### testing of donors for communicable diseases using certified and validated testing methods; ### testing of donors for communicable diseases using certified and validated testing methods or other methods deemed adequate by edqm and ecdc guidelines;;


### member states may take additional measures to the ones set out in their national soho emergency plans to ensure critical sohos supply in case of shortages on their territory , on a case-by-case basis. member states taking such measures shall inform the other member states and the commission without undue delay and give reasons for the measures taken. ### member states shall take additional measures to the ones set out in their national soho emergency plans to ensure availability of critical sohos , such as the creation of national plans to increase donations. member states taking such measures shall inform the other member states and the commission without undue delay and give reasons for the measures taken


### 2. each member state shall nominate two permanent members and two alternates representing the soho national authority and , where the member state chooses , the ministry of health. the soho national authority may nominate members from other competent authorities , but those members shall ensure that the views and suggestions they make are endorsed by the soho national authority. the board may also invite experts and observers to attend its meetings , and may cooperate with other external experts as appropriate. other union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies shall have an observer role. ### 2. each member state shall nominate two permanent members and two alternates representing the soho national authority and , where the member state chooses , the ministry of health. the soho national authority may nominate members from other competent authorities , but those members shall ensure that the views and suggestions they make are endorsed by the soho national authority. the board shall , in agreement with the commission , permanently invite patients , consumers , and health professionals as well as representatives of the industry , to participate in certain aspects of the board’s work , under conditions determined beforehand by the board. other union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies shall have an observer role.


### the commission shall establish and maintain cooperation with the edqm in relation to the guidelines published by the edqm. ### the commission shall establish and maintain cooperation with the edqm in relation to the guidelines published by the edqm. such cooperation shall occur by respecting the autonomy of eu legislation and shall take into account eu principles on transparency and stakeholder participation.


### the commission shall , by … [op please insert the date = five years after the date of application of this regulation] assess the application of this regulation , produce an evaluation report on the progress towards achievement of the objectives of this regulation and present the main findings to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee , and the committee of the regions. ### the commission shall , by … [op please insert the date = five years after the date of application of this regulation] assess the application of this regulation , produce an evaluation report on the progress towards achievement of the objectives of this regulation and present the main findings to the european parliament , the council , the european economic and social committee , and the committee of the regions. the commission should publish every two years , starting with the date of the application of this regulation , a progress report on the status of plasma collection in the eu , in order to evaluate the progress made on plasma collection as a critical soho at the eu level , to promote the exchange of best practices and relevant evidence and experience across member states.


### 35. recalls that the fee income received by the echa will be substantially reduced; calls for a sustainable funding mechanism , in order to ensure its proper long-term functioning and to remove the inefficiencies due to the separation of budget lines , providing the resources needed to meet the increasing demands on its current work and sufficient additional resources for any additional work required; ### 35. recalls that the fee income received by the echa will be substantially reduced; calls for a sustainable funding mechanism , in order to ensure its proper long-term functioning and to remove the inefficiencies due to the separation of budget lines , providing the resources needed to meet the increasing demands on its current work and sufficient additional resources for any additional work required , including a ring-fenced budget for a team within echa exclusively dedicated to animal protection and non-animal methods promotion across all echa activities;


### 1. welcomes the zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment; ### 1. believes that the right to a non-toxic environment must be guaranteed for all living beings; welcomes the zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment;


### 2. calls on the commission to come up with a chemicals strategy for sustainability that effectively ensures a high level of protection of human health and the environment , minimising exposure to hazardous chemicals; ### 2. calls on the commission to come up with a chemicals strategy for sustainability that effectively ensures a high level of protection of human health and the environment , minimising exposure to hazardous chemicals and the use of animal testing , with clear timelines , indicators and binding targets;


### 6. stresses that the strategy should fully reflect the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle; ### 6. stresses that the strategy should fully reflect the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle , the principle of preventive action and the principle that environmental damage should be , as apriority , rectified at the source; remarks that extended producers’ responsibility mechanisms would represent a good tool to implement the polluter pays principle while stimulating innovation;


### 6. stresses that the strategy should fully reflect the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle; ### 6. stresses that the strategy should fully reflect the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle , while ensuring the innovation principle , and the need to use the latest scientific advances in regulatory decision-making;


### 7. highlights that the new chemicals strategy should be based upon robust and up-to-date scientific evidence and that subsequent regulatory action should be accompanied by impact assessments , taking into account the input of relevant stakeholders; ### 7. highlights that the new chemicals strategy should have a hazard based approach , should be based upon robust and up-to-date scientific evidence and should lead to subsequent regulatory action;


### 8. reaffirms that all regulatory gaps in eu chemicals legislation should be closed and that the new chemicals strategy should effectively contribute to the rapid substitution of substances of very high concern and other hazardous chemicals , including endocrine disruptors , very persistent chemicals , neurotoxicants and immuno-toxicants , as well as tackling the combination effects of chemicals , nano-forms of substances and exposure to hazardous chemicals from products; reiterates that any ban of these chemicals should take all aspects of sustainability into account; ### 8. reaffirms that all regulatory gaps in eu chemicals legislation should be closed and that the new chemicals strategy should effectively contribute to the rapid and appropriate substitution of substances of very high concern and other hazardous chemicals , including endocrine disruptors , very persistent chemicals , neurotoxicants and immuno-toxicants , as well as tackling the combination effects of chemicals , nano-forms of substances and exposure to hazardous chemicals from products; reiterates that any ban of these chemicals should take all aspects of sustainability into account; reiterates that the use of existing alternatives(non-animal) test methods should be mandatory;


### 10. reiterates the need to minimise animal testing with the help of new approach methodologies and calls for increased efforts and funds to this end with aim to establish non-animal based safety assessments in all relevant legislation , in addition to cosmetics; regrets that there are still barriers to the use and acceptance of alternative (non-animal) test methods for regulatory purposes , partially linked to gaps in the available test guidelines4 , requests action to remedy this situation; ### 10. reiterates the need to phase out animal testing through expanded use of new approach methodologies and calls for increased efforts and funds to this end with aim to establish non-animal based safety assessments in all relevant legislation , as is in place for cosmetics; regrets that there are still barriers to the use and acceptance of alternative (non-animal) test methods for regulatory purposes , partially linked to factors such as gaps in the available test guidelines4 and insufficient funding for the research and development of non-animal methods , requests action to remedy this situation;


### 11. considers that the strategy should extend the use of generic risk assessment across legislation; ### 11. considers that the strategy should extend the use of generic risk assessment across legislation without prejudice to the application of the precautionary principle;


### 12. calls on the commission to take all necessary action to ensure that combination effects are fully addressed across all relevant legislation , including the development of new test methods and the revision of data requirements , where necessary; ### 12. calls on the commission to take all necessary action to ensure that combination effects are fully addressed across all relevant legislation , including the development of new , high-quality , non-animal and high-throughput test methods and the revision of data requirements , where necessary;


### 13. welcomes the ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ principle in order to better use the resources of the union’s agencies and scientific bodies , avoid duplication of efforts , reduce the risk of diverging outcomes of assessments , speed up and bring consistency to chemicals regulation , and to ensure enhanced health and environment protection and a level playing field for industry; ### 13. welcomes the ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ principle in order to better use the resources of the union’s agencies and scientific bodies , avoid duplication of efforts , including testing , reduce the risk of diverging outcomes of assessments , speed up and bring consistency to chemicals regulation , and to ensure enhanced health and environment protection and a level playing field for industry;


### 14. stresses the need for a more integrated approach towards assessing chemicals with similar hazard , risk or function as a group; calls therefore on the commission to rely on a grouping approach more widely both in evaluation and in subsequent regulatory actions , to avoid regrettable substitution; stresses that the ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ approach should not contradict nor prevent the development of a grouping approach to assess families as a whole; ### 14. stresses the need for a more integrated approach towards assessing chemicals with similar hazard , risk or function as a group; calls therefore on the commission to rely on a grouping approach more widely both in evaluation and in subsequent regulatory actions , to avoid regrettable substitution and to avoid testing on animals that may otherwise be required for substances considered in isolation; stresses that the ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ approach should not contradict nor prevent the development of a grouping approach to assess families as a whole;


