### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey; ### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey; notes however that the practice of investigating and prosecuting people for matters such as insulting the president or allegedly disrespecting islamic values remains on the rise , driven by broadly-worded and vague anti-terrorism claims; is appalled by the gross abuse of article 299 of turkish penal code on insulting the president which can carry a jail sentence of between one and four years; finds completely disproportionate that since 2014 , the first year of president erdoğan , more than 160 ,000 investigations were launched , more than35 ,500 cases were filed and there were more than 12 ,800 convictions over insulting the president; calls on turkey’s authorities to apply the rulings by the european court on human rights and to follow the venice commission recommendations in order to bring turkish law on this matter in line with the convention; is particularly worried by the case of journalist sedef kabaş , who after being publicly targeted by senior government officials was arrested during a midnight raid on january 22nd , by the order of istanbul 10th criminal court of peace judge furkan bilgehan ertem , and is kept in pre-trial detention at the bakırköy women's prison in i̇stanbul for having allegedly insulted the president on alive broadcast on tele1 tv on 14 january 2022; finds this case a clear example of the abusive use of article 299 with an aim of having a chilling effect on any journalist or citizen who could express criticism towards the president or government; expresses concerns about the presidential circular on "press and broadcasting activities" published on 28january 2022 as it could imply unlawful restrictions to fundamental rights and freedoms;


### 10. asserts that the continued prosecution , censorship and harassment of journalists and independent media remains an issue of concern; ### 10. asserts that the continued prosecution , censorship and harassment of journalists and independent media remains an issue of concern; calls the turkish radio and television supreme council (rtük) , chaired by ebubekir şahin , to discontinue the excessive imposition of fines and broadcasting bans restricting the legitimate freedom of expression of turkish journalists and broadcasters; calls the press advertising agency (bik) , headed by director general rıdvan duran , to ensure that bans on public advertising do not serve to supress independent media reporting , as in the case of the daily newspaper evrensel , whose case represents a negative record in turkey's press history , as it has not received any official advertising for 900 days and even if the bik were to grant permission for advertisements immediately now , the daily newspaper will still not receive any advertising for 103 days due to the penalties imposed by the bik in the meantime; calls on fahrettin altun , director of communications at the turkish presidency , to ensure the timely processing of press card applications and to discontinue the use of criminal complaints and belligerent rhetoric targeting journalists; calls on the turkish grand national assembly to follow-up on the turkish constitutional court’s judgement of january 2022 requesting to reformulate article 9 of the internet law to protect the freedoms of expression and the press; is particularly alarmed by the case of the turkish cypriot journalist ali kashmir , who was recently prohibited from entering turkey and faces court charges for having expressed criticism against ankara;


### 11. takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in turkey during 2021; asserts , however , that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation , but are often caused by a failure to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in turkey; ### 11. takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in turkey during 2021 which contain steps in the right direction although modest and not addressing the main concerns; asserts , however , that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation , but are often caused by a failure to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in turkey; notes in this regard the appointment of irfan fidan to the turkish constitutional court in january 2021 after serving just twenty days on the court of cassation and previously acting as istanbul chief public prosecutor , where mr fidan was involved in the controversial cases brought against osman kavala , the gezi park protestors , and journalists can dündar and erdem gül , among others; points out the council of judges and prosecutors (hsk) , which isled by the minister of justice as its president and mr mehmet akif ekinci as its acting president , as the main element of concern with regard to the lack of judicial independence; reiterates its call for the shortcomings in the structure and process for the selection of the members of this council to be addressed with a view to ensuring its independence and putting an end to its arbitrary decisions;


### 12. expresses concern about the high and growing number of applications lodged at the constitutional court concerning violations of constitutional rights and the lack of changes implemented when such violations are revealed; ### 12. expresses concern about the high and growing number of applications lodged at the constitutional court concerning violations of constitutional rights and the lack of changes implemented when such violations are revealed; notes the recent statements by the president of the constitutional court , zühtü arslan , recognizing that over 73% of the more than 66.000 applications received in 2021 concerned the right for a fair trial , describing this as a “dire situation''; questions the legality of changes in the procedural rules of the court allowing to defer decisions by a year; notes the adoption of a new human rights action plan by the turkish authorities in march 2021 as welcome in principle , even though it leaves a number of underlying issues unaddressed; calls on the turkish government to make the action plan real by inter alia discontinuing the selective interpretation of the treaty of lausanne’s provisions on minority rights , including by granting legal personality and education rights to any religious minority whether muslim , christian or other; calls on turkey’s government to step up ongoing efforts related , among others , to the public recognition of the alevi identity , the legal status of cemevis and their funding , in compliance with relevant ecthr judgments on compulsory religion and ethics classes and alevi worship places; urges turkey’s authorities to increase their efforts to effectively address the dire situation of roma , in particular with regard to housing and education , as they continue to suffer severe levels of poverty , unemployment , discrimination and exclusion; calls on the full implementation of ecthr judgments regarding conscientious objection; notes in this regard the action plan submitted by turkish authorities to the committee of ministers of the council of europe and encourages them to develop further measures to ensure , through the necessary legislation , a fair and accessible exercise of the right to conscientious objection to military service;


### 13. regrets the sustained pressure on civil society and human rights defenders and the continuously shrinking space to operate freely in turkey; ### 13. regrets the sustained pressure on civil society and human rights defenders and the continuously shrinking space to operate freely in turkey; denounces the intimidation , harassment and violence exerted against human rights defenders , lawyers , journalists , academics , doctors who have provided assistance to the victims of torture , and other activists , especially those in the kurdish community , and the arbitrary closure of civil society organisations , including prominent human rights non-governmental organisations and media; reiterates its call on turkey’s government to review the law on preventing financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction of december 2020 , which grants the turkish interior ministry and the president extensive authority to restrict the activities of non-governmental organisations , business partnerships , independent groups and associations and appears to be aimed at further limiting , restricting and controlling civil society; calls on the eu and its member states to exert greater pressure on the turkish government and to step up their support for human rights defenders and independent civil society in turkey , including through relevant financial instruments; calls on the commission to provide , through the instrument for pre-accession assistance (ipa) iii and relevant programmes of the ndici-global europe instrument , sufficient funding for civil society , non-state actors and people-to-people contacts in order to prioritise the pro-democracy efforts; calls on the commission to explore the funding of local governments concerning projects of mutual interest;


### 13. regrets the sustained pressure on civil society and human rights defenders and the continuously shrinking space to operate freely in turkey; ### 13. regrets the sustained harassment of civil society and human rights defenders and the continuously shrinking space to operate freely in turkey; notes the grave impediment on their freedom to associate peacefully through the law on preventing financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; is concerned by the observations from the council of europe’s commissioner for human rights and parliamentary assembly , who point that human rights organisations were the first to be audited pursuant to this law; urges turkey to review the articles of the law which are not related to the prevention of financing or proliferation of weapons of mass destruction , in particular those articles which unduly target civil society;


### 14. continues to urge the turkish government to release osman kavala after more than four years of detention; reiterates its call on the turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the european court of human rights in this case; ### 14. continues to urge the turkish government to release osman kavala after more than four years of detention; believes that he is unlawfully held in prison on unjustified charges , for the purpose of silencing and deterring critical voices in turkey; reiterates its call on the turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the european court of human rights in this case; deplores the continued efforts to extend mr kavala’s imprisonment through a series of complex evasive judicial tactics; points out as one of many irregularities the irrational merging of his case with that of other defendants that saw their acquittals overturned over the course of 2021 which was signed off by the same judge who had requested it , mahmut başbuğ from the 30th heavy penal court , through a temporary appointment from one court to the other; condemns the repeated decisions by the istanbul 30th heavy penal court and the istanbul 13thheavy penal court , newly responsible after merging of the cases and presided by judge mesut özdemir , to prolong the detention of mr kavala in violation of his right to freedom and security , most recently on 17 january 2022; takes note of the recurrent decisions by the committee of ministers of the council of europe urging mr kavala’s release , which culminated in the historical launching of infringement proceedings through interim-resolutions in december 2021 and february 2022 over turkey’s refusal to abide by the ecthr’s final judgement;


