### 1. welcomes the historic results of the presidential election in 2020 and the parliamentary elections in 2021 , whereby the people of the republic of moldova gave a strong mandate to pro-reform and pro-european forces; urges the political leadership of the republic of moldova to seize this unique opportunity to implement long-overdue reforms and to advance european integration based on common values of democracy , respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms , and the rule of law; ### 1. welcomes the historic results of the presidential election in 2020 and the parliamentary elections in 2021 , whereby the people of the republic of moldova gave an overwhelming majority to pro-reform and pro-european forces , which are now fully responsible for the state; further encourages the eu institutions and political leadership of the republic of moldova to seize this unique opportunity to work together for the implementation of long-overdue reforms and to advance moldova's european integration based on commonly shared values of democracy , respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms , and the rule of law;


### 2. calls on the commission to increase its engagement with its moldovan counterparts and to maximise its political , technical and financial support to the republic of moldova during this crucial time in order to give further impetus to progress and to ensure adequate absorption capacity for eu assistance; ### 2. welcomes the intensified high level political dialogue with the moldovan authorities and calls on the commission to increase its engagement with its moldovan counterparts and to maximise its political , technical and financial support to the republic of moldova during this crucial time in order to give further impetus to progress and to ensure adequate absorption capacity for eu assistance;


### — having regard to council common position 2008/944/cfsp of 8 december 2008 defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment1 , ### deleted


### a. whereas the broader middle east region referred to in this report encompasses the area between the mediterranean sea and the persian gulf; whereas this region is strategic for the european union given its geographical position and common ties; whereas the stability and security of europe and the broader middle east region are interdependent , and whereas the situation in the region is currently characterised by ongoing conflicts with a strong regional dimension; ### a. whereas the countries in the broader middle east region referred to in this report , which encompasses the area between the mediterranean sea and the persian gulf , are very diverse; whereas this region is strategic for the european union given its geographical position and common ties and requires a long-term approach and coordinated policy; whereas the stability and security of europe and the broader middle east region are interdependent , and whereas the security situation in the region , currently characterised by ongoing conflicts with a strong regional dimension , is fragile and very concerning;


### b. whereas the influence and role of different eu member states in the region is very unequal , with strategies and agreements in the field of stability and security sometimes differing or promoting conflicting priorities; ### b. whereas the influence and role of different eu member states in the region is very unequal , with strategies and agreements in the field of stability and security sometimes differing or promoting conflicting priorities; whereas all eu member states share the common objective of security and stability , as well as promoting human rights and democracy;


### b. whereas the influence and role of different eu member states in the region is very unequal , with strategies and agreements in the field of stability and security sometimes differing or promoting conflicting priorities; ### b. whereas the influence and role of different eu member states in the region is very unequal because of their specific historic , cultural and socioeconomic ties;


### 2. notes that all 33 screened chapters have been opened , but regrets that none have been closed since 2017; encourages montenegro to specifically focus on meeting the interim benchmarks in chapters 23 and 24 and thereafter on closing chapters; ### 2. notes that all 33 screened chapters have been opened , but regrets that none have been closed since 2017 , slowing down montenegro's positive track record and status of most advanced western balkans country in its progress towards eu accession; welcomes montenegro's decision to accept the principles of the revised enlargement methodology and calls on montenegro to specifically focus on meeting the interim benchmarks in chapters 23 and 24 and thereafter on closing chapters;


### 3. calls for constructive and inclusive political dialogue and commitment of all parliamentary parties to overcome the current polarised political climate and strengthen the functioning of state institutions in order to achieve substantial progress in key eu-related reforms; ### 3. calls for constructive and inclusive political dialogue and commitment of all parliamentary parties to overcome the current polarised political climate and strengthen the functioning of state institutions in order to achieve substantial progress in key eu-related reforms; notes that a functioning parliamentary democracy is key for reform processes;


### 3. calls for constructive and inclusive political dialogue and commitment of all parliamentary parties to overcome the current polarised political climate and strengthen the functioning of state institutions in order to achieve substantial progress in key eu-related reforms; ### 3. calls for constructive and inclusive political dialogue and commitment of all parliamentary parties to overcome the current polarised political climate and strengthen the functioning of state institutions in order to achieve political stability and continue on its substantial progress in key eu-related reforms;


### 4. notes the vote of no confidence in the government on 4 february 2022 and the ensuing dismissal of the parliament’s speaker; calls for the formation of a new government as soon as possible and the election of a new speaker in line with the constitution , democratic norms and the pro-european aspirations of an overwhelming majority of montenegro’s citizens; ### 4. notes the vote of no confidence in the government on 4 february 2022 and the ensuing dismissal of the parliament’s speaker and eu-montenegro sapc co-chair; notes that the protracted political crisis has a direct impact on the speed and progress of montenegro’s eu-related reforms and , as a consequence , montenegro’s eu accession process; underlines the importance of continued respect for democratic processes , norms and standards; calls for the formation of a new government as soon as possible and the election of a new speaker and sapc co-chair in line with the constitution , democratic norms and the pro-european aspirations of an overwhelming majority of montenegro’s citizens;


### 4. notes the vote of no confidence in the government on 4 february 2022 and the ensuing dismissal of the parliament’s speaker; calls for the formation of a new government as soon as possible and the election of a new speaker in line with the constitution , democratic norms and the pro-european aspirations of an overwhelming majority of montenegro’s citizens; ### 4. notes the vote of no confidence in the government on 4 february 2022 and the ensuing dismissal of the parliament’s speaker; calls for the formation of a new government as soon as possible and the election of a new speaker in line with the constitution , democratic norms and the pro-european aspirations of an overwhelming majority of montenegro’s citizens; calls for resumption of dialogue between all political , religious and social stakeholders , as well as for consensus on key reform issues to foster the country's overall progress towards the eu;


### 4. notes the vote of no confidence in the government on 4 february 2022 and the ensuing dismissal of the parliament’s speaker; calls for the formation of a new government as soon as possible and the election of a new speaker in line with the constitution , democratic norms and the pro-european aspirations of an overwhelming majority of montenegro’s citizens; ### 4. notes the vote of no confidence in the government on 4 february 2022 and the ensuing dismissal of the parliament’s speaker; calls for the formation of a new government as soon as possible and the election of a new speaker in line with the constitution , democratic norms and the pro-european aspirations of an overwhelming majority of montenegro’s citizens; notes that the president proposed ura leader dritan abazović as prime minister-designate and entrusted him with the formation of a government on 3 march 2022;


### 5. notes the protests against possible minority government organised by the democratic front and strongly condemns the support expressed for the russian federation on the day of the start of russian aggression against ukraine; recalls russia’s persistent interest in destabilising the country; ### 5. strongly condemns the support expressed for the russian federation by some political leaders on the day of the start of russian war against ukraine; recalls russia’s persistent and continuous interest in destabilising the country through the spread of manipulative disinformation and influence on state and non-state actors;


### 5. notes the protests against possible minority government organised by the democratic front and strongly condemns the support expressed for the russian federation on the day of the start of russian aggression against ukraine; recalls russia’s persistent interest in destabilising the country; ### 5. notes the protests against possible minority government organised by the democratic front and strongly condemns the support expressed for the russian federation on the day of the start of russian aggression against ukraine; recalls russia’s persistent interest in destabilising the country and diverting it from its european path;


### 6. regrets that key positions in negotiating structures have remained vacant for a long time; urges the authorities to re-establish a fully functional negotiating structure as soon as possible; ### 6. regrets that key positions in negotiating structures have remained vacant for a long time; urges the authorities to re-establish a fully functional negotiating structure as soon as possible; the delayed appointment of the head of montenegro’s mission to the eu and the appointment of key negotiators by clusters must be followed by other institutions' steps in order to ensure a more dynamic accession process;


### 7. welcomes montenegro’s continued and full alignment with eu common foreign and security policy , including its announcement of support for the latest eu sanctions against russia , and its active participation in eu common security and defence policy missions and operations; ### 7. welcomes montenegro’s continued and full alignment with eu common foreign and security policy , including its announcement of support for the latest eu sanctions against russia , and its active participation in eu common security and defence policy missions and operations; notes that this applies to banning sputnik and russia today in montenegro;


### 7. welcomes montenegro’s continued and full alignment with eu common foreign and security policy , including its announcement of support for the latest eu sanctions against russia , and its active participation in eu common security and defence policy missions and operations; ### 7. welcomes montenegro’s continued and full alignment with eu common foreign and security policy , including its condemnation of the russian invasion of ukraine and its announcement of support for the latest eu sanctions against russia , and its active participation in eu common security and defence policy missions and operations , as well as in other international missions;


### 8. encourages montenegro to make best use of the eu funds available under the pre-accession instrument (ipa iii) and the economic and investment plan for the western balkans; ### 8. encourages montenegro to make best use of the eu funds available under the pre-accession instrument (ipa iii) and the economic and investment plan for the western balkans;


