### 2. calls on the commission to increase its engagement with its moldovan counterparts and to maximise its political , technical and financial support to the republic of moldova during this crucial time in order to give further impetus to progress and to ensure adequate absorption capacity for eu assistance; ### 2. calls on the commission to increase its engagement with its moldovan counterparts and to maximise its political , technical and financial support to the republic of moldova during this crucial time in order to give further impetus to progress and to ensure adequate absorption capacity for eu assistance; points out , in this respect , that the european union should be more strategic in its support and calls for the establishment , at the level of the commission , of a support group for the republic of moldova on the model of the one already established for ukraine; underlines that such a group could play a pivotal role in advancing reforms in the key areas of justice and the fight against corruption , to stimulate long-term socio-economic development and recovery , for the benefit of the people of moldova;


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


### a. whereas each enlargement country is judged on its own merits , and the implementation of necessary reforms determines the timetable and progress of accession; ### a. whereas each enlargement country is judged on its own merits , and the implementation of necessary reforms , in particular in the area of rule of law , determines the timetable and progress of accession;


### 2. notes that all 33 screened chapters have been opened , but regrets that none have been closed since 2017; encourages montenegro to specifically focus on meeting the interim benchmarks in chapters 23 and 24 and thereafter on closing chapters; ### 2. notes that all 33 screened chapters have been opened , but regrets that none have been closed since 2017; encourages montenegro to continue to specifically focus on meeting the interim benchmarks in chapters 23 and 24 and thereafter on closing chapters;


### 4. notes the vote of no confidence in the government on 4 february 2022 and the ensuing dismissal of the parliament’s speaker; calls for the formation of a new government as soon as possible and the election of a new speaker in line with the constitution , democratic norms and the pro-european aspirations of an overwhelming majority of montenegro’s citizens; ### 4. notes the vote of no confidence in the government on 4 february 2022 and the ensuing dismissal of the parliament’s speaker; urges the responsible stakeholders to stop blocking the parliament and allow for the formation of a new government as soon as possible and the election of a new speaker in line with the constitution , democratic norms and the pro-european aspirations of an overwhelming majority of montenegro’s citizens; invites political parties and their elected representatives to express their protest within institutionalised democratic procedures in the parliament instead of calling people to the streets in order to escalate tensions;


### 5. notes the protests against possible minority government organised by the democratic front and strongly condemns the support expressed for the russian federation on the day of the start of russian aggression against ukraine; recalls russia’s persistent interest in destabilising the country; ### 5. notes the protests against possible minority government organised by the democratic front and strongly condemns the support expressed for the russian federation , by a rather small group of people , on the day of the start of russian aggression against ukraine; recalls russia’s persistent interest in destabilising the country; welcomes montenegro's adoption of its own temporary protection mechanism for persons fleeing ukraine , granting them the right to stay in the country for the duration of one year;


### 5. notes the protests against possible minority government organised by the democratic front and strongly condemns the support expressed for the russian federation on the day of the start of russian aggression against ukraine; recalls russia’s persistent interest in destabilising the country; ### 5. notes the protests against possible minority government organised by the democratic front and strongly condemns the support expressed for the russian federation on the day of the start of russian aggression against ukraine; is seriously worried about links between high-level representatives of the democratic front and the russian foreign intelligence service; recalls russia’s persistent interest in destabilising the country;


### 6. regrets that key positions in negotiating structures have remained vacant for a long time; urges the authorities to re-establish a fully functional negotiating structure as soon as possible; ### 6. regrets that key positions in negotiating structures have remained vacant for a long time; urges the authorities to re-establish a fully functional negotiating structure as soon as possible; welcomes the efforts in consolidating and upgrading the negotiating structure in 2021 and calls on all political forces to maintain the accession process as a national political priority;


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


### 7. welcomes montenegro’s continued and full alignment with eu common foreign and security policy , including its announcement of support for the latest eu sanctions against russia , and its active participation in eu common security and defence policy missions and operations; ### 7. welcomes montenegro’s continued and full alignment with eu common foreign and security policy , including its announcement of support for the latest eu sanctions against russia , and its active participation in eu common security and defence policy missions and operations; welcomes the readiness to implement the eu sanctions against russian propaganda outlets , rt-russia today and sputnik , in accordance with applicable national legal procedures and encourages the government to take the necessary steps to provide the legal basis to enable the competent national authorities to take the necessary decisions;


### 8. encourages montenegro to make best use of the eu funds available under the pre-accession instrument (ipa iii) and the economic and investment plan for the western balkans; ### 8. encourages montenegro to make best use of the eu funds available under the pre-accession instrument (ipa iii) and the economic and investment plan for the western balkans , in order to strengthen institution-building and foster economic and democratic development , especially in the areas of rule of law , fundamental freedoms and wellbeing of its citizens;


### 8. encourages montenegro to make best use of the eu funds available under the pre-accession instrument (ipa iii) and the economic and investment plan for the western balkans; ### 8. encourages montenegro to make best use of the eu funds available under the pre-accession instrument (ipa iii) and the economic and investment plan for the western balkans , while highlighting that any investment must be in line with the objectives of the paris agreement and eu decarbonisation targets;


### 9. is deeply concerned by the continuing political tensions between and within the executive and legislative powers , and by the boycott of the parliament , which continues to slow down the reform process; ### 9. is deeply concerned by the continuing political tensions between and within the executive and legislative powers , and by the boycott of the parliament , which continues to slow down the reform process; calls on all parties to engage in constructive political dialogue aimed at overcoming the current political crisis;


### 11. reiterates its strong recommendation that montenegro should hold local elections simultaneously across the country; ### 11. reiterates its strong recommendation that montenegro should hold local elections simultaneously across the country; regrets that progress for achieving a comprehensive electoral reform has been slow and more efforts are needed to harmonise the electoral legal framework and regulate all key aspects of elections , through an inclusive process , well in advance of the next elections;


### 11. reiterates its strong recommendation that montenegro should hold local elections simultaneously across the country; ### 11. reiterates its strong recommendation that montenegro should hold local elections simultaneously across the country; notes in this regard that on 4 february 2022 the parliament of montenegro adopted the law amending the law on local self government , which foresees that local elections in 14 municipalities are to be held on the same date;


### 12. is worried about widespread corruption and urges montenegro to boost the criminal justice response to high-level corruption and create conditions for the effective and independent functioning of judicial institutions and independent bodies dealing with corruption; ### 12. is worried about widespread corruption and urges montenegro to boost the criminal justice response to high-level corruption and create conditions for the effective and independent functioning of judicial institutions and independent bodies dealing with corruption; welcomes that the anti-corruption agency (aca) under new management demonstrated a more proactive approach , especially in stepping up its communication and outreach activities towards the general public , media and civil society and in addressing the caseload pending from previous years; regrets , however , that challenges related to the agency’s independence , priority-setting , selective approach and the quality of its decisions remain and require sustained efforts in this respect;


### 14. encourages further strengthening civil society participation in reforms and ensuring functional consultation and cooperation mechanisms; ### 14. encourages further strengthening civil society participation in reforms and ensuring functional consultation and cooperation mechanisms , and in particular to guarantee the meaningful involvement of independent experts , civil society and local stakeholders when it comes to key legislation;


### 15. welcomes the first citizens’ assembly organised on 4 november 2021 by the parliament of montenegro in cooperation with the european parliament; ### 15. welcomes the first citizens’ assembly organised on 4 november 2021 by the parliament of montenegro in cooperation with the european parliament; encourages the montenegrin authorities to implement the conclusions of the citizens' assembly regarding the fight against corruption and stresses the importance of continuing this successful exercise in the future;


### 16. notes the limited progress on freedom of expression; encourages montenegro to step up its efforts to fight disinformation , hate speech , online harassment , politically-biased reporting and foreign influence in the montenegrin media; ### 16. notes the limited progress on freedom of expression; encourages montenegro to step up its efforts to fight disinformation , hate speech , online harassment , politically-biased reporting and foreign influence in the montenegrin media; reiterates its support to the government’s readiness to implement eu sanctions against russian propaganda outlets;


### 16. notes the limited progress on freedom of expression; encourages montenegro to step up its efforts to fight disinformation , hate speech , online harassment , politically-biased reporting and foreign influence in the montenegrin media; ### 16. notes the limited progress on freedom of expression; encourages montenegro to step up its efforts to fight disinformation , hate speech , online harassment , politically-biased reporting and foreign influence in the montenegrin media , in close cooperation with the relevant eu and nato institutions;


