### 2. is concerned about the governance of the eutf: the composition of its board and regional operational committees , the opacity of the process for approving projects , the lack of dialogue with local and human rights csos , and the lack of ex ante and ongoing impact assessments on fundamental rights; ### 2. is concerned about the governance of the eutf: the composition of its board and regional operational committees , the opacity of the process for approving projects , is of the view that there should be transparency as to the manner in which eu taxpayers money is spent;


### 3. highlights that the eutf is part of a trend of the securitisation and externalisation of eu border management aimed at reducing irregular migration to the eu; stresses the risks to development objectives and fundamental rights associated with this approach. ### 3. highlights that the eutf is part of a trend of the securitisation and externalisation of eu border management aimed at reducing irregular migration to the eu; stresses the importance of building cooperation with partner countries in order to tackle the problem of illegal migration and to support the returns and readmissions; is of the view that the goal of reducing irregular migration must be achieved by strengthening border guard and law enforcement.


### 3. highlights that the eutf is part of a trend of the securitisation and externalisation of eu border management aimed at reducing irregular migration to the eu; stresses the risks to development objectives and fundamental rights associated with this approach. ### 3. highlights that the eutf is part of a trend of the securitisation and externalisation of eu border management aimed at reducing irregular migration to the eu.


### 3. highlights that the eutf is part of a trend of the securitisation and externalisation of eu border management aimed at reducing irregular migration to the eu; stresses the risks to development objectives and fundamental rights associated with this approach. ### 3. highlights that the eutf is supposed to contribute to the security and externalisation of eu border management aimed at reducing irregular migration to the eu.


### 3. notes that committee chairs and relevant members have been granted observer status in meetings of the strategic boards of the trust funds and in the frt steering committee; notes further that this status has not been formally reflected in the constitutive agreements of the trust funds; ### 3. notes that committee chairs and relevant members have been granted observer status in meetings of the strategic boards of the trust funds and in the frt steering committee; regrets that this status has not been formally reflected in the constitutive agreements of the trust funds;


### 4. continues to expresses concerns over the limited role of parliament in the supervision and scrutiny of the union contributions to the eutfs; recalls parliament’s request to monitor the activities of the operational committee , and calls on the commission to provide in good time detailed information on the decisions taken in that committee and to ensure that parliament is represented at its meetings; ### 4. continues to deplore the limited role of parliament in the supervision and scrutiny of the union contributions to the eutfs; recalls parliament’s request to monitor the activities of the operational committee and the strategic board , and to be involved in the scrutiny over the choice of projects , and in building a dialogue with local csos working on the ground and human rights csos; calls on the commission to provide in good time detailed information on the decisions taken in those governance structures and to ensure that parliament is represented at their meetings;


### 4. continues to expresses concerns over the limited role of parliament in the supervision and scrutiny of the union contributions to the eutfs; recalls parliament’s request to monitor the activities of the operational committee , and calls on the commission to provide in good time detailed information on the decisions taken in that committee and to ensure that parliament is represented at its meetings; ### 4. continues to expresses concerns over the limited role of parliament in the supervision and scrutiny of the union contributions to the eutfs; recalls the essential role of the parliament in providing the eu action with democratic legitimacy and accountability; recalls parliament’s request to monitor the activities of the operational committee , and calls on the commission to provide in good time detailed information on the decisions taken in that committee and to ensure that parliament is represented at its meetings;


### 5. welcomes the commission’s efforts to closely monitor and evaluate interventions , and to generate knowledge about the activities of the eutfs and of the frt , through a dedicated set of reports; hails these efforts to achieve greater transparency by publishing relevant data on the web pages of the eutfs and the frt; ### 5. welcomes the commission’s efforts to closely monitor and evaluate interventions , and to generate knowledge about the activities of the eutfs and of the frt , through a dedicated set of reports; calls the commission to include in these report an assessment on whether the eutfs and the frt have met the criteria of effectiveness , efficiency , relevance , coherence and eu added value; hails these efforts to achieve greater transparency by publishing relevant data on the web pages of the eutfs and the frt;


### d. whereas the establishment of both the eutfs and the facility for refugees in turkey (frt) have been justified by the need for a flexible and swift reaction not possible under the classical institutional framework; whereas the extra-budgetary instruments such as the eutfs , as well as extraordinary tools such as the frt , pose challenges with respect to democratic accountability , including the role of the european parliament and also the integrity of the eu budget; ### d. whereas the extra-budgetary instruments such as the eutfs , as well as extraordinary tools such as the frt , harm democratic accountability and have a direct impact on the role of the european parliament and the integrity of the eu budget;


### 13. considers that the trust fund for africa represents an important tool to provide a swift , flexible and targeted response to emerging challenges and underlines that common , global challenges , such as migration and forced displacement , the impact of climate change and economic crises in the context of the ongoing covid-19 pandemic , make this flexibility and rapidity more necessary than ever; ### 13. considers that the trust fund for africa should represent an important tool to provide a swift , flexible , targeted and accountable response to emerging common global challenges , such as migration and forced displacement , or the impact of climate change and economic crises in the context of the ongoing covid-19 pandemic;


### 13. considers that the trust fund for africa represents an important tool to provide a swift , flexible and targeted response to emerging challenges and underlines that common , global challenges , such as migration and forced displacement , the impact of climate change and economic crises in the context of the ongoing covid-19 pandemic , make this flexibility and rapidity more necessary than ever; ### 13. considers that the trust fund for africa represents an important tool to provide a swift , flexible and targeted response to emerging challenges and underlines that common , global challenges , such as migration and forced displacement , the impact of climate change and economic crises in the context of the ongoing covid-19 pandemic , make this flexibility and rapidity more necessary than ever; regrets , however , that despite it proved to be a flexible tool for providing assistance , its objectives are too broad; calls on the commission to put in place mechanisms to better evaluate the extent to which it has met its objectives;


### 14. welcomes the fact that the eutf for africa has contributed to the triple humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach , which was not possible with the eu financial instruments under the previous mff; ### 14. points out the fact that the eutf for africa has not sufficiently contributed to the triple humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach; disapproves that funds of the eutf for africa have been used to strengthen borders , encourage deportations and prevent the influx of migrants into the eu; stresses that official development assistance must fund long-term projects to tackle the root causes of forced migration and the drivers of forced displacement , should be allocated to countries based on actual recipients’ needs and development strategies , and should refrain from including conditionality on migration management , readmissions and returns;


### 15. welcomes the generally strong degree of local ownership , the involvement of local authorities and civil society organisations (csos) in projects supported by the eutf for africa; ### 15. regrets that the absence of a comprehensive analysis of beneficiaries' needs under the eutf limited the commission’s ability to demonstrate that the right priorities had been identified and that actions approved were the most relevant to address them , as well as the generally low degree of local ownership and the weak involvement of local authorities and civil society organisations (csos) in projects supported by the eutf for africa; deplores the low transparency of the programming process , mainly regarding the lack of public calls for proposals;


### 16. notes that the eutf for africa made a major contribution to strengthening resilience and implementing the humanitarian-development nexus in fragile contexts; notes further that it also fostered cooperation between different stakeholders , and allowed contributions from non-eu donors , which in the post-brexit context have acquired particular importance , and increased the visibility of the issue of migration and forced displacement and the eu’s response to it; ### 16. notes that the eutf for africa has fostered cooperation between different stakeholders and allowed contributions from non-eu donors , which in the post-brexit context have acquired particular importance;


### 20. considers that the eu frt has proven its value as an innovative pooling tool and important coordinating mechanism for assisting turkey in swiftly responding to the immediate humanitarian and development needs of refugees and their host communities; ### deleted


### 22. reiterates its request that turkey respect the principle of non-refoulement , in particular on the syrian border , and that it not use the flows of refugees against the eu; ### 22. reiterates its request that turkey respect the principle of non-refoulement , in particular on the syrian border , and that it not use the flows of refugees against the eu; stresses that turkey should stop applying a geographical limitation to the 1951 convention relating to the status of refugees and its 1967 protocol;


### 22. reiterates its request that turkey respect the principle of non-refoulement , in particular on the syrian border , and that it not use the flows of refugees against the eu; ### 22. strongly condemns and is deeply concerned about the turkish government’s use of the flows of refugees against the eu and calls for the end of this practice; urges turkey to respect the principle of non-refoulement , in particular on the syrian border;


### 24. stresses the need to take on board the lessons learned in the establishment , management and implementation of the trust funds and the frt in order to apply them to the new generation of external financial instruments; ### 24. stresses the need to take on board the lessons learned in the establishment , management and implementation of the trust funds and the frt in order to apply them to the new generation of external financial instruments; recalls , in particular , the need for a greater role of the european parliament in exercising its rights of scrutiny and democratic accountability on funding through the eu external financial instruments;


