### notwithstanding paragraph 1 , member states shall ensure that where a company has taken the actions referred to in article 7(2) , point (b) and article 7(4) , or article 8(3) , point (c) , and article 8(5) , it shall not be liable for damages caused by an adverse impact arising as a result of the activities of an indirect partner with whom it has an established business relationship , unless it was unreasonable , in the circumstances of the case , to expect that the action actually taken , including as regards verifying compliance , would be adequate to prevent , mitigate , bring to an end or minimise the extent of the adverse impact. ### notwithstanding paragraph 1 , member states shall ensure that where a company has taken the actions referred to in article 7(2) , point (b) and article 7(4) , or article 8(3) , point (c) , and article 8(5) , it shall not be liable for damages caused by an adverse impact arising as a result of the activities of a direct partner with whom it has an established business relationship , unless the company concerned was negligent or otherwise at fault.


### 3. the civil liability of a company for damages arising under this provision shall be without prejudice to the civil liability of its subsidiaries or of any direct and indirect business partners in the value chain. ### 3. the civil liability of a company for damages arising under this provision shall be without prejudice to the civil liability of its subsidiaries or of any business partners in the value chain. it shall also be without prejudice to the administrative liability of the company before the supervisory authorities of member states for breaches of the due diligence requirements set out in this directive.


### 4. the civil liability rules under this directive shall be without prejudice to union or national rules on civil liability related to adverse human rights impacts or to adverse environmental impacts that provide for liability in situations not covered by or providing for stricter liability than this directive. ### 4. the civil liability rules under this directive shall be without prejudice to union or national rules on civil liability related to adverse human rights impacts , to adverse labour rights impacts or to adverse environmental impacts that provide for liability in situations not covered by or providing for stricter liability than this directive.


### 4. the civil liability rules under this directive shall be without prejudice to union or national rules on civil liability related to adverse human rights impacts or to adverse environmental impacts that provide for liability in situations not covered by or providing for stricter liability than this directive. ### 4. the civil liability rules under this directive shall be without prejudice to union or national rules on civil liability related to adverse human rights impacts , adverse labour rights impacts or to adverse environmental impacts that provide for liability in situations not covered by or providing for stricter liability than this directive.


### article 25 ### deleted


### article 26 ### deleted


### whether articles 4 to 14 should be extended to adverse climate impacts. ### whether articles 4 to 14 should be extended to additional adverse environmental , climate , biodiversity , human rights , labour rights or animal welfare impacts.


### whether articles 4 to 14 should be extended to adverse climate impacts. ### additional adverse environmental , climate , biodiversity , human rights , labour rights or rule of law and democracy impacts


### (7) the united nations’ sustainable development goals83 , adopted by all united nations member states in 2015 , include the objectives to promote sustained , inclusive and sustainable economic growth. the union has set itself the objective to deliver on the un sustainable development goals. the private sector contributes to those aims. ### (7) the united nations’ sustainable development goals83 , adopted by all united nations member states in 2015 , include the objectives to promote sustained , inclusive and sustainable economic growth. the union has set itself the objective to deliver on the un sustainable development goals. the private sector shall contribute to those aims.


### (7) the united nations’ sustainable development goals83 , adopted by all united nations member states in 2015 , include the objectives to promote sustained , inclusive and sustainable economic growth. the union has set itself the objective to deliver on the un sustainable development goals. the private sector contributes to those aims. ### (7) the united nations’ sustainable development goals83 , adopted by all united nations member states in 2015 , include the objectives to promote sustained , inclusive and sustainable economic growth. the union has set itself the objective to deliver on the un sustainable development goals. the private sector should effectively contribute to those aims.


### 1. violations of rights and prohibitions included in international human rights agreements ### 1. violations of human rights and labour rights , and prohibitions included in international human rights agreements


### violations of rights and prohibitions included in international human rights agreements ### violations of human rights and labour rights prohibitions included in international human rights agreements


### human rights and fundamental freedoms conventions ### human rights , labour rights and fundamental freedoms conventions


### 2. member states shall ensure that the name , address , electronic mail address and telephone number of the authorised representative is notified to a supervisory authority in the member state where the authorised representative is domiciled or established. member states shall ensure that the authorised representative is obliged to provide , upon request , a copy of the designation in an official language of a member state to any of the supervisory authorities. ### 2. member states shall ensure that the name , address , electronic mail address and telephone number of the authorised representative is notified to a supervisory authority in the member state where the authorised representative is domiciled or established. member states shall ensure that the authorised representative is obliged to provide , upon request , a copy of the designation in a language that holds official status in a member state to any of the supervisory authorities.


### 3. inspections shall be conducted in compliance with the national law of the member state in which the inspection is carried out and with prior warning to the company , except where prior notification hinders the effectiveness of the inspection. where , as part of its investigation , a supervisory authority wishes to carry out an inspection on the territory of a member state other than its own , it shall seek assistance from the supervisory authority in that member state pursuant to article 21(2). ### 3. inspections shall be conducted in compliance with the national law of the member state in which the inspection is carried out and without prior warning to the company. where , as part of its investigation , a supervisory authority wishes to carry out an inspection on the territory of a member state other than its own , it shall seek assistance from the supervisory authority in that member state pursuant to article 21(2).


### to order the cessation of infringements of the national provisions adopted pursuant to this directive , abstention from any repetition of the relevant conduct and , where appropriate , remedial action proportionate to the infringement and necessary to bring it to an end; ### to order the cessation of infringements of the national provisions adopted pursuant to this directive , abstention from any repetition of the relevant conduct and , where feasible , remedial action proportionate to the infringement and necessary to bring it to an end;


### to order the cessation of infringements of the national provisions adopted pursuant to this directive , abstention from any repetition of the relevant conduct and , where appropriate , remedial action proportionate to the infringement and necessary to bring it to an end; ### to order the cessation of infringements of the national provisions adopted pursuant to this directive , abstention from any repetition of the relevant conduct and , where possible , remedial action proportionate to the infringement and necessary to bring it to an end;


### to impose pecuniary sanctions in accordance with article 20; ### to impose effective , proportionate and dissuasive pecuniary sanctions in accordance with article 20;


### 6. where the legal system of the member state does not provide for administrative sanctions , this article and article 20 may be implemented in such a manner that the sanction is initiated by the competent supervisory authority and imposed by the competent national courts , while ensuring that those legal remedies are effective and have an equivalent effect to the administrative sanctions imposed by supervisory authorities. ### 6. the legal system of the member state shall provide for administrative sanctions to implement this article and article 20 , without prejudice to the possibility of the judicial revision of such administrative sanctions;


### 1. member states shall ensure that , when fulfilling their duty to act in the best interest of the company , directors of companies referred to in article 2(1) take into account the consequences of their decisions for sustainability matters , including , where applicable , human rights , climate change and environmental consequences , including in the short , medium and long term. ### 1. member states shall ensure that , when fulfilling their duty to act in the best interest of the company , directors of companies referred to in article 2(1) integrate climate risks and potential and actual adverse impacts identified pursuant to this directive into their decisions for sustainability matters , including , where applicable , human rights , labour rights , animal rights , climate change and environmental consequences , including in the short , medium and long term.


### 1. member states shall ensure that , when fulfilling their duty to act in the best interest of the company , directors of companies referred to in article 2(1) take into account the consequences of their decisions for sustainability matters , including , where applicable , human rights , climate change and environmental consequences , including in the short , medium and long term. ### 1. member states shall ensure that , when fulfilling their duty to act in the best interest of the company , directors of companies referred to in article 2(1) integrate climate risks and potential and actual adverse impacts identified pursuant to this directive into for sustainability matters , including , where applicable , human rights , labour rights , climate change and environmental consequences , including in the short , medium and long term.


### (28) in order to ensure that due diligence forms part of companies’ corporate policies , and in line with the relevant international framework , companies should integrate due diligence into all their corporate policies and have in place a due diligence policy. the due diligence policy should contain a description of the company’s approach , including in the long term , to due diligence , a code of conduct describing the rules and principles to be followed by the company’s employees and subsidiaries; a description of the processes put in place to implement due diligence , including the measures taken to verify compliance with the code of conduct and to extend its application to established business relationships. the code of conduct should apply in all relevant corporate functions and operations , including procurement and purchasing decisions. companies should also update their due diligence policy annually. ### (28) in order to ensure that due diligence forms part of companies’ corporate policies , and in line with the relevant international framework , companies should integrate due diligence into all their corporate policies and have in place a due diligence policy. the due diligence policy should contain a description of the company’s approach , including in the long term , to due diligence , a code of conduct describing the rules and principles to be followed by the company’s directors , employees and subsidiaries; a description of the processes put in place to implement due diligence , including the measures taken to verify compliance with the code of conduct and to extend its application to all business relationships. the code of conduct should apply in all relevant corporate functions and operations , including procurement and purchasing decisions. companies should also update and publish their due diligence policy annually.


