### d. whereas the war in ukraine and the resulting need to further diversify the eu’s energy supply have shown the essential role of the southern neighbourhood in securing sufficient gas and oil supplies to the eu with mutual benefits for both the eu and the southern neighbourhood countries; whereas the discovery of relevant natural gas reserves in the southern and eastern mediterranean provides a unique opportunity for economic development in the countries concerned; whereas these gas reserves equally provide an important opportunity for partnership , investment and the sharing of know-how between the countries of the southern mediterranean and the eu and its member states; whereas the southern neighbourhood is therefore not only essential for reasons of regional security and stability , but also as a primary partner for access to energy sources , including renewables; ### d. whereas the war in ukraine and the resulting need to further diversify the eu’s energy supply have shown the essential role of the southern neighbourhood in securing sufficient gas and oil supplies to the eu with mutual benefits for both the eu and the southern neighbourhood countries; whereas the discovery of relevant natural gas reserves in the southern and eastern mediterranean provides a unique opportunity for economic development in the countries concerned; whereas these gas reserves equally provide an important opportunity for partnership , investment and the sharing of know-how between the countries of the southern mediterranean and the eu and its member states; whereas , in turn , this partnership is already proving to be an opportunity for dialogue and cooperation amongst all the southern mediterranean countries concerned , leading to more stability in the region; whereas the southern neighbourhood is therefore not only essential for reasons of regional security and stability , but also as a primary partner for access to energy sources , including renewables;


### secure adequate resources for timely and effective implementation of the new agenda for the mediterranean based on the objectives and priorities jointly determined with southern neighbourhood partner countries , building on valuable synergies through the programming of the external action for the region under the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) and pursuing close coordination with member state programming as well as facilitating as much as possible opportunities for blending through partnerships between the european investment bank , the european bank for reconstruction and development and other relevant international financial institutions; takes the view that the new agenda for the mediterranean can introduce a positive conditionality under which active eu support for a closer and effective policy interface with southern neighbourhood countries can lead to further partnerships and convergence on other policy priorities for the benefit of both the eu and southern neighbourhood countries; recalls , in this regard , the importance of ensuring eu visibility in all eu financial resources allocated to the region directly or indirectly through partnership with the un or other international organisations; ### secure adequate resources for timely and effective implementation of the new agenda for the mediterranean based on the objectives and priorities jointly determined with southern neighbourhood partner countries , building on valuable synergies through the programming of the external action for the region under the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) and pursuing close coordination with member state programming as well as facilitating as much as possible opportunities for blending through partnerships between the european investment bank , the european bank for reconstruction and development and other relevant international financial institutions; takes the view that the new agenda for the mediterranean can introduce a positive conditionality under which active eu support for a closer and effective policy interface with southern neighbourhood countries can lead to further partnerships and convergence on other policy priorities for the benefit of both the eu and southern neighbourhood countries; recalls , in this regard , the importance of ensuring eu visibility in all eu financial resources allocated to the region directly or indirectly through partnership with the un or other international organisations; stresses that the civil societies of southern neighbourhood countries are already primarily oriented to the eu and its member states as the main political , economic and cultural anchor for political and economic reforms and for longer-term prosperity; warns that given the strategic importance and economic potential of the region the capacity of the eu to be the main partner is not without challenge and , therefore , adequate visibility for the eu’s commitment to the region at large is essential , both directly and through funds allocated to other organisations such as the un;


### address , as a matter of priority , the impact of the war in ukraine on certain southern neighbourhood countries in terms of food security , with particular reference to countries most vulnerable because of their population size , dependence on food imports or economic model; asks the commission to engage with parliament on ways to ensure food security for countries in the southern mediterranean that face difficulties in this regard and devise a robust policy and assistance response for this purpose without further delay , also building on the food and resilience facility in order to address food security in the region; ### address , as a matter of priority , the impact of the war in ukraine on certain southern neighbourhood countries in terms of food security , with particular reference to countries most vulnerable because of their population size , dependence on food imports or economic model; asks the commission to engage with parliament on ways to ensure food security for countries in the southern mediterranean that face difficulties in this regard and devise a robust policy and assistance response for this purpose without further delay , also building on the food and resilience facility in order to address food security in the region; recalls the importance of adequate visibility for eu efforts and resources when channelling assistance through other organisations like the world food programme;


### implement under the ndici , as a matter of priority , strategies and dedicated programming for broader youth access to education , vocational training , higher education together with adequate funding for access to education; recalls that youth migration , whether regular or irregular , and professional brain drain are a matter of serious concern to our partners in the region , as well as a serious threat to the longer-term capacity for economic growth and economic viability of southern neighbourhood countries; stresses the importance of expanding access to the erasmus and erasmus+ programmes for participants from southern neighbourhood countries; recalls the importance of circular mobility , including south-to-south exchanges , so that professionals from southern neighbourhood countries can have concrete opportunities to further their professional training in the eu and return to their country of origin to share and build knowledge; recalls the importance of mainstreaming the socioeconomic integration of women in the region and of gender equality in all eu policies areas whenever possible; stresses the importance of targeted eu support for women with the objective of improving their access to education , training and employment and , more generally , promoting equal professional and socioeconomic opportunities; ### implement under the ndici , as a matter of priority , strategies and dedicated programming for broader youth access to education , vocational training , higher education together with adequate funding for access to education; recalls that youth migration , whether regular or irregular , and professional brain drain are a matter of serious concern to our partners in the region , as well as a serious threat to the longer-term capacity for economic growth and economic viability of southern neighbourhood countries; underlines , therefore , the importance of promoting investment and advancing economic growth in the region in parallel to broader access to education , professional training and employment opportunities , so that the youth of southern neighbourhood countries can gather real prospects of access to employment and real socio-economic integration; stresses the importance of expanding access to the erasmus and erasmus+ programmes for participants from southern neighbourhood countries; recalls the importance of circular mobility , including south-to-south exchanges , so that professionals from southern neighbourhood countries can have concrete opportunities to further their professional training in the eu and return to their country of origin to share and build knowledge; recalls the importance of mainstreaming the socioeconomic integration of women in the region and of gender equality in all eu policies areas whenever possible; stresses the importance of targeted eu support for women with the objective of improving their access to education , training and employment and , more generally , promoting equal professional and socioeconomic opportunities; believes that the eu should incentivise bilateral and trilateral partnerships between southern neighbourhood universities and eu universities , including through wider distance-learning opportunities for southern neighbourhood students and wider exchange opportunities of academic staff; stresses the value of securing broader access to eu based online media , including through public digital hubs , and eu cultural content for interested audiences in southern neighbourhood countries;


### implement under the ndici , as a matter of priority , strategies and dedicated programming for broader youth access to education , vocational training , higher education together with adequate funding for access to education; recalls that youth migration , whether regular or irregular , and professional brain drain are a matter of serious concern to our partners in the region , as well as a serious threat to the longer-term capacity for economic growth and economic viability of southern neighbourhood countries; stresses the importance of expanding access to the erasmus and erasmus+ programmes for participants from southern neighbourhood countries; recalls the importance of circular mobility , including south-to-south exchanges , so that professionals from southern neighbourhood countries can have concrete opportunities to further their professional training in the eu and return to their country of origin to share and build knowledge; recalls the importance of mainstreaming the socioeconomic integration of women in the region and of gender equality in all eu policies areas whenever possible; stresses the importance of targeted eu support for women with the objective of improving their access to education , training and employment and , more generally , promoting equal professional and socioeconomic opportunities; ### implement under the ndici , as a matter of priority , strategies and dedicated programming for broader youth access to education , vocational training , higher education together with adequate funding for access to education and ensuring that school textbooks and educational material in partner countries adhere to the unesco standards of peace , tolerance and non-violence in education , and as an integral part of the union’s strategy for combatting antisemitism; commends the ongoing curriculum reforms commenced by egypt , jordan , tunisia and morocco in this regard; reiterates its concern about anti-semitic content and incitement to violence present in palestinian educational materials , as demonstrated by the findings of the recent eu funded study by the georg eckert institute; recalls that youth migration , whether regular or irregular , and professional brain drain are a matter of serious concern to our partners in the region , as well as a serious threat to the longer-term capacity for economic growth and economic viability of southern neighbourhood countries; stresses the importance of expanding access to the erasmus and erasmus+ programmes for participants from southern neighbourhood countries; recalls the importance of circular mobility , including south-to-south exchanges , so that professionals from southern neighbourhood countries can have concrete opportunities to further their professional training in the eu and return to their country of origin to share and build knowledge; insist that financial support to education initiatives must be conditionally linked to an adherence to union values and unesco standards; recalls the importance of mainstreaming the socioeconomic integration of women in the region and of gender equality in all eu policies areas whenever possible; stresses the importance of targeted eu support for women with the objective of improving their access to education , training and employment and , more generally , promoting equal professional and socioeconomic opportunities;