### 25. reiterates parliament’s long-standing insistence that external assistance be financed in full from the union budget and be implemented in a coherent way , following a streamlined set of rules , based on co-legislated instruments and in full respect of parliament’s legislative , budgetary and monitoring prerogatives , and of the principles of accountability , transparency , effectiveness and sound budgetary management; ### 25. reiterates parliament’s long-standing insistence that external assistance be financed in full from the union budget and be implemented in a coherent , sufficient and predictable way , following a streamlined set of rules , based on co-legislated instruments and in full respect of parliament’s legislative , budgetary and monitoring prerogatives , and of the principles of accountability , transparency , effectiveness and sound budgetary management; reiterates its call for the full involvement of the european parliament in the supervision and governance of the current eu trust funds;


### 26. expects the commission to fully make use of the possibilities afforded by the programme-based approach under the geographic pillar of the ndici-global europe and ipa iii , complemented by global thematic programming , rapid response funding and the large unprogrammed reserve under the ndici-global europe; ### 26. recalls that eutfs and frt should be seen as exceptional or truly emergency-led instruments whose added value and effects on the ground should be very well justified and carefully monitored; expects the commission to fully make use of the possibilities afforded by the programme-based approach under the geographic pillar of the ndici-global europe and ipa iii , complemented by global thematic programming , rapid response funding and the large unprogrammed reserve under the ndici-global europe;


### 27. is confident that the ndici-global europe will allow for increased flexibility and responsiveness , allowing it to continue the activities of the existing trust funds and thereby safeguard the unity of the union budget; ### 27. stresses that flexibility of financial instruments has to be compatible with parliamentary oversight , aligned with the sustainable development goals and respectful of the integrity of the eu budget; is confident , in this regard , that the ndici-global europe will allow for increased flexibility and responsiveness , allowing it to continue the activities of the existing trust funds and thereby safeguard the unity of the union budget and the role of the european parliament;


### 28. in the event of greater needs in the mff 2021-2027 , advocates increasing the ndici-global europe envelope through a revision of the mff and the ndici-global europe regulations , or a strengthening of the relevant ndici-global europe budget lines with contributions in the form of external assigned revenue; stresses that , should a need for a duly justified new trust fund nevertheless arise , it insists that parliament must be fully involved from the very outset; ### 28. in the event of greater needs in the mff 2021-2027. advocates increasing the ndici-global europe envelope through a revision of the mff and the ndici-global europe regulations , or a strengthening of the relevant ndici-global europe budget lines with contributions in the form of external assigned revenue; stresses that parliament must be fully involved from the very outset in any decision taken in this regard and that the creation of new trust funds has to be avoided in the future;


### 29. calls on the commission to prioritise the nexus approach in the implementation of the ndici-global europe , and calls for the cooperation between eu humanitarian and development actors , notably in post-crisis settings and in protracted crises , to be increased in order to better adapt to local needs and deliver more efficient results; ### 29. calls on the commission to prioritise the nexus approach in the implementation of the ndici-global europe , and calls for the cooperation between eu humanitarian and development actors , notably in post-crisis settings and in protracted crises , to be increased in order to better adapt to local needs and deliver more efficient results; calls on the commission to ensure that all union policies are aligned with regard to the principle of policy coherence for development to ensure the effectiveness of the nexus approach;


### 30. notes that the close-to-ground decision-making procedure and adaptation to the local realities of the eutfs and the frt is of high added value , and needs to be mainstreamed in the future programming exercises linked to budgetary instruments for eu external policy; ### 30. notes that close-to-ground decision-making procedure and adaptation to the local realities needs to be mainstreamed in the future programming exercises linked to budgetary instruments for eu external policy;


### 8. notes with concern the finding of the court , which also relates to the follow-up of the previous year’s findings , that the agency irregularly prolonged the duration of a framework contract for the provision of business travel services by signing amendments in 2018 and 2019 after the contract had expired , rendering the amendments and related payments irregular; notes the agency’s reply that the prolongation in 2019 was the result of a conscious business decision and did not constitute a weakness in ex-ante control and that , furthermore , an internal audit was to commence in the fourth quarter of 2020 with a view to obtaining additional assurances on the agency’s contract management approach; calls on the agency to strengthen accordingly contract management and ex-ante controls; ### 8. notes with concern the finding of the court , which also relates to the follow-up of the previous year’s findings , that the agency irregularly prolonged the duration of a framework contract for the provision of business travel services by signing amendments in 2018 and 2019 after the contract had expired , rendering the amendments and related payments irregular; notes the agency’s reply that the prolongation in 2019 was the result of a conscious business decision to preserve business continuity and did not constitute a weakness in ex-ante control and that , furthermore , an internal audit was to commence in the fourth quarter of 2020 with a view to obtaining additional assurances on the agency’s contract management approach; calls on the agency to improve the regularity of transactions and to strengthen accordingly contract management and ex-ante controls;


### 9. notes that , according to the court’s report , for the procurement of furniture , accessories and related services , the terms used in the documents for the call for tender were not specific enough , undermining the competitive nature of the tendering procedure; notes , moreover , that the agency did not sufficiently check the accuracy of underlying prices and the calculation of discounts applied for the non-standard items before submitting the order form to the contractor; notes that , according to the agency’s reply , the tender documentation included the subject matter of the procurement and the applicable exclusion , selection and award criteria , thus allowing for competitiveness and , with regard to the discount given by the contractor , the fact that the contractor had offered a higher discount than the standard rate included in the contract and the agency thus acted in compliance with the principles of sound financial management , in line with the provisions of the contract; ### 9. notes that , according to the court’s report , for the procurement of furniture , accessories and related services , the terms used in the documents for the call for tender were not specific enough , undermining the competitive nature of the tendering procedure; notes , moreover , that the agency did not sufficiently check the accuracy of underlying prices and the calculation of discounts applied for the non-standard items before submitting the order form to the contractor; notes that , according to the agency’s reply , the tender documentation included the subject matter of the procurement and the applicable exclusion , selection and award criteria , thus allowing for competitiveness and , with regard to the discount given by the contractor , the fact that the contractor had offered a higher discount than the standard rate included in the contract and the agency thus acted in compliance with the principles of sound financial management , in line with the provisions of the contract; calls on the agency to ensure that tendering specifications are comprehensive to allow fair and effective competition;


### 22. notes that in anticipation of the uk’s withdrawal from the union , the agency made all the necessary preparations to execute the disconnection of the uk and the possible deletion of the uk data from the schengen information system and the european asylum dactyloscopy database as and when required by the legal framework; notes that the agency made the necessary preparations for the application of the provisions of the withdrawal agreement and the respective commission guidelines regarding the uk’s participation in the agency´s governance bodies , human resources management , statistical reports and other relevant matters; ### 22. notes that in anticipation of the uk’s withdrawal from the union , the agency made all the necessary preparations to execute the disconnection of the uk and the possible deletion of the uk data from the schengen information system and the european asylum dactyloscopy database as and when required by the legal framework; notes that the agency made the necessary preparations for the application of the provisions of the withdrawal agreement and the respective commission guidelines regarding the uk’s participation in the agency´s governance bodies , human resources management , statistical reports and other relevant matters; welcomes the agency’s active online presence in 2019; encourages the agency to continue promoting its work , research and activities to increase its public visibility;


### 2. the executing member state shall communicate the information referred to in paragraph 1(a) to europol through the exchange of supplementary information. ### 2. the executing member state shall communicate the information referred to in paragraph 1(a) to europol through the exchange of supplementary information. the executing member state shall exchange information with europol based on a timely assessment of the immediate risk of life or serious harm for individuals , particularly minors.


### 3. calls on the member states and the commission to carefully review the policies they enacted during the covid-19 crisis and to define new mechanisms and protocols for any future emergency spending; ### 3. calls on the member states to carefully review the policies they enacted during the covid-19 crisis and to define new mechanisms and protocols for any future emergency spending in order to increase the level of transparency of public spending;


### 6. welcomes the critical role of civil society organisations in fighting corruption; emphasises that the success of any emergency response greatly depends on the active participation of all actors in society; believes that the current covid-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of maintaining a robust system of citizen participation in public decision-making; ### 6. notes the role of civil society organisations in fighting corruption; emphasises that the success of any emergency response greatly depends on accuracy of transparency processes; believes that the current covid-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of maintaining a robust system of citizen participation in public decision-making;


### 8. calls on the member states to follow the recommendations of the group of states against corruption (greco) and welcomes the possibility of the eu joining greco as a full member. ### 8. calls on the member states to follow the recommendations of the group of states against corruption (greco).


