### 16. welcomes the specific role of protection played by the committee on petitions within the eu in the framework of the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities; points to the committee’s important ongoing work in connection with petitions concerning issues on disabilities; notes that the number of petitions on disability almost doubled in 2020 in comparison with the previous year; stresses that discrimination and access to education and employment remain among the main challenges faced by persons with disabilities; ### 16. welcomes the specific role of protection played by the committee on petitions within the eu in the framework of the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities; points to the committee’s important ongoing work in connection with petitions concerning issues on disabilities; notes that the number of petitions on disability almost doubled in 2020 in comparison with the previous year; stresses that discrimination and access to education and employment remain among the main challenges faced by persons with disabilities and believes that the commission and member states need to do more to make essential services fully accessible;


### 1. recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and ensuring citizens’ direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the eu to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making; calls on the commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the eu should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels , should be translated into all official and co-official languages of the member states , and should have easy-to-access documents; ### 1. recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and ensuring citizens’ direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the eu to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making and to make the eu institution's internal databases and repositories publicly accessible; calls on the commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the eu should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels , should be translated into all official and co-official languages of the member states , and should have easy-to-access documents;


### 1. recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and ensuring citizens’ direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the eu to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making; calls on the commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account feedback from other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the eu should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels , should be translated into all official and co-official languages of the member states , and should have easy-to-access documents; ### 1. recalls that the role of the better regulation programme is improving regulatory principles and reducing unnecessary burdens for businesses and citizens; underlines the importance of enabling citizens to fully exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and ensuring citizens’ direct participation; underlines that it is essential for the eu to ensure increased transparency at different levels of policy-making; calls on the commission to continuously improve public consultations in order to ensure citizens’ participation and to take into account their feedback and that of other institutions on such activities; stresses that public consultations on better law-making in the eu should be accessible to citizens and civil society through different outreach channels , should be translated into all official and co-official languages of the member states , and should have easy-to-access documents;


### 1. welcomes the commission communication of 29 april 2021 entitled ‘better regulation: joining forces to make better laws’ (com(2021)0219) and its commitment to ensuring that every legislative proposal contributes to the 2030 sustainable development agenda; ### 1. welcomes the commission communication of 29 april 2021 entitled ‘better regulation: joining forces to make better laws’ (com(2021)0219) and its commitment to ensuring that every legislative proposal contributes to the 2030 sustainable development agenda; recalls that the principles and objectives set out by the sdgs are indivisible and must not be undermined by burden and cost reduction targets;


### 2. emphasises that better regulation must be an interinstitutional effort , with parliament and the council also sharing responsibility; highlights the fact that the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are the guiding principles of the eu when it chooses to act; recalls , in that regard , article 1 of the treaty on european union , which provides that the decisions at eu level shall be taken as openly and closely as possible to the citizens; ### 2. emphasises that better regulation must be an interinstitutional effort , with parliament and the council also sharing responsibility; highlights the fact that the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are the guiding principles of the eu when it chooses to act; recalls , in that regard , article 1 of the treaty on european union , which provides that the decisions at eu level shall be taken as openly and closely as possible to the citizens; considers that clearer rules on the handling of petitions by the commission would improve the transparency of the system and its effectiveness towards resolving the issues raised in petitions by european citizens. the european commission and the european parliament should consider the option of framing their relationship regarding the handling of petitions with a more binding agreement , as the current inter-institutional agreement does not cover petitions;


### 2. highlights the eu’s obligation to incorporate the development cooperation objectives into any policies that it implements which are likely to affect developing countries , as set out in article 208 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union; recalls that many union policies with a more domestic dimension contribute to the implementation of the sustainable development goals (sdgs) , and therefore achieving coherence across all union policies is crucial to achieving the sdgs worldwide; ### 2. highlights the eu’s obligation to incorporate the development cooperation objectives into any policies that it implements which are likely to affect developing countries , as set out in article 208 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , it seeks to promote balanced and sustainable development while respecting the diversity of the cultures and traditions of the peoples of developing countries as well as their national identities and the organisation of their public authorities at national , regional and local levels; recalls that many union policies with a more domestic dimension contribute to the implementation of the sustainable development goals (sdgs) , and therefore achieving coherence across all union policies is crucial to achieving the sdgs worldwide;


### 2. highlights the eu’s obligation to incorporate the development cooperation objectives into any policies that it implements which are likely to affect developing countries , as set out in article 208 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union; recalls that many union policies with a more domestic dimension contribute to the implementation of the sustainable development goals (sdgs) , and therefore achieving coherence across all union policies is crucial to achieving the sdgs worldwide; ### 2. highlights the eu’s obligation to incorporate the development cooperation objectives into any policies that it implements which are likely to affect developing countries , as set out in article 208 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union; recalls that many union policies with a more domestic dimension contribute to the implementation of the sustainable development goals (sdgs) , and therefore achieving more foresight-based policymaking and coherence across all union policies is crucial to achieving the sdgs worldwide;


### 3. considers , as the committee most directly engaged with the public , that a democratic approach and political accountability remain the strongest control mechanisms in any constitutional democracy , including in the eu; ### 3. considers , as the committee most directly engaged with the public , that a democratic approach and shared political accountability remain the strongest control mechanisms in any constitutional democracy , including in the eu;


### 3. strongly believes that the union’s better regulation system is a valuable instrument in the implementation of this legal obligation , as long as the tools that the system proposes are used appropriately and to their maximum potential; welcomes the new versions of the better regulation guidelines and the better regulation toolbox; believes that tool number 35 in particular contains the necessary elements to guide the performance of impact analyses in developing countries and expects that this tool will be used extensively; ### 3. strongly believes that the union’s better regulation system is a valuable instrument in the implementation of this legal obligation , as long as the tools that the system proposes are used appropriately and to their maximum potential; welcomes the new versions of the better regulation guidelines and the better regulation toolbox; believes that tool number 35 in particular contains the necessary elements to guide the performance of impact analyses in developing countries and expects that this tool will be used extensively; notes with concern that by referring only to ‘relevant sdgs’ , the integrated and holistic nature of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development risks being overlooked; underlines the need to take a holistic perspective that takes into account the impact on the sdgs as whole in this regard;


### 4. recalls that continuous attentive review of citizens’ petitions presents great opportunities to make better regulation more inclusive and efficient and to improve policymakers’ understanding of local and regional realities; ### 4. recalls that continuous attentive review of citizens’ petitions should be performed diligently and continuously to ensure that european citizens have an essential democratic instrument to make better regulation more inclusive and efficient and to improve policymakers’ understanding of local and regional realities;


### 4. welcomes the commission’s commitment to improving the analysis and reporting of the impact of proposals , in particular on developing countries and with regard to achieving the sdgs; ### 4. welcomes the commission’s commitment to improving the analysis and reporting of the impact of proposals , in particular on developing countries and with regard to achieving the sdgs; is concerned that the envisaged simplification of the public consultation process may jeopardise its effectiveness and should be reconsidered; underlines that consultation should be more effective and fulfil the requirements of the social partners and civil society;


### 5. recalls that better regulation is an overarching principle in all commissioners’ mission letters; calls on the commission and council to improve the rules and procedures of the preparatory phases of their respective legislative processes , with a particular focus on examining the future effects of legislative measures; ### 5. recalls that better regulation is an overarching principle in all commissioners’ mission letters; calls on the commission and council to improve the rules and procedures of the preparatory phases of their respective legislative processes , with a particular focus on examining the short-term impact and the future effects of legislative measures;


### 5. reiterates the importance of policy coherence in relation to external eu policy affecting developing countries; welcomes any initiatives that make the eu’s approach more consistent in this regard. ### 5. reiterates the importance of policy coherence in relation to external eu policy affecting developing countries; welcomes any initiatives that make the eu’s approach more consistent in this regard; underlines that the assessment of impacts of regulation on fundamental rights and values still needs to be strengthened.