### 15. expresses deep concern about the deterioration in the human rights situation for lgbti people , in particular with regard to physical attacks – especially against transgender persons – the protracted bans on pride marches across the country , restrictions on the freedoms of assembly , association and expression , and censorship in the media; ### 15. expresses deep concern about the deterioration in the human rights situation for lgbti people , in particular with regard to physical attacks – especially against transgender persons – the protracted bans on pride marches across the country , restrictions on the freedoms of assembly , association and expression , and censorship in the media; deplores the increasingly homophobic stance of turkey’s government and the use of hate speech against lgbti people by high-level officials , that aims at stigmatizing and criminalizing the lgbti community and can serve as breeding ground for hate crimes; follows with grave concern the ongoing trial against the ankara bar association’s executive board and president , in which the ankara chief public prosecutor’s office , led by chief public prosecutor ahmet akça , seeks up to two years of prison for allegedly “insulting a public officer” when criticizing the head of the directorate of religious affairs (diyanet) , ali erbaş , for the openly homophobic statements he made in 14 april 2020 stating that "islam curses homosexuality (...) because it brings about disease and rots generations"; urges turkey’s authorities to put in place the necessary legal measures to end any discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in line with article 21 of the eu charter of fundamental rights;


### 15. expresses deep concern about the deterioration in the human rights situation for lgbti people , in particular with regard to physical attacks – especially against transgender persons – the protracted bans on pride marches across the country , restrictions on the freedoms of assembly , association and expression , and censorship in the media; ### 15. expresses deep concern about the state-sponsored deterioration in the human rights situation for lgbti people , in particular with regard to hate crimes – especially against transgender persons – , the protracted bans on pride marches across the country , restrictions on the freedoms of assembly , association and expression and censorship in the media and online; recalls the need to adopt measures to ensure all citizens can enjoy these freedom safely; calls on authorities to align its criminal legislation concerning homophobic and transphobic hate crime with ecri’s general policy recommendation 7 ,1aas requested by ecri in its 2019 conclusions1b; urges authorities to lift the protracted bans on pride events;


### 17. notes with great concern that the hdp and its party organisations have been specifically and continuously targeted by the turkish authorities , leading to a situation where over 4 000 hdp members are currently in prison; continues to strongly condemn the continued detention since november 2016 of selahattin demirtaş and figen yüksekdağ , the former co-chairs of the hdp; ### 17. notes with great concern that the hdp and its party organisations have been specifically and continuously targeted by the turkish authorities , leading to a situation where over 4 000 hdp members are currently in prison; continues to strongly condemn the continued detention since november 2016 of selahattin demirtaş and figen yüksekdağ , the former co-chairs of the hdp; is appalled by the turkish authorities’ continuous disregard for and failure to apply the rulings of the ecthr that oblige turkey to immediately release mr demirtaş; condemns the indictment in pursuit of the hdp party’s closure and the political banning for nearly 500 hdp politicians , including most of its current leadership , that was filed by the chief public prosecutor of turkey’s court of cassation , bekir şahin , and accepted by unanimity by turkey’s constitutional court in june 2021; notes with grave concern that the hdp dissolution case is the culmination of a crackdown on the party that has been going on for several years , and reiterates that banning the party would be a serious political mistake as an irreversible blow to pluralism and democratic principles; further highlights the role of the ankara 22nd heavy penal court in the so-called ‘kobane case’ against 108 hdp politicians , and points to the special role of prosecutor ahmet altun , and in particular demands clarity over the alleged political interference documented among the file; further questions how the court managed to examine and accept a 3530-page document in a week , without hearing defendants; is concerned by the ongoing case against chp vicechair gökçe gökçen , in the framework of an investigation against the whole executive board of the party for the publication and distribution of a booklet; is shocked by the fact that , among the three lawsuits filed against her , the ankara chief public prosecutor’s office , led by chief public prosecutor ahmet akça , charged her with the crime of physically assaulting the president , which comes with a minimum five year prison sentence , related to this brochure’s publication; notes that , while this lawsuit has been dismissed by the ankara18th high criminal court , the other two lawsuits for slander , incitement towards hatred and defamation against the president still continue; remains seriously concerned about the continuous political and judicial harassment of canan kaftancıoğlu , istanbul provincial chair of the chp , through a growing number of lawsuits against her;


### 18. condemns the recurrent use of revocation of the parliamentary status of opposition mps , which seriously damages the turkish parliament’s image as a democratic institution; ### 18. condemns the recurrent use of revocation of the parliamentary status of opposition mps , which seriously damages the turkish parliament’s image as a democratic institution; recalls in this regard the recent judgement by the ecthr of 1 february 2022 that ruled that the lifting in 2016 of the immunities of 40 mps of the hdp infringed their right of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly; follows with concern the ongoing summaries of proceedings seeking to lift the legislative immunity of hdp diyarbakır mp semra güzel for alleged "membership of a terrorist organization" related to pictures taken 5 years ago; reiterates its condemnation of the decision made by the turkish authorities to remove democratically elected mayors from office on the basis of questionable evidence and replace them with unelected trustees , which undermines local democracy; notes the political , legislative and administrative measures taken by the turkish government to paralyse municipalities run by the mayors of opposition parties in istanbul , ankara and izmir;


### 19. recognises that turkey has legitimate security concerns and the right to fight terrorism; stresses , nevertheless , that this must be done with full respect for the rule of law , human rights and fundamental freedoms; reiterates its firm and unambiguous condemnation of the violent terrorist attacks by the kurdistan workers’ party (pkk) , which has been on the eu list of terrorist organisations since 2002; ### 19. recognises that turkey has legitimate security concerns and the right to fight terrorism; stresses , nevertheless , that this must be done with full respect for the rule of law , human rights and fundamental freedoms; notes that cases of enforced disappearances still occur in this context , such as the case of yusuf bilge tunç , reiterates its firm and unambiguous condemnation of the violent terrorist attacks; regrets the overly broad anti-terrorism provisions and the abuse of the anti-terror measures that continue to be used as the means for the repression of human rights and of any critical voice in the country , including journalists , activists and political opponents; is deeply concerned by the decision of the minister of interior to open a special investigation into the i̇stanbul metropolitan municipality affecting over 550 of its employees for alleged terror links , andby the renewed judicial harassment against mr. öztürk türkdoğan , a prominent human rights lawyer and co-chairperson of the human rights association (i̇hd)who is being tried by the ankara 19th heavy penal court under the accusation of “membership to an illegal armed organisation” following his indictment by the ankara chief public prosecutor’s office , led by chief public prosecutor ahmet akça;