### implement under the ndici , as a matter of priority , strategies and dedicated programming for broader youth access to education , vocational training , higher education together with adequate funding for access to education; recalls that youth migration , whether regular or irregular , and professional brain drain are a matter of serious concern to our partners in the region , as well as a serious threat to the longer-term capacity for economic growth and economic viability of southern neighbourhood countries; stresses the importance of expanding access to the erasmus and erasmus+ programmes for participants from southern neighbourhood countries; recalls the importance of circular mobility , including south-to-south exchanges , so that professionals from southern neighbourhood countries can have concrete opportunities to further their professional training in the eu and return to their country of origin to share and build knowledge; recalls the importance of mainstreaming the socioeconomic integration of women in the region and of gender equality in all eu policies areas whenever possible; stresses the importance of targeted eu support for women with the objective of improving their access to education , training and employment and , more generally , promoting equal professional and socioeconomic opportunities; ### urge the institutions to comply with the financial rule in force since 2007 according to which two thirds of neighbourhood policy funds are to be distributed to countries in the southern neighbourhood; implement under the ndici , as a matter of priority , strategies and dedicated programming for broader youth access to education , vocational training , higher education together with adequate funding for access to education; recalls that youth migration , whether regular or irregular , and professional brain drain are a matter of serious concern to our partners in the region , as well as a serious threat to the longer-term capacity for economic growth and economic viability of southern neighbourhood countries; stresses the importance of expanding access to the erasmus and erasmus+ programmes for participants from southern neighbourhood countries; recalls the importance of circular mobility , including south-to-south exchanges , so that professionals from southern neighbourhood countries can have concrete opportunities to further their professional training in the eu and return to their country of origin to share and build knowledge; recalls the importance of mainstreaming the socioeconomic integration of women in the region and of gender equality in all eu policies areas whenever possible; stresses the importance of targeted eu support for women with the objective of improving their access to education , training and employment and , more generally , promoting equal professional and socioeconomic opportunities;


### pursue partnership and cooperation with relevant southern neighbourhood countries in order to tackle climate change and water scarcity; recalls that the eu strategy on climate action and climate mitigation will not be as effective without sizeable investment and improvement in the eu’s neighbourhood; supports the flagship initiatives on climate preservation in the economic and investment plan for the southern neighbourhood; recalls that access to water , reforestation , decarbonisation and access to renewable energy sources will be essential for the climate neutrality of the southern neighbourhood and to protect it against the effects of climate change; recalls , further , that this , in turn , will increase the eu’s capacity to achieve its objectives of climate neutrality; ### pursue partnership and cooperation with relevant southern neighbourhood countries in order to tackle climate change and water scarcity; recalls that the eu strategy on climate action and climate mitigation will not be as effective without sizeable investment and improvement in the eu’s neighbourhood; supports the flagship initiatives on climate preservation in the economic and investment plan for the southern neighbourhood; warns against (i) the impact of climate change , particularly in sub-saharan africa , on the maghreb region and (ii) the issue of decreasing access to water in the maghreb and mashreq regions; recalls that access to water , reforestation , decarbonisation and access to renewable energy sources will be essential for the climate neutrality of the southern neighbourhood and to protect it against the effects of climate change; recalls , further , that this , in turn , will increase the eu’s capacity to achieve its objectives of climate neutrality; takes the view that the eu should support regional dialogue and cooperation on water desalination plans as well as further investment on renewable energy sources , such as wind , solar and green hydrogen in the region; stresses the importance of partnerships with relevant southern neighbourhood countries on reforestation and sustainable agricultural practices with reduced water consumption; stresses that there are already best practices not only in the eu , but also in the region and takes the view , therefore , that the eu could play an important role in promoting and advancing dialogue and cooperation on the reception of such best agricultural practices;


### prepare an analysis of the positive role which the southern neighbourhood countries can play in the eu’s strategy of reducing its carbon emissions , and the contribution of these countries to the eu’s strategy of diversifying its energy resources and increasing its energy supply from renewable energy sources; ### prepare an analysis of the positive role which the southern neighbourhood countries can play in the eu’s strategy of reducing its carbon emissions , and the contribution of these countries to the eu’s strategy of diversifying its energy resources and increasing its energy supply from renewable energy sources; asks , in particular , the commission to present in due time a strategy on how to valorise further the role of the southern neighbourhood in advancing the implementation of the eu’s green deal;


### pursue an active eu role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation among all the countries of the southern and eastern mediterranean that have relevant natural gas reserves , promoting , where necessary , the capacity for understanding and final settlements on maritime border demarcation , and further promoting the interconnection capacity between countries in the southern and eastern mediterranean that produce natural gas and the european union , through relevant eu hubs and considering , in particular , adequate pipeline , harbour and regasification infrastructures and technology both in the eu and in southern neighbourhood countries for the benefit of all producer countries and all member states; ### pursue an active eu role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation among all the countries of the southern and eastern mediterranean that have relevant natural gas reserves , promoting , where necessary , the capacity for understanding and final settlements on maritime border demarcation , and further promoting the interconnection capacity between countries in the southern and eastern mediterranean that produce natural gas and the european union , through relevant eu hubs and considering , in particular , adequate pipeline , harbour and regasification infrastructures and technology both in the eu and in southern neighbourhood countries for the benefit of all producer countries and all member states; take urgent steps to promote energy interconnections between the eu and southern neighbourhood countries; the commission should include as soon as possible the midcat gas pipeline between spain and france as a project of common interest;


### build on the very positive experience of some member states in supporting start-up companies and further advancing their work through dedicated incubators or accelerators , especially in key sectors such as health , renewable energy and education; takes the view that the eu should set up incubators or accelerators in relevant southern neighbourhood countries , support the creation of local start-up companies , and increase their digital and green capacities; concurs on the importance of further improving the digital infrastructure of relevant southern neighbourhood countries and including these countries in the eu’s digital agenda; points out that this is a prerequisite for economic development , socioeconomic integration and wider access to education; recalls the importance of close policy dialogue and cooperation between the eu and the southern neighbourhood countries to develop adequate cybersecurity policies and partnership in international forums on cybersecurity standards; takes the view that the eu should build on the stratcom task force south and develop a concrete strategy for combating disinformation in our southern neighbourhood countries , aiming to counter fake news and propaganda in order to reinforce democracy and stability; ### build on the very positive experience of some member states in supporting start-up companies and further advancing their work through dedicated incubators or accelerators , especially in key sectors such as health , renewable energy and education; takes the view that the eu should set up incubators or accelerators in relevant southern neighbourhood countries , support the creation of local start-up companies , and increase their digital and green capacities; concurs on the importance of further improving the digital infrastructure of relevant southern neighbourhood countries and including these countries in the eu’s digital agenda; points out that this is a prerequisite for economic development , socioeconomic integration and wider access to education; takes the view that the eu should lead in promoting investment and partnerships between eu telecom companies and telecom companies of relevant southern neighbourhood countries for access to modern digital infrastructure , in particular 5g mobile networks , and warns that failure to do so will provide a competitive advantage , including in political terms , for third countries seeking to build a capacity of leverage and economic and political presence in the region; recalls the importance of close policy dialogue and cooperation between the eu and the southern neighbourhood countries to develop adequate cybersecurity policies and partnership in international forums on cybersecurity standards; takes the view that the eu should build on the stratcom task force south and develop a concrete strategy for combating disinformation in our southern neighbourhood countries , aiming to counter fake news and propaganda in order to reinforce democracy and stability;