### 9. is deeply concerned by the continuing political tensions between and within the executive and legislative powers , and by the boycott of the parliament , which continues to slow down the reform process; ### 9. is deeply concerned by the continuing political tensions between and within the executive and legislative powers , and by the boycott of the parliament , which continues to slow down the reform process; underlines the importance of paving the way towards a stable parliamentary majority;


### 10. is concerned about the lack of progress on judicial reform , including on the still pending appointments to key independent institutions and the judiciary; encourages the montenegrin authorities to fully implement the venice commission’s recommendations concerning the risks of politicisation of the prosecutorial council; ### 10. is concerned about the lack of progress on judicial reform , including on the still pending appointments to key independent institutions and the judiciary; encourages the montenegrin authorities to fully implement the venice commission’s recommendations concerning the risks of politicisation of the prosecutorial council; encourages follow-up on recommendations by council of europe group of states against corruption (greco) linked to judiciary; notes the appointment of the new prosecutorial council in december 2021 and the appointment of judges of the supreme court and the court of appeals in march 2022;


### 11. reiterates its strong recommendation that montenegro should hold local elections simultaneously across the country; ### 11. reiterates its strong recommendation that montenegro should hold local elections simultaneously across the country; in this respect , welcomes all parliamentary decisions aiming to unite the election dates for local elections;


### 12. is worried about widespread corruption and urges montenegro to boost the criminal justice response to high-level corruption and create conditions for the effective and independent functioning of judicial institutions and independent bodies dealing with corruption; ### 12. is worried about widespread corruption and urges montenegro to boost the criminal justice response to high-level corruption and create conditions for the effective and independent functioning of judicial institutions and independent bodies dealing with corruption; calls on montenegrin authorities to launch thorough investigations into any wrongdoing exposed by the pandora papers;


### 12. is worried about widespread corruption and urges montenegro to boost the criminal justice response to high-level corruption and create conditions for the effective and independent functioning of judicial institutions and independent bodies dealing with corruption; ### 12. is worried about widespread corruption and urges montenegro to boost the criminal justice response to high-level corruption and create conditions for the effective and independent functioning of judicial institutions and independent bodies dealing with corruption; deplores that the poor working conditions , hampering the efficient functioning of the spo , remain unaddressed;


### 14. encourages further strengthening civil society participation in reforms and ensuring functional consultation and cooperation mechanisms; ### 14. encourages further strengthening civil society participation in reforms and ensuring functional consultation and cooperation mechanisms and by improving the legal and institutional frameworks;


### 15. welcomes the first citizens’ assembly organised on 4 november 2021 by the parliament of montenegro in cooperation with the european parliament; ### 15. welcomes the first citizens’ assembly organised on 4 november 2021 by the parliament of montenegro in cooperation with the european parliament; welcomed the active participation of citizens in the assembly on 4 november and their commitment to designing anti-corruption policies; calls on parliamentarians to follow up on the conclusions of the first citizens’ assembly;


### 16. notes the limited progress on freedom of expression; encourages montenegro to step up its efforts to fight disinformation , hate speech , online harassment , politically-biased reporting and foreign influence in the montenegrin media; ### 16. notes the limited progress on freedom of expression; encourages montenegro to step up its efforts to fight disinformation , hate speech , online harassment , politically-biased reporting and foreign influence in the montenegrin media; underlines the importance of exchange of best practices between the eu member states and montenegro in order to identify worrying developments at an early stage and develop adequate countermeasures against the spread of manipulative disinformation , in particular coming from third countries;


### 17. expresses concern about the high degree of polarisation in the media landscape , in particular the growing volume of disinformation spreading ethno-nationalist narratives that negatively impact democratic processes in the country; ### 17. expresses concern about the high degree of polarisation in the media landscape , in particular the growing volume of disinformation spreading ethno-nationalist narratives that negatively impact democratic processes in the country; underlines the importance of media freedom and independence , quality of reporting and improving media literacy as key in fighting manipulative disinformation; calls for the strengthening of european cooperation with montenegro on addressing disinformation , and cyber and hybrid threats that seek to undermine the european perspective of the region; welcomes montenegro’s interest in cooperating with the eu via the european democracy action plan (edap) in this regard;


### 17. expresses concern about the high degree of polarisation in the media landscape , in particular the growing volume of disinformation spreading ethno-nationalist narratives that negatively impact democratic processes in the country; ### 17. expresses concern about the high degree of polarisation in the media landscape , in particular the growing volume of foreign and domestic disinformation campaigns spreading ethno-nationalist narratives that negatively impact democratic processes in the country thus endangering its european perspective;


### 18. strongly condemns attacks and harassment of journalists and calls for them to be investigated , sanctioned and for there to be effective judicial follow-up; welcomes the proposal to introduce tougher penalties for threats to or attacks on journalists; ### 18. strongly condemns attacks and harassment of journalists and calls for them to be investigated , sanctioned and for there to be effective judicial follow-up; welcomes the adoption of the criminal code amendments to introduce tougher penalties for threats to or attacks on journalists;


### 19. welcomes some positive steps , such as an ad hoc commission for monitoring violence against the media , the revision of laws on media and on the public broadcaster rtcg , and public consultations on a media strategy for 2021-2025; ### 19. welcomes some positive steps , such as an ad hoc commission for monitoring violence against the media , the revision of laws on media and on the public broadcaster rtcg , and public consultations on a media strategy for 2021-2025; ; underlines the importance of operational independence of montenegro’s media regulators and public service broadcaster;


### 20. condemns all violent acts during the demonstrations in cetinje linked to the inauguration of the head of the serbian orthodox church; condemns serbian interference in this regard; ### 20. condemns all violent acts during the demonstrations in cetinje linked to the inauguration of the head of the metropolitanate of montenegro and the littoral of the serbian orthodox church; condemns interference and disinformation from third countries in this regard;


### 21. notes that the population and housing census is likely to take place this year , and expects it to be conducted in line with eu and international standards; ### 21. notes that the population and housing census is likely to take place this year , and expects it to be conducted in line with eu and international standards; notes that the census needs to be conducted in an open and transparent way where all recognised national minorities are counted properly without fear of intimidation;


### 22. notes that gender-based violence and violence against children is still of serious concern; ### 22. notes that gender-based violence and violence against children is still of serious concern; calls for improving specialised support services for women and disadvantaged groups; condemns the killings of three women by their partners in a short period of time; notes that these cases were previously reported to the police and to the prosecutor's office; urges montenegrin authorities to investigate fully these cases and ensure judicial follow-up; welcomes the proposal to introduce tougher penalties for violence against women and children; welcomes the establishing of the council for the rights of the child;


### 22. notes that gender-based violence and violence against children is still of serious concern; ### 22. notes that gender-based violence and violence against children is still of serious concern; stresses the need of further improvement of the treatment of children in civil proceedings and child friendly justice; deplores the insufficient protection of victims , in particular women and children;


### 23. welcomes progress on the protection and promotion of lgbtiq rights and the first same-sex marriage in july 2021; ### 23. welcomes progress on the protection and promotion of lgbtiq rights and the first same-sex registered partnership in july 2021; calls on the government to continue making the appropriate amendments to other laws and bylaws required for the full implementation of the law on registered partnership , which continue to pose problems for some partners’ access to it; underlines that the promotion of lgbtiq rights is a responsibility of the ministry of justice , human and minority rights , and is therefore concerned that neither the national lgbti strategy nor lgbti rights are referenced in the description of its directorates work programmes;


### 23. welcomes progress on the protection and promotion of lgbtiq rights and the first same-sex marriage in july 2021; ### 23. welcomes progress on the protection and promotion of lgbtiq rights and the first same-sex marriage in july 2021; welcomes the peaceful organisation of pride in 2021;


### 24. regrets that persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination; notes that the reform of the national disability determination system is under way; ### 24. regrets that persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination; notes that the reform of the national disability determination system is under way; deplores that alignment of the national legislation with the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities is not yet ensured: gaps remain to be addressed with respect to mainstreaming the rights of persons with disabilities across sectors and policies; stresses the urgent need of a de-institutionalisation strategy;


### 24. regrets that persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination; notes that the reform of the national disability determination system is under way; ### 24. regrets that persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination; stresses the need to improve the access to healthcare services for persons with disabilities; calls on the authorities to take all the necessary measures in order to ensure a better access to the labour market for these persons; notes that the reform of the national disability determination system is under way;


### 27. calls on the montenegrin authorities to take concrete steps to build resilience and cybersecurity as it faces increasing pressure from third country interference; ### 27. calls on the montenegrin authorities to take concrete steps to build resilience and cybersecurity as it faces increasing pressure from third country interference; welcomes the new cyber security strategy of montenegro 2022-2026 and calls for legislative process establishing the cyber security agency to move forward without delay;


