civil liberties , justice and home affairs; considers that this event represented a significant contribution by parliament to the commission’s 2020 eu citizenship report and to the committee on petitions’ ongoing work on citizen involvement;


### 14. takes note that , along with fundamental rights , health was the main area of concern for petitioners in 2020 , while recognising that health concerns related to the covid-19 pandemic were at the centre of the committee on petitions’ work; draws attention to the resolution on additional funding for biomedical research on myalgic encephalomyelitis , the motion for which was adopted by the committee on 30 april 2020 , adopted in plenary on 18 june 202013; recalls that parliament’s resolution has been highly welcomed by the scientific and patients’ communities; reiterates , in this regard , its call for coordinated and enhanced research efforts and for additional funding to support progress in research in order to address the human and socio-economic consequences of the growing number of individuals living and working with long-term disabling and chronic conditions; ### 14. takes note that , along with fundamental rights , health was the main area of concern for petitioners in 2020 , while recognising that health concerns related to the covid-19 pandemic were at the centre of the committee on petitions’ work; draws attention to the resolution on additional funding for biomedical research on myalgic encephalomyelitis , the motion for which was adopted by the committee on 30 april 2020 , adopted in plenary on 18 june 202013; recalls that parliament’s resolution has been highly welcomed by the scientific and patients’ communities as it calls for awareness of this type of disease to be raised among member states through the organisation of training courses tailored to public authorities , healthcare providers and public officials generally; reiterates , in this regard , its call for coordinated and enhanced research efforts and for additional funding , including under the horizon europe programme , to support progress in research in order to address the human and socio-economic consequences of the growing number of individuals living and working with long-term disabling and chronic conditions;


### 17. recalls that in 2020 , the committee on petitions paid specific attention to the discussion of petitions on the difficulties faced by people with intellectual disabilities and their families during the covid-19 pandemic , especially regarding access to health services , personal assistance and contact with families and carers; welcomes the outcome of the committee on petitions’ annual workshop on the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities – ‘the new disability strategy’ – which took place at the committee meeting of 28 october 2020; ### 17. recalls that in 2020 , the committee on petitions paid specific attention to the discussion of petitions on the difficulties faced by people with intellectual disabilities and their families during the covid-19 pandemic , especially regarding access to health services , personal assistance and contact with families and carers; draws attention in this regard to the resolution tabled by the committee on petitions on the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in the covid-19 crisis , adopted in plenary on 8 july 2020; welcomes the outcome of the committee on petitions’ annual workshop on the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities – ‘the new disability strategy’ – which took place at the committee meeting of 28 october 2020;


### 19. underlines that the petitions web portal is an essential tool for ensuring a smooth , efficient and transparent petitions process; welcomes , in this regard , the improvements on data protection and on the security features which have made the portal more user-friendly and secure for citizens; stresses that efforts must be continued to make the portal more accessible to persons with disabilities , including by enabling the tabling of petitions in national sign languages; ### 19. underlines that the petitions web portal is an essential tool for ensuring a smooth , efficient and transparent petitions process; welcomes , in this regard , the improvements on data protection and on the security features which have made the portal more user-friendly and secure for citizens; stresses that efforts must be continued to make the portal more accessible to persons with disabilities , including by enabling the tabling of petitions in national sign languages; supports the creation of a single digital portal where citizens could access and find out about all the petitions procedures available through the european ombudsman and the european parliament;