### 18. strongly condemns attacks and harassment of journalists and calls for them to be investigated , sanctioned and for there to be effective judicial follow-up; welcomes the proposal to introduce tougher penalties for threats to or attacks on journalists; ### 18. strongly condemns attacks and harassment of journalists and calls for them to be investigated , sanctioned and for there to be effective judicial follow-up; welcomes the introduction of tougher penalties for threats to or attacks on journalists and calls on all political parties to enhance their efforts in creating the conditions for the work of independent and free media;


### 19. welcomes some positive steps , such as an ad hoc commission for monitoring violence against the media , the revision of laws on media and on the public broadcaster rtcg , and public consultations on a media strategy for 2021-2025; ### 19. welcomes some positive steps , such as an ad hoc commission for monitoring violence against the media , the revision of laws on media and on the public broadcaster rtcg , and public consultations on a media strategy for 2021-2025; calls for further efforts to transform the rtcg into a real public service and in general to improve access to information;


### 20. condemns all violent acts during the demonstrations in cetinje linked to the inauguration of the head of the serbian orthodox church; condemns serbian interference in this regard; ### 20. condemns all violent acts during the demonstrations in cetinje linked to the inauguration of the head of the serbian orthodox church; condemns serbian interference in this regard; condemns russia’s efforts to exploit ethnic tensions in the western balkans in order to inflame conflicts and divide communities , which could lead to the destabilisation of the whole region; is concerned about the attempts by the orthodox church in countries such as serbia and montenegro to promote russia as a protector of traditional family values and fortify relations between state and church;


### 20. condemns all violent acts during the demonstrations in cetinje linked to the inauguration of the head of the serbian orthodox church; condemns serbian interference in this regard; ### 20. condemns all violent acts during the demonstrations in cetinje linked to the inauguration of the metropolitanate of montenegro and the littoral of the serbian orthodox church; condemns serbian interference in this regard; calls for religious tolerance in line with the montenegrin constitution and european values and principles;


### 21. notes that the population and housing census is likely to take place this year , and expects it to be conducted in line with eu and international standards; ### 21. notes that the population and housing census is likely to take place this year , and expects it to be conducted in line with eu and international standards and urges to avoid any politicisation of the process;


### 22. notes that gender-based violence and violence against children is still of serious concern; ### 22. notes that gender-based violence and violence against children is still of serious concern; regrets the shrinking space for csos providing specialised support services for women and disadvantaged groups and calls on montenegro to provide adequate funding; urges the authorities to ensure a thorough implementation of the istanbul convention standards , to launch public awareness-raising campaigns , to encourage the reporting of domestic violence , to increase the number of well-trained and gender-sensitive law enforcement officers and judges as to ensure the proper investigation and prosecution of such crimes , and to introduce effective measures against sexual harassment , including at the work place; calls for the adoption of the necessary legal and policy measures to strengthen parliamentary representation and promote political participation of women;


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


### 23. welcomes progress on the protection and promotion of lgbtiq rights and the first same-sex marriage in july 2021; ### 23. welcomes progress on the protection and promotion of lgbtiq rights and the first same-sex marriage in july 2021; calls upon the lawmakers to advance the harmonisation of further pieces of legislation in the area of social benefits and residence , in order to make the same-sex law fully applicable , as well as to finally form the working group for drafting the law on legal gender recognition based on self-determination; points to the need for further measures to substantially improve the life of the lgbtiq community with regard to homophobic incidents , threats and discriminations , and in terms of access to health care , justice , employment and housing;


### 24. regrets that persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination; notes that the reform of the national disability determination system is under way; ### 24. regrets that persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination; welcomes that the reform of the national disability determination system is under way;


### 26. notes montenegro’s continued cooperation under the sarajevo declaration process; welcomes the adoption of the resolution on srebrenica of 17 june 2021; welcomes the joint commemoration of morinj camp victims; notes that since 2006 just eight war crime trials have been held and only low-level perpetrators have been tried; underlines there should be no tolerance for genocide denial , inflammatory rhetoric or the glorification of war criminals; ### 26. notes montenegro’s continued cooperation under the sarajevo declaration process; welcomes the adoption of the resolution on srebrenica of 17 june 2021; welcomes the first ever attendance by the foreign minister of montenegro at the joint commemoration of morinj camp victims; notes that since 2006 just eight war crime trials have been held and only low-level perpetrators have been tried; underlines there should be no tolerance for genocide denial , inflammatory rhetoric or the glorification of war criminals;


### 27. calls on the montenegrin authorities to take concrete steps to build resilience and cybersecurity as it faces increasing pressure from third country interference; ### 27. calls on the montenegrin authorities to take concrete steps to build resilience and cybersecurity as it faces increasing pressure from third country interference , in close cooperation with the relevant eu and nato institutions;


### 28. expresses its concern about the persistently high unemployment rate; reiterates the need for better alignment of the education system with the job market; ### 28. notes the recovery of the labour market in 2021 , as a result of high economic growth; expresses its concern , however , about the persistently high unemployment rate; reiterates the need for better alignment of the education system with the job market and welcomes in this regard the steps made towards the introduction of the youth guarantee programme;


### 29. welcomes the announcement of the ‘europe now’ initiative and calls on the authorities to make the best use of available eu pre-accession assistance in this regard; ### 29. welcomes the announcement of the ‘europe now’ initiative , which aims to achieve higher living standards and a more competitive economy through a more sustainable and inclusive economic growth model; calls on the authorities to make the best use of available eu pre-accession assistance in this regard;


### 34. urges montenegro to take more action to prevent money laundering , strongly condemns the so-called ‘golden passport’ scheme and regrets its extension until december 2022; stresses that citizenship by investment carries security risks and potential for corruption , money laundering and tax evasion; ### 34. urges montenegro to take more action to prevent money laundering , strongly condemns the so-called ‘golden passport’ scheme and regrets its extension until december 2022 despite previous announcements to phase-out the scheme; stresses that citizenship by investment carries security risks and potential for corruption , money laundering and tax evasion;


### 35. welcomes the adoption of a national climate change adaptation plan and encourages montenegro to speed up reforms in line with the eu’s 2020 climate and energy policy framework; ### 35. welcomes the adoption of a national climate change adaptation plan and encourages montenegro to speed up reforms in line with the eu’s 2020 climate and energy policy framework and the clean energy package as adopted by the energy community ministerial council in november 2021; encourages authorities to progress with drafting its national energy and climate plan focussing on sustainable renewable energy sources and avoiding new investments in fossil gas and coal-based infrastructure and to submit it to the energy community secretariat for its recommendations; calls in this context on montenegro to increase efforts to cut its electricity distribution network losses and save electricity by encouraging investments inefficient heat pumps and solar thermal water heating;


### 35. welcomes the adoption of a national climate change adaptation plan and encourages montenegro to speed up reforms in line with the eu’s 2020 climate and energy policy framework; ### 35. welcomes the adoption of a national climate change adaptation plan; encourages montenegro to speed up reforms in line with the eu’s 2020 climate and energy policy framework and calls on the authorities to make the best use of available eu pre-accession assistance in this regard;


### 36. reiterates its call on montenegro to take urgent measures to preserve protected areas , and to continue identifying potential natura 2000 sites; ### 36. reiterates its call on montenegro to take urgent measures to effectively conserve protected areas , and encourages to continue identifying potential natura 2000 sites; underlines the need to undertake appropriate assessments and ensure compliance with the habitats directive and the water framework directive when undertaking new investments that may affect potential natura 2000 or emerald sites , including lake skadar , sinjajevina , komarnica and others , or may result in a deterioration of the status of water bodies; shares serious concerns expressed by montenegrin citizen and civic activists that one of the most precious among them , the komarnica river canyon , might be irreversibly devastated by construction of a dam for a hydropower plant in violation of the bern convention and calls on the authorities to conduct a detailed cost benefit analysis on its viability , including of existing alternatives based on more cost effective and less harmful solar and wind power; regrets the lack of proper ex-ante public consultations procedures and that despite initial progress the sinjajevina issue is still not solved; calls in this context on authorities to duly take into account the independent scientific expertise available and the local protests and urges to definitely cancel the plans for the military training ground with a view to permanently protecting the pastoral landscape and local pastoralism;


### 36. reiterates its call on montenegro to take urgent measures to preserve protected areas , and to continue identifying potential natura 2000 sites; ### 36. welcomes the proclamation of three protected areas and reiterates its call on montenegro to continue identifying potential natura 2000 sites;


