### the report shall include statistical information regarding complaints , inquiries , and investigations , as well as regarding transfers of personal data to third countries and international organisations , cases of prior consultation , and the use of the powers laid down in paragraph 3.; ### deleted


### paragraph 1 is deleted; ### paragraph 1 is replaced by the following;


### annual information about the number of cases in which europol issued alerts in the schengen information system in accordance with article 4(1)(r) , and the number of ‘hits’ these alerts generated , including specific examples of cases demonstrating why these alerts were necessary for europol to fulfil its objectives and tasks; ### annual information about the number of cases in which europol proposed member states to enter alerts in the schengen information system in accordance with article 4(1)(r) , and the number of ‘hits’ these alerts generated;


### annual information about the number of pilot projects in which europol processed personal data to train , test and validate algorithms for the development of tools , including ai-based tools , for law enforcement in accordance with article 33a , including information on the purposes of these projects and the law enforcement needs they seek to address.; ### annual information about the research and innovation projects and activities , including ai-based projects and activities , and the documentation that accompanies each project or activity in accordance with article 33a to justify its necessity , including the results of the independent audits before and after the deployment of the results of the research and innovation projects and activities.;


### (40) article 67 is replaced as follows: ### deleted


### 3. the commission shall , by [three years after entry into force of this regulation] , submit a report to the european parliament and to the council , assessing the operational benefits of the implementation of the competences provided for in article 18(2)(e) and (5a) , article 18a , article 26 and article 26a with regard to europol’s objectives. the report shall cover the impact of those competences on fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the charter of fundamental rights.. ### 3. the commission shall , by [three years after entry into force of this regulation] , submit a report to the european parliament and to the council , an impact assessment and evaluation of the implementation of the competences provided for in the new regulation , in particular , with regards to article 18(2)(e) and (5a) , article 18a , article 26 and article 26a with regard to europol’s objectives set out in article 3. the report shall assess the impact of those competences on fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the charter of fundamental rights..


### proposal for adirective of the european parliament and of the councilon protecting persons who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings (“strategic lawsuits against public participation”) ### proposal for adirective of the european parliament and of the councilon protecting persons from abusive lawsuits against public participation (slapps)


### proposal for a ### proposal for a


### (2) article 10(3) of the treaty on european union states that every union citizen has the right to participate in the democratic life of the union. the charter of fundamental rights of the european union (the ‘charter’) provides , inter alia , for the rights to respect for private and family life (article 7) , the protection of personal data (article 8) , freedom of expression and information , which includes respect for the freedom and pluralism of the media (article 11) , and to an effective remedy and to a fair trial (article 47). ### (2) article 10(3) of the treaty on european union states that every union citizen has the right to participate in the democratic life of the union. the charter of fundamental rights of the european union (the ‘charter’) provides , inter alia , for the rights to respect for private and family life (article 7) , the protection of personal data (article 8) , freedom of expression and information , which includes respect for the freedom and pluralism of the media (article 11) , freedom of assembly and of association and to an effective remedy and to a fair trial (article 47).


### (2) article 10(3) of the treaty on european union states that every union citizen has the right to participate in the democratic life of the union. the charter of fundamental rights of the european union (the ‘charter’) provides , inter alia , for the rights to respect for private and family life (article 7) , the protection of personal data (article 8) , freedom of expression and information , which includes respect for the freedom and pluralism of the media (article 11) , and to an effective remedy and to a fair trial (article 47). ### (2) article 10(3) of the treaty on european union states that every union citizen has the right to participate in the democratic life of the union. the charter of fundamental rights of the european union (the ‘charter’) provides , inter alia , for the rights to respect for private and family life (article 7) , the protection of personal data (article 8) , freedom of expression and information , which includes respect for the freedom and pluralism of the media (article 11) , freedom of assembly and of association (article 12) and to an effective remedy and to a fair trial (article 47).


### (3) the right to freedom of expression and information as set forth in article 11 of the charter includes the right to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. article 11 of the charter should be given the meaning and scope of the correspondent article 10 of the european convention on human rights (“echr”) on the right to freedom of expression as interpreted by the european court of human rights (“ecthr”). ### (3) the right to freedom of expression and information as set forth in article 11 of the charter includes the right to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. article 11 of the charter should be given the meaning and scope of the correspondent article 10 of the european convention on human rights (“echr”) on the right to freedom of expression as interpreted by the european court of human rights (“ecthr”). the fundamental freedom of art and science as set forth in article 13 of the charter recalls that arts and scientific research shall be free of constraints and that academic feedom is repsected.


### (4) the purpose of this directive is to provide protection to natural and legal persons who engage in public participation on matters of public interest , in particular journalists and human rights defenders , against court proceedings , which are initiated against them to deter them from public participation (commonly referred to as strategic lawsuits against public participation or ‘slapps’). ### (4) the purpose of this directive is to provide protection to natural and legal persons who engage in public participation on matters of public interest , in particular journalists and human rights defenders , such as civil society , non-governmental organisations and trade unions , activists , citizen journalists , researchers , academics , artists , whistleblowers and publishers of journalistic and artistic works against court proceedings , which are initiated against them to deter them from public participation (commonly referred to as strategic lawsuits against public participation or ‘slapps’).


### (4) the purpose of this directive is to provide protection to natural and legal persons who engage in public participation on matters of public interest , in particular journalists and human rights defenders , against court proceedings , which are initiated against them to deter them from public participation (commonly referred to as strategic lawsuits against public participation or ‘slapps’). ### (4) the purpose of this directive is to provide minimum rules at union level in order to ensure the protection of natural and legal persons who engage in public participation on matters of public interest , including journalists , media outlets and rights defenders , in particular , human rights , environmental , women's and lgbtiq+ rights defenders , as well as civil society organizations , ngos , activists , trade unions , artists , researchers , academics , bloggers , whistleblowers and political opposition , against court proceedings , which are initiated against them to deter them from public participation (commonly referred to as strategic lawsuits against public participation or ‘slapps’).


### (7) human rights defenders also play an important role in european democracies , especially in upholding fundamental rights , democratic values , social inclusion , environmental protection and the rule of law. they should be able to participate actively in public life and make their voice heard on policy matters and in decision-making processes without fear of intimidation. human rights defenders refer to individuals or organisations engaged in defending fundamental rights and a variety of other rights , such as environmental and climate rights , women’s rights , lgbtiq rights , the rights of the people with a minority racial or ethnic background , labour rights or religious freedoms. other participants in public debate , such as academics and researchers , also deserve adequate protection. ### (7) human rights defenders also play an important role in european democracies , especially in upholding fundamental rights , democratic values , social inclusion , environmental protection and the rule of law. they should be able to participate actively in public life and make their voice heard on policy matters and in decision-making processes without fear of intimidation. human rights defenders refer to individuals or organisations engaged in defending fundamental rights and a variety of other rights , such as environmental and climate rights , women’s rights , lgbtiq rights , the rights of the people with a minority racial or ethnic background , the rights of migrants , refugees and asylum seekers , labour rights or religious freedoms. other participants in online and offline public debate , such as academics and researchers , artists , cultural and creative workers , activists , and whistleblowers also deserve adequate protection.


### (7) human rights defenders also play an important role in european democracies , especially in upholding fundamental rights , democratic values , social inclusion , environmental protection and the rule of law. they should be able to participate actively in public life and make their voice heard on policy matters and in decision-making processes without fear of intimidation. human rights defenders refer to individuals or organisations engaged in defending fundamental rights and a variety of other rights , such as environmental and climate rights , women’s rights , lgbtiq rights , the rights of the people with a minority racial or ethnic background , labour rights or religious freedoms. other participants in public debate , such as academics and researchers , also deserve adequate protection. ### (7) human rights defenders also play an important role in european democracies , especially in upholding fundamental rights , democratic values , social inclusion , environmental protection , gender equality and the rule of law. they should be able to participate actively in public life , hold power to account , and make their voice heard on policy matters and in decision-making processes without fear of intimidation. human rights defenders refer to individuals or organisations engaged in defending fundamental rights and a variety of other rights , such as environmental and climate rights , women’s rights , lgbtiq+ rights , the rights of the people with a minority racial or ethnic background , labour rights , including trade union rights , or religious freedoms. other participants in public debate , such as academics , researchers , artists , whistleblowers and political opposition also deserve adequate protection.