### (33) under the due diligence obligations set out by this directive , if a company identifies potential adverse human rights or environmental impacts , it should take appropriate measures to prevent and adequately mitigate them. to provide companies with legal clarity and certainty , this directive should set out the actions companies should be expected to take for prevention and mitigation of potential adverse impacts where relevant depending on the circumstances. ### (33) under the due diligence obligations set out by this directive , if a company identifies potential adverse human rights , labour rights or environmental impacts , it should take appropriate measures to prevent and adequately mitigate them. to provide companies with legal clarity and certainty , this directive should set out the actions companies should be expected to take for prevention and mitigation of potential adverse impacts where relevant depending on the circumstances.


### (33) under the due diligence obligations set out by this directive , if a company identifies potential adverse human rights or environmental impacts , it should take appropriate measures to prevent and adequately mitigate them. to provide companies with legal clarity and certainty , this directive should set out the actions companies should be expected to take for prevention and mitigation of potential adverse impacts where relevant depending on the circumstances. ### (33) under the due diligence obligations set out by this directive , if a company identifies potential adverse human rights , adverse labour rights or environmental impacts , it should take appropriate measures to prevent and adequately mitigate them. to provide companies with legal clarity and certainty , this directive should set out the actions companies should be expected to take for prevention and mitigation of potential adverse impacts where relevant depending on the circumstances.


### (54) in order to ensure effective enforcement of national measures implementing this directive , member states should provide for dissuasive , proportionate and effective sanctions for infringements of those measures. in order for such sanction regime to be effective , administrative sanctions to be imposed by the national supervisory authorities should include pecuniary sanctions. where the legal system of a member state does not provide for administrative sanctions as foreseen in this directive , the rules on administrative sanctions should be applied in such a way that the sanction is initiated by the competent supervisory authority and imposed by the judicial authority. therefore , it is necessary that those member states ensure that the application of the rules and sanctions has an equivalent effect to the administrative sanctions imposed by the competent supervisory authorities. ### (54) in order to ensure effective enforcement of national measures implementing this directive , member states should provide for dissuasive , proportionate and effective sanctions for infringements of those measures. in order for such sanction regime to be effective , administrative sanctions to be imposed by the national supervisory authorities should include pecuniary sanctions that are proportionate to the turnover of the company. the legal system of a member state should provide for administrative sanctions as foreseen in this directive , without prejudice of their review by the judicial authority.


### (54) in order to ensure effective enforcement of national measures implementing this directive , member states should provide for dissuasive , proportionate and effective sanctions for infringements of those measures. in order for such sanction regime to be effective , administrative sanctions to be imposed by the national supervisory authorities should include pecuniary sanctions. where the legal system of a member state does not provide for administrative sanctions as foreseen in this directive , the rules on administrative sanctions should be applied in such a way that the sanction is initiated by the competent supervisory authority and imposed by the judicial authority. therefore , it is necessary that those member states ensure that the application of the rules and sanctions has an equivalent effect to the administrative sanctions imposed by the competent supervisory authorities. ### (54) in order to ensure effective enforcement of national measures implementing this directive , member states should provide for dissuasive , proportionate and effective sanctions for infringements of those measures. in order for such sanction regime to be effective , administrative sanctions to be imposed by the national supervisory authorities should include pecuniary sanctions that are proportionate to the turnout of the company. the legal system of a member state should provide for administrative sanctions as foreseen in this directive , without prejudice of their review by the competent judicial authority.


### (60) as regards civil liability arising from adverse environmental impacts , persons who suffer damage can claim compensation under this directive even where they overlap with human rights claims. ### (60) as regards civil liability arising from adverse environmental impacts , persons who suffer damage can claim compensation under this directive even where they overlap with human rights or labour rights claims.


### 3. this directive shall be without prejudice to obligations in the areas of human rights , protection of the environment and climate change under other union legislative acts. if the provisions of this directive conflict with a provision of another union legislative act pursuing the same objectives and providing for more extensive or more specific obligations , the provisions of the other union legislative act shall prevail to the extent of the conflict and shall apply to those specific obligations. ### 3. this directive shall be without prejudice to obligations in the areas of human rights , protection of the environment and climate change , and protection of labour rights under other union legislative acts. if the provisions of this directive conflict with a provision of another union legislative act pursuing the same objectives and providing for more extensive or more specific obligations , the provisions of the other union legislative act shall prevail to the extent of the conflict and shall apply to those specific obligations.


### 3. this directive shall be without prejudice to obligations in the areas of human rights , protection of the environment and climate change under other union legislative acts. if the provisions of this directive conflict with a provision of another union legislative act pursuing the same objectives and providing for more extensive or more specific obligations , the provisions of the other union legislative act shall prevail to the extent of the conflict and shall apply to those specific obligations. ### 3. this directive shall be without prejudice to obligations in the areas of human rights , protection of the environment and climate change , and the protection of labour rights under other union legislative acts. if the provisions of this directive conflict with a provision of another union legislative act pursuing the same objectives and providing for more extensive or more specific obligations , the provisions of the other union legislative act shall prevail to the extent of the conflict and shall apply to those specific obligations.


### 1. expresses deep concern about the deliberate and systematic efforts of the hungarian government to undermine the founding values of the union enshrined in article 2 teu , in particular through the removal of the constitutional checks and balances , by the limitation of the independence of the judiciary , by intentional alterations of the national electoral system and by hampering freedom of expression; highlights that these trends have substantially worsened since the triggering of article 7(1) teu and have been severely amplified by the covid-19 crisis; ### 1. expresses deep concern about the direction to which the whole european union is heading due to unfounded and politically motivated attacks against the member states , which oppose the mainstream vision of the eu as an ever closer federal supra-national state , and defend the sovereignty and independence of the member states;


### 1. underlines that economic development and multilateralism are important tools to improve people’s lives; points out that one of the objectives of the ipa is to strengthen the economic , trade and investment relationship between the eu and viet nam in accordance with the objective of sustainable development , and to promote trade and investment in a manner that is mindful of high levels of environmental and labour protection and relevant internationally recognised standards and agreements; ### 1. underlines that economic development and multilateralism are important tools to improve people’s lives; points out that one of the objectives of the ipa is to strengthen the economic , trade and investment relationship between the eu and viet nam in accordance with the objective of sustainable development , and to promote trade and investment in full compliance with human rights , environmental and labour internationally recognised standards and agreements;


### 1. recalls that parliament gave its consent to the eu-viet nam framework agreement on comprehensive partnership and cooperation (pca) on 17 december 20151 , which defines future relations and aims to enhance further cooperation on global and regional challenges; ### 1. recalls that parliament gave its consent to the eu-viet nam framework agreement on comprehensive partnership and cooperation (pca) on 17 december 20151 , which defines future relations and aims to enhance further cooperation on global and regional challenges; notes with concern that serious human rights violations have continued since the entry into force of the pca;


### 1. strongly supports the conclusion of the negotiations on the voluntary partnership agreement (vpa) between the eu and honduras , which not only promotes sustainable trade in legal timber products , but also aims to address illegal logging and improve forest governance , law enforcement and transparency; ### 1. strongly supports the conclusion of the negotiations on the voluntary partnership agreement (vpa) between the eu and honduras , which not only promotes sustainable trade in legal timber products , but also aims to address illegal logging and improve forest governance , law enforcement , human rights , transparency , accountability and institutional resilience;


### 1. welcomes the new direction taken in the sustainable fisheries partnership agreements (sfpas) and their implementing protocols , which duly reflect eu priorities and external policy lines; recalls the eu’s commitment to the principle of policy coherence for development and the need for the sfpas and their implementing protocols to be in line with the un’s 2030 agenda for sustainable development; ### 1. recalls the eu’s commitment to the principle of policy coherence for development and the need for the sfpas and their implementing protocols to be in line with the un’s 2030 agenda for sustainable development; considers that insufficient , inaccurate and non-public data makes it difficult to evaluate the contributions of the sustainable fishing partnership agreements towards the attainment of the sdgs in partner countries;


