### – having regard to article 34(3) of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union (‘the charter’) , which affirms the right to social and housing assistance in order to combat social exclusion and poverty , ### deleted


### – having regard to the commissioner for human rights of the council of europe’s view of 29 june 2018 entitled ‘greece: immediate action needed to protect human rights of migrants’ , ### deleted


### – having regard to the council recommendation of 9 april 2019 on the economic policy of the euro area2 , ### deleted


### – having regard to principle 16 of the european pillar of social rights , which stresses that everyone has the right to timely access to affordable , preventive and curative healthcare of good quality , ### deleted


### – having regard to its resolution of 12 april 2016 on the situation in the mediterranean and the need for a holistic eu approach to migration6 , ### deleted


### – having regard to its resolution of 5 october 2017 on prison systems and conditions7 , ### deleted


### a. whereas being a candidate country presumes a willingness to progressively approach in all aspects the values , interests , standards and policies of the eu; ### a. whereas turkey has no desire to become a member of the european union;


### a. whereas being a candidate country presumes a willingness to progressively approach in all aspects the values , interests , standards and policies of the eu; ### a. whereas being a candidate country presumes a progressive alignment to the eu acquis , the respect of eu values and standards as well as a foreign policy which is not in contrast with that of the union


### a. whereas being a candidate country presumes a willingness to progressively approach in all aspects the values , interests , standards and policies of the eu; ### a. whereas being a candidate country presumes the commitment to progressively converge in all aspects with the values , interests , standards , legislation and policies of the eu;


### b. whereas , in its report of 21 november 2018 following the fact-finding visit , the committee on petitions established that the return of varosha to its lawful inhabitants is a matter of enforcement of the resolutions tabled by the existing un security council , the only supranational organisation that can exert real pressure on turkey; ### b. whereas , in its report of 21 november 2018 following the fact-finding visit , the committee on petitions established that the return of varosha to its lawful inhabitants is a matter of enforcement of the resolutions of the un security council;


### d. whereas on 9 october 2019 , the un security council reacted to the provocative acts of the turkish government , including a visit to the sealed-off area of varosha , and the inflammatory remarks made by the turkish minister of foreign affairs last september , with the following statement sc/13980: ### d. whereas on 9 october 2019 , the un security council in its press statement (sc/13980) following the briefing of assistant secretary-general oscar fernandez-taranco on the situation in cyprus also recalled the importance of the status of varosha:


### e. whereas , in his report of 7 january 2020 , the un secretary-general stated: during the reporting period , varosha gained increased attention as a result of public statements made by the turkish cypriot side and high-level visits organised to the closed-off area by authorities in the north. the presence and movements of unficyp in varosha continued to be restricted by the turkish forces. unficyp continued to use all available technology , including satellite imagery , to enhance monitoring and reporting in this sensitive area. the united nations continues to hold the government of turkey responsible for the status quo in varosha; ### e. whereas , in his report of 7 january 2020 on the united nations operation in cyprus (s/2020/23) , the un secretary-general stated: "during the reporting period , varosha gained increased attention as a result of public statements made by the turkish cypriot side and high-level visits organised to the closed-off area by authorities in the north. the presence and movements of unficyp in varosha continued to be restricted by the turkish forces. unficyp continued to use all available technology , including satellite imagery , to enhance monitoring and reporting in this sensitive area. the united nations continues to hold the government of turkey responsible for the status quo in varosha." the reporting period lasted from 20 june 2019 to 18 december 2019;


### f. whereas in its resolution 2506 (2020) of 30 january 2020 , the un security council calls on the turkish cypriot side and turkish forces to restore in strovilia the military status quo that existed there prior to 30 june 2000 , recalls the status of varosha as set out in relevant resolutions , and reaffirms that unficyp’s freedom of movement should be respected; ### f. whereas in its resolution 2506 (2020) of 30 january 2020 , which , among other things , extends the mandate of the united nations peacekeeping force in cyprus , the un security council ”calls on the turkish cypriot side and turkish forces to restore in strovilia the military status quo which existed there prior to 30 june 2000 , recalls the status of varosha as set out in relevant resolutions , and reaffirms that unficyp’s freedom of movement should be respected”;


### i. whereas the return of varosha to its lawful inhabitants would constitute a formidable confidence-building measure , and could become the catalyst for a comprehensive settlement , by creating conditions of cooperation , mutual respect and trust between the two communities in cyprus; ### i. whereas the return of varosha to its lawful inhabitants would constitute a confidence-building measure , and could contribute to a comprehensive settlement , by creating conditions of cooperation , mutual respect and trust between the two communities in cyprus;


### 1. calls on the european commission , the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy , the eu council and all eu member states to table a new resolution in the un security council calling for political and economic sanctions against turkey for its acts of aggression in the eastern mediterranean and for its non-compliance with resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992) of the un security council. ### 1. calls on the eu to table a new resolution in the un security council on turkey and its acts of aggression in the eastern mediterranean and for its non-compliance with resolutions 550(1984) and 789 (1992) of the un security council.


### 1. notes with concern that turkey’s continuous and growing distancing from european values and standards has brought eu-turkey relations to a historical low point , having deteriorated to such an extent that it requires both parties to profoundly reassess the current framework of relations; ### 1. notes with concern that turkey’s continuous and growing distancing from european values and standards has brought eu-turkey relations to a historical low point , having deteriorated to such an extent that it is necessary to end , definitively and irreversibly , turkey’s eu accession process;


### - having regard to its previous resolutions on turkey , in particular those of 13 march 2019 on the 2018 commission report on turkey1 , of 19 september 2019 on the situation in turkey , notably the removal of elected mayors2 , of 24 october 2019 on the turkish military operation in northeast syria and its consequences3 , and of 17 september 2020 on the preparation of the special european council summit focusing on the dangerous escalation and the role of turkey in the eastern mediterranean4 , ### - having regard to its previous resolutions on turkey , in particular those of 13 march 2019 on the 2018 commission report on turkey1 , of 19 september 2019 on the situation in turkey , notably the removal of elected mayors2 , of 24 october 2019 on the turkish military operation in northeast syria and its consequences3 , and of 17 september 2020 on the preparation of the special european council summit focusing on the dangerous escalation and the role of turkey in the eastern mediterranean4 and of 26 november 2020 on escalating tensions in varosha following the illegal actions by turkey and the urgent need for the resumption of talks 4a ,


### - having regard to the negotiating framework for turkey of 3 october 2005 , ### - having regard to the negotiating framework for turkey of 3 october 2005 , and to the fact that , as is the case for all candidate countries , turkey’s accession to the eu depends on full compliance with the copenhagen criteria , and to the need to normalize its relations with all eu member states , including the republic of cyprus;


### - having regard to the council conclusions of 15 july and 14 october 2019 on turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the eastern mediterranean , to the european council conclusions of 1 october 2020 , to the statements of the eu foreign ministers of 15 may 2020 and 14 august 2020 on the situation in the eastern mediterranean , to the outcome of the informal meeting of eu foreign ministers (gymnich) of 28 august 2020 , and to all previous relevant council and european council conclusions , ### - having regard to the council conclusions of 15 july and 14 october 2019 on turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the eastern mediterranean , to the european council conclusions of 1 october 2020 and 16 october 2020 , to the statements of the eu foreign ministers of 15 may 2020 and 14 august 2020 on the situation in the eastern mediterranean , to the outcome of the informal meeting of eu foreign ministers (gymnich) of 28 august 2020 , and to all previous relevant council and european council conclusions ,


### d. whereas , in spite of this principled stance by parliament and all of the current circumstances , the european council , in its conclusions of 1 october 2020 , offered turkey a renewed and broad positive agenda , provided that constructive efforts are sustained , in a further attempt to restore our relations; ### d. whereas , in spite of this principled stance by parliament and all of the current circumstances , the european council , in its conclusions of 1 october 2020 , offered turkey a renewed and broad positive agenda , provided that constructive efforts to stop illegal activities vis-à-vis greece and cyprus are sustained , in a further attempt to restore our relations;