### 15. considers that regulatory measures are needed to protect vulnerable groups; calls on the commission to adopt a cross-cutting definition of vulnerable groups , to adapt risk assessments and to align the protection of vulnerable groups throughout all chemical legislation; ### 15. considers that regulatory measures are needed to protect vulnerable groups; calls on the commission to adopt a cross-cutting definition of vulnerable groups , to adapt risk assessments , to ensure methodologies are common across eu agencies and to align the protection of vulnerable groups throughout all chemical legislation;


### 15. considers that regulatory measures are needed to protect vulnerable groups; calls on the commission to adopt a cross-cutting definition of vulnerable groups , to adapt risk assessments and to align the protection of vulnerable groups throughout all chemical legislation; ### 15. considers that regulatory measures are needed to protect vulnerable groups; calls on the commission to adopt a cross-cutting definition of vulnerable groups , to adapt risk assessments and to align the protection of vulnerable groups throughout all chemical legislation , leading to the most stringent protection regime;


### 17. considers that the evaluation of substances needs both to improve and speed-up; ### 17. considers that the evaluation and reassessment of substances needs both to improve and speed-up;


### 20. stresses that the legislation on food contact materials should be revised; ### 20. stresses that the legislation on food contact materials should be revised and that all food contact materials and known and emerging hazards therein should be regulated on eu level; suggests a swift inventory of the best practices of fcm regulation on member states level , including national measures to tackle exposure to endocrine disruptors and fluorocarbons;


### 22. reaffirms its calls of 18 april 2019 for a comprehensive union framework on endocrine disruptors (edcs) , in particular to adopt a horizontal definition based on the who definition for suspected edcs , as well as for known and presumed edcs in line with the classification of cmrs in the clp regulation , revise data requirements accordingly , effectively minimise overall exposure of humans and the environment to edcs , make legislative proposals to insert specific provisions on edcs into the legislation on toys and cosmetics to treat edcs like substances that are carcinogenic , mutagenic or toxic for reproduction and to revise legislation on food contact materials to substitute edcs; ### 22. reaffirms its calls of 18 april 2019 for a comprehensive union framework on endocrine disruptors (edcs) , in particular to adopt a horizontal definition based on the who definition for suspected edcs , as well as for known and presumed edcs in line with the classification of cmrs in the clp regulation , revise data requirements accordingly , effectively minimise overall exposure of humans and the environment to edcs through the implementation of real-world exposure-led regulatory strategies , make legislative proposals to insert specific provisions on edcs into the legislation on toys and cosmetics to treat edcs like substances that are carcinogenic , mutagenic or toxic for reproduction and to revise legislation on food contact materials to substitute edcs;


### 23. reaffirms its call of 14 march 2013 that edcs should be regarded as non-threshold substances; ### 23. reaffirms its call of 14 march 2013 that edcs should be regarded as non-threshold substances; emphasises that , by definition , a non-threshold substance creates a potential risk at any level of exposure , points out that therefore there is no such thing as a ‘negligible level of exposure’ to these substances , calls on the commission to amend all eu chemical legislation accordingly to effectively halt the exposure of humans to these hazardous substances;


### 24. calls on the commission to introduce new hazard classes in the clp regulation (e.g. for edcs); ### 24. calls on the commission to introduce new hazard classes in the clp regulation (e.g. for edcs , terrestrial toxicity , neurotoxicity , immunotoxicity , persistent bioaccumulative and toxic substances , and very persistent very bioaccumulative substances);


### 1. recalls that the 2021 union budget is the first one under the multiannual financial framework (mff) for 2021-2027; stresses that the amounts allocated to the 2021 budget should match up to the expectations of union citizens in a post-covid-19 europe , fostering strong economic recovery , and should be aligned with the paris agreement and with the green deal objectives , and in particular that of becoming climate neutral by 2050 , while supporting the member states that have suffered the most; calls on the commission to assess the 2021 union budget in the light of the provisions of this paragraph , and to make the appropriate corrections if they are not met; ### 1. recalls that the 2021 union budget is the first one under the multiannual financial framework (mff) for 2021-2027; stresses that the amounts allocated to the 2021 budget should match up to the expectations of people living in the european union in a post-covid-19 europe , ensuring a socially sustainable and equitable recovery , fully aligned with the paris agreement’s objective of limiting the global temperature rise to 1 ,5 ℃ above pre-industrial levels and with the green deal objectives , and in particular those of becoming climate neutral by 2040 at the latest and achieving a socially just transition , while supporting the member states that have suffered the most; calls on the commission to assess the 2021 union budget in the light of the provisions of this paragraph , and to make the appropriate corrections if they are not met;


### 1. recalls that the 2021 union budget is the first one under the multiannual financial framework (mff) for 2021-2027; stresses that the amounts allocated to the 2021 budget should match up to the expectations of union citizens in a post-covid-19 europe , fostering strong economic recovery , and should be aligned with the paris agreement and with the green deal objectives , and in particular that of becoming climate neutral by 2050 , while supporting the member states that have suffered the most; calls on the commission to assess the 2021 union budget in the light of the provision of this paragraph , and to make the appropriate correction if they are not met; ### 1. recalls that the 2021 union budget is the first one under the reoriented and very ambitious multiannual financial framework (mff) for 2021-2027; stresses that the amounts allocated to the 2021 budget should match up to the expectations of union citizens in a post-covid-19 europe , fostering strong economic recovery , and should be aligned with the paris agreement to limit the temperature rise to under 1 ,5 °c and in accordance with the green deal objectives , and in particular that of becoming climate neutral by 2050 at the latest , while supporting the member states that have suffered the most; calls on the commission to assess the 2021 union budget in the light of the provision of this paragraph , and to make the appropriate correction if they are not met;


### 2. welcomes the provision of the solvency support instrument that stipulates that beneficiaries of financial support will be encouraged to put in place a green transition plan; is of the opinion that that provision should be mandatory; ### 2. welcomes the provision of the solvency support instrument that stipulates that beneficiaries of financial support will be encouraged to put in place a green transition plan; is of the opinion that that provision should be mandatory and include an obligation to ‘do no harm’;


### 3. considers that the union should also show global climate leadership through its budgeting; highlights that every effort should be made to ensure that the overall climate and biodiversity mainstreaming targets are reached as soon as possible; recalls parliament’s position calling for 10 % of the union budget to be allocated to biodiversity expenditures; points out that climate and biodiversity-related expenditure must be tracked using a more robust , transparent and comprehensive methodology; is of the opinion that the taxonomy regulation provides the proper framework to update that methodology; ### 3. considers that the union should also show global climate leadership through its budgeting; calls for an increased use of union and international climate funding to protect and restore natural ecosystems as a way of achieving shared benefits between biodiversity and climate mitigation and adaptation; highlights that every effort should be made to ensure that the overall climate and biodiversity mainstreaming targets are reached as soon as possible; believes that 50% of the union budget should be allocated to climate and biodiversity spending; recalls in this regard parliament’s position calling for 10 % of the union budget to be allocated to biodiversity expenditures; points out that climate and biodiversity-related expenditure must be tracked using a more robust , transparent and comprehensive methodology based on the conservativeness principle , including having expenditure resulting in negative impact on climate and biodiversity count negatively towards the total allocation; is of the opinion that the taxonomy regulation provides the proper framework to update that methodology; believes it necessary , in this regard , to strengthen the framework by introducing a ‘brown’ taxonomy of investments that negatively impact climate and biodiversity and to extend it to all financial products;


### 4. calls on the commission to implement green budgeting tools as of 2021; underlines in that regard the importance of effective climate and biodiversity proofing of the budget; ### 4. calls on the commission to implement green budgeting tools as of 2021; underlines in that regard the importance of applying the ‘do no harm’ criteria to the entire union budget and ensuring that it is 100% climate and biodiversity proof;


### 5. stresses that sufficient funding should be union civil protection mechanism , in order to help allocated to the tackle public health emergencies , forest fires , floods , earthquakes , and other natural and human-made disasters , the effects of which are expected to be further exacerbated by climate change ### 5. points to the need that the 2021 union budget should contain resources for the development of capabilities in dealing with pandemics in order to ensure the protection of european citizens; stresses that sufficient funding should be allocated to the union civil protection mechanism , in order to help tackle public health emergencies , forest fires , floods , earthquakes , and other natural and human-made disasters , the effects of which are expected to be further exacerbated by climate change