### 2. deplores the fact that the constitutional balance in hungary has continued to be significantly altered by a deliberately broad and instrumental use of cardinal laws and constitutional amendments aiming to entrench the issues which are to be regulated by ordinary legislation , with no or limited public consultation , in a very expedient manner , without any effective involvement of the opposition or civil society; highlights that such a trend is contrary to the rule of law , to constitutional traditions and to principles common to member states and has been a source of open and consistent criticism by the eu and by the council of europe institutions; denounces the excessive use of extraordinary powers with the declaration of the state of danger at the outset of the covid-19 pandemic; ### 2. regards that constitutional changes that hungary has approved during the last decade are a result of a legitimate use of a governing majority received in democratic elections , if and to the extent to which the hungarian constitutional court has upheld them or , at any rate , not questioned them constitutionally;


### 2. welcomes the enhanced political dialogue between the eu and viet nam and the upgraded potential to address human rights concerns in the framework of the institutional mechanisms established under article 35 of the pca and article 13 of the fta; believes that those articles provide the necessary tools to address human rights concerns related to the ipa; ### 2. welcomes the enhanced political dialogue between the eu and viet nam and the possibility to address human rights concerns in the framework of the institutional mechanisms established under article 35 of the pca and article 13 of the fta; takes note that even if a party may unilaterally take appropriate measures when it considers that the other party has committed a material breach of the pca , these measures are in full discretion of the parties and have been used in very exceptional circumstances;


### 2. welcomes the commitment shown by honduras and the progress made so far , and is aware that the full implementation of the vpa will be a long-term process entailing the adoption of a whole batch of legislation to establish the timber legality assurance system (tlas) and to make it operational; stresses that the implementation of the vpa will require sustained political will , as well as the dedication of significant human and financial resources to running the tlas; ### 2. welcomes the commitment shown by honduras and the progress made so far , and is aware that the full implementation of the vpa will be a long-term process entailing the adoption of a whole batch of legislation to establish the timber legality assurance system (tlas) and to make it operational; stresses that the implementation of the vpa will require sustained political will , as well as the dedication of significant human and financial resources to running the tlas; stresses that eu delegations should play a key role in overseeing that honduran authorities effectively include all the relevant stakeholders in the process towards the establishment of a fully operational tlas and the implementation of the vpa; believes that parliamentary oversight of the implementation process of the vpa is needed , especially with regard to holding regular exchange of views with the independent auditor appointed by the honduras-eu joint implementation committee;


### 2. recognises the role of the sfpas in improving fisheries management and enhancing sustainability and good governance in the eu’s partner countries and globally; ### 2. takes note of the role of the sfpas in fisheries management and enhancing sustainability and good governance in the eu’s partner countries and globally;


### 3. stresses that under article 35 of the pca , the parties agree to cooperate in the promotion and protection of human rights , including with regard to the implementation of international human rights instruments to which they are parties; ### 3. stresses that under article 35 of the pca , the parties agree to cooperate in the promotion and protection of human rights , including with regard to the implementation of international human rights instruments to which they are parties; notes with concern that it has proved to be insufficient as serious human rights violations have continued since the entry into force of the pca;


### 3. acknowledges viet nam’s efforts to undertake an ambitious reform agenda , notably on the environmental and labour rights of the sustainable development chapter of the fta; welcomes the ratification of six out of eight core ilo conventions , namely no. 29 on forced labour , nos. 100 and 111 on non-discrimination , nos. 138 and 182 on child labour and most recently no. 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining; calls on the vietnamese government to quickly ratify the outstanding conventions; ### 3. acknowledges viet nam’s efforts to undertake a reform agenda , notably on the environmental and labour rights of the sustainable development chapter of the fta; welcomes the ratification of six out of eight core ilo conventions , namely no. 29 on forced labour , nos. 100 and 111 on non-discrimination , nos. 138 and 182 on child labour and most recently no. 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining; calls on the vietnamese government to quickly ratify and fully implement the outstanding conventions; regrets that the sustainable development chapter does not create any legal and binding obligation; calls for a public and binding calendar for the ratification of ilo conventions no. 87 on freedom of association and protection of the right to organize and no. 105 on the abolition of forced labour;


### 3. acknowledges viet nam’s efforts to undertake an ambitious reform agenda , notably on the environmental and labour rights of the sustainable development chapter of the fta; welcomes the ratification of six out of eight core ilo conventions , namely no. 29 on forced labour , nos. 100 and 111 on non-discrimination , nos. 138 and 182 on child labour and most recently no. 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining; calls on the vietnamese government to quickly ratify the outstanding conventions; ### 3. acknowledges viet nam’s efforts to undertake an ambitious reform agenda , notably on the environmental and labour rights of the sustainable development chapter of the fta; welcomes the ratification of six out of eight core ilo conventions , namely no. 29 on forced labour , nos. 100 and 111 on non-discrimination , nos. 138 and 182 on child labour and most recently no. 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining; calls on the vietnamese government to quickly ratify the outstanding conventions , namely the convention no. 105 on abolition of forced labour and no. 87 on freedom of association and protection of the right to organise; believes that the grant by the government of the protections afforded by said conventions to its citizens should constitute a prerequisite for the entry into force of the fta;


### 3. calls on the commission to allocate funding to accompany the implementation of the vpa as part of the next programming period of the eu bilateral programmes (2021-2027); ### 3. calls on the commission to allocate funding to accompany the implementation of the vpa as part of the next programming period of the eu bilateral programmes (2021-2027) , especially with regard to the assistance for establishing a truly independent flegt licensing authority entrusted by the eu;


### 3. stresses that fishing is an important sector for mauritania’s economy and is essential to the country’s economic development , employment opportunities and food security; ### 3. stresses that fishing is an important sector for mauritania’s economy and is essential to the country’s economic development , employment opportunities and food security; insists that fisheries investments must be clearly aligned with the sdgs and not jeopardise the needs of coastal communities;


### 5. underscores the importance of the ipa in contributing to raising living standards , promoting economic growth and stability , helping advance the rule of law , good governance , sustainable development and respect for human rights in viet nam , while also enabling the eu to foster its objectives of peace and stability in the region. ### 5. underscores the importance of the ipa in contributing to raising living standards , promoting economic growth and stability , while also enabling the eu to foster its objectives of peace and stability in the region.


### 5. underlines that article 13 of the fta embodies a cooperative approach based on common values and interests , taking into account the differences in the parties’ respective levels of development; welcomes the possibility of first resolving matters that fall under article 13 on trade and sustainable development through exchange in the committee on trade and sustainable development; recalls that a party may request that a panel of experts be convened to examine such matters in the event that the committee is unable to resolve them satisfactorily; ### 5. underlines that article 13 of the fta embodies a cooperative approach based on common values and interests , taking into account the differences in the parties’ respective levels of development; welcomes the possibility of first resolving matters that fall under article 13 on trade and sustainable development through exchange in the committee on trade and sustainable development; regrets that in case that the matters are not resolved , the second mechanism that allows a party to request a panel of experts remains subordinated to the willingness of the parties and lacks legal guarantees;


### 5. welcomes the fact that the vpa’s definition of legality explicitly refers to the rights of indigenous and afro-descendant peoples of honduras living in forest areas and to the principles of free , prior and informed consent (fpic); ### 5. welcomes the fact that the vpa’s definition of legality explicitly refers to the rights of indigenous and afro-descendant peoples of honduras living in forest areas and to the principles of free , prior and informed consent (fpic); welcomes that the rights of forestry sector workers are also recognized in the vpa's definition of legality , and believes that ensuring full alignment of honduran law with ilo standars and effective respect of labour rights should be a priority of the honduras-eu joint implementation committee;


### 5. welcomes the amount allocated to the sectoral support component and encourages this allocation to be used to improve research , surveillance and control of fishing activity and the sustainable development of mauritania’s fisheries sector; ### 5. notes the amount allocated to the sectoral support component and encourages this allocation to be used to improve research , surveillance and control of fishing activity and the sustainable development of mauritania’s fisheries sector; underlines the need to ensure that the identification of sectoral support spending priorities is a transparent and participatory process , involving the scientific as well as local communities , including women fish processors.