### 4. recalls that , according to the reports of the court for the financial years 2016 and 2017 , the office’s procurement procedures for interim workers in greece and for the office’s rented premises in lesbos were irregular; recalls that , according to the report of the court for the financial year 2018 , the court concluded that the office’s procurement procedures for interim workers in italy were irregular , though no payments were made on those contracts yet; notes that , according to the report of the court for the financial year 2019 , the office’s procedures for selecting and contracting external experts systematically lacked a solid audit trail , which in turn resulted in a lack of evidence that the office had treated experts equally in its selection procedures; notes the court’s opinion that , except for the effects of the qualified opinion on the legality and regularity of payments for the financial years 2016 , 2017 and 2018 , amounting to eur 13 979 880 , and the error found in 2019 , amounting to eur 111 304 , payments underlying the accounts for the year ended 31 december 2019 are legal and regular in all material aspects; ### 4. recalls that , according to the reports of the court for the financial years 2016 and 2017 , the office’s procurement procedures for interim workers in greece and for the office’s rented premises in lesbos were irregular; recalls that , according to the report of the court for the financial year 2018 , the court concluded that the office’s procurement procedures for interim workers in italy were irregular , though no payments were made on those contracts yet; notes that , according to the report of the court for the financial year 2019 , the office’s procedures for selecting and contracting external experts systematically lacked a solid audit trail , which in turn resulted in a lack of evidence that the office had treated experts equally in its selection procedures; notes the court’s opinion that , except for the effects of the qualified opinion on the legality and regularity of payments for the financial years 2016 , 2017 and 2018 , amounting to eur 13 979 880 , and the error found in 2019 , amounting to eur 111 304 , payments underlying the accounts for the year ended 31 december 2019 are legal and regular in all material aspects; welcomes that corrective actions were implemented by easo in 2019 to address those irregularities;


### 6. notes that , on 31 december 2019 , the establishment plan was 75 ,35 % executed , with 214 temporary agents appointed out of 284 temporary agents authorised under the union budget (compared to 214 authorised posts in 2018); notes that , in addition , 72 contract agents and 9 seconded national experts worked for the office in 2019; notes with satisfaction that the office’s recruitment plan provides for a staff of 500 by 2020; ### 6. notes that , on 31 december 2019 , the establishment plan was 75 ,35 % executed , with 214 temporary agents appointed out of 284 temporary agents authorised under the union budget (compared to 214 authorised posts in 2018); notes that , in addition , 72 contract agents and 9 seconded national experts worked for the office in 2019; notes with satisfaction that the office’s recruitment plan provides for a staff of 500 by 2020; welcomes that recruitment situation has significantly improved; stresses that the easo must continue registering progress in recruitment;


### 1. believes that the commission’s right of legislative initiative , as set out in the treaties , has been neither constructive nor productive in recent years , with a decrease in the commission’s output over the past decade and commission presidents not assuming their political responsibilities; strongly recommends therefore that the committee on constitutional affairs further exploit parliament’s powers assigned by the treaties and consider a treaty revision to give parliament a direct right of legislative initiative; ### 1. believes that the commission’s right of legislative initiative , as set out in the treaties , has been neither constructive nor productive in recent years , and that the commission has no democratic legitimacy to exercise such a political role; strongly recommends therefore that the committee on constitutional affairs consider a treaty revision to remove from the commission its right of legislative initiative and transfer it to the council and parliament;


### 2. stresses that the european council has a de-facto right of initiative within the area of freedom , security and justice in accordance with article 68 tfeu , which does not reflect a level playing field between parliament and council; underlines moreover the early influence by the member states via their participation in numerous commission advisory bodies; ### 2. stresses that the european council has a de-facto right of initiative within the area of freedom , security and justice in accordance with article 68 tfeu; underlines moreover the early influence by the member states via their participation in numerous commission advisory bodies;


### 5. is of the opinion that inl reports in the area of the ordinary legislative procedure , with only one addressee and workable proposals within realistic timeframes , will be more successful; recommends therefore that the committee on constitutional affairs invites the commission to the negotiating table in order to slightly extend the relevant deadlines and to accommodate alleged organisational difficulties with regard to the 2010 fa and thereby enhance the commission’s responsiveness to parliament’s resolutions; expects in return , however , that the commission’s response to and implementation of an inl report should be automatic; ### deleted


### 6. urges the commission , as the guardian of the treaties , to adhere to its responsibilities and to honour its own commitments; ### deleted


### 7. is of the opinion that , if the commission fails to implement parliament’s call for a legislative act in the area of the ordinary legislative procedure , its resolution adopted by a majority of members shall form the basis for a legislative procedure to be initiated by parliament itself; ### deleted


### 4. acknowledges that the overall budget increase was mainly due to the impact of the new tasks resulting from the regulation (eu) 2018/1725 (the general data protection regulation , gdpr) , which lays down the data protection obligations for the union institutions and bodies when they process personal data and develop new policies) and the necessary growth of the european data protection board (hereafter edpb) that was created on 25th may 2018 and for which the supervisor was entrusted to provide an independent secretariat; recognises that 2019 was the first full year of operations of the edpb secretariat and of the implementation of the gdpr which justifies the increase; ### 4. acknowledges that the overall budget increase was mainly due to the impact of the new tasks resulting from the regulation (eu) 2018/1725 (the general data protection regulation , gdpr) , which lays down the data protection obligations for the union institutions and bodies when they process personal data and develop new policies) and the necessary growth of the european data protection board (hereafter edpb) that was created on 25th may 2018 and for which the supervisor was entrusted to provide an independent secretariat; recognises that 2019 was the first full year of operations of the edpb secretariat and of the implementation of the gdpr which justifies the increase; the related allocated budget increase amounted to 51% (from 3 594 746 eur in 2018 to 5 413 838 eur in 2019);


### 6. notes that at the end of 2014 , the supervisor counted 55 members of staff compared to 96 at the end of 2019 , which signifies almost a doubling in the number of staff; is aware that the supervisor's budget is mostly administrative , with a large amount being used for expenditure relating to persons , buildings , furniture , equipment and miscellaneous running costs; ### 6. notes that at the end of 2014 , the supervisor counted 55 members of staff compared to 96 at the end of 2019 , which signifies almost a doubling in the number of staff; is aware that the supervisor's budget is mostly administrative , with a large amount being used for expenditure relating to persons , buildings , furniture , equipment and miscellaneous running costs; acknowledges that a substantial part of the staff are contract staff which are employed for a temporary period , such as replacement of staff on maternity leaves or implementation of specific actions;


### 14. recognises that due to the very small size of the office of supervisor , the concluding of service level agreements (sla) such as with the commission for trainings , medical service , use of sysper , appraisal system , for the payment of salaries , the staff insurances and the organisation of missions , for accounting services and transportation services is important for efficiency gains; notes that the supervisor has slas with the parliament for it and building-related expenditure and that in addition the supervisor also participates in many inter-institutional calls for tenders , resulting in a current participation of 60 framework contracts; ### 14. recognises that due to the very small size of the office of supervisor , the concluding of service level agreements (sla) such as with the commission for trainings , medical service , use of sysper , appraisal system , for the payment of salaries , the staff insurances and the organisation of missions , for accounting services and transportation services is important for efficiency gains; encourages the inter-institutional activities of the edps , including 60 framework contracts initiated by different union institutions; notes that the supervisor has slas with the parliament for it and building-related expenditure;


### 34. is however of the opinion that the implementation of gdpr , despite harmonised rules , may be particularly challenging for small and medium sized companies (smes); asks the supervisor to further alleviate the administrative burden for smes; is interested in the possibility of conducting a cost evaluation of the implementation of gdpr in the near future; ### 34. is however of the opinion that the implementation of gdpr , despite harmonised rules , may be particularly challenging for small and medium sized companies (smes); asks the supervisor to further alleviate the administrative burden for smes; calls on the edps to consider the possibility of conducting a cost evaluation of the implementation of gdpr in the near future;


### 1. considers that , in order to face demographic challenges , the union needs third-country workers of all skill levels to increase its economic competitiveness and its global influence as the champion of democracy , inclusion , human rights , free trade in goods and services and the rule of law , and as the leader in the fight against climate change; ### 1. considers that , in order to face demographic challenges , the union needs to raise the birth rate of the native population to increase its economic competitiveness and its global influence , as well as to preserve the european character and culture of the member states;


### 1. notes that the 'new pact on migration and asylum' is a holistic attempt to address europe's migration challenges; stresses however that these challenges originate outside europe and urges that the root causes and drivers of migration be effectively addressed; ### 1. notes that the 'new pact on migration and asylum' aims to address europe's migration challenges and retains that it should reflect a new approach based on the principles of solidarity and shared responsibility; stresses however that the proposed measures are focusing mainly on reducing the arrival of migrants in europe and on facilitating returns to their countries of origin , while it is fundamental to strengthen and to define safe and legal channels for migration;