### 3. is deeply concerned that , over the years , the lack of progress in turkey’s convergence has now transformed into a full withdrawal , marked by a stark regression in three main areas: backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental rights , adopting regressive institutional reforms and pursuing a confrontational foreign policy; is further concerned by the fact that this regression has increasingly been accompanied by an explicit anti-eu narrative; calls , in this context , on turkey to reassess the sincerity of its commitment to the eu path , as an indispensable component of the viability of the entire accession process; ### 3. is deeply concerned by the ongoing dispute in the eastern mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation; condemns turkey’s illegal activities in greek and cypriot waters , as well as turkey’s violations of greek national airspace , including overflights of inhabited areas , and territorial sea , which violate both the sovereign rights of eu member states and international law; expresses its full solidarity with greece and the republic of cyprus; urges turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any illegal action or threat , including the unilateral attempt to abolish the maritime borders , in particular of the greek island of kastellorizo;


### 3. is deeply concerned that , over the years , the lack of progress in turkey’s convergence has now transformed into a full withdrawal , marked by a stark regression in three main areas: backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental rights , adopting regressive institutional reforms and pursuing a confrontational foreign policy; is further concerned by the fact that this regression has increasingly been accompanied by an explicit anti-eu narrative; calls , in this context , on turkey to reassess the sincerity of its commitment to the eu path , as an indispensable component of the viability of the entire accession process; ### 3. is deeply concerned that , over the years , the lack of progress in turkey’s convergence has now transformed into a full withdrawal , marked by a stark regression in three main areas: backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental rights , adopting regressive institutional reforms and pursuing a confrontational foreign policy; is further concerned by the fact that this regression has increasingly been accompanied by an explicit and aggressive anti-eu narrative; calls , in this context , on turkey to reassess the sincerity of its commitment to the eu path , as an indispensable component of the viability of the entire accession process;


### 6. regrets the current lack of understanding between the eu and turkey , but reaffirms its firm conviction that turkey is a strategic neighbour and ally with which the eu wishes to have the best possible relations; ### 6. regrets the current lack of understanding between the eu and turkey , but reaffirms its firm conviction that turkey is a strategic neighbour and ally with which the eu wishes to have the best possible relations; pursuing dialogue in good faith and abstaining from unilateral actions which run counter to the eu interests and violate international law , the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of eu member states is an absolute requirement in this regard;


### 6. regrets the current lack of understanding between the eu and turkey , but reaffirms its firm conviction that turkey is a strategic neighbour and ally with which the eu wishes to have the best possible relations; ### 6. notes that , in light of the numerous conflicts in which turkey is involved in syria , libya , cyprus , nagorno-karabakh and the eastern mediterranean , far from being a ‘strategic ally’ , it is today a major destabilising element and a threat to peace; stresses , to this end , that it should be expelled from nato , whose strategic data and solidarity it uses to pursue its constant bellicose policies;


### 8. is appalled by the serious backsliding on fundamental freedoms revealing the dire human rights situation in turkey and the continued erosion of democracy and the rule of law; ### 8. is appalled by the serious backsliding on fundamental freedoms revealing the dire human rights situation in turkey and the continued erosion of democracy and the rule of law; notes that in light of the covid-19 pandemic , a controversial legislative package provided for the conditional release of up to 90 ,000 prisoners excluding however those held in pre-trial detention for alleged terrorism-related offences , including lawyers , journalists , politicians and human rights defenders , as they are not eligible for early release under these measures;


### 8. is appalled by the serious backsliding on fundamental freedoms revealing the dire human rights situation in turkey and the continued erosion of democracy and the rule of law; ### 8. is appalled by the serious backsliding on fundamental freedoms revealing the dire human rights situation in turkey and the continued erosion of democracy and the rule of law; notes the increase in turkey in the number of attacks on religious freedoms , particularly against christians , but also against alevis and jews; condemns the decision to turn the hagia sofia back into a mosque , like other religious sites , some of which are 1 500 years old;


### 10. notes with deep concern that , despite the formal lifting of the state of emergency in july 2018 , its impact on democracy and fundamental rights continues to be strongly felt; ### 10. notes with deep concern that , despite the formal lifting of the state of emergency in july 2018 , its impact on democracy and fundamental rights continues to be strongly felt , including in the continued misuse of terrorism charges , the arbitrary passport cancellations and the undue profiling by the authorities of dismissed public sector workers;


### 11. deeply regrets that this repressive form of rule has now become a deliberate , relentless , systematic state policy , which extends to any critical activities , such as kurdish activism , or even to events that took place prior to the attempted coup , such as the gezi protests; ### 11. deeply regrets that this repressive form of rule has now become a deliberate , relentless , systematic state policy , which extends to any critical activities , such as kurdish activism , alleged participants of the gulen movement , peaceful protests held by former public sector workers and women’s rights activists , or even to events that took place prior to the attempted coup , such as the gezi protests;


### 15. expresses serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression , media freedom and access to information; urges turkey to guarantee media freedom as a matter of priority; ### 15. expresses serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression , media freedom and access to information , a tendency which was reinforced by the covid-19 pandemic; reminds that turkey continues to be among the worst jailer of journalists and media workers worldwide; urges turkey to guarantee media freedom as a matter of priority and to review its legislation in this regard , including article 299 of its criminal code (insulting the president) which is consistently abused to persecute writers , reporters , columnists and editors ;


### 17. notes with great concern the way that the people’s democratic party (hdp) has been specifically and continuously targeted by the turkish authorities; strongly condemns the continued detention of former hdp co-chair selahattin demirtaş; ### 17. notes with great concern the way that the people’s democratic party (hdp) has been specifically and continuously targeted by the turkish authorities; strongly condemns the continued detention of former hdp co-chairs selahattin demirtaş and figen yüksekdağ and of other democratically elected people’s democratic party members of parliament , elected mayors and thousands of its administrators and members; underlines that the european court of human rights found mr demirtaş detention in violation of article 18 of the european convention and urge the turkish government comply with the decision of the court and release him


### 18. calls on turkey to release all imprisoned human rights defenders , journalists , lawyers , academics and others who have been detained on unsubstantiated charges and to enable them to carry out their work without threat or impediment in all circumstances; strongly condemns the re-arrest and continued detention of osman kavala , a prominent civil society figure; ### 18. calls on turkey to release all imprisoned human rights defenders , journalists , lawyers , academics and others who have been detained on unsubstantiated charges and to enable them to carry out their work without threat or impediment in all circumstances; strongly condemns the re-arrest and continued detention of osman kavala and ahmet altan , two prominent civil society figures;


### 20. remains deeply concerned by the situation in the south-east of turkey with regard to the protection of human rights , freedom of expression and political participation; ### 20. remains deeply concerned by the situation in the kurdish issue in turkey with regard to the protection of human rights , freedom of expression and political participation;


### 21. urges turkey to protect the rights of minorities and vulnerable groups , including women , lgbti people and ethnic and religious minorities; ### 21. urges turkey to protect the rights of minorities and vulnerable groups , including women , lgbti people and ethnic and religious minorities; condemns the pervasive hate-speech against lgbti people , especially when done by high-level political and religious figures; condemns the lack of proper investigation , prosecution and sanction of hate speech , both online and offline , and of hate crime; calls on authorities and officials to firmly condemn all acts of violence and hate speech against minorities and vulnerable groups and to investigate and prosecute them effectively;


### 25. recalls the laudable role played by turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in syria; takes the view that the eu should continue to give the necessary support to syrian refugees and host communities in turkey; supports an objective assessment of the eu-turkey statement and underlines the importance of both parties’ compliance with their respective commitments; ### 25. recalls the laudable role played by turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in syria; condemns turkey's instrumentalization of migratory pressure at the eu’s external borders in late february-march 2020; regrets the fact that the eu-turkey deal excludes the repatriation of migrants , for which tukey is a safe country , from greek mainland and is limited exclusively to the islands; recommends , in this regard , that migrants entering the eu from evros area in greece and/or from bulgaria , should be included in the eu-turkey agreement. takes the view that the eu should continue to give the necessary support to syrian refugees and host communities in turkey in line with strict conditionality , including for respecting the principles of the united nations charter and international law; supports an objective assessment of the eu-turkey statement and underlines the importance of both parties’ compliance with their respective commitments;


### 25. recalls the laudable role played by turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in syria; takes the view that the eu should continue to give the necessary support to syrian refugees and host communities in turkey; supports an objective assessment of the eu-turkey statement and underlines the importance of both parties’ compliance with their respective commitments; ### 25. recalls the laudable role played by turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in syria; takes the view that the eu should continue to give the necessary support to syrian refugees and host communities in turkey; supports an objective assessment of the eu-turkey statement and underlines the importance of its implementation in a non-discriminatory way; regrets that as a result of turkey’s weaponization of refugees an increase in asylum applications was registered in cyprus in the first quarter of 2020; notes that pending the full and effective implementation of the eu-turkey readmission agreement vis-à-vis all member states , existing bilateral readmission agreements and provisions in similar agreements and arrangements with eu member states , should be adequately implemented. cooperation in the area of justice and home affairs with all eu member states remains essential;