### 6. considers that the commission , in its efforts to ensure that eu policies draw on a clear understanding of policy areas subject to rapid structural change such as the environment and digitalisation , should make use of the input included in the petitions of citizens and civil society organisations; considers citizens’ participation key in policy areas such as fundamental rights , respect for rule of law , and discrimination against women , migrants and lgtbiq persons; ### 6. considers that the commission , in its efforts to ensure that eu policies draw on a clear understanding of policy areas subject to rapid structural change such as the environment and digitalisation , should make use of the input included in the petitions of citizens and civil society organisations; considers citizens’ participation key in policy areas such as fundamental rights , respect for rule of law , and the fight against all forms of discrimination on any ground whatsoever;


### 7. calls on the commission to seize the opportunity for a revamped and effective better regulation programme to help eu governance adapt to a post-pandemic ‘new normal’ , improve law-making and be more responsive to citizens’ concerns; ### 7. calls on the commission to seize the opportunity for a revamped and effective better regulation programme to help eu governance restore a situation of normality and social calm , while fully respecting the human rights of all citizens , after the imbalances of the pandemic period , and to improve law-making and be more responsive to citizens’ concerns;


### 1. points out that the right to petition is the oldest instrument involving the direct participation of citizens at eu level and that it is the easiest and most direct way for citizens to contact the eu institutions and express their views on the legislation adopted and the policy choices made at eu level; ### 1. points out that the right to petition is the oldest instrument involving the direct participation of citizens at eu level and that it is the easiest and most direct way for citizens to contact the eu institutions and express their views on the legislation adopted , its implementation in the member states and the policy choices made at eu level; points out that petitions are a way of giving the public a realistic view of the effectiveness of legislation;


### 3. notes that there is a mismatch between citizens’ expectations as to the eu institutions’ powers to solve individual problems and the limitations the treaties impose on the eu institutions; so as to prevent situations in which the public have unrealistic expectations and then feel disappointed in the eu institutions , calls for more information to be provided to citizens on the union’s competences and the limits of the right to petition; ### 3. notes that there is a mismatch between citizens’ expectations as to the eu institutions’ powers to solve individual problems and the limitations the treaties impose on the eu institutions; so as to prevent situations in which the public have unrealistic expectations and then feel disappointed in the eu institutions , calls for more information to be provided to citizens on the union’s competences and the limits of the right to petition; calls on the european institutions to provide clear information regarding the right to petition and systematically encourage recourse to this instrument;


### 5. draws attention to the potential that the right to petition has when it comes to warning the eu institutions about possible loopholes in union law , or breaches or poor implementation thereof , both systemically and as regards specific cases; calls on the commission , as guardian of the treaties , to pay closer attention to the issues raised in petitions and to ensure that they give rise to proper inquiries so that genuine improvements can be made; emphasises that , in cases where the commission does not have legislative powers , the commission still has and should use the possibility to act by providing coordination or support; ### 5. draws attention to the potential that the right to petition has when it comes to warning the eu institutions about possible loopholes in union law , or breaches or poor implementation thereof , both systemically and as regards specific cases; calls on the commission , as guardian of the treaties , to pay closer attention to the issues raised in petitions and to ensure that they give rise to proper inquiries so that genuine improvements can be made , taking their observations into account in the legislative process; emphasises that , in cases where the commission does not have legislative or powers or the power to impose sanctions , the commission still has and should use the possibility to act by providing coordination or support;


### 9. calls for the eu institutions and parliament’s committees , as well as the member states , to better cooperate with the committee on petitions in order to answer petitioners efficiently and satisfy their requests; in this context , urges the commission to avoid general answers and to provide targeted and tailored responses to the petitioners; ### 9. calls for the eu institutions and parliament’s committees , as well as the member states , to better cooperate with the committee on petitions in order to answer petitioners efficiently and satisfy their requests; considers it essential to ensure the presence and involvement of member state representatives during discussions of petitions in committee; in this context , urges the commission to avoid general answers and to provide targeted and tailored responses to the petitioners;


### 14. calls for a eurobarometer survey to be carried out to gauge how much eu citizens know about the right to petition the european parliament , with the aim of collecting data to use as a basis for a strong awareness-raising campaign; ### 14. calls for a eurobarometer survey to be carried out to gauge how much eu citizens know about the right to petition the european parliament , with the aim of collecting data to use as a basis for a strong and accessible awareness-raising campaign;


### 28. considers it essential that citizens be able to contribute to the exercise of the legislative prerogatives of the union and be directly involved in the initiation of legislative proposals; ### 28. considers it essential that citizens be able to contribute to the exercise of the legislative prerogatives of the union and be directly involved in the initiation of legislative proposals; calls for the further development of public consultation as an instrument enabling the public to make known its concerns at an early stage;


### 29. calls on the commission to inform the public about the eu’s competences to make sure that ecis concern subjects and issues that fall within the eu’s remit; emphasises that recent ecis have called for the eu to take more action , more quickly , in the fight against climate change; ### 29. calls on the commission to inform the public about the eu’s competences to make sure that ecis concern subjects and issues that fall within the eu’s remit; emphasises that recent ecis have called , inter alia , for the eu to take more action , more quickly , in the fight against climate change and in protecting indigenous national minorities and language communities;


### 35. emphasises the role of these three participatory instruments , which is to facilitate and encourage the engagement of citizens and residents of the eu; calls for the establishment and promotion of a large-scale , one-stop interinstitutional website to provide information on all the instruments that enable the public to participate directly in and influence decision-making at eu level; ### 35. emphasises the role of these three participatory instruments , which is to facilitate and encourage the engagement of citizens and residents of the eu; calls for the establishment and promotion of a large-scale , one-stop , accessible interinstitutional website to provide information on all the instruments that enable the public to participate directly in and influence decision-making at eu level;


### 36. calls for public awareness of these three participatory instruments to be raised to ensure that they become effective tools for democratic participation; emphasises that all the european institutions should maximise their communication efforts to ensure that as many citizens as possible know about , and are encouraged to participate in , the instruments; ### 36. calls for public awareness of these three participatory instruments to be raised to ensure that they become effective tools for democratic participation; emphasises that all the european institutions should maximise their efforts at communication , which should be accessible and available in as many languages as possible , to ensure that as many citizens as possible know about , and are encouraged to participate in , the instruments;


### 39. recalls that the eu’s multilingual communication policy is a crucial element in communicating with and engaging citizens from all member states; highlights its importance in all communication channels , including social media , in order to better connect with citizens; welcomes the guidelines published by the ombudsman instructing the institutions on how to develop their language policy in the most citizen-friendly manner; ### 39. recalls that the eu’s multilingual communication policy is a crucial element in communicating with and engaging citizens from all member states , with particular regard to the special needs of persons with disabilities (sign language , braille); highlights its importance in all communication channels , including social media , in order to better connect with citizens; welcomes the guidelines published by the ombudsman instructing the institutions on how to develop their language policy in the most citizen-friendly manner;


### 40. stresses the need to address the shortcomings of the eu petition system , in order to ensure its full democratic potential and agenda-setting role; calls on the eu institutions to use their resources to increase the attractiveness of this tool and promote citizens’ participation in eu law-making; in this regard , stresses the need for more eu funding to be allocated to the promotion of the participatory mechanisms; ### 40. stresses the need to address the shortcomings of the eu petition system , taking into consideration the special needs of persons with disabilities , in order to ensure its full democratic potential and agenda-setting role; calls on the eu institutions to use their resources to increase the attractiveness of this tool and promote citizens’ participation in eu law-making; in this regard , stresses the need for more eu funding to be allocated to the promotion of the participatory mechanisms;


### e. whereas the committee on petitions plays a ‘protection role’ to ensure eu compliance with the crpd within the policymaking and legislative actions at eu level; ### e. whereas the committee on petitions plays a ‘protection role’ to ensure eu compliance with the crpd within the policymaking and legislative actions at eu level; whereas the european parliament’s petitions committee has been identified to form the eu framework together with the european ombudsman , the eu agency for fundamental rights , and the european disability forum , as adopted by the council at its 3513th meeting held on 16 january 2017;