### 28. expresses its concern about the persistently high unemployment rate; reiterates the need for better alignment of the education system with the job market; ### 28. expresses its concern about the persistently high unemployment rate; reiterates the need for better alignment of the education system with the job market; notes the recovery of the labour market linked to the economy projections; welcomes the youth guarantee programme;


### 30. expresses concern over montenegro’s growing vulnerability owing to the increase of its public debt , in particular to china , and the new eur 750 million loan taken by the government without consulting the parliament; ### 30. expresses concern over montenegro’s sustainable macroeconomic stability and growing vulnerability owing to the increase of its public debt , in particular to china , and the new eur 750 million loan taken by the government without consulting the parliament; calls on the european commission to follow up on the macroeconomic situation and vulnerability in the next country report; notes that investments by third countries and foreign companies in strategic sectors may post a risk of creating unwarranted economic dependencies;


### 31. notes with concern the negative impact of the covid-19 pandemic on montenegro’s economy; ### 31. notes with concern the negative impact of the covid-19 pandemic on montenegro’s economy; welcomes the encouraging signs of montenegro’s economic recovery in 2021; however calls for more sustainable economic and financial planning by the future government of montenegro;


### 34. urges montenegro to take more action to prevent money laundering , strongly condemns the so-called ‘golden passport’ scheme and regrets its extension until december 2022; stresses that citizenship by investment carries security risks and potential for corruption , money laundering and tax evasion; ### 34. urges montenegro to take more action to prevent money laundering , strongly condemns the so-called ‘golden passport’ scheme and regrets its extension until december 2022; calls on the immediate termination of the citizenship by investment scheme; stresses that citizenship by investment carries security risks and potential for corruption , money laundering and tax evasion; notes with concern that between 07 december 2020 to 15 february 2022 , the government reportedly awarded almost 200 citizenships to russian nationals;


### 35. welcomes the adoption of a national climate change adaptation plan and encourages montenegro to speed up reforms in line with the eu’s 2020 climate and energy policy framework; ### 35. welcomes the adoption of a national climate change adaptation plan and encourages montenegro to speed up reforms in line with the eu’s 2020 climate and energy policy framework; calls on effective using of eu pre-accession assistance in moving towards closing benchmarks of chapter 27 - environment and climate change;


### 36. reiterates its call on montenegro to take urgent measures to preserve protected areas , and to continue identifying potential natura 2000 sites; ### 36. reiterates its call on montenegro to take urgent measures to effectively conserve protected areas; welcomes the designation of three marine protected areas in montenegro (platamuni , katič and stari ulcinj); expresses its concern over developments in the tara river basin biosphere reserve; encourages to continue identifying potential natura 2000 sites; welcomes the stopping of military use in the sinjajevina mountain; notes however that the legal status of sinjajevina needs to be further clarified;


### 37. notes with regret the damage to the tara river linked to building the bar-boljare highway; calls on montenegro to closely monitor the environmental impact of transport infrastructure construction; ### 37. notes with regret the damage to the tara river linked to building the bar-boljare highway; calls on montenegro to closely monitor the environmental impact of transport infrastructure construction; underlines that in the western balkans , the construction sector is among the most vulnerable to organized crime and corruption; is concerned that there is no action taken on the highway case bar-boljare in montenegro in spite of unclear public procurement procedures , lack of proper planning documentation , extraordinary prices and ecological concerns;


### b. whereas in order to achieve the strategic objective of developing its global leadership role , the eu must continue to take the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities , in particular its partnership with the un , and its comprehensive and open cooperation with nato and other like-minded countries , and in protecting and promoting democracy and human rights globally; ### b. whereas in order to achieve the strategic objective of developing its global leadership role , the eu must continue to take the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities , in particular its partnership with the un , and its comprehensive , coherent and open cooperation with nato , as a foremost security guarantor in europe , and other like-minded countries , and in protecting and promoting democracy , the rule of law and human rights globally;


### b. whereas in order to achieve the strategic objective of developing its global leadership role , the eu must continue to take the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities , in particular its partnership with the un , and its comprehensive and open cooperation with nato and other like-minded countries , and in protecting and promoting democracy and human rights globally; ### b. whereas in order to achieve the strategic objective of developing its global leadership role , the eu must continue to take the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities , in particular its partnership with the un , and its comprehensive and open cooperation with nato and other like-minded countries , and in protecting and promoting freedom , democracy and human rights globally;


### c. whereas the time is ripe to reform eu decision-making , making full and more effective use of the eu’s hard and soft power instruments , including by introducing qualified majority voting for decision-making in certain eu foreign policy areas such as human rights and the protection of international law , while also ensuring that the eu’s external and internal actions are coherently interlinked; ### c. whereas the time is ripe to ensure that the eu makes full use of the treaty provisions to ensure a consistent and dynamic eu foreign policy , including in areas such as human rights and the protection of international law , while also ensuring that the eu’s external and internal actions are coherently interlinked;


### c. whereas the time is ripe to reform eu decision-making , making full and more effective use of the eu’s hard and soft power instruments , including by introducing qualified majority voting for decision-making in certain eu foreign policy areas such as human rights and the protection of international law , while also ensuring that the eu’s external and internal actions are coherently interlinked; ### c. whereas the time is ripe to reform eu decision-making , making full and more effective use of the eu’s hard and soft power instruments , including by introducing qualified majority voting for decision-making in certain eu foreign policy areas such as human rights and the protection of international law without further delay , while also ensuring that the eu’s external and internal actions are coherently interlinked;


### c. whereas the time is ripe to reform eu decision-making , making full and more effective use of the eu’s hard and soft power instruments , including by introducing qualified majority voting for decision-making in certain eu foreign policy areas such as human rights and the protection of international law , while also ensuring that the eu’s external and internal actions are coherently interlinked; ### c. whereas the time is ripe to reform eu decision-making , making full and more effective use of the eu’s hard and soft power instruments , including by introducing qualified majority voting for decision-making in certain eu foreign policy areas such as sanctions , human rights and the protection of international law , while also ensuring that the eu’s external and internal actions are coherently interlinked;


### d. whereas the role of the eeas is at the heart of implementing the necessary reforms of the eu’s foreign , security and defence policies; ### d. whereas the role of the eeas is at the heart of implementing the necessary reforms of the eu’s foreign , security and defence policies; whereas these reforms should strengthen the eu's role as a more pro-active and resilient actor within the international order;


### d. whereas the role of the eeas is at the heart of implementing the necessary reforms of the eu’s foreign , security and defence policies; ### d. whereas the role of the eeas is at the heart of implementing the eu’s foreign , security and defence policies;


### e. whereas the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the russian federation against ukraine since 24 february 2022 is a blatant violation of international law , the un charter and the principles enshrined in the helsinki final act of 1975 and the budapest memorandum of 1994 , and seriously undermines european and global security and stability; ### e. whereas the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the russian federation against ukraine since 24 february 2022 is a blatant violation of international law , the un charter and the principles enshrined in the helsinki final act of 1975 and the budapest memorandum of 1994 , and seriously undermines european and global security and stability; whereas russia's unprovoked , unjustified and illegal war of agression against ukraine fundamentally changes the security landscape in europe including through increasing instability in eu's neighbourhood; whereas this new reality underlines the urgent need to prioritise eu's effectiveness of its foreign and security policy through increasing its ability to act to protect our values and interests;


### e. whereas the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the russian federation against ukraine since 24 february 2022 is a blatant violation of international law , the un charter and the principles enshrined in the helsinki final act of 1975 and the budapest memorandum of 1994 , and seriously undermines european and global security and stability; ### e. whereas the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the russian federation against ukraine since 24 february 2022 is a blatant violation of international law , the un charter and the principles enshrined in the helsinki final act of 1975 and the budapest memorandum of 1994 , and seriously undermines european and global security and stability; whereas fighting impunity amongst the high-ranking officials in russia and other actors who have contributed to the war of aggression in ukraine is vital;


### e. whereas the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the russian federation against ukraine since 24 february 2022 is a blatant violation of international law , the un charter and the principles enshrined in the helsinki final act of 1975 and the budapest memorandum of 1994 , and seriously undermines european and global security and stability; ### e. whereas the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the russian federation against ukraine since 24 february 2022 is a blatant violation of international law , the un charter and the principles enshrined in the helsinki final act of 1975 and the budapest memorandum of 1994 , and seriously undermines european and global security and stability; whereas the un general assembly has adopted several resolutions condemning russia's aggression against ukraine;


### e. whereas the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the russian federation against ukraine since 24 february 2022 is a blatant violation of international law , the un charter and the principles enshrined in the helsinki final act of 1975 and the budapest memorandum of 1994 , and seriously undermines european and global security and stability; ### e. whereas the unprovoked , unjustified and illegal military aggression by the russian federation against ukraine since 24 february 2022 is a blatant violation of international law , the un charter and the principles enshrined in the helsinki final act of 1975 and the budapest memorandum of 1994 , and seriously undermines european and global security and stability;