### 37. notes with regret the damage to the tara river linked to building the bar-boljare highway; calls on montenegro to closely monitor the environmental impact of transport infrastructure construction; ### 37. notes with regret the damage to the tara river and the durmitor national park unesco heritage site linked to building the bar-boljare highway; calls on montenegro to implement riverbed revitalisation measures and closely monitor the environmental impact of transport infrastructure construction; calls in this context on montenegrin authorities to halt any further development of the port of virpazar until the adoption of the spatial plan for special purposes for the skadar lake area;


### 38. calls on montenegro to address illegal waste disposal; ### 38. notes the progress made in addressing illegal waste disposal and calls on montenegro to take further steps in this regard;


### 38. calls on montenegro to address illegal waste disposal; ### 38. calls on montenegro to address illegal waste disposal and to improve planning procedures for waste water treatment facilities , with a view to speeding up their construction;


### g. whereas the structure of the eeas should be reformed , using the pragmatic space created by the recent crises and whereas these reforms should clarify some of the unclear boundaries between the eeas , the commission , the council and the structures of the member states; ### g. whereas the structure of the eeas should be reformed , using the pragmatic space created by the recent crises and whereas these reforms should reduce the persistent inter-service rivalries with the commission and clarify some of the unclear boundaries and competences between the eeas , the commission , the council and the structures of the member states;


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


### 1. welcomes kosovo’s commitment to advance on eu-related reforms and the overwhelming public support for european integration; ### 1. welcomes kosovo’s renewed commitment to advance on eu-related reforms and the overwhelming public support for european integration; notes the strong majority in the kosovo parliament following the general elections and calls on the government to make use of its stable majority to urgently advance the necessary reforms;


### 3. welcomes the peaceful and orderly conduct of the municipal elections of 17 october and 14 november 2021; regrets , however , the low representation of women and the limited political competition in the kosovo-serb municipalities; ### 3. commends the peaceful and orderly conduct of the early legislative elections of 14 february 2021 and the municipal elections of 17 october and 14 november 2021 , regrets however the low representation of women and limited political competition , freedom of choice and of expression in the kosovo-serb municipalities , as noted in the eu election observation mission reports;


### 4. calls on kosovo to address the long-standing deficiencies in the electoral process; deplores the fact that many of the recommendations issued by previous eu election observation missions since 2013 remain unaddressed; ### 4. calls on kosovo to address the long-standing deficiencies in the electoral process as a matter of urgency , in particular with regard to campaign rules , the voting by citizens abroad and the accuracy of voter lists; deplores the fact that many of the recommendations issued by previous eu election observation missions since 2013 remain unaddressed and underlines that these long overdue reforms need strong political commitment and meaningful involvement of the political parties and civil society;


### 5. reiterates its call on the council to proceed urgently with the adoption of a visa-free regime for the citizens of kosovo; ### 5. deeply regrets that the council has failed to deliver on the eu’s promise to approve the visa-free regime for kosovo , as well as on starting accession negotiations with north macedonia and albania; emphasises its full solidarity and sympathies with the countries’ citizens and considers this failure , which undermines the public attitude towards the eu , a serious danger to the enlargement policy as a whole , damaging the eu’s reputation as a reliable partner and serious geopolitical actor; reiterates its call on the member states in the council , in particular france and the netherlands , to proceed urgently with the adoption of a visa-free regime for the citizens of kosovo and recalls that kosovo has consistently fulfilled all the benchmarks since 2018; underlines that the lack of visa liberalisation affects directly kosovo citizens while emboldening criminal networks involved in illicit smuggling and organised crime;


### 7. notes also kosovo’s intention to apply for membership of the european union in 2022 , but stresses that there is no fast-track procedure and that the normalisation of relations with serbia is necessary for kosovo to advance on its european path; ### 7. notes also kosovo’s intention to apply for membership of the european union in 2022 , but stresses that there is no fast-track procedure for any candidate or potential candidate country and that normalisation of relations with serbia is necessary for kosovo to advance on its european path; therefore , encourages kosovo’s authorities to refocus their efforts on advancing and delivering on the pristina-belgrade dialogue process , and to not create another source of disappointment for its citizens by prematurely applying for eu membership;


### 8. regrets the fact that five eu member states have not yet recognised kosovo and reiterates its call for them to do so; ### 8. regrets the fact that five eu member states , namely cyprus , greece , romania , slovakia and spain , have not yet recognised kosovo and reiterates its call for them to do so;


### 9. welcomes the adoption of the resolution of the assembly of kosovo strongly condemning the military aggression and the invasion of ukraine by the russian federation , and commends kosovo for its alignment with the eu by adopting sanctions against russia; ### 9. notes that the russian invasion of ukraine is a source of utmost concern for the western balkans , in particular for kosovo citizens; welcomes the adoption of the resolution of the assembly of kosovo strongly condemning the military aggression and the invasion of ukraine by the russian federation , and commends kosovo for its speedy alignment with the eu by adopting sanctions against russia and its strong solidarity expressed with ukraine , positioning kosovo as a very reliable partner , deeply anchored in the european and transatlantic alliance; notes with relief that no concrete serious threats to the security and the territorial integrity of kosovo have been reported recently; underlines that a successful integration of the north and further efforts to improve the daily life of kosovo serbs can contribute essentially to the overall stability and security situation in the country;


### 10. welcomes the increased efforts to fight corruption; commends kosovo for having moved up 17 places on transparency international’s corruption perceptions index for 2021; encourages kosovo to continue improving its track record in the fight against high-level corruption and organised crime; ### 10. welcomes the increased efforts to fight corruption , including by the adoption of the rule of law strategy and underlines that implementation is key; commends kosovo for having moved up 17 places on transparency international’s corruption perceptions index for 2021; encourages kosovo to continue improving its track record in the fight against high-level corruption and organised crime and to be more active in the fight against money laundering;


### 11. is concerned that the judiciary continues to be inefficient and vulnerable to political interference; welcomes , in this respect , the proposals for the reform of the prosecutorial system and underlines that the opinion of the venice commission should be fully taken into account in their implementation; ### 11. is concerned that the judiciary continues to be inefficient and vulnerable to political interference; welcomes , in this respect , the proposals for the reform of the prosecutorial system and underlines that the opinion of the venice commission should be fully taken into account in their implementation , highlighting that it is of utmost importance to ensure irreversible political independence and integrity of the judiciary;


### a. whereas european integration represents the aspirations of citizens of north macedonia towards democracy and prosperity and serves as a powerful catalyst for reforms; ### a. whereas european integration represents the aspirations of citizens of north macedonia towards democracy and prosperity and serves as a powerful catalyst for reforms; whereas the prospect of north macedonia’s merit-based membership is in the union’s own political , security and economic interests;


### b. whereas north macedonia is a trustworthy partner , having continued to make consistent efforts on its path towards membership of the eu and towards meeting and sustaining the conditions required for the opening of accession negotiations; ### b. whereas north macedonia is a trustworthy partner , having continued to make consistent efforts on its path towards membership of the eu , currently already meeting the conditions required for the opening of accession negotiations and making continued process in this regards;


### c. whereas north macedonia has been a candidate country since 2005; ### c. whereas north macedonia has been a candidate country since 2005; whereas the commission has continuously recommended to open negotiations with the country since 2009;


### d. whereas north macedonia should press forward with reforms; ### d. whereas north macedonia is continuously pressing forward with reforms , demonstrating the best democratic transition record across the western balkan region;


### e. whereas the eu remains fully committed to supporting north macedonia’s strategic choice of european integration; ### e. whereas the eu remains fully committed to supporting north macedonia’s strategic choice of european integration , based on the rule of law and good neighbourly relations , and continues being by far the biggest trade and investment partner and the largest provider of financial assistance to the country;


### 1. reiterates its clear support for north macedonia’s democratic transformation , underpinned by its strategic orientation and unwavering commitment to european integration; ### 1. reiterates its clear support for north macedonia’s democratic transformation , underpinned by its strategic orientation and unwavering commitment to european integration along , with good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation;


### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered sustained results across fundamental areas; ### 2. recalls the need to accelerate the pace and strengthen the credibility of european integration by officially starting accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia as soon as possible , given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered sustained results , including across the areas of the fundamentals;


### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered sustained results across fundamental areas; ### 2. urges the council to uphold the credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered sustained results across fundamental areas;