### 1. notes that the 'new pact on migration and asylum' is a holistic attempt to address europe's migration challenges; stresses however that these challenges originate outside europe and urges that the root causes and drivers of migration be effectively addressed; ### 1. notes that the 'new pact on migration and asylum' is a holistic attempt to address europe's migration challenges; stresses however that these challenges originate outside europe and urges that the root causes and drivers of migration be effectively addressed; underlines that policy coherence for sustainable development (pcsd) is essential to attain this goal and that pcsd should be mainstreamed across all union policies;


### 2. requests that the commission submit , by 31 january 2022 , on the basis of article 79(2) , in particular points (a) and (b) , of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , a proposal for an act that would serve as a package of proposals to facilitate and promote entry into and mobility within the union for legally migrating third-country nationals applying for work and to reduce bureaucracy and promote equal treatment , following the recommendations set out in the annex hereto; ### deleted


### 2. recalls member states’ right to determine their own migration policies; underlines that facilitating labour migration at union level undermines member states’ unique and diverse labour market policies; considers that increasing regular migration channels will not reduce illegal migration or human trafficking; ### 2. considers that increasing regular migration channels represent the main tool in order to reduce irregular migration or human trafficking; underlines that strict border controls without legal alternative pathways for migration shift the routes , introducing different steps of the journey and new transit countries , thus increasing the precariousness of the journey and the exposure of migrants to smuggling networks , extortion and violence;


### 2. recalls member states’ right to determine their own migration policies; underlines that facilitating labour migration at union level undermines member states’ unique and diverse labour market policies; considers that increasing regular migration channels will not reduce illegal migration or human trafficking; ### 2. stresses that member states should increase the coordination of their own migration policies because labour migration at union level has an impact on member states’ diverse labour market policies and on the overall functioning of the union internal market; considers that increasing regular migration channels is necessary to reduce irregular migration or human trafficking;


### 3. considers that the creation of a union-wide talent pool for third-country nationals who wish to apply for work with a view to migrating legally to a member state , as well as for employers to search for potential employees in third countries , would be an essential tool for achieving the purpose of the proposed act and calls on the commission to include the creation of such a talent pool in its proposal; ### deleted


### 3. points out that external borders must be secured and that migrants who lack the right to stay or enter the member states must be swiftly returned; supports proposals for an accelerated border procedure to apply to persons whose asylum applications have been rejected; ### 3. regrets the prevalence of an excessive focus on deterrence of migration to the union and considers that this did not produce adequate level of management of the migration phenomenon and of respect of fundamental rights; stresses that a short-term approach based on measures to strengthen border controls and reduce migrant arrivals in europe has led to a drastic reduction in legal migration opportunities , pushing migrants towards more dangerous routes , in several cases in serious violation of human rights;


### 3. points out that external borders must be secured and that migrants who lack the right to stay or enter the member states must be swiftly returned; supports proposals for an accelerated border procedure to apply to persons whose asylum applications have been rejected; ### 3. points out that external borders must be secured with respect to human rights obligations , and that migrants who lack the right to stay or enter the member states must be returned only after they have undergone due administrative process subject to judicial review , with the observation of all procedural safeguards laid down in chapter iii of the return directive;


### 4. supports the commission’s statement in its communication of 23 september 2020 on a new pact on migration and asylum regarding the enhancement of short-term mobility as a complement to legal pathways , especially for the purposes of research or study in order to improve upstream cooperation with third countries , for example to stem irregular migratory flows , and asks the commission to explore this direction further; ### deleted


### 4. underlines that emigration of highly qualified citizens deprives countries of origin of their human capital and an educated workforce (“brain drain”) and seriously hampers their economic and social development; calls for the future eu talent partnerships to address this issue and take on board lessons from the recent eu pilot projects on legal migration; ### 4. underlines that migration plays an important and complex role for economic and social development and considers that this involves several development-enabling factors , in particular the huge amount of financial flows from remittances; considers it decisive the involvement of diaspora organizations in strengthening those factors and in promoting forms of social remittances , such as the circulation of knowledge and ideas and economic and social exchanges; calls for the future eu talent partnerships to address this issue and take on board lessons from the recent eu pilot projects on legal migration; considers that those partnerships should support educational and vocational training systems in the countries of origin and enhance skill development not only for the destination country’s benefits;


### 4. underlines that emigration of highly qualified citizens deprives countries of origin of their human capital and an educated workforce (“brain drain”) and seriously hampers their economic and social development; calls for the future eu talent partnerships to address this issue and take on board lessons from the recent eu pilot projects on legal migration; ### 4. underlines that emigration of highly qualified citizens deprives countries of origin of their human capital and an educated workforce (“brain drain”) and seriously hampers their economic and social development; calls for the future eu talent partnerships to address this issue and take on board lessons from the recent eu pilot projects on legal migration; stresses the need to facilitate migration for medium-skilled jobs and urges the commission to add a ‘light blue’ alternative for medium-skilled or qualified labour to the recast blue card directive;


### 5. welcomes directive (eu) 2021/...15 , but considers it insufficient due to the fact that the labour markets of the union are also in need of low- and medium-skilled workers; calls , therefore , on the commission to include in its proposal an admission scheme for low- and medium-skilled third-country workers , including the creation of a framework for the validation and recognition of their skills and qualifications , based on objective and uniform criteria; ### deleted


### 5. calls for strengthening international law enforcement efforts , in cooperation with local governments , to combat criminal networks of smugglers contributing to illegal migration; ### 5. underlines that the sdg target 10.7 establishes the need to improve international cooperation for creating safe regular and orderly migration pathways; calls for strengthening international law enforcement efforts , in cooperation with local governments , to combat criminal networks of smugglers contributing to illegal migration; stresses however that the mere contention of migratory flows at any cost cannot stop forced migration insofar its root causes are not tackled , and that such a policy only forces migrants to take more dangerous routes and boosts human smuggling organizations; underlines that the union’s external recovery response needs to be inclusive to migrants , refugees and internally displaced persons , while accounting for the impact of the pandemic on protection needs;


### 5. calls for strengthening international law enforcement efforts , in cooperation with local governments , to combat criminal networks of smugglers contributing to illegal migration; ### 5. calls for strengthening international law enforcement efforts , in cooperation with local governments , to combat criminal networks of smugglers contributing to irregular migration and for ensuring full respect of human rights;


### 6. calls for the appropriate use of the ndici-global europe to contribute to reducing migration flows by stimulating economic growth and development in third countries; ### 6. calls for the appropriate use of the ndici-global europe to contribute to reducing migration flows by stimulating economic growth and development in third countries; stresses , however , that the evaluation of the ndici-global europe instrument must be carried out in relation to the degree of attainment of the sdgs rather than using reduced migration as an indicator of success; underlines , in this regard , that official development assistance cannot be used to strengthen borders , encourage deportations and prevent the influx of migrants into the union;


### 6. calls for the appropriate use of the ndici-global europe to contribute to reducing migration flows by stimulating economic growth and development in third countries; ### 6. calls for the appropriate use of the ndici-global europe to contribute to stimulating economic growth and development in third countries and support the creation of legal migration channels;


### 7. requests the commission to include in its proposal a framework for talent partnerships between member states and third countries , tailored to the situation of the third country in question , which should include vocational training programmes based on skills , in particular aptitude tests , workplace observation and simulations , and that member states could opt into on a voluntary basis; calls on the commission to ensure that the framework allows for parliament to be able to fully exercise its scrutiny and evaluation role; ### 7. requests the commission to include in its proposal a framework for talent partnerships between member states , tailored to the situation of the member state in question , which should include vocational training programmes based on skills , in particular aptitude tests , workplace observation and simulations , and that member states could opt into on a voluntary basis; calls on the commission to ensure that the framework allows for parliament to be able to fully exercise its scrutiny and evaluation role;


### 7. stresses the need to involve all stakeholders in europe and partner countries in the definition and evaluation of new and existing legal migration strategies; highlights the importance of religious entities , which play a key role in partner countries , including in conflict resolution. ### 7. stresses the need to involve all stakeholders in europe and partner countries , including cities and municipalities that play a key role in the integration of migrants and refugees , in the definition and evaluation of new and existing legal migration strategies; highlights the importance of religious entities , civil society organisations and trade unions , which play a key role in partner countries , including in conflict resolution.