### (8) a healthy and thriving democracy requires that people are able to participate actively in public debate without undue interference by public authority or other powerful actors , be they domestic or foreign. in order to secure meaningful participation , people should be able to access reliable information , which enables them to form their own opinions and exercise their own judgement in a public space in which different views can be expressed freely. ### (8) a healthy and thriving democracy requires that people are able to participate actively in public debate without undue interference by public authority or other powerful actors , be they domestic or foreign. thus , it is essential to mainstream awareness raising about their rights and freedoms , along with ensuring adequate access to educational and training activities that develop media literacy and critical thinking. in order to secure meaningful participation , people should be able to access reliable information , which enables them to form their own opinions and exercise their own judgement in a public space in which different views can be expressed freely.


### (9) to foster this environment , it is important to protect journalists and human rights defenders from court proceedings against public participation. such court proceedings are not initiated for the purpose of access to justice , but to silence public debate typically using harassment and intimidation. ### (9) to foster this environment , it is important to protect all persons and entities from abusive court proceedings against public participation. such court proceedings are not initiated for the purpose of access to justice , but to silence public debate typically using harassment and intimidation.


### (9) to foster this environment , it is important to protect journalists and human rights defenders from court proceedings against public participation. such court proceedings are not initiated for the purpose of access to justice , but to silence public debate typically using harassment and intimidation. ### (9) to foster this environment , it is important to protect natural and legal persons who engage in public participation from court proceedings against public participation. over the years , slapps have increasingly been used to criminalise solidarity , as well as activists defending women’s rights , gender equality and lgbtiq+ rights , increasingly questioning their role as public watchdogs and contributing to the shrinking space for civil society in the union. such court proceedings are not initiated for the purpose of access to justice , but to silence public debate. they often use harassment and intimidation.


### (10) slapps are typically initiated by powerful entities , for example individuals , lobby groups , corporations and state organs. they often involve an imbalance of power between the parties , with the claimant having a more powerful financial or political position than the defendant. although not being an indispensable component of such cases , where present , an imbalance of power significantly increases the harmful effects as well as the chilling effects of court proceedings against public participation. ### (10) slapps are typically initiated by powerful entities , for example individuals , lobby groups , corporations and state organs. they often involve an imbalance of power between the parties , with the claimant having a more powerful financial or political position than the defendant. although not being an indispensable component of such cases , where present , an imbalance of power significantly increases the harmful effects as well as the chilling effects of court proceedings against public participation. slapps can be used as a tactic to shrink the civic space for civil society to act and engage in public participation.


### (10) slapps are typically initiated by powerful entities , for example individuals , lobby groups , corporations and state organs. they often involve an imbalance of power between the parties , with the claimant having a more powerful financial or political position than the defendant. although not being an indispensable component of such cases , where present , an imbalance of power significantly increases the harmful effects as well as the chilling effects of court proceedings against public participation. ### (10) slapps are typically initiated by powerful individuals or entities , for example lobby groups , corporations and state organs and authorities , including politicians and judicial authorities in an attempt to silence public debate. they can be sued for expressing critical views on the behaviour or denouncing wrongdoing , and often involve an imbalance of power between the parties , with the claimant having a more powerful financial or political position than the defendant. although not being an indispensable component of such cases , where present , an imbalance of power significantly increases the harmful effects as well as the chilling effects of court proceedings against public participation.


### (11) court proceedings against public participation may have an adverse impact on the credibility and reputation of journalists and human rights defenders and exhaust their financial and other resources. because of such proceedings , the publication of information on a matter of public interest may be delayed or altogether avoided. the length of procedures and the financial pressure may have a chilling effect on journalists and human rights defenders. the existence of such practices may therefore have a deterrent effect on their work by contributing to self-censorship in anticipation of possible future court proceedings , which leads to the impoverishment of public debate to the detriment of society as a whole. ### (11) court proceedings against public participation may have an adverse impact on the credibility and reputation of persons engaging in public participation and exhaust their financial and other resources. because of such proceedings , the publication of information on a matter of public interest may be delayed or altogether avoided. the length of procedures and the financial pressure may have a chilling effect on journalists and human rights defenders. the existence of such practices may therefore have a deterrent effect on their work by contributing to self-censorship in anticipation of possible future court proceedings , which leads to the impoverishment of public debate to the detriment of society as a whole.


### (13) the safeguards provided in this directive should apply to any natural or legal person on account of their engagement in public participation. they should also protect natural or legal persons who , either on a professional or on a personal basis , support , assist or provide goods or services to another person for purposes directly linked to public participation on a matter of public interest. this involves for example internet providers , publishing houses or print shops , which face or are threatened with court proceedings for providing services to the person targeted with court proceedings. ### (13) the safeguards provided in this directive should apply to any natural or legal person on account of their direct or indirect engagement in public participation. they should also protect natural or legal persons who , either on a professional or on a personal basis , support , assist or provide goods or services to another person for purposes directly linked to public participation on a matter of public interest. this involves for example family members , media outlets , internet providers , publishing houses or print shops , which face or are threatened with court proceedings for assisting , providing support or services to the person targeted with court proceedings.


### (16) public participation should mean any statement or activity by a natural or legal person expressed or carried out in exercise of the right to freedom of expression and information on a matter of public interest , such as the creation , exhibition , advertisement or other promotion of journalistic , political , scientific , academic , artistic , commentary or satirical communications , publications or works , and any preparatory activities directly linked thereto. it can also include activities related to the exercise of the right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly , such as the organisation of or participation to lobbying activities , demonstrations and protests or activities resulting from the exercise of the right to good administration and the right to an effective remedy , such as the filing of complaints , petitions , administrative and judicial claims and participation in public hearings. public participation should also include preparatory , supporting or assisting activities that have a direct and inherent link to the statement or activity in question and that are targeted to stifle public participation. in addition , it can cover other activities meant to inform or influence public opinion or to further action by the public , including activities by any private or public entity in relation to an issue of public interest , such as the organisation of or participation to research , surveys , campaigns or any other collective actions. ### (16) public participation should mean any statement or activity by a natural or legal person expressed or carried out , online and offline , in exercise of the right to freedom of expression and information on a matter of public interest , such as the creation , exhibition , advertisement or other promotion of journalistic , political , scientific , academic , artistic , commentary or satirical communications , publications or works , and any preparatory activities directly linked thereto. it can also include activities related to the exercise of the right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly , such as the organisation of or participation to lobbying activities , demonstrations and protests or activities resulting from the exercise of the right to good administration and the right to an effective remedy , such as the filing of complaints , petitions , administrative and judicial claims and participation in public hearings. public participation should also include preparatory , supporting or assisting activities that have a direct and inherent link to the statement or activity in question and that are targeted to stifle public participation. in addition , it can cover other activities meant to inform or influence public opinion or to further action by the public , including activities by any private or public entity in relation to an issue of public interest , such as the organisation of or participation to research , surveys , campaigns or any other collective actions.


### (16) public participation should mean any statement or activity by a natural or legal person expressed or carried out in exercise of the right to freedom of expression and information on a matter of public interest , such as the creation , exhibition , advertisement or other promotion of journalistic , political , scientific , academic , artistic , commentary or satirical communications , publications or works , and any preparatory activities directly linked thereto. it can also include activities related to the exercise of the right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly , such as the organisation of or participation to lobbying activities , demonstrations and protests or activities resulting from the exercise of the right to good administration and the right to an effective remedy , such as the filing of complaints , petitions , administrative and judicial claims and participation in public hearings. public participation should also include preparatory , supporting or assisting activities that have a direct and inherent link to the statement or activity in question and that are targeted to stifle public participation. in addition , it can cover other activities meant to inform or influence public opinion or to further action by the public , including activities by any private or public entity in relation to an issue of public interest , such as the organisation of or participation to research , surveys , campaigns or any other collective actions. ### (16) public participation should mean any statement or activity , preparatory , supporting or assisting action directly linked thereto , by a natural or legal person expressed or carried out in the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms such as the right to freedom of expression and information on a matter of public interest , such as the creation , exhibition , advertisement or other promotion of journalistic content , news or current affairs , political , scientific , academic , artistic , commentary or satirical communications , publications or works , and any preparatory activities directly linked thereto. it can also include activities related to the exercise of academic and artistic freedom , the right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly , such as the organisation of or participation to lobbying activities , demonstrations and protests or activities resulting from the exercise of the right to good administration and the right to an effective remedy , such as the filing of complaints , petitions , administrative and judicial claims and participation in public hearings. public participation should also include preparatory , supporting or assisting activities that have a direct and inherent link to the statement or activity in question and that are targeted to stifle public participation. in addition , it can cover other activities meant to inform or influence public opinion or to further action by the public , including activities by any private or public entity in relation to an issue of public interest , such as the organisation of or participation to research , surveys , campaigns or any other collective actions.