### 1. recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and ensuring citizens’ direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the eu to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making; calls on the commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the eu should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels , should be translated into all official and co-official languages of the member states , and should have easy-to-access documents; ### 1. recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process through active interaction with their elected representatives , as well as promoting direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the eu to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making; calls on the commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens 'participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions , and particularly the parliament as the directly elected representative body , on such activities; reiterates , that petitions to the parliament are an important form of citizens’ participation and feed-back , which commission should regularly assess and address; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the eu should be accessible to citizens and civil society , and should have easy-to-access documents; this would mean more costs and more bureaucracy;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s commitment to making better use of foresight , mainstreaming the sustainable development goals in all its legislative proposals , in line with the un’s 2030 sustainable development agenda , to paying greater attention to gender equality and equality for all , and to ensuring that the ‘do no significant harm’ and precautionary principles are applied across all policy areas; calls for the commission to clearly define the ‘do no significant harm’ principle in order to ensure its consistent application; welcomes the proposal that sustainability and digitalisation should be better taken into account in law-making; calls on the commission to implement a ‘sustainability first’ approach; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s commitment to making better use of strategic foresight , since it plays a key role in helping to future-proof eu policy-making by ensuring that short-term initiatives are grounded in a longer-term perspective; acknowledges that ‘foresight elements’ are fully integrated into the commission’s better regulation agenda , and calls for its integration in impact assessments and evaluations; notes , too , that ‘strategic foresight’ will support the refit programme , which identifies opportunities to reduce regulatory burdens and ensure that existing eu laws remain ‘fit for the future’;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s commitment to making better use of foresight , mainstreaming the sustainable development goals in all its legislative proposals , in line with the un’s 2030 sustainable development agenda , to paying greater attention to gender equality and equality for all , and to ensuring that the ‘do no significant harm’ and precautionary principles are applied across all policy areas; calls for the commission to clearly define the ‘do no significant harm’ principle in order to ensure its consistent application; welcomes the proposal that sustainability and digitalisation should be better taken into account in law-making; calls on the commission to implement a ‘sustainability first’ approach; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s aim that eu laws should deliver maximum benefits to citizens and businesses , in particular small and medium-sized enterprises and to making better use of strategic foresight; since it plays a key role in helping to future-proof eu policy making by ensuring that short-term initiatives are based on a longer-term perspective; calls on the commission to systematically apply regulatory sandboxes for policy making to every policy field enabling digital law-making , especially for smes , where policy value added must clearly outweigh administrative , adjustment and compliance costs; calls on the commission to use its strategic foresight capacities especially for burden reduction;


### 2. emphasises that better regulation must be an interinstitutional effort , with parliament and the council also sharing responsibility; highlights the fact that the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are the guiding principles of the eu when it chooses to act; recalls , in that regard , article 1 of the treaty on european union , which provides that the decisions at eu level shall be taken as openly and closely as possible to the citizens; ### 2. emphasises that better regulation must be an interinstitutional effort , with parliament and the council also sharing responsibility; highlights the fact that the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are the guiding principles of the eu when it chooses to act; recalls , in that regard , article 1 of the treaty on european union , which provides that the decisions at eu level shall be taken as openly and closely as possible to the citizens; reiterates , that the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality require any overregulation on eu level to be avoided and that eu legislation , in order to be close to the citizens , transparent and comprehensible , needs to be limited in scope and volume;


### 3. welcomes the commission’s commitment to more actively publicising consultations in order to reach more citizens , stakeholders and local and regional authorities; ### 3. welcomes the commission’s commitment to more actively publicising consultations in order to reach more citizens and stakeholders and encourages to do so through local and regional authorities and the committee of the regions;


### 3. welcomes the commission’s commitment to more actively publicising consultations in order to reach more citizens , stakeholders and local and regional authorities; ### 3. welcomes the commission’s commitment to more actively publicising consultations in order to reach more citizens , stakeholders , in particular smes , and local and regional authorities;


### 3. strongly believes that the union’s better regulation system is a valuable instrument in the implementation of this legal obligation , as long as the tools that the system proposes are used appropriately and to their maximum potential; welcomes the new versions of the better regulation guidelines and the better regulation toolbox; believes that tool number 35 in particular contains the necessary elements to guide the performance of impact analyses in developing countries and expects that this tool will be used extensively; ### 3. strongly believes that the union’s better regulation system is a valuable instrument in the implementation of this legal obligation , as long as the tools that the system proposes are used appropriately and to their maximum potential; regrets the fact that impact assessments of union policy and legislation on developing countries , in particular of non-development internal legislation , remain few in number and do not properly assess and address the potential impact on developing countries; welcomes the new versions of the better regulation guidelines and the better regulation toolbox; hopes the new communication and the updated guidelines and toolbox will improve the situation by regularly conducting complete and coherent impact assessments when necessary; strongly believes that ex ante impact assessments are a valuable tool for identifying and addressing potential risks of a policy and/or legislative proposal on developing countries; urges the commission to translate the impact assessments conclusions into legal provisions in its non-development legislative acts as appropriate , so as to better reflect the eu’s commitment to article 208 of the treaty on the functioning of the eu; calls the commission to strengthen the screening of the impact assessments by the regulatory scrutiny board by reinforcing the expertise of this body on development cooperation;