### 6. highlights that the fta creates an institutional and legally binding link to the pca; points out that article 1 of the pca contains a standard human rights clause which can trigger appropriate measures , including , as a last resort , the suspension of the pca , or parts thereof , without delay; ### 6. highlights that the fta creates an institutional and legally binding link to the pca; points out that article 1 of the pca contains a standard human rights clause which can trigger appropriate measures , including , as a last resort , the suspension of the pca , or parts thereof , without delay; recalls that the european ombudsman , in case1409/2014/mhz on the eu-vietnam fta , found that the preamble of the eu-vietnam fta and other traditional tools , such as the ‘essential element’ clause of pca and the human rights dialogue , are insufficient to adequately respect eu obligations , especially when the third country´s legislation is not in line with international human rights standards;


### 6. recalls that land tenure has been a major source of violence and human rights abuses in honduras; believes , in this context , that the vpa process could contribute to clarifying land tenure rights; ### 6. recalls that land tenure has been a major source of violence and human rights abuses in honduras; believes , in this context , that the vpa process could contribute to clarifying land tenure rights; deplores that human rights violations and attacks on human rights defenders , including enforced disappearances and murders , are recurrent and many times go unpunished; believes that the eu should help to improve the operational capacity of the honduran protection mechanism for human rights defenders;


### 6. calls for the fostering of local economic development and the strengthening of coastal communities that are dependent on marine resources; ### 6. calls for the fostering of local economic development and the strengthening of coastal communities that are dependent on marine resources; underlines the need for regular consultation of coastal communities throughout the implementation process;


### 7. encourages the commission to step up technical assistance and available funding to viet nam and its independent civil society in order to support viet nam’s compliance with its international human rights obligations and the monitoring of the proper implementation of article 13 of the fta. ### 7. encourages the commission to step up technical assistance and available funding to viet nam and its independent civil society in order to support viet nam’s compliance with its international human rights obligations and the monitoring of the proper implementation of article 13 of the fta; notes with concerns that vietnamese independent civil society has been violently repressed; calls on the commission to indicate which vietnamese independent civil society groups will be included in the domestic advisory groups and how it will ensure that their independence is preserved;


### 7. encourages the commission to step up technical assistance and available funding to viet nam and its independent civil society in order to support viet nam’s compliance with its international human rights obligations and the monitoring of the proper implementation of article 13 of the fta. ### 7. encourages the commission to step up technical assistance and available funding to viet nam and its independent civil society in order to support viet nam’s compliance with its international human rights obligations and the monitoring of the proper implementation of article 13 of the fta; calls , in this regard , for the european commission to ensure the creation of an effective independent monitoring and complaints mechanism for human rights protection and to guarantee that the domestic advisory group in vietnam is composed of truly independent and impartial members;


### 7. emphasises that the success of the agreement will also depend , inter alia , on tackling fraud and corruption; ### 7. emphasises that the success of the agreement will also depend , inter alia , on tackling fraud and corruption; underlines that the vpa should not be considered as a mere trade agreement but as a tool to improve rule of law and human rights enforcement in honduras; calls on the commission to ensure that honduras’s national commission on human rights (conadeh) duly monitors and assesses human rights violations; considers that independent civil society organisations should be involved from the very beginning in the monitoring of human rights and institutional resilience;


### 7. calls on the commission and the islamic republic of mauritania to ensure that small-scale artisanal fishers and small-scale processors of fish are able to make a living by promoting a sustainable local blue economy , acknowledging the role of women in fish processing; ### 7. calls on the commission and the islamic republic of mauritania to ensure that small-scale artisanal fishers and small-scale processors of fish are able to make a living by promoting a sustainable local blue economy , acknowledging the role of women in fish processing and keeping eu vessels away from resources and fishing areas upon which small-scale fishers depend for their livelihoods;


### 8. calls for the eu to ensure the coherence of the vpa agreement with all of its policies. ### 8. calls for the eu to ensure the coherence of the vpa agreement with all of its policies , especially with regard to the establishment of a robust compulsory due diligence framework for european companies operating in third countries that makes those companies liable for damages linked to their activity in these countries and the effective enforcement of human rights clauses in trade agreements;


### 8. highlights the need to work to prevent illegal , unreported and unregulated fishing to ensure that fish stocks are maintained at sustainable levels. ### 8. highlights the need to work to prevent illegal , unreported and unregulated fishing to ensure that fish stocks are maintained at sustainable levels; insists on the need to trigger infringement procedures against member states who do not ensure compliance of their external fleets;


### j. whereas the purpose and expected benefits of flegt vpas go beyond the facilitation of trade in legal timber , as they are also designed to bring about systemic changes in forest governance , law enforcement , transparency and the inclusion of various stakeholders in the political decision-making process; ### j. whereas the purpose and expected benefits of flegt vpas go beyond the facilitation of trade in legal timber , as they are also designed to bring about systemic changes in forest governance , law enforcement , human rights , transparency , accountability and institutional resilience and the inclusion of various stakeholders in the political decision-making process;


### 4. stresses that the implementation stage requires continued consultations and stakeholder involvement; calls on the commission and the eu delegation in honduras to provide sufficient capacity-building and logistical and technical support in the framework of present and future development cooperation instruments in order to enable honduras to fulfil the commitments for the implementation of its tlas and related measures; ### 4. stresses that the implementation stage requires continued consultations and stakeholder involvement; calls on the commission and the eu delegation in honduras to provide sufficient capacity-building and logistical and technical support in the framework of present and future development cooperation instruments in order to enable honduras to fulfil the commitments for the implementation of its tlas and related measures; stresses that eu delegations should play a key role in overseeing that honduran authorities effectively include all the relevant stakeholders in the process towards the establishment of a fully operational tlas; believes that parliamentary oversight of the implementation process of the vpa is critical;


### 4. fully supports the human rights dialogue between the eu and viet nam , which is a very effective way to discuss issues related to human rights; calls for the strengthening of the annual eu-viet nam human rights dialogue with the involvement of local and international civil society and taking into account information received from relevant international organisations; ### 4. fully supports the human rights dialogue between the eu and viet nam , which is a way to discuss issues related to human rights; regrets the lack of any tangible result after several rounds of eu-vietnam human rights dialogues; further regrets that on at least two occasions vietnam detained activists right before the dialogues; calls for the strengthening of the annual eu-viet nam human rights dialogue with the involvement of local and international civil society and taking into account information received from relevant international organisations; calls for the dialogue to be geared around concrete deliverables; notes with concerns that vietnamese independent civil society has been violently repressed and largely operates underground for fear of persecution and retaliations;


### 4. remains concerned about human rights violations , including the application of the death penalty in viet nam; calls on viet nam to introduce a moratorium and move towards abolition; highlights that human rights constitute a cornerstone of the trade and sustainable development chapter of the fta; calls for periodic evaluation of the impact of the agreement; ### 4. remains concerned about human rights violations , including the application of the death penalty in viet nam; calls on viet nam to introduce a moratorium and move towards abolition; calls for periodic evaluation of the impact of the agreement; deeply regrets that the number of political prisoners , human rights , labour , religious and environmental activists , journalists and bloggers has dramatically increased in recent years , and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons detained for the peaceful exercise of their freedom of expression;


### 4. remains concerned about human rights violations , including the application of the death penalty in viet nam; calls on viet nam to introduce a moratorium and move towards abolition; highlights that human rights constitute a cornerstone of the trade and sustainable development chapter of the fta; calls for periodic evaluation of the impact of the agreement; ### 4. remains concerned about human rights violations , including the application of the death penalty in viet nam; calls on viet nam to introduce a moratorium and move towards abolition; recalls that the vietnamise government has not implemented any modification to its legislation on national security; on the contrary , it has recently intensified its crackdown on human rights defenders , members of civil society , religious groups and individuals who express opinions deemed critical of the government; calls on the vietnamese government to amend or repeal articles of the penal code that could be abused to repress dissent , such as articles 258 (331) , 88 (117) and 79 (109) , as well as its cybersecurity law; highlights that human rights constitute a cornerstone of the trade and sustainable development chapter of the fta; calls for periodic evaluation of the impact of the agreement;


### (3) in its communication of 25 november 2020 titled ‘making the most of the eu’s innovative potential – an intellectual property action plan to support the eu’s recovery and resilience’ , the commission undertook to look at ways to strengthen , modernise , streamline and better enforce geographical indications for agricultural products , wine and spirit drinks. ### (3) in its communication of 25 november 2020 titled ‘making the most of the eu’s innovative potential – an intellectual property action plan to support the eu’s recovery and resilience’ , the commission undertook to look at ways to strengthen , modernise , streamline and better enforce geographical indications for agricultural products , wine and spirit drinks. moreover , in its communication of 30 june 2021 “a long-term vision for the eu’s rural areas: towards stronger , connected , resilient and prosperous rural areas by 2040” , the commission gave geographical indications a role among the flagship initiatives promoting prosperous rural areas , because of their contribution to the economic diversification and specialisation of rural areas. finally , regulation (eu) 2021/2117 , as part of the reform of the common agricultural policy (cap) , introduced changes to the union’s system of geographical indications.