### 6. highlights that the 2021 union budget should contain sufficient resources for the development of capabilities in dealing with pandemics in order to ensure the protection of union citizens , in particular for strategic material such as vaccines , treatments and medical devices; points out that the strengthening of the competences of the european centre for disease prevention and control (ecdc) , as provided in the new mff , should be reflected in appropriate budgetary measures as of 2021; ### 6. highlights that the 2021 union budget should contain sufficient resources for the development of capabilities in dealing with pandemics in order to ensure the protection of people living in the european union , in particular for strategic material such as vaccines , treatments and medical devices; points out that the strengthening of the capabilities , budget and staffing of the european centre for disease prevention and control (ecdc) , as provided in the new mff , should be reflected in appropriate budgetary measures as of 2021; calls on the commission to guarantee that anti-pandemic vaccines and treatments become a global public good , freely accessible to everyone; calls on the commission to ensure that the results of research funded by union public money are not protected by intellectual property rights and that price accessibility to patients is guaranteed for the products developed;


### 1. recalls that the european chemicals agency ('echa') is the driving force among regulatory authorities in implementing the union's chemicals legislation for the benefit of human health and the environment as well as for innovation and competitiveness; notes that it provides information on chemicals , helps companies comply with legislation and advances the safe use of chemicals; ### 1. recalls that the european chemicals agency ('echa') is the driving force among regulatory authorities in implementing the union's chemicals legislation for the benefit of human health and the environment as well as for innovation and competitiveness; notes that it provides information on chemicals , helps companies comply with legislation and advances the safe use of chemicals; underlines that regulation (ec) no 1907/20061a (reach regulation) specifies that this should be done in a way that ensures that animal testing is only ever a last resort and that the use of non-animal methods is promoted;


### 2. emphasises that the agency is partly financed from the fees it receives from companies that request the registration of chemicals as required under regulation (ec) no 1907/2006; notes that the applicable fees depend on the size of the companies and the volume of chemicals registered (different thresholds); notes that , according to the court’s report , since the first registrations in 2009 , some 26 % of the companies claimed to be micro , small or medium sized; notes with concern , however , that thanks to the agency’s effective system of ex-post verifications , the agency has identified that some 50 % of the companies had incorrectly declared their size , resulting in lower fees; stresses that this finding demonstrates the limitations of a system that relies excessively on self-declarations made by applicants; notes that , in order to mitigate this situation , the agency has , over the years , invoiced fee corrections and administrative charges amounting to eur 32 ,2 million , and that the agency has made considerable progress in recovering undue fee reductions and collecting overdue administrative charges; notes , however , that there is still a considerable verification workload ahead and that the remaining amount of necessary fee corrections was unknown at the end of 2019; calls on the agency to report to the discharge authority on its efforts , and on the results achieved , to continue to reduce the considerable verification backlog and to implement the fee corrections; ### 2. emphasises that the agency is partly financed from the fees it receives from companies that request the registration of chemicals as required under regulation (ec) no 1907/2006; notes that the applicable fees depend on the size of the companies and the volume of chemicals registered (different thresholds); notes that , according to the court’s report , since the first registrations in 2009 , some 26 % of the companies claimed to be micro , small or medium sized; notes with concern , however , that thanks to the agency’s effective system of ex-post verifications , the agency has identified that some 50 % of the companies had incorrectly declared their size , resulting in lower fees; stresses that this finding demonstrates the limitations of a system that relies excessively on self-declarations made by applicants; notes that , in order to mitigate this situation , the agency has , over the years , invoiced fee corrections and administrative charges amounting to eur 32 ,2 million , and that the agency has made considerable progress in recovering undue fee reductions and collecting overdue administrative charges; notes , however , that there is still a considerable verification workload ahead and that the remaining amount of necessary fee corrections was unknown at the end of 2019; calls on the agency to report to the discharge authority on its efforts , and on the results achieved , to continue to reduce the considerable verification backlog and to implement the fee corrections; asks the commission to propose measures to solve this situation , avoiding fraud in declaring the size of the applicants and granting a more stable budget planning for the agency;


### a. whereas forests and other wooded land cover at least 43 % of the eu’s territory , and some member states have more than half of their territories covered by forests and are heavily invested in forestry; ### a. whereas forests and other wooded land cover at least 43 % of the eu’s territory , and some member states have more than half of their territories covered by forests and are heavily dependent on their natural environment;


### b. whereas more than 3 million people in the eu are employed by the eu forest sector; ### b. whereas more than 3 million people in the eu are employed by the eu forest sector and these jobs are dependent on resilient forest ecosystems in the long-term;


### c. whereas europe’s forests are of immense value in terms of climate mitigation , since they absorb and store 10 % of eu carbon emissions; ### c. whereas europe’s forests are of immense value in terms of climate mitigation , since they absorb and store 10 % of eu carbon emissions; whereas they store about 2.5 times more c in soils than in tree biomass 1a , highlights therefore the importance of complex forest ecosystems for the terrestrial carbon cycling in europe;


### c. whereas europe’s forests are of immense value in terms of climate mitigation , since they absorb and store 10 % of eu carbon emissions; ### c. whereas europe’s forests are of immense value in terms of climate mitigation , since they absorb and store 10 % of eu carbon emissions; whereas maximum co2 sequestration potential comes from untouched woodland , compared to efforts to sequester co2 with commercial forestry;


### 1. welcomes the decision from the commission to introduce a new forest strategy; stresses the need for the forest strategy to fully observe the principle of subsidiarity; emphasises , in this regard , the need for a holistic and consistent forest strategy that enhances the multifunctional role of forests and the forest-based sector in the eu and that promotes the far-reaching societal , economic and environmental benefits of forests; underlines the urgent need to prevent and manage natural disturbances; highlights that the forest strategy should not be subordinate to any other sectoral strategy; ### 1. welcomes the decision from the commission to introduce a new forest strategy as part of the european green deal; stresses the unlocked potential and urgent need for forests to play a bigger role in limiting global warming and restoring biodiversity; stresses the need for the forest strategy to fully observe the principle of subsidiarity; emphasises , in this regard , the need for a holistic , consistent and paris-compliant forest strategy that enhances the multifunctional role of forests and the forest-based sector in the eu and that promotes the far-reaching societal , economic and environmental benefits of forests; underlines the urgent need to prevent and manage natural disturbances;


### 2. stresses that according to scientific research , sustainably managed forests have a higher co2 absorption capacity than unmanaged forests; urges , therefore , that the new forest strategy should promote sustainable forest management; recognises the positive impact of sustainable forest management on european forest biodiversity; notes that forest protection and production do not act in contradiction , but can in fact be complementary to one another; ### 2. stresses that according to scientific research6a there is a reduction in forest carbon stocks as a result of increased wood harvesting , and the long periods required (decades to centuries) before the initial increase in emissions is reabsorbed.; urges , therefore , that the new forest strategy should promote sustainable forest management; recognises the positive impact of sustainable forest management , in particular non-intervention management , on european forest biodiversity; notes that forest protection and production can act in contradiction , but could in fact be compatible with one another and have positive result also for climate when principles of nature-based solutions are adopted7a;


### 2. stresses that according to scientific research , sustainably managed forests have a higher co2 absorption capacity than unmanaged forests; urges , therefore , that the new forest strategy should promote sustainable forest management; recognises the positive impact of sustainable forest management on european forest biodiversity; notes that forest protection and production do not act in contradiction , but can in fact be complementary to one another; ### 2. stresses that according to scientific research , undisturbed forests have a higher co2 absorption capacity than unmanaged forests; urges , therefore , that the new forest strategy should promote sustainable forest management; recognises the positive impact of sustainable forest management on european forest biodiversity; notes that forest protection and production do not act in contradiction , but can in fact be complementary to one another; regretfully notes that many areas across the eu have had forestry policies that encouraged commercial forestry at the expense of the natural environment;


### 3. emphasises the important role forests can play in substituting fossil-based materials with bio-based products; believes that the new forest strategy should reflect the importance of the role played by european forests and the eu’s circular bio-economy in reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and that measures to this end should be included; ### 3. stresses the importance of natural carbon sinks in limiting global warming and notes that commercial forestry has less co2 sequestration potential compared to natural , regenerated forests and woodlands; believes that the new forest strategy should reflect the importance of the role played by european forests and the eu’s circular bio-economy in reaching climate neutrality as soon as possible , and well before 2050 and that measures to this end should be included;


### 4. notes that research and technology have come a long way since the forest strategy was introduced in 2013; stresses the importance of encouraging further research in forestry and bio-based products and believes that eu funds for research should be further directed towards this; stresses that more research and funding would make a positive contribution to climate change mitigation , sustainable economic growth and employment , especially in rural areas; ### 4. notes that research and technology have come a long way since the forest strategy was introduced in 2013; stresses the importance of encouraging further public research in forestry; stresses that more research and funding would make a positive contribution to climate change mitigation , sustainable economic growth and employment , especially in rural areas;


### 5. expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of europe; highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of eu mechanisms to tackle the transboundary pressures on forests from the spread of invasive alien species , pests , and diseases. ### 5. expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of europe caused by intensive agriculture and forestry practices , air and water pollution , the use of pesticides and other harmful human activities; highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of eu mechanisms to tackle the transboundary pressures on forests from the spread of invasive alien species , pests , and diseases , as well as rectify legislation that does harm to forests;


### 5. expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of europe; highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of eu mechanisms to tackle the transboundary pressures on forests from the spread of invasive alien species , pests , and diseases. ### 5. expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of europe; highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of eu mechanisms to tackle transboundary pressures , including those man-induced , on forests from the spread of invasive alien species , pests , and diseases , excessive or illegal logging.