### (18) the notion of a matter of public interest should include also quality , safety or other relevant aspects of goods , products or services where such matters are relevant to public health , safety , the environment , climate or enjoyment of fundamental rights. a purely individual dispute between a consumer and a manufacturer or a service provider concerning a good , product or service should be covered only when the matter contains an element of public interest , for instance concerning a product or service which fails to comply with environmental or safety standards. ### (18) the notion of a matter of public interest should include also quality , safety or other relevant aspects of goods , products or services , such as certain ingredients , country of origins , and production conditions , where such matters are relevant to public health , safety , the environment , climate or enjoyment of fundamental rights. a purely individual dispute between a consumer and a manufacturer or a service provider concerning a good , product or service should be covered only when the matter contains an element of public interest , for instance concerning a product or service which fails to comply with environmental or safety standards , labour rights , consumer rights , or human rights of those directly or indirectly involved.


### (18) the notion of a matter of public interest should include also quality , safety or other relevant aspects of goods , products or services where such matters are relevant to public health , safety , the environment , climate or enjoyment of fundamental rights. a purely individual dispute between a consumer and a manufacturer or a service provider concerning a good , product or service should be covered only when the matter contains an element of public interest , for instance concerning a product or service which fails to comply with environmental or safety standards. ### (18) the notion of a matter of public interest should include also quality , safety or other relevant aspects of goods , products or services , including the conditions under which these are produced and provided , where such matters are relevant to public health , safety , the environment , climate , rule of law or enjoyment of fundamental rights , including labour rights , media freedom and pluralism , non-discrimination , gender equality and protection from gender-based violence. a purely individual dispute between a consumer and a manufacturer or a service provider concerning a good , product or service should be covered only when the matter contains an element of public interest , for instance concerning a product or service which fails to comply with environmental or safety standards.


### (20) abusive court proceedings typically involve litigation tactics used in bad faith such as delaying proceedings , causing disproportionate costs to the defendant in the proceedings or forum shopping. these tactics are used by the claimant for other purposes than gaining access to justice. such tactics are often , although not always , combined with various forms of intimidation , harassment or threats. ### (20) abusive court proceedings typically involve litigation tactics used in bad faith such as delaying proceedings , causing disproportionate costs to the defendant in the proceedings or forum shopping. these tactics are used by the claimant for other purposes than gaining access to justice. such tactics are often , although not always , combined with various forms of intimidation , harassment or threats. in this context , attention should also be paid to gender-based harassment as a particularly vicious indicator/form of abuse.


### (20) abusive court proceedings typically involve litigation tactics used in bad faith such as delaying proceedings , causing disproportionate costs to the defendant in the proceedings or forum shopping. these tactics are used by the claimant for other purposes than gaining access to justice. such tactics are often , although not always , combined with various forms of intimidation , harassment or threats. ### (20) abusive court proceedings typically involve litigation tactics used in bad faith such as relying on one or more fully or partially unfounded claim , exploiting an economic advantage or political influence by the claimant against the defendant leading to an imbalance of power between the two parties , as well as requesting exaggerated or excessive damage claims or disproportionate prior restraint measures , which delays proceedings , causing disproportionate costs to the defendant in the proceedings or forum shopping. these tactics are used by the claimant for other purposes than gaining access to justice. such tactics are often , although not always , combined with various forms of intimidation , harassment or threats.


### (22) a matter should be considered to have cross-border implications unless both parties are domiciled in the same member state as the court seised. even where both parties are domiciled in the same member state as the court seised , a matter should be considered to have cross-border implications in two other types of situations. the first situation is where the specific act of public participation concerning a matter of public interest at stake is relevant to more than one member state. that includes for instance public participation in events organised by union institutions , such as appearances in public hearings , or statements or activities on matters that are of specific relevance to more than one member state , such as cross-border pollution or allegations of money laundering with potential cross-border involvement. the second situation where a matter should be considered to have cross-border implications is when the claimant or associated entities have initiated concurrent or previous court proceedings against the same or associated defendants in another member state. these two types of situations take into consideration the specific context of slapps. ### (22) a matter should be considered to have cross-border implications unless both parties are domiciled in the same member state as the court seised. even where both parties are domiciled in the same member state as the court seised , a matter should be considered to have cross-border implications in two other types of situations. the first situation is where the specific act of public participation concerning a matter of public interest at stake is relevant to more than one member state. that includes for instance statements or activities on matters which the public of more than one member state may legitimately take an interest in , and therefore are or may become of relevance to more than one member state , such as the enjoyment or abuse of rights or freedoms under eu law , including in the area of non-discrimination , gender equality and protection from violence against women , online and offline public participation acts in events organised by union institutions , such as appearances in public hearings , or statements or activities on matters that are of specific relevance to more than one member state , such as cross-border pollution or allegations of money laundering with potential cross-border involvement. the second situation where a matter should be considered to have cross-border implications is when the claimant or associated entities have initiated concurrent or previous court proceedings against the same or associated defendants in another member state. these two types of situations take into consideration the specific context of slapps.


### (22) a matter should be considered to have cross-border implications unless both parties are domiciled in the same member state as the court seised. even where both parties are domiciled in the same member state as the court seised , a matter should be considered to have cross-border implications in two other types of situations. the first situation is where the specific act of public participation concerning a matter of public interest at stake is relevant to more than one member state. that includes for instance public participation in events organised by union institutions , such as appearances in public hearings , or statements or activities on matters that are of specific relevance to more than one member state , such as cross-border pollution or allegations of money laundering with potential cross-border involvement. the second situation where a matter should be considered to have cross-border implications is when the claimant or associated entities have initiated concurrent or previous court proceedings against the same or associated defendants in another member state. these two types of situations take into consideration the specific context of slapps. ### (22) a matter should be considered to have cross-border implications unless both parties are domiciled in the same member state as the court seised. even where both parties are domiciled in the same member state as the court seised , a matter should be considered to have cross-border implications in two other types of situations. the first situation is where the specific act of public participation , including online , concerns a matter of public interest at stake is relevant to more than one member state either due to the cross-border nature or dimension of the act itself , or due to the legitimate interest which the public in different member states may take in the matter of public interest concerned by the act. that includes for instance public participation in events organised by union institutions , such as appearances in public hearings , or statements or activities on matters that are of specific relevance to more than one member state , such as economic or political activity of cross-border relevance , cross-border pollution , allegations of money laundering with potential cross-border involvement or cross-border enjoyment or abuse of fundamental rights or freedoms under eu law. the second situation where a matter should be considered to have cross-border implications is when the claimant or associated entities have initiated concurrent or previous court proceedings against the same or associated defendants in another member state. these two types of situations take into consideration the specific context of slapps.


### (23) defendants should be able to apply for the following procedural safeguards: a request for a security to cover procedural costs , or procedural costs and damages , a request for an early dismissal of manifestly unfounded court proceedings , a request for remedies against abusive court proceedings (award of costs , compensation of damages and penalties) , or all of them at the same time. ### (23) defendants should be able to apply for the following procedural safeguards: a request for a security to cover procedural costs , or procedural costs and damages , a request for an early dismissal of fully or partially unfounded court proceedings , a request for remedies against abusive court proceedings (award of costs , compensation of damages and penalties) , or all of them at the same time. court proceedings brought against natural or legal persons on account of their engagement in public participation should be dealt with in a swift and effective manner , taking into account the circumstances of the case , and the right to an effective remedy and the right to a fair trial.


