### 9. proposes that the strategy be discussed regularly by the commissioners’ group for a stronger europe acting as connectivity coordination body , co-chaired by the vp/hr and a commission connectivity coordinator , ideally an executive vice-president; ### 9. proposes that the implementation of the strategy be discussed regularly by the commissioners’ group for a stronger europe acting as connectivity coordination body , co-chaired by the vp/hr and a commission connectivity coordinator , ideally an executive vice-president; recommends that the eeas should provide the secretariat of the connectivity coordination body , while the corresponding working level should include all relevant director-generals and should be co-chaired by the commission’s and the eeas’ secretary generals;


### 10. takes the view that the creation of a dedicated council working group could enhance connectivity coherence and ownership among member states; ### 10. underlines the importance of involving the european parliament , council , member states and national parliaments in the strategy; insists on annual reporting by the commission to the european parliament outlining the achievements in implementing the strategy; encourages the appointment of national connectivity coordinators in member states' governments; takes the view that the creation of a dedicated council working group could enhance connectivity coherence , operationalisation and ownership among member states; advocates a recurrent exchange on the strategy in the european council; proposes using qualified majority voting on connectivity except in fields relevant or related to national security;


### 11. believes that the inclusion of relevant stakeholders is essential for the success of the strategy; recommends the creation of a high level expert group as an advisory body on international connectivity including business representatives , human rights , environmental and labour rights advocates , and international financial institutions; ### 11. believes that the exchange of information with and active involvement of relevant stakeholders is essential for the success of the strategy; recommends the creation of a high level expert group as an advisory body to the commission on international connectivity including business representatives , human rights , environmental and labour rights advocates , and international financial institutions;


### 12. strongly believes that european development banks should play a central role in managing investment in international connectivity projects in particular with regard to the mobilisation of private sector investment; ### 12. strongly believes that european and member states' development banks , investment agencies and export credit agencies should play a central role in managing investment in international connectivity projects in particular with regard to the mobilisation of private sector investment; advocates providing a one-stop interface for the private sector; sees roles for eib and ebrd in this context; strongly holds that actively promoting private sector involvement within bankable international connectivity projects shall be a cornerstone of the strategy; requests that the ongoing work on strengthening the european architecture for development finance be expedited , potentially resulting in a full fledged european development bank; is in favour of cooperation with other international financial institutions and the recently-established multilateral cooperation center for development finance (mcdf) on the basis of european values and strategic interests;


### 13. believes that the fight against climate change , for the decarbonisation of economies , for the preservation of biodiversity and the environment should be an overarching priority of the strategy , in particular with regard to infrastructure development; calls for a systematic greening of all connectivity investments; attaches high priority to the greening of development cooperation , infrastructure investment across the board , and in particular the energy dimension; ### 13. believes that the fight against climate change , for the decarbonisation of economies , for the preservation of biodiversity and the environment should be an overarching priority of the strategy , in particular with regard to quality infrastructure development; calls for a systematic greening of all connectivity investments; in this regard recommends transparent tender criteria on life cycle costs of products or services as well as compliance with eu standards and regulations; attaches high priority to the greening of development cooperation , infrastructure investment across the board , and in particular the energy dimension; regards cooperation on alternative energy sources and energy efficiency a key light house project; proposes to make the cooperation on developing renewable energy sources a pillar of eu-african connectivity; regards capacity building for sustainability as a core dimension; welcomes ambitious scientific cooperation to advance climate change mitigation and adaptation , to protect biodiversity , to promote economic circularity , sustainable growth and a just transition;


### 14. calls on the commission and the member states to step up their ambition for the digital transformation; expects the eu to become a competitive global actor in digitalisation on a par with the us and china; considers , in this context , the promotion of digital connectivity a high priority for the eu; believes that the development of open strategic autonomy in this sector must include digitalisation partnerships with third countries; underlines that the eu should aim at co-leadership in setting and defending international standards and practices; ### 14. calls on the commission and the member states to step up their ambition for the digital transformation; expects the eu to become a competitive global actor in digitalisation; considers , in this context , the promotion of digital connectivity a high priority for the eu; believes that the development of open strategic autonomy in this sector must include digitalisation partnerships with third countries and regions; underlines that the eu should aim at co-leadership in setting and defending and advancing international norms , standards and practices grounded in a peaceful , secure , rule of law based and open ict environment , sustainable and responsible digitalisation , while addressing cybersecurity threats and protecting human rights and freedoms online , including the protection of personal data; recommends to significantly ramp up efforts to cooperate with asean countries , india , the us , australia and others on data protection to advance adequacy decisions for data flows; advocates linking the digital connectivity agenda to the forthcoming eu global digital cooperation strategy;


### 15. believes that the people-to-people dimension is a fundamental pillar of the strategy requiring further prioritisation; puts great emphasis on the promotion of people-to-people contacts among students , vocational trainees , young professionals , academics and researchers as key to mutual understanding and respect; advocates such cooperation based on inclusiveness; calls in particular for the strengthening of the youth dimension through youth fora to mutually promote foreign language proficiency , student and academic exchanges , and the mutual recognition of diplomas; ### 15. believes that the people-to-people dimension is a fundamental pillar of the strategy requiring further prioritisation; highlights the need for adequate public diplomacy financing; puts great emphasis on the promotion of people-to-people contacts among students , vocational trainees , young professionals , academics , civil society , ngos and researchers as key to mutual understanding and respect; advocates such cooperation based on inclusiveness; calls in particular for the strengthening of the youth dimension through youth fora to mutually promote foreign language proficiency , student and academic exchanges , and the mutual recognition of diplomas; in this regard advocates opening the etwinning platform for connectivity partner countries; recalls the opportunities for regional exchanges for instance between innovators and for city-to-city cooperation; is of the view that special attention to minority issues should be paid in the context of this pillar;


### trade , investment and standards ### trade , investment , competitiveness and standards


### 17. highlights the importance of trade and investment in achieving the objectives of the strategy; emphasises , in this context , in particular the role of international norms and standards; is of the view that the eu model of standardisation policy has the advantage of being innovative , open and inclusive , and must be enabled to continue coping with the global competition between different standardisation paradigms; emphasises in this context the need to prevent any authoritarian tendencies in future standardisation of ict and the internet of things; ### 17. proposes that connectivity policies should be synchronised with relevant trade and investment facilitation policies , also to achieve further supply chain diversification; highlights the importance of fair and sustainable trade and investment in achieving the objectives of the strategy; is of the view that connectivity should therefore also be included in the forthcoming trade policy review resolution; emphasises , in this context , in particular the role of international norms and transparent standards to promote quality infrastructure and network interoperability; is of the view that the eu model of standardisation policy has the advantage of being innovative , open and inclusive , and must be enabled to continue coping with the global competition between different standardisation paradigms; expects commission to play a proactive role in promoting standardisation policy; recommends therefore giving coordinating responsibility for eu standardisation policy to a high-ranking commission official , ideally the commissioner for the internal market; recommends to commission to systematically include standardisation policy in bilateral partnerships and trade agreements in order to promote multilateral standard setting and broad uptake of internationally agreed standards; emphasises , in this context , the need to prevent any authoritarian tendencies in future standardisation , notably of ict and the internet of things; finds that synergies on ‘economic diplomacy’ between europe and asia would arise from intense cooperation between eu institutions , governments and international organisations , and would be beneficial to both sides;


### 18. believes that the covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the urgency of prioritising the health sector as a new crucial area for cooperation , in particular on the resilience of health systems , access to medicines , medical equipment and vaccines , avoiding one-sided dependencies , ensuring safe and diverse pharmaceutical and health-related industrial supply chains , and exchange of best practices in crisis management and pandemic prevention policies; ### 18. believes that the covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the urgency of prioritising the health sector as a new crucial area for cooperation , in particular on the resilience of health systems , access to medicines , medical equipment and vaccines , avoiding one-sided dependencies , ensuring safe and diverse pharmaceutical and health-related industrial supply chains , and exchange of best practices in crisis management and pandemic prevention policies; proposes to link the efforts of the eu’s health union to the strategy and to partner with other regional mechanisms like the asean infectious disease control center; emphasizes that health connectivity should be used by the eu to learn from examples of successful pandemic management by like-minded partners such as in new zealand , the republic of korea or taiwan;