### 16. highlights the need to take into consideration the links between the forest-based sector and other sectors as well as the importance of digitalisation and investing in research and innovation; stresses the crucial role of wood-based materials in substituting fossil-based alternatives in industries such as the construction industry , the textile industry , the chemical industry and the packaging industry; ### 16. highlights the need to take into consideration the links between the forest-based sector and other sectors as well as the importance of digitalisation and investing in research and innovation; stresses the crucial role of wood-based materials in substituting fossil-based alternatives in industries such as the construction industry , the textile industry , the chemical industry and the packaging industry; further highlights the as yet under-used advantages offered by the replacement of single-use products , notably plastic products , by sustainable products such as recycled wood;


### 2. notes that the agency is a fee-funded agency , with 85 ,70 % of its 2019 revenue stemming from fees paid by the pharmaceutical industry , 14 ,29 % stemming from the union budget and 0 ,01 % stemming from external assigned revenue; ### 2. notes that the agency is a fee-funded agency , with 85 ,70 % of its 2019 revenue stemming from fees paid by the pharmaceutical industry , 14 ,29 % stemming from the union budget and 0 ,01 % stemming from external assigned revenue; expresses concerns however about the potential conflict of interest in case of fee-funded agencies , where those agencies have to rely on fees as their main source of income;


### 1. welcomes the european food safety authority's ('efsa's') contribution to the safety of the union food and feed chain , and its considerable efforts in providing risk managers with comprehensive , independent and up-to-date scientific advice on questions linked to the food chain , communicating clearly to the public on its outputs and the information on which they are based , and cooperating with interested parties and institutional partners to promote coherence and trust in the food safety system; ### 1. welcomes the european food safety authority's ('efsa's') contribution to the safety of the union food and feed chain , and stresses the need to provide risk managers with comprehensive , independent and up-to-date scientific advice on questions linked to the food chain , communicating clearly to the public on its outputs and the information on which they are based , and cooperating with interested parties and institutional partners to promote coherence and trust in the food safety system;


### 2. notes that efsa's final budget of for 2019 was eur 79 986 785 , representing an increase of 1 % compared to 2018; notes that the entire sum derives from the union budget; notes with satisfaction that the budget monitoring efforts during 2019 resulted in an implementation rate of 100 % for commitment appropriations and 91 % for payment appropriations; ### 2. notes that efsa's final budget of for 2019 was eur 79 986 785 , representing an increase of 1 % compared to 2018; underlines that the entire sum derives from the union budget and this contributes to efsa's independence; notes with satisfaction that the budget monitoring efforts during 2019 resulted in an implementation rate of 100 % for commitment appropriations and 91 % for payment appropriations;


### 7. notes the adoption of regulation (eu) 2019/13812 (the new transparency regulation) which seeks to improve the transparency of risk assessment in the food chain , and in particular to strengthen the reliability , objectivity and independence of the studies used by efsa; notes that during 2019 , it invested a total of 3 ,03 full-time equivalents and just over eur 196 000 on implementing its policy on independence and the management of conflicts of interest; ### 7. notes that the regulation (eu) 2019/13812 (the new transparency regulation) , which is a direct response to the successful european citizen's initiative "stop glyphosate" , was adopted , seeking to improve the transparency of risk assessment in the food chain , and in particular to strengthen the reliability , objectivity and independence of the studies used by efsa; notes that during 2019 , it invested a total of 3 ,03 full-time equivalents and just over eur 196 000 on implementing its policy on independence and the management of conflicts of interest;


### (1) commission estimates derived from firm-level data suggest that the equity repair needs resulting from the covid-19 pandemic could be in the region of eur 720 billion in 2020. the number could go higher in case lockdown measures were to stay in place for longer than currently assumed , or if they had to be re-imposed due to a resurgence of contaminations. if left unaddressed these capital shortfalls may lead to a prolonged period of lower investment and higher unemployment. the impact of the capital shortfall will be uneven across sectors and member states , leading to divergences in the single market. this is compounded by the fact that the capacity of member states to provide state aid differs greatly. ### (1) commission estimates derived from firm-level data suggest that the equity repair needs resulting from the covid-19 pandemic could be in the region of eur 720 billion in 2020. the number could go higher in case lockdown measures were to stay in place for longer than currently assumed , or if they had to be re-imposed due to a resurgence of contaminations. if left unaddressed these capital shortfalls may lead to a prolonged period of lower investment and higher unemployment. the impact of the capital shortfall will be uneven across sectors and member states , leading to divergences among regions and countries. this is compounded by the fact that the capacity of member states to provide state aid differs greatly.


### (1) commission estimates derived from firm-level data suggest that the equity repair needs resulting from the covid-19 pandemic could be in the region of eur 720 billion in 2020. the number could go higher in case lockdown measures were to stay in place for longer than currently assumed , or if they had to be re-imposed due to a resurgence of contaminations. if left unaddressed these capital shortfalls may lead to a prolonged period of lower investment and higher unemployment. the impact of the capital shortfall will be uneven across sectors and member states , leading to divergences in the single market. this is compounded by the fact that the capacity of member states to provide state aid differs greatly. ### (1) based on its spring 2020 economic forecast , commission estimates derived from firm-level data suggest that the equity repair needs resulting from the covid-19 pandemic could be in the region of eur 720 billion in 2020. the number could go significantly higher in case lockdown measures were to stay in place for longer than currently assumed , or if they had to be re-imposed due to a resurgence of contaminations. moreover , the commission’s summer 2020 economic forecast projects a significantly greater contraction of the eu economy in 2020 and a less robust recovery in 2021 than initially predicted , leading to an even deeper recession with wider divergences. in a stress scenario , in which 2020 gdp growth would be projected at -15.5% , the direct impact on equity of all incorporated companies (listed and non-listed) in the union could rise to eur 1.2 trillion. if left unaddressed these capital shortfalls will lead to a prolonged period of lower investment and much higher unemployment. the impact of the capital shortfall will be uneven across sectors and member states , leading to even wider divergences in the single market. this is compounded by the fact that the capacity of member states to provide state aid differs greatly.


### (3) in order to counter the severe economic consequences of the covid-19 pandemic in the union , companies that have encountered difficulties because of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic and that cannot obtain sufficient support through market financing , or measures undertaken by member states , should be provided with a facility for solvency support as a matter of urgency under a solvency support instrument which should be added as a third window under the efsi. ### (3) in order to counter the severe economic and social consequences of the covid-19 pandemic in the union , companies encountering difficulties because of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic as well as micro and small companies with pre-existing difficulties that have been further aggravated due to the pandemic , which cannot obtain sufficient support through market financing , or measures undertaken by member states , should be provided with a facility for solvency support as a matter of urgency under a solvency support instrument which should be added as a third window under the efsi.


### (4) companies supported under the solvency support instrument should be established and operating in the union , meaning that they should have their registered office in a member state and should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. they should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this regulation. they should have a viable business model and not have been in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework7 already at end 2019. support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those member states and sectors which are most impacted by the covid-19 crisis and/or where the availability of state solvency support is more limited. ### (4) companies supported under the solvency support instrument should be established and operating in the union , meaning that they should have their registered office in a member state and should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. they should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this regulation. they should have a viable business model and not have been in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework7 already at end 2019. they should also comply with union social and environmental standards and legislation. support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those member states and sectors which are most impacted by the covid-19 crisis and/or where the availability of state solvency support is more limited. the ssi , as any emergency public support measure , is incompatible with the use of tax havens , share buy-backs , the payment of dividends to shareholders or executive bonuses.