### build on the very positive experience of some member states in supporting start-up companies and further advancing their work through dedicated incubators or accelerators , especially in key sectors such as health , renewable energy and education; takes the view that the eu should set up incubators or accelerators in relevant southern neighbourhood countries , support the creation of local start-up companies , and increase their digital and green capacities; concurs on the importance of further improving the digital infrastructure of relevant southern neighbourhood countries and including these countries in the eu’s digital agenda; points out that this is a prerequisite for economic development , socioeconomic integration and wider access to education; recalls the importance of close policy dialogue and cooperation between the eu and the southern neighbourhood countries to develop adequate cybersecurity policies and partnership in international forums on cybersecurity standards; takes the view that the eu should build on the stratcom task force south and develop a concrete strategy for combating disinformation in our southern neighbourhood countries , aiming to counter fake news and propaganda in order to reinforce democracy and stability; ### build on the very positive experience of some member states in supporting start-up companies and further advancing their work through dedicated incubators or accelerators , especially in key sectors such as health , renewable energy and education; takes the view that the eu should set up incubators or accelerators in relevant southern neighbourhood countries , support the creation of local start-up companies , and increase their digital and green capacities; concurs on the importance of further improving the digital infrastructure of relevant southern neighbourhood countries and including these countries in the eu’s digital agenda; points out that this is a prerequisite for economic development , socioeconomic integration and wider access to education; recalls the importance of close policy dialogue and cooperation between the eu and the southern neighbourhood countries to develop adequate cybersecurity policies and partnership in international forums on cybersecurity standards; takes the view that the eu should create a dedicated iran stratcom task force to build on the stratcom task force south with the aim to further develop a concrete strategy for combating disinformation from the islamic republic of iran in our southern neighbourhood countries , aiming to counter fake news and propaganda in order to reinforce democracy and stability;


### promote regional , sub-regional and bilateral integration in the southern mediterranean , in particular with a view to the removal of any border , transport or trade barriers between the countries of the region and actively promoting closer links and partnerships; takes the view that the recent negev foreign ministers summit in sde boker attests to the potential for regional integration and peace in the region in the framework of the abraham accords; welcomes the intention of holding this summit annually and calls on the vp/hr and the commission to use the positive momentum of the abraham accords to advance dialogue and cooperation in the region on support for the middle east peace process and the two-state solution; ### promote regional , sub-regional and bilateral integration in the southern mediterranean , in particular with a view to the removal of any border , transport or trade barriers between the countries of the region and actively promoting closer links and partnerships; takes the view that the recent negev foreign ministers summit in sde boker attests to the potential for regional integration and peace in the region in the framework of the abraham accords; welcomes the intention of holding this summit annually and calls on the vp/hr and the commission to use the positive momentum of the abraham accords to advance dialogue and cooperation in the region on support for the middle east peace process and the two-state solution; warns that in the current geopolitical context the mepp can only advance with strong political commitment and investment by the eu and the us in support of the mepp and renewed direct negotiations between israel and the palestinians; recalls that both the hrvp and the biden administration are two years away from the end of their mandates and therefore calls on the hrvp to invest all efforts in closer strategic dialogue on how the eu and the us could advance together the mepp and promote the conditions for direct negotiations;


### promote regional , sub-regional and bilateral integration in the southern mediterranean , in particular with a view to the removal of any border , transport or trade barriers between the countries of the region and actively promoting closer links and partnerships; takes the view that the recent negev foreign ministers summit in sde boker attests to the potential for regional integration and peace in the region in the framework of the abraham accords; welcomes the intention of holding this summit annually and calls on the vp/hr and the commission to use the positive momentum of the abraham accords to advance dialogue and cooperation in the region on support for the middle east peace process and the two-state solution; ### promote regional , sub-regional and bilateral integration in the southern mediterranean , in particular with a view to the removal of any border , transport or trade barriers between the countries of the region and actively promoting closer links and partnerships; takes the view that the recent negev foreign ministers summit in sde boker attests to the potential for regional integration and peace in the region in the framework of the historical abraham accords; welcomes the intention of holding this summit annually and calls on the vp/hr and the commission to support the normalisation of relations between israel and the arab states through the implementation and extension of the abraham accords and to use the positive momentum of it to advance dialogue and cooperation in the region on support for the middle east peace process and the two-state solution; reiterates its strong support for the abraham accords , which has normalised diplomatic relations between united arab emirates and bahrain and which has later led to morocco signing a normalisation agreement with israel; commends the role that the united states has played in facilitating the abraham accords;


### implement the new agenda for the mediterranean through dedicated dialogue and consultation with local and regional authorities , as well as reinforce the links between eu delegations and the euro-mediterranean regional and local assembly (arlem); recalls that these are important drivers for development and are closer to the people , so that implementation strategies can reach all communities , including those most disadvantaged geographically or in socioeconomic terms; ### implement the new agenda for the mediterranean through dedicated dialogue and consultation with local and regional authorities , as well as reinforce the links between eu delegations and the euro-mediterranean regional and local assembly (arlem); recalls that these are important drivers for development and are closer to the people , so that implementation strategies can reach all communities , including those most disadvantaged geographically or in socioeconomic terms; points , in this regard , to the need for eu delegations in the southern neighbourhood to increment contact with local and regional authorities and a cross-section of society , as drivers for territorial development , especially in their consultations with regard to eu priorities for partnership and investment in southern neighbourhood countries; reiterates its call on eu delegations in southern neighbourhood countries to set up high-level advisory councils reflecting the social , economic and political diversity of the country concerned and comprising economic , media , cultural , academic , civil society and prominent youth leaders , as well as social partners and leading human rights defenders from the country concerned and providing more reflective input of key stakeholders as regards eu policy priorities and the policy architecture devised by the eu;


### 2. instructs its president to forward this recommendation to the council , the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , the commission , the committee of the regions , the secretariat of the union for the mediterranean and its parliamentary assembly. ### 2. instructs its president to forward this recommendation to the council , the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , the commission , the committee of the regions , the secretariat of the union for the mediterranean and its parliamentary assembly , as well as the governments and parliaments of the member states of the european union and the states that are members of the union for the mediterranean and its parliamentary dimension.


### – having regard to the ‘strategic compass for security and defence - for a european union that protects its citizens , values and interests and contributes to international peace and security’ action plan , which was approved by the council on 21 march 2022 and endorsed by the european council on 25 march 2022 , ### – having regard to the ‘strategic compass for security and defence - for a european union that protects its citizens , values and interests and contributes to international peace and security’ , which was adopted by the council on 21 march 2022 and endorsed by the european council on 25 march 2022 ,


### d. whereas the eu must provide a clear pathway for countries seeking to join the eu; ### d. whereas the eu provides a clear pathway for countries seeking to join the eu; whereas the council has set conditions for albania to fulfil prior to the first intergovernmental conference; whereas the quality of the necessary reforms determines the timetable for accession;


### e. whereas albania should continue to press forward with the consolidation of democracy , the rule of law and human rights , including the protection of persons belonging to minorities; ### e. whereas albania should continue to press forward with the consolidation of democracy , the fight against corruption , the rule of law , and human rights , including the protection of persons belonging to minorities;


### e. whereas albania should continue to press forward with the consolidation of democracy , the rule of law and human rights , including the protection of persons belonging to minorities; ### e. whereas albania must continue to press forward with the consolidation of democracy , the rule of law and human rights , including the protection of persons belonging to minorities;


### f. whereas albania has fulfilled all the conditions for the scheduling of the first intergovernmental conference and is advancing in its accession process; ### f. whereas albania has actually not fulfilled all the 15 conditions for the scheduling of the first intergovernmental conference as for example the media law and could be advancing in its accession process once that the conditions are fulfilled;


### f. whereas albania has fulfilled all the conditions for the scheduling of the first intergovernmental conference and is advancing in its accession process; ### f. whereas albania has made sustained efforts to fulfil the conditions for the scheduling of the first intergovernmental conference and is advancing in its accession process;


### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , as continuously recommended by the commission , given that both countries have fulfilled the conditions and deliver sustained results across fundamental areas; ### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , as continuously recommended by the commission , given that both countries have fulfilled the conditions and deliver sustained results across fundamental areas; stresses that the opening of the negotiations would give credible impetus to other candidate countries in their reform efforts;


### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , as continuously recommended by the commission , given that both countries have fulfilled the conditions and deliver sustained results across fundamental areas; ### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , following the complete fulfilment of the conditions set by the european council , as continuously recommended by the commission , given that both countries deliver sustained results across fundamental areas;


### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , as continuously recommended by the commission , given that both countries have fulfilled the conditions and deliver sustained results across fundamental areas; ### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania , as continuously recommended by the commission , given that the country has fulfilled the conditions and deliver sustained results across fundamental areas;


### 4. underscores that the pace of eu accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of all institutions and is grounded in the rule of law , good governance and fundamental rights; urges albania to sustain and intensify efforts to reinforce the functioning of the judiciary , strengthen the rule of law , counter corruption and organised crime , and ensure media freedom; ### 4. recalls that albania’s eu accession depends on lasting , in-depth and irreversible reforms across fundamental areas , starting with the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions; underscores that the pace of eu accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of all institutions and is grounded in the rule of law , good governance and fundamental rights; urges albania to sustain and intensify efforts to reinforce the functioning of the judiciary , strengthen the rule of law and the economy , counter corruption and organised crime , and ensure media freedom;