### 25. recalls the laudable role played by turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in syria; takes the view that the eu should continue to give the necessary support to syrian refugees and host communities in turkey; supports an objective assessment of the eu-turkey statement and underlines the importance of both parties’ compliance with their respective commitments; ### 25. recalls the role played by turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in syria; takes the view that the eu should continue to give the necessary support to syrian refugees and host communities in turkey; supports an objective assessment of the eu-turkey statement and underlines the importance of both parties’ compliance with their respective commitments; is worried nevertheless by the constant use of migrants as leverage towards the eu by president erdogan


### 25. recalls the laudable role played by turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in syria; takes the view that the eu should continue to give the necessary support to syrian refugees and host communities in turkey; supports an objective assessment of the eu-turkey statement and underlines the importance of both parties’ compliance with their respective commitments; ### 25. condemns the turkish government’s use of migrants as a real means of applying pressure and constantly blackmailing the eu member states; rejects the idea of enshrining the reception of migrants as a principle and condemns the dangerous policy implemented by the german chancellor for the past five years that runs counter to the interest of the people of europe;


### 26. stresses that a modernisation of the customs union could be beneficial for both parties and would keep turkey economically and normatively anchored to the eu; reiterates that this would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; highlights that it seems unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the customs union given the current circumstances; recalls that the current customs union will not achieve its full potential until turkey fully implements the additional protocol in relation to all member states; ### 26. stresses that a potential modernisation of the customs union could be beneficial for both parties provided that it is implemented vis-à-vis all member states , including the republic of cyprus , in a non-discriminatory manner and would keep turkey economically and normatively anchored to the eu; reiterates that this would need to be based on strong conditionality including human rights and fundamental freedoms and its non-discriminatory implementation vis-à-vis all ms; highlights that it seems unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the customs union given the current circumstances; regrets that the current customs union will not achieve its full potential until turkey fully and effectively implements the additional protocol in relation to all member states in a non-discriminatory manner , which is a prerequisite for the opening of the negotiations for the modernisation;


### 26. stresses that a modernisation of the customs union could be beneficial for both parties and would keep turkey economically and normatively anchored to the eu; reiterates that this would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; highlights that it seems unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the customs union given the current circumstances; recalls that the current customs union will not achieve its full potential until turkey fully implements the additional protocol in relation to all member states; ### 26. stresses that a modernisation of the customs union could be beneficial for both parties and would keep turkey economically and normatively anchored to the eu; reiterates that this would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms and the full respect of international law and the fundamental principle of good neighbourly relations with eu member states; highlights that it seems unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the customs union given the current circumstances; recalls that the current customs union will not achieve its full potential until turkey fully implements the additional protocol in relation to all member states and calls for a provision that the customs union agreement should be suspended if turkey continues its threatening and expansionist policy against eu member states;


### 26. stresses that a modernisation of the customs union could be beneficial for both parties and would keep turkey economically and normatively anchored to the eu; reiterates that this would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; highlights that it seems unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the customs union given the current circumstances; recalls that the current customs union does not achieve its full potential until turkey fully implements the additional protocol towards all member states; ### 26. notes that turkey has been the only beneficiary of the eu’s trade policy , notably the customs union; points out that turkey has an annual trade surplus with the eu of 14 billion dollars; believes that it is now time , in the interest of the eu economies , to scale back all of these arrangements; rejects , therefore , any modernisation of the customs union;


### 26. stresses that a modernisation of the customs union could be beneficial for both parties and would keep turkey economically and normatively anchored to the eu; reiterates that this would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; highlights that it seems unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the customs union given the current circumstances; recalls that the current customs union will not achieve its full potential until turkey fully implements the additional protocol in relation to all member states; ### 26. stresses that a modernisation of the customs union could be beneficial for both parties and would keep turkey economically and normatively anchored to the eu; highlights that it seems unrealistic to envisage any modernisation of the customs union given the current circumstances; reiterates that any proposal to modernise the custom union should be preceded by significative transformation in turkey and would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms; recalls that the current customs union will not achieve its full potential until turkey fully implements the additional protocol in relation to all member states;


### 27. is deeply concerned by the ongoing dispute in the eastern mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation; condemns turkey’s illegal activities in greek and cypriot waters , which violate both the sovereign rights of eu member states and international law; expresses its full solidarity with greece and the republic of cyprus; urges turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat; ### 27. is deeply concerned by the ongoing turkey’s illegal activities in the eastern mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation; strongly condemns the threats of military action against eu member states by turkey in the eastern mediterranean; strongly condemns turkey’s illegal activities in greek and cypriot maritime zones , which violate both the sovereign rights of eu member states and international law; expresses its full solidarity with greece and the republic of cyprus; calls on turkey to sign and ratify the united nations convention on the law of the sea (unclos) , which is part of the eu acquis , without further delay; reiterates its call on turkey to respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of member states over their territorial sea and airspace and their lawful right to enter into bilateral agreements and to explore and exploit natural resources in accordance with the eu acquis and international law , including the un convention on the law of the sea; urges turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat; in this respect , welcomes the invitation by the government of cyprus to turkey to negotiate in good faith the maritime delimitation between their relevant coasts , including by having recourse , to the international court of justice and calls on turkey to accept cyprus’ invitation;


### 27. is deeply concerned by the ongoing dispute in the eastern mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation; condemns turkey’s illegal activities in greek and cypriot waters , which violate both the sovereign rights of eu member states and international law; expresses its full solidarity with greece and the republic of cyprus; urges turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat; ### 27. is deeply concerned by the ongoing turkey's aggressive and expansionist activity in the eastern mediterranean and the related risk of a military escalation; strongly condemns turkey’s illegal activities in greek and cypriot waters , which violate both the sovereign rights of eu member states and international law; expresses its full solidarity with greece and the republic of cyprus; urges turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat towards eu member states; invites turkey to collaborate with frontex and accept assistance in patrolling its borders in order to supress smuggling activity which is life-threatening for the asylum seekers;


### 28. condemns the partial reopening of varosha beach , which undermines mutual trust and therefore the prospect of the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive resolution of the cyprus issue; calls on turkey to reverse this action; reiterates its support for a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with political equality; ### 28. condemns the partial reopening of varosha beach , which violates international law and un security council resolutions 550 and 789 and undermines mutual trust and therefore the prospect of the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive resolution of the cyprus issue; calls on turkey to immediately reverse this action; reiterates its support for a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with political equality as set out in the relevant un security council resolutions; believes that dialogue between turkey the eu and all the regional actors involved is still the only way to contribute to a change of atmosphere and to reduce tensions in the eastern mediterranean and the aegean sea; calls in this respect on turkey and the eu to start exploratory talks in compliance to international law so to initiate a de-escalation road map which will be beneficial for the stability of the eastmed region;


### 28. condemns the partial reopening of varosha beach , which undermines mutual trust and therefore the prospect of the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive resolution of the cyprus issue; calls on turkey to reverse this action; reiterates its support for a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with political equality; ### 28. condemns the partial illegal reopening of varosha , which undermines mutual trust and therefore the prospect of the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive resolution of the cyprus issue; calls on turkey to reverse this action; calls on turkey to withdraw its troops from cyprus , to transfer the varosha area to its lawful inhabitants under the temporary administration of the un in accordance with unsc resolution 550 (1984) , and to refrain from any actions altering the demographic balance on the island through a policy of illegal settlements; reiterates its call on turkey , to commit and contribute to a comprehensive settlement in line with united nations security council relevant resolutions; reiterates its support for a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement of the cyprus problem within the un framework and in accordance with the relevant unsc resolutions , international law and in line with the eu acquis and the principles on which the eu is founded;


### 29. strongly condemns the turkish military interventions in syria , especially in the northeast and idlib , which constitute grave violations of international law; ### 29. strongly condemns the turkish military interventions in syria , especially in the northeast and idlib , which constitute grave violations of international law and calls on the turkish government to end its illegal occupation of northern syria and afrin and withdraw its military and paramilitary proxy forces;