### f. whereas parliament’s determination and resolve to protect and defend the union and the values and principles for which it stands , including the principle of territorial integrity , national sovereignty and the rules-based international order , must be matched by adequate decision-making and institutional structures for external actions; ### f. whereas parliament’s determination and resolve to protect and defend the union and the values and principles for which it stands , including the principle of territorial integrity , national sovereignty and the rules-based international order , must be matched by adequate decision-making , institutional structures for external actions , and political will;


### g. whereas the structure of the eeas should be reformed , using the pragmatic space created by the recent crises and whereas these reforms should clarify some of the unclear boundaries between the eeas , the commission , the council and the structures of the member states; ### g. whereas the structure of the eeas should be reformed , using the pragmatic space created by the recent crises and whereas these reforms should allow the eu to adapt to the current geopolitical context and clarify some of the unclear boundaries between the eeas , the commission , the council and the structures of the member states;


### — having regard to the reports of the european commission against racism and intolerance (ecri) of the council of europe , ### — having regard to the reports of the european commission against racism and intolerance (ecri) of the council of europe , notably the 2016 country monitoring report on armenia1a and its adopted 2019 conclusions on the adoption of the recommendations ,1b


### — having regard to the stabilisation and association agreement (saa) between the european union and the european atomic energy community , of the one part , and kosovo , of the other part , which entered into force on 1 april 20161 , ### — having regard to the stabilisation and association agreement (saa) between the european union and the european atomic energy community , of the one part , and kosovo* , of the other part , which entered into force on 1 april 20161 ,


### — having regard to un security council resolution 1244 of 10 june 1999 , to the international court of justice (icj) advisory opinion of 22 july 2010 on the accordance with international law of the unilateral declaration of independence in respect of kosovo , and to un general assembly resolution 64/298 of 9 september2010 , which acknowledged the content of the icj opinion , and welcomed the eu’s readiness to facilitate dialogue between serbia and kosovo , ### — having regard to un security council resolution 1244 of 10 june 1999 , to the international court of justice (icj) advisory opinion of 22 july 2010 on the accordance with international law of the unilateral declaration of independence in respect of kosovo , and to un general assembly resolution 64/298 of 9 september2010 ,


### — having regard to the first agreement on principles governing the normalisation of relations between the governments of serbia and kosovo of 19 april 2013 , to the agreements of 25 august 2015 , and to the ongoing eu-facilitated dialogue for the normalisation of relations , ### — having regard to the first agreement on principles governing the normalisation of relations between serbia and kosovo of 19 april 2013 , to the agreements of 25 august 2015 , and to the ongoing eu-facilitated dialogue for the normalisation of relations ,


### — having regard to its previous resolutions on the country , ### — having regard to its previous resolutions on kosovo ,


### — having regard to its resolution of 25 march 2021 on the 2019-2020 commission reports on kosovo7 , ### deleted


### a. whereas each enlargement country is judged on its own merits and whereas it is the implementation of the necessary reforms that determines the timetable and progress of accession; ### deleted


### c. whereas a comprehensive legally binding normalisation agreement between serbia and kosovo is crucial for both countries to advance on their respective european paths; ### c. whereas normalisation between serbia and kosovo is crucial to advance in their european perspective;


### d. whereas kosovo has not been granted visa liberalisation , although all benchmarks have been fulfilled since 2018; ### d. whereas kosovo has not been granted visa liberalisation;


### 1. welcomes kosovo’s commitment to advance on eu-related reforms and the overwhelming public support for european integration; ### 1. welcomes kosovo’s continued and strong commitment to advance on eu-related reforms and the overwhelming consensus among political parties , as well as overwhelming public support for european integration and identity; welcomes the population's pro-western spirit and the rate of progress with regards to eu-related reforms;


### 1. welcomes kosovo’s commitment to advance on eu-related reforms and the overwhelming public support for european integration; ### 1. welcomes kosovo’s commitment to advance on eu-related reforms and the overwhelming public support for european integration; without prejudice to member states' positions on status;


### 2. welcomes the adoption of the action plan of the european reform agenda ii and the national programme for the implementation of the stabilisation and association agreement; underlines the need to strengthen the administrative capacities and to put in place a coherent coordination structure within the kosovo institutions for their effective implementation; ### 2. takes note of the adoption of the action plan of the european reform agenda ii and the programme for the implementation of the stabilisation and association agreement;


### 2. welcomes the adoption of the action plan of the european reform agenda ii and the national programme for the implementation of the stabilisation and association agreement; underlines the need to strengthen the administrative capacities and to put in place a coherent coordination structure within the kosovo institutions for their effective implementation; ### 2. welcomes the growing political stability and strong commitment of the government to further advance on its european path as demonstrated by adoption of the action plan of the european reform agenda ii and the national programme for the implementation of the stabilisation and association agreement; underlines the need to strengthen the administrative capacities and to put in place a coherent coordination structure within the kosovo institutions for their effective implementation;


### 3. welcomes the peaceful and orderly conduct of the municipal elections of 17 october and 14 november 2021; regrets , however , the low representation of women and the limited political competition in the kosovo-serb municipalities; ### 3. welcomes the peaceful and orderly conduct of the municipal elections of 17 october and 14 november 2021; regrets , however , the low representation of women on ballots and the limited political competition in the kosovo-serb municipalities;


### 4. calls on kosovo to address the long-standing deficiencies in the electoral process; deplores the fact that many of the recommendations issued by previous eu election observation missions since 2013 remain unaddressed; ### 4. welcomes the approval by the assembly for the establishment of the ad-hoc commission for electoral reforms on 13 april 2021; calls on kosovo to address the long-standing deficiencies in the electoral process; deplores the fact that many of the recommendations issued by previous eu election observation missions since 2013 remain unaddressed;


### 5. reiterates its call on the council to proceed urgently with the adoption of a visa-free regime for the citizens of kosovo; ### deleted


### 5. reiterates its call on the council to proceed urgently with the adoption of a visa-free regime for the citizens of kosovo; ### 5. reiterates its call on the council to proceed urgently with the adoption of a visa-free regime for the citizens of kosovo; notes that the lack of visa-liberalisation hinders the implementation of eu programmes; notes that further delay could further undermine the eu's credibility and thus also impact the dialogue between kosovo and serbia;


### 5. reiterates its call on the council to proceed urgently with the adoption of a visa-free regime for the citizens of kosovo; ### 5. reiterates its call on the council to proceed urgently with the adoption of a visa-free regime for the citizens of kosovo; stresses the potential that visa liberalisation could have in bringing kosovo closer to the eu by facilitating travel , cultural and educational exchanges , as well as business;


### 6. fully supports kosovo’s intention to apply for membership of the council of europe; ### deleted


### 7. notes also kosovo’s intention to apply for membership of the european union in 2022 , but stresses that there is no fast-track procedure and that the normalisation of relations with serbia is necessary for kosovo to advance on its european path; ### deleted


### 7. notes also kosovo’s intention to apply for membership of the european union in 2022 , but stresses that there is no fast-track procedure and that the normalisation of relations with serbia is necessary for kosovo to advance on its european path; ### 7. notes also kosovo’s intention to apply for membership of the european union in 2022 , but stresses that there is no fast-track procedure and that the normalisation of relations with serbia is necessary for kosovo to advance on its european path; reminds that all countries aspiring to become a member states will be judged on their own progress and merits in terms of fulfilment , implementation and complying with the set of criteria and common european values;


### 7. notes also kosovo’s intention to apply for membership of the european union in 2022 , but stresses that there is no fast-track procedure and that the normalisation of relations with serbia is necessary for kosovo to advance on its european path; ### 7. notes also kosovo’s intention to apply for membership of the european union in 2022 and aim for candidate status according to the official procedure and that the normalisation of relations with serbia based on mutual recognition is necessary for kosovo to advance on its european path;


### 8. regrets the fact that five eu member states have not yet recognised kosovo and reiterates its call for them to do so; ### deleted


### 8. regrets the fact that five eu member states have not yet recognised kosovo and reiterates its call for them to do so; ### 8. notes the fact that five eu member states have not yet recognised kosovo; stresses that while the independence of kosovo is irreversible , the normalisation of relations between kosovo and serbia will facilitate the eu integration of both;


### 8. regrets the fact that five eu member states have not yet recognised kosovo and reiterates its call for them to do so; ### 8. welcomes the fact that israel has recognized kosovo on 4 september 2020; however , strongly regrets the fact that five eu member states have not yet recognised kosovo and reiterates its call for them to do so immediately;