### 4. takes note of the progress made by member states in effectively implementing and monitoring the crpd and in adapting accessibility measures to comply with the standards of the crpd; calls on the member states to designate responsible authorities to serve as focal points , and to establish coordinating mechanisms at all administrative levels , in accordance with article 33 of the crpd , for its implementation and monitoring; ### 4. takes note of the progress made by member states in effectively implementing and monitoring the crpd and in adapting accessibility measures to comply with the standards of the crpd; calls on the member states to designate , without further delay , responsible authorities to serve as focal points , and to establish coordinating mechanisms at all administrative levels , in accordance with article 33 of the crpd , for its implementation and monitoring;


### 8. stresses the need to consult and actively involve organisations of persons with disabilities in each stage of planning , adoption , implementation and monitoring of all types of measures so that these measures do not lead to the violation of their fundamental rights; welcomes the commission’s commitment to involve organisations of persons with disabilities in the implementation of the european disability strategy 2021-2030; ### 8. stresses the need to consult and actively involve organisations of persons with disabilities in each stage of planning , adoption , implementation and monitoring of all types of measures so that these measures ensure the promotion of their fundamental rights; welcomes the commission’s commitment to involve organisations of persons with disabilities in the implementation of the european disability strategy 2021-2030;


### 11. warmly welcomes the adoption of stronger rail passenger rights for people with disabilities and with reduced mobility , especially the phasing out of the current exemptions for member states and the reduction of the period of advance notice to be given by persons with disabilities or reduced mobility who require assistance; encourages the member states to arrange , where possible , shorter pre-notification periods for persons with disabilities who require assistance with travel , in order to allow persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility to more readily exercise their free movement rights; calls for the swift implementation of the rules laid down in the recast of regulation (ec) no 1371/200718in all member states; ### 11. warmly welcomes the adoption of stronger rail passenger rights for people with disabilities and with reduced mobility , especially the phasing out of the current exemptions for member states and the reduction of the period of advance notice to be given by persons with disabilities or reduced mobility who require assistance; encourages the member states to arrange , where possible , shorter pre-notification periods for persons with disabilities who require assistance with travel , in order to allow persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility to more readily exercise their free movement rights; calls for the swift implementation of the rules laid down in the recast of regulation (ec) no 1371/200718 in all member states; calls on the commission to consider a proposal relating to the rights of passengers with disabilities in urban and rural transport , to bridge the gaps that still exist;


### 11. warmly welcomes the adoption of stronger rail passenger rights for people with disabilities and with reduced mobility , especially the phasing out of the current exemptions for member states and the reduction of the period of advance notice to be given by persons with disabilities or reduced mobility who require assistance; encourages the member states to arrange , where possible , shorter pre-notification periods for persons with disabilities who require assistance with travel , in order to allow persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility to more readily exercise their free movement rights; calls for the swift implementation of the rules laid down in the recast of regulation (ec) no 1371/200718 in all member states; ### 11. warmly welcomes the adoption of stronger rail passenger rights for people with disabilities and with reduced mobility , especially the phasing out of the current exemptions for member states and the reduction of the period of advance notice to be given by persons with disabilities or reduced mobility who require assistance; calls the member states to arrange , as soon as possible , shorter pre-notification periods for persons with disabilities who require assistance with travel , in order to allow persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility to more readily exercise their free movement rights; calls for the swift implementation of the rules laid down in the recast of regulation (ec) no 1371/200718 in all member states;


### 12. notes the commission’s proposal for the creation of the ‘accessibleeu’ resource centre by 2022; calls on the commission to create an eu agency on accessibility (‘eu access board’) that would be in charge of developing technical specifications on accessibility in support of specific eu policies and legislation , carrying out consultations with rights-holders and stakeholders , helping member states and eu institutions to implement accessibility in a harmonised way for the benefit of the single market , and raising awareness of the importance of accessibility for inclusive societies; ### 12. notes the commission’s proposal for the creation of the ‘accessibleeu’ resource centre by 2022; calls on the commission to create an eu agency on accessibility (‘eu access board’) that would be in charge of developing technical specifications on accessibility in support of specific eu policies and legislation , carrying out consultations with rights-holders , stakeholders and ngos , helping member states and eu institutions to implement accessibility in a harmonised way for the benefit of the single market , and raising awareness of the importance of accessibility for equal societies;


### 13. regrets the fact that access to the built environment and physical accessibility were not included within the scope of the european accessibility act; calls on the commission to use the european accessibility act as a basis for adopting a robust eu framework for an accessible and inclusive environment with fully accessible public spaces , services , including public transport , communication and financial services , and the built environment; ### 13. regrets the fact that access to the built environment and physical accessibility were not included within the scope of the european accessibility act; calls on the commission to use the european accessibility act as a basis for adopting a robust eu framework for an accessible and equal environment with fully accessible public spaces , services , including public transport , communication and financial services , and the built environment;


### 14. calls on the member states to ensure the swift implementation at all levels of directive 2016/2102 on the accessibility of public sector bodies’ websites and mobile applications , in order to guarantee that persons with disabilities are able to access all information they require in an accessible format; welcomes the commission’s initiative for an action plan on web accessibility for all eu institutions , bodies and agencies with a view to ensuring the compliance of eu websites , and the documents published on these websites and online platforms , with european accessibility standards; urges all eu institutions , bodies and agencies to comply with the european accessibility standards as quickly as possible; ### 14. calls on the member states to ensure the swift and efficient implementation at all levels of directive 2016/2102 on the accessibility of public sector bodies’ websites and mobile applications , in order to guarantee that persons with disabilities are able to access all information they require in an accessible format; welcomes the commission’s initiative for an action plan on web accessibility for all eu institutions , bodies and agencies with a view to ensuring the compliance of eu websites , and the documents published on these websites and online platforms , with european accessibility standards which need to be broadened; urges all eu institutions , bodies and agencies to comply with the european accessibility standards in 2022 at the latest;


### 14. calls on the member states to ensure the swift implementation at all levels of directive 2016/2102 on the accessibility of public sector bodies’ websites and mobile applications , in order to guarantee that persons with disabilities are able to access all information they require in an accessible format; welcomes the commission’s initiative for an action plan on web accessibility for all eu institutions , bodies and agencies with a view to ensuring the compliance of eu websites , and the documents published on these websites and online platforms , with european accessibility standards; urges all eu institutions , bodies and agencies to comply with the european accessibility standards as quickly as possible; ### 14. calls on the member states to ensure the swift implementation at all levels of directive 2016/2102 on the accessibility of public sector bodies’ websites and mobile applications , in order to guarantee that persons with disabilities are able to access all information they require in an accessible format , including national sign languages; welcomes the commission’s initiative for an action plan on web accessibility for all eu institutions , bodies and agencies with a view to ensuring the compliance of eu websites , and the documents published on these websites and online platforms , with european accessibility standards; urges all eu institutions , bodies and agencies to comply with the european accessibility standards as quickly as possible;


### 15. encourages the relevant parliament services to continue their efforts and finalise the project on the inter-service working group on sign language in the shortest possible time frame in order to meet the requests of petition 1056/2016 to allow for the tabling of petitions in international and national sign languages used in the eu and thereby make the fundamental right to petition more accessible for sign language users; ### 15. urges the relevant parliament services to continue their efforts and finalise the project on the inter-service working group on sign language in the shortest possible time frame in order to meet the requests of petition 1056/2016 to allow for the tabling of petitions in international and national sign languages used in the eu and thereby make the fundamental right to petition more accessible for sign language users;


### 16. notes that there is no mutual recognition of disability status between member states; calls on the member states to work together in a spirit of mutual trust to recognise the status assigned in another member state; emphasises the commission’s goal of working with member states to expand the scope of the mutual recognition of disability status in areas such as labour mobility and the benefits related to the conditions of service provision; ### 16. notes that there is no mutual recognition of disability status between member states; calls on the member states to work together in a spirit of mutual trust to recognise the status assigned in another member state; emphasises the commission’s goal of working with member states to expand the scope of the mutual recognition of disability status in areas such as labour mobility and the benefits related to the conditions of service provision; underlines the need to extend the benefits of the eu disability card so that mutually recognized health access benefits are also included;