### 8. notes that the objective of directive 2011/98/eu to simplify and harmonise the rules concerning permits currently applicable in the member states has not been fully achieved with some of the provisions being implemented in different ways across union; requests the commission to take the necessary steps to ensure that the member states implement that directive fully; further considers that that directive should be amended to allow applications for a single permit to be lodged from within both a member state and a third country , and , in order to further simplify and harmonise the rules , to clearly regulate the procedure for obtaining an entry visa so as to avoid applicants having to submit the documents needed to obtain a single permit twice , and calls on the commission to include such amendments in its proposal; ### deleted


### 9. requests that the commission includes in its proposal the establishment of a transnational advisory service network , to be managed by the commission , for legally migrating third-country workers , with each member state designating a lead authority to process applications and to coordinate the advice and information provided to third-country nationals applying for work in the union; insists that the lead authorities should be responsible for the sharing of information among member states on third-country workers and should act as contact points for the talent pool; asks that the lead authorities be responsible also for close coordination with one another with regard to applications lodged for a single permit to reside and work in accordance with directive 2011/98/eu in order to avoid double submissions; ### deleted


### 10. calls on the commission to include in its proposal an amendment to directive 2014/36/eu to allow holders of work permits under that directive a period of three months to seek new employment after having left their previous employer without having their work permit revoked; ### 10. calls on the commission to include in its proposal an amendment to directive 2014/36/eu to allow holders of work permits under that directive a period of two months to seek new employment after having left their previous employer without having their work permit revoked;


### 11. requests the commission to include in its proposal an amendment to directive 2009/52/ec to adapt its scope to include exploited legally residing third-country nationals working in the union; ### deleted


### 12. is of the view that directive 2003/109/ec should be amended to allow third-country nationals who are long-term residents of a member state to reside permanently within another member state from the day their permit is issued on terms similar to the terms applicable to union citizens and to reduce the number of years of residence required to acquire union long-term residence status from five to three years; calls on the commission to include those amendments in its proposal; ### deleted


### 13. is of the view that sufficient funding for the proposals set out in this report is required and considers that the financial implications of the requested proposal should be covered by the relevant union budgetary allocation; ### 13. is of the view that appropriate funding for the proposals set out in this report is required and considers that the financial implications of the requested proposal should be covered by the relevant union budgetary allocation;


### recommendations as to the content of the proposal requested ### the recommendations are deleted in the light of the text proposed


### - the european parliament considers that the legislative act to be adopted should establish a union-wide talent pool for third-country nationals who wish to apply for work in and migrate legally to a member state , as well as for union-based employers to search in third countries for potential employees , and should facilitate the admission and free movement of third-country workers. the european parliament considers that such a union-wide talent pool should establish synergies with the existing framework and the legislative act should therefore amend regulation (eu) 2016/589 in order to expand the current scope of the eures portal , established by that regulation; ### deleted


### - the talent pool , as established by the legislative act , would allow third-country nationals to express their interest in and apply for work , while also enabling employers to search for potential employees. third-country nationals would be able to apply for work where there is a shortage in the member states’ domestic labour markets , after having gone through an application and pre-screening process. the talent pool would serve as an optional tool that member states could use to meet the demands of and shortages in the member states’ labour markets that cannot be met by the domestic workforce. the talent pool should be complemented by increased coordination between participating national authorities , and it should take into account national specificities and the different demands of national labour markets. in that spirit , the union-wide transnational advisory service network , as referred to in recommendation 5 , should facilitate the running of the talent pool and serve as a contact point for the talent pool in the member state. ### deleted


### 2 (on an admittance scheme for low and medium-skilled third-country workers) - it is a pressing need for the union to improve its attractiveness for all skilled third-country workers , not only for highly-skilled workers. with the revision of the directive (eu) [eu blue card] , the union has taken further steps to achieve that goal for highly-skilled third-country workers. however , it is imperative to achieve that goal for low- and medium-skilled third-country workers in order to fill vacancies and improve matching on the member states’ labour markets , further enhancing the union’s economic competitiveness. ### deleted


### - it is a pressing need for the union to improve its attractiveness for all skilled third-country workers , not only for highly-skilled workers. with the revision of the directive (eu) [eu blue card] , the union has taken further steps to achieve that goal for highly-skilled third-country workers. however , it is imperative to achieve that goal for low- and medium-skilled third-country workers in order to fill vacancies and improve matching on the member states’ labour markets , further enhancing the union’s economic competitiveness. ### deleted


### - to properly address that issue , the european parliament calls on the commission to , within the legislative act to be adopted , include provisions setting up an admission scheme with conditions of entry and residence for low- and medium-skilled third-country workers. the scheme should include the creation of a framework within which third-country workers are able to have their skills and qualifications properly recognised and validated for use on the member states’ labour markets. ### deleted


### 3. (on an admittance scheme for entrepreneurs and self-employed persons) - traditionally , a work permits has only been issued where the third-country national already has an employment contract or a firm offer of employment. however , the european parliament is of the view that the basis for issuing work permits could be improved and developed further. along the same lines , the commission has stated that its objective is to encourage more people to become entrepreneurs , thereby improving europe’s economic performance1. third-country nationals working as entrepreneurs or as self-employed people might experience that the environment in their country of origin is not conducive for their start-up or for their efforts as entrepreneurs. through a union-wide admittance scheme such third-country nationals could be given an opportunity to migrate legally to the union and establish themselves and their businesses. ### deleted


### - traditionally , a work permits has only been issued where the third-country national already has an employment contract or a firm offer of employment. however , the european parliament is of the view that the basis for issuing work permits could be improved and developed further. along the same lines , the commission has stated that its objective is to encourage more people to become entrepreneurs , thereby improving europe’s economic performance1. third-country nationals working as entrepreneurs or as self-employed people might experience that the environment in their country of origin is not conducive for their start-up or for their efforts as entrepreneurs. through a union-wide admittance scheme such third-country nationals could be given an opportunity to migrate legally to the union and establish themselves and their businesses. ### deleted


### - to that end , the european parliament considers that the legislative act to be adopted should include an admission scheme with conditions of entry and residence for self-employed people and entrepreneurs , in particular for third-country nationals who establish small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups. the definitions of ‘self-employed person’ and ‘entrepreneur’ should be based on objective and uniform criteria set by the commission. ### deleted


### 4. (on the preparation of a framework for talent partnerships between member states and third countries) - the european parliament calls on the commission to prepare a tailor-made framework for talent partnerships in which member states can voluntarily participate and to include this in the legislative act to be adopted. those partnerships would be open to third-country workers of all skill-levels , as well as students and graduates , and would serve as an efficient tool for member states to match the skills of workers in third countries with the demands of the member states’ labour markets which the domestic workforce cannot meet. the aim of those partnerships is to add another legal channel as a mobility-option for third-country nationals who wish to migrate to the union for work and to tackle the issues of labour market shortages and mismatches across the union. the practical implementation of the partnerships would rely on close cooperation with national authorities , labour market institutions and partners. the commission should ensure that the european parliament is able to , on a regular basis , scrutinise and evaluate the functioning of the partnerships , as well propose recommendations to improve the overall functioning of the framework. ### deleted


### - the european parliament calls on the commission to prepare a tailor-made framework for talent partnerships in which member states can voluntarily participate and to include this in the legislative act to be adopted. those partnerships would be open to third-country workers of all skill-levels , as well as students and graduates , and would serve as an efficient tool for member states to match the skills of workers in third countries with the demands of the member states’ labour markets which the domestic workforce cannot meet. the aim of those partnerships is to add another legal channel as a mobility-option for third-country nationals who wish to migrate to the union for work and to tackle the issues of labour market shortages and mismatches across the union. the practical implementation of the partnerships would rely on close cooperation with national authorities , labour market institutions and partners. the commission should ensure that the european parliament is able to , on a regular basis , scrutinise and evaluate the functioning of the partnerships , as well propose recommendations to improve the overall functioning of the framework. ### deleted


### - a reinforced and more comprehensive approach would offer cooperation with partner countries and help boost mutually beneficial international mobility. those talent partnerships should be inclusive and build strong cooperation between the institutions concerned , for example national ministries of labour and education , employers , social partners and education and training providers. however , it is important that member states strongly engage with those talent partnerships , that the private sector , in particular european businesses , and the social partners be involved , and that partner countries have a sense of ownership. ### deleted


### 5. (on the simplification of directive 2011/98/eu) - the european parliament is of the view that procedures with respect to directive 2011/98/eu should be further harmonised for that directive to be fully efficient , therefore considers that the legislative act to be adopted should amend that directive in order to allow applications for a single permit to be lodged both from within the territory of a member state and from a third country , while engaging both the member states and the third countries in a system that shares information on , and coordinates with respect to , the applications lodged. the european parliament moreover calls for , inter alia , the clear regulation and streamlining of the procedure for applying for an entry visa in order to avoid applicants having to submit the documents needed to obtaining a single permit twice , and also requests the commission to propose changes that would alleviate the difficulties facing third-country national holding work permits when changing employment , thus making the permit holder too dependent on the employer. ### deleted