### (4) the quality and diversity of the union’s wine , spirit drinks and agricultural production is one of its important strengths , giving a competitive advantage to the union’s producers and making a major contribution to its living cultural and gastronomic heritage. this is due to the skills and determination of union producers who have kept traditions alive while taking into account the developments of new production methods and material. ### (4) the quality and diversity of the union’s wine , spirit drinks and agricultural production is one of its important strengths and prides , giving a competitive advantage to the union’s producers and making a major contribution to its living cultural and gastronomic heritage. this is due to the skills and determination of union producers , from labourers , farmers , traders and other professionals , who have kept traditions alive while taking into account the developments of new production methods and material. moreover , and following the one health and health in all policies principles , geographical indications are also unique labels proving the healthy source of raw materials and production.


### (5) citizens and consumers in the union increasingly demand quality as well as traditional products. they are also concerned to maintain the diversity of agricultural production in the union. this generates a demand for wine , spirit drinks and agricultural products with identifiable specific characteristics , in particular those linked to their geographical origin. ### (5) citizens and consumers in the union increasingly demand quality as well as traditional products. they are also concerned to maintain the diversity of agricultural production in the union. this generates a demand for wine , spirit drinks and agricultural products with identifiable specific characteristics , in particular those linked to their geographical origin , both in terms of territory and production process.


### (9) ensuring uniform recognition and protection throughout the union for the intellectual property rights related to names protected in the union is a priority that can be effectively achieved only at union level. geographical indications protecting the names of wines , spirit drinks and agricultural products having characteristics , attributes or reputation linked to their place of production are an exclusive union’s competence. a unitary and exclusive system of geographical indications therefore needs to be provided. geographical indications are a collective right held by all eligible producers in a designated area willing to adhere to a product specification. producers acting collectively have more powers than individual producers and take collective responsibilities to manage their geographical indications , including responding to societal demands for products resulting from sustainable production. operating geographical indications reward producers fairly for their efforts to produce a diverse range of quality products. at the same time , this can benefit the rural economy , which is particularly the case in areas with natural or other specific constraints , such as mountain areas and the most remote regions , where the farming sector accounts for a significant part of the economy and production costs are high. in this way , quality schemes are able to contribute to and complement rural development policy as well as market and income support policies of the cap. in particular , they may contribute to the developments in the farming sector and , especially , disadvantaged areas. a union framework that protects geographical indications by providing for their inclusion in a register at union level facilitates the development of the agricultural sector , since the resulting , more uniform approach ensures fair competition between the producers of products bearing such indications and enhances the credibility of the products in the consumers’ eyes. the system of geographical indications aims at enabling consumers to make more informed purchasing choices and , through labelling and advertising , helping them to correctly identify their products on the market. geographical indications , being a type of intellectual property right , help operators and companies valorise their intangible assets. to avoid creating unfair conditions of competition and to sustain the internal market , any producer , including a third country producer , should be able to use a registered name and market products designated as geographical indications throughout the union and in electronic commerce , provided that the product concerned complies with the requirements of the relevant specification and that the producer is covered by a system of controls. in light of the experience gained from the implementation of regulations (eu) no 1308/2013 , (eu) 2019/787 and (eu) no 1151/2012 of the european parliament and of the council27 , there is a need to address certain legal issues , to clarify and simplify some rules and to streamline the procedures. ### (9) ensuring uniform recognition and protection throughout the union for the intellectual property rights related to names protected in the union is a priority that can be effectively achieved only at union level. geographical indications protecting the names of wines , spirit drinks and agricultural products having characteristics , attributes or reputation linked to their place of production are an exclusive union’s competence. a unitary and exclusive system of geographical indications therefore needs to be provided. geographical indications are a collective right held by all eligible producers in a designated area willing to adhere to a product specification. producers acting collectively have more powers than individual producers and take collective responsibilities to manage their geographical indications , including responding to societal demands for products resulting from sustainable production. operating geographical indications reward producers fairly for their efforts to produce a diverse range of quality products. at the same time , this can benefit the rural economy , which is particularly the case in areas with natural or other specific constraints , such as mountain areas and the most remote regions , where the farming sector accounts for a significant part of the economy and production costs are high. in this way , quality schemes are able to contribute to and complement rural development policy as well as market and income support policies of the cap. in particular , they may contribute to the developments in the farming sector and , especially , disadvantaged areas. a union framework that protects geographical indications by providing for their inclusion in a register at union level facilitates the development of the agricultural sector , since the resulting , more uniform approach ensures fair competition between the producers of products bearing such indications and enhances the credibility of the products in the consumers’ eyes. the system of geographical indications aims at enabling consumers to make more informed purchasing choices and , through labelling and advertising , helping them to correctly identify their products on the market. geographical indications , being a type of intellectual property right , help operators and companies valorise their intangible assets from which they and consumers benefit. to avoid creating unfair conditions of competition and to sustain the internal market , any producer , including a third country producer , should be able to use a registered name and market products designated as geographical indications throughout the union and in electronic commerce , provided that the product concerned complies with the requirements of the relevant specification and that the producer is covered by a system of controls. in light of the experience gained from the implementation of regulations (eu) no 1308/2013 , (eu) 2019/787 and (eu) no 1151/2012 of the european parliament and of the council27 , there is a need to address certain legal issues , to clarify and simplify some rules and to streamline the procedures.


### (11) the union has for some time been aiming at simplifying the regulatory framework of the common agricultural policy. this approach should also apply to regulations in the field of geographical indications , without calling into question the specific characteristics of each sector. in order to simplify the lengthy registration and amendment procedures , harmonised procedural rules for geographical indications for wine , spirit drinks and agricultural products should be laid down in a single legal instrument , while maintaining product specific provisions for wine in regulation (eu) no 1308/2013 , for spirit drinks in regulation (eu) 2019/787 and for agricultural products in this regulation. the procedures for the registration , amendments to the product specification and cancellation of the registration in respect of geographical indications originating in the union , including opposition procedures , should be carried out by the member states and the commission. the member states and the commission should be responsible for distinct stages of each procedure. member states should be responsible for the first stage of the procedure , which consists of receiving the application from the producer group , assessing it , including running a national opposition procedure , and , following the results of the assessment , submitting the application to the commission. the commission should be responsible for scrutinising the application in the second stage of the procedure , including running a worldwide opposition procedure , and taking a decision on granting the protection to the geographical indication or not. geographical indications should be registered only at union level. however , with effect from the date of application with the commission for registration at union level , member states should be able to grant transitional protection at national level without affecting the internal market or international trade. the protection afforded by this regulation upon registration should be equally available to geographical indications of third countries that meet the corresponding criteria and that are protected in their country of origin. the commission should carry out the corresponding procedures for geographical indications originating in third countries. ### (11) the union has for some time been aiming at simplifying the regulatory framework of the common agricultural policy. this approach should also apply to regulations in the field of geographical indications , without calling into question the specific characteristics of each sector. in order to simplify the lengthy registration and amendment procedures , harmonised procedural rules for geographical indications for wine , spirit drinks and agricultural products should be laid down in a single legal instrument , while maintaining product specific provisions for wine in regulation (eu) no 1308/2013 , for spirit drinks in regulation (eu) 2019/787 and for agricultural products in this regulation. the procedures for the registration , amendments to the product specification and cancellation of the registration in respect of geographical indications originating in the union , including opposition procedures , should be carried out by the member states and the commission , taking into account the information coming from the producer groups and , where applicable , the regional and local entities that assist in the implementation and management of geographical indications.. the member states and the commission , or where applicable regions , should be responsible for distinct stages of each procedure. member states should be responsible for the first stage of the procedure , which consists of receiving the application from the producer group , assessing it , including running a national opposition procedure , and , following the results of the assessment , submitting the application to the commission. the commission should be responsible for scrutinising the application in the second stage of the procedure , including running a worldwide opposition procedure , and taking a decision on granting the protection to the geographical indication or not. geographical indications should be registered only at union level. however , with effect from the date of application with the commission for registration at union level , member states should be able to grant transitional protection at national level without affecting the internal market or international trade. the protection afforded by this regulation upon registration should be equally available to geographical indications of third countries that meet the corresponding criteria and that are protected in their country of origin. the commission should carry out the corresponding procedures for geographical indications originating in third countries