### 20. calls on turkey to abide by a zero-tolerance policy on torture and to duly investigate persistent and credible reports of torture , ill-treatment and inhumane or degrading treatment in custody , in order to put an end to impunity and hold those responsible to account; ### 20. calls on turkey to abide by a zero-tolerance policy on torture and to duly investigate persistent and credible reports of torture , ill-treatment and inhumane or degrading treatment in custody , in order to put an end to impunity and hold those responsible to account; welcomes the recent amendment in the regulation on prisons to replace “strip search” by “detailed search” and calls on the general directorate of prisons and detention houses , headed by yunus alkaç , to ensure its full implementation “in respect for human dignity and honour” , as stated in the amended regulation , as there are still credible allegations on the continuation of this practice , including on minors visiting prisons; is deeply worried by the situation in turkey’s prisons , particularly with regard to ill prisoners; deplores the continuation of the incarceration of former mp aysel tuğluk , despite her dire health condition , which has been determined by medical reports that are subsequently dismissed by the state-run forensic medicine institution (ate) , currently headed by erdinç öztürk; is concerned by the situation of hdp mp ömer faruk gergerlioğlu who is being currently investigated by the kandıra chief public prosecutor’s office on charges of “insulting the state and its organs” , “influencing the expert” and “praising the crime and the criminal” for calling for the release of aysel tuğluk; is appalled by the deafening silence of the ombudsman in the face of the grave situation of fundamental rights in the country described above; calls on şeref malkoç , chief ombudsman of turkey , to ensure that his institution becomes a useful tool for turkey’s citizens and active in strengthening the culture of seeking legal remedies as the institution has set out in its aims; regrets that nor the ombudsman nor the human rights and equality institution of turkey (hrei) , as the two main human rights institutions in the country , are operationally , structurally or financially independent; urges turkey’s authorities to take the appropriate measures in order for these institutions to comply , as relevant , with the paris principles and the commission’s recommendation on standards for equality bodies; deplores that certain members of the hrei , which is chaired by muharrem kiliç , demonstrated a negative attitude towards basic human rights , including gender equality , women's rights , lgbtiq rights , and expressed support forturkey’s withdrawal from the istanbul convention; invites the human rightsinquiry committee , chaired by mp hakan çavuşoğlu , at grand national assembly ofturkey , to fully exert its extensive powers to investigate and seek accountability concerning violations of human rights in the country and to propose legislative amendments to ensure the alignment of the national legislation with the international conventions on human rights to which turkey is party;


### 20. calls on turkey to abide by a zero-tolerance policy on torture and to duly investigate persistent and credible reports of torture , ill-treatment and inhumane or degrading treatment in custody , in order to put an end to impunity and hold those responsible to account; ### 20. reiterates that turkey refuses to implement the recommendations from 2018 of the european committee for the prevention of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; calls on turkey to abide by a zero-tolerance policy on torture and to duly investigate persistent and credible reports of torture , ill-treatment and inhumane or degrading treatment in custody , in order to put an end to impunity and hold those responsible to account;


### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; ### 21. is concerned about the way in which turkey continues to take advantage of the fact that it is hosting the largest refugee population in the world; by trying in particular to leverage refugees against the eu; reiterates that the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey is incumbent upon the strict adherence of turkey to relevant international law standards , and takes the view that the deficits of the current refugee deal with turkey must be immediately addressed in an effort to continue sustaining eu support in the future but in an appropriate framework;


### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; ### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in absolute numbers; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future;


### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; ### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue; demands from turkey to terminate all violations of international law as the eu demands from all other states and , as a candidate country , to contribute positively to regional peace and stability instead of illegally intervening in regional crises to pursue hegemonic goals;


### 23. welcomes the decrease in tensions in the eastern mediterranean during the past year , but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; ### 23. welcomes the decrease in tensions in the eastern mediterranean during the past year , but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying problems remain unresolved; condemns in this regard the ongoing harassment by turkish warships of research vessels within the eez of eu member-states , turkey’s violations of greek national airspace , including overflights of inhabited areas and territorial , as such actions violate both the sovereignty and sovereign rights of eu member states contrary to international law;


### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; ### 24. deplores the fact that the cyprus problem remains unresolved and reiterates that its solution within the agreed framework , in line with the relevant unsc resolutions and international law , is necessary for complete eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with political equality , as this is defined in the relevant unsc resolutions , providing for one state with a single sovereignty , a single international legal personality and a single citizenship , in accordance with international law , the eu acquis and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned the agreed basis of the solution and the un framework;


### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; ### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society;


### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; ### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; believes that it is high time to define a comprehensive , unified and coherent strategy for the medium to long term , among all eu institutions and member states; recalls that the strong relapse in the area of fundamental rights , the deteriorating human rights situation , the lack of freedom of the press and expression , the arbitrary detention of opposition politicians and journalists and the non-recognition of democratic elections show that turkey's future cannot lie within the eu; the accession negotiations with turkey must therefore be dissolved;


### 26. notes that the current state of ‘conflictual cooperation’ in eu-turkey relations is prone to producing unsatisfactory results; calls for a rebalancing of the relationship by building on the solid grounds for cooperation driven by mutual interests , and also by building confidence to address the lack of trust; believes that an orderly dispute settlement mechanism may be beneficial in such an overall framework and calls on the commission to explore the creation of such a mechanism; ### 26. notes that the current state of ‘conflictual cooperation’ in eu-turkey relations is prone to producing unsatisfactory results; calls for a rebalancing of the relationship by building on the solid grounds for cooperation driven by mutual interests , and also by building confidence to address the lack of trust;


### 27. notes that the varying priorities of the eu institutions set out in the existing frameworks governing eu-turkey relations make it very difficult to find an effective way to move forward; deplores the lack of a long-term strategy , a coherent policy and consistent leadership towards turkey in the eu and among all its institutions; ### 27. notes that the varying priorities of the eu institutions set out in the existing frameworks governing eu-turkey relations make it very difficult to find an effective way to move forward; deplores the lack of a long-term strategy , a coherent policy and consistent leadership towards turkey in the eu and among all its institutions;


### i. whereas there has been a substantial increase in the number , range and severity of attacks on hrds and their families and lawyers in recent years; whereas the global analysis published by the ngo front line defenders reported that 358 hrds had been killed across 35 countries in 2021 alone , and since under-reporting is common , the actual figure is likely to be much higher; whereas 227 environmental defenders were killed in 2020 , with more than half of those killings occurring in only three countries , colombia , mexico and the philippines , according to the ngo global witness; whereas a large number of hrds are under threat and attack because they raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations , often in the context of large development projects that affect access to land and livelihoods; ### i. whereas there has been a substantial increase in the number , range and severity of attacks on hrds and their families and lawyers in recent years including killings , death threats , abductions and kidnappings , arbitrary arrest and detention , and other actions of harassment and intimidation , for example through defamation campaigns; whereas the global analysis published by the ngo front line defenders reported that 358 hrds had been killed across 35 countries in 2021 alone , and since under-reporting is common , the actual figure is likely to be much higher; whereas 227 environmental defenders were killed in 2020 , with more than half of those killings occurring in only three countries , colombia , mexico and the philippines , according to the ngo global witness; whereas a large number of hrds are under threat and attack because they raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations , often in the context of large development projects that affect access to land and livelihoods;


### 4. considers , however , that the overall application of the guidelines by the european external action service (eeas) , the commission and the member states has been uneven , largely focusing on reactive measures , lacking a consistent overall implementation of the strategy and being characterised by insufficient visibility of eu action and channels of support for hrds; ### 4. regrets , however , that due to the voluntary nature of the guidelines , its implementation depends on political will in the missions and eu delegations and is often not seen as a priority; considers that the overall application of the guidelines by the european external action service (eeas) , the commission and the member states has been uneven , largely focusing on reactive measures , lacking a consistent overall implementation of the strategy and being characterised by insufficient visibility of eu action and channels of support for hrds; notes that the implementation of the guidelines is even more lacking towards human rights defenders from outside capital cities whilst the most vulnerable groups of defenders are in many countries the rural often indigenous defenders of territory and environment;