### (4) companies supported under the solvency support instrument should be established and operating in the union , meaning that they should have their registered office in a member state and should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. they should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this regulation. they should have a viable business model and not have been in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework7 already at end 2019. support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those member states and sectors which are most impacted by the covid-19 crisis and/or where the availability of state solvency support is more limited. ### (4) companies supported under the solvency support instrument should be established and operating in the union , meaning that they should have their registered office in a member state and should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. they should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this regulation. they should have a viable business model and not have been in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework7 already at end 2019. support should also target companies that have been newly created before the end of 2020 , which have acquired or are managing assets or branches of companies in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework already at the end of 2019 , provided that there has been a change in management. micro or small enterprises that were already in difficulty on 31 december 2019 should also be eligible , subject to certain conditions , since they are eligible for state aid under the temporary framework for state aid measures7a. support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those member states and sectors which are most impacted by the covid-19 crisis and/or where the possibility of state solvency support and access to market financing are more limited.


### (4) companies supported under the solvency support instrument should be established and operating in the union , meaning that they should have their registered office in a member state and should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. they should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this regulation. they should have a viable business model and not have been in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework7 already at end 2019. support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those member states and sectors which are most impacted by the covid-19 crisis and/or where the availability of state solvency support is more limited. ### (4) companies supported under the solvency support instrument should be established and operating in the union , meaning that they should have their registered office in a member state and should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. companies registered in offshore jurisdictions should be excluded from any public support. they should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this regulation. they should have a viable business model and not have been in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework7 already at end 2019. support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those member states and sectors which are most impacted by the covid-19 crisis and/or where the availability of state solvency support is more limited. in addition , companies supported under this program should be prohibited from dismissing employees or reducing wages.


### (10) the financing and investment operations should be aligned with current policy priorities of the union such as the european green deal and the strategy on shaping europe’s digital future. support to cross-border activities should also be targeted. ### (10) the financing and investment operations should be aligned with current policy priorities and objectives of the union such as the european green deal , the sustainable development goals , the paris agreement , the “do no significant harm” principle , the european pillar of social rights , the just transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest and the strategy on shaping europe’s digital future. support to cross-border activities should also be targeted.


### (2) in accordance with regulation [european union recovery instrument] and within the limits of resources allocated therein , recovery and resilience measures under the solvency support window of the european fund for strategic investments should be carried out to address the unprecedented impact of the covid-19 crisis. such additional resources should be used in such a way as to ensure compliance with the time limits provided for in regulation [euri]. ### (2) in order to address the capital shortfall of companies , especially smes , and its impact in terms of investment and employment , targeted and effective recovery and resilience measures under the solvency support window of the european fund for strategic investments should be carried out as soon as possible to address the unprecedented socio-economic impact of the covid-19 crisis.


### the operations concerned shall be consistent with union policies , including the european green deal9 and the strategy on shaping europe’s digital future10 , as well as supporting an inclusive and symmetric recovery in the aftermath of the covid-19 pandemic , and support any of the following general objectives:’ ### the operations concerned shall be consistent with union policies and objectives , including the european green deal9 , the sustainable development goals , the paris agreement , the “do no significant harm” principle , the european pillar of social rights , the just transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest , the new industrial strategy for europe9a and the strategy on shaping europe’s digital future10 , as well as supporting an inclusive and symmetric recovery in the aftermath of the covid-19 pandemic , and support any of the following general objectives:’


### target that at least 40 % of efsi financing under the infrastructure and innovation window support project components that contribute to climate action , in line with the commitments made at the 21st conference of the parties to the united nations framework convention on climate change (cop21). efsi financing for smes and small mid- cap companies shall not be included in that computation. the eib shall use its internationally agreed methodology to identify those climate action project components or cost shares; ### target that at least 40 % of efsi financing under the infrastructure and innovation window support project components that contribute to climate action , in line with the european green deal , the paris agreement and the “do no significant harm” principle. efsi financing for smes and small mid- cap companies shall not be included in that computation. the eib shall use its internationally agreed methodology to identify those climate action project components or cost shares;


### ensure that the majority of efsi financing under the solvency support window is utilised to support eligible companies in member states where the availability of state solvency support is more limited. ### ensure that the majority of efsi financing under the solvency support window is utilised to support eligible companies in member states and sectors where the possibility of state solvency support and access to market financing are more limited.


### b. whereas the wide use of pharmaceuticals in human and veterinary medicines , including antimicrobial agents , has increased their concentrations in many environmental reservoirs such as soils , sediments and waterbodies in the past 20 years; whereas the largest source of pharmaceuticals entering the environment is their use and disposal; ### b. whereas the wide use of pharmaceuticals in human and veterinary medicines , including antimicrobial agents , has increased their concentrations in many environmental reservoirs such as soils , sediments and waterbodies in the past 20 years; whereas environmental concentrations are likely to increase as the population ages and grows , and climate change will worsen the pollution of water by pharmaceutical residues as at times of drought concentrations will be higher; whereas the largest source of pharmaceuticals entering the environment is their use and disposal;


### b. whereas the wide use of pharmaceuticals in human and veterinary medicines , including antimicrobial agents , has increased their concentrations in many environmental reservoirs such as soils , sediments and waterbodies in the past 20 years; whereas the largest source of pharmaceuticals entering the environment is their use and disposal; ### b. whereas the wide use of pharmaceuticals in human and veterinary medicines , including antimicrobial agents , has increased their concentrations in many environmental reservoirs such as soils , sediments and waterbodies in the past 20 years; whereas environmental concentrations are likely to increase as the population ages and grows , and the impacts of climate change will increasingly and adversely affect both the quantity and the quality of water resources; whereas the largest source of pharmaceuticals entering the environment is their use and disposal;


### d. whereas the excessive and incorrect use of antibiotics , particularly in livestock farming , and more generally poor practices in both human and veterinary medicine , have progressively rendered antimicrobial resistance a massive threat to human and animal health; ### d. whereas the excessive and incorrect use of antibiotics , particularly in livestock farming , and more generally poor practices in both human and veterinary medicine , have progressively rendered antimicrobial resistance a massive threat to human and animal health; whereas intensive livestock farming , where large numbers of animals are kept in close proximity to each other , leads to the excessive use of veterinary medicines including antibiotics;


### g. whereas there is sufficient evidence that action should be taken to reduce the risk from pharmaceuticals in the environment; ### g. whereas there is sufficient evidence that action should be taken to reduce the risk from pharmaceuticals in the environment; such as the impact on drinking water sources;


### 4. recalls that any future initiatives in the field of the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals should be science and target driven , as well as technology neutral , making sure that safety and efficacy still remain key priority features for access for patients to pharmaceutical treatments; ### 4. recalls that any future initiatives in the field of the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals should be based on the precautionary principle , target driven and technology neutral , making sure that safety and efficacy still remain key priority features for access for patients to pharmaceutical treatments;


### 5. considers that a holistic approach is needed to tackle pharmaceutical pollution , taking into account the entire life cycle of drugs; stresses that regulatory actions have to be taken in line with the precautionary principle; highlights that the polluter pays principle should apply , primarily covering the manufacturing process , but also incentivising better prescription practices and consumer behaviour; ### 5. considers that a holistic approach is needed to tackle pharmaceutical pollution at source , taking into account the entire life cycle of drugs; stresses that regulatory actions have to be taken in line with the precautionary principle and the control at source principle; highlights that the polluter pays principle should apply , primarily covering entire lifecycle of pharmaceuticals from the manufacturing process to prescription , and from use to disposal and waste treatment;


### 7. recalls that studies have shown that pharmaceutical products are especially present in water bodies , and that they are ineffectively filtered by wastewater treatment plants; ### 7. recalls that studies have shown that pharmaceutical products are especially present in water bodies , and that they are ineffectively filtered by wastewater treatment plants currently cannot effectively filter out all pharmaceutical products , due to the intrinsically different chemical properties of the relevant substances;