### 8. regrets the fact that five eu member states have not yet recognised kosovo and reiterates its call for them to do so; ### 8. regrets the fact that five eu member states have not yet recognised kosovo and reiterates its call for them to do so and reaffirm its european perspective;


### 9. welcomes the adoption of the resolution of the assembly of kosovo strongly condemning the military aggression and the invasion of ukraine by the russian federation , and commends kosovo for its alignment with the eu by adopting sanctions against russia; ### 9. welcomes the adoption of the resolution of the assembly of kosovo strongly condemning the military aggression and the invasion of ukraine by the russian federation , and commends kosovo for its alignment with the eu by adopting sanctions against russia; welcomes kosovo's readiness to host ukrainian refugees and the adoption of measures to support them; welcomes the implementation of the "journalists in residence" programme that enables ukrainian journalists to live and work in kosovo;


### 10. welcomes the increased efforts to fight corruption; commends kosovo for having moved up 17 places on transparency international’s corruption perceptions index for 2021; encourages kosovo to continue improving its track record in the fight against high-level corruption and organised crime; ### 10. welcomes the increased efforts to fight corruption and the progress in adapting the legal framework on the rule of law; commends kosovo for having moved up 17 places on transparency international’s corruption perceptions index for 2021; encourages kosovo to continue improving its track record in the fight against high-level corruption and organised crime; calls on the kosovar authorities to continue strengthening the investigation and prosecution of organised crime cases including cases of trafficking in human beings and drug trafficking;


### 11. is concerned that the judiciary continues to be inefficient and vulnerable to political interference; welcomes , in this respect , the proposals for the reform of the prosecutorial system and underlines that the opinion of the venice commission should be fully taken into account in their implementation; ### 11. is concerned that the judiciary continues to be inefficient and vulnerable to political interference; stresses the importance of improving the accountability and transparency of kosovo’s judicial system; welcomes , in this respect , the proposals for the reform of the prosecutorial system and underlines that the opinion of the venice commission should be fully taken into account in their implementation;


### — having regard to the eu-western balkans summit , held in brdo pri kranju on 6 october 2021 , and its declaration , ### — having regard to the eu-western balkans summit , held in sofia , zagreb and brdo pri kranju in 2018 , 2020 and 2021 , and its declarations ,


### a. whereas european integration represents the aspirations of citizens of north macedonia towards democracy and prosperity and serves as a powerful catalyst for reforms; ### a. whereas european integration represents the aspirations of citizens of north macedonia towards democracy and prosperity and serves as a powerful catalyst for reforms , economic growth and regional reconciliation;


### c. whereas north macedonia has been a candidate country since 2005; ### c. whereas north macedonia has been a candidate country since 2005; whereas it has made consistent progress and has shown dedicated commitment on its path towards the eu resulting in the decision of the council of 26 march 2020 to open accession negotiations;


### e. whereas the eu remains fully committed to supporting north macedonia’s strategic choice of european integration; ### e. whereas the eu remains fully committed to supporting north macedonia’s strategic choice of european integration , notably through the ipa iii , economic plan for the western balkans and macro-financial assistance;


### 1. reiterates its clear support for north macedonia’s democratic transformation , underpinned by its strategic orientation and unwavering commitment to european integration; ### 1. reiterates its clear support for north macedonia’s democratic transformation , underpinned by its strategic orientation and unwavering commitment to european integration , as manifested by continued work on its eu accession reform agenda and the full implementation of the prespa agreement that entered into force on 12 february 2019 and enabled north macedonia's nato membership and the resumption of accession negotiations with the eu;


### 1. reiterates its clear support for north macedonia’s democratic transformation , underpinned by its strategic orientation and unwavering commitment to european integration; ### 1. reiterates its clear support for north macedonia’s democratic transformation , underpinned by its strategic pro-european orientation , unwavering commitment to european values and the process of eu integration;


### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered 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 , given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered sustained results across fundamental areas; calls for swift resumption of negotiations between north macedonia and bulgaria , under the auspices of the eu , to resolve bilateral issues in order to reach a compromise that would lead to the start of accession negotiations;


### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered sustained results across fundamental areas; ### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia as soon as possible , given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered sustained results across fundamental areas; expects that negotiations with the republic of north macedonia will start only after the country delivers convincing guarantees on the implementation of the good neighbourly relations treaty;


### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered sustained results across fundamental areas; ### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by immediately opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered sustained results across fundamental areas; underlines the necessity of the start of accession negotiations in regards to the geostrategic perspective of the european union with russia;


### 3. commends north macedonia on its steady progress on the path towards eu membership , its commitment to multiculturalism and inter-ethnic harmony , and its continued positive bilateral engagement; ### 3. commends north macedonia on its steady progress on the path towards eu membership , its commitment to multiculturalism and inter-ethnic harmony , and its continued positive bilateral engagement; in this regard stresses the importance of current political arrangement reached under the ohrid framework agreement for peace and stability of the country;


### 3. commends north macedonia on its steady progress on the path towards eu membership , its commitment to multiculturalism and inter-ethnic harmony , and its continued positive bilateral engagement; ### 3. commends north macedonia on its steady progress on the path towards eu membership , its commitment to meeting the obligations arising from the ohrid agreement framework in ensuring multiculturalism and inter-ethnic harmony , and its continued positive bilateral engagement;


### 3. commends north macedonia on its steady progress on the path towards eu membership , its commitment to multiculturalism and inter-ethnic harmony , and its continued positive bilateral engagement; ### 3. commends north macedonia on its steady progress on the path towards eu membership , its commitment to multiculturalism and inter-ethnic harmony , and its continued bilateral engagement;


### 4. urges north macedonia to sustain and intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence , counter corruption , reform its public administration and consolidate media freedom; ### 4. urges north macedonia to sustain and intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence , counter corruption , the protection of human rights , reform its public administration and consolidate media freedom;


### 5. welcomes the fact that north macedonia continues to demonstrate the best democratic transition record across the western balkan region , with a marked improvement in transparency , political dialogue and electoral competitiveness; ### 5. welcomes the fact that north macedonia continues to demonstrate commitment to a good democratic transition with a marked improvement in transparency , political dialogue and electoral competitiveness;


### 7. reaffirms the need to maintain constructive engagement with and a broad cross-party consensus on eu-related reforms , by strengthening the capacities of the assembly of north macedonia (sobranie); urges lawmakers to swiftly implement the commitments made under the jean monnet dialogue process; ### 7. reaffirms the need to maintain constructive engagement with and a broad cross-party consensus , especially between government and opposition , on eu-related reforms , by strengthening the capacities of the assembly of north macedonia (sobranie); recalls the important role of the jean monnet dialogue (jmd) in strengthening the ability of political leaders to develop true inter-party dialogue and to build the consensus necessary for generating a democratic parliamentary culture and trust; welcomes the strong cross-party commitment to the process; urges lawmakers to swiftly implement the commitments made under the jean monnet dialogue process;


### 7. reaffirms the need to maintain constructive engagement with and a broad cross-party consensus on eu-related reforms , by strengthening the capacities of the assembly of north macedonia (sobranie); urges lawmakers to swiftly implement the commitments made under the jean monnet dialogue process; ### 7. reaffirms the need to maintain constructive engagement with and a broad cross-party consensus on eu-related reforms , by strengthening the capacities of the assembly of north macedonia (sobranie); welcomes north macedonia's continued political commitment to the jean monnet dialogue process and urges lawmakers to swiftly implement the commitments made under the jean monnet dialogue process;


### 8. welcomes the increasing transparency and accountability of the sobranie and urges it to improve legislative quality and minimise the use of fast-track procedures; ### 8. welcomes the increasing transparency and accountability of the sobranie and urges it to improve legislative quality and minimise the use of fast-track procedures and reduce polarisation in the parliament;


### 9. stresses the need to finalise the electoral reform in a timely fashion; ### 9. stresses the need to finalise the electoral reform and to address the outstanding recommendations from osce/odihr and the venice commissionin a timely fashion;


### 9. stresses the need to finalise the electoral reform in a timely fashion; ### 9. stresses the need to finalise electoral reforms in a timely fashion;


### 11. calls for the continued modernisation of a merit-based public administration , streamlined intra-service coordination and improved local governance; ### 11. calls for the continued modernisation of an accountable , merit-based public administration , streamlined intra-service coordination and improved local governance;


### 12. welcomes the implementation of the 2021 population census; ### 12. notes with interest the implementation of the 2021 population census , while expecting the publication of its results soon;


### 15. recalls the need to reform the legal framework for online and offline media in order to strengthen their independence , transparency of ownership , financial sustainability and self-regulation; ### 15. recalls the need to reform the legal framework for online and offline media in order to strengthen their independence , resilience from government and private interference , transparency of ownership , financial sustainability and self-regulation;


