### 6. is of the opinion that the new legislation should apply to all sectors , to all types of enterprises , whether public or private , and of all size across the union; considers that the focus should be placed on the risks; ### 6. is of the opinion that the new legislation should apply to all sectors , to all types of enterprises , whether public or private , and of all size across the union; considers that the focus should be placed on classifying the types of risks entailed by the activities of businesses residing within the union , and on defining in which states and regions human rights violations are most likely to occur on account of local authorities’ unwillingness or lack of capacity;


### 6. is of the opinion that the new legislation should apply to all sectors , to all types of enterprises , whether public or private , and of all size across the union; considers that the focus should be placed on the risks; ### 6. is of the opinion that the new legislation should apply to all sectors , to all types of enterprises , whether public or private and of all size across the union; considers that the focus should be on sectors that present heightened human rights risks , including mining , food and agriculture , oil and gas , textiles , garments , leather , and footwear; believes that such horizontal approach should be supplemented by more specific standards and guidance at sector level;


### 6. is of the opinion that the new legislation should apply to all sectors , to all types of enterprises , whether public or private , and of all size across the union; considers that the focus should be placed on the risks; ### 6. is of the opinion that the new legislation should apply to all sectors , to all types of enterprises , whether public or private , and of all size across the union; stresses the importance of government agencies in the member states taking into account the criteria of the new legislation when carrying out projects supporting the internationalisation of enterprises residing within their territory; considers that the focus should be placed on the risks;


### 6. is of the opinion that the new legislation should apply to all sectors , to all types of enterprises , whether public or private , and of all size across the union; considers that the focus should be placed on the risks; ### 6. is of the opinion that the new legislation can only be applied to all sectors and all types of enterprises , whether public or private , if it is sufficiently differentiated; considers that the focus should be placed on good practice rather than the risks;


### 7. stresses that due diligence should not be a ‘box-ticking exercise’ and that due diligence strategies should be in line with the dynamic nature of risks; considers that those strategies should cover every actual or potential adverse impact although the severity of the risk should be considered in the context of a prioritisation policy; ### 7. stresses that due diligence should not be a ‘box-ticking exercise’ and that due diligence strategies should be in line with the dynamic nature of risks; considers that those strategies should cover actual or potential adverse impacts although the severity of the risk must be considered in the context of a prioritisation policy; requires that , before any initiative is proposed , a robust impact assessment is carried out focusing on the administrative burden on businesses , the value added by eu companies , the employment by eu companies and the engagement of eu companies in international markets.


### 7. stresses that the united nations guiding principles on business and human rights (ungps) highlight the duty of states to protect against human rights abuses within their territories , jurisdictions , or both , by third parties , including businesses; further emphasises that , independently of the ability and willingness of states to fulfil their human rights obligations , businesses have the responsibility to respect human rights wherever they operate and to address adverse human rights impacts with which they are connected , including by enabling providing remedies to victims; ### 7. stresses that the united nations guiding principles on business and human rights (ungps) highlight the duty of states to protect against human rights abuses within their territories , jurisdictions , or both , by third parties , including businesses; further emphasises that , independently of the ability and willingness of states to fulfil their human rights obligations , businesses have the responsibility to respect human rights wherever they operate and to address adverse human rights impacts with which they are connected , including by enabling providing remedies to victims; notes , however , that in this area companies cannot take the place of the sovereign and regulatory powers of the member states;


### 7. stresses that the united nations guiding principles on business and human rights (ungps) highlight the duty of states to protect against human rights abuses within their territories , jurisdictions , or both , by third parties , including businesses; further emphasises that , independently of the ability and willingness of states to fulfil their human rights obligations , businesses have the responsibility to respect human rights wherever they operate and to address adverse human rights impacts with which they are connected , including by enabling providing remedies to victims; ### 7. stresses that the united nations guiding principles on business and human rights (ungps) highlight the duty of states to protect against human rights violations within their territories , jurisdictions , or both , by third parties , including businesses; further emphasises that , independently of the ability and willingness of states to fulfil their human rights obligations , businesses have the responsibility to respect internationally legally binding human rights wherever they operate and to address adverse human rights violations with which they have committed , including by enabling providing remedies to victims;


### 7. is of the opinion that the future legislation should establish mandatory and effective corporate due diligence processes covering companies’ activities and their business relationships , including their supply and subcontracting chains; ### 7. is of the opinion that the future legislation should establish mandatory and effective corporate due diligence processes covering companies’ activities and their business relationships , including their supply and subcontracting chains; stresses that it should ensure the full and active involvement in the due diligence processes of those affected such as the trade unions and worker’s representatives but also local communities in the developing countries; notes that those processes should be aligned with international , european and union guidelines and standards; stresses that the legislation should oblige companies to adopt a due diligence policy duly articulated in a plan with clear objectives , concrete actions , expected results and indicators to measure progress; is of the opinion that there should be a clear obligation for companies and investors to identify and assess actual and potential risks , act upon the findings in order to cease and prevent negative impacts , track the implementation and the results and communicate how impacts have been addressed; notes that the plan should be adequately resourced and have a strong and inclusive monitoring mechanism; considers that companies should equip themselves with human rights , environmental and anti-corruption experts in order to guide the design and implementation of the policy and the plan as well as other possible related decisions; stresses that this type of expertise should also be part of the company’s management structures; believes that support measures should be foreseen for certain companies if needed;


### 7. is of the opinion that the future legislation should establish mandatory and effective corporate due diligence processes covering companies’ activities and their business relationships , including their supply and subcontracting chains; ### 7. is of the opinion that the future legislation should establish swift and effective corporate due diligence processes covering companies’ activities and their business relationships , including their supply and subcontracting chains;


### 8. highlights that sound due diligence requires that all stakeholders be involved and consulted effectively and meaningfully; ### 8. highlights that sound due diligence requires that relevant stakeholders be involved and consulted effectively and meaningfully;


### 8. underlines the need to design a sound monitoring system and to provide competent authorities (at union and at national level) with effective instruments to monitor the compliance with the legislation , in particular , at local level; ### 8. underlines the need to design a sound monitoring system and to provide competent authorities (at union and at national level) with effective instruments to monitor the compliance with the legislation , in particular , at local level; considers that a special effort has to be made to monitor business activities carried out in higher risk countries and regions;


### 9. expresses the opinion that the future legislation should establish a comprehensive system of liability that includes administrative , civil and criminal liability , and a sanctioning mechanism to enforce compliance with the new legislation and ensure enforcement , including through penalties and sanctions of all nature; ### 9. expresses the opinion that the future legislation should establish a system of liability which is appropriate and proportionate;


### 10. considers that , to enforce due diligence , member states should designate national authorities to share best practices as well as to supervise and impose sanctions , including criminal sanctions in severe cases; ### 10. considers that , to enforce due diligence , member states should designate national authorities to share best practices as well as to supervise and impose legal consequences where appropriate;


### 10. points out that corruption in the context of judicial proceedings can have a devastating effect on the lawful administration of justice and judicial integrity , and intrinsically violate the fundamental right to a fair trial , the right to due process and the victim’s right to effective redress; stresses that corruption generally leads to systematic abuse of human rights in the business context , for example , by preventing individuals from accessing goods and services that states are obliged to provide to meet their human rights obligations , by encouraging wrongful acquisition or appropriation by businesses of land , or by granting licences or concessions to businesses in the extractive sector; ### 10. points out that corruption in the context of judicial proceedings can have a devastating effect on the lawful administration of justice and judicial integrity , and intrinsically violate the fundamental right to a fair trial , the right to due process and the victim’s right to effective redress; stresses that corruption generally leads to systematic violation of human rights in the business context , for example , by preventing individuals from fairly accessing goods and services that states are obliged to ensure in order to meet their human rights obligations , by encouraging wrongful acquisition or appropriation by businesses of land , or by granting licences or concessions to businesses in the extractive sector;


