### 1. emphasises that high standards of transparency and integrity in the eu institutions are essential to enabling citizens to exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and thus to enhancing the democratic legitimacy and credibility of the union while restoring confidence in the european integration process; recalls that , in her political guidelines for the 2019-2024 commission , the president of the commission stressed that if citizens were to have faith in the eu , its institutions should be open and beyond reproach on ethics , transparency and integrity; recalls that the right to petition provides citizens with the most accessible way to enter into and maintain a direct dialogue with representatives from the eu institutions and thus contributes to improving openness , responsiveness and accountability while bridging the gap between citizens and eu institutions; ### 1. emphasises that the highest standards of transparency and integrity in the eu institutions are essential to enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and thus to enhancing the democratic legitimacy and credibility of the union while restoring confidence in the european integration process; recalls that , in her political guidelines for the 2019-2024 commission , the president of the commission committed to work for the creation of an independent ethics body common to all eu institutions and stressed that if citizens were to have faith in the eu , its institutions should be open and beyond reproach on ethics , transparency and integrity; recalls that the right to petition must be enhanced providing citizens with the best support in order to enter into and maintain a direct dialogue with representatives from the eu institutions with a view to solving problems affecting them , thus contributing to improving openness , responsiveness and accountability while bridging the gap between citizens and eu institutions;


### 1. believes that a single independent eu ethics body is necessary to ensure the consistent and full implementation of ethics standards across the eu institutions; proposes the conclusion of an interinstitutional agreement (iia) to set up an eu ethics body for parliament and the commission open to the participation of all eu institutions , agencies and bodies; recommends that the iia contain the following provisions: ### 1. believes that a single independent eu ethics body is necessary to ensure the consistent and full implementation of ethics standards across the eu institutions to guarantee that public decisions are not captured by private interests but driven solely by democratic processes , taken in light of the common good and to regain and maintain citizens’ trust in the european institutions; ; proposes the conclusion of an interinstitutional agreement (iia) based on article 195 (tfeu) to set up an eu ethics body for parliament and the commission open to the participation of all eu institutions , agencies and bodies; recommends that the iia contain the following provisions:


### 1. notes that within the eu institutions different legislative measures aimed at preventing conflicts of interest contain varying definitions of the term ‘conflict of interest’; believes therefore that the term should be understood to mean a conflict between the public duty and private interests of a public official , in which the public official has private-capacity interests which could improperly influence the performance of their official duties and responsibilities; notes , however , that a definition of this kind has an evolving nature and that full transparency does not necessarily guarantee the absence of any conflict of interest , nor does it guarantee public trust; ### 1. notes that within the eu institutions different legislative measures aimed at preventing conflicts of interest contain varying definitions of the term ‘conflict of interest’; believes therefore that the term should be understood to mean a conflict between the public duty and private interests of a public official , in which the public official has private-capacity interests which could improperly influence the performance of their official duties and responsibilities; notes , however , that a definition of this kind has an evolving nature and that full transparency does not necessarily guarantee the absence of any conflict of interest , nor does it guarantee public trust; highlights that post-public employment and ‘revolving door’ conflict of interest situations are recurring concerns of a systematic nature and a problem common to institutions , bodies , offices , and agencies across the eu; considers that conflict of interest situations could jeopardise the enforcement of high ethical standards in the eu institutions and agencies , thus compromising their integrity and damaging citizens’ trust in them;


### 1. recalls its resolution of 16 january 2020 on institutions and bodies of the economic and monetary union: preventing post-public employment conflicts of interest1 ; ### 1. recalls its resolution of 16 january 2020 on institutions and bodies of the economic and monetary union: preventing post-public employment conflicts of interest1 , in particular its consideration that an eu independent ethics body would be the body best suited to taking decisions related to conflicts of interest concerning eu staff members in the future;


### c. whereas the shortcomings of the current eu ethics framework derive largely from the fact that it relies on a self-regulatory approach and lacks adequate human and financial resources and competences to verify information; ### c. whereas the shortcomings of the current eu ethics framework derive largely from the fact that it relies on a self-regulatory approach which has proven to lack the independence indispensable to a satisfactory implementation of the rules and lacks adequate human and financial resources and competences to verify information;


### d. whereas , as a consequence , multiple cases of unethical conduct and their inadequate handling by the eu institutions have harmed the trust which european citizens place in the eu institutions; ### d. whereas , as a consequence , multiple cases of unethical conduct and their inadequate handling by the eu institutions have harmed the trust which european citizens place in the eu institutions and severely contributed to damaging the reputation of the european union;


### e. whereas the current ethics standards framework appears to be highly fragmented , with different rules in different institutions , creating a complex system which is difficult for both eu citizens and for those who have to respect the rules to understand; ### e. whereas the current ethics standards framework appears to be highly fragmented , with different rules in different institutions , different processes and levels of enforcement even for the same eu staff regulations in different eu institutions , agencies and bodies , thus creating a complex system which is difficult for both eu citizens and for those who have to respect the rules to understand;


### f. whereas the meroni doctrine developed by the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) allows for the delegation of eu institutions’ competences to external bodies; ### f. whereas the meroni doctrine developed by the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) allows for the delegation of eu institutions’ competences to external bodies , including competences that are not yet exercised;


### - parliament’s rules of procedure: rules 2 , 10 and 11 , 176(1) , annex i , articles 1 to 3 , 4(6) , 5 and 6 and annex ii , ### - parliament's rules of procedure: rules 2 , 10 (5 and 6) , 11 , 176 , annex i (article 1 to 8) , annex ii ,


### - the commission’s rules of procedure: article 9 , its code of conduct , article 2 and articles 5-11 , and annex ii , and its decision of 25 november 2014 on the publication of information on meetings held between members of the commission and organisations or self-employed individuals , and the same decision for directors-general , ### - the commission’s rules of procedure: article 9 , its code of conduct , article 2 to 13 , and annex ii , and its decision of 25 november 2014 on the publication of information on meetings held between members of the commission and organisations or self-employed individuals , and the same decision for directors-general ,


### - the staff regulation’s articles 11 , 11(a) , 12 , 12(a) , 12(b) , 13 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 21(a) , 22(a) , 22(c) , 24 , 27 and 40 , ### - the staff regulation’s articles 11 , 11a , 12 , 12a , 12b , 13 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 21a , 22 , 22a , 22c , 24 , 26 , 27 and 40 , 43 , 86 , 90-91a and annex ix


### 3. is also of the opinion that for this examination to be complete and accurate , and for the possibility of a conflict of interest to be excluded , information and documents beyond the declaration of financial interests of commissioner-designates are often essential; ### 3. is also of the opinion that for this examination to be complete and accurate , and for the possibility of a conflict of interest to be excluded , information and documents beyond the declaration of financial interests of commissioner-designates are often essential; stresses in this regard that the future independent eu ethics body should be given a right to access a wider range of documents , including from national parliaments and other elected and executive bodies , as well as tax authorities; considers that the future independent eu ethics body should have the power to request commissioner-designates and all others falling under its scope to provide sufficiently detailed information in order to allow it to carry out well-reasoned and well-documented assessments;


### 4. insists that the iia should be open to the participation of all eu institutions and bodies; believes that the iia should allow the ethics body to conclude agreements with national authorities with a view to ensuring the exchange of information necessary for the performance of its tasks; ### 4. insists that the iia should be open to the participation of all eu institutions and bodies and reminds that co-legislators may decide to bind agencies through their founding regulation; believes that the iia should allow the ethics body to conclude agreements with national authorities with a view to ensuring the exchange of information necessary for the performance of its tasks , for example tax information , land registers , data held by national ethics bodies;


### 4. calls for a strengthening of the existing regulatory and enforcement framework for both pre-public and post-public employment conflicts of interest , in order to establish appropriate boundaries between the public sector and the private and non-profit sectors; welcomes in this regard the work done by the organisation for economic co-operation and development , the european court of auditors and the european ombudsman; ### 4. calls for a strengthening of the existing regulatory and enforcement framework for both pre-public and post-public employment conflicts of interest , in order to establish appropriate , clear and binding boundaries between the public sector and the private and non-profit sectors; calls on the commission to consider measures such as mandatory divestment of interests in undertakings that are subject to the authority of the institution to which a newly appointed official belongs or which have dealings with that institution , and to consider also new types of prevention measures , such as mandatory recusal when dealing with matters that affect a former private sector employer; welcomes in this regard the work done by the organisation for economic co-operation and development , the european court of auditors and the european ombudsman; recalls that the eu ethics body should have competences over these matters;