### 16. notes that there is no mutual recognition of disability status between member states; calls on the member states to work together in a spirit of mutual trust to recognise the status assigned in another member state; emphasises the commission’s goal of working with member states to expand the scope of the mutual recognition of disability status in areas such as labour mobility and the benefits related to the conditions of service provision; ### 16. notes that there is no mutual recognition of disability status between member states; calls on the member states to work together in a spirit of mutual trust to recognise the status assigned in another member state; emphasises the commission’s goal of working with member states to expand the scope of the mutual recognition of disability status in areas such as labour mobility , statistics and the benefits related to the conditions of service provision;


### 17. stresses the urgent need for eu legislation aimed at protecting citizens against all forms of discrimination in the eu; urges the member states to adopt the eu horizontal anti-discrimination directive tabled by the commission in 2008; calls on the commission to present an alternative solution in order to move forward in tackling discrimination across the eu , in all areas of life , as soon as possible; ### 17. stresses the urgent need for eu legislation aimed at protecting citizens against all forms of discrimination in the eu , considers it to be a primordial legislative act for a correct implementation of crpd policies; urges the member states to adopt the eu horizontal anti-discrimination directive tabled by the commission in 2008; calls on the commission to present an alternative solution in order to move forward in tackling discrimination across the eu , in all areas of life , as soon as possible;


### 18. strongly condemns all medical discrimination against persons with disabilities; recalls that the relevant measures adopted by the member states must comply with the crpd and must ensure equal and non-discriminatory access to healthcare and social services; stresses that persons with disabilities deserve the same medical treatment as any other person , including intensive medical care , also during health crises such as the covid-19 pandemic; ### 18. strongly condemns all medical discrimination against persons with disabilities; recalls that the relevant measures adopted by the member states must comply with the crpd and must ensure equal and non-discriminatory access to healthcare and social services; stresses that persons with disabilities deserve the same medical treatment as any other person , including intensive medical care; recalls the importance for health public services to always play a main role for the protection of persons with disabilities;


### 21. calls on the member states to make use of cohesion policy funds to improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities , while respecting the principles of accessibility and non-discrimination , and investing in equal opportunities and the participation of persons with disabilities in all areas of life , including in supporting the transition from institutional to community-based living; asks the commission to monitor closely the use of eu funds in line with the crpd; ### 21. calls on the commission and on the member states to include in the final content of the partnership agreements on the european structural and investment funds and in programmes of these funds the objectives and approaches which improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities , while respecting the principles of accessibility and non-discrimination , and investing in equal opportunities and the participation of persons with disabilities in all areas of life , including in supporting the transition from institutional to community-based living; asks the commission to monitor closely the use of eu funds in line with the crpd;


### 22. calls on the commission to conduct further research into the impact and health-related effects of led lights , in particular on photosensitive persons and persons with disabilities; ### 22. calls on the commission to conduct further research into the impact and health-related effects of emerging technologies on persons with disabilities , such as the case of led lights on photosensitive persons;


### 23. welcomes the fact that member states are willing to implement inclusive educational policies , but calls on them to further increase their education systems’ capacity to provide high-quality inclusive education for all learners , and calls on the commission to strengthen the role of the child guarantee in ensuring the inclusion of children with disabilities; ### 23. calls on member states to further increase their education systems’ capacity to provide high-quality accessible education for all learners , by promoting specific measures and personalized support , such as accessible and tailored curricula and learning materials , accessible information and communication technologies , as well as appropriate digital education , not only for persons with disabilities but for future teachers as well; and calls on the commission to strengthen the role of the child guarantee in ensuring the equal treatment of children with disabilities; therefore , calls on the commission and the member states to invest in training professionals regarding the needs of persons with disabilities;


### 1. underlines the need to ensure that inclusion and diversity are at the core of the implementation of erasmus+ , one of the eu’s most successful programmes; regrets the different definitions and categories of learners with special needs and/or fewer opportunities1 across member states and the lack of reliable data on the profiles of the beneficiaries; believes that an instrument should be developed to monitor whether participants from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are being reached by the programme; ### 1. underlines the need to ensure that inclusion , equal opportunities and diversity are at the core of the implementation of erasmus+ , one of the eu’s most successful programmes; highlights that offering equal opportunities is and must be inherent to eu fundamental values , and thus should not be presented merely as a matter of philanthropy; regrets calls on the eu and ms to take measures in order to address the different definitions and categories of learners with special needs and/or fewer opportunitiesacross member states and the lack of reliable data on the profiles of the beneficiaries; believes that an instrument should be developed to monitor whether ensure that participants from vulnerable , and disadvantaged and all less represented groups are being reached by the programme , leaving no one behind;term used in article 23(2) of regulation(eu) no 1288/2013 on erasmus+.


### 2. highlights that erasmus+ should support stakeholders’ and programme participants’ internationalisation plans that remove physical , psychological , social , socioeconomic , linguistic and other types of barriers to learning mobility and that offer qualitative support , including mentoring , for participants from underrepresented groups and/or with specific needs before , during and after a period abroad; ### 2. highlights that erasmus+ should support stakeholders’ and programme participants’ internationalisation plans that remove physical , psychological , social , socioeconomic , linguistic and other types of barriers to learning mobility and that offer accessible for all , clear and detailed information and qualitative support , including mentoring , for participants from underrepresented groups and/or with specific needs before , during and after a period abroad;


### 3. draws attention to the under-resourcing and understaffing of erasmus+ national agencies and national authorities and the insufficient efforts to reduce administrative barriers to mobility and ensure that diversity and inclusion are at the core of the programme; believes that national agencies should appoint an inclusion and diversity officer to reach out to learners with special needs and/or fewer opportunities and provide them with advice regarding possible difficulties they may experience during their erasmus+ programme , such as delayed reimbursements2 or any obstacles caused by external factors such as the covid-19 crisis3 ; ### 3. draws attention to the under-resourcing and understaffing of erasmus+ national agencies and national authorities and the insufficient efforts to reduce administrative barriers to mobility and ensure that diversity and inclusion are at the core of the programme; believes that national agencies should organise targeted information campaigns , and , in order to do so , they ought to appoint an inclusion and diversity officer to reach out to learners from vulnerable backgrounds , including learners with special needs and/or fewer opportunities and all underrepresented groups , insuring gender equality[ktk1] and provide them with advice regarding possible difficulties they may experience during their erasmus+ programme , such as delayed reimbursementsor any obstacles caused by external factors such as the covid-19 crisis ;


### 4. believes that erasmus+ should encourage stakeholders to share their expertise at an institutional level , learn from each other , build administrative capacity and foster inclusion and diversity; welcomes , in this sense , specific efforts to support cooperation between different stakeholders and to develop and implement inclusive policies that seek to integrate children and young people from migrant backgrounds into education; considers , however , that these efforts should be expanded in the field of higher education; ### 4. believes that erasmus+ should encourage stakeholders to share their expertise at an institutional level , learn from each other , build administrative capacity and foster inclusion and diversity; welcomes , in this sense , specific efforts to support cooperation between different stakeholders and to develop and implement inclusive policies that seek to integrate children and young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds into education; considers , however , that these efforts should be expanded in the field of higher education;


### 5. believes that the risk of stigmatisation in the participants’ country of residence may discourage them from self-identifying as disadvantaged , which may hamper their mobility , the collection of reliable data by authorities and the monitoring of their participation in erasmus+4 ; calls for eu-wide recognition of disability status and encourages host institutions to guarantee the same reasonable accommodations as home institutions; ### 5. believes that the risk of stigmatisation in the participants’ country of residence may discourage them from self-identifying as disadvantaged , which may hamper their mobility , the collection of reliable data by authorities and the monitoring of their participation in erasmus+4 ; calls for eu-wide recognition of disability status and encourages host institutions to guarantee erasmus+ participants the same reasonable accommodations , transport , social and administrative benefits available for national students;