### 10. stresses that access to effective remedy is crucial; considers that the legislation should oblige companies to have an effective grievance mechanism that should be transparent , accessible , predictable , safe , trustworthy and accountable; considers , in addition , that such mechanism should provide for effective judicial remedies to victims of human rights violations , environmental damage and corruption abuses , individually and through collective actions; believes that special protection should be provided to human rights defenders and its lawyers; ### 10. stresses that access to effective remedy is crucial; considers that the legislation should oblige companies to have an effective grievance mechanism that should be transparent , accessible , predictable , safe , trustworthy and accountable; notes that such mechanisms should be designed in consultation with workers and affected communities; considers , in addition , that they should provide for effective judicial remedies to victims of human rights violations , environmental damage and corruption abuses , individually and through collective actions; believes that special protection should be provided to human rights defenders and their lawyers; considers that other non-judicial remedies should also be provided for; believes , in that regard , that the legislation should consider the possibility of setting up a union grievance mechanism which could be managed by union delegations and whereby victims and populations affected by abuses committed by the union enterprises and their supply chains could file complaints; considers that that mechanism should be coordinated at a central level by the relevant union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies and adequately resourced;


### 11. regrets that despite attempts by european companies to implement their corporate responsibility policies to respect human rights , and various polices and laws in place to encourage or require due diligence across different member states , only 37% of businesses are currently undertaking due diligence in their supply chains and only 16% cover the entire value chain; stresses that protection of human rights and prevention of business-related abuses and violations cannot be achieved with current policies and that binding union legislation is necessary to bridge this gap; ### 11. regrets that despite attempts by european companies to implement their corporate responsibility policies to respect human rights , and various polices and laws in place to encourage or require due diligence across different member states , only 37% of businesses are currently undertaking due diligence in their supply chains and only 16% cover the entire value chain; stresses that protection of internationally legally binding human rights and prevention of business-related violations cannot be achieved with current policies and that binding union legislation is necessary to bridge this gap;


### 11. is convinced that it is crucial to make the sustainable development chapters of free trade agreements more enforceable and that the new legislation should explore ways of integrating the due diligence requirements into those chapters. ### 11. is convinced that it is crucial to make the sustainable development chapters of free trade agreements more enforceable and that the new legislation should explore ways of integrating the due diligence requirements into those chapters; considers that active monitoring of the due diligence mechanisms established in free trade agreements should be one of the main duties of the chief trade enforcement officer;


### 11. is convinced that it is crucial to make the sustainable development chapters of free trade agreements more enforceable and that the new legislation should explore ways of integrating the due diligence requirements into those chapters. ### 11. is convinced that it is crucial to make the sustainable development chapters of free trade agreements binding and enforceable and that the new legislation should explore ways of integrating the due diligence requirements into those chapters; believes that this would also help to avoid distortion of competition with companies based outside europe; considers that economic partnership agreements that the union signed with acp countries could also be reinforced in a similar way;


### 12. further considers that in order to enable victims to obtain remedy , undertakings should be held liable for the damage the undertakings under their control have caused or contributed to where the latter have , in the course of their business relationships with the former , committed violations of internationally recognized human rights or have caused environmental harm; ### deleted


### 12. notes that corporations and investors are calling for mandatory human rights due diligence at union level , to harmonise standards , and secure a global level playing field and greater legal and business certainty; ### 12. notes that corporations and investors are calling for mandatory human rights due diligence at union level , to harmonise standards , and secure a global level playing field and greater legal and business certainty; stresses that any regulatory requirements need to be sufficiently clear for companies to be able to comply with those requirements and know how to avoid sanctions , and due diligence legislation should ensure competitive advantage for european companies in the short and medium term;


### 13. considers that conducting due diligence should not absolve undertakings from liability for the harm they have caused or have contributed to; further considers , however , that having a robust due diligence process in place may help undertakings to avoid causing harm; ### deleted


### 13. urges the commission to propose union mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation imposing legal obligations on union companies and companies domiciled or operating in the union internal market and establishing effective monitoring , enforcement and remedy mechanisms; ### 13. calls for european companies to exercise mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence; calls on companies from eu member states , in their recruitment , investment and supply policies , to put in place measures to encourage , in the first place , the use of material and human resources in their respective countries , and secondly those from eu member states;


### 13. urges the commission to propose union mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation imposing legal obligations on union companies and companies domiciled or operating in the union internal market and establishing effective monitoring , enforcement and remedy mechanisms; ### 13. urges the commission to propose union mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence legislation imposing legal obligations on union companies; stresses that the legislation should focus on the first tier of the supply chain (t1) outside the eu;


### 14. considers that , in line with the un ‘protect , respect and remedy' framework considerations on the rights of victims to a remedy , the jurisdiction of eu courts should be extended to business-related civil claims brought against eu undertakings on account of harm caused within their value chain on account of human rights violations; further considers necessary the introduction into eu law of a forum necessitatis to give access to a court to victims who risk being denied justice; ### deleted


### 14. recommends that due diligence as required by union legislation be extended to all potential or actual adverse impacts which the company has or may have caused , contributed to or with which it may be directly linked; this extends to , but is not limited to , abuses across the entire value chain , including the parent undertaking , all subsidiaries , direct and indirect suppliers and subcontractors or other business partners; ### 14. recommends that due diligence be extended to all potential or actual adverse impacts which the company has or may have caused , contributed to or with which it may be directly linked; this extends to , but is not limited to , abuses across the entire value chain , including the parent undertaking , all subsidiaries , direct and indirect suppliers and subcontractors or other business partners;


### 14. recommends that due diligence as required by union legislation be extended to all potential or actual adverse impacts which the company has or may have caused , contributed to or with which it may be directly linked; this extends to , but is not limited to , abuses across the entire value chain , including the parent undertaking , all subsidiaries , direct and indirect suppliers and subcontractors or other business partners; ### 14. recommends that due diligence as required by union legislation be extended to all violations of internationally legally binding human rights which the company has or may have directly caused; this extends to , but is not limited to , violations across the entire value chain , including the parent undertaking , all subsidiaries , direct and indirect suppliers and subcontractors or other business partners;


### 15. stresses that victims of business-related adverse impacts are often not sufficiently protected by the law of the country where the harm has been caused; considers , in this regard , that victims of human rights abuses committed by eu undertakings should be allowed to choose the law of a legal system with high human rights standards , which could be that of the place where the defendant undertaking is domiciled; ### deleted


### 15. recommends that union legislation cover all companies and all sectors , including state-owned enterprises , the banking sector and financial institutions , including the european investment bank; ### deleted


### 15. recommends that union legislation cover all companies and all sectors , including state-owned enterprises , the banking sector and financial institutions , including the european investment bank; ### 15. recommends that union legislation cover all companies and all sectors , including state-owned enterprises , and provide special exemptions for smes in order to avoid disproportionate administrative and regulatory burdens on these small businesses;


### 16. stresses that all human rights are universal , indivisible , interdependent and interrelated and should be promoted and implemented in a fair and equitable manner; recommends that due diligence obligations should apply to all business-related human rights abuses; ### 16. stresses that all human rights are universal , indivisible , interdependent and interrelated and should be promoted and implemented in a fair and equitable manner; stresses that they are interlinked with citizens’ rights , refer to a state and are inseparable from each other; recommends that due diligence obligations should apply to all business-related human rights abuses;


### 16. stresses that all human rights are universal , indivisible , interdependent and interrelated and should be promoted and implemented in a fair and equitable manner; recommends that due diligence obligations should apply to all business-related human rights abuses; ### 16. stresses that all human rights are universal , indivisible , interdependent and interrelated and should be promoted and implemented in a fair and equitable manner; recommends that due diligence obligations should apply to all business-related violations of internationally legally binding human rights;


### 17. recommends that union mandatory due diligence legislation be adopted to require companies to identify and address their impacts with reference to all internationally recognised human rights including , as a minimum , those encompassed by the udhr , all nine core international human rights treaties , the ilo declaration on fundamental principles and rights at work and all fundamental ilo conventions , as well as the echr and icescr , which are binding on council of europe member states and also bind member states as a result of union law and the common constitutional traditions of the member states; ### 17. calls for due diligence to require companies to identify and address their impacts with reference to all internationally recognised human rights including , as a minimum , those encompassed by the udhr , all nine core international human rights treaties , the ilo declaration on fundamental principles and rights at work and all fundamental ilo conventions , as well as the echr and icescr , which are binding on council of europe member states and also bind member states as a result of union law and the common constitutional traditions of the member states; calls for due diligence with regard to embryo research; calls , in particular , for the creation of chimeric embryos to be firmly and definitively condemned;