### 4. underscores that the pace of eu accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of all institutions and is grounded in the rule of law , good governance and fundamental rights; urges albania to sustain and intensify efforts to reinforce the functioning of the judiciary , strengthen the rule of law , counter corruption and organised crime , and ensure media freedom; ### 4. underscores that the pace of eu accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of all institutions and is grounded in the rule of law , good governance and fundamental rights; urges albania to sustain and intensify efforts to reinforce the functioning of the judiciary , strengthen the rule of law and human rights , including the protection of persons belonging to minorities , counter corruption and organised crime , and ensure media freedom;


### 4. underscores that the pace of eu accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of all institutions and is grounded in the rule of law , good governance and fundamental rights; urges albania to sustain and intensify efforts to reinforce the functioning of the judiciary , strengthen the rule of law , counter corruption and organised crime , and ensure media freedom; ### 4. underscores that the pace of eu accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of all institutions and is grounded in the rule of law , good governance and fundamental rights; urges albania to sustain and intensify efforts to reinforce the functioning of the judiciary , strengthen democracy and the rule of law , counter corruption and organised crime , and ensure media freedom;


### 5. reaffirms the joint responsibility of albania’s political forces to strengthen constructive political dialogue and cooperation , enabling an effective functioning of the country’s democratic institutions by continuing to improve governance , transparency and pluralism and by enabling the participation of civil society; ### 5. reaffirms the joint responsibility of albania’s political forces to strengthen constructive political dialogue and cooperation , enabling an effective functioning of the country’s democratic institutions by continuing to improve governance , transparency and pluralism and by enabling the active participation of civil society; expresses its serious concern about the polarised political climate and lack of sustainable cross-party cooperation that continue to hamper the democratic process; encourages the use of the jean monnet dialogue (jmd) to build the consensus necessary for generating a democratic parliamentary culture and trust and to develop true inter-party dialogue;


### 5. reaffirms the joint responsibility of albania’s political forces to strengthen constructive political dialogue and cooperation , enabling an effective functioning of the country’s democratic institutions by continuing to improve governance , transparency and pluralism and by enabling the participation of civil society; ### 5. reaffirms the joint responsibility of albania’s political forces to strengthen constructive political dialogue and cooperation , enabling an effective functioning of the country’s democratic institutions by continuing to improve governance , transparency and pluralism and by enabling the participation of civil society; recalls the importance of reaching a consensus between all political actors on the importance of building a constructive parliamentary tradition and culture;


### 6. welcomes all efforts to reduce polarisation ahead of the 2021 general elections , which brought the opposition parties back into the political process; ### 6. welcomes all efforts to reduce polarisation ahead of the 2021 general elections , which brought the opposition parties back into the political process; regrets the unilateral changes of the constitution and electoral law by the ruling majority ahead of the general elections;


### 6. welcomes all efforts to reduce polarisation ahead of the 2021 general elections , which brought the opposition parties back into the political process; ### 6. welcomes all efforts to reduce polarisation ahead of the 2021 general elections , which brought the opposition parties back into the political process in parliament;


### 7. recalls the need to keep addressing the remaining electoral shortcomings by further improving the accessibility and integrity of elections , including through digitalisation , data protection , equitable access to media and revised rules on political party financing; ### 7. recalls the need to keep addressing the remaining electoral shortcomings by further improving the accessibility and integrity of elections , including through digitalisation , data protection , equitable access to media and revised rules on political party financing; is concerned by the osce/odihr findings of the government “misuse of administrative resources” to influence voters;


### 7. recalls the need to keep addressing the remaining electoral shortcomings by further improving the accessibility and integrity of elections , including through digitalisation , data protection , equitable access to media and revised rules on political party financing; ### 7. recalls the need to keep addressing the remaining electoral shortcomings as evidenced in the recommendations of the osce/odihr election monitoring reports to ensure by further improving the accessibility and integrity of elections , including through digitalisation , data protection , equitable access to media and revised rules on political party financing;


### 7. recalls the need to keep addressing the remaining electoral shortcomings by further improving the accessibility and integrity of elections , including through digitalisation , data protection , equitable access to media and revised rules on political party financing; ### 7. recalls the need to keep addressing the remaining electoral shortcomings by further improving the accessibility and integrity of elections preventing misuse of public administration/resources and vote-buying , including through digitalisation , data protection , equitable access to media and revised rules on political party financing;


### 8. expresses concern over the enduring inflammatory rhetoric , which fuels the culture of intimidation , smear campaigns , violence and rioting; ### 8. expresses concern over the enduring inflammatory rhetoric , which fuels the culture of intimidation , smear campaigns and violence;


### 9. encourages the government to accelerate administrative preparations for the upcoming accession negotiations; stresses the importance of having in place coherent government structures to effectively coordinate eu integration matters; underlines the need to improve intra-service coordination , evaluation and monitoring of eu-related reforms , to advance decentralisation , country-wide modernisation and depoliticisation of the civil service and to enable conditions to conduct the upcoming population census; ### 9. encourages the government to accelerate administrative preparations for the upcoming accession negotiations; stresses the importance of having in place coherent government structures to effectively coordinate eu integration matters; underlines the need to improve intra-service coordination , evaluation and monitoring of eu-related reforms , to advance decentralisation , country-wide modernisation and depoliticisation of the civil service and to enable conditions to conduct the upcoming population census; the census should be carried out in an atmosphere of trust and transparency , so that all national minorities can be counted accurately , without fear of intimidation;


### 9. encourages the government to accelerate administrative preparations for the upcoming accession negotiations; stresses the importance of having in place coherent government structures to effectively coordinate eu integration matters; underlines the need to improve intra-service coordination , evaluation and monitoring of eu-related reforms , to advance decentralisation , country-wide modernisation and depoliticisation of the civil service and to enable conditions to conduct the upcoming population census; ### 9. encourages the government to accelerate administrative preparations for the upcoming accession negotiations and to make the best possible use of assistance and transfer of know-how provided by eu member states in this regard; stresses the importance of having in place coherent government structures to effectively coordinate eu integration matters; underlines the need to improve intra-service coordination , evaluation and monitoring of eu-related reforms , to advance decentralisation , country-wide modernisation and depoliticisation of the civil service and to enable conditions to conduct the upcoming population census;


### 12. notes the need for further progress on freedom of expression , media independence and pluralism; requests authorities to take decisive action against the marginalisation of and intimidation against independent media outlets and reporters; repeats its calls to improve the working conditions of journalists and to adopt regulations enhancing transparency around media ownership , funding and public advertising; ### 12. notes that albania has fallen nine places in the reporters without borders world press freedom index since 2018; notes the need for progress on freedom of expression , media independence and pluralism; calls on albania to ensure a policy of zero tolerance for intimidation and attacks against journalists , and the media; requests authorities to take decisive action against the violence , intimidation , smear campaigns and indirect political and financial pressure directed at independent media outlets and reporters , which seriously stifle media freedom , induce self-censorship and gravely undermine efforts to uncover crime and corruption; repeats its calls to improve the working conditions of journalists and to adopt regulations enhancing transparency around media ownership , funding and public advertising;


### 13. recalls that any revision of media laws should be in line with the venice commission recommendations and should take place in a transparent and inclusive manner; ### 13. recalls that any revision of media laws should be in line with the venice commission recommendations and should take place in a transparent and inclusive manner; in this regard , reiterates its grave concerns about the previously proposed so-called ‘anti-defamation package’ , a legal act suffering from vagueness , that would likely have had a “chilling effect” suppressing free discussion and political speech in albania , according to the venice commission6a; welcomes that the parliament has initiated a process to review the current laws regarding the anti-defamation framework;


### 13. recalls that any revision of media laws should be in line with the venice commission recommendations and should take place in a transparent and inclusive manner; ### 13. calls on parliament to act on the media law in line with the venice commission recommendations and in a transparent and inclusive manner;


### 15. underlines that the newly established media and information agency should increase transparency and decentralisation and in no way inhibit journalists’ equal access to information from government sources; ### 15. is concerned by the newly established media and information agency , which should increase transparency and decentralisation and in no way inhibit journalists’ equal access to information from government sources;


### 15. underlines that the newly established media and information agency should increase transparency and decentralisation and in no way inhibit journalists’ equal access to information from government sources; ### 15. underlines that the newly established media and information agency should increase transparency and decentralisation and must in no way inhibit journalists’ equal access to information from government sources;