### 5. considers that the participating institutions should entrust the eu ethics body with monitoring powers over ethics standards , as well as advisory , investigative and enforcement powers; ### 5. considers that the participating institutions should entrust , within the framework of their respective procedural autonomy , the eu ethics body with autonomous monitoring powers over ethics standards applicable to them , as well as advisory , investigative and enforcement powers;


### 5. considers that , given the sophisticated and complex nature of this responsibility , the establishment of a possible conflict of interest should be de-politicised and performed in an independent and systematic way with the assistance of a body with the relevant expertise and experience; ### 5. considers that , given the sophisticated and complex nature of this responsibility , the establishment of a possible conflict of interest should be de-politicised and performed in an independent and systematic way with the assistance of a body with the relevant expertise and experience and with the highest degree of independence in relation to its composition , its budget and its investigatory powers; notes that several similar bodies e.g. in france and canada dispose of a staff of around 50 persons and several million euro of budget; calls on the commission and all participating institutions to allocate the future eu ethics body sufficient staff and resources for a professional case-by-case assessment by experts of potential conflicts of interest in particular of commissioners , members of parliament and high-ranking eu officials; considers that most national and eu institutions are not in the position to carry out professional and speedy assessments in each case so far;


### 5. recommends empowering the european anti-fraud office or the european ombudsman with the responsibility to carry out oversight of conflicts of interest , revolving doors and lobby transparency for eu institutions and agencies; ### 5. calls for the creation of an independent eu ethics body with the responsibility to ensure common application of ethics rules in all the eu institutions , by carrying out oversight of conflicts of interest , revolving doors and lobby transparency for eu institutions and agencies;


### 6. considers that this monitoring capacity should include the verification of the veracity of the declaration of financial interests , the handling of conflicts of interest , checks on transparency obligations and the verification of compliance with revolving doors rules; ### 6. considers that this autonomous monitoring capacity should include , among others , the verification of the veracity of the declaration of financial interests , , through inter alia a centralised collection of data , the handling of conflicts of interest , checks on transparency obligations and the verification of compliance with revolving doors rules and generally verification of compliance with all provisions of codes of conduct and applicable transparency , ethics and integrity rules;


### 6. considers that for proper expertise to be acquired , the future ethics body should have a permanent , independent and collegiate structure , and that its composition could be based either on specific institutional positions , such as that of the president of the court of justice , or on the nomination of experts by each eu institution; ### 6. considers that for proper expertise to be acquired , the future ethics body should have a permanent , independent and collegiate body , and that its composition could be based either on specific institutional positions , such as that of the president of the court of justice , or on the nomination or election of experts by each eu institution; further considers that the composition of the future ethics body should ensure gender equality and involve representatives of the civil society;


### 6. recognises the need to strike a delicate balance between regulating conflicts of interest , respecting the individual right to economic freedom , and maintaining a dynamic labour market with mobility between the public sector and the private and non-profit sectors; ### 6. recognises the need to assess each specific case with due account in order to prevent any conflicts of interest;


### 7. takes the view that the eu ethics body could also be given authority over the obligations imposed by the transparency register; ### 7. takes the view that the eu ethics body could also be given authority over the obligations imposed by the transparency register including additional formal obligation that might be imposed on eu institutions’ members and staff;


### 7. recommends therefore that , while fully keeping its competence on the matter , the committee on legal affairs decide on the existence of a conflict of interest after having received a non-binding recommendation by such an independent expert advisory body; ### 7. recommends therefore that , while fully keeping its competence on the matter , the committee on legal affairs decide on the existence of a conflict of interest after having received a non-binding recommendation by such an independent expert body; considers that transparency requires the conclusions of investigations conducted and recommendations formulated by the future ethics body to be public;


### 7. is of the view that any prohibition of a professional move should be justified on a case-by-case basis , and might , where appropriate , require a temporary allowance to be granted during a cooling-off period , until the new job is taken up. ### 7. is of the view that , if longer cooling off periods for senior officials who leave an agency or institution are introduced , it might be justified to consider granting them an appropriate temporary allowance , until a new job is taken up.


### 8. believes furthermore that this future advisory body could also be entrusted with the broader task of examining conflicts of interest within the eu institutions and agencies in general , playing , in a complementary and balanced way , a preventive role via awareness raising and ethical guidance powers on the one hand , and a compliance role on the other. ### 8. believes that , in parallel with its advisory functions in relation to potential conflicts of interests of commissioner-designates , the future eu ethics body should also be entrusted with the broader task of examining conflicts of interest within the european institutions and agencies in general , playing in a complementary and balanced way on the one hand a preventive role via awareness raising and ethical guidance powers , and on the other hand a compliance role; considers in particular that the future ethics body should be granted autonomous investigatory and sanctioning powers as to potential conflicts of interest among members and staff of eu institutions , bodies’ and agencies; considers that the future body’s mandate should include declarations of interest , declarations of assets , conflicts of interest , revolving door cases , gifts and entertainment as well as lobby transparency rules; considers that the future eu ethics body should unite all responsibilities of the existing ethics bodies in parliament , commission and all other participating eu institutions , bodies and agencies and replace them to avoid conflicts and to further consolidate the implementation of the respective rules striving for the highest ethical standards;


### 9. believes that in relation to its enforcement powers , the body could take over from the appointing authority in dealing with staff ethics obligations , and that in relation to members of parliament or commissioners , the body could be granted enforcement powers within the limits of the provisions contained in the treaties , and without prejudice to any additional mechanisms provided for in parliament’s rules of procedure , in particular concerning termination of office; ### 9. believes that in order to be fully efficient , the body should merge the roles of existing organs responsible for ethics; considers that the body should take over from the appointing authority in dealing with staff ethics obligations , and that in relation to members of parliament or commissioners , the body should be merge monitoring , investigatory and enforcement powers within the limits of the provisions contained in the treaties , and without prejudice to any additional mechanisms provided for in parliament’s rules of procedure , in particular concerning termination of office;


### 10. considers that the eu ethics body should be entrusted with advisory tasks in order to provide advice to any individual covered by its scope who wishes to request interpretation of an ethical standard in relation to appropriate conduct in a specific case; ### 10. considers that the eu ethics body should be entrusted with advisory tasks in order to provide advice to any individual covered by its scope who wishes to request interpretation of an ethical standard in relation to appropriate conduct in a specific case; considers that , in order to ensure consistent application of the ethical standards and predictability , advice should be binding for the independent eu ethics body in its judgement on the same matter;


### 11. believes that the decision on the absence of conflicts of interest of commissioners-designate should remain a competence of parliament’s committee on legal affairs , while the eu ethics body should support the process with the publication of its analysis of each individual case and make its investigative capacities available; ### 11. believes that the decision on the absence of conflicts of interest of commissioners-designate prior to hearings should remain a competence of parliament’s committee on legal affairs , while the eu ethics body should support the process with the publication of its analysis of each individual case and make its investigative capacities available to the european parliament;


### 13. considers that its members must be independent , chosen on the basis of their competence , experience and professional qualities , as well as their personal integrity , have an impeccable record of ethical behaviour and provide a declaration of the absence of conflicts of interest; is of the opinion that the composition of the body should be gender-balanced; ### 13. considers that its members must be independent , chosen on the basis of their competence , experience and professional qualities , as well as their personal integrity , have an impeccable record of ethical behaviour and provide a declaration of the absence of conflicts of interest; is of the opinion that the composition of the body should be gender-balanced; considers that the members should be chosen for a period of six years;


### 14. suggests that each institution choose these members in particular from among former judges of the cjeu , former or current members of highest courts of member states , former members of the european parliament , former staff of the participating institutions and bodies , former eu ombudsmen , and members of the ethics authorities in member states; suggests further that the body elect a president and two vice-presidents from among its members; ### 14. suggests that each institution choose these members in particular from among former judges of the cjeu , former or current members of highest courts of member states , former members of the european parliament , former staff of the participating institutions and bodies , former eu ombudsmen , and members of the ethics authorities in member states; suggests further that the body elect a president and two vice-presidents from among its members; suggests , in order to ensure broad support , that the parliament elects the members of the body at the majority of its component members;


### 15. insists that the college be supported by a secretariat with the human , material and financial resources commensurate with its mandate and tasks; ### 15. insists that the college be supported by a secretariat with the human , material and financial resources commensurate with its mandate and tasks; including an ethics officer , responsible for ethical training and offering advice within the independent eu ethics body; considers that the pooling of budget and personnel currently allocated to the various eu ethics bodies when merging them would allow to improve the efficiency of the use of resources and might reduce costs;