### 4. recalls that continuous attentive review of citizens’ petitions presents great opportunities to make better regulation more inclusive and efficient and to improve policymakers’ understanding of local and regional realities; ### 4. recalls that continuous attentive review of citizens’ petitions presents great opportunities to make better regulation more inclusive and efficient and to improve policymakers’ understanding of local and regional realities;;acknowledges , however , that eu legislation could not and should not address any particular problem , but ensure equal treatment of citizens and businesses and effective enforcement of citizens’ rights throughout the union; therefore , case-by-case and ad hoc legislation should be avoided , whereas strong and equal enforcement of existing european and national rules be guaranteed;


### 4. calls for the mainstreaming of children’s rights in eu legislation; calls in this regard for the introduction of a children’s rights test in impact assessments and for the launch of more public consultations addressed to children and adolescents; ### 4. calls for the mainstreaming of children’s rights in eu legislation through providing for child rights impact assessment of the legislative proposals; calls in this regard for the introduction of a children’s rights test in the framework of impact assessments toolbox , that could consist of consultation of stakeholders , including child participation mechanism , identification of affected areas , measurement of the impact on children and assessment of alternative mechanisms;


### 5. calls for impact assessments to be performed on all acts , without exception; regrets that this was not the case for several politically sensitive proposals in the past; recalls that on several occasions parliament has carried out its own impact assessments in replacement of the commission’s; nevertheless , recalls that impact assessments help to inform but do not replace political decision-making; ### 5. calls for impact assessments to be performed on legislative proposals , deeply regrets that this was not the case for several politically sensitive proposals in the past; recalls that on several occasions parliament has carried out its own impact assessments , mainly because of a lack of a necessary impact assessment; notes that this could be avoided by a proper coverage from the commissions site before their publication of a legislative proposal; nevertheless , recalls that impact assessments help to inform but do not replace political decision-making;


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


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


### 6. recalls that parliament has set up a dedicated directorate , the directorate for impact assessment and european added value , to be able to carry out ex ante and ex post impact assessments with a view to supporting evidence-based policy-making; ### 6. recalls that parliament has set up a dedicated directorate , the directorate for impact assessment and european added value , to be able to carry out ex ante and ex post impact assessments with a view to supporting evidence-based policy-making and asks to foresee enough funding and human resources for this directorate in order to enable it to perform high quality impact assessments;


### 7. calls on the commission to seize the opportunity for a revamped and effective better regulation programme to help eu governance adapt to a post-pandemic ‘new normal’ , improve law-making and be more responsive to citizens’ concerns; ### 7. calls on the commission to improve the law-making , and to be more responsive to citizens’ concerns; and to improve the communication and consultation with stakeholders , as well as increasing the transparency at the same time;


### 7. encourages the commission to make greater use of ex post assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of legislation; stresses the importance of the ‘evaluate first’ principle for ensuring that lessons learnt from the past inform future policy cycle action; is seriously concerned about the increasing trend of evaluations and impact assessments being carried out in parallel , although evaluation results should feed into any revision of legislation; ### 7. supports the commission’s commitment to policy reviews and encourages the commission to make greater use of ex post assessments to evaluate the effectiveness and benefits of legislation which in turn can help inform future policy developmentand improve regulation approaches; stresses the importance of the ‘evaluate first’ principle for ensuring that lessons learnt from the past influence future policy cycle action; is seriously concerned about the increasing trend of evaluations and impact assessments being carried out in parallel , although evaluation results should feed into any revision of legislation;