### 5. believes that the risk of stigmatisation in the participants’ country of residence may discourage them from self-identifying as disadvantaged , which may hamper their mobility , the collection of reliable data by authorities and the monitoring of their participation in erasmus+4 ; calls for eu-wide recognition of disability status and encourages host institutions to guarantee the same reasonable accommodations as home institutions; ### 5. believes that the risk of stigmatisation in the participants’ country of residence may discourage them from self-identifying as disadvantaged , which may hamper their mobility , the collection of reliable data by authorities and the monitoring of their participation in erasmus+; calls for eu-wide recognition of disability status and encourages host institutions to guarantee the same reasonable accommodations and facilities as home institutions;


### 6. reminds member states of the bologna process principles and the principles and guidelines to strengthen the social dimension of higher education in the european higher education area , both of which call on them to draft national strategies and plans to enhance inclusion; ### 6. reminds member states of the bologna process principles and the principles and guidelines to strengthen the social dimension of higher education in the european higher education area , both of which call on them to draft national strategies and plans to enhance inclusion as soon as possible;


### 7. calls on the commission to look closely at the possibility of combining the erasmus+ and interrail programmes5 , and thus foster more equality and inclusion; ### 7. calls on the commission to look closely at the possibility of combining the erasmus+ and interrail programmes , and thus foster more equality and inclusion and to continue tackling climate change; nevertheless , the funds allocated to the two programmes should be safeguarded and not decreased in the case of such a combination;


### 8. calls on the member states to launch and support erasmus+ projects to attract participants with disabilities and learners from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to their countries; ### 8. calls on the member states to launch and support erasmus+ projects to attract participants with disabilities , and learners from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to their countries , ensuring equal participation for female [girls/women] and lgbtq participants , as well as for people at risk of poverty1 or of lower financial status;


### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to address the lack of familiarity with the erasmus+ programme , information barriers , obstacles to the application process , support services abroad and the challenges relating to the portability of grants faced by persons with disabilities and other participants from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups , including ethnic groups; ### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to address the lack of familiarity with the erasmus+ programme , information barriers , obstacles to the application process , support services abroad and the challenges relating to the portability of grants faced by persons with disabilities and other participants from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups , including ethnic minorities groups and to monitor if learners from these groups are being reached;


### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to address the lack of familiarity with the erasmus+ programme , information barriers , obstacles to the application process , support services abroad and the challenges relating to the portability of grants faced by persons with disabilities and other participants from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups , including ethnic groups; ### 9. calls on the commission and the member states to address the lack of familiarity with the erasmus+ programme , information barriers , bureaucracy and other obstacles to the application process , support services abroad and the challenges relating to the portability of grants faced by persons with disabilities and their caregivers as well as other participants from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups , including ethnic groups;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s first ever rule of law report as a positive addition to the eu’s toolbox to prevent and address rule of law issues in member states; ### 1. takes note of the commission’s first ever rule of law report as an addition to the eu’s toolbox to prevent and address certain rule of law issues in member states;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s first ever rule of law report as a positive addition to the eu’s toolbox to prevent and address rule of law issues in member states; ### 1. welcomes the commission’s first ever rule of law report as a positive addition to the eu’s toolbox to prevent and address rule of law issues in member states. believes that the respect of the rule of law and fundamental rights underpins mutual trust and eventually the trust in the eu as a whole;


### 2. recalls that the commission’s report is a response to the council’s failure to trigger the procedure under article 7(1) of the treaty on european union (teu) , as requested by the commission in 2017 and parliament in 2018; regrets that the council has failed to resume hearings under article 7 of the teu since december 2019; notes that the failure to apply article 7 of the teu , also due to the requirement of unanimity for the sanctions mechanism , enables continued divergence from the values enshrined in article 2 of the teu; ### 2. stresses that there is no legal basis in the eu treaties that grants the commission the competence to assess member states' respect for or violation of the rule of law; recalls that according to article 5 (1) teu , the commission should act in accordance with and within the boundaries of the treaties; underlines that article 2 teu merely mentions the rule of law , but does not define it , nor does it give the commission the power to enforce it; regrets that the commission's 2020 rule of law report mentions interpretation of the principle of the rule of law by jurisprudence of the court of justice of the european union , but fails to provide the references to the relevant case law;


### 2. recalls that the commission’s report is a response to the council’s failure to trigger the procedure under article 7(1) of the treaty on european union (teu) , as requested by the commission in 2017 and parliament in 2018; regrets that the council has failed to resume hearings under article 7 of the teu since december 2019; notes that the failure to apply article 7 of the teu , also due to the requirement of unanimity for the sanctions mechanism , enables continued divergence from the values enshrined in article 2 of the teu; ### 2. recalls that the commission’s report is a response to the council’s failure to trigger the procedure under article 7(1) of the treaty on european union (teu) , as requested by the commission in 2017 and parliament in 2018; regrets that the council has failed to resume hearings under article 7 of the teu since december 2019; insists that a revision of the article 7 procedure is needed in order to overcome the unanimity requirement for the sanctions mechanism , enlarge its scope to avoid continued divergence from the values enshrined in article 2 of the teu , as well as provide the commission with a toolbox that could prevent rule of law breaches and fundamental rights violations across the eu. believes that the conference on the future of europe provides for a good opportunity to address these issues and come up with possible alternatives and solutions.


### — having regard to the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , the european social charter , the case law of the european court of human rights and the european committee of social rights , and the conventions , recommendations , resolutions , opinions and reports of the parliamentary assembly , the committee of ministers , the human rights commissioner , the european commission against racism and intolerance , the steering committee on anti-discrimination , diversity and inclusion , the venice commission and other bodies of the council of europe , ### — having regard to the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , the european social charter , the case law of the european court of human rights and the european committee of social rights , the council of europe framework convention for the protection of national minorities (fcnm) and the european charter for regional or minority languages (ecrml) and the conventions , recommendations , resolutions , opinions and reports of the parliamentary assembly , the committee of ministers , the human rights commissioner , the european commission against racism and intolerance , the steering committee on anti-discrimination , diversity and inclusion , the venice commission , the advisory committee on the fcnm , the committee of experts of the ecrml and other bodies of the council of europe ,


### b. whereas the annual rule of law review cycle is a welcome addition to the tools available to preserve the union’s values , by addressing the situation in all eu member states based on four pillars , with a direct bearing on respect for the rule of law; whereas it is intended as a yearly cycle to ensure the rule of law and to prevent problems from emerging or deepening; ### b. whereas the annual rule of law review cycle has been turned into a political tool and serves as a threat targeting member states that may refuse to fall into line with the commission's societal projects;


### c. whereas the commission’s first rule of law report (2020 report) is limited in scope , as it does not cover all union values as provided for in article 2 of the teu; ### c. whereas the commission’s first rule of law report (2020 report) is limited in scope , as it does not cover all union values as provided for in article 2 of the teu; whereas the charter of fundamental rights of the european union became a fully-fledged component of the treaties when the treaty of lisbon came into force , and is therefore now legally binding on the institutions , agencies and other bodies of the eu and on the member states when eu legislation is applied; whereas a genuine fundamental rights culture must be developed , fostered and strengthened in the eu institutions , but also in the member states , in particular when they apply eu law domestically and in their relations with non-eu countries;


### d. whereas while the 2020 report raises concerns and awareness , it does not provide a sufficient assessment of the effectiveness of the reforms carried out by each country , nor any concrete country-specific recommendations , which could jeopardise its intended preventive effects; ### deleted


### e. whereas without effective follow-up under an annual monitoring cycle , the 2020 report may fail to address systemic challenges and backsliding on the rule of law as witnessed in several eu member states in recent years; ### e. whereas the report is an integral part of an annual monitoring cycle which has to be followed up in order to prevent and effectively address systemic challenges and backsliding on the rule of law as witnessed in several eu member states in recent years;


### 3. stresses , in line with the report , that effective justice systems which are independent and efficient are essential for upholding the rule of law; highlights , in particular , the need for the judiciary to be able to exercise its functions with full autonomy , without intervention from any other institution or body , in accordance with the principle of separation of powers; ### 3. stresses , in line with the report , that effective justice systems which are independent and efficient are essential for upholding the rule of law; highlights , in particular , the need for the judiciary to be able to exercise its functions with full autonomy , without intervention from any other institution or body , in accordance with the principle of separation of powers; stresses how important it is that appointments and careers do not have a de facto influence on the judiciary's autonomy and independence;