### 10. regrets , however , the fact that , due to the voluntarist nature of the guidelines , the intensity and quality of eu delegations’ engagement with and on hrds vary considerably from country to country and are in practice largely dependent on the local political context or the individual dedication and political will of the specific eu ambassador or staff in question , or of the officials at the eeas and commission headquarters; calls for greater consistency and a strategic overall approach in this regard and for a firm personal commitment by the vp/hr to ensuring the consistent implementation of the guidelines across all delegations , particularly in the countries where hrds are most at risk; ### 10. regrets , however , the fact that , due to the voluntarist nature of the guidelines , the intensity and quality of eu delegations’ engagement with and on hrds vary considerably from country to country and are in practice largely dependent on the local political context or the individual dedication and political will of the specific eu ambassador or staff in question , or of the officials at the eeas and commission headquarters; calls for greater consistency and a strategic overall approach in this regard and for a firm personal commitment by the vp/hr to ensuring the consistent implementation of the guidelines across all delegations , particularly in the countries where hrds are most at risk; expects all eu and member states ambassadors to ensure that their mission effectively integrates the support to hrds across their daily work and evaluates staff’s work performance accordingly;


### 11. is encouraged by reports of improved coordination between eu delegations and member states in the area of hrd protection , particularly through the practice of burden sharing and joint public diplomacy; regrets the fact that only a few member states , such as ireland and finland , have adopted their own national hrd guidelines; calls on member states to step up their efforts to achieve broader and more consistent engagement on the protection of hrds; ### 11. is encouraged by reports of improved coordination between eu delegations and member states in the area of hrd protection , particularly through the practice of burden sharing and joint public diplomacy; remains concerned , however , that less than half of the member states are in practice actively engaged in this area and selective engagement remains the norm; regrets the fact that only a few member states , such as ireland and finland , have adopted their own national hrd guidelines; calls on member states to step up their efforts to achieve broader and more consistent engagement on the protection of hrds;


### 15. welcomes the eu’s substantial and steadily increasing financial contribution to supporting hrds worldwide , which makes it the lead donor in this regard , as well as its efforts to heighten flexibility and the development of various programmes to support human rights and hrds , including when hrds work in exile; emphasises the unique role of the civil society-run protectdefenders.eu mechanism in providing invaluable practical support for hrds at risk; ### 15. welcomes the eu’s substantial and steadily increasing financial contribution to supporting hrds worldwide , which makes it the lead donor in this regard , as well as its efforts to heighten flexibility and the development of various programmes to support human rights and hrds , including when hrds work in exile; emphasises the unique role of the civil society-run protectdefenders.eu mechanism in providing invaluable practical support for hrds at risk; stresses that the fact that the protectdefenders.eu mechanism is managed by civil society does not exempt the eu from its political obligations regarding the protection of hrds;


### 18. underlines the importance of putting the protection of hrds at the heart of the eu’s political engagement with third countries by aligning all eu external action in third countries with eu action to protect hrds and promote their work; calls on the eeas , the commission and the member states to prioritise: ### 18. underlines the importance of putting a policy aimed at prevention and protection from attacks and threats against hrds at the heart of the eu’s political engagement with third countries by aligning all eu external action in third countries with eu action to protect hrds and promote their work; calls on the eeas , the commission and the member states to prioritise:


### - increased financial support for the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions , particularly as regards their capacity to engage and protect hrds and act independently; ### - increased financial support for the establishment and strengthening of national human rights institutions , particularly as regards their capacity to engage and protect hrds and act independently; this increased financial support would be subject to monitoring mechanisms to ensure the proper use of funds and tangible results;


### - the strengthening of domestic legislation and policies on hrds , in line with the un framework on hrds , and legislative and policy frameworks with a view to establishing national protection programmes for hrds; ### - the strengthening of domestic legislation and policies on hrds , in line with hrds´ requests and with the un framework on hrds , and legislative and policy frameworks with a view to establishing national protection programmes for hrds;


### - the promotion of national campaigns , networks and structures to effectively support the protection of hrds; ### - the promotion of national campaigns , networks and structures to recognize the invaluable contribution human rights defenders make to the protection and promotion of human rights and to effectively support the protection of hrds;


### 19. stresses the importance of joining forces with un agencies and special procedures , particularly the un special rapporteur on the situation of hrds; calls for the eu to provide financial and political support for existing regional protection mechanisms for hrds , including the un economic commission for europe’s special rapporteur on environmental defenders , the escazú agreement and the inter-american , african and council of europe regional mechanisms on hrds; calls on the eu delegations and member states’ missions in geneva and new york to take effective action in response to reprisals by third countries against hrds for their cooperation with un bodies and to facilitate hrds’ accreditation and interaction with multilateral forums; welcomes the practical collaboration on hrd cases between eu delegations , member states’ missions and like-minded third countries , such as switzerland , norway , the united kingdom , canada and the usa; ### 19. stresses the importance of joining forces with un agencies and special procedures , particularly the un special rapporteur on the situation of hrds; asks for a greater follow-up to the recommendations made by the eu and its member states in the framework of the un universal periodic review (upr); calls for the eu to provide financial and political support for existing regional protection mechanisms for hrds , including the un economic commission for europe’s special rapporteur on environmental defenders , the escazú agreement and the inter-american , african and council of europe regional mechanisms on hrds; calls on the eu delegations and member states’ missions in geneva and new york to take effective action in response to reprisals by third countries against hrds for their cooperation with un bodies and to facilitate hrds’ accreditation and interaction with multilateral forums; welcomes the practical collaboration on hrd cases between eu delegations , member states’ missions and like-minded third countries , such as switzerland , norway , the united kingdom , canada and the usa;


### 24. calls on the eeas , the commission and the member states to address the threats against and attacks on hrds by non-governmental actors , including criminal groups and local communities , as well as threats in conflict and transition settings; urges the eu to integrate violence against hrds into its crisis management policy and provide an effective protection response to hrds in need of relocation in crisis situations; ### 24. calls on the eeas , the commission and the member states to address the threats against and attacks on hrds by governmental and non-governmental actors , as well as threats in conflict and transition settings; urges the eu to integrate violence against hrds into its crisis management policy and provide an effective protection response to hrds in need of relocation in crisis situations;


### 42. regrets the lack of an in-depth , specific analysis by the eeas and the commission of the implementation of the guidelines since 2008; calls for a comprehensive assessment of eu action on hrds in the framework of the mid-term review of the implementation of the action plan on human rights and democracy 2020-2024 , scheduled for june 2023; ### 42. regrets the lack of an in-depth , specific analysis by the eeas and the commission of the implementation of the guidelines since 2008; calls for a comprehensive assessment of eu action on hrds in the framework of the mid-term review of the implementation of the action plan on human rights and democracy 2020-2024 , scheduled for june 2023; calls on the commission to follow and monitor regularly the short- and long term implementation of the eu guidelines with the participation of civil society in europe and in third countries;


### 47. recognises that silent diplomacy may be an effective tool to improve the situation of some hrds in third countries; stresses , however , that eu actors need to be vocal about urgent and serious cases and strike an appropriate balance between private and public diplomacy , particularly when silent diplomacy has proven ineffective; ### 47. recognises that silent diplomacy is a tool to improve the situation of some hrds in third countries; stresses , however , that eu actors need to be vocal about urgent and serious cases and strike an appropriate balance between private and public diplomacy , particularly when silent diplomacy has proven ineffective; asks to make public and strong pronouncements in case of attacks against hrds mainly when these attacks happen in the context of european investments;