### 3. commends north macedonia on its steady progress on the path towards eu membership , its commitment to multiculturalism and inter-ethnic harmony , and its continued positive bilateral engagement; ### 3. commends north macedonia on its steady progress on the path towards eu membership , its commitment to multiculturalism and inter-ethnic harmony , and its continued engagement to resolve bilateral issues; welcomes the strategic approach towards the eu-related reforms under the “europe at home” agenda and the national plan for adoption of the acquis;


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


### 4. urges north macedonia to sustain and intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence , counter corruption , reform its public administration and consolidate media freedom; ### 4. underscores that the pace of the eu accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of democratic institutions , grounded in the rule of law , good governance and fundamental rights; urges north macedonia to sustain and intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence , counter corruption , reform its public administration and consolidate media freedom;


### 4. urges north macedonia to sustain and intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence , counter corruption , reform its public administration and consolidate media freedom; ### 4. complements north macedonia on its continuous efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence , counter corruption , reform its public administration and consolidate media freedom; encourages the country to sustain and intensify these efforts;


### 6. welcomes all efforts to reduce polarisation and step up constructive political dialogue , which will help to strengthen democratic institutions by further improving their governance , integrity and accountability; ### 6. welcomes all efforts to reduce polarisation and step up constructive political dialogue and urges political parties to play a more constructive role in this regard , which will help to strengthen democratic institutions by further improving their governance , integrity and accountability;


### 7. reaffirms the need to maintain constructive engagement with and a broad cross-party consensus on eu-related reforms , by strengthening the capacities of the assembly of north macedonia (sobranie); urges lawmakers to swiftly implement the commitments made under the jean monnet dialogue process; ### 7. reaffirms the need to maintain constructive engagement with and a broad consensus on eu-related reforms; underlines the need to further strengthen the legislative , oversight and budgetary capacities of the assembly of north macedonia (sobranie); urges lawmakers to swiftly implement the commitments to revise its rules of procedure , made under the jean monnet dialogue process;


### 8. welcomes the increasing transparency and accountability of the sobranie and urges it to improve legislative quality and minimise the use of fast-track procedures; ### 8. welcomes the increasing transparency and accountability of the sobranie and urges it to improve legislative quality , including by conducting proper consultations and impact assessments for key legislation , and to strictly minimise the use of fast-track procedures;


### 9. stresses the need to finalise the electoral reform in a timely fashion; ### 9. stresses the need to finalise the electoral reform in line with the outstanding osce/odihr recommendations;


### 9. stresses the need to finalise the electoral reform in a timely fashion; ### 9. stresses the need to promptly finalise the electoral reform in a transparent and inclusive manner;


### 11. calls for the continued modernisation of a merit-based public administration , streamlined intra-service coordination and improved local governance; ### 11. calls for the continued reform towards a merit-based public administration , with improved lines of accountability , streamlined intra-service coordination on the eu integration and related reforms and improved local governance; acknowledges steps taken to enhance efficiency and quality of services and eliminate corruption through digitalisation;


### 12. welcomes the implementation of the 2021 population census; ### 12. welcomes the implementation of the 2021 population census , which should lead to an improved evidence-based decision-making and expects the publication of its results soon;


### 12. welcomes the implementation of the 2021 population census; ### 12. welcomes the implementation of the 2021 population census , in compliance with the relevant standards of the un and the european union’s statistical legislation;


### 15. recalls the need to reform the legal framework for online and offline media in order to strengthen their independence , transparency of ownership , financial sustainability and self-regulation; ### 15. recalls the need to reform the legal framework in an inclusive and transparent manner for online and offline media in order to strengthen their independence , transparency of ownership , financial sustainability and self-regulation;


### 16. reiterates its calls for the rules governing state financing and political party advertisements in the media to be revamped in order to ensure the competitive and equitable distribution of public funding and safeguard fair competition and editorial independence; ### 16. reiterates its calls for the rules governing state financing and political party advertisements in the media to be revamped in cooperation with professional associations , civil society and experts in order to ensure the competitive and equitable distribution of public funding and safeguard fair competition and editorial independence;


### 17. encourages swift measures to step up editorial and financial independence , impartiality and the professionalism of public service broadcasters and media regulators , and welcomes the ongoing modernisation of these two bodies; ### 17. encourages swift measures to step up editorial and financial independence , impartiality and the professionalism of public service broadcasters and media regulators , and welcomes the ongoing modernisation of these two bodies; calls upon the government to allocate sufficient resources to ensure professionalization and independence of the public broadcaster;


### 18. welcomes the proposed amendments to the penal code and calls for the implementation of measures that increase the safety of media professionals and tackle attempts to intimidate them; ### 18. welcomes the proposed amendments to the penal code and calls for the implementation of measures that increase the safety of media professionals and tackle attempts to intimidate them and urges lawmakers to speed up the process of the adoption of those amendments;


### 18. welcomes the proposed amendments to the penal code and calls for the implementation of measures that increase the safety of media professionals and tackle attempts to intimidate them; ### 18. calls for the implementation of measures that increase the safety of media professionals and tackle attempts to intimidate them; notes the need to improve working conditions of journalists in order to ensure quality journalism;


### 19. recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism , fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech , disinformation and foreign interference campaigns; ### 19. recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism , fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech , disinformation and foreign interference campaigns; calls on the commission to step up its efforts of supporting media plurality in north macedonia , notably by identifying ways to financially support free and independent media;


### 20. commends the government’s efforts to improve engagement with civil society and calls for a framework to ensure the financial sustainability of civil society organisations; ### 20. commends the government’s efforts to improve engagement with civil society and calls for a framework to ensure the financial sustainability of civil society organisations , in order to enable the necessary checks and balances in a democratic society; reminds that further efforts are needed to ensure a more a timely , meaningful and transparent consultation process with civil society; in this context , praises the case of the lgbti interparty parliamentary working group as a good example of cooperation between institutions and civil society that should be further utilized;


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


### 21. notes the improvements in ensuring women’s rights and gender-responsive policies; welcomes the adoption of the law aimed at preventing violence against women and domestic violence and encourages the alignment of the penal code with the istanbul convention; ### 21. notes the improvements in ensuring women’s rights and gender-responsive policies; welcomes the adoption of the law aimed at preventing violence against women and domestic violence and encourages the alignment of the penal code with the istanbul convention; invites north macedonia to continue all efforts aimed at gender equality and women’s rights , including by prioritising gender mainstreaming and increased cooperation with civil society , in particular women’s organisations;


### 21. notes the improvements in ensuring women’s rights and gender-responsive policies; welcomes the adoption of the law aimed at preventing violence against women and domestic violence and encourages the alignment of the penal code with the istanbul convention; ### 21. notes the improvements in ensuring women’s rights and gender-responsive policies; welcomes the adoption of the law aimed at preventing violence against women and domestic violence and encourages the country to enhance the implementation of the national action plan for the implementation of the istanbul convention’s provisions; acknowledges the amendments to the law on the rights of the child and the completion of deinstitutionalisation;


### 22. encourages ongoing steps to build trust in inter-community relations and the functioning of a multi-ethnic society , while recalling the importance of upholding the rights of non-majority communities and tackling all instances of discrimination; ### 22. encourages ongoing steps to building further trust among communities and the functioning of a multi-ethnic society and democracy , while recalling the importance of upholding the rights of all communities and tackling all instances of discrimination; encourages the government to ensure equal constitutional protection of rights of all ethnic communities’ through appropriate constitutional and legislative amendments;


### 24. urges the relevant bodies to proactively prevent and systematically prosecute all instances of hate speech , hate crimes and intimidation , to thoroughly investigate related attacks and to ensure the safety and security of their targets , such as journalists , people belonging to minorities and other vulnerable groups; ### 24. urges the relevant bodies to proactively prevent and systematically prosecute all instances of hate speech , hate crimes and intimidation , to thoroughly investigate related attacks and to ensure the safety and security of their targets , such as journalists , people belonging to minorities and other vulnerable groups; reiterates its call on the government and the judiciary to improve institutional capacities in this area and to ensure that the fight against the increase in hate speech is conducted in accordance with international standards;


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


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


### 26. calls for the eu to boost its support for humanitarian assistance and border protection in the region; reiterates its calls for north macedonia to improve migration management and reception conditions; ### 26. calls for the eu to support humanitarian assistance and border management in the region; reiterates its calls for north macedonia to improve access to asylum , migration management while fully respecting fundamental rights , and to establish dignified reception conditions , including special safeguards for unaccompanied minors , offering safe and orderly pathways , with the view to significantly strengthening capacity for processing asylum claims and improving cooperation with the eu on among others resettlement;