### - the european parliament is of the view that procedures with respect to directive 2011/98/eu should be further harmonised for that directive to be fully efficient , therefore considers that the legislative act to be adopted should amend that directive in order to allow applications for a single permit to be lodged both from within the territory of a member state and from a third country , while engaging both the member states and the third countries in a system that shares information on , and coordinates with respect to , the applications lodged. the european parliament moreover calls for , inter alia , the clear regulation and streamlining of the procedure for applying for an entry visa in order to avoid applicants having to submit the documents needed to obtaining a single permit twice , and also requests the commission to propose changes that would alleviate the difficulties facing third-country national holding work permits when changing employment , thus making the permit holder too dependent on the employer. ### deleted


### 6 (on the establishment of a union-wide transnational advisory service network for legally migrating workers) - the european parliament is of the view that systematic cooperation between and engagement with the authorities of member states and of third countries is required to enhance legal pathways for migration. to achieve that goal , the european parliament considers that the legislative act to be adopted should establish a transnational advisory service network , managed by the commission , for third-country workers , with each member state designating a lead authority to coordinate the advice and information provided to legally migrating third-country nationals applying for work in the union. the authorities in each member state should also be responsible for closely coordinating with one another with regard to applications lodged for a single permit to reside and work in the union in accordance with directive 2011/98/eu in order to avoid double submissions. that network should also take into account national specificities and different demands of national labour markets. ### deleted


### - the european parliament is of the view that systematic cooperation between and engagement with the authorities of member states and of third countries is required to enhance legal pathways for migration. to achieve that goal , the european parliament considers that the legislative act to be adopted should establish a transnational advisory service network , managed by the commission , for third-country workers , with each member state designating a lead authority to coordinate the advice and information provided to legally migrating third-country nationals applying for work in the union. the authorities in each member state should also be responsible for closely coordinating with one another with regard to applications lodged for a single permit to reside and work in the union in accordance with directive 2011/98/eu in order to avoid double submissions. that network should also take into account national specificities and different demands of national labour markets. ### deleted


### - in addition , each member state should be responsible for requesting from employers information on third-country workers , in full respect of union data protection law , in order to enable third-country nationals to be connected with the relevant authorities and in order to facilitate the strengthening of the equal rights of third-country workers. this transnational advisory service network should facilitate the running of the talent pool , as outlined in recommendation 1. ### deleted


### 7 (on amending directive 2014/36/eu to enable seasonal workers to change employer) ### deleted


### - promoting professional mobility for legally residing third-country nationals working in a member state also means protecting them from exploitation. numerous third-country nationals , in particular low-skilled third-country nationals , hesitate to leave an exploitative employer because it would mean that they would lose their work permit and right to stay in the union. holders of a work permit issued under the directive 2014/36/eu are , in particular , prone to exploitation , seeing how they often tend to work within sectors mainly employing low-skilled workers. ### deleted


### - therefore , the european parliament considers that the legislative act to be adopted should amend directive 2014/36/eu to allow holders of work permits under that directive a period of three months to seek new employment after having left their previous employer without having their permit revoked. the european parliament recommends that the commission , at the same time , consider other appropriate amendments to that directive in order to bring it up to date and in line with other more recent union legal acts dealing with legal migration. ### deleted


### 8 (on amending the directive 2009/52/ec to include legally residing third-country nationals) ### deleted


### - directive 2009/52/ec contains several tools that can be used to support irregularly staying third-country nationals working within the union. the fact that it only covers irregularly staying third-country workers is , however , a substantial flaw. while regularly staying third-country workers enjoy a higher level of protection , mainly by virtue of their legal right to stay within the union , as well as through other means , they too can be exploited and remain more vulnerable than union citizens. consequently , the european parliament sees a need to amend directive 2009/52/ec to make it applicable to all third-country nationals working in the union. ### deleted


### - holders of union long-term residence permits face a number of barriers in exercising the right to move and reside in other member states for work , study or other reasons. this is because the conditions for mobility which union long-term residents must fulfil might be similar to the conditions other third-country nationals must fulfil for a first-time application. in 2017 , in the 25 member states bound by directive 2003/109/ec , there were approximately 3 ,1 million third-country nationals holding a union long-term residence permit. this can be compared to about 7 ,1 million third-country nationals holding a national long-term residence permit. it can therefore be concluded that third-country nationals underuse the union long-term residence permit , meaning that many of them do not enjoy benefits from the rights of the union status , despite the fact that they would be eligible. the implementation report on that directive points to the fact that most member states have not actively promoted the use of the union long-term residence permits and , as a result , there is no ‘level-playing field’ between the union legislative scheme and the national equivalent2. ### deleted


### - therefore , the european parliament considers that the legislative act to be adopted should amend directive 2003/109/ec to allow third-country nationals who are long-term residents of a member state to reside permanently within another member state from the day their permit is issued on terms similar to the terms applicable to union citizens. the european parliament recommends that the commission , at the same time , consider other appropriate amendments to that directive to bring it up to date and in line with other more recent union legal acts dealing with third-country nationals legally staying in the union. the european parliament requests the commission to , as a minimum , include in its proposal reducing the number of years required for acquiring a union long-term residence permit from five to three years. ### deleted


### — having regard to the commission communication of 20 july 2021 entitled ‘2021 rule of law report – the rule of law situation in the european union’ (com(2021)0700) , ### deleted


### — having regard to its resolution of 14 november 2018 on the need for a comprehensive eu mechanism for the protection of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights4 , ### deleted


### — having regard to its resolution of 7 october 2020 on the establishment of an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights5 , ### deleted


### — having regard to its resolution of 24 june 2021 on the commission’s 2020 rule of law report9 , ### deleted


### b. whereas civil society organisations (csos) are non-profit making organisations independent of public institutions and commercial interests , whose activities contribute to the realisation of eu values and fundamental rights; whereas human rights defenders , activists and informal groups are also key actors in civil society; ### b. whereas civil society organisations (csos) are non-profit making organisations independent of public institutions and commercial interests , which represent a wide range of worldviews and whose activities contribute to the realisation of a diverse set of values and fundamental rights;


### d. whereas freedom of thought and freedom of expression are the cornerstone of every free and democratic society; ### d. whereas freedom of thought and freedom of expression are the cornerstone of every free and democratic society and must always be respected , even when it comes to opponents from the liberal or conservative ends of the spectrum;


### g. whereas freedom of expression has been restricted in some member states; whereas strategic lawsuits against public participation (slapps) have also been used to target civil society organisations (csos) and human rights defenders; whereas these exert a severe chilling effect on freedom of expression; ### g. whereas certain csos representing a radical left-wing and liberal ideology have gained significant influence in decision-making at the eu level; whereas these csos carry out their work claiming to be independent , but in reality , they serve the political interests of their funders; whereas this significant influence could be used by foreign powers to pursue interference goals;


### h. whereas freedom of association is being eroded in some member states; ### deleted


### h. whereas freedom of association is being eroded in some member states; ### h. whereas freedom of association is being eroded in some member states , in particular as a result of the introduction of restrictive measures in response to covid-19;


### i. whereas in some member states , restrictions have been imposed with the deliberate aim of limiting civic space and are accompanied by legal , administrative and fiscal harassment , criminalisation and negative rhetoric aimed at stigmatising and delegitimising csos and draining their capacity to carry out their legitimate work; whereas hate speech , harassment and attacks also emanate from non-state actors; whereas csos working on women’s rights , including sexual and reproductive health and rights , environmental issues and the protection of minorities and lgbti rights , as well as those providing assistance to asylum seekers and those involved in search and rescue operations , are particularly exposed; ### deleted


### i. whereas in some member states , restrictions have been imposed with the deliberate aim of limiting civic space and are accompanied by legal , administrative and fiscal harassment , criminalisation and negative rhetoric aimed at stigmatising and delegitimising csos and draining their capacity to carry out their legitimate work; whereas hate speech , harassment and attacks also emanate from non-state actors; whereas csos working on women’s rights , including sexual and reproductive health and rights , environmental issues and the protection of minorities and lgbti rights , as well as those providing assistance to asylum seekers and those involved in search and rescue operations , are particularly exposed; ### i. whereas in some member states , restrictions have been imposed with the deliberate aim of limiting civic space and are accompanied by legal , administrative and fiscal harassment , criminalisation and negative rhetoric aimed at stigmatising and delegitimising csos and draining their capacity to carry out their legitimate work;