### 9. points to the need to regulate pharmaceuticals under water legislation; recalls that interinstitutional negotiations are on-going on a review of the directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption and on a regulation on minimum requirements for water reuse; ### 9. points to the need to regulate pharmaceuticals under water legislation; recalls that interinstitutional negotiations are on-going on a review of the directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption and on a regulation on minimum requirements for water reuse; asks that regulation for other compartments such as soils be implemented as well;


### 10. asks for a special focus to be put on emission hot spots , such as hospitals and pharmaceutical production plants; ### 10. asks for a special focus to be put on emission hot spots , such as hospitals and pharmaceutical production plants in accordance with the control at source principle , and additional hot spots such as certain waste water treatment plants;


### 10. asks for a special focus to be put on emission hot spots , such as hospitals and pharmaceutical production plants; ### 10. asks for a special focus to be put on emission hot spots , such as hospitals , pharmaceutical production plants and intensive stockbreeding areas;


### 13. calls on the member states and on the commission to promote awareness-raising campaigns among veterinaries and physicians on the prudent use of pharmaceuticals , particularly of antimicrobials; calls on actors in the pharmaceutical supply chain to contribute to providing to patients with sufficient information on how incorrectly disposed medicines may negatively impact the environment; calls for on-pack labelling in the form of an appropriate pictogramme to inform consumers how to properly dispose of unused medicines; ### 13. calls on the member states and on the commission to promote awareness-raising campaigns among veterinaries and physicians on the prudent use of pharmaceuticals , particularly of antimicrobials; calls on actors in the pharmaceutical supply chain to contribute to providing to patients and stockbreeders with sufficient information on how incorrectly disposed medicines may negatively impact the environment; calls for on-pack labelling in the form of an appropriate pictogramme to inform consumers how to properly dispose of unused medicines;


### 14. highlights the importance of the design , development and manufacturing phases to minimise the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals; ### 14. highlights the importance of the design , development and manufacturing phases to minimise the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals; has the opinion that the good manufacturing practice (gmp) legislation should be revised to include requirements for environmental protection;


### 16. considers that the environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals could be included into the benefit-risk assessment of human medicines , as is already the case for veterinary medicines; ### 16. considers that the environmental impacts of new and existing pharmaceutical substances pharmaceuticals should be included into the benefit-risk assessment of human medicines , as is already the case for veterinary medicines; emphasises that metabolites , degradation products and cocktail effects of pharmaceutical substances should also be considered therein;


### 26. stresses that measures must be based on scientific evidence and calls on all relevant players to ensure that actions taken do not jeopardise access to safe and effective pharmaceutical treatments for human patients and animals; in this regard , supports the commission’s intention to reduce waste by allowing that medicines be dispensed in quantities better matching needs , including by optimising the package size , and to explore the possibility to extend expiry dates for medicines to avoid that medicines that can still be safely used are unnecessarily thrown away; ### 26. stresses that measures must be based the precautionary principle and calls on all relevant players to ensure that actions taken do not jeopardise access to safe and effective pharmaceutical treatments for human patients and animals; in this regard , supports the commission’s intention to reduce waste by allowing that medicines be dispensed in quantities better matching needs , including by optimising the package size , and to explore the possibility to extend expiry dates for medicines to avoid that medicines that can still be safely used are unnecessarily thrown away;


### 27. considers that the overall per capita drug consumption should be reduced , without jeopardising patients’ health; is of the opinion that the overall per animal veterinary medicines consumption should also decrease; ### 27. considers that the overall per capita drug consumption should be reduced , without jeopardising patients’ health; is of the opinion that the number of animals on stock farms and the overall per animal veterinary medicines consumption should also decrease and that intensive stockbreeding should be run down;


### 29. considers that pharmaceutical production plants should pre-treat their wastewater; ### 29. considers that pharmaceutical production plants should pre-treat their wastewater; request in this context that the relevant authorities set monitoring requirements to the industry as well as stricter limits to the concentrations of pharmaceuticals in the wastewater ending up to the municipal wwtps;


### 30. calls for full enforcement of the existing provisions with regard to take-back schemes for unused medicines; ### 30. calls for full enforcement of the existing provisions with regard to take-back schemes for unused medicines and calls on member states which have not yet set up these provisions to do so;


### 33. calls on the commission to address the possible impact of pharmaceuticals on the watchlist pursuant to the water framework directive and to assess whether the list should be updated; ### 33. calls on the commission to address the possible impact of pharmaceuticals on the watchlist pursuant to the water framework directive and to assess whether the list should be updated; calls on the commission to propose a soil framework directive , focusing in particular on the concentration of antibiotics in the soil;


### 34. highlights that comprehensive monitoring of antibiotics has been developed in farming; calls on the commission to also develop a monitoring system in relation to human antibiotics; ### 34. highlights that comprehensive monitoring of antibiotics has been developed in farming; calls on the commission to also develop a monitoring system in relation to human antibiotics; calls on the commission to propose a pharmaceuticals monitoring programme , focusing in particular on the concentration of antibiotics in the soil;


### 35. emphasises the need to support further research , particularly under the next multi-annual financial framework , on the direct impact on human health of exposure to pharmaceuticals and their residues in the environment and on better understanding how pharmaceuticals enter and persist in the environment; ### 35. emphasises the need to support further research , particularly under the next multi-annual financial framework , on the direct impact on human health of exposure to pharmaceuticals and their residues in the environment and on better understanding how pharmaceuticals enter the environment and the environmental fate of pharmaceuticals;


### 35. emphasises the need to support further research , particularly under the next multi-annual financial framework , on the direct impact on human health of exposure to pharmaceuticals and their residues in the environment and on better understanding how pharmaceuticals enter and persist in the environment; ### 35. emphasises the need to support further research , particularly under the next multi-annual financial framework , on the direct impact on human health and ecology of exposure to pharmaceuticals and their residues in the environment and on better understanding how pharmaceuticals enter and persist in the environment;


### 37. recalls that pharmaceutical environmental information plays a key role for risk management and that this type of information should be made available to relevant stakeholders; ### 37. recalls that pharmaceutical environmental information such as the impact on water , environmental behaviour , degradability and possible cocktail effects plays a key role for risk management and that this type of information should be transparent and made available to relevant stakeholders;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to establish the european union as a standard-setting and world-leading region for hydrogen; stresses that hydrogen is an important tool to decarbonise the energy system and to achieve the goals of the paris agreement; notes that an ambitious strategy can generate up to 1 million jobs and eur 150 billion in annual revenue by 2030 , while reducing annual co2 emissions by roughly 560 mt by 2050; calls , therefore , on the commission to introduce a comprehensive terminology and criteria for the certification of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen , since this constitutes the basis for any future investments; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to establish the european union as a standard-setting and world-leading region for hydrogen; stresses that hydrogen is an important tool to decarbonise the energy system and to achieve the goals of the paris agreement; notes that an ambitious strategy can generate up to 1 million jobs and eur 150 billion in annual revenue by 2030 , while reducing annual co2 emissions by roughly 560 mt by 2050; calls , therefore , on the commission to introduce a comprehensive terminology and criteria for the certification of renewable hydrogen , since this constitutes the basis for any future investments;


### 2. notes that hydrogen may be produced through a variety of processes; stresses the importance of a clear commitment to the transition to renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen production to achieve the union’s 2050 climate neutrality target , while ensuring technological neutrality; points out that during a transitional period , incentives will be required to scale-up renewable and ultra-low-carbon hydrogen in industry and the transport sector , building on the established emission trading system (ets) framework; ### 2. notes that hydrogen may be produced through a variety of processes; stresses the importance of a clear commitment to the transition to exclusively renewable hydrogen production to achieve the union’s 2050 climate neutrality target; points out that during a transitional period , incentives will be required to scale-up renewable hydrogen in industry and the transport sector; underlines therefore the dire need to properly tax greenhouse gas emissions for the damage they inflict on the climate; notes in this regard the absolute inadequacy of the european trading scheme; stresses the need to replace the ets with a system ensuring the binding reduction of ghg emissions and proper taxation;


### a. whereas the eu has endorsed the paris agreement , the green deal and the goal of achieving a cost-efficient and fair transition leading to climate neutrality by 2050; ### a. whereas the eu has endorsed the paris agreement , the green deal and the goal of achieving a cost-efficient and fair transition leading to climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest , and the european parliament has endorsed a 2030 target of 60% emission reductions compared to 1990;