### 26. calls for the eu to boost its support for humanitarian assistance and border protection in the region; reiterates its calls for north macedonia to improve migration management and reception conditions; ### 26. calls on the eu to boost its support for humanitarian assistance and border protection in the region , to be conducted in full respect of the fundamental rights and welcomes international cooperation to fight people smuggling; reiterates its calls on the country to put in place a proper migration management and registration system and to improve reception conditions;


### 27. underlines the need to push forward the rule of law reform; ### 27. while acknowledging the progress made , underlines the need to push forward the rule of law reform as a backbone of a democratic transformation , ensuring legal certainty , transparency , access to justice and non-discrimination;


### 29. recalls that the updates to the penal code should cover , inter alia , the provisions on economic crime and disinformation; ### 29. recalls that the updates to the penal code should cover , inter alia , the provisions on violence against women , the economic crime , money laundering , corruption , asset confiscation and dissemination of disinformation , step up fighting organised crime , including illegal timber cutting;


### 30. emphasises the need to advance the judicial reform , the independence of the judiciary and the functioning of bodies that ensure its self-governance; ### 30. emphasises the need to advance the judicial reform , , strengthening institutional independence , funding , quality , coordination and transparency of the judiciary and the functioning of bodies that ensure its self-governance; urges political forces to swiftly agree on appointing constitutional court judges to ensure its functionality;


### 31. welcomes the considerable progress made and supports the measures enforced in countering corruption and organised crime; calls on the member states to enhance cross-border judicial cooperation with the western balkan countries in criminal matters; ### 31. welcomes the considerable progress made and supports the measures enforced in countering corruption and organised crime under the ‘action21’ anti-corruption plan , including thought proactive investigations by the specialised commission (scpc) and prosecutor (occpo) , prioritising convictions and confiscations of criminal assets in high-level cases; calls on the member states to enhance cross-border judicial cooperation with the western balkan countries in criminal matters;


### 31. welcomes the considerable progress made and supports the measures enforced in countering corruption and organised crime; calls on the member states to enhance cross-border judicial cooperation with the western balkan countries in criminal matters; ### 31. welcomes the considerable progress made and supports the measures enforced in countering corruption and organised crime; calls on the member states to enhance cross-border judicial cooperation with the western balkan countries in criminal matters while fully respecting the eu data protection acquis;


### 32. encourages the finalisation of the security and intelligence sector reform; calls for the whistle-blower protection mechanism to be updated and the lobbying law to be implemented effectively; ### 32. encourages the finalisation of the security and intelligence sector reform measures , ensuring its independence and a meaningful oversight; calls for the whistle-blower protection mechanism , improving implementation of the eu directive and the council of europe recommendation on whistle-blowers and an effective implementation of the newly-amended lobbying law;


### 33. underlines the importance of delivering justice in major lawsuits related to the abuse of office , corruption and terror , including the april 2017 attacks against the sobranie , illegal wiretapping and extortion; ### 33. underlines the importance of continuing to deliver justice in major lawsuits related to the abuse of office , corruption and terror , including the april 2017 attacks against the sobranie , illegal wiretapping and extortion; calls in this context on hungary to work with the macedonian authorities to follow-up on the extradition request for their criminal former prime minister nikola gruevski , who fled a jail sentence in north macedonia and was granted asylum in hungary;


### 35. calls for decisive action against money laundering and financial crime; urges the strengthening of the capacity of law enforcement bodies to fight organised crime; ### 35. calls for decisive action against money laundering and financial crime; urges the strengthening of the capacity of law enforcement bodies to fight organised crime; calls on the macedonian authorities to adopt and implement the necessary legislation regulating the activity of the asset recovery office and enhancing the effectiveness of the national asset recovery system to the benefit of all citizens;


### 36. welcomes the sustained progress made so far , which should lead to systemic improvements in tackling the trafficking of humans , drugs , firearms and goods , along with cybercrime and surveillance , violent crime , extremism and terrorist threats; urges north macedonia to strengthen its resilience to hybrid threats and fake news; ### 36. welcomes the sustained progress made so far , which should lead to systemic improvements in tackling the trafficking of humans , drugs , firearms and goods , along with cybercrime and surveillance , violent crime , extremism and terrorist threats; urges north macedonia to strengthen its resilience to hybrid threats , disinformation and fake news; commends the ongoing bilateral and international co-operation on dismantling transnational crime networks , including with international and the eu justice and home affairs agencies , covering the intensified action against the trafficking of humans , drugs and illegal weapons; deplores cyber-attacks conducted against the country's institutions;


### 37. recommends that north macedonia continue to pursue steps to improve the business climate and infrastructure , combat tax evasion , modernise education , broaden social security coverage and advance the digital transformation; ### 37. recommends that north macedonia continue to pursue steps to improve the business climate and infrastructure under the growth acceleration financing plan , combat tax evasion , modernise education , broaden social security coverage and advance the digital transformation , reform the energy and transport markets , in addition to short-term measures mitigating the impacts of pandemics and rising energy and food prices;


### 38. encourages the authorities to improve access to social and healthcare services; ### 38. encourages the authorities to improve access to social , education and healthcare services , in particular for people from the roma and lgbtiq communities and other minorities and vulnerable groups;


### 38. encourages the authorities to improve access to social and healthcare services; ### 38. encourages the authorities to reduce the risk of poverty and social exclusion by improving the access to social and healthcare services , especially to disadvantaged populations;


### 39. encourages north macedonia to continue harnessing the potential offered by digitalisation; underlines the need to step up eu support for the rule of law , sustainable green growth , biodiversity , innovation , competitiveness , property rights and the reversal of the brain drain; underlines the need to boost investment in youth empowerment; ### 39. encourages north macedonia to continue harnessing the potential offered by digitalisation for modernising administrative , electoral , judicial , social , health , fiscal and economic processes , increasing transparency and accountability and tackling corruption and informal economy; underlines the need to step up eu support for the rule of law , sustainable green growth , biodiversity , innovation , competitiveness , property rights and the reversal of the brain drain and demographic decline; underlines the need to boost investment in youth empowerment and inclusion , along with measures to reduce high levels of youth unemployment;


### 39. encourages north macedonia to continue harnessing the potential offered by digitalisation; underlines the need to step up eu support for the rule of law , sustainable green growth , biodiversity , innovation , competitiveness , property rights and the reversal of the brain drain; underlines the need to boost investment in youth empowerment; ### 39. encourages north macedonia to continue harnessing the potential offered by digitalisation , while continuously aligning with the eu acquis in this regard; underlines the need to step up eu support for the rule of law , sustainable green growth ,biodiversity , innovation , competitiveness , property rights and the reversal of the brain drain; underlines the need to boost investment in youth empowerment;


### 40. recalls that eu funding is based on strict conditionality; ### 40. recalls that eu funding under the pre-accession instrument (ipa iii) and the economic and investment plan for the western balkans is based on strict conditionality; and should be modulated to address fundamental reform areas; underlines the need to improve visibility of the eu funding;


### 40. recalls that eu funding is based on strict conditionality; ### 40. recalls that eu funding is based on strict conditionality , while highlighting that any investment must be in line with the objectives of the paris agreement and eu decarbonisation targets;


### 41. welcomes north macedonia’s updated climate pledges; recalls that additional efforts are needed to meet the targets for energy efficiency , renewable energy , security of supply and emission reductions; urges the authorities to align environment and climate change legislation with the eu acquis and to ensure its enforcement; ### 41. welcomes north macedonia’s updated climate pledges of a net 82% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030; recalls that additional efforts are needed to meet the targets for energy efficiency , renewable energy , security of supply and emission reductions; urges the eu to intensify its support to counter the reversal of a sustainable transition from coal in the face of the global energy crunch; urges the authorities to align environment and climate change legislation with the eu acquis and to ensure its enforcement; acknowledges increasing alignment with the eu’s third energy package and urges to finalise unbundling of the gas transmission and to implement the energy efficiency legislation;