### 30. calls on turkey to remain committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in libya under the auspices of the un , and to fully adhere to the arms embargo imposed by the un security council; ### 30. calls on turkey to remain committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in libya under the auspices of the un; calls in this regard , on the council to start cooperation between eunavfor med irini and the nato operation sea guardian in order to ensure that operation irini is equipped with the necessary assets and personnel to effectively perform its core task of monitoring land , sea and air traffic activities and contributing to the full implementation of the arms embargo imposed by the un security council;


### 30. calls on turkey to remain committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in libya under the auspices of the un , and to fully adhere to the arms embargo imposed by the un security council; ### 30. calls on turkey to remain committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in libya under the auspices of the un , and to fully adhere to the arms embargo imposed by the un security council and to not assume a confrontational attitude towards the eu mandated operation irini which operates in accordance with unsc resolutions 2292 and 2526 , which are binding for all un members states , including the republic of turkey;


### 31. regrets that , rather than calling for an end to the violence and for a resumption of peaceful negotiations supporting the efforts of the organization for security and co-operation in europe (osce) minsk group , turkey instead decided to unconditionally sustain the military actions of one of the sides in the recent conflict in nagorno-karabakh; ### 31. regrets that , rather than calling for an end to the violence and for a resumption of peaceful negotiations supporting the efforts of the organization for security and co-operation in europe (osce) minsk group , turkey instead decided to unconditionally sustain the military actions of one of the sides in the recent conflict in nagorno-karabakh , including by reportedly , and unlawfully , sending its own military personnel as well as syrian mercenaries to azerbaijan and deploying its military drones; calls on turkey to refrain from taking any initiative that may bring further instability to the region and to take on a constructive role in de-escalating tensions instead;


### 31. regrets that , rather than calling for an end to the violence and for a resumption of peaceful negotiations supporting the efforts of the organization for security and co-operation in europe (osce) minsk group , turkey instead decided to unconditionally sustain the military actions of one of the sides in the recent conflict in nagorno-karabakh; ### 31. strongly condemns turkey’s destabilizing role in the nagorno-karabakh conflict and its hostile rhetoric and military actions against the armenian people; regrets that , rather than calling for an end to the violence and for a resumption of peaceful negotiations supporting the efforts of the organization for security and co-operation in europe (osce) minsk group , turkey instead decided to unconditionally sustain the military actions of one of the sides in the recent conflict in nagorno-karabakh;


### 32. believes that it is high time to review the eu’s relations with turkey and to define a comprehensive , unified and coherent strategy for the medium to long term , among all eu institutions and member states; ### 32. believes that it is high time to review the eu’s relations with turkey and to define a comprehensive , unified and coherent strategy for the medium to long term , among all eu institutions and member states particularly in the light of the ongoing escalation in the eastern mediterranean; calls in this respect on hr/vp to consider appointing a special envoy for the eastern mediterranean to facilitate that task;


### 32. believes that it is high time to review the eu’s relations with turkey and to define a comprehensive , unified and coherent strategy for the medium to long term , among all eu institutions and member states; ### 32. regrets that turkey has become from a partner to an instability factor in the eu neighbourhood; believes that it is high time to review the eu’s relations with turkey and to define a comprehensive , unified and coherent strategy for the medium to long term , among all eu institutions and member states;


### 33. takes the view that enhancing communication and dialogue at all levels are key to restoring mutual trust between the eu and turkey; deplores the continuous and unjustified refusal of the turkish side to reinstate the normal functioning of the eu-turkey joint parliamentary committee; ### 33. takes the view that enhancing communication and dialogue at all levels are key to restoring mutual trust between the eu and turkey; deplores the continuous and unjustified refusal of the turkish side to reinstate the normal functioning of the eu-turkey joint parliamentary committee; strongly recommends that in light of continuous provocations from turkey against eu members states , stronger measures should be enforced by the european council including ban of military equipment and weapons exports - including weaponry maintenance - to turkey and freezing of all the economic activities with turkish banks and companies which are involved in drilling operations in the eu territorial waters; takes the view that sanctions to turkey have to be multilevel and targeted at specific sectors like trade or transportation while making sure that people of turkey will be affected the least possible; highly recommends the end of eu financial institutions lending to turkish banks and projects in order to mitigate the exposure of these institutions into turkey’s economy;


### e. whereas the number of petitions remained modest in relation to the total population of the eu; whereas nevertheless this number indicates that a proportion of eu citizens are aware of and exercise the right to petition; ### e. whereas the number of petitions remained modest in relation to the total population of the eu; whereas the overall number of petitions received indicates that greater efforts and appropriate measures are necessary to raise citizens' awareness on the right to petition; whereas citizens in exercising the right to petition expect that the eu institutions bring forward an added value in solving their problems; whereas failure by the eu institutions to adequately treat petitions and take effective action upon them produce frustration and disaffection towards the union;


### e. whereas the number of petitions remained modest in relation to the total population of the eu; whereas nevertheless this number indicates that a proportion of eu citizens are aware of and exercise the right to petition; ### e. whereas the number of petitions remained modest in relation to the total population of the eu; whereas nevertheless this number indicates that many active eu citizens are aware of and exercise the right to petition;


### f. whereas of the 1 357 petitions submitted in 2019 , 938 were declared admissible , 406 were declared inadmissible and 13 were withdrawn; whereas the relatively high percentage (30 %) of inadmissible petitions in 2019 reveals that there is still a widespread lack of clarity about the eu’s fields of activity; ### f. whereas of the 1 357 petitions submitted in 2019 , 938 were declared admissible , 406 were declared inadmissible and 13 were withdrawn; whereas the relatively high percentage (30 %) of inadmissible petitions in 2019 reveals that there is still a widespread lack of clarity about the eu’s fields of competence;


### g. whereas the criteria for the admissibility of petitions are laid down in article 227 of the tfeu and rule 226 of parliament’s rules of procedure , which require that petitions must be submitted by eu citizens or residents directly affected by matters falling within the european union’s fields of activity; ### g. whereas the criteria for the admissibility of petitions are laid down in article 227 of the tfeu and rule 226 of parliament’s rules of procedure , which require that petitions must be submitted by eu citizens or residents directly affected by matters falling within the european union’s fields of competence;


### i. whereas the right to petition enhances the european parliament’s responsiveness to complaints and concerns relating to respect for eu fundamental rights and compliance with union legislation in the member states; whereas petitions , therefore , are a useful source of information on instances of misapplication or breaches of eu law and enable parliament and other eu institutions to assess the transposition and application of eu law and its impact on eu citizens and residents; ### i. whereas the right to petition should enhance the european parliament’s responsiveness to complaints and concerns relating to respect for eu fundamental rights and compliance with union legislation in the member states; whereas petitions are a very useful source of information on instances of misapplication or breaches of eu law; whereas petitions enable parliament and other eu institutions to assess the transposition and application of eu law and its impact on eu citizens and residents and to detect shortcomings and inconsistencies of eu law undermining the goal of ensuring full protection of citizens' fundamental rights;


### k. whereas each petition is carefully examined by the committee on petitions; whereas each petitioner has the right to receive a reply and information on the decision on admissibility and follow-up actions taken by the committee within a reasonable period of time , in their own language or in the language used in the petition; ### k. whereas each petition should be carefully examined by the committee on petitions; whereas each petitioner has the right to receive a comprehensive reply and information on the decision on admissibility and follow-up actions taken by the committee without delay , in their own language or in the language used in the petition in full compliance with the right to good administration enshrined in article 41 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union;


### l. whereas the activities of the committee on petitions are based on the input and contributions received from petitioners; whereas the information provided by the petitioners along with the expertise delivered by the commission , the member states and other bodies are essential for the work of the committee; whereas admissible petitions often provide valuable input to the work of the other parliamentary committees; ### l. whereas the activities of the committee on petitions are based on the input and contributions received from petitioners; whereas the information provided by the petitioners along with the expertise delivered by the commission , the member states and other bodies are essential for the work of the committee; whereas admissible petitions often provide valuable input to the work of the other parliamentary committees and intergroups;


### r. whereas the committee on petitions considers the european citizens’ initiative (eci) to be an important instrument of participatory democracy , which enables citizens to become actively involved in shaping the union’s policies and legislation; ### r. whereas the committee on petitions considers the european citizens’ initiative (eci) to be an important instrument of participatory democracy; whereas to enable citizens to become actively and truly involved in shaping the union's policies and legislation through the eci , a revision of the current eu treaties is needed in order to ensure a legislative follow-up to successful european citizens' initiatives;