### i. whereas in some member states , restrictions have been imposed with the deliberate aim of limiting civic space and are accompanied by legal , administrative and fiscal harassment , criminalisation and negative rhetoric aimed at stigmatising and delegitimising csos and draining their capacity to carry out their legitimate work; whereas hate speech , harassment and attacks also emanate from non-state actors; whereas csos working on women’s rights , including sexual and reproductive health and rights , environmental issues and the protection of minorities and lgbti rights , as well as those providing assistance to asylum seekers and those involved in search and rescue operations , are particularly exposed; ### i. whereas in some member states , restrictions have been imposed with the deliberate aim of limiting civic space and are accompanied by legal , administrative and fiscal harassment , criminalisation and negative rhetoric aimed at stigmatising and delegitimising csos and draining their capacity to carry out their legitimate work; whereas hate speech , harassment and attacks also emanate from non-state actors; whereas csos working on gender equality , environmental issues and the freedom to criticise islamic fundamentalism , as well as those fighting to prevent europe from being overrun by migrants , are particularly exposed;


### j. whereas certain member states have placed restrictions on csos’ ability to engage in political activities; whereas in others , accusations that csos are political have become tools to stigmatise and delegitimise them; whereas csos report discriminatory and restrictive funding practices in certain member states; ### deleted


### j. whereas certain member states have placed restrictions on csos’ ability to engage in political activities; whereas in others , accusations that csos are political have become tools to stigmatise and delegitimise them; whereas csos report discriminatory and restrictive funding practices in certain member states; ### j. whereas certain member states have introduced transparency requirements regarding the funding of csos;


### k. whereas policies and practices instilling a chilling effect on civic space have been adopted in certain member states with the aim of achieving self-censorship and deterring civic actors from exercising their rights; ### deleted


### k. whereas policies and practices instilling a chilling effect on civic space have been adopted in certain member states with the aim of achieving self-censorship and deterring civic actors from exercising their rights; ### k. whereas some csos may have a significant influence on public life and public debate which justify their funding being subject to strict transparency measures , especially if the funding comes from outside the union;


### m. whereas the emergence of government-organised non-governmental organisations (gongos) designed to support the political legitimacy of those in power constitutes one of the gravest forms of attack against csos , jeopardising their existence by undermining active citizenship; ### deleted


### n. whereas while csos increasingly perform economic activities and contribute to the social economy , no legislative steps have been taken to unlock their operations at eu level; ### deleted


### o. whereas foreign funding has been the target of legal and political attacks in some member states; ### deleted


### o. whereas foreign funding has been the target of legal and political attacks in some member states; ### o. whereas foreign funding has rightly been subject to public control in some member states;


### 1. asserts the crucial role played by csos in the realisation of eu values and fundamental rights , and the implementation of eu policies and strategies; stresses their key contribution to informed public debate , articulating aspirations present in society , giving a voice to vulnerable and marginalised people , providing expertise in policy-making , promoting active citizenship and acting as schools of democracy; ### 1. notes the role played by csos; confirms their contribution to informed public debate , articulating aspirations present in society;


### 1. asserts the crucial role played by csos in the realisation of eu values and fundamental rights , and the implementation of eu policies and strategies; stresses their key contribution to informed public debate , articulating aspirations present in society , giving a voice to vulnerable and marginalised people , providing expertise in policy-making , promoting active citizenship and acting as schools of democracy; ### 1. asserts the crucial role played by csos in europe; stresses their key contribution to public debate , articulating aspirations present in society , giving a voice to vulnerable and marginalised people , to populations worried about the preservation of their identities , providing expertise in policy-making , promoting active citizenship and acting as schools of democracy and whistleblowers;


### 1. asserts the crucial role played by csos in the realisation of eu values and fundamental rights , and the implementation of eu policies and strategies; stresses their key contribution to informed public debate , articulating aspirations present in society , giving a voice to vulnerable and marginalised people , providing expertise in policy-making , promoting active citizenship and acting as schools of democracy; ### 1. asserts the crucial role played by csos in the realisation of a wide range of values and fundamental rights , and the implementation of eu policies and strategies; stresses their key contribution to informed public debate , articulating aspirations present in society , giving a voice to vulnerable and marginalised people , providing expertise in policy-making , promoting active citizenship and acting as schools of democracy;


### 2. emphasises that for civil society organisations to thrive , civic space must be an enabling and safe environment free from undue interference , intimidation , harassment and chilling effects; ### 2. emphasises that for civil society organisations to thrive , civic space must be an enabling and safe environment for all kinds of organisations , including organisations that represent traditional values;


### 3. warns about the degradation of civic space throughout the eu with policies hampering csos’ operations , their access to sustainable funding and their ability to participate in decision-making; condemns any form of harassment , smearing , stigmatisation , criminalisation and scapegoating of csos; ### 3. warns about the increasing activity of biased radical left-wing csos which act as political activist organisations; underlines that these csos often have little connection to society and people , but serve as political pressure groups receiving funding from abroad and acting in the political interests of their funders;


### 3. warns about the degradation of civic space throughout the eu with policies hampering csos’ operations , their access to sustainable funding and their ability to participate in decision-making; condemns any form of harassment , smearing , stigmatisation , criminalisation and scapegoating of csos; ### 3. warns about the degradation of civic space throughout the eu with policies hampering csos’ operations , their access to sustainable funding and their ability to participate in decision-making; condemns any form of harassment , smearing , stigmatisation and criminalisation of csos;


### 3. condemns all attempts by member states to control civil society actors and discriminate between them on a political basis , including by over-regulating the sector; ### 3. condemns all attempts by member states to control civil society actors and discriminate between them , including by over-regulating the sector;


### 4. agrees with the commission that when civil society’s space to operate shrinks , it is a sign that the rule of law is at risk; urges the commission , therefore , to step up and structure its monitoring of the situation of civic space in the member states by creating a ‘european civic space index’ based on existing frameworks for measuring civic space , and by dedicating to civic space a fully-fledged chapter including country recommendations in its annual rule of law report; ### deleted


### 4. strongly condemns , in particular , the adoption by hungarian and polish authorities of acts that restrict the access of non-governmental organisations to funding and that target lgbtiq+ persons and activists; ### 4. strongly condemns the adoption by the member state authorities of acts and measures that restrict the access of non-governmental organisations to funding and that target lgbtiq+ persons and activists;


### 5. welcomes the commission’s acknowledgement of the importance of civil society in a number of eu policies and strategies; stresses , however , that the fragmented nature of this approach results in little effective improvement of the situation of csos on the ground; ### deleted


### 5. welcomes the commission’s acknowledgement of the importance of civil society in a number of eu policies and strategies; stresses , however , that the fragmented nature of this approach results in little effective improvement of the situation of csos on the ground; ### 5. takes note of the commission’s acknowledgement of the importance of civil society in a number of eu policies and strategies;


### 6. urges the commission , therefore , to adopt a comprehensive civil society strategy that integrates all existing tools , fills monitoring , support and protection gaps , and gives genuine political recognition to the crucial role played by csos in the realisation of eu values and policies; ### deleted


### an enabling regulatory and political environment free from chilling effects , threats and attacks ### an enabling environment for all kinds of civil society organisations


### 7. stresses that the ability of csos to act depends on the existence of an enabling legal and political environment , in particular on the exercise of freedom of association , peaceful assembly and expression; urges member states to guarantee the exercise of these rights in conformity with international standards; ### 7. stresses that the ability of csos to act depends on the existence of an enabling legal and political environment , in particular on the exercise of freedom of association , peaceful assembly and expression; urges member states to guarantee the exercise of these rights in conformity with international standards; highlights the need to ensure that civil society organisations operate in a transparent manner , with special regard to funding;


### 7. underlines that civil society actors are increasingly subjected to targeted violence , whether by police forces or private parties; ### 7. underlines that civil society actors are increasingly subjected to targeted violence and to attempts made to delegitimise or discredit them in public;


### 8. considers that the contribution of csos to the single market and the social economy , as well as their role in the realisation of eu values and policies , is a strong argument for removing the barriers to their operations at eu level; calls on the commission , therefore , to propose legislation to approximate member state laws in this regard; ### deleted


### 9. calls on the commission to include a systematic civic space check in its impact assessments in order to prevent planned legislation from having negative effects on civic space; ### deleted


### 10. calls on the member states to limit peaceful assemblies only if strictly necessary and in a proportionate way; condemns any unnecessary use of force against protesters , as well as their criminalisation and surveillance; calls on the commission to issue guidelines for the protection of freedom of peaceful assembly; ### 10. calls on the member states not to restrict peaceful assemblies; condemns any unnecessary use of force against protesters , as well as their criminalisation and surveillance;


### 11. warns against the detrimental impact of policies and rhetoric instilling a chilling effect on civic space; urges the commission to make the analysis of chilling effects a key aspect of its annual rule of law report , to build on case c-78/1810 to challenge measures having a chilling effect on the exercise of charter rights when similar approaches are possible and to apply for interim measures to avoid irreparable damage while judicial review is ongoing; ### deleted