### 50. calls for systematic and strategic monitoring of trial observation in order to improve the overall visibility and outcomes of trial observation by eu missions , and for alternative courses of action to be adopted to support hrds on trial where trial observation is not possible; ### 50. calls for systematic and strategic monitoring of trial observation in order to improve the overall visibility and outcomes of trial observation by eu missions , and for alternative courses of action to be adopted to support hrds on trial where trial observation is not possible; requires the observation of hearings not only of emblematic cases , but also of less visible and less known cases against criminalised human rights defenders , in particular rural and indigenous defenders;


### 52. calls on the eeas and the commission to systematically consult civil society representatives and hrds prior to any human rights dialogue , for the consultation to be genuine , and for these interlocutors to be debriefed thereafter; reiterates the need for a systematic and firm eu response to any act of reprisal against hrds that occurs after they have attended eu events or that is connected to contact with eu interlocutors; ### 52. calls on the eeas and the commission to systematically consult civil society representatives and hrds prior to any human rights dialogue , for the consultation to be genuine , and for these interlocutors to be debriefed thereafter; considers that the link between civil society seminars and formal dialogue needs to be strengthened , through publication of the recommendations issued and a better follow-up and feed-back to civil society once a dialogue has taken place; stresses the need to systematically raise the situation of human rights defenders in all political and human rights dialogues; reiterates the need for a systematic and firm eu response to any act of reprisal against hrds that occurs after they have attended eu events or that is connected to contact with eu interlocutors;


### 54. calls for the vp/hr , in cooperation with the member states and parliament , to adopt an annual list of focus countries of serious concern in relation to the plight of hrds , to be modified according to developments on the ground , which would , inter alia , allow for: 1) a fully coordinated team europe practical response on the ground; 2) greater access to resources , particularly under a team europe funding facility , for emergency protection and longer-term funding to address the broader institutional and structural human rights context; 3) enhanced local human rights monitoring; 4) dedicated national implementation strategies; 5) additional resources at headquarters and delegation levels; ### deleted


### 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. 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; points out that eu financial assistance is conditional on respect for the rule of law , civil liberties and democratic rights; points out that the principle of effective public spending requires its recipients to actively combat corruption , money laundering , nepotism and oligarchic structures;


### 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; encourages montenegro to specifically focus on meeting the interim benchmarks in chapters 23 and 24 and thereafter on closing chapters; reiterates that the rule of law area continue to determine the overall pace of the negotiations;


### 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; ### deleted


### 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 in the context of the greco recommendations; reiterates that more commitment and effort is needed to fight corruption and further strengthen the rule of law , which is inextricably linked to both freedom of the press and expression;


### 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 proposal to introduce tougher penalties for threats to or attacks on journalists; calls for further steps to be taken to ensure independence of media , including independence of journalists;


### 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 more vigilance and establishing support systems for victims of domestic abuse especially during the covid-19 pandemic;


### 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; calls on the montenegrin authorities to continue to improve the climate of societal inclusion and tolerance and to take effective measures against hate speech , social exclusion and the discrimination of minorities , including lgbti people;


### 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 and difficulties in enforcing their rights in administrative and judicial proceedings; notes that the reform of the national disability determination system is under way;


### 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 increased public investments in the education system for sustainable social and economic development;


### 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; notes with concern that the covid-19 outbreak affected all segments of the population and was particularly detrimental to members of those social groups in the most vulnerable situations; calls for more enhanced , timely and constructive response to minimize the damage caused by the pandemic to those social groups in the most vulnerable situations by the government of montenegro and the european union;


### 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 population and economy , and the tourism sector in particular;


### 32. welcomes the announcement of public services digitalisation and development of transactional electronic government services to enhance economic recovery; ### 32. welcomes the announcement of public services digitalisation and development of transactional electronic government services to enhance economic recovery; calls , nevertheless , for the montenegrin government to promote the digital inclusion of all social groups and to ensure that people who are less familiar with digital technologies can still physically access administrative services;


### 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 and tax evasion; 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;


### 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 and strengthen its implementation and enforcement procedures in line with the eu’s 2020 climate and energy policy framework;


### 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 other like-minded countries and international organisations , and in protecting and promoting 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 voting by unanimity must remain the rule for decision-making in eu foreign policy matters;


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


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


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


### 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; ### deleted


### 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 , good governance ,counter corruption , strengthen the rule of law , guarantee the rights of minorities and address the worryingpersecution of the lgbtqi community , reform its public administration and consolidate media freedom;


### 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;


### 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;


### 27. underlines the need to push forward the rule of law reform; ### 27. underlines the need to push forward the rule of law reform. notes that limited progress was made in addressing the outstanding recommendations from osce/odihr and the venice commission over the last year;


### 34. underlines the importance of pursuing consistent and proactive investigations , prosecution and final convictions in cases of high-level corruption; ### 34. underlines the importance of pursuing consistent and proactive investigations , prosecution and final convictions in cases of high-level corruption in order to dissipate the idea of impunity;


### 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; urges the strengthening of the capacity of law enforcement bodies to fight organised crime. stresses that coordination remains crucial for all stakeholders involved in combatting organised crime:


### 38. encourages the authorities to improve access to social and healthcare services; ### 38. encourages the authorities to guarantee universal and improved access to social and healthcare services;


### 41. welcomes north macedonia’s updated climate pledges; recalls that additional efforts are needed to meet the targets for energy efficiency , renewable energy , security of supply and emission reductions; urges the authorities to align environment and climate change legislation with the eu acquis and to ensure its enforcement; ### 41. welcomes north macedonia’s updated climate pledges; recalls that additional efforts are needed to meet the targets for energy efficiency , renewable energy , security of supply and emission reductions; urges the authorities to align environment and climate change legislation with the eu acquis and to ensure its enforcement. notes that this alignment will speed up the implementation of the green agenda for the western balkans;


### — 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 19 november 2021 on water in the eu’s external action , those of 17 june 2019 on the eu human rights guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation , and those of 19 november 2018 on water diplomacy ,


### — having regard to the european citizens’ initiative ‘right2water’ and the parliament report on the follow-up to the european citizens’ initiative right2water , ### — having regard to the european citizens’ initiative ‘right2water’ and the parliament report of 8 september 2015 on the follow-up to the european citizens’ initiative right2water (2014/2239(ini)) ,


### 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 urban , industrial and agricultural wastewater and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of serious diseases and even death; whereas about 1 000 children die every day as a result of diarrhoeal diseases associated with a lack of hygiene; whereas covid-19 has highlighted the vital importance of sanitation , hygiene and access to drinking water to save lives; whereas it is impossible for the world to be resistant to pandemics and other infectious diseases , and to the emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance , without access to drinking water , sanitation and hygiene;


### 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 in many countries of the global south women and girls are traditionally responsible for supplying the home with water; whereas water-collecting responsibilities limit their access to education and make women and girls more vulnerable to illness and violence; whereas women and girls are more at risk of being victims of attacks , sexual and gender violence , harassment and other threats to their security when they are collecting water for the household , when they visit sanitation facilities outside their homes and when , because they do not have adequate facilities of this type , they are practising open defecation or urination;


### n. whereas the energy sector is currently responsible for 10% of global water extraction and its water consumption is expected to rise by almost 60% by 2040; ### n. whereas the energy sector is currently responsible for 10% of global water extraction and its water consumption is expected to rise by almost 60% by 2040; whereas large-scale dams have considerable socio-economic and environmental impacts that can affect access to drinking water and , as recognised by the council in 2018 , the construction of large dams in international rivers can contribute to tensions among riparian states and the areas most affected;