### 1. recalls the important role of the committee on petitions in defending and promoting the rights of eu citizens and residents , ensuring that petitioners’ concerns and complaints are examined in timely fashion and , wherever possible , resolved , through an open , democratic and transparent petition process; ### 1. recalls that the committee on petitions must enhance its key role in defending and promoting the rights of eu citizens and residents , ensuring that petitioners’ concerns and complaints are examined in timely fashion and resolved , through an open , democratic and fully transparent petition process and a strengthened cooperation and dialogue with other eu institutions and national , regional and local authorities;


### 1. recalls the important role of the committee on petitions in defending and promoting the rights of eu citizens and residents , ensuring that petitioners’ concerns and complaints are examined in timely fashion and , wherever possible , resolved , through an open , democratic and transparent petition process; ### 1. recalls the important role of the committee on petitions in defending and promoting the rights of eu citizens and residents , ensuring that petitioners’ concerns and complaints are examined in timely fashion and , wherever possible , resolved , through an open , democratic and transparent petition process; reminds the committee of the importance of closing long-standing petitions as soon as possible , thus strengthening citizens' trust in institutions;


### 2. emphasizes the importance of a continuous public debate on the union’s fields of activity aimed at informing citizens about the scope of the union’s competences and the different levels of decision-making , in order to reduce the number of inadmissible petitions; ### 2. emphasizes the importance of a continuous public debate on the union’s fields of activity aimed at raising public awareness on the right to petition the european parliament , providing clearer and more detailed information about the powers of the eu and the urgency to adopt all necessary measures in order to implement a fully democratic eu governance based on full transparency , enhanced protection of fundamental rights and direct citizens' inclusion in the eu decision-making processes;


### 2. emphasizes the importance of a continuous public debate on the union’s fields of activity aimed at informing citizens about the scope of the union’s competences and the different levels of decision-making , in order to reduce the number of inadmissible petitions; ### 2. emphasizes the importance of a continuous information campaign and public debate on the union’s fields of activity aimed at informing citizens about the scope of the union’s competences and the different levels of decision-making , in order to reduce the number of inadmissible petitions;


### 4. points out that petitions offer the opportunity to the european parliament and other eu institutions to maintain a direct dialogue with eu citizens who are affected by the misapplication of eu law; stresses the need for enhanced cooperation between the eu institutions and national , regional and local authorities on inquiries regarding implementation of and compliance with eu law; ### 4. points out that petitions offer the opportunity to the european parliament and other eu institutions to maintain a direct dialogue with eu citizens who are affected by the misapplication of eu law or by inconsistencies and shortcomings of the current eu law which undermine the protection of their economic , social and cultural rights; stresses the need for enhanced cooperation between the eu institutions and national , regional and local authorities in order to ensure that eu institutions adopt the necessary legal acts aimed at achieving the highest levels of social justice and full and effective protection of all citizens' fundamental rights;


### 1. highlights the fact that the committee on petitions receives a large number of petitions on the lack of implementation of the principle of equal treatment as regards access to employment , vocational training , promotion , and the working conditions of persons with disabilities; ### 1. highlights the fact that the committee on petitions receives a large number of petitions on the lack of implementation of the principle of equal treatment as regards access to employment , vocational training , promotion , and the working conditions of persons with disabilities , as well as has repeatedly called for the need to make the petitions web portal more accessible , transparent and open to all citizens;


### 1. highlights the fact that the committee on petitions receives a large number of petitions on the lack of implementation of the principle of equal treatment as regards access to employment , vocational training , promotion , and the working conditions of persons with disabilities; ### 1. highlights the fact that the committee on petitions receives a large number of petitions on the lack of implementation of the principle of equal treatment as regards access to inclusive education , employment , vocational training , promotion , and the working conditions of persons with disabilities , therefore a more complex approach is needed;


### 1. recalls that the purpose of the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (crpd) is to promote , protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities; ### 1. recalls that the purpose of the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (crpd) is to promote , protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities and that the eu is also a state party thereof;


### 2. condemns the fact that , according to these petitions , individuals with disabilities continue to encounter many challenges related to accessibility , participation in employment and mobility within the eu , and continue to encounter discrimination; considers it unacceptable that many employers are still not taking appropriate measures to tackle these issues , despite such measures being crucial to the economic and social inclusion of the 100 million persons with disabilities in the eu; ### 2. condemns the fact that , according to these petitions , persons with disabilities continue to encounter many challenges and discrimination related to accessibility , participation in employment , education and mobility within the eu; considers it unacceptable that many employers are still not taking appropriate measures to tackle these issues , despite such measures being crucial to the economic and social inclusion of the 100 million persons with disabilities in the eu and despite the fact that artificial intelligence , digital technologies , tools and applications are available to meet the individual needs of persons with disabilities;


### 3. reiterates its call on the member states to take specific measures with a view to ensuring full equality in practice to prevent or compensate for disadvantages linked to disabilities , and recommends that the member states ensure the employment of people with disabilities is addressed in their national reform programmes; ### 3. reiterates its call on the member states to take specific measures with a view to ensuring full equality in practice to prevent or compensate for disadvantages linked to disabilities , taking into account the possibilities given by artificial intelligence , digital technologies , tools , softwares and applications and recommends that the member states ensure the employment of people with disabilities is addressed in their national reform programmes;


### 6. calls on the member states to complete the union’s anti-discrimination legal framework , especially considering the accession of the eu to the uncrpd and the need to ensure consistency with article 27 thereof; ### 6. calls on the member states to complete the union’s anti-discrimination legal framework , welcomes in this regard the accession of the eu to the uncrpd; recalls that the uncrpd is binding upon the eu , its institutions and its member states , which have a direct obligation to fully implement it , including its article 27 on work and employment;


### 7. considers that a reasonable effort should be made to adapt all workplaces to accommodate special needs with a view to potentially employing persons with all types of disabilities and insists on promoting dialogue between social partners with a view to fostering equal treatment , including through the monitoring of workplace practices , collective agreements , codes of conduct and research on or the exchange of experiences and good practices; ### 7. considers that more effort should be made to adapt workplaces tailored to individual needs of pwd to accommodate special needs with a view to potentially employing persons with all types of disabilities and insists on promoting dialogue between social partners with a view to fostering equal treatment , including through the monitoring of workplace practices , collective agreements , codes of conduct and research on or the exchange of experiences and good practices;


### 7. considers that a reasonable effort should be made to adapt all workplaces to accommodate special needs with a view to potentially employing persons with all types of disabilities and insists on promoting dialogue between social partners with a view to fostering equal treatment , including through the monitoring of workplace practices , collective agreements , codes of conduct and research on or the exchange of experiences and good practices; ### 7. considers that a reasonable effort should be made , based on defined timeframes , to adapt all workplaces to accommodate accessibility needs with a view to potentially employing persons with all types of impairments and insists on promoting dialogue between social partners with a view to fostering equal treatment , including through the monitoring of workplace practices , collective agreements , codes of conduct and research on or the exchange of experiences and good practices;


### 8. calls on all member states to take appropriate action to achieve the social and economic integration of disabled people , to raise awareness , to share best practices and to combat youth and senior unemployment , as unemployment can lead to poverty , social exclusion and mental health problems; ### 8. calls on all member states to take appropriate action to achieve the social and economic integration of disabled people , to raise awareness about their rights , to share best practices and to combat youth and senior unemployment , as unemployment can lead to poverty , social exclusion and mental health problems; reiterates the importance of avoiding the segregated employment by linking people with disabilities to the open labour market , and thus providing them with the possibility of choosing a job.