### 16. urges the relevant bodies to systematically and proactively prevent and prosecute all instances of hate speech , hate crimes and intimidation; ### 16. urges the relevant bodies to systematically and proactively prevent and prosecute all instances of hate speech , hate crimes and intimidation; encourages the office of the commissioner for protection from discrimination to be more proactive in combatting discriminatory hate speech , in particular against lgbti persons , and to develop disaggregated data collection on the matter;


### 16. urges the relevant bodies to systematically and proactively prevent and prosecute all instances of hate speech , hate crimes and intimidation; ### 16. urges the relevant bodies to systematically and proactively prevent , investigate and prosecute all instances of hate speech , hate crimes and intimidation;


### 17. welcomes advances in ensuring equal opportunities and calls for further improvements in the enforcement of gender equality , property rights , data protection , rights of people with disabilities and minority rights; ### 17. welcomes advances in ensuring equal opportunities and calls for further improvements in the enforcement of gender equality , property rights , data protection , rights of people with disabilities and minority rights; welcomes the adoption of the by-law on minority education from december 2020; calls on the government to adopt the remaining implementing legislation , including on self-identification and use of minority languages;


### 17. welcomes advances in ensuring equal opportunities and calls for further improvements in the enforcement of gender equality , property rights , data protection , rights of people with disabilities and minority rights; ### 17. welcomes advances in ensuring equal opportunities and calls for further improvements in the enforcement of gender equality , property rights , data protection , rights of people with disabilities and minority rights , including especially the rights of roma and lgbti persons , who are exposed to multiple discrimination;


### 17. welcomes advances in ensuring equal opportunities and calls for further improvements in the enforcement of gender equality , property rights , data protection , rights of people with disabilities and minority rights; ### 17. welcomes advances in ensuring equal opportunities and calls for further improvements in the enforcement of gender equality , data protection and rights of people with disabilities;


### 19. acknowledges the progress achieved in implementing the istanbul convention and calls on authorities to step up the prevention and responses to gender-based violence and femicide , to enhance support to survivors and to advance the prosecution of cases of harassment , domestic violence and violence against children; ### 19. acknowledges the progress achieved in implementing the istanbul convention and calls on authorities to step up the prevention and responses to gender-based violence and femicide , to enhance support to survivors and to advance the prosecution of cases of harassment , and domestic violence including violence against children; deplores that in albania , 60% of all sexual abuse cases are committed against children - refugee and migrant children , and children with disabilities are extremely vulnerable to violence , exploitation , stigmatization and abuse;


### 23. commends the steady progress in implementing a comprehensive justice reform , underpinned by the unprecedented vetting process , followed by a restored functionality of relevant courts; ### 23. commends the steady progress in implementing a comprehensive justice reform , underpinned by the unprecedented vetting process , followed by a restored functionality of relevant courts; welcomes the adoption by the albanian parliament to extend the mandates of the vetting institutions until the end of2024;


### 23. commends the steady progress in implementing a comprehensive justice reform , underpinned by the unprecedented vetting process , followed by a restored functionality of relevant courts; ### 23. commends the steady progress in implementing a comprehensive justice reform , underpinned by the unprecedented vetting process , followed by an improved functionality of relevant courts;


### 25. welcomes the work of the specialised structure for anti-corruption and organised crime (spak) and the spak courts in tackling corruption and organised crime; ### 25. welcomes the work of the specialised structure for anti-corruption and organised crime (spak) and the spak courts in tackling corruption and organised crime; underlines the importance of delivering tangible results in the form of successful prosecution of high-profile crimes , including corruption; deplores that convictions in cases involving high-level officials still remain limited , fostering a culture of impunity within the higher levels of the state; stresses the need to further increase seizure and confiscation of criminal assets stemming from corruption-related offences;


### 25. welcomes the work of the specialised structure for anti-corruption and organised crime (spak) and the spak courts in tackling corruption and organised crime; ### 25. welcomes the work of the specialised structure for anti-corruption and organised crime (spak) , including its courts in tackling corruption and organised crime;


### 27. welcomes the adoption of 10 laws aiming to further strengthen the efficiency of the judicial system and underlines the importance of additional measures such as the implementation of the judicial map , a new integrated case management system and a strengthened legal education system; ### 27. welcomes the adoption of 10 laws aiming to further strengthen the efficiency of the judicial system and underlines the importance of additional measures such as the implementation of the judicial map , a new integrated case management system and a strengthened legal education system; urges the government to take in consideration the opinion of all stakeholders for the new judiciary map , including the social-economic conditions of vulnerable groups;


### 28. underlines the importance of taking decisive action against money laundering by ensuring a consistent track record of proactive investigation , prosecution and final convictions for high-level corruption and confiscation of criminal assets; ### 28. underlines the importance of taking decisive action against money laundering and terrorist financing by ensuring a consistent track record of proactive investigation , prosecution and final convictions for high-level corruption and confiscation of criminal assets; stresses the need of further alignment of its legislation with the eu acquis is this regard:


### 28. underlines the importance of taking decisive action against money laundering by ensuring a consistent track record of proactive investigation , prosecution and final convictions for high-level corruption and confiscation of criminal assets; ### 28. underlines the importance of taking decisive action against money laundering by ensuring a consistent track record of proactive investigation , prosecution and final convictions for high-level corruption and confiscation of criminal assets; notes the criticism of the last moneyval report on the matter;


### 29. welcomes the ongoing efforts that should lead to systemic improvements in tackling the trafficking of humans , firearms and goods , along with cybercrime , violent crime , extremism and terrorist threats; commends the ongoing bilateral and international cooperation on dismantling transnational crime networks , including with the eu justice and home affairs agencies; ### 29. welcomes the ongoing efforts that should lead to systemic improvements in tackling organised crime , including the trafficking of humans , drugs , firearms and goods , along with cybercrime , violent crime , extremism and terrorist threats; commends the ongoing regional , bilateral and international cooperation on dismantling transnational crime networks , including with the eu justice and home affairs agencies , such as europol and eurojust; highlights that albania is the only country from the region that has signed cooperation agreements with all justice and home affairs agencies of the eu and that the first fully fledged joint operation with the european border and coast guard agency (frontex) outside the european union was deployed at the greek-albanian border in may 2019; commends that albania has allowed air monitoring by eu member state law enforcement services to detect production of narcotics;


### 29. welcomes the ongoing efforts that should lead to systemic improvements in tackling the trafficking of humans , firearms and goods , along with cybercrime , violent crime , extremism and terrorist threats; commends the ongoing bilateral and international cooperation on dismantling transnational crime networks , including with the eu justice and home affairs agencies; ### 29. welcomes the ongoing efforts that should lead to systemic improvements in tackling the trafficking of humans , firearms cultural property and other goods , along with cybercrime , violent crime , extremism and terrorist threats; commends the ongoing bilateral and international cooperation on dismantling transnational crime networks , including with the eu justice and home affairs agencies;


### 30. highlights eu funding of sustainable post-earthquake and post-pandemic recovery and supports the ongoing efforts towards albania’s democratic , green and digital transformation; underlines the need to step up eu funding for the rule of law , sustainable green growth , biodiversity , innovation , competitiveness , property rights and reversal of the demographic decline; ### 30. highlights eu funding of sustainable post-earthquake and post-pandemic recovery and supports the ongoing efforts towards albania’s democratic , green and digital transformation; underlines the need to step up eu assistance and funding for rule of law improvements , and encouraging sustainable green growth , biodiversity , innovation , competitiveness , property rights and reversal of the demographic decline;


### 31. underlines the importance of empowering the youth and welcomes the designation of tirana as the 2022 european youth capital; ### 31. underlines the importance of empowering the youth and welcomes the designation of tirana as the 2022 european youth capital; stresses the importance of the program of the european youth capital in the western balkans as this is an excellent opportunity to foster european integration and good neighbourly relations between youth from all over europe , while promoting cultural and linguistic diversity;


### 32. encourages the albanian authorities to reduce the risk of poverty and social exclusion by improving access to social and healthcare services , especially for disadvantaged populations; ### 32. encourages the albanian authorities to reduce the risk of poverty and social exclusion by improving access to social and healthcare services , especially for disadvantaged populations and minority groups;


### 33. recalls the conditionality of the eu funding under the ipa iii and the economic and investment plan for the western balkans; ### 33. recalls the conditionality of the eu funding under the ipa iii and the economic and investment plan for the western balkans; recognises the importance of ipa iii and eip for supporting reform process , sustainable connectivity , human capital , competitiveness and inclusive growth as well in reinforcing regional and cross-border cooperation;