### 3. stresses , in line with the report , that effective justice systems which are independent and efficient are essential for upholding the rule of law; highlights , in particular , the need for the judiciary to be able to exercise its functions with full autonomy , without intervention from any other institution or body , in accordance with the principle of separation of powers; ### 3. stresses , in line with the report , that effective justice systems which are independent and efficient , in both form and substance , are essential for upholding the rule of law; highlights , in particular , the need for the judiciary to be able to exercise its functions with full autonomy , without intervention from any other institution or body , in accordance with the principle of separation of powers;


### 3. stresses , in line with the report , that effective justice systems which are independent and efficient are essential for upholding the rule of law; highlights , in particular , the need for the judiciary to be able to exercise its functions with full autonomy , without intervention from any other institution or body , in accordance with the principle of separation of powers; ### 3. stresses , in line with the report , that effective justice systems which are independent and efficient are essential for upholding the rule of law; highlights , in particular , the need for the judiciary to be able to exercise its functions with full autonomy , without intervention from any other institution or body , including of a political nature , in accordance with the principle of separation of powers;


### 3. insists that courts , administrative bodies and social welfare institutions should make the best interests of the child a primary consideration when taking any decision concerning the child; stresses that such decisions should be made on an individual basis , taking into consideration the specific circumstances of the child and their family and avoiding conscious or unconscious bias; ### 3. insists that courts , administrative bodies and social welfare institutions should make the best interests of the child a primary consideration when taking any decision concerning the child; stresses that such decisions should be made on an individual basis , taking into consideration the specific circumstances of the child and their family and avoiding conscious or unconscious bias , and also giving due consideration to any conflicts of interest of those applying for or holding custody;


### 10. underlines that the exercise of a fundamental right such as freedom of movement and freedom of residence should not pose a greater threat to the child’s rights , that children involved in cross-border civil and family law disputes should enjoy the same rights and level of protection in all member states , and that children whose parents exercise their right to freedom of movement have the right to maintain a personal relationship and direct contact with their parents on a regular basis , unless it is contrary to the best interests of the child; ### 10. underlines that the exercise of a fundamental right such as freedom of movement and freedom of residence should not pose a greater threat to the child’s rights , that children involved in cross-border civil and family law disputes should enjoy the same rights and level of protection in all member states , and that children whose parents exercise their right to freedom of movement have the right to maintain a personal relationship and direct contact with their parents on a regular basis;


### 15. calls on the member states to guarantee regular visitation rights for parents unless it is detrimental to the best interests of the child , and to allow parents to use their mother tongue with their children during visits; ### 15. calls on the member states to guarantee regular visitation rights for parents and to allow parents to use their mother tongue with their children during visits;


### 1. emphasises that high standards of transparency and integrity in the eu institutions are essential to enabling citizens to exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and thus to enhancing the democratic legitimacy and credibility of the union while restoring confidence in the european integration process; recalls that , in her political guidelines for the 2019-2024 commission , the president of the commission stressed that if citizens were to have faith in the eu , its institutions should be open and beyond reproach on ethics , transparency and integrity; recalls that the right to petition provides citizens with the most accessible way to enter into and maintain a direct dialogue with representatives from the eu institutions and thus contributes to improving openness , responsiveness and accountability while bridging the gap between citizens and eu institutions; ### 1. emphasises that high standards of transparency and integrity in the eu institutions are essential to enabling citizens to exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and thus to enhancing the democratic legitimacy and credibility of the union while restoring confidence in the european integration process; recalls that , in her political guidelines for the 2019-2024 commission , the president of the commission stressed that if citizens were to have faith in the eu , its institutions should be open and beyond reproach on ethics , transparency and integrity; recalls that the right to make a claim provides citizens with the most accessible way to enter into and maintain a direct dialogue with representatives from the eu institutions and thus contributes to improving openness , responsiveness and accountability while bridging the gap between citizens and eu institutions; notes in this regard that accessibility of the home pages dealing with claims should be fully granted also to persons with disabilities ;


### 1. emphasises that high standards of transparency and integrity in the eu institutions are essential to enabling citizens to exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and thus to enhancing the democratic legitimacy and credibility of the union while restoring confidence in the european integration process; recalls that , in her political guidelines for the 2019-2024 commission , the president of the commission stressed that if citizens were to have faith in the eu , its institutions should be open and beyond reproach on ethics , transparency and integrity; recalls that the right to petition provides citizens with the most accessible way to enter into and maintain a direct dialogue with representatives from the eu institutions and thus contributes to improving openness , responsiveness and accountability while bridging the gap between citizens and eu institutions; ### 1. emphasises that highest standards of transparency , accountability and integrity in the eu institutions are essential to enabling citizens to exercise their democratic right to participate in the eu’s decision-making process and thus to enhancing the democratic legitimacy and credibility of the union while restoring confidence in the european integration process; recalls that , in her political guidelines for the 2019-2024 commission , the president of the commission stressed that if citizens were to have faith in the eu , its institutions should be open and beyond reproach on ethics , transparency and integrity; recalls that the right to petition provides citizens with the most accessible way to enter into and maintain a direct dialogue with representatives from the eu institutions and thus contributes to improving openness , responsiveness and accountability while bridging the gap between citizens and eu institutions; notes that openness requires relevant adjustments to facilitate citizens’ participation in the eu decision-making by ensuring inclusiveness and by removing any barriers relative to bureaucracy , accessibility and know-how , among others; notes that the procedures for citizens’ participation in the eu decision-making should be as simplified as possible and easy for citizens to understand; highlights that along with the digital communication channels there is a need to empower traditional communication channels , so that citizens of low web literacy or limited web access may still have equal opportunities to the eu participation , dialogues and decision-making; suggests that the proposed independent ethics body should be established as serving both roles in a manner of coordination , working for transparency inwards and outwards , that is within eu institutions and in direct dialogue with the citizens and the citizen’s society;


### 1. believes that a single independent eu ethics body is necessary to ensure the consistent and full implementation of ethics standards across the eu institutions; proposes the conclusion of an interinstitutional agreement (iia) to set up an eu ethics body for parliament and the commission open to the participation of all eu institutions , agencies and bodies; recommends that the iia contain the following provisions: ### deleted


### — having regard to the treaty on european union (teu) , in particular articles 9 and 10 , 15(3) and 17(3) thereof , ### — having regard to the treaty on european union (teu) , in particular articles 9 and 10 , 13 , 14 , 15 ,16 and 17 thereof ,


### — having regard to the recommendations of transparency international , the council of europe’s group of states against corruption (greco) , and the organisation for economic co-operation and development (oecd) , ### — having regard to the recommendations of the organisation for economic co-operation and development (oecd) , the council of europe´s group of states against corruption (greco) , and various ngo´s ,


### a. whereas the teu stipulates that ‘the union shall observe the principle of the equality of its citizens , who shall receive equal attention from its institutions , bodies and agencies’; whereas this implies that public decisions are taken in the interest of the common good and not according to the financial power of individual actors; ### a. whereas the teu stipulates that ‘the union shall observe the principle of the equality of its citizens , who shall receive equal attention from its institutions , bodies and agencies’; whereas this implies that public decisions are taken in the interest of the common good and that conflicts of interests - which occur , according to the definition of the oecd "when an individual or a corporation (either private or governmental) is in a position to exploit his or their own profession or official capacity in some way for personal or corporate benefit" - should be avoided in the legislative process and whereas any definition of conflict of interest has a contextual and evolving nature and full transparency does not necessarily guarantee the absence of any conflict of interest , nor does it guarantee that public trust will be won or decreased;


### c. whereas the shortcomings of the current eu ethics framework derive largely from the fact that it relies on a self-regulatory approach and lacks adequate human and financial resources and competences to verify information; ### c. whereas any further evolution of the eu ethics framework must have a clear legal basis while respecting the separation of powers as laid down in the treaties;