### 19. is convinced that the strategy’s security dimension must urgently be developed in order for the eu to keep abreast of new security challenges; highlights growing security concerns emanating from the eu’s eastern and southern neighbourhood; urges the eeas and the member states to play a more proactive role on these issues; ### 19. is convinced that the strategy’s security dimension must urgently be developed in order for the eu to keep abreast of new security challenges , including cybersecurity; highlights growing security concerns emanating from the eu’s eastern and southern neighbourhood; urges the eeas and the member states to play a more proactive role on these issues; emphasizes the need to develop a stronger security partnership with the african continent; recalls the 2018 council conclusions on enhanced eu security cooperation in and with asia; takes note of the increasing relevancy of security concerns in the indo-pacific region for the eu as expressed in indo-pacific strategies of member states; supports the initiative for developing a common eu indo-pacific strategy and cooperation with partners in the indo-pacific region including military-to-military exchanges; believes that openness , prosperity , inclusiveness , sustainability , transparency , reciprocity and viability should be guiding principles in the cooperation with the indo-pacific region;


### 20. strongly welcomes the establishment of the eu-japan partnership on sustainable connectivity and quality infrastructure , with its focus on the western balkans , eastern europe , central asia , the indo-pacific and africa; applauds japan for pro-actively proposing practical steps to realise agreed ambitions; hopes that the eu and japan will manage to kick-start the operationalisation of the partnership in the first half of 2021; ### 20. strongly welcomes the establishment of the eu-japan partnership on sustainable connectivity and quality infrastructure , with its focus on the western balkans , eastern europe , central asia , the indo-pacific and africa; hopes that the eu and japan will actively promote the connectivity partnership among relevant target groups and manage to kick-start the operationalisation of the partnership including the involvement of smes in the first half of 2021; considers the western balkans and southeast asia as providing very good opportunities for japan-eu connectivity cooperation with third partners; sees great potential for private sector involvement; advocates intense cooperation between eib and jbic in particular on financing green connectivity; advocates also looking at security aspects of connectivity cooperation between japan and the eu including maritime security;


### 21. strongly welcomes ongoing negotiations for building a connectivity partnership with india; hopes that the rotating eu council presidencies , as well as the subsequent g20 presidencies , of italy and india will use their leverage to move forward; welcomes also the eu-korean exploratory exchanges on a connectivity partnership , and hopes it will make good headway in 2021; advocates the establishment of an eu-asean connectivity partnership aiming at interconnecting with asean’s already existing connectivity master plan and project pipeline; ### 21. strongly welcomes ongoing negotiations for building a connectivity partnership with india; hopes that the rotating eu council presidencies , as well as the subsequent g20 presidencies , of italy and india will use their leverage to move forward; notes the south asia regional infrastructure connectivity initiative; takes note of india’s participation in the bay of bengal initiative for multi-sectoral technical and economic cooperation (bimstec) and the international north–south transport corridor (instc); welcomes also the eu-korean exploratory exchanges on a connectivity partnership , and hopes it will make good headway in 2021; advocates the establishment of an eu-asean connectivity partnership aiming , among others , at interconnecting with asean’s already existing connectivity master plan and project pipeline; encourages investments to decrease deforestation and to diversify sustainable agriculture; takes note of australia’s regional connectivity policy initiatives and the exchanges with australia on connectivity in geographical areas of interest; encourages stronger cooperation with australia to show solidarity between democracies; sees potential for cooperation with partners in the mekong river basin;


### 22. welcomes the general principles of the blue dot network (bdn) concept initiated by the united states; calls on commission and eeas to engage with bdn , without yet endorsing it as long as sustainability concerns remain unresolved; ### 22. welcomes the general approach of the blue dot network (bdn) concept initiated by the united states; calls on commission and eeas to engage with the us on the bdn , insisting however that it is not possible without yet endorsing it as long as sustainability concerns remain unresolved; hopes for future cooperation in particular with regard to up-holding high quality standards for connectivity projects and to fostering private sector involvement; is of the opinion that cooperation with the incoming us administration should be sought to increase the momentum towards rules-based , sustainable international connectivity promotion;


### 23. is also willing to consider partnership with the chinese belt and road initiative in specific cases where this does not compromise core eu principles; ### 23. points out that the eu has worked with china in the context of the eu-china connectivity platform with moderate results; is also willing to consider partnership with the chinese belt and road initiative in specific cases where this does not compromise core eu principles , norms and standards such as sustainability , transparency , inclusiveness , rule of law , respect for human rights , reciprocity and where it does not risk increasing international leverage for authoritarian strong-arming of third countries;


### 24. calls on the commission and the eeas to develop strong monitoring capabilities in other countries’ connectivity strategies , including over the financial resources actually deployed; ### 24. calls on the commission and the eeas to develop strong monitoring capabilities in other countries’ and regions’ connectivity strategies , including over the financial resources actually deployed; the effects on financial stability , sustainable development , up-holding of human rights , rule of law as well as good governance and the principles of multilateralism; emphasizes the potential of team europe in finding synergies in the eu and member states’ connectivity efforts; advocates to work with partnering countries in monitoring long-term effects on structural policies , industrial and economic upgrading and poverty alleviation;


### 25. emphasises strongly that the global eu connectivity strategy must pay particular attention to connectivity with the neighbouring continent of africa; expects this effort to integrate the eu’s experience with policies promoting connectivity implemented in africa through development cooperation; calls for this goal to be discussed at a high level with the african union , and for it to result in an eu-africa connectivity partnership by the end of 2021; ### 25. emphasises strongly that the global eu connectivity strategy must pay particular attention to connectivity with the european neighbourhood and neighbouring continent of africa; expects this effort to integrate the eu’s experience with policies promoting connectivity implemented in africa through development cooperation; calls for this goal to be discussed at a high level with the african union , and for it to result in an eu-africa connectivity partnership by the end of 2021;


### 26. expects the commission to present a new communication approach with a clear narrative in order to create adequate visibility for eu connectivity policies and their results; ### 26. expects the commission to present a new communication approach with a clear narrative in order to create adequate visibility for eu connectivity policies and their results; strongly calls for a re-branding of the eu’s connectivity strategy in non-bureaucratic language and terms that give expression to the specific values-based european approach to connectivity and a clear roadmap in order to achieve and implement the strategy;


### 1. recognises that the industrial strategy , prepared prior to the outbreak and published at an early stage of the pandemic in europe , will require substantial revision , to reflect the change in fundamentals and the new mission of the von der leyen commission: to return economies across the eu to growth and to strengthen all economies , both north and south and east and west , to the benefit of citizens and businesses; ### 1. recognises that the industrial strategy , prepared prior to the outbreak and published at an early stage of the pandemic in europe , will require substantial revision , to reflect the additional challenges to the -now more than ever- pressing need to steer our economies and industries towards a more resilient and sustainable path aligned with eu environmental and climate objectives; recalls that the european parliament declared in its resolution from 12 may 20201a that all recovery measures must be financed on top of existing and upcoming eu policies and must not affect our long-term priorities and strategic objectives;


### 1. recalls that the eu’s industrial future is linked to an alignment of the economy with the principles of the european green deal , a roadmap towards a new growth policy for the eu , bringing citizens , cities and regions together , and allowing for a just transition; ### 1. recalls that the eu’s industrial future is linked to an alignment of the economy with the principles of sustainable development and achieving the eu climate neutrality by 2040 , therefore contributing to the objectives of the paris agreement , sdgs , and the european green deal , a road map towards a new sustainable development policy for the eu , bringing citizens , cities and regions together , and allowing for a just transition; strongly believes that new industrial strategy for europe should be fully aligned with the new european climate law;


### 1. notes that the covid-19 crisis has had a profound impact on global production and has prompted the european union to consider its future industrial strategy; ### 1. notes that the covid-19 crisis has highlighted once more the profound social inequalities existing among citizens at european and global level; emphasises the need to move toward a social , green , gender-equal and inclusive just transition focusing on the creation of quality jobs and aimed at combating poverty and social exclusion , high-rate unemployment , work precariousness and ineffective social protection , by making the horizontal social clause enshrined in article 9 tfeu fully operational; in this regard , calls on the commission to closely interconnect the eu industrial strategy to the upcoming action plan to implement the european pillar of social rights;


### a. whereas today eu industry employs around 35 million people and accounts for over 80 % of exports; whereas women still remain under-represented across industrial sectors , occupations and management levels; ### a. whereas today eu industry employs around 35 million people and accounts for over 80 % of exports; whereas the eu industry has a very large environmental footprint; whereas women still remain under-represented across industrial sectors , occupations and management levels;


### a. whereas a domestic industry is a motor of growth , innovation and social well-being within the eu; ### a. whereas a domestic industry is a generator of development , innovation and social well-being within the eu;


### b. whereas the eu industrial strategy must serve as a vector for creating more and better jobs and achieve an inclusive and balanced job market , accompanying the transition towards a digital and carbon-neutral industry; ### b. whereas the new eu industrial strategy must serve across all sectors and companies as a response to the societal and environmental challenges such as unemployment , aging , mobility , climate change and biodiversity , for creating more greener and decent jobs and achieve an inclusive and balanced job market , in order to accompany a fair and just transition towards a digital and a fully renewables-based , highly resource- and energy-efficient , circular and climate neutral economy by 2040;