### 41. welcomes north macedonia’s updated climate pledges; recalls that additional efforts are needed to meet the targets for energy efficiency , renewable energy , security of supply and emission reductions; urges the authorities to align environment and climate change legislation with the eu acquis and to ensure its enforcement; ### 41. welcomes north macedonia’s updated climate pledges , while calling for the implementation the paris agreement , including by adopting a comprehensive climate strategy and a law , consistent with the eu 2030 framework; recalls in this context that additional efforts are needed to meet the targets for energy efficiency , renewable energy , security of supply and emission reductions; urges the authorities to adopt and implement energy efficiency legislation , to align environment and climate change legislation with the eu acquis and to ensure its enforcement;


### 42. stresses the urgent need to improve air quality; strongly urges the authorities to step up measures on biodiversity , water , air and climate protection , and regional waste management , including through comprehensive impact assessments , proper public consultations and rigorous prosecution of environmental crime; ### 42. stresses the urgent need to improve air quality , in particular in urban areas; strongly urges the authorities to step up measures on biodiversity , water , air and climate protection , and regional waste management , including through comprehensive impact assessments , proper public consultations , improved improve inter-sectoral coordination , increased financial resources and rigorous prosecution of environmental crime;


### 43. urges the country to step up efforts to upgrade transport and energy infrastructure and regional connectivity , including rail and road corridors and gas and electricity interconnectors; ### 43. urges the country to step up efforts to upgrade transport and energy infrastructure and regional connectivity , including rail and road corridors viii and x and gas and electricity interconnectors with neighbouring countries;


### 44. welcomes the north macedonia’s commitment to solidarity , multilateralism and good neighbourly relations; expresses support for continued steps to promote both people-to-people contacts across south-east europe and regional integration by developing the common regional market; ### 44. welcomes the north macedonia’s commitment to solidarity , multilateralism and good neighbourly relations; expresses support for continued steps to promote both people-to-people contacts across south-east europe and encourages macedonian authorities to re-focus their efforts on an inclusive regional integration bringing the whole region closer to the eu by developing the common regional market launched at the sofia summit in november 2020;


### 45. welcomes north macedonia’s continued commitment to euro-atlantic security; commends the country’s increasing alignment with the eu’s foreign , security and defence policy and invites it to align itself with the restrictive measures related to russia; welcomes its continued contributions to eu crisis management missions and operations; ### 45. welcomes north macedonia’s continued commitment to euro-atlantic security; commends the country’s increasing alignment with the eu’s foreign , security and defence policy; welcomes its continued contributions to eu crisis management missions and nato-led operations; commends a swift alignment to the sanctions against the russian aggression in ukraine , increasing its foreign policy alignment to 100% , including with moves to end broadcasting of russian state-owned and state-backed propaganda outlets , ban entry into its airspace;


### 45. welcomes north macedonia’s continued commitment to euro-atlantic security; commends the country’s increasing alignment with the eu’s foreign , security and defence policy and invites it to align itself with the restrictive measures related to russia; welcomes its continued contributions to eu crisis management missions and operations; ### 45. welcomes north macedonia’s continued commitment to euro-atlantic security; commends the country’s increasing alignment with the eu’s foreign , security and defence policy and warmly welcomes the recent alignment with eu sanctions against russia following the recent russian invasion in ukraine; welcomes its continued contributions to eu crisis management missions and operations;


### 46. welcomes the ongoing process of historical reconciliation with neighbouring countries; ### 46. welcomes the ongoing process of historical reconciliation with neighbouring countries; calls on bulgaria and north macedonia to find a compromise on issues related to history and language while reiterating that this dispute should be settled separately from the accession process of north macedonia and calling on eu member states to decouple these processes from the council decision on officially starting negotiations;


### 46. welcomes the ongoing process of historical reconciliation with neighbouring countries; ### 46. welcomes the ongoing process of historical settlement with neighbouring countries , embodied by the prespa agreement with greece and the treaty on good neighbourly relations with bulgaria;


### 47. strongly welcomes the political impetus for a renewed dialogue between bulgaria and north macedonia and encourages the partners to accelerate engagement in good faith in order to reach an acceptable compromise , thereby bringing societies closer together by enabling a common future in the eu; ### 47. strongly welcomes the political impetus for a renewed dialogue between bulgaria and north macedonia leading to a settlement on a short name notified to the united nations; encourages the partners to accelerate engagement in good faith in order to kick-start accession negotiations by resolving pending bilateral issues contained in the so-called 4+1 measures , to be sufficiently covered and progressively addressed through the negotiating framework; urges the partners to strive sincerely to speedily reaching an acceptable compromise bringing societies closer together by enabling a common future in the eu;


### 47. strongly welcomes the political impetus for a renewed dialogue between bulgaria and north macedonia and encourages the partners to accelerate engagement in good faith in order to reach an acceptable compromise , thereby bringing societies closer together by enabling a common future in the eu; ### 47. strongly welcomes the political impetus for a renewed dialogue between bulgaria and north macedonia and encourages the partners to accelerate engagement in good faith in order to reach an acceptable compromise , thereby bringing societies closer together;


### — having regard to the report of 16 july 2021 by the special rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation on risks and impacts of the commodification and financialization of water on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation , ### — having regard to the report of 16 july 2021 by the special rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation on risks and impacts of the commodification and financialization of water on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation , and to his report of 21 july 2020 on human rights and the privatization of water and sanitation services ,


### b. whereas the denial of the human right to water has repercussions on enjoyment of the right to health; considering that contaminated water , the inadequate management of urban , industrial and agricultural wastewater and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of serious diseases and even death; ### b. whereas the denial of the human right to water has repercussions on enjoyment of the right to health; considering that contaminated water , the inadequate management of urban , industrial and agricultural wastewater and poor sanitation are linked to the transmission of serious diseases and even death; whereas access to clean water , sanitation and hygiene is indispensable for ensuring global resilience to pandemics and other infectious diseases , and to combat the emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance;


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


### 1. reaffirms the right to safe drinking water and sanitation as a human right , which is in turn fundamental for the development of other rights , and as such must be guided by a logic grounded in the public interest and common good; ### 1. reaffirms the right to safe drinking water and sanitation as a human right , which is in turn fundamental for the development of other rights , and as such must be guided by a logic grounded in the public interest , common good and global commons;


### 1. reaffirms that access to water is a vital imperative and a fundamental right; ### 1. reaffirms that access to water and sanitation is a vital imperative and a fundamental right that needs to be addressed in a context of competing water uses between agriculture , energy , extractive and other industrial activities relying on a large quantity of water resources;


### 2. calls on the european union to promote a rights-based approach to access to water and sanitation in its external action in accordance with the un-declared water action decade 2018-2028 , and in keeping with sustainable development goal 6; ### 2. calls on the european union to promote a rights-based approach to access to water and sanitation in its external action in accordance with the un-declared water action decade 2018-2028 , and in keeping with sustainable development goal 6 , which entails to anchor the water-energy-food security nexus into its development aid and water diplomacy;


### 3. is concerned that easy access to drinking water is severely restricted in developing countries (only one person in two enjoys such access) and extremely limited in sub-saharan africa (only one person in eight in rural areas); ### 3. is concerned that easy access to drinking water is severely restricted in developing countries (only one person in two enjoys such access) and extremely limited in sub-saharan africa (only one person in eight in rural areas); stresses that access to water is intrinsically linked to health and education;


### 4. recalls that states that ratify a human rights treaty undertake to protect , respect and fulfil the commitments adopted in the international , regional and national framework for the protection of these rights; takes the view in this regard that the international community’s recognition of the right to water and sanitation must encompass protection and enforceability arrangements and , therefore , calls on the eu to promote protection mechanisms at international , regional and national level to ensure that upholding the right to water and sanitation is not optional for states but rather an enforceable right; ### 4. recalls that states that ratify a human rights treaty undertake to protect , respect and fulfil the commitments adopted in the international , regional and national framework for the protection of these rights; takes the view in this regard that the international community’s recognition of the right to water and sanitation must encompass protection and enforceability arrangements and , therefore , calls on the eu to promote protection mechanisms at international , regional and national level to ensure that upholding the right to water and sanitation is not optional for states but rather an enforceable right; in this regard , welcomes the normative developments at international level in relation to environmental crimes , including ecocide;


### 4. calls urgently , following the covid-19 pandemic and given the increasing number of climate change-related natural disasters , for access to water and sanitation to be made a priority in developing countries , in particular in the least developed countries and small island developing states; ### 4. calls urgently , following the covid-19 pandemic and given the increasing number of climate change-related natural disasters , for access to water and sanitation to be made a priority in developing countries , in particular in the least developed countries and small island developing states and in humanitarian context;