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


### d. whereas , as a consequence , multiple cases of unethical conduct and their inadequate handling by the eu institutions have harmed the trust which european citizens place in the eu institutions; ### d. whereas every incidence of unethical behaviour can endanger the trust which european citizens place in eu institutions;


### e. whereas the current ethics standards framework appears to be highly fragmented , with different rules in different institutions , creating a complex system which is difficult for both eu citizens and for those who have to respect the rules to understand; ### e. whereas the current ethics standard frameworks are tailored according to the specificities of each european institutions;


### f. whereas the meroni doctrine developed by the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) allows for the delegation of eu institutions’ competences to external bodies; ### f. whereas the meroni doctrine developed by the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) allows for the delegation of eu institutions’ competences to external bodies under strict conditions; whereas according to the court any delegation of competences must be limited and can only relate to clearly defined executive powers , the use of which must be entirely subject to the supervision of the high authority and cannot concern discretionary powers involving any political judgement in order not to jeopardise the balance of powers between the institutions;


### g. whereas all lead candidates in the 2019 european elections committed to the creation of an independent ethics body common to all eu institutions; whereas the president of the commission committed to it in her political guidelines and whereas parliament has already supported this view; ### deleted


### scope and mandate ### reflections on mandate and scope


### 2. considers that the new eu ethics body should be delegated a list of competences to implement ethics rules for members and staff; takes the view that this list should include by way of a minimum the competences provided for in: ### 2. considers that any options under discussion for improving transparency and integrity in the eu institutions should only have advisory competences for the members of the institutions;


### - the statute for members of the european parliament: articles 2 and 3 , ### deleted


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


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


### - the staff regulation’s articles 11 , 11(a) , 12 , 12(a) , 12(b) , 13 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 21(a) , 22(a) , 22(c) , 24 , 27 and 40 , ### deleted


### - the iia on a mandatory transparency register; ### deleted


### 3. believes that the members and staff of the participating institutions should be covered by the agreement before , during and after the term of office or service in line with the applicable rules; considers that this should apply to members of parliament , commissioners and all eu staff falling under the scope of the staff regulation; ### deleted


### 4. insists that the iia should be open to the participation of all eu institutions and bodies; believes that the iia should allow the ethics body to conclude agreements with national authorities with a view to ensuring the exchange of information necessary for the performance of its tasks; ### 4. insists that any cooperation agreement between the institutions should be open to participation of other eu institutions and bodies in order to agree on common measures which can be implemented in respect of the division of powers;


### 5. considers that the participating institutions should entrust the eu ethics body with monitoring powers over ethics standards , as well as advisory , investigative and enforcement powers; ### deleted


### 5. considers that the participating institutions should entrust the eu ethics body with monitoring powers over ethics standards , as well as advisory , investigative and enforcement powers; ### 5. considers that any options under discussion for improving transparency and integrity in the eu institutions has to be respectful of the balance between the institutions as established by the treaties , underlines that it must not replace , substitute or interfere with the responsibilities and prerogatives of each institution and points out that given these considerations , the decision-making powers must remain within the respective institutions , hence only a body with advisory function able to issue non-binding recommendations is conceivable;


### 5. recommends empowering the european anti-fraud office or the european ombudsman with the responsibility to carry out oversight of conflicts of interest , revolving doors and lobby transparency for eu institutions and agencies; ### deleted


### 6. considers that this monitoring capacity should include the verification of the veracity of the declaration of financial interests , the handling of conflicts of interest , checks on transparency obligations and the verification of compliance with revolving doors rules; ### deleted


### 6. considers that this monitoring capacity should include the verification of the veracity of the declaration of financial interests , the handling of conflicts of interest , checks on transparency obligations and the verification of compliance with revolving doors rules; ### 6. considers that this monitoring capacity should include the verification of the veracity of the declaration of financial interests , the handling of conflicts of interest , checks on transparency obligations and the verification of compliance with revolving doors rules , entailing own-initiative inquiries and the assessment of any individual cases arising;


### 7. takes the view that the eu ethics body could also be given authority over the obligations imposed by the transparency register; ### deleted


### 8. considers that the eu ethics body should have the power to initiate procedures and to conduct investigations based on the information it has collected or that it has received from third parties; ### deleted


### 9. believes that in relation to its enforcement powers , the body could take over from the appointing authority in dealing with staff ethics obligations , and that in relation to members of parliament or commissioners , the body could be granted enforcement powers within the limits of the provisions contained in the treaties , and without prejudice to any additional mechanisms provided for in parliament’s rules of procedure , in particular concerning termination of office; ### 9. believes that in relation to members of parliament or commissioners , the body cannot be granted enforcement powers since this transferral of powers would counter the separation of powers laid down in the treaties;


### 10. considers that the eu ethics body should be entrusted with advisory tasks in order to provide advice to any individual covered by its scope who wishes to request interpretation of an ethical standard in relation to appropriate conduct in a specific case; ### 10. considers that such an eu ethics body should be entrusted with advisory tasks to improve the enforcement of existing provisions in the eu institutions in order to provide reliable and trustworthy advice to any individual possibly covered by its scope who wishes to request interpretation of an ethical standard in relation to appropriate conduct in a specific case;


### 11. believes that the decision on the absence of conflicts of interest of commissioners-designate should remain a competence of parliament’s committee on legal affairs , while the eu ethics body should support the process with the publication of its analysis of each individual case and make its investigative capacities available; ### 11. believes that the decision-making process regarding the absence of conflicts of interest of the commissioners-designate should be significantly improved to facilitate a thorough examination by members responsible of any conflicts of interest of future commissioners , using objective criteria , while leaving the procedural and decision-making aspects in the hands of parliament's committee on legal affairs; considers that the committee on legal affairs should be given more time and the possibility of assistance from the eu ethics body , which should publish its analysis of each individual case and make its investigative capacities available; points out that the findings of this committee should be made public;


### 11. believes that the decision on the absence of conflicts of interest of commissioners-designate should remain a competence of parliament’s committee on legal affairs , while the eu ethics body should support the process with the publication of its analysis of each individual case and make its investigative capacities available; ### 11. underlines that the decision on conflicts of interest of designated commissioners remains a political and institutional competence of the european parliament and its bodies , while such an eu ethics body could support the process with its non-binding analysis of each individual case;


### composition ### reflections on composition


### 12. believes that the ethics body should be composed of nine members , three selected by the commission , three elected by parliament , and three assigned de jure from among the former presidents of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) , the court of auditors and former eu ombudsmen; ### 12. believes that the ethics body should be composed of nine members , three selected by the commission , three appointed by parliament , and three designated from among the former presidents of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) , the court of auditors and former eu ombudsmen;


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


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


### 15. insists that the college be supported by a secretariat with the human , material and financial resources commensurate with its mandate and tasks; ### 15. recommend that the college be supported by a secretariat with the human , material and financial resources commensurate with its mandate and tasks in accordance with the principles of sound financial budget management;


### procedures ### reflections on procedures


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


### general and final provisions ### reflections on general and final provisions


### 17. is of the opinion that the eu ethics body should publish an annual report containing both information about the fulfilment of its tasks and , where appropriate , recommendations for improving ethics standards; ### 17. is of the opinion that the eu ethics body should publish an annual report containing information about the fulfilment of its tasks to be presented to the european parliament;


### 18. insists that the decisions of the eu ethics body should be legally binding , reviewable before the cjeu and subject to possible complaints to the eu ombudsman; ### 18. insists that the decisions of the eu ethics body should be properly justified , well documented and legally binding , reviewable before the cjeu and subject to possible complaints to the eu ombudsman;


### 18. insists that the decisions of the eu ethics body should be legally binding , reviewable before the cjeu and subject to possible complaints to the eu ombudsman; ### 18. insists that an eu ethics body cannot issue legally binding decisions , since no institution can delegate decision-making authority to another institution;


### 2. expresses its deepest concern on the lack of transparency by the commission and member states in the development , purchase and distribution of covid-19 vaccines; ### 2. expresses its deepest concern on the lack of transparency by the commission , member states and the pharmaceutical companies in the development , purchase and distribution of covid-19 vaccines;