### c. whereas digitalisation and artificial intelligence are crucial for all industry sectors , increasing competitiveness , creating job opportunities and economic prosperity; ### c. whereas digitalisation and artificial intelligence , whilst ensuring a high level of cybersecurity and full respect for fundamental rights by not leading to any form of discrimination or exclusion , are crucial for all industry sectors to achieve a green industrial transition that increases competitiveness while supporting sustainability , reducing europe’s dependence on energy and resource imports and creating job opportunities and economic prosperity and well-being for all;


### d. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for eu industry , with over 5 million people at risk of losing their jobs and a projected average reduction in gdp of around 7 % across the eu; ### d. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for eu industry as well as for the people living and working in the eu with over 5 million people at risk of losing their jobs and a projected average reduction in gdp of around 7 % across the eu;


### 2. notes that investment in innovative means of production should foster cohesion amongst all eu regions , allowing them to accomplish fair and inclusive economic growth; ### 2. notes that investment in innovative means of production , manufacturing , research , education and re-skilling/up-skilling should foster cohesion amongst all eu regions , allowing them to accomplish fair , inclusive , gender-equal and sustainable economic prosperity; therefore the local development and local economies (économie de proximité) should be strongly supported as well;


### 2. notes that this crisis has demonstrated the need for the eu to adjust its industrial strategy by strengthening the defence of its strategic interests without abandoning international trade; ### 2. notes that this crisis has demonstrated the need for the eu to adjust its industrial strategy in order to strengthen its resilience in socially vital sectors such as health , medical supplies production , energy and agriculture; proposes , in this regard , to introduce a sustainable and socially-responsible buy eu act for such sectors in order to boost eu-based production while shortening the supply chains;


### 3. stresses that in supporting smes through the european structural and investment funds (esif) the goal should be , inter alia , an innovative and smart economic transformation , a greener and low carbon eu , as well as an eu which is more connected and aims to ensure long-term and sustainable employment; ### 3. stresses that in supporting smes through the european structural and investment funds (esif) the goal should be , inter alia , an innovative and smart economic transformation and ecological transition , to a green , energy and resource efficient and zero carbon eu , as well as an eu which is more connected and aims to ensure long-term and sustainable employment for all genders based on the partnership principle;


### 4. reiterates that the public sector has an important new role to play in facilitating a just transition by promoting a green and fair energy transition , green and blue investments , the circular economy , as well as climate adaptation and risk prevention in all eu regions; ### 4. reiterates that the public sector has an important new role to play in facilitating a just transition by promoting a green and fair energy transition without fossil fuels , green and blue investments , the circular economy , energy and resource efficiency , as well as climate adaptation , mitigation and risk prevention in all eu regions; stresses in that regard the importance of the commitments made by the paris agreement and achieving the eu climate and energy targets and a climate-neutral eu by 2040;


### 5. notes that the eu’s cohesion policy needs adequate financing from the esif to foster economic , social and territorial cohesion in all eu regions by helping to reduce economic and social disparities , achieve positive convergence and foster sustainable development; ### 5. notes that the eu’s cohesion policy needs a significant increase of financing from the esif to foster economic , social and territorial cohesion in all eu regions by helping to reduce economic and social disparities , achieve positive convergence and foster sustainable development , halting and reversing biodiversity loss; furthermore , strongly supports an integrated approach and gearing up all eu policies toward the objective of climate-neutral eu by 2040;


### 6. believes that the eu should be attentive to preserving and developing an industrial strategy and production which ensure european strategic autonomy , as well as the availability and delivery of essential products and equipment for citizens if the need arises in the single market; ### 6. believes that the eu should be attentive to preserving and developing an industrial strategy and production which ensure european strategic autonomy , sustainability , as well as the availability and delivery of essential products and equipment for citizens if the need arises in the single market; strongly believes in an urgent need to shift our economy from linear to circular and calls the commission to start changing the policies from growth paradigm to post-growth and sustainable development thus putting the economic and monetary union on a sustainable footing;


### 7. considers that esif financial support should prioritise investments in new or transformed industrial production in carbon-intensive regions in order to facilitate achieving the goals of a just transition. ### 7. considers that esif financial support should prioritise investments in new or transformed industrial production in carbon-intensive regions in order to facilitate achieving the goals of an ecological , just and gender-equal transition; calls on shifting any kind of investments towards sustainable investment; requires that esi funds have to be used for sustainable mobility , eco-entrepreneurs , green infrastructure and phasing out fossil fuels to avoid doing any harm on the environment and climate;


### 1. welcomes the progress made through forest law enforcement , governance and trade (flegt) voluntary partnership agreements (vpas) , especially in indonesia , and the increased dialogue between governments , industry and civil society in several countries resulting from the vpa process; is convinced that the eu should continue to engage with vpa countries to ensure it remains an attractive alternative to export markets with less stringent environmental standards; welcomes the commission’s upcoming fitness check of the flegt regulation and the eu timber regulation; ### 1. welcomes the progress made through forest law enforcement , governance and trade (flegt) voluntary partnership agreements (vpas) , especially in indonesia and ghana , and the increased dialogue between governments , industry and civil society in several countries resulting from the vpa process; is convinced that the eu should continue to engage with vpa countries to ensure it remains an attractive alternative to export markets with less stringent environmental standards; welcomes the commission’s upcoming fitness check of the flegt regulation and the eu timber regulation; warns against recent development in indonesia with regards to lifting flegt licensing which will seriously undermine the vpa , and calls on the eu to take immediate action , starting with enhanced dialogue with indonesian authorities , in order to remediate this;


### 1. calls on the eu to increase its investments in programmes for climate resilient agriculture , sustainable intensification and diversification , agroecology and agroforestry , with the aim of stopping the expansion of land use at the expense of forests while feeding and providing economic opportunities for a growing population; ### 1. calls on the eu to prioritise its investments in agroecology , crop diversification and agroforestry , in line with the conclusions of the ipcc special report on “climate change and land” , and to invest in community-based forest management , with the aim of stopping the expansion of land use at the expense of forests and other natural ecosystems , while feeding and providing sustainable economic opportunities for a growing population;


### 1. emphasises the important role played by farmers in food production and how this is dependent on natural resources such as soil , water and forests; recognises the multifunctionality of forests; ### 1. emphasises that the important role played by farmers in food production nevertheless depends on natural resources such as soil , water and forests; recognises the multifunctionality of forests , providing ecosystem functions , ranging from supporting and regulating services to cultural and provisioning services , as well as a habitat for more than ¾ of terrestrial biodiversity;


### 2. calls on the commission to step up capacity support to vpa countries in order to accelerate the implementation of the commitments made , including combatting corruption and greenwashing , enhancing good governance , and exploring the inclusion of more ambitious sustainable forestry provisions in trade and sustainable development chapters; ### 2. calls on the commission to step up capacity support to vpa countries in order to accelerate the implementation of the commitments made , including combatting corruption and greenwashing , enhancing good governance , and ensuring the inclusion of more ambitious binding and enforceable sustainable forestry and ecosystem protection provisions , including the protection of indigenous peoples and local communities rights , in trade and sustainable development chapters in its trade agreements;


### 2. endorses the priorities for action set out in the communication and expresses its commitment to engage actively in implementing the actions described; ### 2. takes note of the priorities for action set out in the communication and expresses its commitment to engage actively in developing further the actions described to make them effective and complementary , and subsequently calls for their reinforcement and proper implementation;


### 2. endorses the priorities for action set out in the communication and expresses its commitment to engage actively in implementing the actions described; ### 2. acknowledges the priorities for action set out in the communication and expresses its commitment to engage actively in reinforcing and effectively implementing them;


### 2. underlines that eu cooperation measures need to tackle corruption , weak governance and institutions , lack of trained personnel , impunity and insecure land tenure as major causes of illegal logging , fraud , tax evasion and violations of human rights; ### 2. underlines that eu cooperation measures should aim to address the root causes of deforestation and illegal logging abroad , which entails i.e. to tackle corruption , weak governance and institutions , shrinking civic space , inadequate participation of civil society stakeholders , lack of training of personnel , forest criminality , fraud , tax evasion and violations of human rights resulting i.e. from land-grabbing and insecure land tenure;


### 3. calls on the eu to more closely cooperate with like-minded importing countries in the fight against deforestation and climate change while safeguarding avenues for legal trade; ### 3. calls on the eu to more closely cooperate with trade partners and like-minded importing countries in the fight against deforestation and climate change while safeguarding avenues for trade that complies with eu regulatory requirements and tsd provisions in trade agreements;