### b. whereas the transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas economy requires a clean energy transition that ensures sustainability , security of supply and affordability of energy; ### b. whereas the transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas economy requires a publicly planed energy transition towards a 100% renewable energy system that ensures sustainability , security of supply and affordability of energy;


### c. whereas hydrogen can be used for industrial , transport and heating applications , decarbonising sectors in which direct electrification is not possible or competitive , as well as for energy storage to balance the energy system , thereby playing a significant role in energy system integration; ### c. whereas hydrogen can be used for industrial , transport applications , decarbonising sectors in which direct electrification is not possible or competitive , as well as for energy storage to balance the energy system , thereby playing a significant role in energy system integration;


### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps); ### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; reminds that buildings are responsible for approximately 40 % of energy consumption and 36 % of co2 emissions in the eu; reminds that 75% of building stock is energy inefficient , 40 million europeans can’t warm their home correctly in the winter and 98 million can’t cool it correctly in the summer; reminds that the current rate of renovation of eu buildings is about 1% each year; considers that renovation policies must be part of global urban planning aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of urban web; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states , to respect the paris agreement which limits climate warming under 1 ,5°c , to step up large-scale renovation plans in order to reach an annual renovation rate of at least 3% , based on one shot but complete renovations which have the most efficient “savings energy/cost” rate , under the national energy and climate plans (nceps);


### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps); ### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , in line with the paris agreement and the objective of limiting global heating to no more than 1 ,5 °c , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan and the proper tool to achieved energy efficiency and connectivity of our building stock in favour of long-term sustainability and energy circularity; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps) to achieve nearly zero-energy buildings by 2050 at the latest;


### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (nceps); ### 1. welcomes the announcement of a renovation wave as part of the european green deal; urges the commission to present it as planned , given that it is a key element of the post-covid-19 recovery plan; calls on the member states to step up large-scale renovation plans under the national energy and climate plans (necps) and to implement this programme as part of the post-covid-19 recovery plan;


### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment and to taking the embodied energy in building materials into account; ### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; considers that energy- efficient buildings should be safe and sustainable; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment through a possible reward/ranking system that could be incorporated in the building energy and environment passport and to taking the embodied energy in building materials into account;


### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment and to taking the embodied energy in building materials into account; ### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which notes that construction and building materials generate over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment and to taking the embodied energy in building materials into account; calls for urgent regulatory action to introduce more circularity to the construction product sectors;


### 2. welcomes the commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment and to taking the embodied energy in building materials into account; ### 2. takes note of commission’s new circular economy action plan which highlights the role of construction and building materials in generating over 35 % of the eu’s total waste; notes that a streamlined approach should be taken in eu legislation to recovery , recycling , life-cycle assessment and to taking the embodied energy in building materials into account;


### 3. believes that a circular economy labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for reintroduction into the value chain , should be established; ### 3. believes that a circular economy labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for reintroduction into the value chain , should be established; underscores that labelling and consumer information is only a very small incentive and must be accompanied by ambitious state-led investment and regulatory legislative action; believes that any focus on consumer choice is an unacceptable pathway for this renovation wave;


### 3. believes that a circular economy labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for reintroduction into the value chain , should be established; ### 3. believes that a circular economy and energy efficiency performance labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for reintroduction into the value chain and their energy efficiency performance in the whole life-cycle of materials and their contribution into the building energy balance should be established;


### 3. believes that a circular economy labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for reintroduction into the value chain , should be established; ### 3. believes that a circular economy labelling system , based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for reintroduction into the value chain , should be established; calls for minimum binding percentages of reused and recycled materials coming from the destruction of other buildings; about new materials , calls for priority use of bio-based materials (wood , earth , straw) to renovate and build buildings;


### 4. stresses that there is no common eu legislation on the management of bulky waste in general , and of polystyrene and stone wool in particular; expresses its concern about the safe handling of insulation materials , given the possible inclusion of dangerous substances in them; ### 4. stresses that there is no common eu legislation on the management of bulky waste in general , and of polystyrene and stone wool or glass in particular; expresses its concern about the safe handling of insulation materials , given the possible inclusion of dangerous substances in them;


### 5. notes that building renovation projects should contribute to the potential for better health conditions; emphasises that the revision of air quality standards can lead to improvements in indoor environmental conditions and help tackle energy poverty; ### 5. notes that building renovation projects should contribute to the potential for better health and living conditions and contribute to the right to a home , right to renewable energy , and right to decent living conditions; emphasises that the revision of air quality standards can lead to improvements in indoor environmental conditions and help tackle energy poverty;


### 5. notes that building renovation projects should contribute to the potential for better health conditions; emphasises that the revision of air quality standards can lead to improvements in indoor environmental conditions and help tackle energy poverty; ### 5. notes that building renovation projects should contribute to the potential for better health conditions; emphasizes that the revision of air quality standards can lead to improvements in indoor environmental conditions and help tackle energy poverty , by recovering heat of extracted air by ventilation (double flow cmv);


### 5. notes that building renovation projects should contribute to the potential for better health conditions; emphasises that the revision of air quality standards can lead to improvements in indoor environmental conditions and help tackle energy poverty; ### 5. notes that building renovation projects should contribute to the potential for better health conditions; emphasises that the revision of air quality standards can lead to improvements in indoor environmental conditions and help tackle energy poverty; takes the view that priority must be given to energy efficiency measures for vulnerable and energy-poor households.;


### 6. emphasises the potential , in terms of overcoming the current fragmentation in the market , of creating a common energy and environmental building passport; stresses further that it should include the circular capacity of materials; ### 6. stresses the possibility to gradually make energy refurbishment mandatory when households are sent or rented , beginning with energy classes f and g;


### 6. emphasises the potential , in terms of overcoming the current fragmentation in the market , of creating a common energy and environmental building passport; stresses further that it should include the circular capacity of materials; ### 6. emphasises the potential , in terms of overcoming the current fragmentation in the market , of creating a common energy and environmental building passport through measuring and progress-monitoring policies that will allow to identify the needs and the special characteristics of the european building stock; stresses further that it should include the circular capacity of materials;


### 6. emphasises the potential , in terms of overcoming the current fragmentation in the market , of creating a common energy and environmental building passport; stresses further that it should include the circular capacity of materials; ### 6. emphasises the potential , in terms of overcoming the current fragmentation in the market , of creating a common energy and environmental building passport; stresses further that it should include the circular capacity of materials; underscores that the real potential in the circular economy is in making the materials themselves circular and boosting recycling capacity;


### 7. stresses that homeowners and housing associations should be supported in climate-proofing their building stock , for example through grants or financial instruments based on the additionality of multiannual financial framework (mff) funding , national budgets and private sector sources; ### 7. stresses that energy is a basic necessity and access to energy should be free for first necessity needs which are vital for a decent life; stresses that homes which are the most poorly insulated from cold and hot are most of the time occupied by people in a position of economic insecurity , emphasizing this position because of high consumption of energy , and avoiding them from investing in renovation when these people own their home; considers that low income households shouldn’t support energy efficiency costs; reminds that paragraph 28 of european parliament resolution of 15 january 2020 on the european green deal states that low income households should not support the cost of energy efficiency renovations; stresses that homeowners and housing associations should be supported in climate-proofing their building stock , for example through grants or financial instruments based on the additionality of multiannual financial framework (mff) funding , national budgets and private sector sources; using grants preferably , and interest-free loans for medium income households , from national finances and through a unique office , with adjustable duration so that the repayment deadlines would be lower than the energy savings , thus accelerating the eradication of energy precariousness2a;


### 7. stresses that homeowners and housing associations should be supported in climate-proofing their building stock , for example through grants or financial instruments based on the additionality of multiannual financial framework (mff) funding , national budgets and private sector sources; ### 7. stresses that homeowners and housing associations should be supported in a sustainable and tangible way , climate-proofing their building stock , for example through grants or financial instruments based on the additionality of multiannual financial framework (mff) funding , national budgets and private sector sources;


### 8. underlines the role of the european investment bank group in providing loans , guarantees and financial instruments in order to finance small-scale and social housing renovation initiatives and services. ### 8. calls on the european commission and members states to promote sustainable investments in the construction sector following in the eu taxonomy; underlines the role of the european investment bank group in providing loans , guarantees and financial instruments in order to finance small-scale renovation initiatives and services; stresses however , the need for funding to be provided in the form of grants for social housing projects;


### 8. underlines the role of the european investment bank group in providing loans , guarantees and financial instruments in order to finance small-scale and social housing renovation initiatives and services. ### 8. underlines the role of the european investment bank group in providing zero-interest loans to member states backed by the ecb , guaranteeing good esg investments and financial instruments in order to finance small-scale and social housing renovation initiatives and services.