### (12) to contribute to the transition to a sustainable food system and respond to societal demands for sustainable , environmentally and climate friendly , animal welfare ensuring , resource efficient , socially and ethically responsible production methods , producers of geographical indications should be encouraged to adhere to sustainability standards that are more stringent than the mandatory ones and go beyond good practice. such specific requirements could be set out in the product specification. ### (12) to contribute to the transition to a sustainable food system and respond to societal demands for sustainable , environmentally and climate friendly , animal welfare ensuring , resource efficient , socially and ethically responsible production methods , producers of geographical indications should be encouraged to adhere to sustainability standards that are more stringent than the mandatory ones and go beyond good practice. such specific requirements could be set out in the product specification. the commission should ensure that producer groups share good practices and methods to implement this sustainability strategy. sustainability from european producers should be duly reciprocated with sustainability from producers from third countries. economic agreements where european geographical indications are incorporated should inform the commitment to sustainability of european producers and seek for reciprocity from international partners. finally , in order to make local and regional food production systems more sustainable and to contribute to diversified and balanced diets , geographical indications should be included in the mandatory minimum criteria for sustainable food procurement.


### (15) to ensure transparency and uniformity across member states , it is necessary to establish and maintain an electronic union register of geographical indications , registered as protected designations of origin or protected geographical indications. the register should provide information to consumers and to those involved in trade. the register should be an electronic database stored within an information system , and should be accessible to the public. ### (15) to ensure transparency and uniformity across member states , it is necessary to establish and maintain an electronic union register of geographical indications , registered as protected designations of origin or protected geographical indications. the register should provide information to consumers and to those involved in trade. the register should be an electronic database stored within an information system , and should be accessible to the public and accessible in all the official languages of the member states..


### (16) the union negotiates international agreements , including those concerning the protection of designations of origin and geographical indications , with its trade partners. in order to facilitate the provision to the public of information about the names protected by those international agreements , and in particular to ensure protection and control of the use to which those names are put , those names may be entered in the union register of geographical indications. unless specifically identified as designations of origin in such international agreements , the names should be entered in the register as protected geographical indications. ### (16) the union negotiates international agreements , including those concerning the protection of designations of origin and geographical indications , with its trade partners. in order to facilitate the provision to the public of information about the names protected by those international agreements , and in particular to ensure protection and control of the use to which those names are put , those names may be entered in the union register of geographical indications. unless specifically identified as designations of origin in such international agreements , the names should be entered in the register as protected geographical indications. when a new international trade agreement is signed by the commission , producer groups should be duly notified by the closest administration. in case a geographical indication has not been included , the commission , together with the national , regional or local administration , should establish mechanisms to secure the intellectual property of that geographical indication or producer group in the partner country.


### (17) for the optimal functioning of the internal market , it is important that producers and other operators concerned , authorities and consumers may quickly and easily have access to the relevant information concerning a registered protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication. this information should include , where applicable , the information on the identity of the producer group recognised at national level. ### (17) for the optimal functioning of the internal market , it is important that producers and other operators concerned , authorities and consumers may quickly and easily have access to the relevant information concerning a registered protected designation of origin or protected geographical indication. this information should include , where applicable , the information on the identity of the producer group recognised at national level. where applicable , regional or local administrations should be able to provide administrative assistance to producer groups. at the same time , regional or local entities should encourage and incentivise producers to join these producer groups or other stakeholders managing geographical indications.


### (24) as producers of products bearing geographical indications are mostly small or medium size enterprises , they face competition from other operators along the food supply chain which can create unfair competition between local producers and those operating on a more extended scale. in this context , in the interest of all the producers concerned , it is necessary to allow one single producer group to perform specific actions in the name of the producers. to that purpose , the category of the recognised producer group should be established , together with the criteria necessary to qualify as a recognised producer group and the related specific additional rights , in particular in order to provide recognised producer groups with the right tools to better enforce their intellectual property rights against unfair practices. ### (24) as producers of products bearing geographical indications are mostly small or medium size enterprises , they face competition from other operators along the food supply chain which can create unfair competition between local producers and those operating on a more extended scale. in this context , in the interest of all the producers concerned , it is necessary to allow one single producer group to perform specific actions in the name of the producers. to that purpose , the category of the recognised producer group should be established , together with the criteria necessary to qualify as a recognised producer group and the related specific additional rights , in particular in order to provide recognised producer groups with the right tools to better enforce their intellectual property rights against unfair practices. national and , where applicable , regional or local administrations should arbiter the producer groups in order to appoint the most suitable as recognised producer group.


### (28) the symbols , indications and abbreviations identifying a registered geographical indication , and the rights therein pertaining to the union , should be protected in the union as well as in third countries with the aim of ensuring that they are used on genuine products and that consumers are not misled as to the qualities of products. ### (28) the symbols , indications and abbreviations identifying a registered geographical indication , and the rights therein pertaining to the union , should be protected in the union as well as in third countries with the aim of ensuring that they are used on genuine products and that consumers are not misled as to the qualities of products. national , regional or local administrations should assist producer groups to raise awareness about their geographical indications , as well as through the tourist offices for visitors to know the geographical indications of the region they are visiting.


### (33) information on the competent authorities and product certification bodies should be made public to ensure the transparency and allow interested parties to contact them. ### (33) information on the competent authorities and product certification bodies should be made public to ensure the transparency and allow interested parties to contact them in all the official languages of member states.


### (36) online platforms have become increasingly used for sales of products , including of those designated as geographical indications , and in some cases they might represent an important space as regards preventing fraud. in this regard , this regulation should establish rules to ensure appropriate labelling of products sold via online platforms , and to provide powers to member states to disable access to the content that contravenes the rules. these rules should be without prejudice to regulation (eu) no 2022/xx of the european parliament and of the council32 . ### (36) online platforms have become increasingly used for sales of products , including of those designated as geographical indications , and in some cases they might represent an important space as regards preventing fraud. in this regard , this regulation should establish rules to ensure appropriate labelling of products sold via online platforms , and to provide powers to member states to disable access to the content that contravenes the rules. these rules should be without prejudice to regulation (eu) no 2022/xx of the european parliament and of the council32 . national and , where applicable , regional or local administrations should introduce this information accordingly and assist , teach and incentivise the private online platforms.


### (43) to implement the rules related to geographical indications , the commission should be assisted by a committee , composed by the delegates of the member states. ### (43) to implement the rules related to geographical indications , the commission should be assisted by a committee , composed by the delegates of the member states , understandable to the consumer..


### (48) in order to avoid creating unfair conditions of competition , any producer , including a producer from a third country , should be able to use a registered name of a traditional speciality guaranteed , provided that the product concerned complies with the requirements of the relevant specification and the producer is covered by a system of controls. for traditional specialities guaranteed produced within the union , the union symbol should be indicated on the labelling and it should be possible to associate it with the indication ‘traditional speciality guaranteed’. the use of the names , the union symbol and the indication should be regulated to ensure a uniform approach across the internal market. ### (48) in order to avoid creating unfair conditions of competition , any producer , including a producer from a third country , should be able to use a registered name of a traditional speciality guaranteed , provided that the product concerned complies with the requirements of the relevant specification and the producer is covered by a system of controls. for traditional specialities guaranteed produced within the union , the union symbol should be indicated on the labelling and it should be possible to associate it with the indication ‘traditional speciality guaranteed’. the use of the names , the union symbol and the indication should be regulated to ensure a uniform approach across the internal market. where applicable , regional or local administrations should be able to provide administrative assistance to producer groups of traditional specialities guaranteed.


### (51) participation in the traditional speciality guaranteed scheme should ensure that any operator complying with the rules of this scheme is entitled to be covered by the verification of compliance with the product specification. ### (51) participation in the traditional speciality guaranteed scheme should ensure that any operator complying with the rules of this scheme is entitled to be covered by the verification of compliance with the product specification. where applicable , regional or local administrations should be able to provide administrative assistance to producer groups. at the same time , regional or local entities should encourage and incentivise producers to join these producer groups or other stakeholders managing traditional specialties guaranteed.