### 3. deeply regrets that , despite the efforts of the eu and its member states , the eu’s objective of reducing gross tropical deforestation by 50 % by 2020 is unlikely to be met , and therefore strongly supports the commission in its proposal to step up action in protecting and restoring the world’s forests; ### 3. is deeply concerned because , despite the efforts of the eu and its member states , the eu’s commitment to halting deforestation by 2020 as part of the sustainable development goals is unlikely to be met , and therefore strongly supports the commission in its proposal to step up action in protecting and restoring the world’s forests;


### 3. deeply regrets that , despite the efforts of the eu and its member states , the eu’s objective of reducing gross tropical deforestation by 50 % by 2020 is unlikely to be met , and therefore strongly supports the commission in its proposal to step up action in protecting and restoring the world’s forests; ### 3. deeply regrets that , despite the efforts of the eu and its member states , the eu’s commitment of halting deforestation by 2020 , under the sdgs , is unlikely to be met , and therefore strongly supports the commission in its proposal to step up action in protecting and restoring the world’s forests;


### 3. recalls that indigenous people , local communities , smallholder farmers and women possess and heavily rely on indispensable knowledge regarding forests; calls on the eu to ensure their participation in the design and implementation of eu development programmes which have an impact on them; calls on the eu , furthermore , to increase the transparency of voluntary partnership agreements; ### 3. recalls that indigenous people , local communities , smallholder farmers and women possess and heavily rely on indispensable knowledge regarding forests; in particular , stresses that in its special report on “climate change and land” , the intergovernmental panel on climate change (ipcc) explicitly underlines the critical role of traditional knowledge and indigenous peoples and local communities in stewarding and safeguarding the world’s lands and forests as well as the importance of securing community tenure land rights to combat climate change; stresses that eu’s strategy on forest should respond to local needs and respond to a human-right base approach , involving the full participation of local communities , notably indigenous people; on this line , calls on the eu to ensure their effective participation in the design and implementation of eu development programmes which have an impact on them , building upon the lessons of flegt; calls on the eu , furthermore , to strengthen the transparency and accountability of voluntary partnership agreements; more broadly , stresses eu’s responsibility to effectively recognize and protect the right of local forest-dependent communities and of indigenous peoples to customary ownership , in line with the fao voluntary guidelines on the responsible governance of tenure of land , fisheries and forests (vggt) and control of their lands and natural resources , as set out in the un declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples (undrip) and in ilo convention 169;


### 4. underlines the importance of measures ensuring that demand is in line with the stated goals , as the eu is a major importer of commodities associated with deforestation; ### 4. underlines the importance of measures ensuring that demand is in line with the european green deal objectives , as the eu is a major importer of commodities associated with deforestation; highlights that commodities like cocoa offer an early chance to make progress on such an approach , learning lessons from the flegt-vpa process;


### 4. calls for the forestry sector to feature strongly in the upcoming neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) and for the full potential of the external investment plan and regional blending facilities to be exploited in leveraging private funding; ### 4. calls for the prioritisation of forest protection and restoration in the upcoming neighbourhood , development and international cooperation instrument (ndici) and stresses the potential of the external investment plan and regional blending facilities to in leveraging private funding , to protect and to restore the integrity of forest ecosystems , with the view to maximise their capacity for carbon storage and biodiversity protection; calls on the private sector to be pro-active in the fight against deforestation and human rights violations embodied in their supply chains and investments , fulfilling without delay their zero deforestation commitments and ensuring full transparency on the compliance with their commitments; calls on the commission to make the fao vggt binding for the external investment plan; stresses that compliance with vggt requires the existence of effective independent monitoring and enforcement , including appropriate dispute resolution and grievance mechanisms;


### 5. believes that the flegt licensing process complements voluntary third-party certification , and that it is particularly beneficial for smaller operators that often struggle to obtain certification through private sector schemes. ### 5. believes that voluntary third-party certification complements the flegt licensing process , and that it can be particularly beneficial for smaller operators that often struggle to obtain certification through private sector schemes;


### 5. stresses the importance of partnership with third countries in order to strengthen sustainable forest management , the wood-based circular economy and the strong relationship between them in combating deforestation; ### 5. stresses the importance of inclusive partnership with third countries in order to strengthen sustainable land management and agriculture , as well as land tenure and good governance and the strong relationship between them in combating deforestation; requests that a partnership approach needs to support better governance , respect the rights of indigenous peoples , smallholders and local communities and enable multi-stakeholder processes in producer countries;


### 5. stresses the importance of partnership with third countries in order to strengthen sustainable forest management , the wood-based circular economy and the strong relationship between them in combating deforestation; ### 5. stresses that partnerships with third countries , which are respectful of indigenous populations rights , are important to strengthen sustainable land and forest management , the wood-based circular economy and the strong relationship between them in combating deforestation;


### 5. urges the eu to discuss deforestation issues in bilateral dialogues with partner countries in order to encourage them to include forests in their nationally determined contributions (ndcs) under the paris agreement , to work on internationally binding forest protection schemes and to coordinate with international initiatives; ### 5. urges the eu to discuss deforestation , forest degradation and the destruction of other natural ecosystems in bilateral dialogues with partner countries in order to encourage them to include forests and related governance measures in their nationally determined contributions (ndcs) under the paris agreement as well as in their national biodiversity strategy and action plans (nbsap) under the convention on biological diversity , and to work on internationally binding forest protection schemes and to coordinate with international initiatives;


### — having regard to the draft feasibility study on options to step up eu action against deforestation , commissioned by the commission’s directorate general for environment (2017) , ### — having regard to the feasibility study on options to step up eu action against deforestation , commissioned by the commission’s directorate general for environment (2018) ,


### — having regard to the draft feasibility study on options to step up eu action against deforestation , commissioned by the commission’s directorate general for environment (2017) , ### — having regard to the feasibility study on options to step up eu action against deforestation , commissioned by the commission’s directorate general for environment (2017) ,


### a. whereas , despite all efforts so far , conservation and sustainable use of the world’s forests cannot be adequately ensured by current policies; ### a. whereas forests are essential to preserve the world’s biodiversity and climate , and to directly sustain millions of people’s livelihoods; however whereas , despite all efforts so far , conservation , preservation and sustainable use of the world’s forests as well as the protection of indigenous peoples and local communities cannot be adequately ensured by current policies;


### a. whereas , despite all efforts so far , conservation and sustainable use of the world’s forests cannot be adequately ensured by current policies; ### a. whereas deforestation causes immense biodiversity loss and further increases global warming , with tropical deforestation being the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions; whereas , despite all efforts so far , conservation and sustainable use of the world’s forests cannot be adequately ensured by current policies;


### b. whereas stepping up action to protect existing forests and actively and sustainably create new forest coverage has to play a crucial role in the eu’s sustainability policies; ### b. whereas stepping up action to protect and restore existing forests , and enhance the quantity and quality of forests ecosystems , both at eu and global level , has to play a crucial role in the eu’s sustainability policies; whereas this can only be achieved by ensuring policy coherence across all sectors and between the eu's internal and external policies , carefully assessing the impact of all eu policies on biodiversity and ecosystems through the use of a robust 'do no harm' test;


### b. whereas stepping up action to protect existing forests and actively and sustainably create new forest coverage has to play a crucial role in the eu’s sustainability policies; ### b. whereas stepping up action to protect existing forests and actively and sustainably create new forest coverage has to play a crucial role in the eu’s sustainability policies; whereas the eu should continue to mainstream biodiversity objectives into forestry and other policies as stated under the european green deal;


### b. whereas stepping up action to protect existing forests and actively and sustainably create new forest coverage has to play a crucial role in the eu’s sustainability policies; ### b. whereas newly planted forests cannot replace primary forests; whereas stepping up action to protect existing forests and actively and sustainably restore the integrity of forest ecosystems before creating new forest coverage has to play a crucial role in the eu’s sustainability policies;


### 6. calls for raising consumer awareness about the need to reduce our consumption footprint on land and encourages people to consume products from supply chains that are ‘deforestation-free’. ### 6. calls on the commission to come forward with a legal framework ensuring sustainable and deforestation-free supply chains for products placed on the eu market , while raising consumer’s awareness about consumption footprint and encouraging behavioural change towards those sustainable and deforestation-free products.


### 6. calls for raising consumer awareness about the need to reduce our consumption footprint on land and encourages people to consume products from supply chains that are ‘deforestation-free’. ### 6. reiterates its calls on the commission to present , without delay , a proposal for a european legal framework based on due diligence to ensure sustainable and deforestation-free supply chains for products placed on the eu market , with a particular focus on tackling the main drivers of imported deforestation and instead encouraging imports that do not create deforestation abroad; insists that such legislation is accompanied by a robust enforcement mechanism and includes effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties for non-compliance.