### (26) to provide the defendant with an additional safeguard , there should be a possibility to grant him or her a security to cover procedural costs and/or damages , when the court considers that even if the claim is not manifestly unfounded , there are elements indicating an abuse of procedure and the prospects for success in the main proceedings are low. a security does not entail a judgement on the merits but serves as a precautionary measure ensuring the effects of a final decision finding an abuse of procedure. it should be for member states to decide whether a security should be ordered by the court on its own motion or upon request by the defendant. ### (26) to provide the defendant with an additional safeguard , there should be a possibility to grant them a security to cover all costs , including procedural costs and/or damages , when the court considers that even if the claim is not manifestly unfounded , there are elements indicating an abuse of procedure and the prospects for success in the main proceedings are low. a security does not entail a judgement on the merits but serves as a precautionary measure ensuring the effects of a final decision finding an abuse of procedure. it should be for member states to decide whether a security should be ordered by the court on its own motion or upon request by the defendant.


### (26) to provide the defendant with an additional safeguard , there should be a possibility to grant him or her a security to cover procedural costs and/or damages , when the court considers that even if the claim is not manifestly unfounded , there are elements indicating an abuse of procedure and the prospects for success in the main proceedings are low. a security does not entail a judgement on the merits but serves as a precautionary measure ensuring the effects of a final decision finding an abuse of procedure. it should be for member states to decide whether a security should be ordered by the court on its own motion or upon request by the defendant. ### (26) to provide the defendant with an additional safeguard , there should be a possibility to grant him or her a security to cover costs , including procedural costs , legal representation and/or damages , when the court considers that even if the claim is not unfounded , there are elements indicating an abuse of procedure and the prospects for success in the main proceedings are low. a security does not entail a judgement on the merits but serves as a precautionary measure ensuring the effects of a final decision finding an abuse of procedure. it should be for member states to decide whether a security should be ordered by the court on its own motion or upon request by the defendant.


### (30) if a defendant has applied for early dismissal , it should be for the claimant in the main proceedings to prove in the accelerated procedure that the claim is not manifestly unfounded. this does not represent a limitation of access to justice , taking into account that the claimant carries the burden of proof in relation to that claim in the main proceedings and only needs to meet the much lower threshold of showing that the claim is not manifestly unfounded in order to avoid an early dismissal. ### (30) if a defendant has applied for early dismissal , it should be for the claimant in the main proceedings to prove in the accelerated procedure that the claim is not partially or fully unfounded. when seeking to avoid an early dismissal , the claimant shall establish a prima facie case as to each essential element of the cause of action that the claim is not fully or partially unfounded. this does not represent a limitation of access to justice , taking into account that the claimant carries the burden of proof in relation to that claim in the main proceedings and only needs to meet the much lower threshold of showing that the claim is not unfounded in order to avoid an early dismissal.


### (31) costs should include all costs of the proceedings , including the full costs of legal representation incurred by the defendant unless such costs are excessive. costs of legal representation exceeding amounts laid down in statutory fee tables should not be considered as excessive per se. full compensation of damages should include both material and immaterial damages , such as physical and psychological harm. ### (31) costs should include all costs of the proceedings , including the full costs of legal representation incurred by the defendant unless such costs are excessive. costs of legal representation exceeding amounts laid down in statutory fee tables should not be considered as excessive per se. where the domestic law does not guarantee the compensation of costs for legal representation beyond statutory fee tables , the court should be enabled to indemnify costs not encompassed in statutory fee tables through the award of damages. full compensation of damages should include both material and immaterial damages , such as physical and psychological harm.


### (31) costs should include all costs of the proceedings , including the full costs of legal representation incurred by the defendant unless such costs are excessive. costs of legal representation exceeding amounts laid down in statutory fee tables should not be considered as excessive per se. full compensation of damages should include both material and immaterial damages , such as physical and psychological harm. ### (31) costs should include all costs of the proceedings , including the full costs of legal representation incurred by the defendant. costs of legal representation exceeding amounts laid down in statutory fee tables should not be considered as excessive per se. where the domestic law does not guarantee the compensation of costs for legal representation beyond statutory fee tables , the court should be enabled to indemnify costs not encompassed in statutory fee tables through the award of damages. full compensation of damages should include both material and immaterial damages , such as physical and psychological harm.


### (33) in the cross-border context , it is also important to recognize the threat of slapps from third countries targeting journalists , human rights defenders and other persons engaged in public participation who are domiciled in the european union. they may involve excessive damages awarded against eu journalists , human rights defenders and others. court proceedings in third-countries are more complex and costly for the targets. to protect democracy and freedom of expression and information in the european union and to avoid that the safeguards provided by this directive are undermined by recourse to court proceedings in other jurisdictions , it is important to provide protection also against manifestly unfounded and abusive court proceedings in third countries. ### (33) in the cross-border context , it is also important to recognize the threat of slapps from third countries targeting journalists , human rights defenders and other persons engaged in public participation who are domiciled in the european union. they may involve excessive damages awarded against persons engaging in public participation in the eu. court proceedings in third-countries are more complex and costly for the targets. to protect democracy and freedom of expression and information in the european union and to avoid that the safeguards provided by this directive are undermined by recourse to court proceedings in other jurisdictions , it is important to provide protection also against abusive court proceedings in third countries.


### (36) this directive is complementary to the commission recommendation on protecting journalists and human rights defenders who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings (“strategic lawsuits against public participation”). this recommendation is addressed to member states and it provides a comprehensive toolbox of measures including training , awareness-raising , support to targets of abusive court proceedings and data collection , reporting and monitoring of court proceedings against public participation. ### (36) this directive is complementary to the commission recommendation on protecting journalists and human rights defenders who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings (“strategic lawsuits against public participation”). this recommendation is addressed to member states and it provides a comprehensive toolbox of measures including training , awareness-raising , support to targets of abusive court proceedings and data collection , reporting and monitoring of court proceedings against public participation. when transposing this directive , member states should also ensure the implementation of the commission’s recommendation. in this regard , member states should pay particular attention to the implementation of the recommendations concerning , in particular , the inclusion of safeguards similar to those provided for by the present directive for domestic cases not covered by the scope of this directive , the provision of legal assistance to defendants in an affordable and easily accessible manner , and ensure the inclusion in their national transposition laws of targeted provisions to that effect.


### this directive provides safeguards against manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings in civil matters with cross-border implications brought against natural and legal persons , in particular journalists and human rights defenders , on account of their engagement in public participation. ### this directive provides safeguards against abusive lawsuits against public participation in civil matters with cross-border implications brought against natural and legal persons , in particular journalists and human rights defenders , on account of their engagement in public participation.


### this directive provides safeguards against manifestly unfounded or abusive court proceedings in civil matters with cross-border implications brought against natural and legal persons , in particular journalists and human rights defenders , on account of their engagement in public participation. ### this directive provides procedural safeguards against abusive court proceedings , or threats of initiating legal action , in civil matters with cross-border implications brought directly or indirectly against natural or legal persons , such as journalists , media outlets and rights defenders , in particular , human rights , environmental , women's and lgbtiq+ rights defenders , as well as civil society organizations , ngos , activists , trade unions , artists , researchers , academics , bloggers , whistleblowers and political opposition , on account of their engagement in public participation , including online.


### this directive shall apply to matters of a civil or commercial nature with cross-border implications , whatever the nature of the court or tribunal. it shall not extend , in particular , to revenue , customs or administrative matters or the liability of the state for acts and omissions in the exercise of state authority (acta iure imperii). ### this directive shall apply to any type of legal claims of a civil or commercial nature with cross-border implications that are ongoing or continued before a national court at the time of its entry into force , whatever the nature of the court or tribunal. it shall not extend , in particular , to revenue , customs or administrative matters or the liability of the state for acts and omissions in the exercise of state authority (acta iure imperii).


### this directive shall apply to matters of a civil or commercial nature with cross-border implications , whatever the nature of the court or tribunal. it shall not extend , in particular , to revenue , customs or administrative matters or the liability of the state for acts and omissions in the exercise of state authority (acta iure imperii). ### this directive shall apply to any type of legal claims or actions of a civil or commercial nature with cross-border implications including claims pending before a national court at the time of its entry into force , irrespective of the nature of the court or tribunal. it shall include civil claims brought in criminal proceedings. it shall not extend , in particular , to revenue , customs or administrative matters or the liability of the state for acts and omissions in the exercise of state authority (acta iure imperii) unless national law provides for it.


