### 8. notes with concern the long-term effects of the covid-19 crisis , which is exacerbating an already precarious situation for eu islands in many areas; ### 8. notes with concern the ongoing and long-term effects of the covid-19 crisis , which is exacerbating an already precarious situation for eu islands in many areas;


### 9. regrets the eu’s lack of vision for european islands; ### 9. calls for a european island vision to be developed and for the islands’ strengths to be exploited;


### environment and energy autonomy ### climate and biodiversity


### 10. stresses that many islands have a fragile environment and endemic marine and terrestrial biodiversity , and that the development of tourism , in particular on certain mediterranean islands , is further increasing the pressure; calls for a strengthening of biodiversity protection capacities , the promotion of sustainable tourism , sustainable fisheries and seabed research; calls on the commission to assess the impact of climate change on islands; ### 10. stresses that many islands have a fragile environment and endemic marine and terrestrial biodiversity , and that the development of tourism , in particular on certain mediterranean islands , is further increasing the pressure on biodiversity; calls for a strengthening of biodiversity protection capacities , the promotion of a blue economy focused on sustainable tourism and fisheries and support for seabed research; calls on the commission to assess the impact of climate change on islands;


### 11. recalls that islands are on the front line of climate change , particularly with rising water levels and the warming of seas and oceans; notes with concern the risks associated with overfishing and marine and coastal pollution; calls , in the context of the paris agreement and the european green deal , for specific support for islands to combat and adapt to climate change; ### 11. recalls that islands are on the front line of climate change , particularly with rising water levels , the warming and acidification of seas and oceans and the proliferation of natural disasters; notes with concern the risks associated with overfishing and marine and coastal pollution; calls , in the context of the paris agreement and the european green deal , for specific support for islands to combat and adapt to climate change;


### 12. stresses the increasingly precarious condition of all islands in terms of their environmental assets , particularly water resources; calls , in this context , on the commission to adopt a common water management policy for islands; recalls also the challenges connected with waste management in island territories and the strategic role of the circular economy; ### 12. stresses the increasingly precarious condition of all islands in terms of their environmental assets , particularly water resources; calls , in this context , on the commission to mobilise additional funding to provide better support for island regions in access to and management of water; recalls also the challenges connected with waste management in island territories and the strategic role of the circular economy;


### economic and social development ### economic and social development: health , employment , youth and digital


### 17. calls for urgent measures to counteract the depopulation of islands and to improve quality of life , support local businesses and protect jobs; calls also for the development of professional training and employment establishments for island inhabitants to be promoted; ### 17. calls for urgent measures to limit the depopulation of islands and to improve quality of life , support local businesses and protect jobs; calls also for the development of education , professional training and employment establishments for inhabitants of island regions , so as to give these regions a boost and better tackle unemployment , particularly youth unemployment;


### 18. stresses the need for increased support for island agriculture and aquaculture , sustainable fisheries , crafts and the blue economy , including through european cooperation programmes; calls on the commission to draw up a regulation laying down specific measures in the area of agriculture for all nuts 2 and nuts 3 level islands with a view to achieving food autonomy and increasing the competitiveness of their products; ### 18. stresses the need for increased support for agriculture , animal husbandry and aquaculture , sustainable fisheries , local production and the blue economy in island regions , including through european cooperation programmes; calls on the commission to support food self-sufficiency , agricultural diversification and the competitiveness of island production , without prejudice to existing instruments , such as the regulation laying down specific measures in the area of agriculture in the outermost regions of the union and the regulation laying down specific measures in the area of agriculture in favour of the smaller aegean islands;


### 19. notes that the tourism sector is the main contributor to the economic growth of island regions in terms of income and employment; calls , therefore , on the commission to provide specific additional financial support for sustainable tourism in islands and to help islands that are heavily dependent on tourism to diversify their economies; ### 19. notes that the tourism sector is the main contributor to the economic growth of island regions in terms of income and employment; calls , therefore , on the commission to provide specific financial support tailored to sustainable tourism in islands and to helping islands that are heavily dependent on tourism to diversify their economies; calls also on the commission to establish a european sustainable tourism label that would champion the strengths and efforts of the island regions in this area;


### 20. believes that culture and development of the cultural sector in islands are fundamental; considers that islands’ cultural and linguistic identities should be protected and promoted as they contribute to their enhancement on many levels; ### deleted