### 6. welcomes the commitment by the commission to increase supply chain sustainability and transparency; calls for the adoption of regulatory measures while ensuring a level playing field to avoid income loss in developing countries and unfair competition; ### 6. welcomes the commitment by the commission to increase supply chain sustainability and transparency; recalls that voluntary measures and certification schemes alone have proved not to be sufficient to stop deforestation; in this context , reiterates its support for a european legal framework based on mandatory due diligence to regulate access to the union market only to products and commodities that do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation , nor to the conversion or degradation of other natural ecosystems and human rights violations; stresses that such legislative framework should apply to all economic actors , including financial actors , both upstream and downstream of the supply chain; be accompanied by a robust enforcement regime and include effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties for non-compliance; urges the commission to adopt such proposal without delay , based on the lessons of existing legislation such as conflict minerals , timber regulation , unregulated and unreported fishing , which all include mandatory due diligence requirements;


### 7. calls on the eu to make sure that policies in all areas are coherent with its commitments to protect and restore forests; recalls that the sustainability chapters of trade agreements need to contain forest-specific and responsible business conduct provisions , as well as mechanisms to oversee the effective implementation of these provisions. ### 7. recalls eu’s international commitments on the environment , climate and human rights , notably the paris agreement , the convention of biological diversity , the agenda 2030 for sustainable development , the voluntary guidelines for the responsible governance of tenure (vggt) , the international bill of human rights and the un declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples (undrip); recalls as well the treaty obligation to take into account the objectives of development cooperation in all internal and external policies; accordingly , calls on the eu to make sure that all its sectorial policies are coherent with , and contribute to , delivering its commitments to protect and restore forests; in particular , calls on the commission to ensure that the impact of trade on the state of forests , natural ecosystems and human rights is systematically evaluated in the framework of sustainability impact assessments; recalls that the sustainability chapters of trade agreements need to contain binding and enforceable forest-specific , human rights and responsible business conduct provisions , including provisions to guarantee free , prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples and local communities and the recognition of land tenure rights of forest-dependent communities and of indigenous people; calls for the integration of mechanisms to oversee the effective implementation of these provisions and to seek redress , notably by providing accessible complaint mechanisms , including sanctions.


### 1. highlights that the eastern partnership (eap) is an important part of the eu neighbourhood policy and is aimed at achieving political association , ensuring further economic integration and establishing a platform to address common challenges; ### 1. highlights that the eastern partnership (eap) is an important part of the eu neighbourhood policy and is aimed at achieving political association , ensuring further economic integration and establishing a platform to address common challenges including sustainable development;


### 3. recalls that parliament aims to reinforce the economic integration of the eap countries and that the common goal remains to create and make use of additional market opportunities such as business development , increased connectivity and the digital economy; calls on the eap countries to fund the necessary reforms and to further deepen their relations with the eu; ### 3. recalls that parliament aims to reinforce the economic integration of the eap countries and that the common goal remains to create and make use of additional market opportunities , such as business development , increased connectivity and the digital economy , public procurement and energy; stresses that projects in the energy sector , in particular those involving the eib , ebrd and other public financial institutions , should meet climate objectives and align with eu environmental legislation , in particular the preservation of biodiversity and protected sites consultations on projects affecting protected areas , biodiversity qan d environmental protection , also taking into account local community views emphasises the need to give high priority to the eap region under the eu´s connectivity strategy , calls on the eap countries to fund the necessary reforms and to further deepen their relations with the eu on both bilateral and multilateral tracks;


### – having regard to the association agreement between the european union and the european atomic energy community and their member states , of the one part , and georgia , of the other part1 , to the association agreement between the european union and the european atomic energy community and their member states , of the one part , and the republic of moldova , of the other part2 , and to the association agreement between the european union and its member states , of the one part , and ukraine , of the other part3 , including deep and comprehensive free trade areas (dcftas) , ### – having regard to the association agreement between the european union and the european atomic energy community and their member states , of the one part , and georgia , of the other part1 , to the association agreement between the european union and the european atomic energy community and their member states , of the one part , and the republic of moldova , of the other part2 , and to the association agreement between the european union and its member states , of the one part , and ukraine , of the other part3 , including deep and comprehensive free trade areas (dcftas) , and the comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement between the european union and the european atomic energy community and their member states , of the one part , and the republic of armenia , of the other part ,


### 1. notes that preservation of forests is one of the biggest sustainability challenges of our times , without which the objectives of the paris agreement and the green deal cannot be achieved; stresses that the sustainable use of forests cannot be ensured with current policies; ### 1. notes that preservation of forests is one of the biggest sustainability challenges of our times , without which the objectives of the paris agreement and the green deal cannot be achieved; stresses that the sustainable use of forests and ecosystems cannot be ensured with current policies; stresses in this regard that trade and investment policy need to be reviewed in order to address this global challenge in a more effective manner , and by creating globally a level playing field through mandatory corporate due diligence;


### 1. notes that despite the genuine attempts by companies to self-regulate through voluntary due diligence obligations , it is evident that complex , dynamic and non-transparent global value chains are often linked to deforestation; and consequently recommends that more efficient and broadly covering measures be developed , addressing the union-wide demand side; ### 1. notes that despite the genuine attempts by companies to self-regulate through voluntary due diligence obligations , it is evident that they remain insufficient and can only be complementary to a bolder eu binding regulatory framework , since complex , dynamic and non-transparent global value chains are often linked to deforestation; and consequently recommends that more efficient and broadly covering measures be developed , addressing the union-wide demand side; therefore , urges the commission to develop an enforceable framework for due diligence obligations in the entire supply chain of forest and ecosystem risk commodities and derived products in order to identify , prevent , and mitigate environmental , social and human rights risks and impacts; stresses that in order to be more effective , such legal framework should also include adequate access to justice , legal remedies and effective protection for whistleblowers in natural resources exporting countries;


### 1. underlines that approximately 80% of global deforestation is caused by the expansion of land used for agriculture; stresses in this context that the commission communication on stepping up eu action to protect and restore the world’s forests of july 2019 recognises that union demand for products such as palm oil , meat , soy , cocoa , maize , timber , rubber , including in the form of processed products or services , is a large driver of deforestation , ecosystem destruction and human rights violations across the globe; ### 1. underlines that approximately 80% of global deforestation is caused by the expansion of land used for agriculture; stresses that according to the world bank2a , mining industries such as gold and diamonds extraction are responsible for nearly 7% of global deforestation in addition to extractive industries such as oil and gas exploitation which contribute to forest degradation ; reminds that dams 2b are also a major driver of deforestation resulting in biodiversity loss , stresses in this context that the commission communication on stepping up eu action to protect and restore the world’s forests of july 2019 recognises that union demand for products such as palm oil , meat , soy , cocoa , maize , timber , rubber , including in the form of processed products or services , is a large driver of deforestation , forest degradation , ecosystem destruction and human rights violations across the globe;


### 1. underlines that approximately 80 % of global deforestation is caused by the expansion of land used for agriculture; stresses in this context that the commission communication on stepping up eu action to protect and restore the world’s forests of july 2019 recognises that union demand for products such as palm oil , meat , soy , cocoa , maize , timber , rubber , including in the form of processed products or services , is a large driver of deforestation , ecosystem destruction and human rights violations across the globe; ### 1. underlines that approximately 80 % of global deforestation is caused by the expansion of land used for agriculture; stresses in this context that the commission communication on stepping up eu action to protect and restore the world’s forests of july 2019 recognises that union demand for products such as palm oil , meat , soy , cocoa , maize , timber , rubber , including in the form of processed products or services , contributes to a significant increase in deforestation , ecosystem destruction and human rights violations across the globe; emphasises in this regard that eu consumption represents 10% of the global share of deforestation embodied in the total final consumption of commodities driving deforestation;


### 1. underlines that approximately 80% of global deforestation is caused by the expansion of land used for agriculture; stresses in this context that the commission communication on stepping up eu action to protect and restore the world’s forests of july 2019 recognises that union demand for products such as palm oil , meat , soy , cocoa , maize , timber , rubber , including in the form of processed products or services , is a large driver of deforestation , ecosystem destruction and human rights violations across the globe; ### 1. underlines that approximately 80% of global deforestation is caused by the expansion of land used for agriculture; stresses in this context that the commission communication on stepping up eu action to protect and restore the world’s forests of july 2019 recognises that union demand for products such as palm oil , meat , soy , cocoa , maize , timber , rubber , including in the form of processed products or services , is a large driver of deforestation , forest degradation , ecosystem destruction and human rights violations across the globe;