### 1. ‘public participation’ means any statement or activity by a natural or legal person expressed or carried out in the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and information on a matter of public interest , and preparatory , supporting or assisting action directly linked thereto. this includes complaints , petitions , administrative or judicial claims and participation in public hearings; ### 1. ‘public participation’ means any statement or activity , physical or digital , by a natural or legal person expressed or carried out in the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and information on a matter of public interest , the right to freedom of association and of assembly , academic freedom , freedom of science , artistic freedom , freedom of culture , and the right of collective bargaining and action , the right to good administration and the right to an effective remedy or other rights and freedoms , and preparatory , supporting or assisting action directly linked thereto. this includes any activity , regardless of the nature , medium or format , which serves the disclosure , dissemination or promotion of information to the public such as but not limited to demonstrations , protest , assemblies , performances , online content , complaints , petitions , administrative or judicial claims and participation in public hearings;


### 1. ‘public participation’ means any statement or activity by a natural or legal person expressed or carried out in the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and information on a matter of public interest , and preparatory , supporting or assisting action directly linked thereto. this includes complaints , petitions , administrative or judicial claims and participation in public hearings; ### 1. ‘public participation’ means any statement or activity , preparatory , supporting or assisting action directly linked thereto , by a natural or legal person , expressed or carried out in the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms such as freedom of expression and information on a matter of public interest , freedom of association and assembly , academic and artistic freedom , freedom of science and culture , the right of collective bargaining and action , the right to an effective remedy and the right to good administration. this includes any activity regardless of the nature , medium or format , which serves the disclosure , dissemination or promotion of information to the public such as complaints , petitions , administrative or judicial claims and participation in public hearings;


### public health , safety , the environment , climate or enjoyment of fundamental rights; ### public health , safety , the environment , climate or enjoyment of fundamental rights including non-discrimination , gender equality and protection from violence against women;


### public health , safety , the environment , climate or enjoyment of fundamental rights; ### public health , safety , the environment , climate or enjoyment of fundamental rights , including labour rights , non-discrimination , gender equality and protection from gender-based violence , as well as media freedom and pluralism;


### allegations of corruption , fraud or criminality; ### allegations of corruption , fraud , money laundering , extortion , coercion or other forms of intimidation and or criminality , including environmental crime;


### activities aimed to fight disinformation; ### scientific and research activities and activities aimed to fight disinformation;


### activities aimed to fight disinformation; ### activities aimed to protect democracy , the rule of law and to fight disinformation;


### 3. ‘abusive court proceedings against public participation’ mean court proceedings brought in relation to public participation that are fully or partially unfounded and have as their main purpose to prevent , restrict or penalize public participation. indications of such a purpose can be: ### 3. ‘abusive court proceedings against public participation’ mean court proceedings brought in relation to public participation that are characterised by elements indicative of an abusive use of the judicial process for purposes other than genuinely asserting , vindicating or exercising a right and have as their main purpose to prevent , restrict or penalize public participation. indications of such a purpose can be:


### the act of public participation concerning a matter of public interest against which court proceedings are initiated is relevant to more than one member state , or ### the act of public participation , including online , concerns a matter of public interest against which court proceedings are initiated is relevant to more than one member state either due to the cross-border nature or dimension of the act itself , or due to the interest which the public in different member states may take in the matter concerned by the act , or


### early dismissal of manifestly unfounded court proceedings in accordance with chapter iii; ### early dismissal of fully or partially unfounded claims in accordance with chapter iii;


### 3. member states may provide that measures on procedural safeguards in accordance with chapters iii and iv can be taken by the court or tribunal seised of the matter ex officio. ### 3. member states shall provide that measures on procedural safeguards in accordance with chapters iii and iv can be taken by the court or tribunal seised of the matter ex officio.


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a court or tribunal seised of court proceedings against public participation may accept that non-governmental organisations safeguarding or promoting the rights of persons engaging in public participation may take part in those proceedings , either in support of the defendant or to provide information. ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a court or tribunal seised of court proceedings against public participation may accept that entities safeguarding or promoting the rights of persons engaging in public participation , such as non-governmental organisations , professional and representative associations , trade unions and other collective bodies acting in the interest of the defendant , may take part in those proceedings , either in support of the defendant or to provide information.


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a court or tribunal seised of court proceedings against public participation may accept that non-governmental organisations safeguarding or promoting the rights of persons engaging in public participation may take part in those proceedings , either in support of the defendant or to provide information. ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a court or tribunal seised of court proceedings against public participation may accept that civil society organisations engaging in public participation , including non-governmental organisations safeguarding or promoting the rights of persons or the protection of the environment , trade unions and professional associations and other collective bodies acting in the interest of the defendant may take part in those proceedings , either in support of the defendant or on their behalf with the defendant’s approval , or to provide information.


### member states shall ensure that in court proceedings against public participation , the court or tribunal seised has the power to require the claimant to provide security for procedural costs , or for procedural costs and damages , if it considers such security appropriate in view of presence of elements indicating abusive court proceedings. ### member states shall ensure that in court proceedings against public participation , the court or tribunal seised has the power to require the claimant to provide security for costs , including procedural and associated costs and damages , if it considers such security appropriate in view of presence of elements indicating abusive court proceedings.


### member states shall ensure that in court proceedings against public participation , the court or tribunal seised has the power to require the claimant to provide security for procedural costs , or for procedural costs and damages , if it considers such security appropriate in view of presence of elements indicating abusive court proceedings. ### member states shall ensure that in court proceedings against public participation , the court or tribunal seised has the power to require the claimant to provide security for costs , including procedural costs , costs of legal representation , and other associated costs and damages , if it considers such security appropriate in view of presence of elements indicating abusive court proceedings against public participation as defined in article 3(3) of this directive.


### iii early dismissal of manifestly unfounded court proceedings ### early dismissal of fully or partially unfounded claims


### 1. member states shall empower courts and tribunals to adopt an early decision to dismiss , in full or in part , court proceedings against public participation as manifestly unfounded. ### 1. member states shall empower courts and tribunals to adopt an early decision to dismiss , in full or in part , court proceedings against public participation when they rely on claims that are fully or partially unfounded in the meaning of article 3(3) of this directive.


### member states shall ensure that where a defendant has applied for early dismissal , it shall be for the claimant to prove that the claim is not manifestly unfounded. ### 1. member states shall ensure that where a defendant has applied for early dismissal , it shall be for the claimant to prove that the claim is not fully or partially unfounded.


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a claimant who has brought abusive court proceedings against public participation can be ordered to bear all the costs of the proceedings , including the full costs of legal representation incurred by the defendant , unless such costs are excessive. ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a claimant who has brought abusive court proceedings against public participation can be ordered to bear all the costs of the proceedings , including the full costs of legal representation incurred by the defendant , unless such costs are excessive. this award of costs should be an automatic feature of the court's decision within the same proceedings relating to the given abusive lawsuit.


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a claimant who has brought abusive court proceedings against public participation can be ordered to bear all the costs of the proceedings , including the full costs of legal representation incurred by the defendant , unless such costs are excessive. ### 1. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a claimant who has brought abusive court proceedings against public participation can be ordered to bear all the costs of the proceedings , including the full costs of legal representation incurred by the defendant. this award of costs should be an automatic feature of the court’s decision within the same proceedings.


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a natural or legal person who has suffered harm as a result of an abusive court proceedings against public participation is able to claim and to obtain full compensation for that harm. ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a natural or legal person who has suffered harm as a result of an abusive court proceedings against public participation is able to claim and to obtain full compensation for that harm. to ensure that accessing such compensation is not a burden for the victims and to avoid perpetuating the negative impact of the slapps on the victims , this compensation shouldn't require the filing of a separate formal claim by the defendant and should come as an automatic feature of the proceedings.


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a natural or legal person who has suffered harm as a result of an abusive court proceedings against public participation is able to claim and to obtain full compensation for that harm. ### 1. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that a natural or legal person who has suffered harm as a result of an abusive court proceedings against public participation is able to claim and to obtain full compensation for that harm , without the need to initiate separate court proceedings to that end.