### access to public services ### transport


### 21. calls for the development of sustainable transport in island countries and regions to be fostered , and for support for the modernisation and greening of port infrastructure; ### 21. calls for the development and improvement of island transport infrastructure , for support for the development of sustainable transport in island countries and regions to be fostered , and for support for the modernisation and greening of road , airport and port infrastructure;


### 23. stresses , particularly in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the importance of improving the health infrastructure on european islands; ### deleted


### 24. calls for priority to be afforded to equipping islands with digital technologies , in particular so as to enhance the provision of education and training services; ### deleted


### 25. stresses that the lack of statistical data on islands is hindering the development of targeted policies; calls on the commission to set up a european institute for disadvantaged territories to collect data at all administrative levels; ### 25. calls on the commission to improve the collection of statistical data on island regions , since the lack of comprehensive data is hindering the development of targeted policies;


### 26. calls on the commission to take note of the studies already produced by island regions concerning the additional costs associated with insularity , and to establish interdisciplinary analyses covering the demographic , geographical and economic characteristics of island territories; ### 26. calls on the commission to take note of the studies already produced by island regions concerning the challenges and additional costs associated with insularity , and to establish interdisciplinary analyses covering the demographic , geographical , economic , social and environmental characteristics of island territories;


### 27. calls for an additional budget allocation to be established to cover the extra costs connected with european islands under the future cohesion policy; ### 27. calls for an additional budget allocation geared towards helping the island regions overcome the challenges they face and covering the extra costs connected with islands under the future 2028-2034 cohesion policy;


### islands pact and european action plan for islands ### the case for a european island agenda


### 31. calls on the commission to undertake a dynamic assessment of article 174 tfeu and to build on that article to create a european strategy for islands that takes into account the specific features of each of the eu’s sea basins; calls on the commission to carry out a study on the situation of island territories and to consider a strategy for islands with tangible proposals; ### 31. calls on the commission to undertake a dynamic assessment of article 174 tfeu and to build on that article to put forward a genuine european island agenda that takes into account the specific features of each of the eu’s regional sea basins via concrete proposals;


### 32. calls for an islands pact to be drawn up and implemented , along the lines of the urban pact and the future rural pact; ### 32. calls for this european islands agenda to be drawn up as soon as possible and used as a basis for an island pact along the lines of the future rural pact;


### a. whereas foreign interference constitutes a serious violation of the universal values and principles on which the union is founded , such as human dignity , freedom , equality , solidarity , respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms , democracy and the rule of law; ### a. whereas foreign interference is an infringement upon the sovereignty of the union and its member states and constitutes a serious violation of the universal values and principles on which the union is founded and to which all member states abide , such as human dignity , freedom , equality , solidarity , respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms , democracy and the rule of law;


### d. whereas evidence shows that malicious foreign actors use information manipulation and other interference tactics to interfere in democratic processes in the eu; whereas these attacks mislead and deceive citizens , increase polarisation and divide society , worsen the situation of vulnerable groups , distort the integrity of democratic elections and referenda , and sow distrust in public authorities and democracy; ### d. whereas evidence shows that malicious foreign actors use information manipulation and other interference tactics to interfere in democratic processes in the eu; whereas these attacks mislead and deceive citizens , increase polarisation , promote hate speech and divide society , worsen the situation of vulnerable groups , distort the integrity of democratic elections and referenda , sow distrust in national government , public authorities and liberal democratic order and damage the image of the eu;


### e. whereas foreign interference tactics take the form of disinformation and the suppression of information , but also the manipulation of social media platforms and advertising systems , cyberattacks , hack-and-leak operations , threats against and the harassment of journalists , researchers , politicians and members of civil society organisations , covert donations and loans to political parties , campaigns , organisations and media outlets , fake or proxy media outlets and organisations , elite capture and co-optation , fake personas , pressure to self-censor , the abusive exploitation of historical , religious and cultural narratives , pressure on educational and cultural institutions , taking control of critical infrastructure , pressuring foreign nationals living in the eu and espionage; ### e. whereas foreign interference tactics take , among other , the form of disinformation , the suppression of information , the manipulation of social media platforms , their algorithms , terms and conditions and advertising systems , cyberattacks , hack-and-leak operations , threats against and the harassment of journalists , researchers , politicians and members of civil society organisations , covert donations and loans to political parties , campaigns , organisations and media outlets , fake or proxy media outlets and organisations , elite capture and co-optation , fake personas , pressure to self-censor , the abusive exploitation of historical , religious and cultural narratives , pressure on educational and cultural institutions , taking control of critical infrastructure , pressuring foreign nationals living in the eu , weaponisation of migrants and espionage; whereas these tactics are often combined with each other;