### 8. underlines the role of the european investment bank group in providing loans , guarantees and financial instruments in order to finance small-scale and social housing renovation initiatives and services. ### 8. underlines the role of the european investment bank group in providing loans , including interest-free loans , guarantees and financial instruments in order to finance small-scale and social housing renovation initiatives and services.


### — having regard to the european citizens' initiative 'right2water'23 , ### — having regard to the european citizens' initiative 'right2water'23 , and the european parliament report on the follow-up to the european citizens’ initiative right2water(2014/2239(ini));


### a. whereas water is an inalienable public asset that is essential for life , and water management plays a vital role in the preservation of the eu`s ecosystem services as well as in resource use and economic production; whereas europe has to find effective responses to the current water challenges and manage existing water resources efficiently , as they directly affect human health , energy production , agriculture and food security; ### a. whereas water is an inalienable public asset that is essential for life , and water management plays a vital role in the preservation of the eu`s ecosystem services as well as in resource use and economic production; whereas europe has to find effective responses to the current water challenges and manage existing water resources efficiently , as they directly affect environmental quality , human health , energy production , agriculture and food security;


### a. whereas water is an inalienable public asset that is essential for life , and water management plays a vital role in the preservation of the eu`s ecosystem services as well as in resource use and economic production; whereas europe has to find effective responses to the current water challenges and manage existing water resources efficiently , as they directly affect human health , energy production , agriculture and food security; ### a. whereas water is an inalienable public good that is essential for life , and water management plays a vital role in the preservation of the eu`s ecosystem services as well as in resource use and economic production; whereas europe has to find effective responses to the current water challenges and manage existing water resources efficiently , as they directly affect human health , the environment , energy production , agriculture and food security;


### b. whereas the water framework directive established a framework to protect 110.000 surface water bodies in the eu , aiming to achieve ‘good ecological and chemical status’ by 2015; whereas the fitness check found important shortcomings in the implementation of eu water legislation , which status is unlikely to be achieved by the 2027 deadline; ### b. whereas the water framework directive established a framework to protect 110.000 surface water bodies in the eu , aiming to achieve ‘good ecological and chemical status’ for surface water bodies and ‘good chemical and quantitative status’ for groundwater bodies by 2015; whereas the fitness check found important shortcomings in the implementation of eu water legislation , which status is unlikely to be achieved by the final 2027 deadline;


### k. whereas water is an essential element in the food cycle; whereas good quality of ground and surface waters is necessary to achieve a fair , healthy and environmentally-friendly food system as described in the farm to fork strategy; ### k. whereas water is an essential element in the food cycle; whereas good quality and sufficient quantity of ground and surface waters is necessary to achieve a fair , healthy and environmentally-friendly food system as described in the farm to fork strategy;


### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up; ### 2. welcomes the assessment of the commission that the wfd is fit for purpose , and underlines that no changes in it are necessary at this stage , yet its implementation needs to be improved and speeded up;


### 3. regrets that the objectives of the wfd still are not reached mainly due to inadequate funding , particularly slow implementation , insufficient enforcement and broad use of the exemptions of the directive , that integration of environmental objectives in sectoral policies have been insufficient , and that half of the eu`s water bodies are still not in a good status; ### 3. deeply regrets that the objectives of the wfd still are not reached mainly due to inadequate funding , particularly slow implementation , insufficient enforcement and broad use of the exemptions of the directive , that integration of environmental objectives in sectoral policies have been insufficient , and that half of the eu`s water bodies are still not in a good status; notes that for improving the status of water bodies it is vital that all levels of governments and authorities have to cooperate together in mainstreaming the wfd goals in policy , legislation and wfd measures;


### 5. notes that there is room for improvement in the area of chemicals; calls on the commission to update relevant substances contained in the annexes to the wfd; recommends the development of new guidelines on improved monitoring methods for chemical mixtures; ### 5. notes that there is an urgent need for improvement in the area of chemicals; calls on the commission to update relevant substances contained in the annexes to the wfd , in order to facilitate reaching the goals of the wfd and to better protect drinking water resources; notes that the priority substances directive this far barely includes substances relevant to drinking water provision; stresses that substances relevant to production of drinking water , such as pfas and diclofenac , should be added to the list of priority substances; recommends the development of new guidelines on improved monitoring methods for chemical mixtures;


### 6. notes that the “one-out-all-out”-principle should remain intact , yet poses a problem in the communication on progress made with regards to single parameters; calls for complementary reporting methodologies (such as distance to target);; highlights the importance of transparency and provision of comprehensive information to the public on the quality of water in the eu; ### 6. notes that the “one-out-all-out”-principle poses a problem in the communication on progress made with regards to single parameters; calls for complementary reporting methodologies (such as distance to target); highlights the importance of transparency and provision of comprehensive information to the public on the quality of water in the eu;


### 6. notes that the “one-out-all-out”-principle should remain intact , yet poses a problem in the communication on progress made with regards to single parameters; calls for complementary reporting methodologies (such as distance to target);; highlights the importance of transparency and provision of comprehensive information to the public on the quality of water in the eu; ### 6. highlights that the “one-out-all-out”-principle should remain intact; highlights the importance of transparency and provision of comprehensive information to the public on the quality of water in the eu;


### 8. regrets that the cost-recovery principle , that foresees that all water users have an effective and proportionate financial participation , remains low to non-existent in several member states; calls on member states to consider and implement adequate water pricing policies and fully apply the cost recovery principle in line with the wfd; emphasises however that all citizens should have affordable access to water; ### 8. firmly believes that all people should have full access to water;


### 9. highlights the importance of further addressing eutrophication of both fresh and salt waters caused by nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater and other sources , including from agriculture; ### 9. highlights the importance of further addressing eutrophication of both fresh and salt waters caused by nitrogen and phosphorus from agriculture , wastewater and other sources;


### 12. welcomes the fact that the uwwtd has delivered on the reduction of loads , thereby contributing to the improvement of water quality , regrets however , that the evaluation of the uwwtd does not analyse the effectiveness regarding discharges of industrial waste water into collecting systems and urban waste water plants; ### 12. welcomes the fact that the uwwtd has delivered on the reduction of loads , thereby contributing to the improvement of water quality , regrets however , that the evaluation of the uwwtd does not analyse the effectiveness regarding discharges of industrial waste water into collecting systems and urban waste water plants , calls on the commission to take this into account in the revision process of the uwwtd;


### 15. calls on the commission to support member states in the implementation of the water directives with technical assistance and appropriate training , by sharing good practices and expertise; ### 15. calls on the commission to support member states in the implementation of the water directives with technical assistance and appropriate training , by sharing good practices and expertise to ensure reaching the wfd goals;


### 17. stresses the need for alignment of the common agricultural policy (cap) with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy; ### 17. stresses the need for alignment of sectoral legislation , such the common agricultural policy (cap) , the drinking water directive , the nitrates directive , the plant protection products regulation , the uwwtd and reach with the wfd regarding the need for increased water protection measures in agriculture , industry and households; welcomes the inclusion of improved nutrient management as one of the objectives of the new cap strategic plans and of the biodiversity strategy , notes that in order to reduce the impact from agriculture on wfd bodies , the reduction of fertiliser use and of the use and risks of pesticides from the farm to fork strategy and the european green deal , ‘zero-pollution ambition’ should be integrated and fully implemented in the cap strategic plans;


### 18. urges the commission to streamline and improve monitoring systems for water quality , collecting , among others , data on pesticide residue and metabolites in the water bodies in europe; ### 18. urges the commission to streamline and improve monitoring systems for water quality , collecting , among others , data on pesticide residues and metabolites in the water bodies in europe;


### f. whereas green infrastructure can be used to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of increasing extreme weather phenomena , such as heat waves , extreme rainfalls , flooding and droughts , and even out extreme temperatures thus improving the quality of life for europeans living in urban areas; ### f. whereas green infrastructure can be an important part of adaptation policies to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of increasing extreme weather phenomena , such as heat waves , extreme rainfalls , flooding and droughts , and even out extreme temperatures , as well as improving the quality of life for europeans living in urban areas;