### 17. recommends that union mandatory due diligence legislation be adopted to require companies to identify and address their impacts with reference to all internationally recognised human rights including , as a minimum , those encompassed by the udhr , all nine core international human rights treaties , the ilo declaration on fundamental principles and rights at work and all fundamental ilo conventions , as well as the echr and icescr , which are binding on council of europe member states and also bind member states as a result of union law and the common constitutional traditions of the member states; ### 17. recommends that union mandatory due diligence legislation be adopted to require companies to identify and address their impacts with reference to all internationally recognised human rights including , as a minimum , those encompassed by the udhr , all nine core international human rights treaties bearing in mind that not every member state has ratified all the nine treaties , the ilo declaration on fundamental principles and rights at work and all fundamental ilo conventions , as well as the echr and icescr , which are binding on council of europe member states and also bind member states as a result of union law and the common constitutional traditions of the member states;


### 2. within a context of mounting evidence of human rights violations and environmental degradation , concern grew about ensuring businesses respected human rights , in particular when operating in countries with weak legal systems and enforcement , and holding them accountable for causing or contributing to harm. in this light , the un human rights council in 2008 unanimously welcomed the “protect , respect and remedy” framework. this framework rests on three pillars: the state duty to protect against human rights abuses by third parties , including businesses , through appropriate policies , regulation , and adjudication; the corporate responsibility to respect human rights , which means acting with due diligence to avoid infringing on the rights of others and to address adverse impacts that occur , and greater access by victims to effective remedy , both judicial and non-judicial. ### 2. within a context of mounting evidence of human rights violations and environmental degradation , concern grew about ensuring businesses respected human rights , in particular when operating in countries outside of the eu , with weak legal systems and enforcement. in this light , the un human rights council in 2008 unanimously welcomed the “protect , respect and remedy” framework. this framework rests on three pillars: the state duty to protect against human rights abuses by third parties , including businesses , through appropriate policies , regulation , and adjudication; the corporate responsibility to respect human rights , which means acting with due diligence to avoid infringing on the rights of others and to address adverse impacts that occur.


### 4. businesses thus currently have at their disposal an important number of international due diligence instruments that can help them fulfil their responsibility to respect human rights. while it is difficult to overstate the importance of these instruments for businesses that take their duty to respect human rights seriously , their voluntary nature hampers their effectiveness and their effect has indeed proved limited , with a restricted number of businesses voluntarily implementing human rights due diligence in relation to their activities and those of their business relationships. respect for human rights continues to play a marginal role in undertakings’ policies and strategies. this is exacerbated by many undertakings’ excessive focus on short-term profit maximisation. ### 4. businesses thus currently have at their disposal an important number of international due diligence instruments that can help them fulfil their responsibility to respect human rights. while it is difficult to overstate the importance of these instruments for businesses that take their duty to respect seriously , their effectiveness should be enhanced and other soft law measures should be developed in order to encourage businesses to voluntarily implement human rights due diligence in relation to their activities and those of their business relationships.


### 2. this directive further aims to ensure that undertakings can be held accountable for their adverse human rights , environmental and governance impacts throughout their value chain. ### deleted


### 1. this directive shall apply to all undertakings governed by the law of a member state or established in the territory of the union. ### 1. this directive shall apply to undertakings governed by the law of a member state or established in the territory of the union with more than 5000 employees.


### 3. member states may exempt micro-undertakings as defined in directive 2013/34/eu from the application of the obligations set up in this directive. ### 3. small businesses and smes such as micro-undertakings as defined in directive 2013/34/eu shall be exempted from the application of the obligations set up in this directive.


### - ‘business relationships’ means the network of relationships of an undertaking with business partners and other entities along its entire value chain , and any other non-state or state entity directly linked to the undertaking’s business operations , products or services. ### - ‘direct contractual business relationships’ means the network of relationships of an undertaking with business partners in the first tier of its supply chain located outside the eu.


### - ‘supplier’ means all business relationships that provide a product or service to an undertaking , either directly or indirectly. ### - ‘supplier’ means all undertakings that provide a product or service directly to an undertaking in the context of a business relationship.


### - ‘value chain’ means all activities , operations , business relationships and investment chains of an undertaking inside or outside the eu. value chain includes entities with which the undertaking has a direct or indirect business relationship , upstream and downstream , and which either (a) supply products or services that contribute to the undertaking’s own products or services , or (b) receive products or services from the undertaking. ### - ‘first tier of the supply chain outside the eu’ means an upstream network characterized by direct contractual business relationships between a company and its suppliers located outside the eu to produce and distribute a specific product to the final buyer


### - ‘risk’ means a potential or actual adverse impact on individuals , groups of individuals and other organisations in relation to human rights , including social and labour rights , the environment , and good governance; ### deleted


### - ‘governance risk’ means any potential or actual adverse impact on the good governance of a country , region or territory. these include , but are not limited to , non-compliance with oecd guidelines for multinational enterprises , chapter vii on combatting bribery , bribe solicitation and extortion and the principles of the oecd convention on combating bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions and situations of corruption and bribery where an undertaking exercises undue influence on , or channels undue pecuniary advantages to , public officials to obtain privileges or unfair favourable treatment in breach of the law , and including situations in which an undertaking becomes improperly involved in local political activities , makes illegal campaign contributions or fails to comply with the applicable tax legislation. ### deleted


### (ii) publicly disclose detailed , relevant and meaningful information about the undertaking’s value chain , including names , locations , and other relevant information concerning subsidiaries , suppliers and business partners in its value chain; ### deleted


### 5. undertakings shall make all reasonable efforts to identify subcontractors and suppliers in their entire value chain. ### 5. undertakings shall make all reasonable efforts to identify subcontractors and suppliers in the first tier of the supply chain outside the eu.


### 6. undertakings shall indicate how their due diligence strategy relates to and integrates with their business strategy , their policies , including purchase policies , and procedures. ### deleted


### 9. undertakings shall ensure by means of contractual clauses and the adoption of codes of conduct that their business relationships put in place and carry out human rights , environmental and governance policies that are in line with their due diligence strategy. ### 9. undertakings shall ensure by means of contractual clauses and the adoption of codes of conduct that their business relationships in the first tier of the supply chain outside the eu put in place and carry out human rights and environmental policies that are in line with their due diligence strategy.


### 1. member states shall ensure that undertakings carry out in good faith effective , meaningful and informed consultations with stakeholders when establishing and implementing their due diligence strategy in a manner that is appropriate to their size and the nature and context of their operations , and shall guarantee , in particular , the right for trade unions at the relevant level to be involved in the establishment and implementation of the due diligence strategy in good faith with their undertaking. ### 1. the commission and the member states shall encourage that undertakings carry out in good faith effective , meaningful and informed consultations with stakeholders when establishing and implementing their due diligence strategy as appropriate to their size and the nature and context of their operations.


### 2. member states shall ensure that stakeholders are entitled to request from the undertaking that they are consulted within the terms of paragraph 1. ### deleted


### 3. effective protection mechanisms and measures shall be put in place by the undertaking to ensure that affected or potentially affected stakeholders are not put at risk due to participating in the consultations referred to in paragraph 1. ### deleted


### 4. consultations with indigenous peoples shall be undertaken in accordance with international human rights standards , including the standard of free , prior and informed consent and respecting indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination. ### deleted


### 6. member states shall ensure that where an undertaking refuses to carry out consultations with stakeholders , fails to involve trade unions in good faith , or does not adequately inform and consult workers or their representatives , stakeholders and trade unions may refer the matter to the competent national authority ### deleted


### 1. member states shall ensure that undertakings make their due diligence strategy publicly available , accessible and free of charge , especially on the undertakings’ websites. ### deleted


### 18. notes that charter applies to all union legislation and to national authorities when implementing union law both in the union and in third countries; ### deleted


### 19. notes that the human rights of groups at risk of vulnerability and marginalisation are disproportionately impacted by businesses’ activities; insists therefore that union mandatory due diligence legislation should refer to group-specific instruments in defining the scope of corporate human rights due diligence; stresses , in this regard , that all rights guaranteed to those most severely affected groups under local , national or international law must be covered , as enshrined in article 5 of the united nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples; ### 19. notes that the human rights of groups at risk of vulnerability and marginalisation are disproportionately impacted by businesses’ activities; stresses , in this regard , that all rights guaranteed to those most severely affected groups under local , national or international law must be covered , as enshrined in article 5 of the united nations declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples;