### 16. proposes a two-step approach whereby , in the event that the eu ethics body becomes aware of a breach or possible breach of ethics rules , it first recommends actions to put an end to the breach; considers that this first preventive step should ensure confidentiality and the right of the person to be heard; suggests that in the event that the individual concerned refuses to take the appropriate actions , the eu ethics body should make relevant information about the case publicly available and decide , if appropriate , on sanctions; considers that this two-step approach should apply provided that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the individual acted in bad faith and recommends that intentional breach , gross negligence , the concealment of evidence and non-compliance with the obligation to cooperate should be , as such , subject to sanctions , even when the breach itself has ceased; ### 16. proposes a two-step approach whereby , in the event that the eu ethics body becomes aware of a breach or possible breach of ethics rules , it first recommends , within a deadline , actions to put an end to the breach; considers that this first preventive step should ensure confidentiality and the right of the person to be heard; suggests that in the event that the individual concerned refuses to take the appropriate actions and the breach persists , the eu ethics body should make relevant information about the case publicly available and decide , if appropriate , on sanctions; considers that this two-step approach should apply provided that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the individual acted in bad faith and recommends that intentional breach , gross negligence , the concealment of evidence and non-compliance with the obligation to cooperate should be , as such , subject to sanctions , even when the breach itself has ceased;


### 17. is of the opinion that the eu ethics body should publish an annual report containing both information about the fulfilment of its tasks and , where appropriate , recommendations for improving ethics standards; ### 17. is of the opinion that one year after its establishment , the eu ethics body shall adopt a general assessment of its activities , including analysis of the functioning of the rules and procedures and the experience acquired in applying them (review clause).


### 17. is of the opinion that the eu ethics body should publish an annual report containing both information about the fulfilment of its tasks and , where appropriate , recommendations for improving ethics standards; ### 17. is of the opinion that the eu ethics body should publish an annual report containing both information about the fulfilment of its tasks and , where appropriate , recommendations for improving ethics standards; ; recommends that the annual report describes the number of cases that were investigated , the institutions the individuals were coming from , the type of breaches concerned , the time the procedures took , the timeframe in which the breach was ended , the proportion of sanctions decided and recommendations;


### 18. insists that the decisions of the eu ethics body should be legally binding , reviewable before the cjeu and subject to possible complaints to the eu ombudsman; ### 18. insists that the decisions of the eu ethics body should be legally binding for the recipient member , staff and institution and reviewable before the cjeu; believes that the participating institutions should bind themselves to an obligation to fully cooperate in all procedures falling under the scope of the agreed iia , in particular to communicate to the independent eu ethics body all information and documents necessary to the proper scrutiny of ethics rules; reminds that the body’s activities would be subject to possible complaints to the eu ombudsman;


### 2. highlights that post-public employment and ‘revolving door’ conflict of interest situations are recurring concerns that , if unaddressed , could jeopardise the enforcement of high ethical standards in the eu institutions and agencies , thus compromising their integrity and damaging citizens’ trust in them; ### 2. highlights that post-public employment and ‘revolving door’ conflict of interest situations are recurring concerns that jeopardise the enforcement of high ethical standards in the eu institutions and agencies , thus compromising their integrity and damaging citizens’ trust in them; is concerned of the systematic nature of the 'revolving door' phenomenon;


### b. whereas the petitions received request that full details of the covid-19 vaccine contracts concluded between the commission , the member states and the pharmaceutical industry , as well as patient-level clinical trial data will be published as soon as possible and that the patent law will be temporarily suspended in order to enable rapid , equitable and universal access to vaccines in all parts of the world; ### b. whereas the petitions received request that full details of the covid-19 vaccine contracts concluded between the commission , the member states and the pharmaceutical industry , as well as patient-level clinical trial data are published in a timely fashion and that the patent law is temporarily suspended in order to enable rapid , equitable and universal access to vaccines in all parts of the world;


### c. whereas transparency in the research and development of covid-19 vaccines is the prerequisite for public trust in vaccines , and any lack of transparency leads to uncertainty and disinformation and thus undermines rapid and effective action against the pandemic; ### c. whereas full transparency on all details of research , development and distribution of covid-19 vaccines is the prerequisite for enhancing citizens' trust in vaccines and in the way institutions spent a huge amount of public funds; whereas any lack of transparency in the framework of the most severe public health crisis in modern times breaches citizens' right to information and leads to uncertainty , disinformation and increasing risks of vaccine hesitancy , thus undermining a rapid and effective action against the pandemic;


### h. whereas the european union has funded much of the research and development of the vaccines , has facilitated the pharmaceutical companies with a de-risking investment upfront , has granted emergency authorisation and has purchased vaccines with taxpayers' money; ### h. whereas the european union has funded much of the research and development of the vaccines , has facilitated the pharmaceutical companies with a de-risking investment upfront , has granted emergency authorisation , has supported manufacturing capacity and has purchased vaccines with taxpayers' money;


### 5. calls on the commission to publish non-redacted versions of the advance purchase agreements and the purchase agreement and in particular to disclose the following details: the advance payments by the commission , the cost sharing between public and private investments in the vaccines , the number of doses given to each country and to be delivered per quarter , the prices per dose , the number and locations of available production sites , the liability and compensation regimes for any harm that might be caused by the vaccines , the sanctions in case of breach of contract and information on the possible sharing of intellectual property rights; ### 5. calls on the commission to ensure full transparency publishing non-redacted versions of the advance purchase agreements and the purchase agreement , including the disclosure of the following details: the advance and post-delivery payments by the commission to each developer with details on distribution of these funds throughout vaccine development and production , the cost sharing between public and private investments in the vaccines research , development and production , the number of doses given to each country and to be delivered per quarter , the prices per dose , the number and locations of available production sites , the liability and compensation regimes for any harm that might be caused by the vaccines , the sanctions in case of breach of contract and information on the possible sharing of intellectual property rights , technology transfer and donations to third countries;


### 6. calls on the commission to make the disclosure of all details of future covid-19 vaccine contracts a precondition for future negotiations with pharmaceutical companies; ### 6. calls on the commission to make the disclosure of all details of future covid-19 vaccine contracts as well as contracts for other purchased covid-19 technologies as a precondition for future negotiations with pharmaceutical companies;


### 7. calls on the commission to provide parliament with detailed information on the use of the eu advance payments by the contracted companies , including the methodology for measuring them and the means of control and verification; ### 7. calls on the commission to provide parliament with detailed information on the use of the eu payments by the contracted companies , including the methodology for measuring them and the means of control and verification;


### 8. calls on the commission to ensure that the contracted companies make the clinical trial results and protocols of potential covid-19 vaccine research available for evaluation by independent scientific experts , including statistical analysis plans , clinical study reports , patient-level data , and copies of the correspondence with regulators and other key stakeholders; ### 8. calls on the commission to ensure that the contracted companies make full clinical trial results and protocols of potential covid-19 vaccine research available for evaluation by independent scientific experts , including statistical analysis plans , clinical study reports , patient-level data , and copies of the correspondence with regulators and other key stakeholders;


### 9. calls on the commission to ensure that the contracted companies publish the full data sets from pharmacovigilance reports in real time and to promote and monitor public control of incidents in the deployment of vaccines; ### 9. calls on the commission to ensure that the contracted companies publish the full data sets from pharmacovigilance reports in real time and to promote and monitor public control of adverse reactions in the deployment of vaccines;


### 11. calls on the commission to provide strong safeguards of the availability , accessibility and affordability of covid-19 vaccines and therefore to support the indian and south african world trade organisation initiative for a temporary waiver on intellectual property rights for covid-19 vaccines , equipment and treatments and to increase its contribution to the covax initiative; ### 11. stresses that the commission must guarantee that covid-19 vaccines are considered as a global public good for the benefit of all , ensuring universal access to them; highlights that this aspect must be reflected also in related contracts with pharmaceutical companies by including the strongest safeguards in this sense covering availability , accessibility and affordability of covid-19 vaccines; fully supports the indian and south african world trade organisation initiative for a temporary waiver on intellectual property rights for covid-19 vaccines , equipment and treatments; calls on the commission and on the member states to increase their contribution to the covax initiative making transparent all donations per time period;


### 12. calls on the commission to ensure that the pharmaceutical companies share their knowledge and data through the world health organization covid-19 technology access pool (c-tap); ### 12. calls on the commission to ensure that the pharmaceutical companies share their knowledge and data through the world health organization covid-19 technology access pool (c-tap); underlines the paramount importance of technology transfer and the export of essential components to third countries to globally scale up production and distribution of covid-19 vaccines , accelerating the vaccination rate throughout the world , thus averting a further surge of deaths and hospitalisations and the dissemination of covid-19 variants;