### r. whereas the preservation of water resources is under attack and has been made a criminal offence in many countries; whereas in recent years water has become a disputed resource in many countries; ### r. whereas the preservation of water resources is under attack and has been made a criminal offence in many countries; whereas in recent years environmental and water defenders have been subjected to an ever-increasing number of attacks , including killings , kidnappings , torture , gender-based violence , threats , harassment , intimidation , smear campaigns , criminalisation , judicial harassment , forced eviction and displacement; whereas various figures who have been finalists in the sakharov prize are being attacked for their roles in the defence of water and common goods; whereas the defenders of the waters of the guapinol river are still in prison; whereas lolita chávez has been in exile for four years for her defence of the territory against the activities of hydroelectricity companies in iximulew (guatemala); whereas berta cáceres was assassinated in 2016 for her defence of the blanco and gualcarque rivers , and those who ordered the crime have still not been convicted;


### v. whereas since 6 december 2020 water has been traded on the wall street commodities futures market; whereas , in the words of pedro arrojo , un special rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation , ‘water has a set of vital values for our society that the market logic does not recognise and therefore , cannot manage adequately , let alone in a financial space so prone to speculation’; whereas the un has warned that trading water on the wall street futures market is in breach of basic human rights; ### v. whereas since 7 december 2020 water has been traded on the wall street commodities futures market; whereas , in the words of pedro arrojo , un special rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation , ‘water has a set of vital values for our society that the market logic does not recognise and therefore , cannot manage adequately , let alone in a financial space so prone to speculation’; whereas the un has warned that trading water on the wall street futures market is in breach of basic human rights; whereas , according to various un experts , the application of a speculative approach to the management of goods that are essential for individuals’ lives and dignity infringes the human rights of people in situations of poverty , worsens gender inequality and increases the vulnerability of marginalised communities;


### 3. recalls the responsibility of states to promote and safeguard all human rights; reiterates , therefore , that states must ensure universal access to safe drinking water in sufficient quantity and quality; ### 3. recalls the responsibility of states to promote and safeguard all human rights , which are universal , indivisible , interdependent and interrelated and which must be promoted and applied in a fair , equitable and non-discriminatory manner; reiterates , therefore , that states must ensure universal access to safe drinking water in sufficient quantity and quality; recalls , moreover , that the right to water is closely linked to the right to life and is a vital element for public health;


### 9. recognises the important work undertaken by environmental rights defenders , in particular those safeguarding the right to water , and roundly condemns the killings , abductions , torture , gender-based violence , threats , harassment , intimidation , smear campaigns , criminalisation , judicial harassment , forced evictions and displacements carried out by numerous perpetrators , including governments and multinational corporations; ### 9. recognises the important work undertaken by environmental rights defenders , in particular those safeguarding the right to water , and roundly condemns the killings , abductions , torture , gender-based violence , threats , harassment , intimidation , smear campaigns , criminalisation , judicial harassment , forced evictions and displacements carried out by numerous perpetrators , including governments and multinational corporations; calls on the eu to undertake to pay more attention to the security and protection of rights defenders , communities and groups safeguarding the right to water , and to pay special attention and provide support to the cases of the winners and finalists of the sakharov prize , who are being attacked for their roles in defending water and common goods;


### 11. calls on the commission to check carefully that the infrastructure and energy projects financed through the various development cooperation and external policy instruments , including the european investment bank , uphold and neither jeopardise human rights and the sustainable development goals nor contribute to the expulsion of indigenous peoples from their lands; ### 11. calls on the commission to check carefully that the infrastructure and energy projects financed through the various development cooperation and external policy instruments , including the european investment bank , uphold and neither jeopardise human rights , including the human right to water and sanitation , and the sustainable development goals nor contribute to the expulsion of indigenous peoples from their lands; asks for special consideration and precautions to be taken when supporting and developing hydraulic energy projects , taking into account their impact on nature and local communities;


### 12. notes with concern that the lack of access to water and adequate sanitation has a devastating effect on women's rights , making it difficult for women and girls to lead safe and healthy lives; ### 12. notes with concern that the lack of access to water and adequate sanitation has a devastating effect on women's rights , making it difficult for women and girls to lead safe and healthy lives; condemns the fact that gender inequalities still exist in terms of exercising the human rights to drinking water and sanitation , in particular as a result of the specific needs of women and girls with regard to menstrual hygiene and health; calls for leadership by women to be promoted , as well as their full , effective and equal participation in planning , decision making and applying decisions on water and sanitation management; calls for guarantees to be made about the adoption of a gender-based focus in relation to the management of water resources and water and sanitation supply programmes , and for measures to be taken to reduce the time spent by women and girls in collecting household water , with the aim of addressing the adverse impact of deficient water and sanitation services on girls’ access to education; calls for women and girls to be protected from physical threats and assaults , including sexual violence , when collecting household water and when accessing sanitation facilities outside their home or practising open defecation; considers it vital to protect equal access by women and girls to water and sanitation; considers it vital to adopt positive measures to guarantee their availability and accessibility;


### 13. is gravely concerned that violations of the right to water and sanitation in occupied territories aim to displace people from their lands and is worried about the denial of access to and control over water resources and infrastructure; ### 13. is gravely concerned that violations of the right to water and sanitation in occupied territories aim to displace people from their lands and is worried about the denial of access to and control over water resources and infrastructure , including the denial of the ability to develop or construct such infrastructure; reiterates that in a situation of occupation fundamental human rights must be respected , and that the right to water and sanitation , including the right to maintain access to water supplies , and the right not to have water supplies interfered with , disconnected or contaminated in an arbitrary manner , must be guaranteed;


### 17. recalls that , as the eu water framework directive recognises , water is not a commodity but a public good that is vital to human life and dignity; calls on the commission , given that these are services of general interest that fall , therefore , primarily in the public interest , to permanently exclude water and sanitation and wastewater treatment from the scope of any trade agreements and to check carefully that trade agreements and the activities of european companies do not undermine , whether by action or omission , the right to drinking water and sanitation; ### 17. recalls that , as the eu water framework directive recognises , water is not a commodity but a public good that is vital to human life and dignity; calls on the commission to recognise the importance of the human right to water and sanitation and of water as a public good and a fundamental value , and to recognise that it is not a commodity , and , given that these are services of general interest that fall , therefore , primarily in the public interest , to permanently exclude water and sanitation and wastewater treatment from the scope of any trade agreements and to check carefully that trade agreements and the activities of european companies do not undermine , whether by action or omission , the right to drinking water and sanitation;


### 18. calls on states to adopt a policy implementing the human right to water and sanitation and promoting the provision of water and sanitation as essential public services for all; ### 18. calls on states to reinforce the provision of water and sanitation as essential public services for all through investments that make it possible both to increase the number of people who access water and sanitation services and to maintain the existing infrastructure , the provision of services and their use; considers that investing in the reinforcement of capacities and the governance of water systems , as well as in their operation and maintenance , is vital in order to create robust and sustainable water and sanitation services;


### 19. stresses that public provision is the most appropriate model for the exercise of the human rights to water and sanitation; urges states in this regard to engage in a transparent and robust deprivatisation process to improve the effective enjoyment of the human rights to water and sanitation; calls on governments to increase public investments in sustainable water-related infrastructure and to safeguard water as an essential public good; ### 19. stresses that public provision is the most appropriate model for the exercise of the human rights to water and sanitation; urges states in this regard to engage in a transparent and robust deprivatisation process to improve the effective enjoyment of the human rights to water and sanitation; calls on governments to increase public investments in sustainable water-related infrastructure and to safeguard water as an essential public good; recalls that , according to un report a/75/208 , the provision of water and sanitation services by private operators is conducive to a particular set of human rights risks , grounded in a combination of three factors: profit maximisation , the natural monopoly that characterises water and sanitation provision , and power imbalances;