### f. whereas foreign interference is a pattern of behaviour that threatens or has the potential to negatively impact values , procedures and political processes; whereas such interference is manipulative in character , and conducted in an intentional and coordinated manner; whereas those responsible for such interference , including their proxies within and outside their own territory , can be state or non-state actors; whereas foreign actors’ use of domestic proxies and cooperation with domestic allies blurs the line between foreign and domestic interference; ### deleted


### f. whereas foreign interference is a pattern of behaviour that threatens or has the potential to negatively impact values , procedures and political processes; whereas such interference is manipulative in character , and conducted in an intentional and coordinated manner; whereas those responsible for such interference , including their proxies within and outside their own territory , can be state or non-state actors; whereas foreign actors’ use of domestic proxies and cooperation with domestic allies blurs the line between foreign and domestic interference; ### f. whereas foreign interference is a pattern of behaviour that threatens or has the potential to negatively impact values , procedures and political processes as well as the security of states and citizens; whereas such interference is manipulative in character , and conducted in an intentional and coordinated manner; whereas those responsible for such interference , including their proxies within and outside their own territory , can be state or non-state actors; whereas foreign actors’ use of domestic proxies and cooperation with domestic allies blurs the line between foreign and domestic interference;


### g. whereas there is a need to agree between like-minded partners on common definitions of foreign interference in order to establish international norms and standards; ### g. whereas there is a need to agree , within the eu , on common and granular definitions and methodology to improve the shared understanding of the threats and develop appropriate eu standards for improved attribution and response; in this respect , welcomes the work made by the eeas; recalls the importance of cooperating with like-minded partners on common definitions of foreign interference in order to establish international norms and standards;


### h. whereas foreign interference attempts are increasing and becoming more sophisticated; ### h. whereas foreign interference attempts are increasing and becoming more systematic and sophisticated;


### bd. whereas cyberattacks have recently targeted several eu institutions , which underlines the need for strong interinstitutional cooperation in terms of detecting , monitoring and sharing information during cyberattacks and/or with a view to their prevention; ### bd. whereas cyberattacks have recently targeted several eu institutions , which underlines the need for strong interinstitutional cooperation in terms of detecting , monitoring and sharing information during cyberattacks and/or with a view to their prevention; whereas joint exercises involving the eu and the member states should be organised regularly to identify weak spots and take the necessary measures;


### bd. whereas cyberattacks have recently targeted several eu institutions , which underlines the need for strong interinstitutional cooperation in terms of detecting , monitoring and sharing information during cyberattacks and/or with a view to their prevention; ### bd. whereas cyberattacks have recently targeted several eu institutions , which underlines the need for strong interinstitutional cooperation in terms of detecting , monitoring and sharing information during cyberattacks and/or with a view of preventing them;


### interference through elite capture , national diasporas and universities ### interference through elite capture , national diasporas , universities and culture


### 36. recommends that member states establish communication channels that companies , ngos and individuals can turn to if they fall victim to information manipulation or interference; calls on the member states to support those who are victims of attacks or are being put under pressure; ### 36. recommends that member states establish communication channels that companies , ngos and individuals can report to when they fall victim to information manipulation or interference; calls on the member states to support those who are victims of attacks or are being put under pressure;


### 82. condemns all types of elite capture and the technique of co-opting top-level civil servants and former eu politicians used by foreign companies with links to governments actively engaged in interference actions against the eu , and regrets the lack of tools and enforcement needed to prevent these practices; considers that disclosing confidential information acquired during public mandates or when performing civil servant functions , at the expense of the eu and its member states’ strategic interests , should be strictly prohibited; ### 82. condemns all types of elite capture and the technique of co-opting top-level civil servants and former eu politicians used by foreign companies with links to governments actively engaged in interference actions against the eu , and regrets the lack of tools and enforcement needed to prevent these practices; considers that disclosing confidential information acquired during public mandates or when performing civil servant functions , at the expense of the eu and its member states’ strategic interests , should be strictly prohibited; stresses that violations should be deterred through severe sanctions , including immediate dismissal and/or disqualification from future recruitment by the institutions;