### 1. highlights that successfully opening , conducting and concluding accession talks with the western balkan countries is one of the eu’s core priorities in the region; ### 1. highlights that successfully opening , conducting and concluding accession talks with the western balkan countries is one of the eu’s core priorities in the region; recalls that the environmental ambition of the green deal and the ecological transition for europe can only be fully effective if the eu’s immediate neighbourhood also takes effective action and calls on the eu to use its influence , expertise and financial resources to mobilise western balkan countries to join it on a sustainable path;


### 2. recalls that the eu is the main trade partner of the western balkan countries and that bilateral trade doubled between 2006 and 2016; notes , however , that the eu continuously runs an unsustainable trade surplus with the western balkans; ### 2. recalls that the eu is the main trade partner of the western balkan countries and that bilateral trade doubled between 2006 and 2016; notes , however , that the eu continuously runs an unsustainable trade surplus with the western balkans as the world bank has also noted in its study "rising uncertainties"1a


### 6. reminds the western balkan countries of the importance of regional economic cooperation and good neighbourly relations; ### 6. reminds the western balkan countries of the importance of regional economic cooperation and good neighbourly relations; with a special emphasis on the continuation of the belgrade-pristina dialogue; stresses that retaliatory trade measures and diplomatic initiatives aiming at non-recognition of a neighbouring country handicap both the regional economic integration of the affected countries and block several lines of political dialogue;


### 9. urges the western balkan countries to stick to projects in the energy sector which help to meet climate objectives and are aligned with eu environmental legislation; ### 9. urges the western balkan countries , but also foreign investors , in particular eib , ebrd and other public financial institutions , to stick to projects in the energy sector which help to meet climate objectives and are aligned with eu environmental legislation , in particular the preservation of biodiversity and protected sites under international conventions; calls for environmental impact assessments and public consultations on projects affecting protected areas , biodiversity and environmental protection , also taking into account local community views;


### 1. reiterates that global value chains are the key feature of the global economy and that trade policy must contribute to a transparent production process throughout the value chain and demonstrate compliance with environmental , social and safety standards; ### 1. reiterates that global value chains are the key feature of the global economy but their complex nature , lack of transparency and dilution of liabilities may lead to a higher risk of human and labour rights violations , factual impunity for environmental crimes and that trade policy must contribute to a transparent production process throughout the value chain and demonstrate compliance with environmental , social and safety standards;


### 1. considers that sustainable corporate governance is key to the long-term direction of undertakings and to aligning their activities to the achievement of the union’s overall environmental objectives as laid down in the european green deal , as well as the union’s 2050 climate neutrality objective , namely that all sectors should contribute to reaching that target; ### 1. considers that sustainable corporate governance is key to the long-term direction of undertakings to align their activities to the achievement of the union’s overall environmental objectives as laid down in the european green deal as well as the union’s commitment to reduce eu greenhouse gas emissions as it moves towards the 2050 climate neutrality target , underlines that all sectors should contribute to reaching that target;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s commitment to reviewing the nfrd; highlights that such revision should be fully consistent with the requirements imposed by the disclosure regulation and the taxonomy regulation; calls on the commission to take into account the recommendations included in this resolution; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s commitment to reviewing the nfrd; highlights that such revision should be fully consistent with the requirements imposed by the disclosure regulation and the taxonomy regulation and with the principles of human rights and environmental due diligence outlined in the united nations guiding principles on business and human rights and the oecd guidelines for multinational enterprises; calls on the commission to take into account the recommendations included in this resolution;


### 2. emphasises that sustainable corporate governance can help the eu to build a more resilient and sustainable economy , improve the level playing field and protect eu businesses and citizens , and is therefore hugely beneficial to eu trade policy; ### 2. emphasises that sustainable corporate governance can help the eu to build a more resilient and sustainable economy , improve the level playing field and protect eu businesses and citizens , and is therefore hugely beneficial to eu trade and investment policy;


### 2. considers furthermore that the current approach of having commission guidelines on non-financial reporting by companies is insufficient on its own to bring about the desired outcome of comparable , reliable and consistent reporting by undertakings; ### 2. recognises that corporate priorities are often narrowly focused on short term profit maximisation stresses that increasing global competition for access to natural resources often results in unsustainable exploitation of our shared natural environment; considers furthermore that the current approach of having commission guidelines on non-financial reporting by companies is insufficient on its own to bring about the desired outcome of comparable , reliable and consistent reporting by undertakings;


### 2. reiterates its call for an enlargement of the scope of the nrfd to cover all listed and non-listed large undertakings established in the union territory , as defined in article 3(4) of the accounting directive; invites the commission to identify high-risk sectors of economic activity with a significant impact on sustainability matters that could justify the inclusion of small and medium enterprises (smes) in those sectors , within the scope of the nfrd; ### 2. reiterates its call for an enlargement of the scope of the nfrd to cover all listed and non-listed large undertakings established in the union territory , as defined in article 3(4) of the accounting directive; adds that , in light of the peculiar nature of their activities and corporate structures , financial institutions overcoming the net turnover threshold laid down in article 3(4) of the accounting directive should fall under the scope of the nfrd irrespective of their number of employees or balance sheet; calls on the commission to identify high-risk sectors of economic activity with a significant impact on sustainability matters in order to include the small and medium enterprises (smes) in those sectors , within the scope of the nfrd; considers in particular that sectors — including the logistics and transport sector — often relied on by illegal business activities related , for instance , to environmental crimes , illegal wildlife trade or corruption , should be specifically targeted;


### 2. reiterates its call for an enlargement of the scope of the nrfd to cover all listed and non-listed large undertakings established in the union territory , as defined in article 3(4) of the accounting directive; invites the commission to identify high-risk sectors of economic activity with a significant impact on sustainability matters that could justify the inclusion of small and medium enterprises (smes) in those sectors , within the scope of the nfrd; ### 2. reiterates its call for an enlargement of the scope of the nfrd to cover all public interest entities and non-listed large undertakings governed by the law of a member state or established in the territory of the union , as defined in article 3(4) of the accounting directive; stresses the importance of including non-eu undertaking with securities listed in stock markets in the eu within the scope of the nfrd and of limited liability undertakings governed by the law of a non-member state and not established in the territory of the union that will be subject to any future eu environmental and human rights due diligence requirements by virtue of their operations in the internal market selling goods or providing services; calls the commission to identify high-risk sectors of economic activity with a significant impact on social and environmental sustainability matters in order to include small and medium enterprises (smes) in those sectors , within the scope of the nfrd;


### 3. notes that the covid-19 crisis has exposed the vulnerabilities of unregulated global supply chains , and that businesses with better environmental , social and governance practices and risk mitigation processes weather the crisis better; ### 3. notes that the covid-19 crisis has exposed the vulnerabilities of unregulated global supply chains , and that businesses with better environmental , social and governance practices and risk mitigation processes weather the crisis better; recognises that the oecd has stated that companies taking proactive steps to address the risks related to the covid-19 crisis in a way that mitigates adverse impacts on workers and supply chains are likely to build more long-term value and resilience , improving their viability in the short term and their prospects for recovery in the medium to long term. 2a


### 3. calls in this regard for the adoption of european standards with well-defined requirements in terms of the content and accessibility of non-financial information that should apply to at least all listed and non-listed large undertakings operating in the eu; ### 3. considers that an effective corporate governance framework should be fully consistent with article 191 tfeu and that our shared environment and ecosystems should be afforded protected legal status enshrined into eu law; calls on the commission during its upcoming review of the non-financial reporting directive to propose an appropriate framework relating to corporate due diligence and corporate accountability legislation at eu level with well-defined requirements in terms of the content and accessibility of non-financial information that should apply to at least all listed and non-listed large undertakings operating in the european economic area;


### 4. notes with concern that less than 1 % of companies publicly list their suppliers , even in high-risk sectors; ### 4. notes with concern that over three-in-four of companies do not provide information about their supply chain transparency , with less than 1 % of companies publicly list their suppliers3a , even in high- risk sectors except in the apparel sector where a notable amount of companies provide either a general or detailed list of their suppliers; calls on the commission to use the review of the non-financial reporting directive as an opportunity to strengthen reporting requirements and enhance its enforceability;


### 4. calls on the commission to commit to developing such standards during the upcoming review of the non-financial reporting directive; ### 4. stresses that the revised nfrd regime should make clear that mandatory reporting obligations should also cover corporate activities responsible for pollution such as crude oil exploration , the use of hazardous chemicals , microplastics , nanoplastics , pesticides , co2 and other ghg emissions and of the planetary boundaries; calls on the commission to commit to developing such standards during the upcoming review of the non-financial reporting directive;