### 21. demands that civil society organisations working to address breaches of the rights to water and sanitation have adequate resources and access to relevant information and the ability to participate meaningfully in water-related decision-making processes; ### 21. demands that civil society organisations working to address breaches of the rights to water and sanitation have adequate resources and access to relevant information and the ability to participate meaningfully in water-related decision-making processes; asserts that participation by the stakeholders is vital in realising the human right to drinking water and sanitation; calls on governments to design mechanisms for an inclusive system of water governance that involves , in a significant way , a wide range of stakeholders , including civil society organisations , trade unions , human rights defenders and researchers;


### 22. stresses that inequalities in access to water and sanitation are often attributable to systemic inequalities or exclusion; calls on governments to guarantee the absence of discrimination in access to water and sanitation services , as a public good , ensuring the provision thereof for all , in particular by affording priority to access for marginalised groups with a view to remedying systemic discrimination; ### 22. stresses that inequalities in access to water and sanitation are often attributable to systemic inequalities or exclusion; calls on governments to guarantee the absence of discrimination in access to water and sanitation services , as a public good , ensuring the provision thereof for all , in particular by affording priority to access for marginalised groups with a view to remedying systemic discrimination; encourages the authorities to review their legislative , political and practical frameworks in the area of water , through the lens of human rights principles (non-discrimination , equality , participation , responsibility and sustainability) and standards (accessibility , quality and security , affordability , acceptability , privacy and dignity) to help guide actions in order to tackle obstacles to progress;


### 2. recalls that the borderless nature of cyber space and the substantial number of cyber-attacks make them a threat requiring intensified eu-nato cooperation and a coordinated union-level response , including common member state support capabilities; ### 2. recalls that the borderless nature of cyber space and the substantial number of cyber-attacks make them a threat requiring intensified cooperation between the union and its partners and a coordinated union-level response , including common member state support capabilities;


### 21. calls for enhanced mutual operational assistance between member states; strongly emphasises the importance of further exercises and scenario-based policy discussions on crisis management , including on the mutual assistance clause (article 42(7) of the teu) in a hypothetical cyber attack scenario; calls for increased coordination with nato in this matter through participation in cyber exercises and joint training , such as the parallel and coordinated exercises (pace); calls for such initiatives to strengthen the common understanding on the implementation procedures for mutual assistance and/or solidarity in line with article 42(7) of the teu and article 222 of the tfeu , including with a specific objective of operationalising these procedures for cyber-attacks on the eu institutions or member states; ### 21. calls for enhanced mutual operational assistance between member states; strongly emphasises the importance of further exercises and scenario-based policy discussions on crisis management , including on the mutual assistance clause (article 42(7) of the teu) in a hypothetical cyber attack scenario; calls for such initiatives to strengthen the common understanding on the implementation procedures for mutual assistance and/or solidarity in line with article 42(7) of the teu and article 222 of the tfeu , including with a specific objective of operationalising these procedures for cyber-attacks on the eu institutions or member states;


### 22. considers that eu-nato cyber cooperation is crucial , as it enables strong formal attribution and thus the imposition of restrictive sanctions; notes that functioning deterrence would be achieved if adversaries were aware of the catalogue of possible countermeasures (based on the severity , scale , and target of the cyber-attacks); ### 22. considers that cyber cooperation between member states is crucial; notes that functioning deterrence would be achieved if adversaries were aware of the catalogue of possible countermeasures (based on the severity , scale , and target of the cyber-attacks);


### 23. welcomes the arrangement between the cert-eu and the nato computer incident response capability (ncirc) , to ensure the ability to respond to threats in real time; stresses also the importance to increase cyber defence training capabilities in it and cyber systems in cooperation with the nato cooperative cyber defence centre of excellence (ccd coe) and the nato communications and information (nci) academy; ### deleted


### 25. calls for closer coordination on cyber defence between member states , the eu institutions , nato , the united states and other strategic partners; underlines the urgent need for implementing the widely-recognised international normative framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace; ### 25. calls for closer coordination on cyber defence between member states , the eu institutions and other strategic partners; underlines the urgent need for implementing the widely-recognised international normative framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace;


### 27. instructs its president to forward this resolution to the european council , the council , the commission , the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , the eu agencies involved in defence and cyber security , the secretary-general of nato , and the national parliaments of the member states. ### 27. instructs its president to forward this resolution to the european council , the council , the commission , the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy , the eu agencies involved in defence and cyber security and the national parliaments of the member states.


### c. whereas in recent years the dynamics in the region have given rise to intense geopolitical competition , mirrored in an increase in military spending and a more aggressive rhetoric , thereby calling into question the rules-based international order; whereas a new centre of global competition has therefore evolved in the indo-pacific region; whereas there is no overarching regional security order to mitigate the associated challenges; whereas such dynamics represent serious threats to stability and security in the region and beyond , impacting directly the eu’s strategic interests as a key political and economic partner of the countries in the region; whereas the eu is committed to security , peace and international law; ### c. whereas in recent years the dynamics in the region have given rise to intense geopolitical competition , mirrored in an increase in military spending and a more aggressive rhetoric; whereas a new centre of global competition has therefore evolved in the indo-pacific region; whereas the forum of the un and adherence to the un charter can help mitigate the associated challenges; whereas unilateral measures and alliances that do not include every single actor in the region at the table represent serious threats to stability and security in the region and beyond , impacting directly the eu’s strategic interests as a key political and economic partner of the countries in the region; whereas the eu is committed to security , peace and international law;


### e. whereas china’s rapid military build-up , coupled with its increasingly assertive behaviour in the indo-pacific region and its military activities in the east and south china seas , as well as its deliberate and repetitive violations of taiwan’s air defence identification zone and its increasingly aggressive rhetoric and media campaigns , are leading to rising tensions in the indo-pacific; ### e. whereas china’s military spending per head of population in 2021 was roughly a third of that of the eu and thirteen times smaller than that of the united states; whereas the rapid military build-up of nato aligned states , coupled with their increasingly assertive behaviour in the indo-pacific region and their military activities in the east and south china seas are leading to rising tensions in the indo-pacific; whereas the new defence contract partnership between the u.s. , the u.k. and australia announced in september is of particular concern;


### 1. welcomes the recently adopted eu strategy for cooperation in the indo-pacific; recognises the added value of the strategy as the first foundation stone of the eu’s united approach to the region , and praises the inclusive and multifaceted nature of the strategy and the inclusion of security and defence as one of its seven priority areas; calls for the eu to use the strategy as a tool to effectively assert its presence and influence in the region through furthering strategic ties and deepening cooperation on security- and defence-related matters with regional countries and organisations; believes that increased eu engagement in the region would contribute to regional security , and help overcome regional tensions and create more balanced relations among regional players; recalls that the strategy is a team europe project; ### 1. stresses that an eu strategy for cooperation in the indo-pacific has recently been adopted , and that this strategy constitutes a first foundation stone on which the eu’s united approach to the region will rest , and hopes that the inclusive and multifaceted nature of that strategy will be increasingly shared by players claiming to hold the same values as the eu; calls for the eu to use the strategy as a tool to effectively assert its presence and influence in the region by furthering , through all-inclusive dialogue , cooperation ties in all matters , including where necessary on security and defence , with the countries and organisations of the region; believes that increased eu engagement in the region would contribute to improving regional prosperity and security , and help overcome tensions and create more balanced relations among regional players; recalls that the strategy is a team europe project;