### member states shall ensure that the recognition and enforcement of a third-country judgment in court proceedings on account of public participation by natural or legal person domiciled in a member state is refused as manifestly contrary to public policy (ordre public) if those proceedings would have been considered manifestly unfounded or abusive if they had been brought before the courts or tribunals of the member state where recognition or enforcement is sought and those courts or tribunals would have applied their own law. ### 1. member states shall ensure that the recognition and enforcement of a third-country judgment in court proceedings on account of public participation by natural or legal person domiciled in a member state is refused as manifestly contrary to public policy (ordre public) if those proceedings would have been considered fully or partially abusive as defined in article 3(3) of this directive if they had been brought before the courts or tribunals of the member state where recognition or enforcement is sought and those courts or tribunals would have applied their own law.


### member states shall provide the commission with all relevant information regarding the application of this directive by [5 years from the date of transposition]. on the basis of the information provided , the commission shall by [6 years from the date of transposition] at the latest , submit to the european parliament and the council a report on the application of this directive. the report shall provide an assessment of the evolution of abusive court proceedings against public participation and the impact of this directive in the member states. if necessary , the report shall be accompanied by proposals to amend this directive. ### member states shall provide the commission with all relevant information regarding the application of this directive , in particular available data collected on the basis of article 18e on data collection by [3 years from the date of transposition]. on the basis of the information provided , the commission shall by [4 years from the date of transposition] at the latest , and every 5 years thereafter , submit to the european parliament and the council a report assessing the purpose and objectives of this directive. in particular , the report shall:


### (6) investigative journalists in particular play a key role in combating organised crime , corruption and extremism. their work carries particularly high risks and they are experiencing a growing number of attacks and harassment. a robust system of safeguards is needed to enable them to fulfil their crucial role as watchdogs on matters of legitimate public interest. ### (6) investigative journalists in particular play a key role in combating organised crime , corruption and extremism. their work carries particularly high risks and they are experiencing a growing number of attacks , threats and harassment. a robust system of safeguards is needed to enable them to fulfil their crucial role as watchdogs on matters of public interest.


### (12) those targeted by court proceedings against public participation may face multiple cases simultaneously , sometimes initiated in several jurisdictions. proceedings initiated in the jurisdiction of one member state against a person resident in another member state are usually more complex and costly for the defendant. claimants in court proceedings against public participation may also use procedural tools to drive up the length and cost of the litigation , and bring cases in a jurisdiction they perceive to be favourable for their case , rather than to the court best placed to hear the claim. such practices also place unnecessary and harmful burdens on national court systems. ### (12) those targeted by court proceedings against public participation may face multiple cases simultaneously , which can be civil , administrative or criminal or a combination of those , sometimes initiated in several jurisdictions. reportedly , most cases of abusive court proceedings against public participation are criminal and domestic cases. proceedings initiated in the jurisdiction of one member state against a person resident in another member state are usually more complex and costly for the defendant. claimants in court proceedings against public participation may also use procedural tools to drive up the length and cost of the litigation , and bring cases in a jurisdiction they perceive to be favourable for their case , rather than to the court best placed to hear the claim. the length of procedures , the financial pressure and the threat of sanctions , in particular criminal sanctions , constitute powerful tools to intimidate and silence critical voices. such practices also place unnecessary and harmful burdens on national court systems.


### (14) this directive should apply to any type of legal claim or action of a civil or commercial nature with cross-border implications whatever the nature of the court or tribunal. this includes civil claims brought in criminal proceedings. it also includes interim and precautionary measures , counteractions or other particular type of remedies available under other instruments. ### (14) this directive should apply to any type of legal claim or action of a civil or commercial nature with cross-border implications , including claims pending before a national court at the time of its entry into force , irrespective of whatever the nature of the court or tribunal. this includes civil claims brought in criminal proceedings. it also includes interim and precautionary measures , counteractions or other particular type of remedies available under other instruments.


### (15) the directive does not apply to claims arising out of liability of the state for actions or omissions in the exercise of state authority (acta iure imperii) and claims against officials who act on behalf of the state and liability for acts of public authorities , including liability of publicly appointed office-holders. ### (15) the directive does not apply to claims arising out of liability of the state for actions or omissions in the exercise of state authority (acta iure imperii) and claims against officials who act on behalf of the state and liability for acts of public authorities , including liability of publicly appointed office-holders , unless national law provide for it. in line with established case law of the court of justice of the european union , court proceedings might still fall in the scope of ‘civil and commercial matters’ as referred to in this directive where a state or a public body is a party , when the acts or omissions are not made in the exercise of state authority.


### (17) public participation should not normally cover commercial advertisement and marketing activity , which are typically not made in the exercise of freedom of expression and information. ### (17) public participation should not normally cover commercial advertisement and marketing activity.


### (32) the main objective of giving courts or tribunals the possibility to impose penalties is to deter potential claimants from initiating abusive court proceedings against public participation. such penalties should be proportionate to the elements of abuse identified. when establishing amounts for penalties , courts should take into account the potential for a harmful or chilling effect of the proceedings on public participation , including as related to the nature of the claim , whether the claimant has initiated multiple or concerted proceedings in similar matters and the existence of attempts to intimidate , harass or threat the defendant. ### (32) the main objective of giving courts or tribunals the possibility to impose penalties is to deter potential claimants from initiating abusive court proceedings against public participation. such penalties should be determined on a case-by-case basis and be proportionate to the elements of abuse identified to the amount of the claim and to the financial situation of the claimant , specifically when the claimant is a legal person. when establishing amounts for penalties , courts should take into account the potential for a harmful or chilling effect of the proceedings on public participation , including as related to the nature of the claim , whether the claimant has initiated multiple or concerted proceedings in similar matters and the existence of attempts to intimidate , harass or threat the defendant.


### member states shall provide that courts or tribunals seised of abusive court proceedings against public participation have the possibility to impose effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties on the party who brought those proceedings. ### 1. member states shall provide that courts or tribunals seised of abusive court proceedings against public participation have the possibility to impose effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties on the party who brought those proceedings.


### 1. welcomes the eu’s global response to the covid-19 pandemic , which demonstrates its ambition to lead and show solidarity with all partner countries; points out , however , that current funds are essentially reallocated from other budget lines and that the challenge of aid front-loading has to be tackled; calls , therefore , for substantial new funds to be mobilised to assist developing countries worldwide in fighting the direct and indirect consequences of the covid-19 pandemic; stresses that making safe vaccines available globally in a fast and affordable manner must be one of the first steps; ### 1. welcomes the eu’s global response to the covid-19 pandemic , which demonstrates its ambition to lead and show solidarity with all partner countries; points out , however , that current funds are essentially reallocated from other budget lines and that the challenge of aid front-loading has to be tackled; calls , therefore , for substantial new funds to be mobilised to assist developing countries worldwide in fighting the direct and indirect consequences of the covid-19 pandemic; urges donors to rapidly scale up official development assistance to achieve levels already committed in the past but never delivered; stresses that making safe vaccines , therapeutics and diagnostics available globally in a fast and affordable manner must be one of the first steps;


### 2. insists that the momentum gained from the common team europe approach in terms of joint analysis , joint programming and joint implementation must translate into a new standard for cooperation in the fields of humanitarian aid and development policy , both in law and in practice; ### 2. insists that the momentum gained from the common team europe approach in terms of joint analysis , joint programming and joint implementation must translate into a new standard for cooperation in the fields of humanitarian aid and development policy , both in law and in practice; highlights the importance of the neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) to ensure funding for human development , including the health sector , and calls on eu delegations and member states' embassies to prioritise human development and health in their joint programming;


### 6. underlines that global extreme poverty is expected to rise dramatically in 2020 for the first time in over 20 years , with the covid-19 pandemic compounding the forces of conflict and climate change and having a particularly hard impact on informal and migrant workers (who represent one quarter of the global workforce) , the tourism sector and latin american and caribbean economies; highlights , against the backdrop of this extreme crisis , the importance of universal social protection; asks the commission to work out strategies with partner countries for the economic recovery and job creation and for improving social security systems; ### 6. underlines that global extreme poverty is expected to rise dramatically in 2020 for the first time in over 20 years , with the covid-19 pandemic compounding the forces of conflict and climate change and having a particularly hard impact on informal and migrant workers (who represent one quarter of the global workforce) , the tourism sector and latin american , caribbean and african economies; notes with concern that the international labour organisation (ilo) indicates that globally about 50% of countries have had no social protection responses to the crisis[1]; highlights , against the backdrop of this extreme crisis , the importance of universal social protection , labour programmes and social dialogue; asks the commission to work out strategies with partner countries for the economic recovery and job creation and for improving social security systems;