### 4. considers that the definition of materiality should include the issues that affect long-term value creation and matters beyond the purely financial performance of companies; ### 4. considers that the definition of materiality should refer to the issues that affect long-term value creation and matters beyond the financial performance of companies , in line with the double materiality principle introduced by the nfrd and further explained in the european commission guidelines on climate-related reporting; underlines in this regard that the new nfr legislation should clarify that companies should disclose both the process by which they have conducted their materiality assessment including information on consulted stakeholders , as well as the information concerning their actual and foreseeable severe impacts , including those that are caused or contributed to by a company , or directly connected to its activities , products or services by business relationships , as well as the information determined by companies as relevant from the perspective of management of the risks posed to them by sustainability matters; considers that the assessment of materiality should be carried out by companies with the full involvement of workers’ representatives and trade unions;


### 4. considers that the definition of materiality should include the issues that affect long-term value creation and matters beyond the purely financial performance of companies; ### 4. considers that the definition of materiality should include the issues that affect long-term value creation and matters beyond the purely financial performance of companies; further considers that disclosures should provide reliable information both on the risks and impact of business activities on society and the environment — within and outside the eu , and taking into account all actors throughout the entire value chains and business relationships — , and on the management of risks affecting companies from sustainability-related matters; stresses that relevant stakeholders , such as employees’ representatives or spokespersons and organisations protecting the environment , ought to be included in the determination process of materiality;


### 5. stresses that directors’ duties should encompass an obligation to develop , disclose and implement a corporate sustainability strategy for all aspects of the company’s operations , including its supply chains; ### 5. stresses that directors’ duties should encompass an obligation to develop , disclose and implement a corporate sustainability strategy , the purpose of which is to integrate the planetary boundaries and human rights , into environmental , social and governance considerations , and such strategy should cover all aspects of the company’s operations , including its value chains; stresses that the development of such strategy should go hand in hand with a long term approach which goes beyond current shareholder value primacy;


### 5. further considers that consistency of eu legislation on sustainable corporate governance should be achieved through the introduction of concrete obligations to be carried out and not only the obligation to report information; ### 5. further considers that consistency of eu legislation on sustainable corporate governance should be achieved through the introduction of concrete obligations to act and not only be limited to the reporting of non-financial information; calls on the commission to ensure that the revision of nfrd should be fully consistent with the eu taxonomy regulation for sustainable activities and define the minimum standards to be applied to companies in a mandatory and binding way;


### 5. observes that the nfrd gives companies within its scope significant flexibility to disclose relevant information in the way they consider most useful; notes that companies may currently rely , at their discretion , on a number of different frameworks; considers it necessary to set up a comprehensive eu framework covering the full set of sustainability issues relevant for a comprehensive non-financial reporting; highlights , in this regard , that the eu framework should ensure that the disclosures are clear , balanced , understandable , comparable among companies within a sector , verifiable and objective; stresses that this framework should include , where relevant , mandatory sector-specific standards; welcomes , in this regard , the commission’s commitment to supporting a process to develop eu non-financial reporting standards18 ; ### 5. observes that the nfrd gives companies within its scope significant flexibility to disclose relevant information in the way they consider most useful; notes that companies may currently rely , at their discretion , on a number of different frameworks; considers it necessary to set up a comprehensive eu framework covering the full set of sustainability issues relevant for a comprehensive non-financial reporting; highlights , in this regard , that the eu framework should ensure that the disclosures are clear , balanced , understandable , comparable among companies within a sector , verifiable and objective; stresses that the upcoming legislation should include both general and sector-specific mandatory standards; welcomes , in this regard , the commission’s commitment to supporting a process to develop eu non-financial reporting standards; stresses that these standards should be defined with as much granularity as possible in the legislative process; insofar as delegation of standard-setting is necessary , this should be to a public standard-setting body with representatives of the stakeholders including trade unions , civil society and environmental organisations;


### 6. stresses that the requirement to disclose information on how sustainability issues affect the company and how the company affects society and the environment should include the sharing of all relevant information on all actors throughout the entire supply chain; ### 6. stresses that the requirement to disclose information on how sustainability issues including environmental , social and employee matters , respect for human rights , and bribery and corruption affect the company and how the company affects the society and the environment -so called ‘double materiality standard’- should include the sharing of all relevant information on all actors throughout the entire value chain; stresses that such sustainable corporate governance forms a part of the “corporate responsibility to respect” as defined in the un guiding principles of business and human rights.


### 6. calls in this regard for the adoption of a european legislative framework requiring undertakings to establish , implement , regularly assess and update a corporate sustainability strategy in consultation with all relevant stakeholders; believes that this strategy should address in particular the companies’ environmental impacts such as loss of biodiversity and deforestation , as well as mid- and long-term planning towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050. ### 6. underlines that , where violation of the company sustainability strategy results in environmental degradation , effective remedies should be made available and accessible , triggering both the liability of companies and the personal liability of directors , particularly where substantial damage is inflicted on the environment as in the case of ecocide; calls in this regard for the adoption of a european legislative framework requiring undertakings and company directors' to establish , disclose , implement , regularly assess and update their corporate sustainability strategies , to integrate planetary boundaries , human rights and the environment into corporate governance in consultation with all relevant stakeholders; believes that this strategy should address in particular the companies’ environmental impacts such as loss of biodiversity and deforestation , as well as mid- and long-term planning towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050;


### 6. considers that the location of the non-financial statement should be harmonised; calls on the commission to establish a publicly accessible eu-wide digital platform that is free of charge , on which companies should publish their non-financial information; ### 6. considers that the location of the non-financial statement should be harmonised; calls on the commission to establish a publicly accessible eu-wide digital platform that is free of charge , on which companies should publish their non-financial information , building notably on the related recommendations of the high-level forum on the capital markets union; considers that in each country where the company operates , non-financial information should be available in local official languages;


### 6. considers that the location of the non-financial statement should be harmonised; calls on the commission to establish a publicly accessible eu-wide digital platform that is free of charge , on which companies should publish their non-financial information; ### 6. considers that the location of the non-financial statement should be harmonised; calls on the commission to establish a publicly accessible eu-wide digital platform that is free of charge , on which companies must publish their non-financial information;


### 7. notes that sustainable corporate governance cannot reach its full potential without due diligence legislation that requires companies to identify , prevent , mitigate and account for human rights abuses and environmental damage in their global value chains. ### 7. notes that sustainable corporate governance cannot reach its full potential without due diligence legislation that requires companies to identify , prevent , mitigate and account for human rights abuses and environmental damage in their global value chains , including provisions for liability for harm caused and for the failure to adequately carry out due diligence.


### a. whereas in a corporate context , a sustainability approach implies that the interest of different stakeholders in the company , including general societal and environmental concerns , are duly taken into consideration; ### a. whereas in a corporate context , a sustainability approach implies that the interest of different stakeholders in the company , including societal and environmental concerns - having regard , in particular , to the need to respect planetary boundaries - , are duly taken into consideration;


### b. whereas the multiple international initiatives promoting sustainable corporate governance remain soft law only; ### b. whereas the multiple international initiatives promoting sustainable corporate governance remain soft law instruments only , which have largely proven to be ineffective in changing corporate behaviours towards sustainability; whereas the study commissioned by the commission pursuant to the sustainable finance action plan published in july 2020 determines the positive impacts of clarifying directors’ obligations vis-a-vis sustainability and long-term considerations and highlights the increasing tendency of publicly listed companies listed within the eu to focus on the short-term interests of their shareholders;


### d. whereas the non-financial reporting directive (‘nfrd’) presents shortcomings that need to be addressed; ### d. whereas the non-financial reporting directive (‘nfrd’) is deeply intertwined with sustainable corporate governance and presents serious shortcomings and flaws that need to be addressed;


### f. whereas stakeholders have often expressed that the non-financial information provided by companies pursuant to the nfrd is insufficient , unreliable and not comparable; whereas disclosure of more complete and reliable information is necessary so that companies can be held accountable for their potential adverse impacts on the environment and society; ### f. whereas stakeholders and studies have often expressed that the non-financial information provided by companies pursuant to the nfrd is insufficient , unreliable and not comparable; ; whereas preparers have expressed confusion with the multiplicity of voluntary reporting frameworks and called for legal clarification and standardization; whereas disclosure of more complete and reliable information is necessary so that companies can be held accountable for their potential adverse impacts on the environment and society;


### f. whereas stakeholders have often expressed that the non-financial information provided by companies pursuant to the nfrd is insufficient , unreliable and not comparable; whereas disclosure of more complete and reliable information is necessary so that companies can be held accountable for their potential adverse impacts on the environment and society; ### f. whereas stakeholders and studies have shown that the non-financial information provided by companies pursuant to the nfrd is insufficient , unreliable and not comparable; whereas preparers have expressed confusion with multiplicity voluntary reporting frameworks and called for legal clarification and standardisation; whereas disclosure of more complete and reliable information is necessary so that companies can be held accountable for their potential adverse impacts on the environment and society;