### 5. recalls that the commission mobilised almost eur 2.6 billion over the period 2014-2020 for water-related issues , and calls for efforts to be pursued in the context of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument that go beyond 20% of spending on human development; ### 5. recalls that the commission mobilised almost eur 2.6 billion over the period 2014-2020 for water-related issues , and calls for steady efforts to be pursued in the context of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument that go beyond 20% of spending on human development , while ensuring that a consistent part of the 30% dedicated to fight climate change is allocated to strengthen water and sanitation infrastructures; highlights the need to tailor infrastructure investments to local and historical contexts , while investing in the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems (including forests , floodplains , wetlands , etc.) , which often provide more cost-effective and sustainable water management solutions than conventional infrastructure remedies , in terms of water storage , water treatment , erosion control , moderate extreme events;


### 6. stresses that development models that favour vast projects and large-scale business activities undermine the availability and quality of water in all countries and increase competition for water and exacerbate other water-related conflicts; ### 6. stresses that development models that favour vast projects and large-scale business activities undermine the availability and quality of water in all countries and increase competition for water and exacerbate other water-related conflicts; in this context , expresses particular concern at the significant impact of mega-projects , including infrastructure projects , extractive industries or energy production projects , on the human rights to water and sanitation , notably for indigenous peoples; insists on the importance to ensure that genuine and comprehensive human rights impact assessments , including on water and sanitation , are carried out and that the affected population and civil society groups are consulted in good faith and have provided their free , prior and informed consent prior to the initiation of any mega-project;


### 6. draws attention to the major geostrategic dimension of water , which can give rise to sudden conflict and forced displacement; calls on the commission to promote regional cooperation on the shared management of water resources around the 286 transboundary river basins; ### 6. draws attention to the major geostrategic dimension of water , which can give rise to sudden conflict and forced displacement; notes with concern that in many parts of the world , cooperative arrangements for transboundary rivers , lakes and aquifers are lacking or are too weak to deal with growing water-related challenges; stresses the benefits of transboundary water cooperation to providing for equitable benefit sharing , avoiding conflicts , fostering the energy-food-water ecosystem nexus , safeguarding sustainable water management and ecosystem protection; calls on the commission to promote regional cooperation on the shared management of water resources around the 286 transboundary river basins;


### 7. calls for coordinated and coherent water management in developing countries with regard to its various uses (agriculture , energy production , industry , etc.) , and calls on the european union to provide better support to developing countries for sustainable water management; ### 7. stresses the need to address the complexity of competing and increasing demands of water resources; recalls that fragmented governance and the lack of coordination between institutions and sectoral agencies are major barriers to building resilience into water systems; accordingly , urges for coordinated and coherent water management in developing countries with regard to its various uses (agriculture , energy production , industry , etc.); reminds that an integrated water resources management policy should be transparent , inclusive , and should encourage multi-stakeholder planning and participation across all sectors and at all levels; and calls on the european union to provide better support to developing countries for water resource conversation and sustainable water management;


### 8. stresses the need to support small projects , including those in rural areas , and to pay particular attention to women and the most vulnerable communities as regards access to water and sanitation. ### 8. reminds that solutions that are co-designed with local knowledge and community participation will be the most effective in achieving social and community resilience towards water-related shocks; stresses the need to diversify water supply sources as well as management and conservation options , to increase funding for policies and programmes that improve locally led adaptation , to support small-scale , off-grid and decentralised projects , including those in rural areas , and to pay particular attention to women , children and the most vulnerable communities as regards access to water and sanitation;


### 12. notes with concern that the lack of access to water and adequate sanitation has a devastating effect on women’s rights , making it difficult for women and girls to lead safe and healthy lives; ### 12. notes with concern that the lack of access to water and adequate sanitation has a devastating effect on women’s rights , making it difficult for women and girls to lead safe and healthy lives; calls on all states to fulfil their commitments under cedaw and in particular its article 14 , which requires of states parties to ensure women from rural areas have the right to enjoy adequate living conditions in relation to inter alia sanitation , and water supply;


### 14. stresses that companies worldwide must ensure that their activities do not encroach on the enjoyment of the human right of access to safe drinking water; demands support for the binding treaty being drafted at the united nations; ### 14. stresses that companies worldwide must ensure that their activities do not encroach on the enjoyment of the human right of access to safe drinking water; demands support for the binding treaty being drafted at the united nations; calls on the eu delegations and member states missions in third countries to be particularly vigilant in relation to eu-based companies that deny or undermine the enjoyment of the rights to water and sanitation and to ensure that victims of such violations have access to effective judicial or other appropriate remedies; stresses the importance of establishing grievance mechanisms in this regard;


### 19. stresses that public provision is the most appropriate model for the exercise of the human rights to water and sanitation; urges states in this regard to engage in a transparent and robust deprivatisation process to improve the effective enjoyment of the human rights to water and sanitation; calls on governments to increase public investments in sustainable water-related infrastructure and to safeguard water as an essential public good; ### 19. underscores that the privatisation of the water and sanitation sector in a number of countries worldwide has demonstrably failed to guarantee the core elements of the rights to water and sanitation , notably in relation to affordability , quality and availability , and instead has widely brought about inefficiency , corruption and weak accountability; stresses that public provision is the most appropriate model for the exercise of the human rights to water and sanitation; urges states in this regard to engage in a transparent and robust deprivatisation process to improve the effective enjoyment of the human rights to water and sanitation; calls on governments to increase public investments in sustainable water-related infrastructure and to safeguard water as an essential public good;


### — having regard to the association agreement between the european union and its member states , of the one part , and ukraine , of the other part1 , to the association agreement between the european union and the atomic energy community and their member states , of the one part , and georgia , of the other part2 , to the association agreement between the european union and the european atomic energy community and their member states , of the one part , and the republic of moldova , of the other part3 , to the comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement between the european union and the european atomic energy community and their member states , of the one part , and the republic of armenia , of the other part4 , and to the partnership and cooperation agreement between the european communities and their member states , of the one part , and the republic of azerbaijan , of the other part5 , ### — having regard to the partnership priorities between the eu and azerbaijan endorsed by the cooperation council on 28 september 2018 ,


### — having regard to the council conclusions of 8 december 2009 on arctic issues , of 12 may 2014 on developing a european union policy towards the arctic region , of 20 june 2016 on the arctic and of 9 december 2019 on the eu arctic policy , ### — having regard to the council conclusions of 8 december 2009 on arctic issues , of 12 may 2014 on developing a european union policy towards the arctic region , of 20 june 2016 on the arctic , of 21 november 2019 on space solutions for a sustainable arctic and of 9 december 2019 on the eu arctic policy ,


### a. whereas the eu and its member states must further strengthen cyber resilience and develop common and robust cyber security and defence capabilities in order to respond to lasting security challenges; ### a. whereas the eu and its member states must further develop a cyber security strategy which sets realistic , precise , and ambitious objectives , and defines policies in a clear manner in both , the military and civilian domain , and also in the area where both sectors overlap; whereas all eu institutions and eu member states have to work more in common at all levels to build that strategy , whose main objective should be to further strengthen resilience , and as a consequence , develop common , but also better national , robust civilian and military cyber capabilities in order to respond to lasting security challenges;


### b. whereas in recent years , we have seen continuous growth in cyber operations conducted by state and non-state actors; ### b. whereas in recent years , we have seen continuous growth in cyber operations conducted by state and non-state actors; whereas during the covid-19 pandemic , the eu and its member states have observed cyber threats and malicious cyber activities targeting essential operators in member states and their international partners , including in the health care sector;


### d. whereas the european external action service (eeas) , the european commission and european defence agency (eda) should support member states in stepping up their efforts to deliver cyber defence capabilities and technologies , addressing all aspects of capability development , including doctrine , leadership , organisation , personnel , training , industry , technology , infrastructure , logistics and interoperability; ### d. whereas the european external action service (eeas) , the european commission and european defence agency (eda) should support member states in stepping up their efforts to deliver better national and common military cyber defence capabilities and technologies , addressing all aspects of capability development , including doctrine , leadership , organisation , personnel , training , industry , technology , infrastructure , logistics and interoperability;


### e. whereas eu cyber defence policy framework updated in 2018 identified priorities , including the development of cyber defence capabilities , as well as the protection of the common security and defence policy’s (csdp) communication and information networks; ### e. whereas eu cyber defence policy framework updated in 2018 identified priorities , including the development of military cyber defence capabilities , as well as the protection of the common security and defence policy’s (csdp) communication and information networks , as regards csdp organisational structures , but also ad hoc structures in the field where civilian and military csdp missions and operations are deployed;