### 1. recalls that the union addresses the risk of deforestation by means of eu timber regulation1 (eutr) , communication of the commission ‘forest law enforcement , governance and trade- proposal for an eu action plan’ (flegt) and renewable energy directive2 (red ii) , which include numerous rules the purpose of which is to minimise the risk of deforestation and illegal logging; ### 1. recalls that the union addresses illegal logging by means of the communication of the commission of 21 may 2003 'forest law enforcement , governance and trade (flegt) - the proposal for an eu action plan' , the eu timber regulation1 (eutr) and the voluntary partnership agreements promoting multi-stakeholder processes in producer countries; notes that the renewable energy directive2 (red ii) extends the obligation to fulfil the union sustainability criteria from biofuels to all bioenergy end-uses , including heating/cooling and electricity , however , as it only covers raw material used for bioenergy production , it cannot currently ensure that the use of commodities linked to deforestation or ecosystem conversion as biofuel is not permitted;


### 1. calls on the union to adopt a legislative act requiring companies to conduct mandatory due diligence throughout their entire supply chains to ensure that forest risk commodities placed on the union market are sustainable , deforestation-free and comply with human rights obligations; stresses that such legislation should follow a cross-commodity approach , apply to all economic actors , including financial actors , and be accompanied by a robust enforcement mechanism , including effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties for non-compliance; ### 1. calls on the union to adopt without delay a legislative act requiring companies to conduct mandatory due diligence throughout their entire supply chains to ensure that forest risk commodities placed on the union market are sustainable , deforestation-free and comply with human rights obligations , including the rights of indigenous people and local communities; stresses that such legislation should follow a cross-commodity approach , apply to all economic actors , including financial actors , both upstream and downstream the supply chain; and be accompanied by a robust enforcement mechanism , including effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties for non-compliance and based on the lessons of existing legislation such as conflict minerals , timber regulation , unregulated and unreported fishing , which all include mandatory due diligence requirements;


### 1. calls for binding union law to be adopted that ensures that all supply chains of products imported into the union and also of those products and services supplied within the union do not involve deforestation and ecosystem degradation or conversion , or human rights violations , and that protects indigenous peoples and local communities; ### 1. calls for binding union law to be adopted that ensures that all supply chains of products imported into the union and also of those products and services supplied within the union do not involve deforestation and ecosystem degradation or conversion , or human rights violations , and that protects indigenous peoples and local communities who depend on forests for their livelihoods , including women and environmental and human rights defenders;


### 2. welcomes the good results the cooperation with third countries under the eu flegt action plan and voluntary partnership agreements have shown in addressing the supply-side challenge of illegal logging and stresses that this work should be stepped up , also in terms of offering capacity building; ### 2. welcomes the good results the cooperation with third countries under the eu flegt action plan and voluntary partnership agreements have shown in addressing the supply-side challenge of illegal logging and stresses that this work should be stepped up , especially in terms of monitoring , checks and controls and also in terms of offering capacity building;


### 2. supports the commission in its efforts to strengthen standards and certification schemes that help to identify and promote deforestation-free commodities; ### 2. points out that voluntary measures and schemes alone will not be able to stop deforestation; calls therefore on the commission to strengthen standards and legislation that identifies , prevents and mitigates environmental , social and human rights risks and guarantees that commodities and products placed on the union market are sustainable , free from deforestation , forest degradation and conversion or degradation of natural ecosystems as well as compliant with international standards and obligations concerning human rights , including the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities , with specific attention to be given to gender balance; insists that such legislation be accompanied by a robust enforcement mechanism and includes effective , proportionate and dissuasive penalties for non-compliance;


### 2. supports the commission in its efforts to strengthen standards and certification schemes that help to identify and promote deforestation-free commodities; ### 2. urges the commission to make greater efforts to strengthen standards and certification schemes that help to identify and promote deforestation-free commodities; considers robust legislation in this regard to be necessary , providing for european products to have supply chains which do not entail the use of commodities originating from deforestation and other activities that infringe the environmental and human rights of indigenous and local populations;


### 2. calls for the union to strengthen its standards in terms of mandatory disclosure of information by undertakings related to the production or processing of forest risk commodities in the remit of the revision of directive 2014/95/eu of the european parliament and of the council1 ; ### 2. calls for the union to strengthen its standards in terms of mandatory disclosure of information by undertakings related to the production or processing of forest risk commodities in the remit of the revision of directive 2014/95/eu of the european parliament and of the council[1] and calls for the setting-up of an alert mechanism when corporate import from areas presenting a risk of deforestation;


### 3. recommends that all new trade agreements include provisions on the conservation and sustainable management of forests and the obligation to ensure multilateral environmental agreements , such as the paris agreement and the convention on biological diversity , are implemented effectively; ### 3. recommends that all trade and investment agreements include binding and enforceable provisions on the conservation and sustainable management of forests and ecosystems , including the protection of indigenous peoples and local communities rights , as well as illegal logging related anti-corruption provisions , and the obligation to ensure multilateral environmental agreements , such as the paris agreement and the convention on biological diversity , are implemented effectively; stresses that enforceability of such provisions is a necessary condition for eu trade and investment agreements to be more balanced and better aligned with the european green deal;


### 3. recalls that the increasing union demand of wood for materials , energy and bioeconomy increases the risks of import-embodied deforestation , land grabbing , forced displacement and violation of indigenous people’s rights; stresses the need to ensure effective recognition and respect of customary land tenure rights of forest-dependent communities and of indigenous people; ### 3. recalls that the increasing union demand of wood for materials , energy and bioeconomy increases the risks of import-embodied deforestation , land grabbing , forced displacement and violation of indigenous people’s rights; stresses the need to ensure effective recognition and respect of customary land tenure rights of forest-dependent communities and of indigenous people , in line with the fao voluntary guidelines on land tenure (vggt) , the un declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples (undrip) and in ilo convention 169;


### 4. asks the commission to explore strengthened use of the copernicus satellite system for forest monitoring and for forest fire and forest damage prevention; ### 4. asks the commission to explore the strengthened use of the copernicus satellite system for forest monitoring and for forest fire and forest damage prevention , including monitoring and identifying the causes of fires and forest damage , deforestation and ecosystem conversion;


### 4. regrets that policies aiming at protecting biodiversity and mitigating climate change are not automatically mutually supportive; is notably worried about the environmental impact of increasing imports of biomass triggering deforestation abroad; ### 4. regrets that policies aiming at protecting biodiversity and mitigating climate change are not automatically mutually supportive; is notably worried about the environmental impact of increasing imports of biomass triggering deforestation abroad; calls for the revision of the renewable energy directive to make it consistent with the eu’s international commitments on agenda 2030 , the paris agreement and the convention of biological diversity , which entails i.e. the adoption of social sustainability criteria , taking into account the risks of land-grabbing , in line with international tenure rights standards (notably ilo convention no 169 and fao voluntary guidelines on land tenures and principles for responsible investment in agriculture and food systems);


### a. whereas biologically diverse forests being natural carbon sinks are indispensable in the fight against climate change in line with the paris agreement’s goals to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°c above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1 , 5°c above pre-industrial levels , as well as for climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation; ### a. whereas biologically diverse forests being natural carbon sinks are indispensable in the fight against climate change in line with the paris agreement’s goals to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°c above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1 ,5°c above pre-industrial levels , and that the best available science indicates that limiting the increase to 1.5 degrees would substantially reduce harm to people and natural ecosystems in relation to the 2 degrees scenario , as well as for climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation;


### a. whereas deforestation can be in part tackled by securing the economic value of forests and by creating incentives for forest ownership; whereas , at the same time , it is crucial to maintain a balance between primary forests and regeneration of secondary forests; ### a. whereas global deforestation can be in part tackled by addressing the impact of our patterns of consumption and our financial sector , securing the economic value of forests and by securing land tenure rights; whereas , at the same time , it is crucial to maintain primary forests globally and to promote forest restoration;


### a. whereas deforestation can be in part tackled by securing the economic value of forests and by creating incentives for forest ownership; whereas , at the same time , it is crucial to maintain a balance between primary forests and regeneration of secondary forests; ### a. whereas deforestation can be in part tackled by securing the economic value of forests and by changing our consumption and production habits; whereas , at the same time , it is crucial to preserve primary forests and attempt to regenerate secondary forests;


### b. whereas union consumption contributes to 10% of global deforestation; ### b. whereas union consumption is estimated to contribute to at least 10% of global deforestation;


### b. whereas according to union legislation woody raw material should emanate only from forests that are harvested in accordance with the principles of sustainable forest management that are developed under international forest processes such as forest europe; ### b. whereas woody raw material should emanate only from forests that are legally harvested in accordance with the principles of sustainable forest management that includes , on an equal basis , environmental and social objectives as well as economic ones;