### g. whereas companies’ directors have the legal and statutory duty to act in the interest of the company; whereas an excessive focus on short-term profit maximisation has an adverse impact on companies’ long-term performances and on sustainability , and therefore may be to the detriment of shareholders’ interest; ### g. whereas companies’ directors have the legal and statutory duty to act in the interest of the firm , which encompasses the interests not only of shareholders but also of numerous stakeholders such as employees; whereas short-term profit maximisation is detrimental to companies’ long-term performances and to the sustainability of their operations with regards to planetary boundaries , human rights impact and the imperative to address the causes of climate change , and therefore are may be to the detriment of companies’ stakeholders including long-term shareholders’ interest; whereas excessive payouts to shareholders undermine the reinvestment and innovation capacities of companies , and should therefore be limited in order for companies to prepare for the transition induced by the green deal;


### g. whereas companies’ directors have the legal and statutory duty to act in the interest of the company; whereas an excessive focus on short-term profit maximisation has an adverse impact on companies’ long-term performances and on sustainability , and therefore may be to the detriment of shareholders’ interest; ### g. whereas companies’ directors have the legal and statutory duty to act in the interest of the company and the duty to respect to human rights , social rights , workers’ and trade unions’ rights and the environment; whereas , however , the interpretation and implementation of this duty is hampered by the shareholder primacy norms and the undue short-term market pressures; whereas an excessive focus on short-term profit maximisation has an adverse impact on companies’ long-term performances and on the sustainability of their operations with regards to planet boundaries , human rights and the imperative to address the causes of climate change , and therefore is be to the detriment of peoples’ social , environmental and economic interests , and incidentally to long-term shareholders’ interest;


### h. whereas the consistency of eu legislation on sustainable corporate governance should be achieved through the establishment of concrete obligations to do and not only to report information; whereas an additional framework defining company boards’ duties in terms of sustainability is therefore necessary; ### h. whereas the consistency of eu legislation on sustainable corporate governance should be achieved through the establishment of concrete obligations to act and not only to report information; whereas it is necessary that the legislative proposal includes two distinct proposals on corporate due diligence and defining company boards’ duties in terms of sustainability is therefore necessary;


### h. whereas the consistency of eu legislation on sustainable corporate governance should be achieved through the establishment of concrete obligations to do and not only to report information; whereas an additional framework defining company boards’ duties in terms of sustainability is therefore necessary; ### h. whereas the consistency of eu legislation on sustainable corporate governance should be achieved through the establishment of concrete obligations to act and not only to report information; whereas an additional framework defining company boards’ duties in terms of sustainability is therefore necessary;


### 9. urges the council to initiate without delay negotiations with parliament on the proposal for a directive on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures (com(2012)0614) (‘the women on boards proposal’) , which sets out to put an end to the pervasive imbalance between women and men at the highest-levels of decision-making in companies; ### 9. urges the council to initiate without delay negotiations with parliament on the proposal for a directive on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures (com(2012)0614) (‘the women on boards proposal’) , which sets out to put an end to the pervasive imbalance between women and men at the highest-levels of decision-making in companies; calls on the commission to examine additional proposition to improve gender balance among senior managers and influential positions in companies;


### 10. notes the major role of directors in defining a company’s strategy and overseeing its operations; considers that directors should have a duty to integrate long-term interests and sustainability risks , impacts , opportunities and dependencies in the overall strategy of the company; ### 10. stresses that directors’ duties should encompass an obligation to develop , disclose and implement a corporate sustainability strategy , the purpose of which is to integrate the planetary boundaries and human rights , into environmental , social and governance considerations , and such strategy should cover all aspects of the company’s operations , including its value chains; considers that directors should have a duty to prioritise long-term interests and sustainability risks , impacts , opportunities and dependencies in the overall strategy of the company; stresses that this duty of prioritisation should entail a mandatory shift from unsustainable investments towards sustainable investments , notably related to renewable energy production , the reduction of waste and the promotion of the circular economy;


### 10. notes the major role of directors in defining a company’s strategy and overseeing its operations; considers that directors should have a duty to integrate long-term interests and sustainability risks , impacts , opportunities and dependencies in the overall strategy of the company; ### 10. notes the major role of directors in defining a company’s strategy and overseeing its operations; underlines the responsibilities induced by the position of power of company managers vis-à-vis internal and external stakeholders in the company's activities; considers that directors should have a duty , clearly defined and accompanied by adequate sanctions , to integrate the interests of the company’s stakeholders , including workers and local communities , the long-term interests and sustainability risks , impacts , opportunities and dependencies in the overall strategy of the company;


### 11. calls on the commission to present a legislative proposal ensuring that members of the administrative , management and supervisory bodies of limited liability companies , acting within the competences assigned to them by national law , have collective responsibility for defining , disclosing and monitoring a corporate sustainability strategy; ### 11. calls on the commission to present a legislative proposal ensuring that members of the administrative , management and supervisory bodies of limited liability companies , acting within the competences assigned to them by national law , have the collective legal duty to define , disclose and monitor a corporate sustainability strategy; also calls on the commission to design a system of administrative enforcement which empowers regulatory bodies to sanction ex officio and on the basis of complaints any violation by these administrative , management and supervisory bodies of the above-mentioned duties; considers that , where breaches on the part of directors of their duties related to the sustainability strategy result in long-term harm to the company , shareholders should be enabled to bring forward legal actions; also believes that , where such breach causes harm to other parties or the environment , these other parties and non-profit organisations defending the ecosystems should be empowered to initiate legal actions;


### 11. calls on the commission to present a legislative proposal ensuring that members of the administrative , management and supervisory bodies of limited liability companies , acting within the competences assigned to them by national law , have collective responsibility for defining , disclosing and monitoring a corporate sustainability strategy; ### 11. calls on the commission to present a legislative proposal to ensure that directors have a duty to act in the interest of the company’s sustainability in the long-term as well as in the interest of workers , other stakeholders and society , and not only nor primarily in the interest of shareholders , ensuring that members of the administrative , management and supervisory bodies of limited liability companies , acting within the competences assigned to them by national law , have collective responsibility for defining , disclosing and monitoring a corporate sustainability strategy; and ensuring that sufficient reserves through adequate retained earnings are made available for the implementation of such strategy;


### 12. considers that the sustainability strategy should identify and address , in line with companies’ due diligence obligations , the significant impacts that the company might have on environmental , climate , social and employee matters , respect for human rights and anti-corruption and bribery matters connected to the company’s business model , operations and supply chains , including outside the european union; considers that the duty of care that directors owe to the company requires also taking into consideration the interest of stakeholders who may be adversely impacted by the company’s activities; ### 12. notes that the commission must clearly separate corporate mandatory obligations to carry out due diligence and directors’ duty of care owed to the company to ensure its long-term viability and sustainability; considers that the sustainability strategy should be coherent with the significant impacts identified , in line with companies’ due diligence obligations on one hand and the determination of material issues in line with the non-financial reporting requirements on the other hand , including , the significant impacts that the company might have on environmental , climate , social , workers and trade unions matters , respect for human rights and anti-corruption and bribery matters connected to the company’s business model , operations and supply chains , including outside the european union; considers that the duty of care that directors owe to the company requires also taking into consideration the interest of stakeholders who may be adversely impacted by the company’s activities;


### 12. considers that the sustainability strategy should identify and address , in line with companies’ due diligence obligations , the significant impacts that the company might have on environmental , climate , social and employee matters , respect for human rights and anti-corruption and bribery matters connected to the company’s business model , operations and supply chains , including outside the european union; considers that the duty of care that directors owe to the company requires also taking into consideration the interest of stakeholders who may be adversely impacted by the company’s activities; ### 12. considers that the sustainability strategy should identify and address , in line with companies’ due diligence obligations , the significant impacts that the company might have on environmental , climate , social and employee matters , respect for human rights and anti-corruption and bribery matters connected to the company’s business model , operations and supply chains , including outside the european union; considers that the duty of care that directors owe to the company requires also protecting the interest of stakeholders , including employees and ecosystems , who may be adversely impacted by the company’s activities;