### 19. recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism , fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech , disinformation and foreign interference campaigns; ### 19. recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism , fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech , disinformation and foreign interference campaigns; calls for initiatives to foster a media environment free from external influences and conducive to a professional media conduct , including investigative journalism;


### 19. recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism , fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech , disinformation and foreign interference campaigns; ### 19. recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism , fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech , disinformation and foreign interference campaigns; underlines the importance of institutional cooperation for setting up an effective framework to fight manipulative disinformation;


### 19. recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism , fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech , disinformation and foreign interference campaigns; ### 19. recalls the need to strengthen independent investigative journalism , non-biased fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech , disinformation and foreign interference campaigns;


### 20. commends the government’s efforts to improve engagement with civil society and calls for a framework to ensure the financial sustainability of civil society organisations; ### 20. commends the government’s efforts to improve engagement with civil society and calls for a framework to ensure the financial sustainability of civil society organisations; strongly welcomes in this optic the creation of the inter-party parliamentary group for improvement of the rights of lgbti people , which constitutes a positive synergy between civil society and institutions;


### 20. commends the government’s efforts to improve engagement with civil society and calls for a framework to ensure the financial sustainability of civil society organisations; ### 20. commends the government’s efforts to improve engagement with civil society and calls for a framework to ensure the financial sustainability of civil society organisations , including those representing the defending the rights of the various ethinc communities in the country;;


### 21. notes the improvements in ensuring women’s rights and gender-responsive policies; welcomes the adoption of the law aimed at preventing violence against women and domestic violence and encourages the alignment of the penal code with the istanbul convention; ### 21. notes the improvements in ensuring women’s rights and gender-responsive policies; welcomes the adoption of the law aimed at preventing violence against women and domestic violence and encourages the alignment of the penal code with the istanbul convention; encourages the country to fully implement the work of preventing violence , protecting victims of crime and prosecuting perpetrators;


### 22. encourages ongoing steps to build trust in inter-community relations and the functioning of a multi-ethnic society , while recalling the importance of upholding the rights of non-majority communities and tackling all instances of discrimination; ### 22. encourages ongoing steps to build trust in inter-community relations and the functioning of a multi-ethnic society by fully guaranteeing the rights of all ethnic communities in the country , including through appropriate constitutional and legislative amendments , while recalling the importance of upholding the rights of non-majority communities and effectively tackling all instances of discrimination;


### 22. encourages ongoing steps to build trust in inter-community relations and the functioning of a multi-ethnic society , while recalling the importance of upholding the rights of non-majority communities and tackling all instances of discrimination; ### 22. encourages ongoing steps to build trust in inter-community relations and the functioning of a multi-ethnic society , while recalling the importance of upholding the rights of non-majority communities and tackling all instances of discrimination; therefore calls north macedonia to protect and promote cultural heritage , languages and traditions of its national minorities;


### 23. calls for further improvements in the enforcement of the rights to self-identification , property and inclusive intercultural education , the rights of people with disabilities and minority rights; ### 23. calls for further improvements in the enforcement of the rights to self-identification , property and inclusive intercultural education , the rights of people with disabilities and minority rights; calls on north macedonia to provide equal and non-discriminatory education in minority languages , dedicated media space in the state and local outlets as well to ensure equal opportunities , adequate representation in political life , public administration and the judiciary;


### 23. calls for further improvements in the enforcement of the rights to self-identification , property and inclusive intercultural education , the rights of people with disabilities and minority rights; ### 23. calls for further improvements in the enforcement of the rights to self-identification , property and inclusive intercultural education , the rights of people with disabilities and minority rights , especially regarding the roma minority;


### 24. urges the relevant bodies to proactively prevent and systematically prosecute all instances of hate speech , hate crimes and intimidation , to thoroughly investigate related attacks and to ensure the safety and security of their targets , such as journalists , people belonging to minorities and other vulnerable groups; ### 24. urges the relevant bodies to proactively prevent and systematically prosecute all instances of hate speech , hate crimes and intimidation , to thoroughly investigate related attacks and to ensure the safety and security of their targets , such as journalists , people belonging to minorities and other vulnerable groups , strongly urges the media outlets and the authorities of the republic of north macedonia to deter from utilizing and publicizing hate speech against eu member states and its closest neighbours;


### 24. urges the relevant bodies to proactively prevent and systematically prosecute all instances of hate speech , hate crimes and intimidation , to thoroughly investigate related attacks and to ensure the safety and security of their targets , such as journalists , people belonging to minorities and other vulnerable groups; ### 24. urges the relevant bodies to proactively prevent and systematically prosecute all instances of hate speech , hate crimes and intimidation , to thoroughly investigate related attacks and to ensure the safety and security of their targets , such as journalists , people belonging to minorities and other vulnerable groups; calls for the government and the judiciary to improve institutional capacity in this area and ensure increasing hate speech is addressed in accordance with international standards;


### 25. welcomes north macedonia’s membership of the international holocaust remembrance alliance; recalls the need to open up yugoslav secret service archives in order to vigorously address communist-era crimes across the region; ### 25. welcomes north macedonia’s membership of the international holocaust remembrance alliance; recalls the need to open up yugoslav secret service archives , kept both in skopje and in belgrade , in order to vigorously address communist-era crimes across the region; takes the view that transparent handling of the totalitarian past , including the opening-up of the archives of the secret services , is a step towards further democratization , accountability and institutional strength in both the country and the western balkan region as a whole;


### 25. welcomes north macedonia’s membership of the international holocaust remembrance alliance; recalls the need to open up yugoslav secret service archives in order to vigorously address communist-era crimes across the region; ### 25. welcomes north macedonia’s membership of the international holocaust remembrance alliance; recalls the need to open up yugoslav secret service (udba) archives in order to address and research communist-era crimes and criminal organisations across the region;


### 26. calls for the eu to boost its support for humanitarian assistance and border protection in the region; reiterates its calls for north macedonia to improve migration management and reception conditions; ### 26. calls for the eu to boost its support for humanitarian assistance and border protection in the region; reiterates its calls for north macedonia to improve migration management and reception conditions; recalls the need to adopt a systematic approach to fight migrant smuggling and irregular migratory flows;


### 26. calls for the eu to boost its support for humanitarian assistance and border protection in the region; reiterates its calls for north macedonia to improve migration management and reception conditions; ### 26. calls for the eu to boost its support for humanitarian assistance and border protection in the region; commends north macedonia's efforts in hosting refugees and reiterates its calls to improve migration management and reception conditions;


### 32. encourages the finalisation of the security and intelligence sector reform; calls for the whistle-blower protection mechanism to be updated and the lobbying law to be implemented effectively; ### 32. calls for the finalisation of the security and intelligence sector reform; calls for the whistle-blower protection mechanism to be updated and the lobbying law to be implemented effectively;


### 33. underlines the importance of delivering justice in major lawsuits related to the abuse of office , corruption and terror , including the april 2017 attacks against the sobranie , illegal wiretapping and extortion; ### 33. underlines the importance of delivering justice in major lawsuits related to the abuse of office , police impunity , corruption and terror , including the april 2017 attacks against the sobranie , illegal wiretapping and extortion;


### 35. calls for decisive action against money laundering and financial crime; urges the strengthening of the capacity of law enforcement bodies to fight organised crime; ### 35. calls for decisive action against money laundering and financial crime and for enhanced coordination with europol; urges the strengthening of the capacity of law enforcement bodies to fight organised crime;


### 36. welcomes the sustained progress made so far , which should lead to systemic improvements in tackling the trafficking of humans , drugs , firearms and goods , along with cybercrime and surveillance , violent crime , extremism and terrorist threats; urges north macedonia to strengthen its resilience to hybrid threats and fake news; ### 36. welcomes the sustained progress made so far , which should lead to systemic improvements in tackling the trafficking of humans , drugs , firearms and goods , along with cybercrime and surveillance , violent crime , extremism and terrorist threats; urges north macedonia to strengthen its resilience to hybrid threats and fake news and to foster closer cooperation with eu and international agencies , including with eurojust , europol and frontex;


### 36. welcomes the sustained progress made so far , which should lead to systemic improvements in tackling the trafficking of humans , drugs , firearms and goods , along with cybercrime and surveillance , violent crime , extremism and terrorist threats; urges north macedonia to strengthen its resilience to hybrid threats and fake news; ### 36. welcomes the sustained progress made so far , which should lead to systemic improvements in tackling the trafficking of humans , drugs , firearms and goods , along with cybercrime and surveillance , violent crime , extremism , radicalisation and terrorist threats; urges north macedonia to strengthen its resilience to hybrid threats and fake news;


### 43. urges the country to step up efforts to upgrade transport and energy infrastructure and regional connectivity , including rail and road corridors and gas and electricity interconnectors; ### 43. urges the country to step up efforts to upgrade transport and energy infrastructure and regional connectivity , including rail and road corridors and gas and electricity interconnectors; reiterates the importance of the speedy completion of major regional infrastructure projects , most notably the railway and highway corridor viii , linking north macedonia with bulgaria and albania , the gas interconnectors with bulgaria , kosovo and serbia , and the electricity interconnector with albania;