### 3. stresses the need in particular of market monitoring of commodities associated with deforestation; calls on the commission to enhance its efforts on these issues through horizon europe; ### 3. stresses the need in particular for independent monitoring of production and trading of commodities associated with deforestation , forest degradation and human and especially tenure rights violations; calls on the commission to enhance its efforts on these issues through horizon europe and to support independent monitoring in producer countries , as well as the exchange of best practices and lessons-learnt among them , in order to enhance methodologies used and granularity of information;


### 3. stresses the need in particular of market monitoring of commodities associated with deforestation; calls on the commission to enhance its efforts on these issues through horizon europe; ### 3. stresses the need in particular of market monitoring of commodities associated with deforestation and land grabbing; calls on the commission to enhance its efforts on these issues through horizon europe;


### 5. invites the commission to consider the feasibility of an early alert mechanism to notify consumers , public authorities and companies about sourcing commodities from areas at risk of deforestation. ### 5. invites the commission to consider the creation of an early alert mechanism to notify public authorities and companies about commodities from areas at risk of deforestation;


### 6. calls on the commission to include ambitious forest-specific provisions in all union trade and investment agreements; stresses that these provisions should be binding and enforceable through an effective monitoring and sanctions mechanism. ### 6. stresses that paris agreement should be an essential element of the eu trade agreements accordingly calls on the commission to include ambitious forest-specific provisions and sustainability benchmarks for agricultural commodities in all union trade and investment agreements , including provisions to guarantee free , prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples and local communities and the recognition of land tenure rights of forest-dependent communities and of indigenous people; stresses that these provisions should be binding and enforceable through an effective monitoring and sanctions mechanism.


### b. whereas the european union is in a unique position to take the lead for a sustainable recovery; ### b. whereas the european union is in a unique position to take the lead for a sustainable recovery in accordance with the european green deal;


### 1. welcomes the timely launch of the review of the eu trade policy in 2020 , as a response to the covid-19 pandemic , and welcomes the concept of “open strategic autonomy” and invites the commission to provide further details on its content; for this purpose , considers crucial to coordinate and create synergies between trade policy and internal policies (e.g. industrial , digital , environmental policies); and insists that the eu trade strategy must increase the competitiveness of the eu industry including the agricultural sector , create quality jobs and protect workers , generate inclusive and sustainable economic growth in line with the european green deal and promote eu interests and values; highlights that the eu trade strategy must fully participate in the recovery process from the crisis with a broader reflexion on the vulnerabilities of the eu and its dependence on third markets and countries; ### 1. welcomes the timely launch of the review of the eu trade policy in 2020 , as a response to the covid-19 pandemic and the need for a more fully integration of trade into the achievement of the european green deal; welcomes the concept of “open strategic autonomy” and invites the commission to provide further details on its content; for this purpose , considers crucial to coordinate and create synergies between trade policy and internal policies (e.g. industrial , digital , environmental policies); and insists that the eu trade strategy must increase the competitiveness of the eu industry including the agricultural sector , create quality jobs and protect workers , generate inclusive and sustainable economic development in line with the european green deal and promote eu interests and values; highlights that the eu trade strategy must fully participate in the recovery process from the crisis with a broader reflexion on the vulnerabilities of the eu and its dependence on third markets and countries; insists that dg trade duly takes into account the input of the other relevant dgs and of the eeas on issues not directly related to trade , like human rights , environmental standards and sustainable development;


### a. whereas micro , small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) in the transport and tourism sectors are being most affected by the covid-19 outbreak owing to the enforcement of mobility restrictions; ### a. whereas micro , small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) and start-ups in the transport and tourism sectors are being most affected by the covid-19 outbreak owing to the enforcement of mobility restrictions;


### a. whereas the commission’s communication ‘an sme strategy for a sustainable and digital europe’ was published on 10 march 2020 , while on 11 march the who issued the covid-19 pandemic alert , rendering the economic , social and political environment referred to by the commission out of date; ### a. whereas the commission’s communication ‘an sme strategy for a sustainable and digital europe’ was published on 10 march 2020 ,while on 11 march the who issued the covid-19 pandemic alert , impacting significantly the economic , social and political environment in which smes operate;


### b. whereas 25 million smes generate more than half of the eu’s gdp , and employ about 100 million workers; whereas 98.9 % of enterprises in the eu’s non-financial business economy are small enterprises with fewer than 49 workers; ### b. whereas the 25 million smes in the eu-28 are the backbone of the economy , generating more than half of the eu's gdp , employing about 100 million workers , and constituting 98.9 %of enterprises in the eu’s non-financial business economy; whereas smes are therefore at the centre of the european green deal and digital strategy , and play a key role in achieving of the eu’s 2030 and 2050 ghg emissions reduction targets enshrined in the climate law [com(2020) 80];


### c. whereas many smes in the transport sectors , such as those providing taxi and tourism services , have been seriously affected by unfair competition from multinational companies , so-called digital platforms that have managed to circumvent certain legal obligations imposed on other companies , thereby contributing to social dumping , workplace deregulation and the insolvency of many businesses; ### c. whereas many smes in the transport sectors , such as those providing active urban mobility , taxi and tourism services , have been seriously affected by unfair competition from multinational companies , so-called digital platforms that have managed to circumvent certain legal obligations imposed on other companies , thereby contributing to social dumping , workplace deregulation and the insolvency of many businesses;


### 1. notes that the covid-19 crisis has demonstrated the importance for the economy and for business of smes operating in the transport sector , bearing in mind that uninterrupted freight transport has been essential to ensure the functioning of supply chains for various types of goods , as has the transport of workers in key sectors; stresses that smes in the tourism sector are facing unprecedented difficulties including a serious liquidity crisis due to the pandemic; stresses the importance of state intervention to shore up smes in difficulty , ensuring job retention , the protection of earnings and respect for workers' rights; underlines the need to step up support for smes in these sectors at eu level and address the enormous inequalities resulting from different levels of national support; calls on the commission to monitor developments and assess the possibility of emergency support in addition to measures already announced , including funding and capitalisation , until tourist and transport flows have returned to their previous levels; ### 1. notes that the covid-19 crisis has demonstrated the importance for the economy and for business of smes operating in the transport sector , bearing in mind that uninterrupted freight transport has been essential to ensure the functioning of supply chains for various types of goods , as has the transport of workers in key sectors; stresses that smes in the tourism sector are facing unprecedented difficulties including a serious liquidity crisis due to the pandemic; stresses the importance of state intervention to shore up smes in difficulty , ensuring job retention , the protection of earnings and respect for workers' rights; underlines the need to step up support for smes in these sectors at eu level and address the enormous inequalities resulting from different levels of national support; calls on the commission to monitor developments and assess the possibility of emergency support in addition to measures already announced , including funding and capitalisation , until tourist and transport flows have returned to their previous levels; considers that the support should also target and be conditional on the mid-term modernisation of their activities , with the aim of making them aligned with the latest eu climate and environmental objectives among other eu standards , such as working conditions;


### 2. considers that the objectives of the 'sme strategy for a sustainable and digital europe’ should be fully matched by financial and other resources to enable member states to promote sme transition towards sustainability and digitisation , which is of particular importance for the least developed countries and regions in the context of cohesion policy; stresses that such objectives cannot be contradictory and must , on the contrary , accompany measures to safeguard employment with rights and improve working conditions in the various sectors of activity; ### 2. considers that the objectives of the 'sme strategy for a sustainable and digital europe’ should be fully matched by financial and other resources to enable member states to promote sme transition towards sustainability and digitisation allowing their competitiveness within the framework of the european green deal , which is of particular importance for the least developed countries and regions in the context of cohesion policy; stresses that such objectives cannot be contradictory and must , on the contrary , accompany measures to safeguard employment with rights and improve working conditions in the various sectors of activity;


### 3. highlights that trade agreements can have a negative impact on food security in developing countries; calls for the eu to support developing countries’ demands to protect their food production and to safeguard their population from the potentially destructive effects of cheap imports , notably through the revision of their common external tariffs within the remit of revised economic partnership agreements (epas); ### 3. highlights that trade agreements can have a negative impact on food security and rural employment in developing countries; notes that , although the 2014-2020 cap made progress towards policy coherence for development , the banning of export subsidies leave unchanged economic distortions resulting from other direct or indirect subsidies , which impact upon agricultural production , and subsequently on eu exports and the world price and/or enable farms to remain in production even though market prices are insufficient to cover their production costs , as in the case of dairy products; stresses that the current cap reform will maintain the risk of creating distortions in global agricultural markets; calls notably for the prohibition of all forms of dumping of dairy or cereal products in africa , which put at risk the development of local value chains and leads to deprive a growing number of local farmers of their livelihood , thereby increasing rural exodus; more broadly , calls for the eu to support developing countries’ demands to protect their food production and to safeguard their population from the potentially destructive effects of cheap imports , notably through the revision of their common external tariffs within the remit of revised economic partnership agreements (epas) , which shall support effectively the integration of regional market; in addition , calls on the eu to embark on a modification of the current provisions of the wto agreement of 1994 regarding the definition of dumping , with the aim to cover cases where subsidies enable export sales to take place at below the costs of production , which results in unfair competition for producers of developing countries , thereby jeopardising the development of their domestic market; emphasise the crucial need to ensure not only food security but also the possibility for developing countries to democratically self-determine the orientations of their food system , namely their food sovereignty ;