### 20. recalls that the united nations working group on business and human rights highlighted the differentiated and disproportionate impact of business activities on women and girls and has stated that human rights due diligence should cover both actual and potential impacts on women’s rights; ### 20. recalls that the united nations working group on business and human rights highlighted the differentiated and disproportionate impact of business activities on women and girls and has stated that human rights due diligence should cover both actual and potential impacts on women’s rights; notes with concern the higher unemployment rate among people with disabilities than among the population as a whole;


### 22. notes that the united nations high commissioner for human rights and human rights council have stated that climate change has an adverse impact on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights; underlines that the member states of the united nations have an obligation to respect human rights when addressing adverse impacts of climate change; points out that the supreme court of the netherlands has confirmed that articles 2 and 8 of the echr impose a positive obligation for state parties to take appropriate measures to prevent dangerous climate change; insists that climate change mitigation and adaptation in line with the paris agreement’s temperature goals must form part of businesses’ human rights and environmental due diligence obligations under the legislation; ### deleted


### 22. notes that the united nations high commissioner for human rights and human rights council have stated that climate change has an adverse impact on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights; underlines that the member states of the united nations have an obligation to respect human rights when addressing adverse impacts of climate change; points out that the supreme court of the netherlands has confirmed that articles 2 and 8 of the echr impose a positive obligation for state parties to take appropriate measures to prevent dangerous climate change; insists that climate change mitigation and adaptation in line with the paris agreement’s temperature goals must form part of businesses’ human rights and environmental due diligence obligations under the legislation; ### 22. notes that the united nations high commissioner for human rights and human rights council have stated that climate change has an adverse impact on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights; underlines that the member states of the united nations have an obligation to respect human rights when addressing adverse impacts of climate change; insists that climate change mitigation and adaptation in line with the paris agreement’s temperature goals must form part of businesses’ human rights and environmental due diligence obligations under the legislation;


### 25. notes that some businesses are accused of profiting from or even complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity due to their own activity or that of their business partners in conflict-affected areas or to their business relationships with state- or non-state actors involved in conflicts globally; recommends that , in order to prevent substantial risks of grave human rights abuses and serious breaches of international law , the scope of due diligence under union legislation be extended to breaches of international criminal law and international humanitarian law in which businesses may be implicated; ### 25. notes that some businesses are accused of profiting from or even complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity due to their own activity or that of their business partners in conflict-affected areas or to their business relationships with state- or non-state actors involved in conflicts globally; recommends that , in order to prevent substantial risks of grave violations of internationally legally binding human rights and serious breaches of international law , the scope of due diligence under union legislation be extended to breaches of international criminal law and international humanitarian law in which businesses may be implicated;


### 26. recommends that , requirements for corporate mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence be grounded in the principle of corporate responsibility to respect human rights as articulated by the ungps; businesses should avoid infringing human rights and address adverse human rights impacts with which they are directly or indirectly connected , entailing in practice that they should have in place an embedded human rights policy , a human rights due diligence process and appropriate and adequate measures to facilitate access to effective remedies for business-related human rights abuses , including at company level , and other grievance mechanisms; ### 26. recommends that , requirements for corporate mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence be grounded in the principle of corporate responsibility to respect universal human rights as articulated by the ungps; businesses should avoid infringing human rights and address them in case of violations , having in place a specific policy , a human rights due diligence process and appropriate and adequate measures to facilitate access to effective remedies for business-related violations of internationally legally binding human rights , including at company level , and other grievance mechanisms;


### 27. is of the view that businesses have a responsibility to ensure that their activities do not undermine or harm the protection of human and environmental rights; insists they must not promote , participate or in any manner contribute to , or endorse policies and activities , which can lead to human rights violations; underlines that businesses must do everything possible , within their capacities , to prevent and mitigate the effect of adverse impacts; ### 27. is of the view that businesses have a responsibility to ensure that their activities do not undermine or harm the protection of human and environmental rights; insists they must not promote , participate or in any manner contribute to , or endorse policies and activities , which can lead to human rights violations; underlines that businesses must do everything possible , within their capacities , to prevent and mitigate the effect of adverse impacts; deplores , in this connection , the fact that companies promote surrogacy even though the practice is prohibited in the majority of european countries;


### 28. stresses that human rights impacts can be specific to certain rights holders and vulnerable groups due to intersecting factors such as gender , ethnicity , social and employment status , migrant or refugee status , exposure to conflict or violence or other factors; this must be reflected in the due diligence processes , including the human rights impact assessment phase and remedy procedures; ### 28. stresses that human rights impacts can be specific to certain rights holders and vulnerable groups due to intersecting factors such as ethnicity , social and employment status , exposure to conflict or violence or other factors; this must be reflected in the due diligence processes , including the human rights impact assessment phase and remedy procedures; stresses that , in accordance with the rights of persons , more specific and enhanced protection should be extended to certain categories of more vulnerable people , such as people with disabilities , the elderly and children;


### 28. stresses that human rights impacts can be specific to certain rights holders and vulnerable groups due to intersecting factors such as gender , ethnicity , social and employment status , migrant or refugee status , exposure to conflict or violence or other factors; this must be reflected in the due diligence processes , including the human rights impact assessment phase and remedy procedures; ### 28. stresses that universal human rights impacts can be specific to certain rights holders and vulnerable groups due to intersecting factors such as age , sex , ethnicity , religion , social and employment status , migrant or refugee status , exposure to conflict or violence or other factors; this must be reflected in the due diligence processes , including the human rights impact assessment phase and remedy procedures;


### 28. stresses that human rights impacts can be specific to certain rights holders and vulnerable groups due to intersecting factors such as gender , ethnicity , social and employment status , migrant or refugee status , exposure to conflict or violence or other factors; this must be reflected in the due diligence processes , including the human rights impact assessment phase and remedy procedures; ### 28. stresses that human rights impacts can be specific to certain rights holders and vulnerable groups due to intersecting factors such as gender , sexual orientation , ethnicity , social and employment status , migrant or refugee status , exposure to conflict or violence or other factors; this must be reflected in the due diligence processes , including the human rights impact assessment phase and remedy procedures;


### 29. notes that the risk of business-related human rights adverse impacts does not always depend on the size of the company; insists that the scope of due diligence obligations must be based on the risk of adverse impacts and must be specific to the country and sector of activity; recalls that according to the ungps , three factors should be taken into account in assessing the severity of business impacts on human rights: the scale of the impact , the scope of the impact and whether the impact is irremediable; ### 29. notes that the risk of business-related human rights violations does not always depend on the size of the company; insists that the scope of due diligence obligations must be based on the risk of violations and must be specific to the country and sector of activity; recalls that according to the ungps , three factors should be taken into account in assessing the severity of business impacts on human rights: the scale of the impact , the scope of the impact and whether the impact is irremediable;


### 30. notes that human right risks are context-specific and that , to accurately assess human rights risks , prevent , mitigate and remedy adverse impacts , businesses should include in their analysis , in addition to information from employees , right-holders , affected communities and workers’ representatives , information from reliable independent expert sources , for which transparency is key; stresses in this regard , the key role of national human rights institutions , ngos human rights oversight bodies such as the united nations , ilo and council of europe , osce supervisory mechanisms , and the european union agency for fundamental rights as relevant sources of information and reporting; ### 30. notes that human right violations are context-specific and that , to accurately assess , prevent , mitigate and remedy these violations , businesses should include in their analysis , in addition to information from employees , right-holders , affected communities and workers’ representatives , information from reliable independent expert sources , for which transparency is key; stresses in this regard , the key role of national human rights institutions , ngos human rights oversight bodies such as the united nations , ilo and council of europe , osce supervisory mechanisms , and the european union agency for fundamental rights as relevant sources of information and reporting;


### 31. notes that in order to assess human rights risks , independent monitoring of human rights impacts and working conditions in supply chains is essential , in particular by means of monitoring , which has workers and affected communities at its core and fully involves relevant stakeholders; ### 31. notes that in order to assess human rights violations , independent and non-ideological monitoring of human rights impacts and working conditions in supply chains is essential , in particular by means of monitoring , which has workers and affected communities at its core and fully involves relevant stakeholders;