### 13. further considers that the sustainability strategy should include measurable , specific , time-bound and science-based targets aligned with the union’s commitments at international level on the environment , climate change , particularly the paris agreement , biodiversity , and deforestation; stresses that it should also include policies on gender equality , the better integration of employee’s rights in the business activities and a definition of a fair salary policy , and sector-specific and/or geographical matters; believes that the variable part of the remuneration of directors should be linked to the achievement of the measurable targets set in the company’s sustainability strategy; ### 13. further considers that the sustainability strategy should include measurable , specific , time-bound and science-based targets and implementing transition plans aligned with the union’s commitments at international level on the environment , climate change , particularly the paris agreement , biodiversity , deforestation , and taking into account the ongoing exceedance of planetary boundaries; stresses that it should also include mandatory policies guaranteeing gender equality , for instance regarding the composition of companies’ boards of directors , ensuring the better integration of employee’s rights in the business activities , notably through granting enhanced participation rights to workers’ representatives and trade unions within decision-making bodies of the firm , and a definition of a fair salary policy , and sector-specific and/or geographical matters; calls on the commission to ensure that companies report on the targets defined in the company’s sustainability strategy and publish mandatory integrated annual management reports; considers it necessary that the variable part of the remuneration of directors be linked to the achievement of the measurable targets set in the company’s sustainability strategy;


### 13. further considers that the sustainability strategy should include measurable , specific , time-bound and science-based targets aligned with the union’s commitments at international level on the environment , climate change , particularly the paris agreement , biodiversity , and deforestation; stresses that it should also include policies on gender equality , the better integration of employee’s rights in the business activities and a definition of a fair salary policy , and sector-specific and/or geographical matters; believes that the variable part of the remuneration of directors should be linked to the achievement of the measurable targets set in the company’s sustainability strategy; ### 13. further considers that the sustainability strategy should include measurable , specific , time-bound and science-based targets as well as social and environmental transition plans aligned with the union’s commitments at international level on the environment , climate change , particularly the paris agreement , biodiversity , and deforestation; stresses that it should also include policies on gender equality , the better integration of employee’s rights in the business activities and a definition of a fair salary policy , and sector-specific and/or geographical matters; believes that the variable part of the remuneration of directors should be linked to the achievement of the measurable targets set in the company’s sustainability strategy;


### 14. considers that , in the process of defining and monitoring their sustainability strategy , companies should engage with all relevant stakeholders , including shareholders , employees’ representatives or spokespersons , and stakeholders external to them but who are affected by their activities and supply chains; ### 14. considers that , in the process of defining and monitoring their sustainability strategy , companies should engage with all relevant internal and external stakeholders; ; considers it necessary that workers are involved in the definition of the sustainability strategy and approve it , in particular through their unions , representatives and spokespersons; considers that all stakeholders who are affected by actual and foreseeable severe impacts caused , contributed to by the company or directly linked to its activities , products or services by business relationships , should be consulted; further considers it essential to consult national and local public authorities dealing with the sustainability of economic affairs , in particular those in charge of employment and environmental public policies; and encourages the consultation of associations protecting consumers and the environment , including the climate and biodiversity;


### 14. considers that , in the process of defining and monitoring their sustainability strategy , companies should engage with all relevant stakeholders , including shareholders , employees’ representatives or spokespersons , and stakeholders external to them but who are affected by their activities and supply chains; ### 14. considers that , in the process of defining and monitoring their sustainability strategy , companies should have the legal duty to engage with all relevant stakeholders , including shareholders , employees’ representatives or spokespersons , and stakeholders external to them but who are affected by their activities and supply chains , such as non-profit organisations representing the environment;


### 15. considers that this engagement should take place , depending on the size and field of activity of the company concerned , by means of advisory committees , in which stakeholders’ representatives or spokespersons would participate , and that will be tasked with advising on the content and the implementation of the sustainability strategy; believes that such committees should have the right to request and carry out , if approved by a large majority , an internal inquiry if reasonable concerns on the correct implementation of the sustainability strategy are raised. ### 15. considers that this engagement should take place , depending on the size and field of activity of the company concerned , by means of advisory committees , in which workers’ representatives and trade unions , as well as other stakeholders’ representatives or spokespersons would participate , and that will be tasked with advising on the content and the implementation of the sustainability strategy; considers that civil society organizations , particularly associations dedicated to the protection of consumers and of the environment should participate in the work of the advisory committees; believes that such committees should have the right to request and carry out , if approved by a large majority , an internal inquiry if reasonable concerns on the correct implementation of the sustainability strategy are raised.


### 15. considers that this engagement should take place , depending on the size and field of activity of the company concerned , by means of advisory committees , in which stakeholders’ representatives or spokespersons would participate , and that will be tasked with advising on the content and the implementation of the sustainability strategy; believes that such committees should have the right to request and carry out , if approved by a large majority , an internal inquiry if reasonable concerns on the correct implementation of the sustainability strategy are raised. ### 15. considers that this engagement should take place , depending on the size and field of activity of the company concerned , by means of committees , in which stakeholders’ representatives or spokespersons - such as trade unions - would participate and be granted voting rights , and that will be tasked with codefining the content and the implementation of the sustainability strategy; believes that such committees should have the right to request and carry out an internal inquiry if reasonable concerns on the correct implementation of the sustainability strategy are raised; adds that whistleblowers and environmental defenders denouncing shortcomings in the definition or implementation of the sustainability strategy should be protected under eu law.


### 1. believes that as asia is home to the world’s largest population and fastest-growing economies , increasing connectivity between the eu and asia , with an open , rules-based multilateral trading system that ensures a level playing field , will play a key role in mutual economic growth and will be an important factor in the recovery from the ongoing covid-19 pandemic; ### 1. believes that as asia is home to the world’s largest population and fastest-growing economies , increasing connectivity between the eu and asia , with an open , rules-based multilateral trading system that ensures a level playing field , will play a key role in mutual economic sustainable growth and mutually beneficial integration will be an important factor in the recovery from the ongoing covid-19 pandemic;


### 1. calls on the commission and the european external action service (eeas) to ensure proper implementation of the eu-asia connectivity strategy by providing an effective political governance mechanism that could make the eu a rule setter in transport connectivity , while promoting eu principles such as transparency , good governance and sustainability; ### 1. calls on the commission and the european external action service (eeas) to ensure proper implementation of the eu-asia connectivity strategy by providing an effective political governance mechanism aiming at fostering the eu a rule setter in transport connectivity , based on transparency , a level-playing field , good governance and sustainability , as well as an increased focus on climate mitigation contributing to the goals laid down in the paris agreement;


### 1. highlights that connectivity as a fundamental orientation of the european union is deeply ingrained in the eu’s approach to domestic and international challenges; points out with pride that connectivity policies have been implemented successfully in many of the eu’s external relations; encourages the commission and eeas to create a global eu connectivity strategy (‘the strategy’) as an extension of the current eu-asia connectivity strategy in order to align our connectivity philosophy and connectivity policies with the goal of strengthening the eu’s role as a true geopolitical and geo-economic actor; ### 1. highlights that connectivity as a fundamental orientation of the european union is deeply ingrained in the eu’s approach to domestic and international challenges; points out with pride that connectivity policies have been implemented successfully within the eu and that connectivity actions have increasingly been included in many of the eu’s external relations; encourages the commission and eeas to create a global eu connectivity strategy (‘the strategy’) as an extension of the current eu-asia connectivity strategy in order to align our connectivity philosophy and connectivity policies with a consistent focus on strategic investment in infrastructure aimed at providing mutual benefit for the eu and its partners and with the goal of strengthening the eu’s role as a true and indispensable geopolitical and geo-economic actor , as well as cross-cultural enabler;


### 2. regrets that many countries in asia still apply protectionist economic policies creating an unfair playing field for european businesses; notes that allowing free trade flows will build economic resilience and ensure the global availability of products through the diversification of supply chains; ### 2. believes that trade policy should be instrumental in achieving the objectives of the connectivity strategy , by strengthening economic integration with partner countries based on sustainable development , multilateralism , transparency , fairness , level-playing field and international standards; regrets that many countries still apply unjustified protectionist economic policies creating an unfair playing field for businesses; notes that allowing free and sustainable/fair trade flows should aim at improving economic resilience and the availability of products through the diversification of supply chains , as well as contributing to stronger regional integration;


### 2. welcomes the ongoing extension of the eu’s trans-european transport network (ten-t) in the western balkans and the eastern partnership countries , and calls on the commission to speed up the review process of ten-t and its external dimension and to come up with a comprehensive transport initiative to connect ten-t with strategic networks in asia; ### 2. supports the ongoing extension of the eu’s trans-european transport network (ten-t) with close observance to finding sustainable solutions to traffic connections in the western balkans and the eastern partnership countries , and calls on the commission to closely observe and coordinate countries' efforts to implement existing ten-t extension plans , its strategic nature and its external dimension;