### 35. recalls that substantial efforts are needed to enforce the goals relating to efficiency , security , diversification and greening of the energy supply and transport; ### 35. recalls that substantial efforts are needed to enforce the goals relating to efficiency , security , diversification and greening of the energy supply and transport; calls for the project around the port of durres to observe the stabilization and association agreement and the rights of the eu based undertakings;


### 38. welcomes the albanian government’s continued steps promoting good neighbourly relations and inclusive regional integration by developing a regional economic area; ### 38. encourages the albanian government to continue promoting good neighbourly relations , as well as enhancing inclusive regional integration by developing a regional economic area;


### a. whereas bih citizens aspire towards euro-atlantic integration for sustainable peace , democracy and prosperity; ### a. whereas bih citizens aspire towards euro-atlantic integration for sustainable peace , democracy and prosperity; whereas eu accession requires the engagement of all bih political leaders , authorities , institutions and office holders;


### b. whereas the eu is the biggest trade and investment partner of bih and its largest provider of financial assistance; ### b. whereas the eu is the biggest trade and investment partner of bih and its largest provider of financial assistance , notably through the instrument for pre-accession assistance (ipa iii);


### c. whereas bih’s progress on its eu accession path depends on the implementation of the 14 key priorities in the commission’s opinion on bih’s eu membership application , and whereas eu assistance should address the persistent lack of progress in that regard; ### c. whereas bosnia and herzegovina’s progress on its eu accession path depends on fulfilling the 14 key priorities set out in the commission opinion on its eu membership application , and whereas eu assistance should address the persistent lack of progress in that regard;


### d. whereas the office of the high representative (ohr) and eufor althea are integral in preserving peace; ### d. whereas since 2004 the european union maintains a military operation in bosnia and herzegovina – eufor althea – tasked with the executive mandate of the un security council to support the authorities in maintaining a safe and secure environment; whereas the international high representative and its office (ohr) remains tasked under annex 10 to the dayton peace agreement to oversee the implementation of the civilian aspects of the peace accords until completion of the 5+2 agenda set out in 2008; whereas the office of the high representative and eufor althea are integral in preserving peace;


### d. whereas the office of the high representative (ohr) and eufor althea are integral in preserving peace; ### d. whereas the office of the high representative (ohr) and eufor althea are integral in preserving peace in accordance with their mandates based in political neutrality and full respect for the constitution of bosnia and herzegovina;


### e. whereas all bih citizens should enjoy equal rights and obligations throughout bih territory; whereas the country has committed to international obligations to end systematic ethnicity and residence-based discrimination and ensure citizens’ equality before the law; ### e. whereas all constituent peoples and all citizens of bih should enjoy equal individual and collective rights and obligations throughout bih territory , also according to the annex 4 of the general framework agreement for peace in bosnia and herzegovina (dayton-paris peace agreement); whereas the country has committed to international and domestic obligations to end discrimination and ensure equal rights and representation of the constituent peoples and all of its citizens before the law;


### e. whereas all bih citizens should enjoy equal rights and obligations throughout bih territory; whereas the country has committed to international obligations to end systematic ethnicity and residence-based discrimination and ensure citizens’ equality before the law; ### e. whereas all bih citizens should enjoy equal rights and obligations throughout bih territory; whereas the country has committed to international obligations to end residence-based discrimination and ensure citizens’ equality before the law; whereas the nature of the state of bih should reflect that it is shared by three constituent peoples;


### e. whereas all bih citizens should enjoy equal rights and obligations throughout bih territory; whereas the country has committed to international obligations to end systematic ethnicity and residence-based discrimination and ensure citizens’ equality before the law; ### e. whereas all bih citizens should enjoy equal rights and obligations under the european convention on human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout bih territory; whereas the country has committed to international obligations to end systematic ethnicity and residence-based discrimination and ensure citizens’ equality before the law;


### f. whereas glorification of convicted war criminals , ethnic segregation and discrimination go against the very essence of the european project; whereas there is an urgent need to effectively outlaw denial of the holocaust , genocide , war crimes and crimes against humanity; ### f. whereas glorification of convicted war criminals , ethnic or religious segregation and discrimination go against the very essence of the european project; whereas there is an urgent need to effectively outlaw denial of the holocaust , genocide , war crimes , political persecutions and crimes against humanity regardless of the perpetrator;


### 1. underscores that the pace of eu accession is determined by the due functioning of democratic institutions , grounded in the rule of law , good governance and fundamental rights; ### 1. underscores that the pace of eu accession is determined by the due functioning of democratic institutions , grounded in the rule of law , good governance and fundamental rights and full implementation of dayton peace agreement;


### 2. urges bih to advance on the 14 key priorities by restoring the independence of the judiciary , strengthening the rule of law , intensifying the fight against corruption and organised crime , securing media freedom and an enabling environment for civil society , and protecting vulnerable groups; ### 2. urges bih and its political leaders to advance on the 14 key priorities by restoring the independence of the judiciary , strengthening the rule of law , intensifying the fight against corruption and organised crime , securing media freedom and an enabling environment for civil society , and protecting vulnerable groups; welcomes the progress achieved by the agreement on the rules of procedure for the eu-bih stabilisation and association parliamentary committee and elections in mostar held on 20 december 2020;


### 3. reiterates its clear support for bih’s democratic transformation through european integration , based on sovereignty and territorial integrity , grounded in the principles of equality and non-discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples as enshrined in the constitution; ### 3. reiterates its clear support for bih’s democratic transformation through european integration , based on sovereignty , federalism , constitutionality and territorial integrity , grounded in the principles of equality and non-discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples as enshrined in the constitution;


### 3. reiterates its clear support for bih’s democratic transformation through european integration , based on sovereignty and territorial integrity , grounded in the principles of equality and non-discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples as enshrined in the constitution; ### 3. reiterates its clear support for bih’s democratic transformation through european integration , based on sovereignty and territorial integrity , grounded in the principles of equality and non-discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples as enshrined in the constitution; recalls that according to article 4 teu the european union shall respect the national identities of member states , inherent in their fundamental structures , political and constitutional , inclusive of regional and local self-government;


### 3. reiterates its clear support for bih’s democratic transformation through european integration , based on sovereignty and territorial integrity , grounded in the principles of equality and non-discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples as enshrined in the constitution; ### 3. reiterates its clear support for bih’s democratic transformation through european integration , based on sovereignty and territorial integrity , grounded in the principles of equality and non-discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples , including political representation , as enshrined in the constitution;


### 4. stresses that enforcement of the dayton peace agreement includes the obligation to implement ohr decisions; ### 4. stresses that enforcement of the dayton peace agreement includes the obligation to adhere to the constitutional architecture of bosnia and herzegovina with respect for rights of all constituent peoples and citizens and obligation to implement ohr decisions;


### 4. stresses that enforcement of the dayton peace agreement includes the obligation to implement ohr decisions; ### 4. stresses that enforcement of the dayton peace agreement includes the obligation to implement ohr decisions; recalls that the european parliament strongly advocates the position of individual approach , full fulfilment of the set criteria and consistent and credible conditionality;


### 4. stresses that enforcement of the dayton peace agreement includes the obligation to implement ohr decisions; ### 4. stresses that enforcement of the dayton peace agreement includes the obligation to implement the high representative's decisions;


### 5. regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in bih and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balanced agreement , to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process; ### 5. regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in bih , that should allow the croats to elect the croation representative in the presidency , and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balanced agreement , to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process;


### 5. regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in bih and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balanced agreement , to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process; ### 5. regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in bih after several attempts and facilitating interventions from the european union and united states and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a compromise with a balanced agreement to avoid electoral engineering , to implement the decisions of the european court of human rights and the constitutional court of bosnia and herzegovina in order to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance based on legitimate representation of all constituent peoples and citizens and undisputed electoral legitimacy for all legislative and executive bodies regardless of their specific features defined by the constitution , and to ensure the transparency , legitimacy and integrity of the electoral process before the next general elections; urges the european union , united states and the international community to intensify their efforts in facilitation of a political agreement;


### 5. regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in bih and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balanced agreement , to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process; ### 5. regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in bih and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balanced agreement , to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process; stresses that the reform of the electoral law , which will guarantee the representation of the three constituent peoples , is a step towards establishing a functioning society and institutions;


### 5. regrets the impasse in negotiations on electoral law reform in bih and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balanced agreement , to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process; ### 5. regrets the impasse in negotiations on constitutional and electoral reform in bih and the lack of political will to overcome it; calls on all actors to promptly reach a balanced agreement , in line with european standards that would eliminate all forms of inequality and discrimination , to fulfil the constitutional duty of democratic governance and to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process;