### (52) the procedures for the registration , amendments to the product specification and the cancellation of the registration in respect of traditional specialities guaranteed originating in the union , including opposition procedures , should be carried out by the member states and the commission. the member states and the commission should be responsible for distinct stages of each procedure. member states should be responsible for the first stage of the procedure , which consists of receiving the application from the producer group , assessing it , including running a national opposition procedure , and , following the results of the assessment , submitting the union application to the commission. the commission should be responsible for scrutinising the application , including running a worldwide opposition procedure , and taking a decision on granting the traditional specialities guaranteed protection or not. the protection afforded by this regulation upon registration should be equally available to traditional specialities guaranteed of third countries that meet the corresponding criteria and that are protected in their country of origin. the commission should also carry out the corresponding procedures for traditional specialities guaranteed originating in third countries. ### (52) the procedures for the registration , amendments to the product specification and the cancellation of the registration in respect of traditional specialities guaranteed originating in the union , including opposition procedures , should be carried out by the member states and the commission. the member states and the commission should be responsible for distinct stages of each procedure. member states and , where applicable , regions , should be responsible for the first stage of the procedure , which consists of receiving the application from the producer group , assessing it , including running a national opposition procedure , and , following the results of the assessment , submitting the union application to the commission. the commission should be responsible for scrutinising the application , including running a worldwide opposition procedure , and taking a decision on granting the traditional specialities guaranteed protection or not. the protection afforded by this regulation upon registration should be equally available to traditional specialities guaranteed of third countries that meet the corresponding criteria and that are protected in their country of origin. the commission should also carry out the corresponding procedures for traditional specialities guaranteed originating in third countries.


### (53) the optional quality terms scheme was introduced by regulation (eu) no 1151/2012. it refers to specific horizontal characteristics , of one or more categories of products , farming methods or processing attributes which apply in specific areas. the optional quality term ‘mountain product’ has met the conditions laid down for optional quality terms and was established by that regulation. it has provided mountain producers with an effective tool to better market their product and to reduce the actual risks of consumer confusion as to the mountain provenance of products on the market. the possibility for producers to use optional quality terms should be maintained , as the scheme has not yet fully met its potential in the member states due to a short time of its application. ### (53) the optional quality terms scheme was introduced by regulation (eu) no 1151/2012. it refers to specific horizontal characteristics , of one or more categories of products , farming methods or processing attributes which apply in specific areas. the optional quality term ‘mountain product’ has met the conditions laid down for optional quality terms and was established by that regulation. it has provided mountain producers with an effective tool to better market their product and to reduce the actual risks of consumer confusion as to the mountain provenance of products on the market. the possibility for producers to use optional quality terms should be maintained , as the scheme has not yet fully met its potential in the member states due to a short time of its application. where applicable , regional or local administrations should be able to provide administrative assistance to mountain producers. at the same time , regional or local entities should encourage and incentivise mountain producers to join producer groups or other stakeholders managing ‘mountain products’.


### 4. as part of the scrutiny referred to in paragraph (3) , the member state shall conduct a national opposition procedure. the national opposition procedure shall ensure publication of the application for registration and provide for a period of at least 2 months from the date of publication within which any natural or legal person having a legitimate interest and established or resident on the territory of the member state in which the product concerned originates may lodge an opposition to the application for registration with that member state. ### 4. as part of the scrutiny referred to in paragraph (3) , the member state or , where applicable , the region shall conduct a national or regional opposition procedure. the national or regional opposition procedure. the national opposition procedure shall ensure publication of the application for registration and provide for a period of at least 2 months from the date of publication within which any natural or legal person having a legitimate interest and established or resident on the territory of the member state in which the product concerned originates may lodge an opposition to the application for registration with that member state.


### 5. the member state shall establish the modalities of the opposition procedure. these modalities may include criteria for the admissibility of an opposition , a period of consultation between the applicant producer group and each opponent , and submission of a report from the applicant producer group on the outcome of the consultations including any changes the applicant producer group has made to the application for registration. ### 5. the member state shall establish the modalities of the opposition procedure. these modalities may include criteria for the admissibility of an opposition , a period of consultation between the applicant producer group and each opponent , and submission of a report from the applicant producer group on the outcome of the consultations including any changes the applicant producer group has made to the application for registration. where applicable , the member state shall take into account the opinion of its regional administrations.


### 6. if , after the scrutiny of the application for registration and the assessment of the results of any opposition received and any changes to the application agreed with the applicant producer group , the member state considers that the requirements of this regulation are met , it may take a favourable decision and lodge a union application as referred to in article 15. ### 6. if , after the scrutiny of the application for registration and the assessment of the results of any opposition received and any changes to the application agreed with the applicant producer group , the member state considers that the requirements of this regulation are met , it may take a favourable decision and lodge a union application as referred to in article 15. where applicable , the member state shall take into account the opinion of its regional administrations.


### 7. the member state shall ensure that its decision , be it favourable or not , is made public and that any natural or legal person having a legitimate interest has an opportunity to lodge an appeal. the member state shall also ensure that the product specification on which its favourable decision is based is published , and shall provide electronic access to the product specification. ### 7. the member state shall ensure that its decision , be it favourable or not , is made public and that any natural or legal person having a legitimate interest has an opportunity to lodge an appeal. the member state shall also ensure that the product specification on which its favourable decision is based is published , and shall provide electronic access to the product specification. where applicable , the member state shall take into account the opinion of its regional administrations.


### 1. a union application for the registration of a geographical indication shall be submitted to the commission electronically , through a digital system. the digital system shall have the capacity to allow the submission of applications to national authorities of a member state , and to be used by the member state in its national procedure. ### 1. a union application for the registration of a geographical indication shall be submitted to the commission electronically , through a digital system. the digital system shall have the capacity to allow the submission of applications to national authorities of a member state , and to be used by the member state in its national procedure. where applicable , this application may be done through the regional authority of the geographical indication. this submission shall comprise all the official languages of member states.


### requests the commission to suspend the scrutiny because national administrative or judicial proceedings have been initiated to challenge the validity of the application and the member state considers that those proceedings are based on valid grounds. ### requests the commission to suspend the scrutiny because administrative or judicial proceedings have been initiated to challenge the validity of the application and the member state considers that those proceedings are based on valid grounds.


### 3. the exemption shall have effect until the commission is informed by the member state that the original application has been restored or that the member state withdraws its request for suspension. ### 3. the exemption shall have effect until the commission is informed by the member state or , where applicable , the region that the original application has been restored or that the member state or the region withdraws its request for suspension.


### 1. within 3 months from the date of publication in the official journal of the european union of the single document and the reference to the product specification pursuant to article 17(4) , the authorities of a member state or of a third country , or a natural or legal person having a legitimate interest , established or resident in a third country , may lodge an opposition or a notice of comment with the commission. ### 1. within 3 months from the date of publication in the official journal of the european union of the single document and the reference to the product specification pursuant to article 17(4) , the authorities of a member state or where applicable a region , or of a third country , or a natural or legal person having a legitimate interest , established or resident in a third country , may lodge an opposition or a notice of comment with the commission.


### 6. within 1 month from the end of the consultations referred to in paragraph (4) , the applicant producer group established in the third country or the authorities of the member state or of the third country from which the union application for registration was lodged shall notify the commission of the result of the consultations , including all the information exchanged , whether agreement was reached with one or all of the opponents , and of any consequent changes to the application for registration. the authority or person that lodged an opposition to the commission may also notify the commission of its position at the end of the consultations. ### 6. within 1 month from the end of the consultations referred to in paragraph (4) , the applicant producer group established in the third country or the authorities of the member state or , where applicable , the region , or of the third country from which the union application for registration was lodged shall notify the commission of the result of the consultations , including all the information exchanged , whether agreement was reached with one or all of the opponents , and of any consequent changes to the application for registration. the authority or person that lodged an opposition to the commission may also notify the commission of its position at the end of the consultations.