### 34. is of the view that transparency should not be corporate led but based on the right to know of those who are impacted by commercial activities , including workers , communities and consumers; suggests that stakeholders have a right to know such information in a comprehensive , timely and honest manner; believes that enforcing the right to be informed allows for the clear establishment of duties and duty bearers and rights and right-holders; ### 34. is of the view that transparency should not be corporate led but based on the right to know of those who are impacted by commercial activities , including workers , communities and consumers; suggests that stakeholders have a right to know such information in a comprehensive , timely and honest manner; believes that enforcing the right to be informed allows for the clear establishment of duties and duty bearers and rights and right-holders; calls , however , for the right to information to be exercised under strict conditions involving transparency on the part of the natural or legal person actually requesting the information; stresses a company’s right , as a matter of principle , to invoke business secrecy to oppose such requests;


### 35. notes that rights holders primarily affected by business-related human rights abuses often lack adequate access to information about their rights and about how they are given effect in domestic legislative systems , and have difficulty accessing state agencies and organisations concerned with protection and enforcement of their rights; recommends that the legislation encourage businesses to engage with all affected and potentially affected stakeholders , with their representatives , or both , including workers’ representatives , at all stages of the due diligence process , from development to monitoring and evaluation , in a timely and meaningful manner; ### 35. notes that rights holders primarily affected by business-related human rights violations often lack adequate access to information about their rights and about how they are given effect in domestic legislative systems , and have difficulty accessing state agencies and organisations concerned with protection and enforcement of their rights; recommends that the legislation encourage businesses to engage with all affected and potentially affected stakeholders , with their representatives , or both , including workers’ representatives , at all stages of the due diligence process , from development to monitoring and evaluation , in a timely and meaningful manner;


### 36. in this context , underlines the importance of the freedom of association and right to collective bargaining , as well as free , prior and informed consent by indigenous communities; ### 36. in this context , underlines the importance of the freedom of association and right to collective bargaining , as well as free , prior and informed consent by indigenous communities , while respecting the political and legal sovereignty of the states concerned;


### protection of whistle-blowers , human rights and environmental defenders ### protection of whistle-blowers , human rights , human dignity and environmental defenders


### 37. suggests that the companies establish effective alert mechanisms; through recourse to such mechanisms any interested party , including trade unions , consumers , journalists , civil society organisations , lawyers , and human rights and environmental defenders , or members of the public , should be able to warn the company of adverse impacts and human rights violations; ### 37. suggests that the companies establish effective alert mechanisms; through recourse to such mechanisms any interested party , including trade unions , consumers , journalists , civil society organisations , including churches and faith based organisations , lawyers , and human rights and environmental defenders , or members of the public , should be able to warn the company of human rights violations;


### 42. highlights the fact that , as recalled by the ungps , states have the duty to ensure , through judicial , administrative , legislative or other appropriate means , that those affected by business-related human rights abuses have access to an effective remedy; recommends that the legislation makes specific reference to this obligation in line with the united nations basic principles and guidelines on the rights to remedy and reparation for victims of gross violations of international human rights law and serious violations of international humanitarian law; ### 42. highlights the fact that , as recalled by the ungps , states have the duty to ensure , through judicial , administrative , legislative or other appropriate means , that those affected by business-related internationally legally binding human rights violations have access to an effective remedy; recommends that the legislation makes specific reference to this obligation in line with the united nations basic principles and guidelines on the rights to remedy and reparation for victims of gross violations of international human rights law and serious violations of international humanitarian law;


### 44. insists that access to evidence and time limitations can be major practical and procedural barriers faced by victims of human rights abuses in third countries , obstructing their access to effective legal remedies; stresses that that the burden of proof should be shifted from the victims to the company and that the legislation must require companies to disclose all necessary information for interested parties to engage in judicial proceedings and for victims to access remedies; ### 44. stresses that , as with any essential rule of criminal procedure , the burden of proof must lie with the applicant , not the defendant;


### 44. insists that access to evidence and time limitations can be major practical and procedural barriers faced by victims of human rights abuses in third countries , obstructing their access to effective legal remedies; stresses that that the burden of proof should be shifted from the victims to the company and that the legislation must require companies to disclose all necessary information for interested parties to engage in judicial proceedings and for victims to access remedies; ### 44. insists that access to evidence and time limitations can be major practical and procedural barriers faced by victims of human rights violations in third countries , obstructing their access to effective legal remedies; stresses that that the burden of proof should be shifted from the victims to the company and that the legislation must require companies to disclose all necessary information for interested parties to engage in judicial proceedings and for victims to access remedies;


### 46. recommends that the legislation establishes guidance regarding the elements of an effective , fair and equitable operational grievance mechanism , with a view to defining appropriate measures to prevent harm , including providing adequate access to remedies; ### 46. recommends that the legislation establishes guidance regarding the elements of an effective , fair and equitable operational grievance mechanism , with a view to defining appropriate measures to prevent harm , including providing adequate access to remedies; stresses that it is necessary to clarify the precise scope of the jurisdiction of the courts of the member states in remedies;


### 47. calls for measures to ensure that union due diligence legislation is adequately monitored and enforced by national and union bodies with appropriate duties and powers; such bodies should have competence to investigate abuses , initiate enforcement actions and to support victims , for instance through legal advice , technical support and representation; ### 47. calls for measures to ensure that union due diligence legislation is adequately monitored and enforced by national and union bodies with appropriate duties and powers in accordance with their respective competences; such bodies should have competence to investigate violations , initiate enforcement actions and to support victims , for instance through legal advice , technical support and representation;


### 49. stresses that criminal law and criminal justice are indispensable means of human rights protection against severe human rights violations; ### 49. stresses that criminal law and criminal justice as ultima ratio instruments might be necessary means of human rights protection against severe human rights violations;


### 51. recommends that the legislation include criminal liability provisions for companies and directors and management that are held responsible in the event of severe violations of human rights. ### 51. recommends that the legislation include criminal liability provisions for companies and directors and management that are held responsible in the event of the most severe violations of universal human rights.


### 1. stresses that trade policy is an essential tool for implementing the circular economy and the eu’s sustainability agenda globally; underlines that increased recycling can reduce the eu’s reliance on imports of raw materials , and points to the need to decouple economic growth from resource use in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of global value chains; ### 1. stresses that trade policy is an essential tool for implementing the circular economy and the eu’s sustainability agenda globally; underlines that increased recycling can reduce the eu’s reliance on imports of raw materials , and points to the need to decouple economic growth from resource use in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of global value chains; considers that the transition towards a circular economy generally brings approaches that could lead to lower rates of extraction and use of natural resources , including through resource efficiency policies , making the circular economy concept a complement to improve resource efficiency;


### 1. stresses that trade policy is an essential tool for implementing the circular economy and the eu’s sustainability agenda globally; underlines that increased recycling can reduce the eu’s reliance on imports of raw materials , and points to the need to decouple economic growth from resource use in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of global value chains; ### 1. stresses that trade policy is an essential tool for implementing the circular economy and the eu’s sustainability agenda globally; underlines that increased recycling can limit the environmental threats occurring as a result of over-consumption , reduce the eu’s reliance on imports of raw materials , including critical raw materials (crm) and secondary raw materials (srm) , and points to the need to decouple economic growth from resource use in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of global value chains and accelerate sustainable development in third countries;


### 1. welcomes the commission’s intention to review directive 2009/125/ec; stresses that broadening its scope should not lead to any watering down of the results achieved in the field of energy efficiency; ### deleted


### 2. regrets the lack of international and european standards on waste quality as this hinders a viable trade policy that is conducive to the circular economy; calls on the commission to present harmonised standards on waste quality and a legal definition of recyclable waste , and to include these in future ftas; ### 2. regrets the lack of international and european standards on waste quality as this hinders a viable trade policy that is conducive to the circular economy; calls on the commission to present harmonised standards on waste quality and a legal definition of recyclable waste , and to include these in future ftas; stresses the need to better address trade-related obstacles to resource efficiency in supply chains such as export restrictions on secondary materials , and restrictions to trade in secondary goods and used products;