### 8. calls for the revision of proposed or existing strategies with the aim of further strengthening health systems in partner countries , in particular as regards preparedness for pandemics and the organisation and management of health systems , including the provision of universal healthcare , health monitoring and information , training of medical staff , diagnostic capacity and medicine supply; ### 8. underlines that development aid should primary be dedicated to deliver - “horizontal” - universal health care system coverage through a holistic and rights-based approach , which entails i.a. to fully address the multidimensional nature of health (with close links to gender , food security and nutrition , water and sanitation , education and poverty) , along the line of “one health” approach; in particular , calls for the revision of proposed or existing strategies and partnerships with the aim of further strengthening health systems in partner countries , in particular as regards preparedness for pandemics and the organisation and management of health systems , including the provision of universal healthcare (including mental health) , health monitoring and information , training of medical staff , diagnostic capacity and medicine supply;


### a. whereas humanitarian aid is severely underfunded , which makes it difficult to adequately address the consequences of the covid-19 pandemic in developing countries; ### a. whereas development and humanitarian aid are severely underfunded , which makes it difficult to adequately address the consequences of the covid-19 pandemic in developing countries , in particular in countries affected by pre-existing crises;


### c. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated the existing debt problems of developing countries; ### c. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated the existing debt problems of developing countries , further endangering their efforts at mobilizing sufficient resources to achieve the sustainable development goals;


### 5. emphasises the need to support the actions of the fao and the wfp aimed at mitigating hunger and loss of livelihood and building up resilient food systems , such as those to set up a global data facility for the provision of swift information on humanitarian needs , to provide food production assistance and access to food , to organise cash transfers and in-kind food distribution , to stabilise food systems , and to ensure the functioning of local food markets , value chains and systems while focusing on smallholder farmers by implementing sanitary measures in order to prevent the transmission of covid-19; ### 5. underlines that the disruptions triggered by covid-19 have shone a spotlight on the vulnerabilities of the global food system; in particular , highlights that countries that are both dependent on food imports and tourism revenues are expected to be among the most severely affected with regard to food security; emphasises the need to support i.e. the actions of the fao and the wfp , as well as actions of local and international ngos , aimed at mitigating hunger and loss of livelihood and building up resilient food systems , such as those to set up a global data facility for the provision of swift information on humanitarian needs , to provide food production assistance and access to food , to organise cash transfers and in-kind food distribution , to stabilise food systems , and to ensure the functioning of local food markets , value chains and systems while focusing on smallholder farmers by implementing sanitary measures in order to prevent the transmission of covid-19;


### refugees ### refugees and forcibly displaced people


### 7. urges the commission to address the specific needs of refugees , upholding the guiding principle of public health networks of leaving no-one behind and refraining from blocking front-line humanitarian workers from having direct contact with the migrants and refugees they serve; stresses the absolute need for equal access to covid-19 treatment and other health services and safety net programmes for all affected people , regardless of nationality , migrant/refugee status , origin , sex , gender identity or any other characteristic; ### 7. urges the commission to address the specific needs of refugees , migrants and internally displaced persons (idps) upholding the guiding principle of public health networks of leaving no-one behind and contributing to facilitating access to front-line humanitarian workers to ensure direct contact with the migrants , idps and refugees they serve; recalls with concern that refugees , migrants and idps are among the most vulnerable populations facing this health crisis , as they are often confronted with precarious living conditions and may face more difficult access to basic health services than local populations; stresses the absolute need for equal access to covid-19 treatment , and other health services and safety net programmes for all affected people , regardless of nationality , migrant/refugee/idp status , origin , sex , gender identity or any other characteristic in order to avoid them being disproportionately affected by the pandemic and to avoid their further stigmatisation;


### 7. urges the commission to address the specific needs of refugees , upholding the guiding principle of public health networks of leaving no-one behind and refraining from blocking front-line humanitarian workers from having direct contact with the migrants and refugees they serve; stresses the absolute need for equal access to covid-19 treatment and other health services and safety net programmes for all affected people , regardless of nationality , migrant/refugee status , origin , sex , gender identity or any other characteristic; ### 7. urges the commission to address the specific needs of refugees , upholding the guiding principle of public health networks of leaving no-one behind and refraining from blocking front-line humanitarian workers from having direct contact with the migrants and refugees they serve; stresses the absolute need for equal access to covid-19 treatment and other health services and safety net programmes , particularly hiv and tb prevention and treatment services , for all affected people , regardless of nationality , migrant/refugee status , origin , sex , sexual orientation , gender identity , gender expression , sex characteristics or any other characteristic , so as to avert reversal in gains made on existing epidemics;


### 11. highlights the especially severe consequences of covid-19 lockdowns and the collateral damage that has been suffered by women , girls and children , in particular the rise in gender-based violence , but also the exposure of women to covid-19 due to their disproportionately high representation in the global health workforce; calls for action to counterbalance the disproportionate care burden borne by women and any potential roll-backs in safety , health , emancipation , economic independence and empowerment , and education , through specific programmes such as the spotlight initiative and by re-focusing european support; calls for meaningful participation of women in the decisions that impact their health and working lives; underlines the need to include the gender perspective in the eu’s covid-19 response , to advocate for inclusive decision-making bodies and collect sex- and age-disaggregated data for gender analysis; ### 11. highlights the especially severe consequences of covid-19 lockdowns and quarantine measures and the collateral damage that has been suffered by women , girls and children , in particular the rise in gender-based violence and limited access to health services , including srhr services , but also the exposure of women to covid-19 due to their disproportionately high representation in the global health workforce and the informal working sector which is prominent in developing countries; highlights that , also within the eu , in particular women from diaspora communities tackle negative effects on their own livelihood and context-sensitive investments via remittances towards developing countries; calls for action to counterbalance the disproportionate care burden borne by women and any potential roll-backs in safety , health , emancipation , economic independence and empowerment , and education , through specific programmes such as the spotlight initiative and by re-focusing european support; calls on stepping up efforts to better prevent and address domestic violence through relevant services such as the provision of lifesaving medical treatment , social and psychological support , access to sexual and reproductive health services and legal representation for the victims; calls for meaningful participation of women in the decisions that impact their health and working lives; underlines the need to include the gender perspective in the eu’s covid-19 response , to advocate for inclusive decision-making bodies and collect sex- and age-disaggregated data for gender analysis;


### 12. is concerned that , since the beginning of the covid-19 crisis , many governments have used the emergency to justify placing restrictions on democratic processes and the civil space and to oppress minorities; draws attention to the growing negative impact of covid-19 on all human rights , democracy and the rule of law and calls , therefore , for the strengthening of aid , political dialogue and support for institution-building in all these fields , with particular attention to human rights defenders; ### 12. is concerned that , since the beginning of the covid-19 crisis , many governments have used the emergency to justify placing restrictions on democratic processes and the civil space and to oppress minorities; in particular , condemns censorship , arrests and intimidation of journalists , opposition figures , healthcare workers and other individuals for criticizing governments including their crisis management; more broadly , draws attention to the growing negative impact of covid-19 on all human rights , democracy and the rule of law and calls , therefore , for the strengthening of aid , political dialogue and support for institution-building in all these fields , with particular attention to human rights defenders and civil society activists;


### 13. welcomes the temporary suspension of debt service payments for the poorest countries announced by the g20 and joins the call on private creditors to follow suit; underlines that the magnitude of the economic and social crisis in the developing world requires more profound and far-reaching measures and encourages the commission to support international efforts in this regard; considers that interest saved thanks to this suspension should instead be invested in the health sector , which is often severely underfunded in developing countries; ### 13. welcomes , as a first step , the temporary suspension of debt service payments for the poorest countries announced by the g20; believes , however , that the g 20 debt service suspension initiative (dssi) falls short of the effort needed to respond to the magnitude of the economic and social crisis in a context where multilateral and commercial debt are excluded from debt service suspension for all countries , while many middle-income countries at risk are entirely excluded from the initiative; stresses the need to secure the participation of all creditors , including the world bank and other multilateral development banks , as well as private creditors , in the dssi and any further debt relief offers; and encourages the commission to support international efforts in this regard; considers that interest saved thanks to this suspension should instead be invested in the health sector , which is often severely underfunded in developing countries; in addition , calls for an urgent upscaling of oda as part of a more comprehensive systemic multilateral response , considering that short-term measures will not suffice to avoid defaults and to facilitate investments in recovery and the sdgs; more broadly , calls for the creation of a multilateral debt workout mechanism , under un auspices , to address both the impact of the crisis and the financing requirements of the agenda 2030; believes that steps should also be taken towards agreement on binding rules on responsible sovereign lending and borrowing in order to support improved debt crisis prevention;