### 8. stresses the important role played by parliament as representative of the citizens of the eu , including in its oversight of and cooperation with the commission and other institutions on behalf of the public and in ensuring a bottom-up approach regarding the effects of legislation on citizens; ### 8. stresses the important role played by parliament as representative of the citizens of the eu , including in its oversight of and cooperation with the commission and other institutions on behalf of the public and in ensuring a bottom-up approach regarding the effects of legislation on citizens; reiterates therefore , the role of parliament in preliminary assessment of future legislation , through the existing parliamentary tools;


### 8. welcomes the commission’s renewed commitment to transparency of the evaluation process and calls for the publication of multi-annual evaluation plans; further emphasises the need to increase the availability of public , complete and accessible evidence supporting impact assessments and evaluations , and welcomes , in this regard , the commission’s intention to improve its evidence registers and the links between them as well as to make its internal databases and repositories publicly accessible; ### 8. welcomes the commission’s renewed commitment to transparency of the evaluation process and calls for the publication of multi-annual evaluation plans; further emphasises the need to increase the availability of public , complete and accessible evidence supporting impact assessments and evaluations , and welcomes , in this regard , the commission’s intention to improve its evidence registers and the links between them as well as to make its internal databases and repositories easily publicly accessible;


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


### 9. takes note of the use of instruments such as the regulatory fitness and performance programme (refit) and the ‘fit for future’ platform to identify opportunities for simplification and reducing unnecessary costs before the commission proposes a revision , while ensuring the highest standards of protection and enhancing compliance with eu law; recalls that the ‘fit for future’ platform’s role is also to assess whether specific union legislation and its objectives remain future-proof and adapted to new challenges; ### 9. takes note of the use of instruments such as the regulatory fitness and performance programme (refit) and the ‘fit for future’ platform to identify opportunities for simplification and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and costs and before proposing a revision by the commission , while ensuring the highest standards of protection and enhancing compliance with eu law; recalls that the ‘fit for future’ platform’s role is also to assess whether specific union legislation and its objectives remain proportional , future-proof and adapted to new challenges;


### 9. takes note of the use of instruments such as the regulatory fitness and performance programme (refit) and the ‘fit for future’ platform to identify opportunities for simplification and reducing unnecessary costs before the commission proposes a revision , while ensuring the highest standards of protection and enhancing compliance with eu law; recalls that the ‘fit for future’ platform’s role is also to assess whether specific union legislation and its objectives remain future-proof and adapted to new challenges; ### 9. welcomes the use of instruments such as the regulatory fitness and performance programme (refit) and the ‘fit for future’ platform to identify opportunities for simplification and reducing unnecessary costs before the commission proposes a revision , while ensuring the highest standards of protection and enhancing compliance with eu law; recalls that the ‘fit for future’ platform’s role is also to assess whether specific union legislation and its objectives remain future-proof and adapted to new challenges while increasing the focus on regulatory offsetting;


### 9. takes note of the use of instruments such as the regulatory fitness and performance programme (refit) and the ‘fit for future’ platform to identify opportunities for simplification and reducing unnecessary costs before the commission proposes a revision , while ensuring the highest standards of protection and enhancing compliance with eu law; recalls that the ‘fit for future’ platform’s role is also to assess whether specific union legislation and its objectives remain future-proof and adapted to new challenges; ### 9. takes note of the use of instruments such as the regulatory fitness and performance programme (refit) and the ‘fit for future’ platform to identify opportunities for simplification and reducing unnecessary costs before the commission proposes a revision , while ensuring the highest standards of protection and enhancing compliance with eu law; recalls that the ‘fit for future’ platform’s role is also to assess whether specific union legislation and its objectives remain future-proof proportionate and adapted to new challenges;


### — having regard to the better regulation toolbox , which complements the better regulation guidelines , ### — having regard to the better regulation toolbox , which complements the better regulation guidelines , both from november 2021 ,


### — having regard to president von der leyen’s speech of 16 july 20191 , ### deleted