### 2. regrets the lack of international and european standards on waste quality as this hinders a viable trade policy that is conducive to the circular economy; calls on the commission to present harmonised standards on waste quality and a legal definition of recyclable waste , and to include these in future ftas; ### 2. regrets the lack of international and european standards on waste quality as this hinders a viable trade policy that is conducive to the circular economy; calls on the commission to present harmonised standards on waste quality and a legal definition of recyclable waste , and to include these in future ftas and in trade policies that fully integrate sustainable development concerns;


### 2. underlines that the circular economy can provide solutions to the new challenges caused and highlighted by the covid-19 crisis by reducing the vulnerability of value chains within the eu and globally; ### 2. underlines that the circular economy can provide solutions to the new challenges caused and highlighted by the covid-19 crisis by reducing the vulnerability of value chains within the eu and globally as well as to improve resource extraction efficiency;


### 3. notes that in the transition to a circular economy particular attention must be given to key supply chains where the eu’s environmental footprint is significant; ### 3. notes that in the transition to a circular economy particular attention must be given to key supply chains where the eu’s environmental footprint is significant; considers that urban territories should use resources efficiently to generate smart growth , sustainable and inclusive and value-added jobs , as well as social and institutional frameworks that may drive a shift towards a resource-efficient economy and lower carbon emissions , and identifying and creating new opportunities in emerging economic sectors , promoting innovation and competitiveness;


### 4. calls on the commission to identify and abolish barriers that prevent or restrict market access for circular products from outside the eu and to investigate the possibilities and benefits of reducing tariffs on certain products in order to encourage the development of the circular economy; ### 4. calls on the commission to identify and abolish barriers that prevent or restrict market access for circular products from outside the eu and to investigate the possibilities and benefits of reducing tariffs on recycled products in order to encourage the development of the circular economy and suppor the remanufacturing business;


### 4. calls on the commission to propose an eu target for a reduction in the use of primary raw materials; ### 4. calls on the commission to propose an eu target for a reduction in the use of primary raw materials and simplify the legislative framework applicable to secondary raw materials and recycling in order to reward their environmental benefits and boost circular value chains;


### 4. calls on the commission to propose an eu target for a reduction in the use of primary raw materials; ### 4. calls on the commission to propose an eu target for a reduction in the use of primary raw materials , and to establish waste reduction targets for specific streams by reviewing the directive 2008/98/ec;


### 5. urges the commission to ensure that ftas reflect the objectives of the circular economy by including strong , binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters; suggests that the circular economy should be addressed in a cross-cutting manner in all relevant fta chapters; ### 5. urges the commission to ensure that ftas reflect the objectives of the circular economy by including strong , binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters; suggests that the circular economy should be addressed in a cross-cutting manner in all relevant fta chapters; calls on the commission to assess whether it would be necessary to include circular economy standards in the sustainable development charters of future ftas;


### 6. encourages the commission to engage with the eu’s trading partners to further support the objectives of the circular economy; stresses that particular attention must be given to how less developed partner countries can benefit from the circular economy; calls for an assessment of the impact of increased intra-eu recycling rates on countries strongly relying on waste imports. ### 6. encourages the commission to engage with the eu’s trading partners to further support the objectives of the circular economy; stresses that particular attention must be given to how less developed partner countries can benefit from the circular economy; calls for an assessment of the impact of increased intra-eu recycling rates on countries strongly relying on waste imports; considers that the benefits of a union-wide circular economy could be harnessed globally if recyclable waste exports are traded within effective free trade agreements (ftas) and policies that fully integrate sustainable development concerns;


### 6. underlines the need to create economic incentives for innovation in circular solutions and calls for support for this in the new industrial strategy for europe and the sme strategy; emphasises the specific role that smes (small and medium-sized enterprises) and start-ups are playing in the transition to a circular economy; ### 6. underlines the need to create economic incentives for innovation in circular solutions and calls for support for this in the new industrial strategy for europe and the sme strategy; calls on the commission to explore how its circular economy strategy , by going hand in hand with these strategies , could contribute to preventing and eliminating waste generation across value chains and in the design of products , and keep products and materials in use by increasing their utilisation and recyclability; emphasises the specific role that smes (small and medium-sized enterprises) and start-ups are playing in the transition to a circular economy;


### a. whereas unless we reduce our use of resources , the world will be consuming resources as if there were three planets , and whereas a reduction in our overall use of natural resources and in waste is the overarching objective of the circular economy; ### a. whereas half of total greenhouse gas emissions and more than 90% of biodiversity loss and water stress come from resource extraction and processing; whereas unless we reduce our use of resources , the world will be consuming resources as if there were three planets by 2050 , and whereas a reduction in our overall use of natural resources and in our waste production is the overarching objective of the circular economy;


### 1. notes that the covid-19 pandemic has revealed in the starkest possible terms the vital role played by functioning global supply chains for medical products , and in particular for medicines; emphasises that an open , rules-based trading system is fundamental to ensuring the global availability of medicines; ### 1. notes that the covid-19 pandemic has revealed in the starkest possible terms the vital role played by functioning global supply chains for medical products , and in particular for medicines and treatments; emphasises that an open , transparent , rules-based trading system is fundamental to ensuring the global availability of medicines and guaranteeing an easy distribution and use;


### 6. urges the commission and the member states to introduce tax and financial incentives in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification; ### 6. urges the commission and the member states to introduce tax and financial incentives in return for appropriate commitments and to authorise state aid to encourage producers to locate their operations in europe , from compound manufacturing to packaging and distribution; and urges member states to secure existing operations; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in european companies , in the interests of resource diversification;


### a. whereas the eu and the us have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship , enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world , and share important values and economic interests , despite the current trade tensions; ### a. whereas the eu and the us have the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship , enjoy the most integrated economic relationship in the world , and share important values and political and economic interests , despite the current trade tensions;


### g. whereas the us , based on the wto arbitration decision circulated on 2 october 20198 , declared its willingness to impose , in retaliation for illegal eu subsidies granted to the aircraft manufacturer airbus , tariffs on usd 7.5 billion worth of eu imports also of agricultural and industrial items in addition to aircraft; ### g. whereas the us , based on the wto arbitration decision circulated on 2 october 2019[1] , declared its willingness to impose , in retaliation for illegal eu subsidies granted to the aircraft manufacturer airbus , tariffs on usd 7.5 billion worth of eu imports , jeopardizing most of the eu agricultural sectors with tariff of 25% rather than the industrial one , including aircraft with tariff of 10% ;[1] european communities and certain member states – measures affecting trade in large civil aircraft: recourse to article 7.9 of the scm agreement and article 22.7 of the dsu by the united states of 4 october 2019 (wt/ds316/42).


### 1. welcomes this agreement with the us on the allocation of a share in the trq for high-quality beef as a solution to a longstanding trade dispute , as it sets a positive example of a negotiated solution between the eu and the us; ### 1. welcomes this agreement with the us on the allocation of a share in the trq for high-quality beef as a solution to a longstanding trade dispute , regrets that once again agriculture is a core element of negotiated solutions between the eu and third partners such as the us;


### 2. welcomes and acknowledges the fact that , while it remains unclear whether any compensation has been foreseen , other wto members that export beef to the eu agreed to support this agreement by accepting that the vast majority of the quota would be allocated to the us; ### 2. acknowledges the fact that , while it remains unclear whether any compensation has been foreseen , other wto members that export beef to the eu agreed to support this agreement by accepting that the vast majority of the quota would be allocated to the us; hopes that this decision is not based on further opening of beef sectors in the current trade agreements negotiations with those countries;


### 2. welcomes and acknowledges the fact that , while it remains unclear whether any compensation has been foreseen , other wto members that export beef to the eu agreed to support this agreement by accepting that the vast majority of the quota would be allocated to the us; ### 2. welcomes the fact that other wto members that export beef to the eu agreed to support this agreement by accepting that the vast majority of the quota would be allocated to the us , and acknowledges that no compensation has been provided to the other wto members for supporting the agreement;


### 4. stresses the importance of finding negotiated solutions , such as this agreement , to dilute trade tensions between the eu and the us; ### 4. stresses the importance of finding negotiated solutions , such as this agreement , to dilute trade tensions between the eu and the us but regrets that despite eu efforts , the us has shown no intention to lift current tariffs on eu steel and aluminium ;