### 3. stresses the eu’s determination to promote an open , stable and rules-based regional security architecture , based on respect for democracy , the rule of law , human rights and international law , and including secure sea lines of communication , capacity-building and an enhanced naval presence , in accordance with the legal framework established by the united nations convention on the law of the sea (unclos); urges the eu to further engage with the countries and organisations of the indo-pacific to foster and further build inclusive and effective partnerships , and , therefore , strengthen multilateralism via the un and other international organisations; recalls that non-compliance or an explicit violation of these values and principles would have negative repercussions on the eu’s engagement in bilateral and regional partnerships; ### 3. stresses the eu’s determination to promote an open , stable and rules-based regional security architecture which respects states' sovereignty and is based on respect for democracy , the rule of law , human rights and international law and includes secure sea lines of communication , capacity-building and an enhanced naval presence , in accordance with the legal framework established by the united nations convention on the law of the sea (unclos); urges the eu to further engage with the countries and organisations of the indo-pacific to foster and further build inclusive and effective partnerships , and , therefore , strengthen multilateralism via the un and other international organisations; recalls that non-compliance or an explicit violation of these values and principles would have negative repercussions on the eu’s engagement in bilateral and regional partnerships;


### 4. calls on the eu to make use of its reputation as a credible and reliable actor amid the growing geopolitical competition between global and regional powers in the indo-pacific; recalls that the added value of eu engagement in the indo-pacific lies in its comprehensive range of civilian and military assistance measures , including well developed non-military contributions; recalls that the eu has a vast network of diplomatic assets to facilitate dialogue on conflict-resolution , legal solutions and expertise in setting up confidence-building measures; ### 4. calls on the eu to make use of its reputation as a credible , reliable and autonomous actor amid the growing geopolitical competition between global and regional powers in the indo-pacific; recalls that the added value of eu engagement in the indo-pacific lies in its comprehensive range of civilian and military assistance measures , including well developed non-military contributions; recalls that the eu has , thanks in particular to its member states' resources , a vast diplomatic network to facilitate dialogue on conflict-resolution , legal solutions and expertise in setting up confidence-building measures;


### 4. calls on the eu to make use of its reputation as a credible and reliable actor amid the growing geopolitical competition between global and regional powers in the indo-pacific; recalls that the added value of eu engagement in the indo-pacific lies in its comprehensive range of civilian and military assistance measures , including well developed non-military contributions; recalls that the eu has a vast network of diplomatic assets to facilitate dialogue on conflict-resolution , legal solutions and expertise in setting up confidence-building measures; ### 4. calls on the eu to make use of its reputation as a credible and reliable actor amid the growing geopolitical competition between global and regional powers in the indo-pacific; recalls that the added value of eu engagement in the indo-pacific lies in its comprehensive range of civilian and well developed non-military contributions; recalls that the eu has a vast network of diplomatic assets to facilitate dialogue on conflict-resolution , legal solutions and expertise in setting up confidence-building measures;


### strategic sovereignty based on multilateralism and the rules-based international order ### strategic sovereignty based on multilateralism and the un charter


### 6. expresses deep concerns about china’s rapid military build-up , including its test of a hypersonic missile , and its increasingly assertive behaviour , which aims , among other things , to advance its territorial claims in the east and south china seas; highlights that security hotspots and unresolved issues , such as the democratic people’s republic of korea’s nuclear programme , the recent china-india border standoffs , the crackdown on democracy in hong kong , and threats posed by china to the territorial integrity of taiwan , exert further strain on regional security and stability; highlights that the eu’s approach towards china must be unified , pragmatic , multifaceted and principled , including cooperating on issues of shared interest , such as climate change , on the one hand , and competing when it comes to providing economic , political and strategic alternatives to third countries , and confronting china on matters where our respective views diverge substantially , on the other hand; ### 6. expresses concerns about china’s increased military spending , including its test of a hypersonic missile; notes its increasingly assertive behaviour , which is partly a response to increasingly aggressive and provocative positions and statements coming from nato and its allies; highlights that the eu’s approach towards china must be pragmatic , multifaceted and principled , including cooperating on issues of shared interest , such as climate change , on the one hand , and competing when it comes to providing economic , political and strategic alternatives to third countries , and respectful diplomatic engagement and dialogue with china on matters where our respective views diverge substantially , on the other hand;


### 7. welcomes the very timely new eu-us dialogue on china and the establishment of eu-us consultations on the indo-pacific , and calls for a coordinated approach towards strengthening multilateral institutions and regional organisations , promoting democracy and enhancing democratic resilience in the indo-pacific region and beyond; ### deleted


### 19. underscores the need to advance defence capability development in order to adequately respond to commonly identified threats; believes that eu member states , especially the 21 joint eu-nato members , need to act coherently and should consider identifying a clear ‘european level of ambition’ in quantitative and qualitative terms regarding capability development in nato; encourages stronger efforts by members of both organisations to achieve greater synergies and coordination between the eu’s capability development plan (cdp) , the eu’s coordinated annual review on defence (card) and nato’s defence planning process (ndpp); ### deleted


### b. whereas china’s continued military belligerence against taiwan poses a grave threat to the status quo between taiwan and china , as well as to the peace and stability of the indo-pacific region; ### b. whereas china’s continued military belligerence against taiwan poses a grave threat to the status quo between taiwan and china , which the european parliament is seeking to preserve , as well as to the peace and stability of the indo-pacific region;


### prepares an impact assessment on a bilateral investment agreement (bia) with taiwan before the end of 2021 in preparation for negotiations to deepen bilateral economic ties; ### prepares an impact assessment on economic links with taiwan before the end of 2021;


### expresses grave concern over china’s continued military belligerence against taiwan; urges china to desist from any destabilising activities against taiwan , and insists that any change to cross-strait relations must not be made against the will of taiwanese citizens; urges the commission to take a proactive role in working with like-minded international partners to safeguard peace and stability across the taiwan strait , and to sustain democracy in taiwan; ### expresses grave concern over china’s continued military belligerence against taiwan , especially with regard to the pratas islands; urges china to desist from any destabilising activities against taiwan , and insists that any change to cross-strait relations must not be made against the will of taiwanese citizens; urges the commission to take a proactive role in working with like-minded international partners to safeguard peace and stability across the taiwan strait , and to sustain democracy in taiwan;


### commends taiwan as an outstanding partner in promoting human rights and freedom of religion in the indo-pacific region; requests the eu special representative for human rights to participate in international human rights conventions in taiwan and to take concrete actions to work with taiwan to advance human rights and religious freedom , the digital economy and sustainable growth of the developing countries in the indo-pacific region; ### commends taiwan as an outstanding partner in promoting human rights and freedom of religion in the indo-pacific region; requests the eu special representative for human rights to participate in international human rights conventions in taiwan and to take concrete actions to work with taiwan to advance human rights , social rights , religious freedom , the digital economy and sustainable growth of the developing countries in the indo-pacific region;


### — having regard to its resolution of 20 january 2021 on the implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 20204 , ### deleted


### — having regard to council regulation (eu) 2018/1542 of 15 october 2018 concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons10 and council implementing regulation (eu) 2020/1480 of 14 october 2020 implementing regulation (eu) 2018/1542 concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons11 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the north atlantic council statement on the extension of the new start treaty of 3 february 2021 , ### deleted