### 44. welcomes the north macedonia’s commitment to solidarity , multilateralism and good neighbourly relations; expresses support for continued steps to promote both people-to-people contacts across south-east europe and regional integration by developing the common regional market; ### 44. welcomes the north macedonia’s commitment to solidarity , multilateralism and good neighbourly relations; expresses support for european integration and continued steps to promote both people-to-people contacts across the western balkans and regional integration by developing the common regional market;


### 45. welcomes north macedonia’s continued commitment to euro-atlantic security; commends the country’s increasing alignment with the eu’s foreign , security and defence policy and invites it to align itself with the restrictive measures related to russia; welcomes its continued contributions to eu crisis management missions and operations; ### 45. welcomes north macedonia’s continued commitment to euro-atlantic security; commends the country’s increasing alignment with the eu’s foreign , security and defence policy; encourages north macedonia to increase further its alignment with cfsp; in light of the russian war in ukraine , underlines the importance of aligning itself with the restrictive measures related to russia; welcomes its continued contributions to eu crisis management missions and operations;


### 45. welcomes north macedonia’s continued commitment to euro-atlantic security; commends the country’s increasing alignment with the eu’s foreign , security and defence policy and invites it to align itself with the restrictive measures related to russia; welcomes its continued contributions to eu crisis management missions and operations; ### 45. welcomes north macedonia’s continued commitment to euro-atlantic security framework; commends the country’s increasing alignment with the eu’s foreign , security and defence policy; welcomes north macedonia's support for territorial integrity and sovereignty of ukraine and its full support and implementation of sanctions against russia; welcomes its continued contributions to eu crisis management missions and operations;


### 46. welcomes the ongoing process of historical reconciliation with neighbouring countries; ### 46. welcomes the ongoing process of historical reconciliation with neighbouring countries; recalls the importance of a constructive political dialogue to achieve improved and closer relations;


### 47. strongly welcomes the political impetus for a renewed dialogue between bulgaria and north macedonia and encourages the partners to accelerate engagement in good faith in order to reach an acceptable compromise , thereby bringing societies closer together by enabling a common future in the eu; ### 47. strongly welcomes the political impetus for a renewed dialogue between bulgaria and north macedonia and encourages the partners to accelerate engagement in good faith in order to reach sustainable results in the implementation in good faith of the treaty of friendship , good neighbourliness and cooperation , thereby bringing societies closer together by enabling a common future in the eu; encourages bulgaria and the republic of north macedonia to reach a compromise over a roadmap of concrete measures , which will be included in the negotiations framework , its implementation will be regularly assessed by the commission during the negotiations process;


### 47. strongly welcomes the political impetus for a renewed dialogue between bulgaria and north macedonia and encourages the partners to accelerate engagement in good faith in order to reach an acceptable compromise , thereby bringing societies closer together by enabling a common future in the eu; ### 47. strongly welcomes the political impetus for a renewed dialogue between bulgaria and north macedonia and encourages the partners to accelerate engagement in good faith in order to reach an acceptable compromise , thereby bringing societies closer together by enabling a common future in the eu; therefore calls on the commission and the eu special representative for the belgrade-pristina dialogue and other western balkan regional issues to intensify their efforts in facilitating dialogue , and thus pave the way to a viable and sustainable agreement;


### — having regard to the united nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples and the international labour organization (ilo) indigenous and tribal peoples convention , 1989 (no. 169) , ### — having regard to the united nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples ,


### — having regard to the council conclusions of 17 june 2019 on the eu human rights guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation , ### — having regard to the council conclusions of 17 june 2019 on the eu human rights guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation , and of 19 november 2021 on water in the eu’s external action ,


### — having regard to the report of the committee on foreign affairs (a9-0000/2021) , ### deleted


### a. whereas resolution 64/292 of the un general assembly recognises ‘the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights’; whereas the absence of water is incompatible with life and both rights are essential for a dignified life; ### a. whereas resolution 64/292 of the un general assembly recognises ‘the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights’; whereas water is indispensable for life and essential for a dignified life; whereas water has also a strong cultural , spiritual and religious dimension due to its fundamental role in society’s life;


### a. whereas resolution 64/292 of the un general assembly recognises ‘the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights’; whereas the absence of water is incompatible with life and both rights are essential for a dignified life; ### a. whereas resolution 64/292 of the un general assembly recognises ‘the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights’; whereas the absence of water is incompatible with life and both rights are essential for a dignified life; whereas access to water creates propitious conditions for economic development and these conditions will allow vulnerable people to gain financial independence;


### b. whereas the denial of the human right to water has repercussions on enjoyment of the right to health; considering that contaminated water , the inadequate management of urban , industrial and agricultural wastewater and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of serious diseases and even death; ### b. whereas the lack of access to water has repercussions on enjoyment of the right to health; considering that contaminated water , the inadequate management of urban , industrial and agricultural wastewater and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of serious diseases and even death;


### b. whereas the denial of the human right to water has repercussions on enjoyment of the right to health; considering that contaminated water , the inadequate management of urban , industrial and agricultural wastewater and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of serious diseases and even death; ### b. whereas the not upholding of the human right to water has repercussions on enjoyment of the right to health; considering that contaminated water , the inadequate management of urban , industrial and agricultural wastewater and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of serious diseases and even death;


### b. whereas the denial of the human right to water has repercussions on enjoyment of the right to health; considering that contaminated water , the inadequate management of urban , industrial and agricultural wastewater and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of serious diseases and even death; ### b. whereas the denial of the human right to water has repercussions on enjoyment of the right to health; considering that contaminated water , the inadequate management of wastewater and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of serious diseases and even death;


### c. whereas the human right to water is linked to the right to education; whereas children , in most cases girls , have to walk miles every day to fetch water , which prevents them from attending school; whereas girls are also forced to drop out of school when they are unable to access gender-appropriate toilets and manage their menstruation in a dignified manner; ### c. whereas the lack of respect for , protection of and compliance with the rights to water and sanitation often hinder the right to education; whereas children , in many cases girls , have to walk miles every day to fetch water , which prevents millions of children around the world from attending school; whereas many children stop going to school because of illnesses linked to contaminated water or to poor hygiene practices; whereas girls are also forced to drop out of school when they are unable to access toilets appropriate to their needs;


### c. whereas the human right to water is linked to the right to education; whereas children , in most cases girls , have to walk miles every day to fetch water , which prevents them from attending school; whereas girls are also forced to drop out of school when they are unable to access gender-appropriate toilets and manage their menstruation in a dignified manner; ### c. whereas the human right to water is linked to the right to education; whereas children , in most cases girls , have to walk miles every day to fetch water , which prevents them from attending school; whereas one out of three children does not have appropriate access to water and sanitation in schools;1a whereas the un’s 2021 sustainable development goals report shows that globally , more than a fifth of primary schools lacked access to basic drinking water or single-sex toilets and more than a third lacked basic handwashing facilities;2a whereas girls are also forced to drop out of school when they are unable to access suitable toilets and manage their menstruation in an appropriate manner; whereas children with certain severe disabilities also suffer difficulties to access education due to the lack of adapted toilets and sanitation facilities;


### c. whereas the human right to water is linked to the right to education; whereas children , in most cases girls , have to walk miles every day to fetch water , which prevents them from attending school; whereas girls are also forced to drop out of school when they are unable to access gender-appropriate toilets and manage their menstruation in a dignified manner; ### c. whereas the human right to water is linked to the right to education; whereas children , in most cases girls , have to walk miles every day to fetch water , which prevents them from attending school; whereas girls are also forced to drop out of school when they are unable to access gender-appropriate toilets and manage their menstruation in a dignified manner; whereas children with disabilities are often prevented from attending school due to lack of accessible toilets; whereas unesco1a reports that more than 90% of all children with disabilities do not attend school , and girls with disabilities are far more likely to drop out of school than boys with disabilities; whereas the discontinuation from school by girls with disabilities lies in their inability to gain access to regular school bathrooms and close the door behind them;


### d. whereas the disadvantages faced by women and girls with regard to water , sanitation and hygiene manifest themselves in multiple ways that impact on their overall health , well-being and dignity , reproductive health , education , nutrition , security , and economic and political participation; ### d. whereas the disadvantages faced by many women and girls , people with certain disabilities and elderly people with regard to water , sanitation and hygiene manifest themselves in multiple ways that impact on their overall health , well-being and dignity , education , nutrition , security , and economic and political participation;