### 6. calls on the us to work with the eu on a fair and balanced solution for our respective aircraft industries in order to prevent the mutual imposition of countermeasures as a result of the longstanding airbus/boeing dispute; ### 6. calls on the us to work with the eu on a fair and balanced solution for our respective aircraft industries , through an effective agreement taking duly account of the current eu state aid measures and those ones used in third countries aircraft industries. reminds the need to prevent any mutual imposition of countermeasures as a result of the longstanding airbus/boeing dispute which could undermine eu suppliers;


### 7. calls on the us to revoke the additional tariffs on steel and aluminium , and olives , and to withdraw its threat to impose additional tariffs on cars and car parts; ### 7. remembers the eu has done all in its power to ease tensions and calls on the us to revoke the additional tariffs on steel and aluminium , and olives , and to withdraw its threat to impose additional tariffs on cars and car parts;


### 2. welcomes the use of the transparency rules of the united nations commission on international trade law (uncitral) for dispute settlement , but underlines that the use of substantive provisions of foreign investment protection , in particular the principles of ‘indirect expropriation’ and of ‘fair and equitable treatment’ , does not weaken the parties’ right to regulate and pursue legitimate public policy objectives , such as public health , safety and environmental protection; insists on regular monitoring and reporting back to the european parliament on the use of this provision by european investors; ### 2. welcomes the use of the transparency rules of the united nations commission on international trade law (uncitral) for dispute settlement; emphasises that the protection of legitimate public policy decisions and the right to regulate must not be challenged by investors; insists on regular monitoring and reporting back to the european parliament on the use of this provision by european investors;


### 3. notes that protections afforded to investors could possibly outpace the development of investor responsibilities as the eu-vietnam investment protection agreement (ipa) guarantees enforceable rights to foreign investors through the arbitration clause , but does not provide a sanction mechanism for non-compliance with social and environmental standards; reiterates the need to ensure a fair balance of investors’ rights and duties , in terms of corporate , social and environmental standards , in the ipa; underlines in this regard the importance of establishing an independent monitoring and complaint mechanism that can be seized by affected populations and that has the authority to make binding rulings with regard to the negative impact that trade and investment agreements may have. ### 3. notes with concern that protections afforded to investors are outpacing the development of investor responsibilities as the eu-vietnam investment protection agreement (ipa) guarantees enforceable rights to foreign investors through the arbitration clause , but does not provide a sanction mechanism for non-compliance with social and environmental standards; reiterates the need to ensure a fair balance of investors’ rights and duties , in terms of corporate , social and environmental standards , in the ipa; underlines in this regard the importance of establishing an independent monitoring and complaint mechanism that can be seized by affected populations and that has the authority to make binding rulings with regard to the negative impact that trade and investment agreements may have.


### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend approval of the draft council decision on the conclusion , on behalf of the union , of the investment protection agreement between the european union and its member states , of the one part , and the socialist republic of viet nam , of the other part. ### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend rejection of the draft council decision on the conclusion , on behalf of the union , of the investment protection agreement between the european union and its member states , of the one part , and the socialist republic of viet nam , of the other part.


### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend approval of the draft council decision on the conclusion , on behalf of the union , of the investment protection agreement between the european union and its member states , of the one part , and the socialist republic of viet nam , of the other part. ### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend to postpone its content of the draft council decision on the conclusion , on behalf of the union , of the investment protection agreement between the european union and its member states , of the one part , and the socialist republic of viet nam , of the other part until the recommendations listed in the accompanying resolution are legally and effectively enforced.


### 1. welcomes the inclusion of a comprehensive and binding chapter on trade and sustainable development (tsd) with explicit references to multilateral environmental agreements , the paris agreement and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development; ### 1. underlines the importance of the inclusion of a comprehensive and binding chapter on trade and sustainable development (tsd) with explicit references to multilateral environmental agreements , the paris agreement and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development;


### 3. congratulates viet nam on ratifying six of the ilo’s eight fundamental conventions , namely no 29 on forced labour , nos 100 and 111 on non-discrimination , nos 138 and 182 on child labour and , most recently , no 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining; urges the vietnamese government to quickly ratify outstanding convention no 105 on forced labour and no 87 on the freedom of association , and highlights the crucial importance of ensuring that all of these conventions are fully implemented; ### 3. welcomes the commitment of viet nam to ratifying six of the ilo’s eight fundamental conventions , namely no 29 on forced labour , nos 100 and 111 on non-discrimination , nos 138 and 182 on child labour and , most recently , no 98 on the right to organise and collective bargaining; urges the vietnamese government to quickly ratify outstanding convention no 105 on forced labour and no 87 on the freedom of association , and highlights the crucial importance of ensuring that all of these conventions are fully and promptly implemented in accordance with a clear timetable;


### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend approval of the draft council decision on the conclusion of the free trade agreement between the european union and the socialist republic of viet nam. ### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend rejection of the draft council decision on the conclusion of the free trade agreement between the european union and the socialist republic of viet nam.


### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend approval of the draft council decision on the conclusion of the free trade agreement between the european union and the socialist republic of viet nam. ### the committee on foreign affairs calls on the committee on international trade , as the committee responsible , to recommend to postpone its consent of the draft council decision on the conclusion of the free trade agreement between the european union and the socialist republic of viet nam until the recommendations listed in the accompanying resolution are legally and effectively enforced.


### 3. calls on the commission to ensure that eu competition policy promotes fair competition and reciprocal trading conditions at eu and global level with the further aim of strengthening our own industry in the eu; calls , therefore , for unfair trading practices to be addressed effectively by making full use of the available instruments , developing new , effective tools and tackling the distortive effects of foreign state ownership and subsidies in the internal market , in particular where eu funding is involved; welcomes , against this backdrop , the new commission’s intention to strengthen the foreign direct investment screening mechanism , and calls for discussions on the eu’s international procurement instrument to be resumed; ### 3. calls on the commission to ensure that eu competition policy promotes fair competition and reciprocal trading conditions at eu and global level with the further aim of strengthening our own industry in the eu; calls , therefore , for unfair trading practices to be addressed effectively by making full use of the available instruments , developing new , effective policies and tools and tackling the distortive effects of foreign state ownership and subsidies in the internal market , in particular where eu funding is involved , through a new legal instrument that would allow appropriate actions to deal with non-eu companies benefitting from these supports; welcomes , against this backdrop , the new commission’s intention to strengthen the foreign direct investment screening mechanism , and calls for discussions on the eu’s international procurement instrument to be resumed;


### (5) unitary protection throughout the union for the intellectual property rights related to geographical indications can contribute to incentives for the production of quality products , the wide availability of such products for consumers and the creation of valuable and sustainable jobs including in rural and less-developed regions. in particular in view of the potential of geographical indications to contribute to sustainable and highly skilled jobs in rural and less developed regions , producers should aim at creating a substantial proportion of the value of the product designated by a geographical indication within the defined geographical area. ### (5) unitary protection throughout the union for the intellectual property rights related to geographical indications can contribute to incentives for the production of quality products , the wide availability of such products for consumers and the creation of valuable and sustainable jobs including in rural and less-developed regions. in particular in view of the potential of geographical indications to contribute to sustainable and highly skilled jobs in rural and less developed regions , producers should aim at creating a substantial proportion of the value of the product designated by a geographical indication within the defined geographical area. therefore producers acting collectively should have the necessary powers and responsibilities to manage their geographical indication , including , if necessary , to respond to societal demands for products resulting from sustainable production in its three dimensions of economic , environmental and social value , and to operate in the market.


### (7) making geographically linked products is often based on local know-how and follows local production methods that are rooted in the cultural and social heritage of the home region of such products. efficient intellectual property protection has the potential to contribute to increased profitability and attractiveness of the traditional craft professions. specific geographical indication protection is acknowledged so as to safeguard and develop cultural heritage both in the agricultural and the craft and industrial areas. efficient procedures should be established for the registration of union geographical indications protecting the names of craft and industrial products , which take into account regional and local specificities. the geographical indication system for craft and industrial products should ensure that the production and marketing traditions are maintained and enhanced. ### (7) making geographically linked products is often based on local know-how and follows local production methods that are rooted in the cultural and social heritage of the home region of such products. efficient intellectual property protection has the potential to contribute to increased profitability and attractiveness of the traditional craft professions. specific geographical indication protection is acknowledged so as to safeguard and develop cultural heritage both in the agricultural and the craft and industrial areas. efficient procedures should be established for the registration of union geographical indications , within the legal framework of the european internal market and complying with the international intellectual property legal framework , protecting the names of craft and industrial products , which take into account regional and local specificities. the geographical indication system for craft and industrial products should ensure that the production and marketing traditions are maintained and enhanced.