### 8. calls on all member states to take appropriate action to achieve the social and economic integration of disabled people , to raise awareness , to share best practices and to combat youth and senior unemployment , as unemployment can lead to poverty , social exclusion and mental health problems; ### 8. calls on all member states to take appropriate action in cooperation with the disabled persons’ organisations and taking into account the notion of reasonable accommodation to achieve the social and economic integration of disabled people , to raise awareness , to share best practices and to combat youth and senior unemployment , as unemployment can lead to poverty , social exclusion and mental health problems;


### 9. highlights the role of women , who usually have primary responsibility for taking care of children and dependants with disabilities; stresses that this has a direct effect on women’s access to jobs and their professional development and may negatively affect their conditions of employment; ### 9. highlights the role of women , who usually have primary responsibility for taking care of children and dependants with disabilities and that disabled women face a double discrimination which has statistically led to a higher unemployment ratio; stresses that this has a direct effect on women’s access to jobs and their professional development and may negatively affect their conditions of employment;


### 10. insists on updating and renewing the post-2020 european disability strategy , with the aim of further reducing inequalities for disadvantaged persons , and promoting their social and economic inclusion and independence , taking into account the challenges and issues relating to disabilities that have arisen from the covid-19 pandemic; notes that confinement measures taken by governments and teleworking may have affected persons with disabilities. ### 10. insists on updating and renewing the post-2020 european disability strategy , with the aim of further reducing inequalities for disadvantaged persons , and promoting their social and economic inclusion and independence , taking into account the challenges and issues relating to disability that have arisen from the covid-19 pandemic; notes that confinement measures taken by governments and teleworking may have affected persons with disabilities as well as the need to consider the provision of financial support to employers of disabled persons in order to provide them with the equipment required for teleworking.


### 10. insists on updating and renewing the post-2020 european disability strategy , with the aim of further reducing inequalities for disadvantaged persons , and promoting their social and economic inclusion and independence , taking into account the challenges and issues relating to disabilities that have arisen from the covid-19 pandemic; notes that confinement measures taken by governments and teleworking may have affected persons with disabilities. ### 10. insists on updating and renewing the post-2020 european disability strategy , with the aim of further reducing inequalities of persons with disabilities , and promoting their social and economic inclusion and tailor-made independence , taking into account the challenges and issues relating to disabilities that have arisen from the covid-19 pandemic; notes that confinement measures taken by governments and teleworking may have negatively affected persons with disabilities , regardless whether they received care at home or in institutions.


### 1. recalls that ensuring the effective and uniform application of eu law is crucial for upholding the rule of law , which is one of the founding values of the union and its member states , as set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union; is , therefore , worried about the increasing number of petitions expressing citizens’ concerns over violations of the rule of law in the member states , including regarding disputed reforms of national judiciaries; stresses that non-compliance with the rule of law , including by sub-national entities , has a direct impact on citizens’ lives , as demonstrated in petitions received and by the outcome of special eurobarometer 489; calls on the commission to respect the commitments made in its 2019 communication entitled ‘strengthening the rule of law within the union: a blueprint for action’ (com(2019)0343) , in order to promote a culture of respect for the rule of law , reinforce cooperation with national authorities and ensure an effective common response to actual threats within the union; ### 1. recalls that ensuring the effective , equal and uniform application of eu law is crucial for upholding the rule of law , which is one of the founding values of the union and its member states , as set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union; is , therefore , worried about the increasing number of petitions expressing citizens’ concerns over alleged violations of the rule of law in the member states , including regarding disputed reforms of national judiciaries; stresses that non-compliance with the rule of law , including by sub-national entities , has a direct impact on citizens’ lives , as demonstrated in petitions received and by the outcome of special eurobarometer 489; calls on the commission to respect the commitments made in its 2019 communication entitled ‘strengthening the rule of law within the union: a blueprint for action’ (com(2019)0343) , in order to promote a culture of respect for the rule of law , reinforce cooperation with national authorities and ensure an effective common response to actual threats within the union;


### 1. stresses the need to continuously improve the mechanisms designed to ensure that rule-making is in full compliance with the treaties , notably the principles of conferral , subsidiarity and proportionality , as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union (teu); ### 1. welcomes the commission reports on monitoring the application of eu law. stresses that ensuring compliance with the eu law is essential to create a level playing field within the member states. believes that the reports are crucial tools to ensure the democratic scrutiny over the correct transposition and implementation of eu law. considers such monitoring essential to identify risks to the rule of law before they can reach a point where a formal response is required. stresses the need to continuously improve the mechanisms designed to ensure that rule-making is in full compliance with the treaties , notably the principles of conferral , subsidiarity and proportionality , as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union (teu);


### 1. stresses the need to continuously improve the mechanisms designed to ensure that rule-making is in full compliance with the treaties , notably the principles of conferral , subsidiarity and proportionality , as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union (teu); ### 1. stresses the need to continuously improve the mechanisms designed to ensure that rule-making is in full compliance with the treaties , notably the principles of conferral , subsidiarity and proportionality , as set out in article 5 of the treaty on european union (teu) , and with the principle of sincere cooperation as set out in article 13 of the treaty on the european union (teu);


### 2. stresses that the right to petition the european parliament is one of the fundamental rights of eu citizens , as laid down in article 44 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and article 227 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union; underlines the importance of petitions as one of the most accessible ways for citizens to address the eu institutions in order to express their concerns about possible violations of their rights and about instances of misapplication or breaches of eu law; recalls that petitions are the cornerstone of participatory democracy and that as such , they contribute to bridging the gap between citizens and political institutions by promoting citizens’ active participation and engagement in the eu political debate; ### 2. stresses that the right to petition the european parliament is one of the fundamental rights of eu citizens , as laid down in article 44 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and article 227 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union; underlines the importance of petitions as one of the most accessible ways for citizens to address the eu institutions in order to express their concerns about possible violations of their rights and about instances of misapplication or breaches of eu law; recalls that petitions are the cornerstone of participatory democracy and that as such , in due respect also of the spirit of article 11 teu , they contribute to bridging the gap between citizens and political institutions by promoting citizens’ active participation and engagement in the eu political debate;


### 2. stresses that the right to petition the european parliament is one of the fundamental rights of eu citizens , as laid down in article 44 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and article 227 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union; underlines the importance of petitions as one of the most accessible ways for citizens to address the eu institutions in order to express their concerns about possible violations of their rights and about instances of misapplication or breaches of eu law; recalls that petitions are the cornerstone of participatory democracy and that as such , they contribute to bridging the gap between citizens and political institutions by promoting citizens’ active participation and engagement in the eu political debate; ### 2. stresses that the right to petition the european parliament is one of the fundamental rights of eu citizens , as laid down in article 44 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and article 227 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union; underlines the importance of petitions as one of the most accessible ways for citizens to address the eu institutions in order to express their concerns about possible violations of their rights and about instances of misapplication or breaches of eu law , as well as loopholes within the acquis; recalls that petitions are the cornerstone of participatory democracy and that as such , they contribute to bridging the gap between citizens and political institutions by promoting citizens’ active participation and engagement in the eu political debate;


### 2. highlights the crucial role of national parliaments in the pre-legislative scrutiny of draft eu laws and in their correct implementation by the member states; ### 2. highlights the crucial role of national parliaments in the pre-legislative scrutiny of draft eu laws and in their correct implementation by the member states; notes that the existing forms of cooperation with national parliaments - like inter-parliamentary delegations , or procedures involving national parliaments in information-exchange regarding law-making and application - could be improved , calls for discussing possibilities for enhancing cooperation in the field of the application of the principles of subsidiarity and in defining the role of the principle of proportionality during decision-making and the application of norms during the conference on the future of europe;


### 4. welcomes the commission’s commitment , as clearly set out in its 2017 annual report on monitoring the application of eu law (com(2018)0540) , to placing great value on the contributions of citizens , businesses and other stakeholders in detecting breaches of eu law; notes , in this regard , the commission’s efforts to illustrate the impact of petitions on its enforcement action in a number of policy areas such as the environment , migration , taxation and the internal market; deplores , however , the lack of figures on the number of petitions handled by the commission and the number that lead to the initiation of eu pilots and infringement procedures; ### 4. welcomes the commission’s commitment , as clearly set out in its 2017 annual report on monitoring the application of eu law (com(2018)0540) , to placing great value on the contributions of citizens , businesses and other stakeholders in detecting alleged breaches of eu law; notes , in this regard , the commission’s efforts to illustrate the impact of petitions on its enforcement action in a number of policy areas; deplores , however , that the commission did not publish the number of petitions that lead to the initiation of eu pilots and infringement procedures;