### 4. recalls that one of the main challenges for developing countries is to climb up the global value chain through economic diversification; calls for the eu to refrain from adopting a trade policy that as a general rule prohibits developing countries from levying export taxes on raw materials , insofar as it is wto-compatible; ### 4. underlines that the premature and rapid trade liberalisation that many low-income developing countries were encouraged to undertake in the 1980s and 1990s led to de-industrialisation and a form of integration that intensified their dependence on and vulnerability to external markets; recalls that one of the main challenges for developing countries is to climb up the global value chain through economic diversification , which necessitates fair and pro-development global trade rules; calls for the eu to refrain from adopting a trade policy that as a general rule prohibits developing countries from levying export taxes on raw materials , insofar as it is wto-compatible and to request from developing countries wto + provisions in plurilateral or bilateral treaties , notably on intellectual property rights , which undermine flexibility mechanisms of wto set explicitly to protect their interests;


### 1. regrets the current low levels of supply chain due diligence; ### 1. regrets the current low levels of supply chain social , environmental and human rights due diligence as evidenced by the european commission study on ‘due diligence requirements through the supply chain’; stresses that corporate due diligence should be at the heart of the forthcoming eu trade policy review;


### 6. a more general approach was taken by the non-financial reporting directive5 , which imposes on some large undertakings the obligation to report on the policies they pursue in relation to environmental , social and employee matters , respect for human rights , anti-corruption and bribery matters , including due diligence. however , the scope of that directive is limited and the obligation is based on a comply-or-explain principle. ### 6. a transparency and sustainability approach was taken by the non-financial reporting directive5 , which imposes on some large undertakings the obligation to report on the policies they pursue in relation to environmental , social and employee matters , respect for human rights , anti-corruption and bribery matters , including due diligence. however , the scope of that directive is limited and the obligation is based on a comply-or-explain principle.


### 7. in some member states the need to make businesses more responsive to human rights and to environmental and governance concerns has led to the adoption of national due diligence legislation. in the netherlands , the child labour due diligence act requires undertakings operating in the dutch market to investigate whether there is a reasonable suspicion that the goods or services supplied have been produced using child labour and , in the event of reasonable suspicion , to adopt and implement an action plan. in france , the law on a duty of vigilance of parent and ordering companies requires from some large companies the adoption of a due diligence plan to identify and prevent human rights , health and safety and environmental risks caused by the undertaking , its subsidiaries or suppliers. in many other member states , debate is ongoing as to the introduction of mandatory due diligence requirements for undertakings. ### 7. in some member states the need to make businesses more responsive to human rights and to environmental and governance concerns has led to the adoption of national due diligence legislation. in the netherlands , the child labour due diligence act requires undertakings operating in the dutch market to investigate whether there is a reasonable suspicion that the goods or services supplied have been produced using child labour and , in the event of reasonable suspicion , to adopt and implement an action plan. in france , the law on a duty of vigilance of parent and ordering companies requires from some large companies the adoption of a due diligence plan to identify and prevent adverse human rights , health and safety and environmental impacts caused by the undertaking , its subsidiaries or suppliers and provides for access to judicial remedies for rights-holders; including civil and administrative liability for companies. in many other member states , debate is ongoing as to the introduction of mandatory due diligence requirements for undertakings.


### 13. the directive applies to all undertakings governed by the law of a member state or established in the territory of the union regardless of their size , sector , and whether they are private or state-owned. all economic sectors , including the financial sector , are covered by this directive. ### 13. the directive applies to all undertakings active in the european single market and to all undertakings governed by the law of a member state or established in the territory of the union regardless of their size , sector , and whether they are private or state-owned. all economic sectors , including the financial sector , are covered by this directive.


### 14. a degree of proportionality is built into the due diligence process , as this process is contingent on the risks a company is exposed to. this would imply that many small and medium-size undertakings and micro-enterprises may need less extensive and formalised due diligence processes. an undertaking that , after carrying out a risk assessment , concludes that it does not identify any risks in its business relationships , would only need to fill in and communicate a statement , which should in any case be reviewed in case of changes to the undertakings’ operations or operating context. micro-enterprises in most sectors tend to encounter low risks in their business relationships and , consequently , it is considered appropriate to allow member states to decide whether micro-enterprises should be exempted from the application of the requirements in this directive. ### 14. a degree of proportionality is built into the due diligence process , as this process is contingent on the severity and likelihood of adverse impacts a company might cause , contribute to or being linked to. this would imply that many small and medium-size undertakings and micro-enterprises may need less extensive and formalised due diligence processes. an undertaking that , after carrying out a risk assessment , concludes that it does not identify any risks in its business relationships , would only need to fill in and communicate a statement , which should in any case be reviewed in case of changes to the undertakings’ operations or operating context. micro-enterprises in most sectors tend to encounter low risks in their business relationships and , consequently , it is considered appropriate to allow member states to decide whether micro-enterprises should be exempted from the application of the requirements in this directive.


### 16. due diligence is defined in this directive as the process put in place by an undertaking in order to identify , cease , prevent , mitigate , monitor , disclose , account for , address and remedy the risks posed to human rights , including social and labour rights , the environment , including climate change , and to governance , both by its own operations and its business relationships. ### 16. due diligence is defined in this directive as the process put in place by an undertaking in order to identify , cease , prevent , mitigate , monitor , disclose , track , account for , address , communicate and remedy the potential and actual reverse impacts on human rights , including social and labour rights , the environment , including climate change , and to governance , both by its own operations and its business relationships throughout the value chain.


### 23. due diligence is primarily a preventative mechanism that requires companies to identify potential or actual adverse impacts and to adopt policies and measures to cease , prevent , mitigate , monitor , disclose , address , remediate them , and account for how they address those impacts. undertakings should be required to produce a document in which they make explicit their due diligence strategy with reference to each of those stages. this due diligence strategy should be duly integrated into the company’s overall business strategy. ### 23. due diligence is primarily a preventative mechanism that requires companies to identify potential or actual adverse impacts and to adopt policies and measures to cease , prevent , mitigate , monitor , disclose , address , remediate them , and account for how they address those impacts. undertakings should be required to publicly disclose a document in which they make explicit their due diligence strategy with reference to each of those stages. this due diligence strategy should be duly integrated into the company’s overall business strategy.


### 24. due diligence should not be a ‘box-ticking’ exercise but should consist of an ongoing assessment of risks , which are dynamic and may change on account of new business relationships or contextual developments. undertakings should therefore in an ongoing manner monitor and adapt their due diligence strategies accordingly. those strategies should cover every actual or potential adverse impact , although the severity of the risk should be considered if the establishment of a prioritisation policy is required. ### 24. due diligence should not be a ‘box-ticking’ exercise but should consist of an ongoing process and assessment of risks and impacts , which are dynamic and may change on account of new business relationships or contextual developments. undertakings should therefore in an ongoing manner monitor and adapt their due diligence strategies accordingly. those strategies should cover every actual or potential adverse impact , although the severity and likelihood of the adverse impact should be considered if the establishment of a prioritisation policy is required.


### 26. sound due diligence requires that all stakeholders be consulted effectively and meaningfully , and that trade unions in particular be appropriately involved. the consultation and involvement of stakeholders can help companies to identify risks more precisely and to set up a more effective due diligence strategy. this directive therefore requires the consultation and involvement of stakeholders in all stages of the due diligence process. furthermore , their involvement and consultation may help to push back against pressure from financial markets and short-term investors and give voice to those with a strong interest in the long-term sustainability of the company. stakeholder participation may help improve the long-term performance and profitability of companies , as their increased sustainability would have positive aggregate economic effects. ### 26. sound due diligence requires that all stakeholders be consulted effectively and meaningfully , including but not limited to communities , workers , civil society and women's organisations , human rights defenders , indigenous peoples and that trade unions. the consultation and involvement of stakeholders can help companies to identify potential and actual adverse impacts more precisely and to set up a more effective due diligence strategy. this directive therefore requires the consultation and involvement of stakeholders in all stages of the due diligence process. furthermore , their involvement and consultation may help to push back against pressure from financial markets and short-term investors and give voice to those with a strong interest in the long-term sustainability of the company. stakeholder participation may help improve the long-term performance and profitability of companies , as their increased sustainability would have positive aggregate economic effects.