### d. whereas the disadvantages faced by women and girls with regard to water , sanitation and hygiene manifest themselves in multiple ways that impact on their overall health , well-being and dignity , reproductive health , education , nutrition , security , and economic and political participation; ### d. whereas the disadvantages faced by women and girls with regard to water , sanitation and hygiene manifest themselves in multiple ways that impact on their overall health , well-being and dignity , reproductive health , education , nutrition , security , and economic and political participation; whereas mainly mothers to children with disabilities are forced out of work life to manage their children’s toileting activities when schools lack accessible toilets;


### e. whereas , as indicated in the eu human rights guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation , the human right to water and sanitation encompasses the dimensions of availability , accessibility , acceptability , quality and affordability and the principles of the human rights-based approach (non-discrimination , accountability , transparency , participation , etc.); ### e. whereas , as indicated in the eu human rights guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation , the human right to water and sanitation encompasses the dimensions of availability , security , physical accessibility , acceptability , quality and affordability and the principles of the human rights-based approach (non-discrimination , accountability , transparency , participation , etc.);


### f. whereas the sixth united nations sustainable development goal (sdg) is to ensure that the entire world has universal and equitable access to safe drinking water by 2030; ### f. whereas the sixth united nations sustainable development goal (sdg) ‘ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’ by 2030 remains severely off-track and under-financed , according to the latest status report by un-water;


### g. whereas , according to the united nations , 785 million people have no access to basic water services , 2 billion people do not have safe and clean drinking water in their homes when they need it , 4.2 billion people live without safely managed sanitation and 673 million people still practise open defecation; ### g. whereas the un’s 2021 sustainable development goals report shows that , despite the increased proportion of the global population using safely managed sanitation services and drinking water , and the improvement in basic hygiene , in 2020 still 2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water , 3.6 billion lack safely managed sanitation , and 2.3 billion lack basic hygiene; and that 129 countries are not yet on track to have sustainable managed water resources for 2030;3a


### h. whereas per capita freshwater availability has fallen by 20% over the past two decades; whereas population growth , agricultural intensification , urbanisation , the effects of climate change , environmental degradation , as well as certain unlawful and polluting practices in water use , are posing ever-greater water access problems in many regions; ### h. whereas per capita freshwater availability has drastically fallen over the past two decades; whereas population growth , agricultural intensification , urbanisation , the effects of climate change , environmental degradation , as well as certain unlawful and polluting practices in water use , are posing ever-greater water access problems in many regions and will cause even more access problems in the future; whereas water is a limited resource;


### h. whereas per capita freshwater availability has fallen by 20% over the past two decades; whereas population growth , agricultural intensification , urbanisation , the effects of climate change , environmental degradation , as well as certain unlawful and polluting practices in water use , are posing ever-greater water access problems in many regions; ### h. whereas per capita freshwater availability has fallen by 20% over the past two decades; whereas much of the net growth in global population up to 2050 will occur in the cities of developing countries , thus increasing urban demands for water and food;4a whereas urban water demand is projected to increase by 50-70% over the three next decades;5a whereas an unbalanced distribution of population growth and depopulation of rural areas , uncontrolled agricultural intensification , the effects of climate change , environmental degradation , as well as certain unlawful and polluting practices in water use , are posing ever-greater water access problems in many regions;


### h. whereas per capita freshwater availability has fallen by 20% over the past two decades; whereas population growth , agricultural intensification , urbanisation , the effects of climate change , environmental degradation , as well as certain unlawful and polluting practices in water use , are posing ever-greater water access problems in many regions; ### h. whereas , according to fao data from 2020 , per capita freshwater availability had fallen by 20% over the past two decades; whereas population growth , agricultural intensification , urbanisation , the effects of climate change , environmental degradation , as well as certain unlawful and polluting practices in water use , are posing ever-greater water access problems in many regions;


### i. whereas the ongoing climate crisis , with increasing droughts , floods and torrential rains , is exacerbating inequalities in distribution of water; whereas floods and other water-related disasters account for 70% of all deaths linked to natural disasters; ### i. whereas according to the world meteorological organization “atlas of mortality and economic losses from weather , climate and water extremes (1970 – 2019)”6a , out of the top 10 disasters , the hazards that led to the largest human losses during the period have been droughts (650 000 deaths) , storms (577 232 deaths) and floods (58 700 deaths);


### i. whereas the ongoing climate crisis , with increasing droughts , floods and torrential rains , is exacerbating inequalities in distribution of water; whereas floods and other water-related disasters account for 70% of all deaths linked to natural disasters; ### i. whereas climate change may cause increasing droughts , floods and torrential rains; whereas floods and other water-related disasters account for a high percentage of deaths linked to natural disasters;


### i. whereas the ongoing climate crisis , with increasing droughts , floods and torrential rains , is exacerbating inequalities in distribution of water; whereas floods and other water-related disasters account for 70% of all deaths linked to natural disasters; ### i. whereas the ongoing climate change , with increasing droughts , floods and torrential rains , is exacerbating inequalities in distribution of water; whereas floods and other water-related disasters account for 70% of all deaths linked to natural disasters;


### j. whereas ‘water stress’ or water supply-linked vulnerability can be a direct and indirect cause of displacement and migration; whereas , according to the un’s water development reports , five of the world’s eleven regions , accounting for two thirds of the global population , are currently experiencing water stress; whereas , according to the un’s 2020 sustainable development goals report , water scarcity could displace some 700 million people by 2030; ### j. whereas ‘water stress’ , defined by the un as the point at which the supply or quality of water cannot be satisfied fully , can be a direct and indirect cause of displacement and migration; whereas , according to the un’s water development reports , water scarcity is a relative concept , a social construct or the consequence of altered supply patterns , stemming , for example , from climate change; whereas , according to the fao , the growing trend of global water stress during the last 20 years reflects stress that is increasing in various regions of the world , with decreases in other regions of the planet unable to compensate for the increases; whereas , according to the un’s 2020 sustainable development goals report , water scarcity could displace some 700 million people by 2030;


### j. whereas ‘water stress’ or water supply-linked vulnerability can be a direct and indirect cause of displacement and migration; whereas , according to the un’s water development reports , five of the world’s eleven regions , accounting for two thirds of the global population , are currently experiencing water stress; whereas , according to the un’s 2020 sustainable development goals report , water scarcity could displace some 700 million people by 2030; ### j. whereas ‘water stress’ or water supply-linked vulnerability could be in some cases a driver of induced displacement and migration , along with multiple factors; whereas , according to the un’s water development reports , five of the world’s eleven regions , accounting for two thirds of the global population , are currently experiencing water stress; whereas , according to the un’s 2020 sustainable development goals report , water scarcity could displace some 700 million people by 2030;


### k. whereas deforestation , land-grabbing and other industrial and natural resource exploitation and extraction activities , carried out by certain private or public ventures , contribute towards the drying-up of rivers , lakes and other water sources; ### k. whereas uncontrolled deforestation , land-grabbing and certain other industrial and natural resource overexploitation and extraction activities , impact the water level of rivers , lakes , and more generally , other water sources;


### l. whereas the vast majority – around 70% – of the world's fresh water is used for agriculture , while the remainder is divided between industrial (19%) , mainly in the food , textile , energy , industrial , chemical , pharmaceutical , and mining sectors , and domestic use (11%) , including human consumption; ### l. whereas around 70% of the world's water is used for agriculture , while the remainder is divided between industrial (19%) , mainly in the food , textile , energy , industrial , chemical , pharmaceutical , and mining sectors , and domestic use (11%) , including human consumption;


### l. whereas the vast majority – around 70% – of the world’s fresh water is used for agriculture , while the remainder is divided between industrial (19%) , mainly in the food , textile , energy , industrial , chemical , pharmaceutical , and mining sectors , and domestic use (11%) , including human consumption; ### l. whereas the considerable amount of the world’s fresh water is used for agriculture , while the remainder is divided between industrial (19%) , mainly in the food , textile , energy , industrial , chemical , pharmaceutical , and mining sectors , and domestic use (11%) , including human consumption;


### l. whereas the vast majority – around 70% – of the world’s fresh water is used for agriculture , while the remainder is divided between industrial (19%) , mainly in the food , textile , energy , industrial , chemical , pharmaceutical , and mining sectors , and domestic use (11%) , including human consumption; ### l. whereas the vast majority – around 70% – of the world’s fresh water is used for agriculture , while the remainder is divided between industrial (19%) , mainly in the food , textile , energy , industrial , chemical , pharmaceutical , and mining sectors , and domestic use (11%) , including human consumption; where there are disparities among regions in the world , and europe and central asia have a more balanced use of water (35.7% for agriculture , 30.7% for industry , and 33.5% for domestic use) , while , for example , agriculture accounts for 80% of india’s water demand;8a


### m. whereas agriculture is the largest consumer of the world’s freshwater resources and 41% irrigation worldwide occurs at the expense of ecosystems; whereas 33% of arable land is used to grow fodder to feed livestock; ### deleted