### 82. condemns all types of elite capture and the technique of co-opting top-level civil servants and former eu politicians used by foreign companies with links to governments actively engaged in interference actions against the eu , and regrets the lack of tools and enforcement needed to prevent these practices; considers that disclosing confidential information acquired during public mandates or when performing civil servant functions , at the expense of the eu and its member states’ strategic interests , should be strictly prohibited; ### 82. condemns all types of elite capture and the technique of co-opting top-level civil servants and former eu politicians used by foreign companies with links to governments actively engaged in interference actions against the eu , and regrets the lack of tools and enforcement needed to prevent these practices; considers that disclosing confidential information acquired during public mandates or when performing civil servant functions , at the expense of the eu and its member states’ strategic interests , should be strictly prohibited and accompanied with appropriate sanctions;


### 83. calls on the commission to encourage and coordinate actions against elite capture , such as complementing the cooling-off periods for eu commissioners with a reporting duty after the period , and structured rules to tackle elite capture at eu level; ### 83. calls on the commission to coordinate actions against elite capture , such as complementing the cooling-off periods for eu commissioners with a reporting duty after the period , and structured rules to tackle elite capture at eu level; calls on the commission to evaluate whether existing cooling-off requirements are still fit for purpose; underlines that former european politicians and civil servants should alert that they are approached by a foreign state at a dedicated supervisory body and receive whistler blower’s protection;


### a. whereas gender equality is a fundamental value and an objective of the eu; whereas gender-based violence is an extreme form of discrimination against women and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality; ### a. whereas gender equality is a core value of the eu; whereas the right to equal treatment and non-discrimination is a fundamental right enshrined in the treaties and in the charter of fundamental rights , and should be fully respected; whereas gender-based violence is an extreme form of discrimination against women and one of the biggest obstacles to achieving gender equality;


### d. whereas the lockdown and social distancing measures during the covid-19 pandemic have been associated with an exponential increase in the prevalence and intensity of intimate partner violence cases in many member states , resulting from forced confinement within the home and making it difficult for women to access effective protection and support; whereas in spite of the prevalence of the phenomenon , intimate partner violence against women remains under-reported in the eu and there is a significant lack of comprehensive data; ### d. whereas the lockdown and social distancing measures during the covid-19 pandemic have been associated with an exponential increase in the prevalence and intensity of intimate partner violence cases in many member states , resulting from forced confinement within the home and making it difficult for women to access effective protection and support; whereas in spite of the prevalence of the phenomenon , intimate partner violence against women remains under-reported in the eu , especially during the covid-19 pandemic , and there is a significant lack of comprehensive data;


### e. whereas children may suffer ‘witnessed violence’ in the family environment , through experiencing any form of ill-treatment , carried out through acts of physical , verbal , psychological , sexual and economic violence against reference figures or other affectively significant figures; whereas such violence has very serious consequences for the psychological and emotional development of the child , and whereas it is therefore essential to pay due attention to this type of violence in separations and parental custody arrangements , taking the best interests of the child into account , in particular in order to determine custody and visitation rights in separation cases; ### e. whereas children who suffer ‘witnessed violence’ in the family environment , through experiencing any form of ill-treatment , carried out through acts of physical , verbal , psychological , sexual and economic violence against reference figures or other affectively significant figures have to be considered victims as they suffer directly these forms of violence; whereas such violence has very serious consequences for the psychological and emotional development of the child , and whereas it is therefore essential to pay due attention to this type of violence in separations and parental custody arrangements , taking the best interests of the child into account , in particular in order to determine custody and visitation rights in separation cases;