### 10. the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts , in accordance with article 84 supplementing this regulation by detailed procedures and deadlines for the opposition procedure , for the official submission of comments by national authorities and persons with a legitimate interest , which will not trigger the opposition procedure and by rules on entrusting its tasks set out in this article to euipo. ### 10. the commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts , in accordance with article 84 supplementing this regulation by detailed procedures and deadlines for the opposition procedure , for the official submission of comments by authorities and persons with a legitimate interest , which will not trigger the opposition procedure and by rules on entrusting its tasks set out in this article to euipo.


### 1. geographical indications entered in the union register of geographical indications shall be protected against: ### 1. geographical indications entered in the union register of geographical indications and those protected by trade and economic agreements signed by the union with third countries shall be protected against


### 1. member states shall assist each other for the purpose of carrying out the controls and enforcement provided for in this chapter in accordance with regulation (eu) 2017/625. ### 1. member states shall assist each other for the purpose of carrying out the controls and enforcement provided for in this chapter in accordance with regulation (eu) 2017/625. where applicable , regions with competences in management of geographical indications shall also assist each other for the purpose of better enforcement.


### 4. in case of a possible violation of protection conferred to a geographical indication , member states shall take measures to facilitate the transmission , from law enforcement authorities , public prosecutors and judicial authorities , to the competent authorities referred in article 39(3) of information on such possible violation. ### 4. in case of a possible violation of protection conferred to a geographical indication , member states or , where applicable , regions , shall take measures to facilitate the transmission , from law enforcement authorities , public prosecutors and judicial authorities , to the competent authorities referred in article 39(3) of information on such possible violation.


### 1. welcomes the positive shift in eu-africa relations towards a partnership on an equal footing , allowing both sides to pursue their own interests but also to identify common areas of cooperation; stresses that free , fair and sustainable trade facilitates inclusive economic growth and sustainable development and contributes to poverty reduction; highlights , in this regard , the importance of the new partnership agreement between the eu and the members of the organisation of african , caribbean and pacific states , the upcoming summit between the african union and the eu , and innovative initiatives such as the eu multi-stakeholder dialogue for sustainable cocoa; ### 1. calls for a more pronounced shift in eu-africa relations towards a partnership on an equal footing , allowing both sides to pursue their own interests but also to identify common areas of cooperation; notes that trade liberalization on its own cannot ensure the attainment of development objectives without taking into account the economic , social and environmental impact of ftas; stresses that fair and sustainable trade facilitates inclusive economic growth and sustainable development and contributes to poverty reduction by enabling sustainable agricultural development , ensuring food security , boosting green industrialisation , creating employment opportunities and promoting regional integration; highlights , in this regard , the importance of the new partnership agreement between the eu and the members of the organisation of african , caribbean and pacific states , the upcoming summit between the african union and the eu , and joint innovative initiatives such as the eu multi-stakeholder dialogue for sustainable cocoa;


### 2. calls on the eu to actively support the new african continental free trade area (afcfta) ,which presents a major opportunity for african countries to boost inclusive growth , enable sustainable development , reduce poverty and improve living standards; notes that the afcfta paves the way for a fundamental transformation of the continent’s development prospects; ### 2. calls on the eu to actively support the new african continental free trade area (afcfta) , which presents a major opportunity for african countries to boost inclusive growth , enable sustainable development , reduce poverty , generate high numbers of decent jobs , increase the competitiveness of african countries , achieve structural transformations within participating states and improve living standards; notes that the afcfta paves the way for a fundamental transformation of the continent’s development prospects , increase intra-african trade and turn africa from being mainly a producer and exporter of commodities to a manufacturer of finished goods; stresses the need to provide appropriate technical support to afcta national committees and to ensure that they are open to the participation of civil society organizations , including those representing women , youth and minorities;


### 2. calls on the eu to actively support the new african continental free trade area (afcfta) ,which presents a major opportunity for african countries to boost inclusive growth , enable sustainable development , reduce poverty and improve living standards; notes that the afcfta paves the way for a fundamental transformation of the continent’s development prospects; ### 2. calls on the eu to actively support the new african continental free trade area (afcfta) ,which presents a major opportunity for african countries to boost intra-african trade , inclusive growth , enable sustainable development , reduce poverty and improve living standards by promoting sustainable growth and decent jobs; notes that the afcfta paves the way for a fundamental transformation of the continent’s development prospects;


### 2. points out that most african countries , in particular ldcs (least developed countries) and african signatories to epas (economic partnership agreements) , enjoy duty-free and quota-free access to eu markets; ### 2. points out that most african countries , in particular ldcs (least developed countries) and african signatories to epas (economic partnership agreements) , enjoy duty-free and quota-free access to eu markets; emphasises that economic partnership agreements (epas) need to support the various regional trade communities in africa and the further development of the afcfta and contribute to the building of resilient and sustainable regional value chains , boosting and diversifying intra-african trade , and calls for the consistent inclusion and implementation of chapters ensuring coherence with development needs and policies and the sdgs;


### 3. emphasises that economic partnership agreements need to support the various regional trade communities in africa and the further development of the afcfta , contribute to the building of resilient and sustainable regional value chains , and help to boost and diversify intra-african trade; calls for chapters ensuring consistency with development needs and policies and the un sustainable development goals to always be included and implemented; ### 3. is of the opinion that epas should be considered to be , first and foremost , an instrument of development cooperation rather than trade liberalisation; regrets that current epas place too much weight on trade liberalisation , which prevents the consolidation of nascent industries in the african countries due to competition of eu products; emphasises that economic partnership agreements should support and be coherent with the various regional trade communities in africa and the further development of the afcfta , contribute to the building of resilient and sustainable regional value chains , and help to boost and diversify intra-african trade; calls for chapters ensuring consistency with development needs and policies and the un sustainable development goals to always be included , monitored and implemented; stresses the need to generate economic opportunities for african women , especially by providing them with icts skills and encouraging employers to hire more women , and improve gender equality in all social fields across the continent;


### 3. emphasises that economic partnership agreements need to support the various regional trade communities in africa and the further development of the afcfta , contribute to the building of resilient and sustainable regional value chains , and help to boost and diversify intra-african trade; calls for chapters ensuring consistency with development needs and policies and the un sustainable development goals to always be included and implemented; ### 3. emphasises that economic partnership agreements need to support the various regional trade communities in africa and the further development of the afcfta , contribute to the building of resilient and sustainable regional value chains , and help to boost and diversify intra-african trade; calls for chapters ensuring consistency with development needs and policies and the un sustainable development goals to always be included and implemented; highlights the role of water as a key building block for social and economic resilience especially in the context of food and nutrition security


### 4. supports the objectives of afcfta; stresses that indicators in measuring economic success should be diversified beyond gdp growth; ### 4. supports the objectives of afcfta; stresses that indicators in measuring economic success should be diversified beyond gdp growth; considers that the afcfta is a great opportunity to generate high numbers of decent jobs , increase the competitiveness of african countries , achieve structural transformations within participating states;


### 4. welcomes the reform of the generalised scheme of preferences as one of the eu’s key trade instruments for supporting developing countries in their efforts to promote sustainable development , reduce poverty and ensure respect for human rights; welcomes , in particular , the aim to facilitate increased economic growth and job creation in developing countries on the african continent; calls on the eu to make sure that european trade policy does not contradict efforts by african partners to establish viable economic structures. ### 4. welcomes the reform of the generalised scheme of preferences as one of the eu’s key trade instruments for supporting developing countries in their efforts to promote sustainable development , reduce poverty and ensure respect for human rights; welcomes , in particular , the aim to facilitate increased economic growth and job creation in developing countries on the african continent; urges the eu to ensure that european trade policy towards africa is fully in line with the principle of policy coherence for sustainable development (pcsd) and that it does not contradict efforts by african partners to establish viable economic structures.


### 5. calls on the commission to facilitate the development of regional value chains and better regional infrastructures in africa; ### 5. calls on the commission to facilitate the development of regional value chains and better regional infrastructures in africa; stresses that fair trade between the union and africa entails that african products access the european single market without the same degree of reciprocity for european goods;


### 5. stresses that the eu-africa relationship must move beyond the donor-recipient relationship; believes that the eu and africa should cooperate as equals , empowering african nations to attain the un sustainable development goals (sdgs); ### 5. stresses that the eu-africa relationship must move beyond the donor-recipient relationship; believes that the eu and africa should cooperate as equals , empowering african nations to attain the un sustainable development goals (sdgs); recalls that resetting the partnership would mean the african union and the eu could begin to address difficult issues derailed by the covid pandemic , such as governance and civic space;