### 11. warns against the detrimental impact of policies and rhetoric instilling a chilling effect on civic space; urges the commission to make the analysis of chilling effects a key aspect of its annual rule of law report , to build on case c-78/1810to challenge measures having a chilling effect on the exercise of charter rights when similar approaches are possible and to apply for interim measures to avoid irreparable damage while judicial review is ongoing; ### 11. warns against the detrimental impact of policies and rhetoric that some foreign ngos are introducing into civic space;


### 14. calls for the setting up of an eu alert mechanism allowing csos and human rights defenders to register attacks and seek support; ### deleted


### sustainable and non-discriminatory access to resources ### transparency requirements


### 15. urges the commission to propose a comprehensive set of measures and recommendations to ensure long-term financing for csos; stresses the importance of securing complementary sources of funding; emphasises that public funding should cover all types of civil society activities; ### deleted


### 15. urges the commission to propose a comprehensive set of measures and recommendations to ensure long-term financing for csos; stresses the importance of securing complementary sources of funding; emphasises that public funding should cover all types of civil society activities; ### 15. notes that the concept of csos is founded on the principles of free association , public debate , non-profit activity and voluntarism; citizens’ associations , ngos or other non-profit organisations that serve as a tool for governmental or opposition policies cannot receive public funding from the eu , member states or foreign supporters; calls on the commission to take effective measures to prevent the funding of such organisations;


### 16. is gravely concerned by the emergence of gongos and related discriminatory and often opaque public funding practices; warns against their detrimental effect on the perceived legitimacy of csos and hence on citizens’ willingness to engage in active citizenship; ### deleted


### 17. welcomes the adoption with an increased budget of the citizens , equality , rights and values programme; calls on the commission to actively consult csos in the definition of work programmes and funding mechanisms so as to ensure transparency , flexibility and user-friendliness; welcomes re-granting mechanisms in the union values strand; ### deleted


### 17. welcomes the adoption with an increased budget of the citizens , equality , rights and values programme; calls on the commission to actively consult csos in the definition of work programmes and funding mechanisms so as to ensure transparency , flexibility and user-friendliness; welcomes re-granting mechanisms in the union values strand; ### 17. strongly disapproves of the adoption with an increased budget of the citizens , equality , rights and values programme; calls on the commission to stop funding campaigns , as it did with the ‘rights , equality and citizenship’ programme , that promote the hijab or other cultural practices that run counter to gender equality and the european identity;


### 18. urges the commission to ensure that eu funds are only awarded to organisations that are strictly independent from any government and fully adhere to eu values; ### deleted


### 18. urges the commission to ensure that eu funds are only awarded to organisations that are strictly independent from any government and fully adhere to eu values; ### 18. urges the commission to ensure that eu funds are not awarded to organisations staging the invasion of europe; calls instead for it to support organisations working to prevent this from happening;


### 19. condemns attempts by certain member states to impose limitations on foreign funding and the related political narratives they have promulgated and measures they have taken with the aim of stigmatising csos; ### deleted


### 19. condemns attempts by certain member states to impose limitations on foreign funding and the related political narratives they have promulgated and measures they have taken with the aim of stigmatising csos; ### 19. welcomes attempts by certain member states to impose limitations on foreign funding with the aim of protecting csos from any outside interference;


### 20. calls for an eu-level definition of the concept of public benefit , as that would boost cross-border donations insofar as it would enable mutual recognition of public benefit status and equal treatment in terms of the related advantages; ### deleted


### civil dialogue and participation in policy-making ### civil dialogue and transparent participation in policy-making


### 21. stresses the importance of civil dialogue in informed policy-making and emphasises that the privileged position of csos in contact with citizens , and their expertise , confers on them a key role in civil dialogue; ### 21. stresses the importance of civil dialogue in informed policy-making; emphasises the need to ensure transparency when it comes to the involvement of csos in policy-making;


### 21. stresses the importance of civil dialogue in informed policy-making and emphasises that the privileged position of csos in contact with citizens , and their expertise , confers on them a key role in civil dialogue; ### 21. stresses the importance of civil dialogue in informed policy-making and emphasises that the position of csos in contact with citizens , and their expertise , confers on them a role in civil dialogue;


### 22. regrets that civil dialogue often remains an ad hoc process; calls on the member states to develop coherent policy frameworks that ensure structured , predictable and long-term processes , inclusive participation and systematic review; calls on the commission to provide recommendations based on the analysis of existing practices; ### deleted


### 22. regrets that civil dialogue often remains an ad hoc process; calls on the member states to develop coherent policy frameworks that ensure structured , predictable and long-term processes , inclusive participation and systematic review; calls on the commission to provide recommendations based on the analysis of existing practices; ### 22. is gravely concerned that the european commission outsources the work on the annual rule of law report to non-elected and ideologically motivated csos; highlights that this practice is antidemocratic as it gives power to csos without any democratic legitimacy; underlines that this leads to unbalanced and biased reporting and the application of double standards , especially in relation to conservative right-wing governments;


### 23. welcomes the attribution to a commission vice-president of the responsibility to maintain an open , transparent and regular dialogue with civil society; stresses that civil dialogue should be further operationalised; ### 23. notes the attribution to a commission vice-president of the responsibility to maintain an open , transparent and regular dialogue with civil society; underlines that this shall involve dialogue with all kinds of csos representing a wide range of views and not only those representing radical left-wing and liberal views; stresses that civil dialogue should always be conducted in a transparent manner;


### 24. calls on the commission to leverage the definition of national programmes implementing eu funds and the implementation by member states of eu strategies and action plans to require member states to put in place effective civil dialogue mechanisms; ### 24. calls on the commission to support member states to put in place effective and transparent civil dialogue mechanisms;


### 24. calls on the commission to leverage the definition of national programmes implementing eu funds and the implementation by member states of eu strategies and action plans to require member states to put in place effective civil dialogue mechanisms; ### 24. calls on the commission to stop using eu funds to blackmail member states that it simply disagrees with ideologically and be open to dialogue;


### 1. stresses the important role of the european border and coast guard agency (‘the agency’) , commonly referred to as frontex , in promoting , coordinating and developing european integrated border management in full respect of fundamental rights; ### 1. stresses the important role of the european border and coast guard agency (‘the agency’) , commonly referred to as frontex , in promoting , coordinating and developing european integrated border management and ensuring the security of external borders;


### 1. takes note of the commission’s intention to develop guidelines for the application of the regulation; reiterates once again its view that the text of the regulation is clear and does not require any additional interpretation in order to be applied; ### 1. takes note of the commission’s intention to develop guidelines for the application of the regulation;


### 4. urges the commission to avoid any further delay in the application of the regulation and to investigate swiftly and thoroughly any potential breaches of the principles of the rule of law in the member states that affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the financial interests of the union in a sufficiently direct way; reiterates that the situation in some member states already warrants immediate investigation under the regulation; ### deleted


### 10. emphasises the clear link between respect for the rule of law and the efficient implementation of the union budget in accordance with the principles of sound financial management: economy , efficiency and effectiveness; ### deleted


### 11. recalls that measures under the regulation are necessary in particular in cases where other procedures set out in sector-specific or financial legislation would not allow the union budget to be protected more effectively; stresses that this does not mean that the regulation is to be considered as a ‘last resort’ , but rather that the commission can use a wide range of procedures to protect the union’s financial interests , to be chosen on a case-by-case basis depending on their efficiency and effectiveness; ### deleted


### 1. considers that schemes granting nationality or residence primarily on the basis of a financial investment (cbi/rbi schemes) , also known as ‘golden passports’ or ‘golden visas’ , are objectionable from an ethical and legal point of view; ### 1. considers that schemes granting nationality or residence primarily on the basis of a financial investment (cbi/rbi schemes) , also known as ‘golden passports’ or ‘golden visas’ , are objectionable from an ethical and legal point of view , as well as an economic point of view;


### 10. deplores the lack of comprehensive security checks , vetting procedures and due diligence in member states that have cbi/rbi schemes in place; regrets that member states do not always consult the available union databases and do not exchange information on the outcome of such checks and procedures , allowing for successive applications across the union; ### 10. deplores the lack of comprehensive security checks , vetting procedures and due diligence in member states that have cbi/rbi schemes in place; regrets that member states do not always consult the available union databases and do not exchange information on the outcome of such checks and procedures , allowing for successive applications across the union; expresses concern regarding some member states , where applications for citizenship are often accepted even though the applicants do not meet the security requirements;


### 14. welcomes the infringement procedures launched in october 2020 by the commission against cyprus and malta concerning their cbi schemes; calls on the commission to advance those procedures and to initiate infringement procedures against member states for rbi schemes , where justified; ### 14. welcomes the infringement procedures launched in october 2020 by the commission against cyprus and malta concerning their cbi schemes; calls on the commission to advance those procedures and to initiate infringement procedures against member states for rbi schemes , where justified; calls on the commission , too , to carefully monitor bulgaria’s cbi/rbi scheme;