### 2. expects the strategy to contribute to implementing the eu’s main framework policies of building a strong and fair union , investing in peaceful international relations , achieving economic progress on the basis of the european green deal and the digital transformation , and promoting global justice; ### 2. expects the strategy to contribute to implementing the eu’s main framework policies of building a strong and fair union , investing in peaceful international relations , achieving economic progress on the basis of the european green deal and the digital transformation , and promoting global justice; considers that fostering globalization with sustainable characteristics necessitates partnering with third countries in implementing the paris agreement and the sustainable development goals as core of the strategy;


### 3. believes that efficient connections and networks between europe and asia through priority transport corridors , including air , sea and land transport , and high-capacity network links will increase trade flows between the eu and asia; acknowledges the existence of an investment gap in connectivity and recognises the need to mobilise and strengthen cooperation with private investors , national and international institutions , and multilateral development banks; ### 3. believes that efficient connections and networks between europe and asia through priority transport corridors , including air , sea and land transport , and high-capacity network links will increase trade flows between the eu and asia in a manner that is sustainable; acknowledges the existence of an investment gap in connectivity and recognises the need to mobilise and strengthen cooperation with private investors , national and international institutions , and multilateral development banks and other stakeholders also with a view to identifying concrete flagship initiatives;


### 3. stresses the importance of the ongoing negotiations of comprehensive air transport agreements with partner countries in asia; calls in particular for a swift conclusion of the agreement between the eu and the association of southeast asian nations (asean) , which is expected to connect more than a billion citizens; highlights the importance of eu support to asian countries in mitigating the impact of civil aviation on climate change; ### 3. stresses the importance of the ongoing negotiations of comprehensive air transport agreements with partner countries in asia; highlights the importance of eu leadership in mitigating the impact of civil aviation on climate change;


### 3. is of the view that the strategy must comprehensively address a broad spectrum of political , economic , cultural , sustainability and security dimensions based on the eu’s fundamental values and its shared interests; insists that the values of freedom , human rights , rule of law , democracy , solidarity , sustainability , inclusiveness , transparency , reciprocity and the adherence to multilateralism must guide the strategy; ### 3. is of the view that the strategy must comprehensively address a broad spectrum of political , economic , cultural , sustainability and security dimensions based on the eu’s fundamental values and its shared interests; insists that the values of freedom , human rights , rule of law , democracy , solidarity , sustainability , inclusiveness , transparency , reciprocity and the adherence to multilateralism must guide the strategy also reinforcing its international role as a norm-setter; understands that adequate human and financial resources must be allocated for its implementation;


### 4. underlines the importance of the existing network of bilateral , regional and multilateral trade agreements and the bilateral cooperation between the eu and asian partners , with successful examples of strategic partnerships in japan , south korea and singapore; ### 4. underlines the importance of the existing network of bilateral , regional and multilateral trade agreements and the bilateral cooperation between the eu and asian partners , with successful examples of strategic partnerships in japan , south korea and singapore; considers that provisions on e-commerce and digital trade in trade agreements should serve the purpose of the objectives of the digital pillar of the connectivity strategy; notes that the adequacy decision with japan sets the example for furthering digital integration between the eu and its partners; regarding data flows , notes that the eu side has already tabled proposals in negotiations with indonesia , australia , new zealand and chile , which should also be building blocks for other plurilateral or multilateral initiatives , and always fully in line with the eu acquis on data protection , namely the gdpr;


### 4. calls on the commission to pursue further progress in its maritime transport initiatives to digitalise and simplify administrative formalities and strengthen maritime security at ports in asia via the international maritime organization and through maritime transport agreements; ### 4. calls on the commission to pursue further progress in its maritime transport initiatives and to include all in bound , outbound and intra-eea maritime shipping into the ets as well as emissions at eu berth; furthermore , to digitalise and simplify administrative formalities and strengthen maritime security at ports in asia via the international maritime organization and through maritime transport agreements;


### 4. invites economic and societal stakeholders at the eu level and in the member states to participate in the development of the strategy; ### 4. invites economic and societal stakeholders at the eu level and in the member states to participate in the development and implementation of the strategy; calls upon commission to create adequate fora for such inclusion; insists that parliaments have to play an active role in shaping and overseeing connectivity policy;


### 5. calls on the commission to ensure the enforcement of trade agreements and make existing ones more ambitious , in particular by promoting sustainable eu norms and standards. ### 5. calls on the commission to ensure the enforcement of trade agreements and make existing ones more ambitious , in particular by promoting sustainable eu norms and standards; welcomes the recent initiatives and commitments to making the paris agreement an essential elements of trade and investment agreements or to improving the enforceability of trade and sustainable development chapters , since these are key tools to anchor the design and development of the connectivity strategy on sustainable integration; calls on the commission and the council to engage on the basis of concrete proposals without delay.


### 5. highlights the importance of the ongoing work of the eu-china connectivity platform in its efforts to explore opportunities for cooperation in the area of transport between the eu’s ten-t network and china’s belt and road initiative (bri); acknowledges the importance of working towards greater transparency , reciprocity in market access and a level playing field for businesses in the area of transport infrastructure development with china. ### 5. highlights the importance of greater transparency , sustainability , reciprocity in market access and a level playing field for businesses in the area of transport infrastructure development with asian countries , as well as the enforcement of these principles through concrete measures of conditionality. welcomes collaboration based on these principles between different eu and asian initiatives , such as the eu-china connectivity platform , china’s belt and road initiative (bri) , the transport corridor europe caucasus asia (traceca) and the eu-japan partnership on sustainable connectivity and quality infrastructure.


### 5. recalls that , in order to generate sustainable growth and jobs , connectivity investments need to respect the public good , market efficiency and fiscal viability , while avoiding debt entrapment; highlights that such investments need to support economic resilience and decarbonisation of the economy , and respect high environmental and biodiversity standards; stresses that they need to adhere to high standards of social and labour rights , transparency , human rights , due diligence , and good governance , and give a voice to the people affected by the projects; ### 5. recalls that , in order to generate sustainable growth and jobs , connectivity investments need to respect the public good , transparency , market efficiency , a level playing field including fair access to procurement markets and fiscal viability , while avoiding debt entrapment; highlights that such investments need to support economic resilience and decarbonisation of the economy , the development of new skills within the workforce and respect high environmental and biodiversity standards; stresses that they need to adhere to high standards of social and labour rights , transparency , human rights , due diligence , and good governance , and give a voice to the people affected by the projects based on appropriate , inclusive and public stakeholder consultations and open access , also for local stakeholders such as smes;


### — having regard to the global security strategy for the european union’s foreign and security policy of 28 june 2016 , ### — having regard to the global strategy for the european union’s foreign and security policy of 28 june 2016 ,


### b. whereas a global connectivity strategy should serve the goals of the eu’s key policies such as the european green deal , the digital transformation and the global promotion of human rights; whereas it should build on europe’s strength in trade policy , and address newly urgent challenges such as global health and security; ### b. whereas a global connectivity strategy should serve the goals of the eu’s key policies such as the european green deal , the digital transformation and the global promotion of human rights , and effective multilateralism ; whereas it should build on europe’s strength in trade policy , and address newly urgent challenges such as global health and security; whereas connectivity is already an essential component of a large number of eu strategies; whereas coherence and visibility of all connectivity policies should be enhanced; whereas global connectivity has an impact on european competitiveness as well as that of third countries;


### c. whereas the eu-japan connectivity partnership of 2019 gave additional relevance to this strategy; whereas partnerships with other asian partners should be established; whereas africa should be designated a connectivity priority region as much as asia; ### c. whereas the eu-japan connectivity partnership of 2019 gave additional relevance to this strategy; whereas partnerships with other asian partners should be established; whereas africa and the neighbourhood should be designated connectivity priority regions as much as asia;


### 6. gives greatest emphasis to the need for a fair partnership with respective countries; believes the strategy must create shared benefits , prevent one-sided dependencies or debt traps , empower self-determination , and be conducted with mutual respect; ### 6. gives greatest emphasis to the need for a fair partnership with respective countries and regions; believes the strategy must create shared benefits , prevent one-sided dependencies or debt traps , empower self-determination , and be conducted with mutual respect;


### 7. stresses that the strategy must be coordinated with the pursuit of internal connectivity within the eu; ### 7. stresses that the strategy must be coordinated and monitored with the pursuit of internal connectivity within the eu as for instance trans-european networks or the three seas initiative , strengthening shared values , standards and interests and providing shared ownership of the strategy to eu institutions and member states; is of the view that without active member states‘ ownership the connectivity strategy will be a car without wheels;


### 8. underlines the multidimensional nature of the strategy , which requires effective coordination of already existing strategies , policies and projects for international connectivity; ### 8. underlines the multidimensional nature of the strategy , which requires effective coordination of already existing strategies , policies and projects for international connectivity; expects enhancing and streamlining existing coordination between the eeas and the commission’s dgs in this regard;