### (15) the procedures for registration , amendments to the product specification and cancellation of the registration in respect of geographical indications originating in the union under this regulation should be carried out by the member states and the office. the member states and the office should be responsible for distinct stages of the procedures. member states should be responsible for the first stage , which consists of receiving the application from the applicants , assessing it , running the national opposition procedure , and , following the positive results of the assessment , submitting the union application to the office. the office should be responsible for examining the applications in the second stage of the procedure , running the worldwide opposition procedure and taking a decision on granting or refusing the protection to the geographical indication. the office should also carry out the corresponding procedures for geographical indications originating in third countries , without prejudice to the direct registration procedure. ### (15) the procedures for registration , amendments to the product specification and cancellation of the registration and appeals in respect of geographical indications originating in the union under this regulation should be carried out by the member states and the office. the member states and the office should be responsible for distinct stages of the procedures. member states should be responsible for the first stage , which consists of receiving the application from the applicants , assessing it , running the national opposition procedure , and , following the positive results of the assessment , submitting the union application to the office. the office should be responsible for examining the applications in the second stage of the procedure , running the worldwide opposition procedure and taking a decision on granting or refusing the protection to the geographical indication. the office should also carry out the corresponding procedures for geographical indications originating in third countries , without prejudice to the direct registration procedure.


### (41) in order to guarantee consumers of the specific characteristics of craft and industrial products protected by geographical indications , producers should be subject to a system that verifies compliance with the product specification before the product is put on the market. member states should be free to establish a third-party verification system operated by the competent authorities , and the product certification bodies , to which those authorities delegate certain official control tasks or a verification system based on a producer’ s self-declaration. the self-declaration should be submitted to the competent authorities assuring conformity with the product specification. ### (41) in order to guarantee consumers of the specific characteristics of craft and industrial products protected by geographical indications , producers should be subject to a system that verifies compliance with the product specification before the product is put on the market.


### (44) member states should have the possibility to allow producers to fulfil their obligation to perform due diligence by submitting a self-declaration to the competent authorities every three years , demonstrating their continued compliance. producers should be required to renew their self-declaration immediately where there is an amendment to the product specification or a change affecting the concerned product. the use of self-declaration should not prevent producers from having their conformity fully or partially certified by eligible third parties. a third-party certification should be able to supplement a self-declaration but not replace it. ### deleted


### (45) the self-declaration should provide competent authorities with all necessary information on the product and on its compliance with the product specification. to ensure that the information provided in the self-declaration is comprehensive , a harmonised structure for such declarations should be laid down in annex. it is important to ensure that the self-declaration is filled in truthfully and accurately. therefore , the producer should take full responsibility for the information provided in the self-declaration , and should be able to provide the necessary evidence to allow for the verification of that information. ### deleted


### (46) where a self-declaration certification procedure is in place , competent authorities should carry out random controls. ### deleted


### (48) control and verification fees or charges should cover , but not exceed , the costs , including overhead costs , incurred by the competent authorities to perform official controls. overhead costs could include the costs of the organisation and support necessary for planning and carrying out the official controls. such costs should be calculated on the basis of each individual official control or on the basis of all official controls performed over a given period of time. where fees or charges are applied on the basis of the actual cost of individual official controls , producers with a good record of compliance should bear lower overall charges than non-compliant ones , as such producers with a good record of compliance should be subject to less frequent official controls. in order to promote compliance with union legislation by all producers irrespective of the method (based on actual costs or on a flat rate) that each member states has chosen for the calculation of the fees or charges , where fees or charges are calculated on the basis of overall costs incurred by the competent authorities over a given period of time , and imposed on all producers irrespective of whether they are subject to an official control during the reference period , those fees or charges should be calculated so as to reward producers with a consistently good record of compliance. no fee should be charged for the submission of the self-declaration and its processing. ### (48) control and verification fees or charges should cover , but not exceed , the costs , including overhead costs , incurred by the competent authorities to perform official controls. overhead costs could include the costs of the organisation and support necessary for planning and carrying out the official controls. such costs should be calculated on the basis of each individual official control or on the basis of all official controls performed over a given period of time. where fees or charges are applied on the basis of the actual cost of individual official controls , producers with a good record of compliance should bear lower overall charges than non-compliant ones , as such producers with a good record of compliance should be subject to less frequent official controls. in order to promote compliance with union legislation by all producers irrespective of the method (based on actual costs or on a flat rate) that each member states has chosen for the calculation of the fees or charges , where fees or charges are calculated on the basis of overall costs incurred by the competent authorities over a given period of time , and imposed on all producers irrespective of whether they are subject to an official control during the reference period , those fees or charges should be calculated so as to reward producers with a consistently good record of compliance.


### (60) in order to amend or supplement certain non-essential elements of this regulation , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the requirements or listing additional items of the accompanying documentation , defining procedures and conditions applicable to the preparation and submission of union applications for registration , rules on entrusting the office to operate the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products; the formal content of the notice of appeal , the procedure for the filing and the examination of an appeal as well as the formal content and the form of the board of appeal’s decisions; the information and requirements of the self-declaration and the technical assistance of the office. it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement of 13 april 2016 on better law-making23 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. ### (60) in order to amend or supplement certain non-essential elements of this regulation , the power to adopt acts in accordance with article 290 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union should be delegated to the commission in respect of the requirements or listing additional items of the accompanying documentation , defining procedures and conditions applicable to the preparation and submission of union applications for registration , rules on entrusting the office to operate the union register of geographical indications for craft and industrial products; the formal content of the notice of appeal , the procedure for the filing and the examination of an appeal as well as the formal content and the form of the board of appeal’s decisions and the technical assistance of the office. it is of particular importance that the commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work , including at expert level , and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the interinstitutional agreement of 13 april 2016 on better law-making23 . in particular , to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts , the european parliament and the council receive all documents at the same time as member states' experts , and their experts systematically have access to meetings of commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.


### ‘producer group’ means any association , irrespective of its legal form , mainly composed of producers or processors working with the same product; ### ‘producer geographical indication group’ means any association , irrespective of its legal form , mainly composed of producers , manufacturer and/or processors and/or any other operator working with the same product;


### ‘production step’ means any stage of production , processing or preparation , up to the point , where the product is in a form to be placed on the internal market; ### ‘production step’ means any stage of production , and/or processing and/or preparation , included in the specifications/description of the geographical indication product , up to the point , where the product is in a form to be placed on the internal market;


### ‘traditional’ and 'tradition' , when associated with a product originating in a geographical area , means proven historical usage by producers in a community for a period that allows transmission between generations; ### ‘traditional’ and 'tradition' , when associated with a product originating in a geographical area , means proven historical usage by manufacturers in a community for a period that allows transmission between generations; this period should be at least 30 years and the said usage may embrace modifications necessitated by changing hygiene and safety practices;


### 'producer' means an operator engaged in any production step of a product the name of which is protected as a geographical indication , including processing activities , covered by the product specification; ### 'producer' means an operator engaged in any production step of a product the name of which is protected as a geographical indication , including production , and/or processing activities , covered by the product specification;


### ‘product certification body’ means a legal person which certifies that products designated by geographical indications comply with the product specification , whether in performance of a delegated official control task or any other mandate; ### ‘product certification body’ means a legal person , duly accredited , which certifies that products designated by geographical indications comply with the product specification , whether in performance of a delegated official control task or any other mandate;


### ‘self-declaration’ means a document in which a producer , or an authorised representative , indicates on his or her sole responsibility that the product is compliant with the corresponding product specification and that all necessary controls and checks for the proper determination of conformity have been carried out in order to demonstrate the lawful use of the geographical indication to the competent authorities of member states. ### deleted