### f. whereas the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (ai) into defence forces’ offensive cyber capabilities (cyber-physical systems , including the communication and data links between vehicles in a networked system) may lead to vulnerabilities to electronic warfare attacks such as jamming , spoofing or hacking; ### f. whereas the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (ai) into all defence forces’ military capabilities (the so called system behind most weapons systems , which is sensors collecting data , and algorithms processing and analysing that data , cyber-physical systems , including the communication and data links between vehicles in a networked system) may lead to vulnerabilities to conventional and electronic warfare such as jamming , spoofing or hacking , which could block or weaken legitimate military action;


### g. whereas raising the level of cyber security within the eu is a necessary corollary to the success of europe’s digital ambitions; ### g. whereas raising the level of cyber security within the eu is a necessary corollary to the success of europe’s digital ambitions; whereas a eu with strong cybersecurity culture and technology would be able to guarantee digital sovereignty , support a strong online economy and protect its citizens;


### the state of eu cyber defence capabilities ### the state of eu cooperation on military and civilian cyber defence capabilities


### 1. underlines that a common cyber defence policy and a substantial cyber defence capability are core elements for the development of the european defence union; stresses the urgent need to strengthen eu and the member state cyber defence capabilities; ### 1. underlines that a common cyber defence policy and substantial eu level cooperation on generating common and also better national military cyber capabilities are core elements for the strengthening of an effective common security and defence policy and overall resilience of the union; stresses the urgent need to develop and strengthen both , common and member state military cyber defence capabilities;


### 2. recalls that the borderless nature of cyber space and the substantial number of cyber-attacks make them a threat requiring intensified eu-nato cooperation and a coordinated union-level response , including common member state support capabilities; ### 2. recalls that the borderless nature of cyber space and the substantial number of cyber-attacks make them a threat requiring intensified eu-nato cooperation based on coordinated efforts to counter hybrid threats , information sharing between cyber crisis response teams , exchange of best practices , enhanced training , research and exercises and a coordinated union-level response , including common member state support capabilities;


### 3. stresses that the review of the cyber defence policy framework (cdpf) should enhance coordination between eu actors , notably the eeas , the eu military staff , the european commission , the european defence agency (eda) , between and with member states , as well as with the european parliament , in order to ensure the updated cdpf achieves the eu’s cyber defence objectives; ### 3. stresses that the review of the cyber defence policy framework (cdpf) should first of all highlight the existing gaps and vulnerabilities as regards eu and national military structures; stresses the need to enhance coordination between eu actors , notably the eeas , the eu military staff , the european commission , the european defence agency (eda) , between and with member states , as well as with the european parliament , in order to ensure the updated cdpf achieves the eu’s cyber defence objectives;


### 4. calls on the eeas to further develop a coherent it security policy to strengthen cyber defence coordination; urges a cooperation strategy with the eu’s computer emergency response teams (cert-eu) to protect networks used by all eu institutions; calls on the european parliament to ensure its participation in cert-eu results to ensured a level of it security that will allow it to receive all the necessary classified and non-classified information to carry out its responsibilities under the treaties , including as a result of the current process to replace the 2002 inter-institutional agreement on access to information in the area of security and defence; ### 4. calls on the eeas to further develop a coherent it security policy to strengthen cyber defence coordination , while focusing on prevention , detection , incident response , situational awareness , information exchange and early warning mechanism; urges a cooperation strategy with the eu’s computer emergency response teams (cert-eu) to protect networks used by all eu institutions; calls on the european parliament to ensure its participation in cert-eu results to ensured a level of it security that will allow it to receive all the necessary classified and non-classified information to carry out its responsibilities under the treaties , including as a result of the current process to replace the 2002 inter-institutional agreement on access to information in the area of security and defence;


### 4. calls on the eeas to further develop a coherent it security policy to strengthen cyber defence coordination; urges a cooperation strategy with the eu’s computer emergency response teams (cert-eu) to protect networks used by all eu institutions; calls on the european parliament to ensure its participation in cert-eu results to ensured a level of it security that will allow it to receive all the necessary classified and non-classified information to carry out its responsibilities under the treaties , including as a result of the current process to replace the 2002 inter-institutional agreement on access to information in the area of security and defence; ### 4. calls on the eeas to further develop a coherent it security policy and to first of all strengthen resilience , but also military cyber defence coordination; urges a cooperation strategy with the eu’s civilian computer emergency response teams (cert-eu) to protect networks used by all eu institutions; calls on the european parliament to ensure its participation in cert-eu results to ensured a level of it security that will allow it to receive all the necessary classified and non-classified information to carry out its responsibilities under the treaties , including as a result of the current process to replace the 2002 inter-institutional agreement on access to information in the area of security and defence;


### 4. calls on the eeas to further develop a coherent it security policy to strengthen cyber defence coordination; urges a cooperation strategy with the eu’s computer emergency response teams (cert-eu) to protect networks used by all eu institutions; calls on the european parliament to ensure its participation in cert-eu results to ensured a level of it security that will allow it to receive all the necessary classified and non-classified information to carry out its responsibilities under the treaties , including as a result of the current process to replace the 2002 inter-institutional agreement on access to information in the area of security and defence; ### 4. calls on the eeas to further develop a coherent it security policy to strengthen cyber defence coordination; urges to strengthen cooperation with the eu’s computer emergency response team (cert-eu) to protect networks used by all eu institutions; calls on the european parliament to ensure its participation in cert-eu results to ensured a level of it security that will allow it to receive all the necessary classified and non-classified information to carry out its responsibilities under the treaties , including as a result of the current process to replace the 2002 inter-institutional agreement on access to information in the area of security and defence;


### 8. notes that the european defence fund (edf) , will also support strengthening resilience , and improve preparedness , responsiveness and cooperation in the cyber domain; ### 8. notes that the european defence fund (edf) , will also support strengthening resilience , and improve preparedness , responsiveness and cooperation in the cyber domain; calls on the member states to take advantage of the edf to jointly develop cyber defence capabilities;


### 8. notes that the european defence fund (edf) , will also support strengthening resilience , and improve preparedness , responsiveness and cooperation in the cyber domain; ### 8. notes that the european defence fund (edf) , may support strengthening resilience , and improve preparedness , responsiveness and cooperation in the cyber domain provided such a priority will be decided when negotiating relevant edf work programmes;


### 9. welcomes the progress achieved by the permanent structured cooperation (pesco) cyber rapid response team; recalls that pesco offers excellent ways to speed up cyber security initiatives , such as through the cyber threats and incident response information sharing platform and cyber and information domain coordination centre; ### 9. welcomes the progress achieved by the permanent structured cooperation (pesco) cyber rapid response team; recalls that pesco offers excellent ways to develop cyber defence capabilities and to speed up cyber security initiatives , such as through the cyber threats and incident response information sharing platform and cyber and information domain coordination centre and to increase interoperability between member states;


### 11. welcomes the council’s june 2019 framework , which allows targeted restrictive measures to deter and respond to cyber-attacks that constitute a threat to the eu or its member states , including cyber-attacks against third countries or international organisations; welcomes the imposition of such restrictive measures in july 2020 and october 2020 as a credible step in strengthening the eu’s cyber diplomacy toolbox; ### 11. welcomes the council decision of 14 may 2019 concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the union or its member states , which allows targeted restrictive measures to deter and respond to cyber-attacks that constitute a threat to the eu or its member states , including cyber-attacks against third countries or international organisations; welcomes the imposition of such restrictive measures in july 2020 and october 2020 as a credible step in strengthening the eu’s cyber diplomacy toolbox;


### 13. notes that the strategic compass will enhance and guide the implementation of the eu’s level of ambition in security and defence , and translate that ambition into capability needs , including in cyber defence , thereby increasing the ability of the eu and member states to prevent , discourage , deter , respond to and recover from malicious cyber activities by strengthening its posture , situational awareness , tools , procedures and partnerships; ### 13. underlines the need for the hr/vp and the member states to use the strategic compass process to enhance and guide the implementation of the eu’s level of ambition in security and defence , and translate that ambition into better common and national capabilities , including in military cyber defence , thereby increasing the ability of the eu and member states to prevent , discourage , deter , respond to and recover from malicious cyber activities by strengthening its posture , situational awareness , tools , procedures and partnerships;