### 4. welcomes the commission’s commitment , as clearly set out in its 2017 annual report on monitoring the application of eu law (com(2018)0540) , to placing great value on the contributions of citizens , businesses and other stakeholders in detecting breaches of eu law; notes , in this regard , the commission’s efforts to illustrate the impact of petitions on its enforcement action in a number of policy areas such as the environment , migration , taxation and the internal market; deplores , however , the lack of figures on the number of petitions handled by the commission and the number that lead to the initiation of eu pilots and infringement procedures; ### 4. recalls the commission’s commitment , as clearly set out in its 2017 annual report on monitoring the application of eu law (com(2018)0540) , to placing great value on the contributions of citizens , businesses and other stakeholders in detecting breaches of eu law; notes , in this regard , the commission’s efforts to illustrate the impact of petitions on its enforcement action in a number of policy areas such as the environment , migration , taxation and the internal market; deplores , however , the lack of figures on the number of petitions handled by the commission and the number that lead to the initiation of eu pilots and infringement procedures;


### 5. welcomes , in this regard , the increased transparency and the disclosure of more information in the 2018 report about the number of petitions dealt with by the commission and about its follow-up actions; notes , however , that in the large majority of cases the commission did not open an investigation and did not take any further action; is particularly concerned , in this respect , about the practice of referring a significant number of petitioners to other bodies at national , regional or local level; acknowledges that this practice reflects the commission’s new enforcement policy announced in its 2016 communication entitled ‘eu law: better results through better application’ (c(2016)8600) , which aims to direct citizens to the national level when complaints or petitions do not raise issues of wider principle or systematic failure to comply with eu law and can satisfactorily be dealt with by other mechanisms; ### 5. requests increased transparency and the disclosure of more information about the number of petitions dealt with by the commission and about its follow-up actions; regrets that in the large majority of cases the commission did not open an investigation and did not take any further action; is particularly concerned , in this respect , about the practice of referring a significant number of petitioners to other bodies at national , regional or local level; notes that this practice reflects the commission’s new enforcement policy announced in its 2016 communication entitled ‘eu law: better results through better application’ (c(2016)8600) , which essentially aims to direct citizens to the national level; instensifies , however , the parliament’s repeatedly expressed opposition to the approach established therein and urges for its withdrawal;


### 5. welcomes , in this regard , the increased transparency and the disclosure of more information in the 2018 report about the number of petitions dealt with by the commission and about its follow-up actions; notes , however , that in the large majority of cases the commission did not open an investigation and did not take any further action; is particularly concerned , in this respect , about the practice of referring a significant number of petitioners to other bodies at national , regional or local level; acknowledges that this practice reflects the commission’s new enforcement policy announced in its 2016 communication entitled ‘eu law: better results through better application’ (c(2016)8600) , which aims to direct citizens to the national level when complaints or petitions do not raise issues of wider principle or systematic failure to comply with eu law and can satisfactorily be dealt with by other mechanisms; ### 5. welcomes , in this regard , the increased transparency and the disclosure of more information in the 2018 report about the number of petitions dealt with by the commission and about its follow-up actions; notes , however , that in the large majority of cases the commission did not open an investigation and did not take any further action due to the fact that no breach of eu law has been detected; notes , in this respect , about the practice of referring a significant number of petitioners to other bodies at national , regional or local level in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity; acknowledges that this practice reflects the commission’s new enforcement policy announced in its 2016 communication entitled ‘eu law: better results through better application’ (c(2016)8600) , which aims to direct citizens to the national level when complaints or petitions do not raise issues of wider principle or systematic failure to comply with eu law and can satisfactorily be dealt with by other mechanisms;


### 6. reiterates its concern that this approach may cause citizens to believe that their voice goes unheard by the eu institutions and may ultimately deprive them of legal protection should a remedy at eu level prove more effective due to the national circumstances or the nature of the interests involved; calls on the commission to clarify how it intends to address the gap between citizens’ expectations and reality regarding the possibility of obtaining a remedy at eu level , and to explain how its approach fits with its role as a guardian of the treaties and its oversight responsibilities under article 17(1) of the teu; ### 6. reiterates its concern that this approach may cause citizens to believe that their voice goes unheard by the eu institutions; calls on the commission to clarify how it intends to address the gap between citizens’ expectations and reality regarding the possibility of obtaining a remedy at eu level , and to explain how its approach fits with its role as a guardian of the treaties and its oversight responsibilities under article 17(1) of the teu;


### 7. stresses that , despite its efforts over recent years to enhance the transparency of its monitoring and enforcement activities (e.g. through a centralised platform providing infringement-related information) , the commission has not yet responded to parliament’s repeated calls to be regularly informed about every eu pilot opened and infringement procedure initiated , especially when they result from petitions; stresses the importance of receiving regular updates on developments in infringement procedures related to open petitions , while respecting the confidentiality requirements laid down in the case law of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu); reminds the commission about citizens’ high expectations of transparency with respect to its oversight activities; urges the commission , therefore , to share this information with parliament in a spirit of sincere cooperation in order to enable parliament to exercise its scrutiny over the executive under article 14 of the teu and , ultimately , to enhance the legitimacy and accountability of the commission’s enforcement action; ### 7. stresses that , despite its efforts over recent years to enhance the transparency of its monitoring and enforcement activities (e.g. through a centralised platform providing infringement-related information) , the commission has not yet responded to parliament’s repeated calls to be regularly informed about every eu pilot opened and infringement procedure initiated , especially when they result from petitions; stresses the importance of receiving regular updates on developments in infringement procedures related to open petitions , while respecting the confidentiality requirements laid down in the case law of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu); reminds the commission about citizens’ high expectations of transparency with respect to its oversight activities; urges the commission , therefore , to share this information with parliament on a timely manner and in a spirit of sincere cooperation , in order to enable parliament to exercise its scrutiny over the executive under article 14 of the teu and , ultimately , to enhance the legitimacy and accountability of the commission’s enforcement action;


### 8. notes that the number of new complaints registered by the commission in 2018 and 2017 reached its highest level since 2011 , with a record 3 850 new complaints in 2018; welcomes citizens’ increasing empowerment as regards the process of monitoring and enforcing eu law , as evidenced by the significant flow of complaints and petitions; points out , however , that , as is the case for petitions , the number of complaints leading to investigations remained very low in 2018 and in 2017 as a proportion of the total number of complaints received; asks the commission to clarify how it intends to address the gap in citizens’ expectations regarding the possibility of obtaining a remedy at eu level; ### 8. notes that the number of new complaints registered by the commission in 2018 and 2017 reached its highest level since 2011 , with a record 3 850 new complaints in 2018; welcomes citizens’ increasing empowerment as regards the process of monitoring and enforcing eu law , as evidenced by the significant flow of complaints and petitions; points out , however , that , as is the case for petitions , the number of complaints leading to investigations remained very low in 2018 and in 2017 as a proportion of the total number of complaints received;


### 9. recalls , in this regard , that both the european court of auditors’ 2018 landscape review entitled ‘putting eu law into practice: the european commission’s oversight responsibilities under article 17(1) of the treaty on european union’ and the 2017 decision of the european ombudsman setting out suggestions following her strategic inquiry oi/5/2016/ab on timeliness and transparency in the european commission’s handling of infringement complaints invite the commission to ensure that pre-infringement cases are dealt with in a more timely and transparent way. ### 9. recalls , in this regard , that both the european court of auditors’ 2018 landscape review entitled ‘putting eu law into practice: the european commission’s oversight responsibilities under article 17(1) of the treaty on european union’ and the 2017 decision of the european ombudsman setting out suggestions following her strategic inquiry oi/5/2016/ab on timeliness and transparency in the european commission’s handling of infringement complaints invite the commission to ensure that pre-infringement cases are dealt with in a more timely , transparent and equitable way , taking into account the principle of subsidiarity and equal treatment.