### 6. strongly denounces the disregard for international and national norms and obligations , all hate rhetoric and disruptive action , including withdrawal from institutions , particularly by the leadership of the republika srpska entity , which destabilises the country , undermines its statehood in violation of the dayton peace agreement and systematically hampers decisions on key laws and reforms; rejects all attempts to form parallel parastatal institutions , which undermine state institutions , legal order , judicial independence and sovereignty; calls for a full , non-selective and unconditional return to all state institutions; ### 6. strongly denounces the disregard for international and national court decisions , norms and obligations , all hate rhetoric and disruptive action , including withdrawal from institutions , by the leadership of bosniak and serb parties in the house of peoples of the parliamentary assembly of bosnia and herzegovina , and particularly by the leadership of the republika srpska entity , which destabilises the country , undermines its statehood in violation of the dayton peace agreement and systematically hampers decisions on key laws and reforms; rejects all attempts to form parallel parastatal institutions , which undermine state institutions , legal order , judicial independence and sovereignty; calls for a full , non-selective and unconditional return to all state institutions , which should function in full accordance with the constitution and with full electoral legitimacy and procedural legality , including the central electoral commission;


### 6. strongly denounces the disregard for international and national norms and obligations , all hate rhetoric and disruptive action , including withdrawal from institutions , particularly by the leadership of the republika srpska entity , which destabilises the country , undermines its statehood in violation of the dayton peace agreement and systematically hampers decisions on key laws and reforms; rejects all attempts to form parallel parastatal institutions , which undermine state institutions , legal order , judicial independence and sovereignty; calls for a full , non-selective and unconditional return to all state institutions; ### 6. strongly denounces the disregard for international and national norms and obligations , all hate rhetoric and disruptive action , including withdrawal from institutions , particularly by the leadership of the republika srpska entity , which destabilises the country , undermines its statehood in violation of the dayton peace agreement and systematically hampers decisions on key laws and reforms; rejects all attempts to form parallel parastatal institutions , which undermine state institutions , legal order , judicial independence and sovereignty; calls for a full , non-selective and unconditional return to all state institutions; also denounces the unitarian concept of the state promoted by the bosniak leadership which is not in accordance with the fact that bosnia and herzegovina is composed of three equal constituent peoples and others and with the constitution of bosnia and herzegovina and the european legal acquis;


### 6. strongly denounces the disregard for international and national norms and obligations , all hate rhetoric and disruptive action , including withdrawal from institutions , particularly by the leadership of the republika srpska entity , which destabilises the country , undermines its statehood in violation of the dayton peace agreement and systematically hampers decisions on key laws and reforms; rejects all attempts to form parallel parastatal institutions , which undermine state institutions , legal order , judicial independence and sovereignty; calls for a full , non-selective and unconditional return to all state institutions; ### 6. strongly denounces the disregard for international and national norms and obligations , all hate rhetoric and disruptive action , including withdrawal from , blockage , boycott and obstruction of state institutions , particularly by the leadership of the republika srpska entity (rs) , which destabilises the country , undermines its statehood in violation of the constitution and the dayton peace agreement , systematically hampers decisions on key laws and reforms and jeopardises the country’s political commitment to the eu path; rejects all attempts to form parallel parastatal institutions , which undermine state institutions , legal order , judicial independence and sovereignty; calls for a full , non-selective and unconditional return to all state institutions;


### 7. calls for the eu and the international community to use all available tools , including targeted sanctions , against destabilising actors in the country; ### 7. calls upon the eu , its member states and the international community to follow the example set by the united states and the united kingdom and use all available tools , namely targeted sanctions , against destabilising actors in the country , including those threatening the territorial order of bosnia and herzegovina;


### 7. calls for the eu and the international community to use all available tools , including targeted sanctions , against destabilising actors in the country; ### 7. calls for the eu and the international community to use all available tools , including targeted sanctions , against destabilising actors in the country , including those hindering collective and individual political rights as per the constitution;


### 8. underlines that the eu future of bih depends on sustainable peace and genuine reconciliation , warranting its democratic , inclusive and multi-ethnic character; urges bih to expedite effective and impartial prosecution of war crimes under the revised national war crimes processing strategy; calls on all regional political leaders to set up the relevant commission (recom); ### 8. underlines that the eu future of bih depends on sustainable peace and genuine reconciliation , and the political representation of the three constituent peoples , warranting its democratic , inclusive and multi-ethnic character; urges bih to expedite effective and impartial prosecution of war crimes under the revised national war crimes processing strategy; calls on all regional political leaders to set up the relevant commission (recom);


### 8. underlines that the eu future of bih depends on sustainable peace and genuine reconciliation , warranting its democratic , inclusive and multi-ethnic character; urges bih to expedite effective and impartial prosecution of war crimes under the revised national war crimes processing strategy; calls on all regional political leaders to set up the relevant commission (recom); ### 8. underlines that the eu future of bih depends on sustainable peace and genuine reconciliation , warranting its democratic , inclusive , multi-national and multi-ethnic character according to the dayton peace agreement; urges bih to expedite effective and impartial prosecution of war crimes regardless of the perpetrator , under the revised national war crimes processing strategy; calls on all regional political leaders to set up the relevant commission (recom);


### 8. underlines that the eu future of bih depends on sustainable peace and genuine reconciliation , warranting its democratic , inclusive and multi-ethnic character; urges bih to expedite effective and impartial prosecution of war crimes under the revised national war crimes processing strategy; calls on all regional political leaders to set up the relevant commission (recom); ### 8. underlines that the eu future of bih depends on sustainable peace and genuine reconciliation , warranting its democratic , inclusive and multi-ethnic character; stresses that the persistent challenges in the reconciliation process should be addressed more vigorously; urges bih to expedite effective and impartial prosecution of war crimes under the revised national war crimes processing strategy; calls on all regional political leaders to set up the regional commission tasked with establishing facts about all victims of war crimes and other human rights violations committed on the territory of the former yugoslavia (recom) , building upon the significant work carried out by the coalition for recom;


### 10. welcomes the amendments to the bih criminal code outlawing the glorification of war criminals and the denial of genocide , crimes against humanity and war crimes; deplores any attempt not to implement this decision; strongly condemns all forms of historical revisionism , denial , or minimisation or glorification of war crimes including non-compliance with decisions of international and domestic tribunals; ### 10. welcomes the amendments to the bih criminal code enacted by the high representative outlawing the glorification of war criminals and the denial of genocide , crimes against humanity and war crimes; deplores any attempt not to implement this decision; strongly condemns all forms of historical revisionism , denial , or minimisation or glorification of war crimes including non-compliance with decisions of international and domestic tribunals;


### 11. urges bih’s political actors to make progress on reforms that are needed to bring the country closer to the eu; denounces all attempts to stall these reforms , thus endangering access to eu funding under ipa iii , which must be based on strict conditionality and depends on the cooperation of different authorities; ### 11. urges bih’s political actors to make progress on reforms that are needed to bring the country closer to the eu; denounces all attempts to stall these reforms , thus slowing bih’s compliance with the eu accession criteria and endangering access to eu funding under ipa iii , which must be based on strict conditionality and depends on the cooperation of different authorities; recalls that 600 million euros intended for financing projects on corridor 5c in republika srpska will be allocated only after representatives of the rs completely return to the bih institutions , and that the german government has decided to suspend four infrastructure projects in the same entity , worth a total of 105 million euros;


### 11. urges bih’s political actors to make progress on reforms that are needed to bring the country closer to the eu; denounces all attempts to stall these reforms , thus endangering access to eu funding under ipa iii , which must be based on strict conditionality and depends on the cooperation of different authorities; ### 11. urges bih’s political actors to make progress on judicial , electoral , administrative and economic reforms that are needed to bring the country closer to the eu; denounces all attempts to stall these reforms , thus endangering access to eu funding under ipa iii , which must be based on strict conditionality and depends on the cooperation of different authorities;


### 12. stresses the importance of holding elections this year as planned; ### 12. stresses the importance of holding elections this year as planned; calls for the necessary implementation of electoral reform in the run-up to the elections , in order to protect the guaranteed rights of the constituent peoples , enshrined in the dayton peace agreement;


### 12. stresses the importance of holding elections this year as planned; ### 12. stresses the importance of general elections this year as planned , based on fulfilment of necessary formal and legal preconditions in order to ensure unequivocal integrity and legitimacy of the election and election process in line with the constitution of bosnia and herzegovina and rulings of domestic and international courts;