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


### 11. calls on the commission to provide strong safeguards of the availability , accessibility and affordability of covid-19 vaccines and therefore to support the indian and south african world trade organisation initiative for a temporary waiver on intellectual property rights for covid-19 vaccines , equipment and treatments and to increase its contribution to the covax initiative; ### 11. calls on the commission to provide strong safeguards of the availability , accessibility and affordability of covid-19 vaccines and therefore to support the indian and south african world trade organisation initiative for a temporary waiver on intellectual property rights for covid-19 vaccines , equipment and treatments and to increase its contribution to the covax initiative in order to save lives in those countries that have been left out of vaccine distribution;


### 2. recalls that the eu is the main trade partner of the western balkan countries and that bilateral trade doubled between 2006 and 2016; notes , however , that the eu continuously runs an unsustainable trade surplus with the western balkans; ### 2. recalls that the eu is the main trade partner of the western balkan countries and that bilateral trade doubled between 2006 and 2016; notes , furthermore , that the eu continuously runs a steady trade surplus with the western balkans , counting for 9 billion euros in 2018;


### 4. notes with concern that a free trade agreement between the eurasian economic union and the republic of serbia has entered into force , which risks undermining the aims of the stabilisation and association agreement (saa) and serbia’s 2009 application for membership of the eu; ### deleted


### 5. demands strong integration efforts in order to support western balkan countries in promoting improvement of the rule of law , democracy and human rights so as to enhance economic competitiveness , budgetary balance and structural reform; ### 5. demands strong integration efforts in order to support western balkan countries in promoting improvement of the rule of law , democracy and human rights and fighting against corruption so as to enhance economic competitiveness , budgetary balance and structural reform;


### 7. recalls that the eu is the largest foreign investor in the region and emphasises the need to give the region high priority under the eu’s connectivity strategy; ### 7. recalls that the eu is the largest foreign investor in the region by investing 12 ,7 billion euros in foreign direct investments between 2014-2018 and emphasises the need to give the region high priority under the eu’s connectivity strategy;


### 1. reiterates that global value chains are the key feature of the global economy and that trade policy must contribute to a transparent production process throughout the value chain and demonstrate compliance with environmental , social and safety standards; ### 1. reiterates that global supply chains are the key feature of the global economy and that trade policy can contribute to a transparent production process throughout the supply chain and demonstrate compliance with environmental , social and safety standards;


### 2. emphasises that sustainable corporate governance can help the eu to build a more resilient and sustainable economy , improve the level playing field and protect eu businesses and citizens , and is therefore hugely beneficial to eu trade policy; ### 2. emphasises that sustainable corporate governance can help the eu in building a more resilient and sustainable economy only if it does not deteriorate the level playing field for european companies and it does not impede the improvement of europe's international competitiveness and if it protects eu businesses from unfair competitive advantages of third countries resulting from lower protection standards;


### 4. notes with concern that less than 1 % of companies publicly list their suppliers , even in high-risk sectors; ### deleted


### 5. stresses that directors’ duties should encompass an obligation to develop , disclose and implement a corporate sustainability strategy for all aspects of the company’s operations , including its supply chains; ### deleted


### 6. stresses that the requirement to disclose information on how sustainability issues affect the company and how the company affects society and the environment should include the sharing of all relevant information on all actors throughout the entire supply chain; ### 6. stresses that any new eu requirements to disclose information on how sustainability issues affect the company and how the company affects society and the environment should not overlap with existing reporting requirements (e.g. non financial reporting directive) and their scope and that any new eu requirements must be in accordance with the various international reporting standards like gri , sasb , iirc , etc to ensure a level playing field for european companies; reiterates the necessity of avoiding any additional administrative burdens for companies , especially smes;


### 6. calls in this regard for the adoption of a european legislative framework requiring undertakings to establish , implement , regularly assess and update a corporate sustainability strategy in consultation with all relevant stakeholders; believes that this strategy should address in particular the companies’ environmental impacts such as loss of biodiversity and deforestation , as well as mid- and long-term planning towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050. ### 6. calls in this regard for the adoption of a european legislative framework requiring undertakings to establish , implement , regularly assess and update a corporate sustainability strategy in consultation with all relevant stakeholders and taking into account the whole business activity (such as supply chains) ;believes that this strategy should address in particular the companies’ environmental impacts , both within and outside the eu , such as loss of biodiversity and deforestation , as well as mid- and long-term planning towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050;


### 1. calls on the commission and the european external action service (eeas) to ensure proper implementation of the eu-asia connectivity strategy by providing an effective political governance mechanism that could make the eu a rule setter in transport connectivity , while promoting eu principles such as transparency , good governance and sustainability; ### 1. notes that asia is the biggest trade partner of the eu thus the eu-asia connectivity is of economic as well as of geopolitical importance; calls on , therefore , the commission and the european external action service (eeas) to ensure proper implementation of the eu-asia connectivity strategy by providing an effective political governance mechanism and by dedicating adequate financing to connectivity-related projects in the next multiannual financial framework (mff) that could make the eu a rule setter in transport connectivity , while promoting eu principles such as transparency , good governance and sustainability;


### 1. calls on the commission and the european external action service (eeas) to ensure proper implementation of the eu-asia connectivity strategy by providing an effective political governance mechanism that could make the eu a rule setter in transport connectivity , while promoting eu principles such as transparency , good governance and sustainability; ### 1. calls on the commission and the european external action service (eeas) to ensure proper implementation of the eu-asia connectivity strategy by providing an effective political governance mechanism that could make the eu a rule setter in transport connectivity , while promoting eu principles such as transparency , accountability , good governance and sustainability; considers that transport and infrastructure connectivity in terms of eurasian land bridges , transport corridors , sea routes and rail links go hand in hand with promoting people-to-people exchanges , policy coordination , trade and capital flows;


### 1. highlights that connectivity as a fundamental orientation of the european union is deeply ingrained in the eu’s approach to domestic and international challenges; points out with pride that connectivity policies have been implemented successfully in many of the eu’s external relations; encourages the commission and eeas to create a global eu connectivity strategy (‘the strategy’) as an extension of the current eu-asia connectivity strategy in order to align our connectivity philosophy and connectivity policies with the goal of strengthening the eu’s role as a true geopolitical and geo-economic actor; ### 1. highlights the fundamental role that connectivity plays in the geopolitical relations of the eu and its member states and underlines that connectivity as a fundamental orientation of the european union is deeply ingrained in the eu’s approach to domestic and international challenges; points out with pride that connectivity policies have been implemented successfully in many of the eu’s external relations; encourages the commission and eeas to create a global eu connectivity strategy (‘the strategy’) as an extension of the current eu-asia connectivity strategy in order to align our connectivity philosophy and connectivity policies with the goal of strengthening the eu’s role as a true geopolitical and geo-economic actor , with a single narrative , within which specific priorities and policies can fit (such as eap , enp and any further indo-pacific strategy);


### 1. highlights that connectivity as a fundamental orientation of the european union is deeply ingrained in the eu’s approach to domestic and international challenges; points out with pride that connectivity policies have been implemented successfully in many of the eu’s external relations; encourages the commission and eeas to create a global eu connectivity strategy (‘the strategy’) as an extension of the current eu-asia connectivity strategy in order to align our connectivity philosophy and connectivity policies with the goal of strengthening the eu’s role as a true geopolitical and geo-economic actor; ### 1. highlights that connectivity as a fundamental orientation of the european union is deeply ingrained in the eu’s approach to domestic and international challenges; points out with pride that connectivity policies have been implemented successfully in many of the eu’s external relations; encourages the commission and eeas to create a global eu connectivity strategy (‘the strategy’) as an extension of the current eu-asia connectivity strategy in order to align our connectivity philosophy and connectivity policies with the goal of strengthening the eu’s role as a true geopolitical and geo-economic actor; makes clear , however , that in the area of connectivity member states' rights must be safeguarded , in particular when their security , sovereignty or vital interests are at stake;