### 11. expresses concern at the serious gaps in the application of eu environmental law , particularly in the area of waste management and disposal , the over-exploitation of natural resources , the inadequate treatment of urban wastewater and air pollution; calls on the commission to guarantee the swift , complete and correct transposition of all eu environmental directives in all member states , in line with the priorities set in its communication ‘eu law: better results through better application’; ### 11. expresses concern at the serious gaps in the application of eu environmental law , particularly in the area of waste management and disposal , the over-exploitation of natural resources , the inadequate treatment of urban wastewater and air pollution; notes , in particular , with concern that a large majority of member states have persistently and systematically breached eu legislation on limit values for airborne pollutants;


### — having regard to articles 24 , third paragraph , and 228 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , ### — having regard to articles 15 , 24 , third paragraph , 228 and 298 , first paragraph of the treaty on the functioning of the european union ,


### g. whereas following her inquiry the ombudsman found that the council’s lack of transparency regarding public access to its legislative documents and its current practices with regard to transparency of its decision-making process – specifically during the preparatory stage at coreper and working group level – constitute maladministration; ### g. whereas following her strategic inquiry oi/2/2017/te the ombudsman found that the council’s lack of transparency regarding public access to its legislative documents and its current practices with regard to transparency of its decision-making process – specifically during the preparatory stage at coreper and working group level – constitute maladministration; whereas following the council’s reluctance to implement her recommendations , on 16th may 2018 the ombudsman submitted a special report to the parliament on the matter; whereas the latter then adopted on 17th january 2019 its report 2018/2096(ini) on the ombudsman’s strategic inquiry oi/2/2017 on the transparency of legislative discussions in the preparatory bodies of the council of the eu , endorsing the ombudsman’s recommendations;


### (1) the european green deal5establishes the objective of the union becoming climate neutral in 2050 in a manner that contributes to the european economy , growth and job creation. that objective , and the objective of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as set out in the 2030 climate target plan6that was endorsed both by the european parliament7and by the european council8 , requires an energy transition and significantly higher shares of renewable energy sources in an integrated energy system. ### (1) the european green deal5 establishes the objective of the union becoming climate neutral in 2050 in a manner that contributes to the european economy , growth and job creation. that objective , and the objective of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as set out in the 2030 climate target plan6 that was endorsed both by the european parliament7and by the european council8 , requires an energy transition and larger shares of renewable energy sources in an integrated energy system.


### (1) the european green deal5 establishes the objective of the union becoming climate neutral in 2050 in a manner that contributes to the european economy , growth and job creation. that objective , and the objective of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as set out in the 2030 climate target plan6 that was endorsed both by the european parliament7 and by the european council8 , requires an energy transition and significantly higher shares of renewable energy sources in an integrated energy system. ### (1) the european green deal5 establishes the objective of the union becoming climate neutral in 2050 at the latest in a manner that contributes to the sustainability of the european economy , environmental protection , social development , growth and job creation while tackling climate change. that objective , and the objective of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as set out in the regulation (eu) 2021/1119 ('european climate law') , requires an energy transition and significantly higher shares of renewable energy sources in an integrated energy system.


### (1) the european green deal5 establishes the objective of the union becoming climate neutral in 2050 in a manner that contributes to the european economy , growth and job creation. that objective , and the objective of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as set out in the 2030 climate target plan6 that was endorsed both by the european parliament7 and by the european council8 , requires an energy transition and significantly higher shares of renewable energy sources in an integrated energy system. ### (1) the european green deal5 establishes the objective of the union becoming climate neutral in 2050 in a manner that contributes to the european economy , growth and job creation. that objective , and the objective of a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as set out in the 2030 climate target plan6 that was endorsed both by the european parliament7 and by the european council8 , requires an energy transition to significantly lower emission energy sources including but not exclusively significantly higher shares of renewable energy sources in an integrated energy system.


### (2) renewable energy plays a fundamental role in delivering the european green deal and for achieving climate neutrality by 2050 , given that the energy sector contributes over 75% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the union. by reducing those greenhouse gas emissions , renewable energy also contributes to tackling environmental-related challenges such as biodiversity loss. ### (2) renewable energy plays a fundamental role in delivering the european green deal and for achieving climate neutrality by 2050 , given that the energy sector contributes over 75% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the union. by reducing those greenhouse gas emissions , renewable energy also contributes to tackling environmental-related challenges such as biodiversity loss; contributing to the overall improvement of environmental conditions and avoiding extreme weather-related phenomena such as draughts and floods.


### (2) renewable energy plays a fundamental role in delivering the european green deal and for achieving climate neutrality by 2050 , given that the energy sector contributes over 75% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the union. by reducing those greenhouse gas emissions , renewable energy also contributes to tackling environmental-related challenges such as biodiversity loss. ### (2) renewable energy plays a fundamental role in delivering the european green deal and for achieving climate neutrality by 2050 , given that the energy sector contributes over 75% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the union. by reducing those greenhouse gas emissions , renewable energy also contributes to tackling environmental-related challenges such as biodiversity loss and food insecurity.


### (3) directive (eu) 2018/2001 of the european parliament and of the council9 sets a binding union target to reach a share of at least 32 % of energy from renewable sources in the union's gross final consumption of energy by 2030. under the climate target plan , the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption would need to increase to 40% by 2030 in order to achieve the union’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction target10 . therefore , the target set out in article 3 of that directive needs to be increased. ### (3) directive (eu) 2018/2001 of the european parliament and of the council9 sets a binding union target to reach a share of at least 32 % of energy from renewable sources in the union's gross final consumption of energy by 2030. under the climate target plan , the share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption would need to increase to 45% by 2030 in order to achieve the union’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction target10 . therefore , the target set out in article 3 of that directive needs to be increased.


### (4) there is a growing recognition of the need for alignment of bioenergy policies with the cascading principle of biomass use11 , with a view to ensuring fair access to the biomass raw material market for the development of innovative , high value-added bio-based solutions and a sustainable circular bioeconomy. when developing support schemes for bioenergy , member states should therefore take into consideration the available sustainable supply of biomass for energy and non-energy uses and the maintenance of the national forest carbon sinks and ecosystems as well as the principles of the circular economy and the biomass cascading use , and the waste hierarchy established in directive 2008/98/ecof the european parliament and of the council12. for this , they should grant no support to the production of energy from saw logs , veener logs , stumps and roots and avoid promoting the use of quality roundwood for energy except in well-defined circumstances. in line with the cascading principle , woody biomass should be used according to its highest economic and environmental added value in the following order of priorities: 1) wood-based products , 2) extending their service life , 3) re-use , 4) recycling , 5) bio-energy and 6) disposal. where no other use for woody biomass is economically viable or environmentally appropriate , energy recovery helps to reduce energy generation from non-renewable sources. member states’ support schemes for bioenergy should therefore be directed to such feedstocks for which little market competition exists with the material sectors , and whose sourcing is considered positive for both climate and biodiversity , in order to avoid negative incentives for unsustainable bioenergy pathways , as identified in the jrc report ‘the use of woody biomass for energy production in the eu’13. on the other hand , in defining the further implications of the cascading principle , it is necessary to recognise the national specificities which guide member states in the design of their support schemeswaste prevention , reuse and recycling of waste should be the priority option. member states should avoid creating support schemes which would be counter to targets on treatment of waste and which would lead to the inefficient use of recyclable waste. moreover , in order to ensure a more efficient use of bioenergy , from 2026 on member states should not give support anymore to electricity-only plants , unless the installations are in regions with a specific use status as regards their transition away from fossil fuels or if the installations use carbon capture and storage. ### (4) there is a growing recognition of the need for alignment of bioenergy policies with the cascading principle of biomass use11 , with a view to ensuring fair access to the biomass raw material market for the development of innovative , high value-added bio-based solutions and a sustainable circular bioeconomy. when developing support schemes for bioenergy , member states should therefore take into consideration the available sustainable supply of biomass for energy and non-energy uses and the maintenance of the national forest carbon sinks and ecosystems as well as the principles of the circular economy and the biomass cascading use , and the waste hierarchy established in directive 2008/98/ec of the european parliament and of the council12. for this , they should grant no support to the production of energy from saw logs , veener logs , stumps and roots and avoid promoting the use of quality roundwood for energy except in well-defined circumstances. in line with the cascading principle , woody biomass should be used according to its highest economic and environmental added value in the following order of priorities: 1) wood-based products , 2) extending their service life , 3) re-use , 4) recycling , 5) bio-energy and 6) disposal. where no other use for woody biomass is economically viable or environmentally appropriate , energy recovery helps to reduce energy generation from non-renewable sources. member states’ support schemes for bioenergy should therefore be directed to such feedstocks for which little market competition exists with the material sectors , and whose sourcing is considered positive for both climate and biodiversity , in order to avoid negative incentives for unsustainable bioenergy pathways , as identified in the jrc report ‘the use of woody biomass for energy production in the eu’13. on the other hand , in defining the further implications of the cascading principle , it is necessary to recognise the national specificities which guide member states in the design of their support schemes. waste prevention , reuse and recycling of waste should be the priority option. moreover , in order to ensure a more efficient use of bioenergy , from 2026 on member states should not give support anymore to electricity-only plants , unless the installations are in regions with a specific use status as regards their transition away from fossil fuels or if the installations use carbon capture and storage.