### 14. points out that the budgets of many developing countries were already out of balance before the crisis and that too little funding was allocated to crisis prevention , health systems and social protection; calls on the commission to take new initiatives to tackle the problems of illicit financial flows , tax evasion and tax fraud in order to improve the tax bases of developing countries; calls , furthermore , for budget support to be directed towards basic services and resilience; ### 14. points out that the budgets of many developing countries were already out of balance before the crisis and that too little funding was allocated to crisis prevention , health systems and social protection; calls on the commission to take new initiatives to tackle the problems of illicit financial flows (notably tax-motivated illicit financial flows originating from cross-border operations by multinational enterprises) , tax evasion and tax fraud in order to improve the tax bases of developing countries; to this end , urges the eu to ensure that its trade , double taxation and investment agreements are consistent with the objective of domestic resource mobilisation of acp countries and translate into tangible and sustainable development outcomes , in line with the principle of policy coherence for development , as enshrined in article 208 of the lisbon treaty; more broadly , calls for the setting-up of a global tax body at the un level to help coordinating tax policies; calls , furthermore , for budget support to be directed towards universal basic services , notably access to basic health , water and sanitation services , and resilience;


### 15. underlines the fact that the covid-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented numbers of pupils missing out on months of schooling , constituting a major set-back to efforts in the education sector especially with regard to girls’ and women’s education; urges governments to use school closures only as a measure of last resort in the fight against the pandemic; presses for education to be kept as a spending priority in eu development policy and for due consideration to be given to the social function of schools; urges governments , in this context , to prioritise support for the most marginalised children and their families; recommends that eu countries share their approaches to keeping up teaching even in times of crisis and asks the eu and its member states to exploit the potential of remote and digital learning in their international support programmes; ### 15. underlines the fact that the covid-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented numbers of pupils missing out on months of schooling , constituting a major set-back to efforts in the education sector especially with regard to girls’ and women’s education; urges governments to use school closures only as a measure of last resort in the fight against the pandemic; presses for education to be kept as a spending priority in eu development policy and for due consideration to be given to the social function of schools; urges governments , in this context , to prioritise support for the most marginalised children and their families; stresses that the most at-risk children , especially those with disabilities and living in conflict-affected areas , are those hardest hit by this pandemic; underlines that the pandemic leads to a heightened risk of violence , exploitation and abuse , as well as to dramatic consequences on children’s health and protection; recommends that eu countries share their approaches to keeping up teaching even in times of crisis and asks the eu and its member states to exploit the potential of remote and digital learning in their international support programmes;


### 17. points out that pandemics are often of zoonotic origin; underlines , therefore , the need to support education programmes regarding the dangers of hunting and trading in wild animals as well as the stricter protection of ecosystems and habitats; ### 17. points out that pandemics are often of zoonotic origin; underlines , therefore , the need to support education programmes regarding the dangers of hunting and trading in wild animals as well as the stricter protection of ecosystems and habitats and to address challenges posed by industrial farming;


### 19. underlines that implementation of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus has to be a priority in the programming of the ndici in fragile countries; calls on the commission’s dg echo and dg devco to implement complementary programmes suited to local contexts and local opportunities , whenever possible , in order to mutually reinforce the different aspects of the nexus; ### 19. underlines that implementation of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus has to be a priority in the programming of the ndici in fragile countries; calls on the commission’s dg echo and dg devco to implement complementary programmes suited to local contexts and local opportunities , whenever possible , in order to mutually reinforce the different aspects of the nexus taking full consideration of each actors mandate and obligations , including humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law;


### 1. calls on the commission to work with the member states to put the european pillar of social rights (epsr) at the heart of economic recovery programmes , in order to promote equal opportunities , women’s participation in the labour market , fair working conditions and sustainable social protection; ### 1. calls on the commission to work with the member states to put the european pillar of social rights (epsr) at the heart of economic recovery programmes; insists that the commission and the council integrate gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting in all aspects of the european pillar of social rights (epsr) in order to promote gender equality , equal opportunities , women’s participation in the labour market , fair working conditions and sustainable social protection for all and women’s involvement at all levels of decision-making processes;


### 2. calls on the commission and the member states to work on improving the situation of women in the covid-19 crisis and to adopt family-friendly policies; calls on the commission and the member states to launch an ambitious social and demographic investment plan to support member states’ efforts to improve available and affordable high-quality childcare , out-of-school care and long-term care infrastructures; ### 2. calls on the commission and the council to closely examine women’s needs to promote gender equality in order to facilitate women’s participation in the labour market during and after the covid-19 crisis , calls for an ambitious social care strategy and demographic plan to improve available and affordable high-quality childcare , out-of-school care and long-term care infrastructures; urges the member states to fully transpose and implement the work-life balance directive;


### 3. emphasises that a transition to a more environmentally sustainable society requires skilled workers and believes that just transition funds should cover a strong investment in education , vocational education and training (vet) and retraining; ### 3. emphasises that a transition to a more environmentally sustainable society requires skilled workers and believes that just transition funds should cover a strong investment in education , vocational education and training (vet) and retraining; stresses the importance of its full compliance with the principles of equal treatment and equal opportunities , in particular in regard to the most vulnerable in our societies and to disadvantaged groups;


### 3. underlines that the commission and the member states must hold as a guiding principle that women and men should receive equal pay for equal work , especially when designing response measures to the covid-19 crisis; ### 3. underlines that the commission and the council must hold as a guiding principle that women and men should receive equal pay for equal work , also when designing response measures to the covid-19 crisis , which need to be gender mainstreamed; welcomes the commission’s commitment to present binding measures on pay transparency by the end of 2020 to effectively address gender pay and pension gaps , with women’s economic independence hampered by the crisis as initial reports suggest;


### 4. stresses that a social protection schema is important for a just transition , as it enables workers and their families to meet basic needs , including the provision of both early childhood and long-term education; ### 4. recalls that a system of social protection and support for all is crucial to guarantee a just and sustainable transition; underlines the essential role of social protection and support in education , in order to enable continued schooling , to ensure the well-being of children and young people by meeting the needs of families , as well as to enable life long learning education;


### 4. calls on the commission and the member states to empower women through high-quality , tailored digital education and individualised training and skill development; ### 4. calls on member states to empower women through high-quality , tailored digital education and individualised training and skill development taking into account digitalization of economy and labour market to achieve gender balance;


### 5. calls for an enhanced university-business dialogue to allow for study in a sector where there will be jobs , particularly in vulnerable communities , regions and sectors; ### 5. calls for a strengthening of the european area of higher education (ehea) which allows the establishment of a sustainable dialogue in higher education , and which potentially strengthens and pools experiences with businesses , and thus promotes a better understanding of the job-creating business sectors; cooperation within the ehea offers new perspectives to support the so-called vulnerable sectors; this evolution must be constant and devolved in priority to the various communities , to young people especially to those with fewer opportunities and from vulnerable groups;


### 5. calls on the commission and the member states to provide equal access to technology , education , training , employment , social protection systems and healthcare for all , especially for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities , women living in rural areas and elderly women , so they can fully benefit and actively participate in the life of their communities. ### 5. calls on the commission and the member states to provide equal access to technology , education , training , employment , social protection systems and healthcare for all , by taking due account of the needs of women , experiencing multiple discriminations , including women with disabilities , health problems , migrant and ethnic minority women , older women , women with lower education levels , single parents , women living in rural areas , as well as lgbtqi+ persons to increase their potential on the labour market and participation in social and civic life to ensure equal opportunities and to close the gender pay gap;.