### 12. stresses the importance of holding elections this year as planned; ### 12. stresses the importance of holding elections in 2022 , as planned in the electoral calendar; calls on the council of ministers to approve the provision of the necessary and appropriate funds for the organization of the elections; calls , furthermore , for parliamentary approval of election integrity legislation; urges all parties and political actors to take part in the electoral process , allowing citizens to express their democratic choice;


### 13. supports transparent and inclusive constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure equality and non-discrimination of all citizens , enhance accountability and transform bih into a fully functional and inclusive state by immediately implementing rulings , opinions and recommendations of competent courts and international bodies; supports transatlantic facilitation efforts to this end; ### 13. supports transparent and inclusive limited constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure equality and non-discrimination of all constituent peoples and citizens , enhance accountability and transform bih into a fully functional and inclusive pluralistic state by immediately implementing relevant rulings of domestic and international courts , and opinions and recommendations of competent international bodies; supports transatlantic and european facilitation efforts to this end and condemns all obstructions and inactivity of political actors in that regard;


### 13. supports transparent and inclusive constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure equality and non-discrimination of all citizens , enhance accountability and transform bih into a fully functional and inclusive state by immediately implementing rulings , opinions and recommendations of competent courts and international bodies; supports transatlantic facilitation efforts to this end; ### 13. supports transparent and inclusive constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure equality and non-discrimination of all citizens and constituent peoples; insists on the implementation of the decision of the constitutional court of bosnia and herzegovina on finding mechanisms so that none of the constituent peoples can elect political representatives of other constituent peoples , especially in the house of peoples; supports enhancing accountability and transforming bih into a fully functional and inclusive state by immediately implementing rulings , opinions and recommendations of competent courts and international bodies; supports transatlantic facilitation efforts to this end;


### 13. supports transparent and inclusive constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure equality and non-discrimination of all citizens , enhance accountability and transform bih into a fully functional and inclusive state by immediately implementing rulings , opinions and recommendations of competent courts and international bodies; supports transatlantic facilitation efforts to this end; ### 13. supports transparent and inclusive constitutional and electoral reforms to ensure equality and non-discrimination of all citizens , enhance accountability and transform bih into a fully functional and inclusive state by immediately implementing rulings , opinions and recommendations of competent courts and international bodies , inter alia the office for democratic institutions and human rights of the organisation for security and cooperation in europe (osce/odihr) , the venice commission and the council of europe’s group of states against corruption (greco)’s recommendations , as well as rulings of the european court of human rights (echr); stresses that by not implementing these rulings , namely in the sejdić-finci , zornić , pilav and šlaku cases , bih remains in breach of the european convention on human rights; supports transatlantic facilitation efforts to this end;


### 14. calls for the implementation of consistent country-wide merit-based civil service standards , enabling a streamlined , depoliticised and accountable public administration; ### 14. calls for the implementation of consistent country-wide merit-based civil service standards , enabling a streamlined , depoliticised and accountable public administration; calls for equal representation of all constituent peoples and citizens in the public service , companies and media outlets;


### 15. underlines the need to enhance internal and regional economic harmonisation and connectivity; calls for country-wide sector strategies , improvements to strategic planning , financial management , monitoring and evaluation , and the creation of control and audit structures; ### 15. underlines the need to enhance internal and regional economic harmonisation and connectivity , reduce fragmentation and enhance the common regional market for deepening integration across the western balkans;


### 15. underlines the need to enhance internal and regional economic harmonisation and connectivity; calls for country-wide sector strategies , improvements to strategic planning , financial management , monitoring and evaluation , and the creation of control and audit structures; ### 15. underlines the need to enhance internal and regional economic harmonisation and connectivity; calls for country-wide sector strategies , improvements to strategic planning , financial management , monitoring and evaluation , and the creation of control and audit structures; welcomes the european investments in road and rail infrastructure in bosnia and herzegovina , namely the development of corridor vc linking central europe to port of ploče on the adriatic coast;


### 16. recalls the need for laws on gas and electricity , renewables , energy efficiency and climate , and to step up environmental and nature protection; ### 16. recalls the need for improved laws on gas and electricity , renewables , energy efficiency and climate , and notes that progress in the areas of environmental and climate protection as well as alignment with eu standards has remained low; therefore urges bih’s authorities to ensure greater alignment with eu standards and policy objectives on climate protection and energy;


### 16. recalls the need for laws on gas and electricity , renewables , energy efficiency and climate , and to step up environmental and nature protection; ### 16. recalls the need to adopt laws on gas and electricity , renewables , energy efficiency and climate , leading to sustainable socio-economic transition from coal and mitigation of energy poverty , and to step up environmental and nature protection through the harmonisation of environmental laws and adopting an environmental protection strategy , in line with the european green deal’s zero emissions target for 2050 and the green agenda for the western balkans;;


### 17. calls for urgent action to tackle widespread selective justice , state capture , nepotism , cronyism , high-level corruption and criminal infiltration; reiterates the urgent need for judicial reform across bih to improve the professionalism and integrity of the judiciary; ### 17. calls for urgent action to tackle widespread selective justice , state capture , nepotism , cronyism , high-level corruption and criminal infiltration , including through the long overdue legislative updates governing judicial integrity , asset verifications , conflict of interest , public procurement , access to information , witness protection and the restructuring of state owned enterprises; reiterates the urgent need for judicial reform across bih to improve the professionalism , integrity , accountability and impartiality of the judiciary , ensure its independence from undue influence , and resolve the large backlog of cases pending trial; deplores the obstruction of such reform by political and judicial office holders; in this regard , urges the authorities to adopt a new justice sector reform strategy and action plan , as well as the new law on the high judicial and prosecutorial council and the new law on the courts of bosnia and herzegovina , in line with european standards;


### 17. calls for urgent action to tackle widespread selective justice , state capture , nepotism , cronyism , high-level corruption and criminal infiltration; reiterates the urgent need for judicial reform across bih to improve the professionalism and integrity of the judiciary; ### 17. calls for urgent action to tackle widespread selective justice , state capture , nepotism , cronyism , high-level corruption and criminal infiltration; reiterates the urgent need for judicial reform across bih to improve the professionalism and integrity of the judiciary and for administrative reform to eradicate corruption;


### 19. urges bih to strengthen and adequately fund anti-corruption structures , covering conflicts of interests and lobbying; ### 19. urges bih to strengthen and adequately fund anti-corruption structures , covering conflicts of interests and lobbying; recalls the need of unhindered investigations against illicit enrichment of public officials; underlines the importance of addressing greco’s recommendations in order to ensure detection and accountability;


### 20. underlines the poor cooperation of bih’s law enforcement agencies and their failure to effectively collaborate with europol , eurojust and the european public prosecutor’s office; welcomes bilateral efforts supported by europol and eurojust aimed at dismantling people smuggling networks; ### 20. underlines the dangers posed by poor cooperation of bih’s law enforcement agencies and their failure to effectively collaborate with europol , eurojust and the european public prosecutor’s office; welcomes bilateral efforts supported by europol and eurojust aimed at dismantling people smuggling networks; encourages establishing a firearms focal point;


### 21. deplores the continuing failure to safeguard media freedom and pluralism; insists on eliminating political interference and protecting journalists from intimidation with systematic judicial follow-up; ### 21. deplores the continuing failure to safeguard media freedom and pluralism; insists on eliminating political interference and protecting journalists from intimidation with systematic judicial follow-up; expresses its concern over the lack of a variety of traditional media channels , including television broadcasting; draws attention to the inadmissible practices of reducing the presence of certain constituent peoples in those same media and to the problem of biased and negatively toned reporting;


### 21. deplores the continuing failure to safeguard media freedom and pluralism; insists on eliminating political interference and protecting journalists from intimidation with systematic judicial follow-up; ### 21. deplores the continuing failure to safeguard media freedom and pluralism; insists on eliminating political interference and protecting journalists from intimidation with systematic judicial follow-up; expresses its concern about the financial sustainability and political independence of public broadcasters , notably of the bosnia and herzegovina national public broadcaster (bhrt); urges authorities to take action to identify a sustainable solution for bhrt’s funding problems and prevent its closure;


### 22. deplores threats from the authorities against civil society; condemns growing restrictions on freedom of expression in the republika srpska entity; ### 22. deplores threats from the authorities against civil society; condemns growing restrictions on freedom of expression in the republika srpska entity; also points out the lack of freedom of press and political influence on media in the entity of the federation of bosnia and herzegovina;