### e. whereas children may suffer ‘witnessed violence’ in the family environment , through experiencing any form of ill-treatment , carried out through acts of physical , verbal , psychological , sexual and economic violence against reference figures or other affectively significant figures; whereas such violence has very serious consequences for the psychological and emotional development of the child , and whereas it is therefore essential to pay due attention to this type of violence in separations and parental custody arrangements , taking the best interests of the child into account , in particular in order to determine custody and visitation rights in separation cases; ### e. whereas children suffer ‘witnessed violence’ in the family environment , through experiencing any form of ill-treatment , carried out through acts of physical , verbal , psychological , sexual and economic violence against reference figures or other affectively significant figures; whereas such violence has very serious consequences for the psychological and emotional development of the child , and whereas it is therefore essential to pay due attention to this type of violence in separations and parental custody arrangements , taking the best interests of the child into account , in particular in order to determine custody and visitation rights in separation cases;


### 2. notes with concern that in 2021 , following a request for public access to text messages between the commission president and the ceo of a pharmaceutical company regarding the purchase of covid-19 vaccines , the commission refused to even search properly for such text messages , let alone grant public access to them; recalls that registering a document is a consequence of the existence of a document and not a prerequisite for its existence; supports the ombudsman’s finding of maladministration by the commission in this case17 ; ### 2. notes with great concern that in 2021 , following a request for public access to text messages between the commission president and the ceo of a pharmaceutical company regarding the purchase of covid-19 vaccines by the commission with billions of euros of the tax payers' money , the commission refused to acknowledge that such text messages fall within the definition of a “document” pursuant to regulation (ec) 1049/2001 , which specifies that a document means “any content whatever its medium (written on paper or stored in electronic form or as a sound , visual or audio-visual recording) concerning a matter relating to the policies , activities and decisions falling within the institution's sphere of responsibility”; and therefore fall under regulation (ec) 1049/2001; notes that even though the commission would have to register and search for such text messages , it can still decide not to grant full public access to them if the exceptions listed in the regulation , such as commercial interests , apply; recalls that registering a document is a consequence of the existence of a document and not a prerequisite for its existence; supports the ombudsman’s finding of maladministration by the commission in this case17 ;


### 3. notes with concern that a common problem faced in requests for access to documents is the refusal of access by institutions on the basis of insubstantial arguments; reiterates that an institution invoking one of the exceptions to access has to make an objective and individual assessment and show that the risk to the interest protected is foreseeable and not purely hypothetical , and define how access to the document would specifically and effectively undermine the interest protected18 ; highlights that it might be possible to disclose some parts of a document when other parts need to be protected; notes with interest the case lodged against the council for its frequent recourse to the informal ‘working document’ predicate19 ; ### 3. notes with concern that a common problem faced in requests for access to documents is the refusal of access by institutions on the basis of insubstantial arguments; reiterates that an institution invoking one of the exceptions to access has to make an objective and individual assessment and show that the risk to the interest protected is foreseeable and not purely hypothetical , and define how access to the document would specifically and effectively undermine the interest protected18 ; highlights that it might be possible to disclose some parts of a document when other parts need to be protected; takes note of the cjeu’s judgment in case t-163/21 de capitani vs council of the european union , where the court recognised the public’s right of access to documents from council working groups acting in the context of a legislative process , but that access still needs to be actively requested; ;


### 11. calls for a revision of the staff regulations , especially article 22(c) thereof , in order to align them with the standards of the whistleblower directive; reiterates its call for a special committee tasked with identifying potential flaws in the european parliament’s rules on transparency , integrity and corruption and with making proposals for reforms; recalls its commitment to setting up a committee of inquiry to investigate cases of corruption and improper actions by non-eu countries seeking to buy influence in the european parliament; recalls its position that the commission should put forward a proposal to set up a new ethics body for the eu institutions as soon as possible; ### 11. calls for a revision of the staff regulations , especially article 22(c) thereof , in order to align them with the standards of the whistleblower directive; reiterates its call for a special committee tasked with identifying potential flaws in the european parliament’s rules on transparency , integrity and corruption and with making proposals for reforms; recalls its commitment to setting up a committee of inquiry , following the outcome of the criminal investigations and possible court proceedings , to investigate cases of corruption and improper actions by non-eu countries seeking to buy influence in the european parliament; recalls its position that the commission should put forward a proposal to set up a new ethics body for the eu institutions as soon as possible;


### 12. welcomes the ombudsman’s practical recommendations on how to record text and instant messages sent or received by staff members in their professional capacity23 ; recognises that work-related text and instant messages are ‘documents’ within the meaning of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 on public access to documents and invites the other eu institutions , bodies , offices and agencies to also recognise this; calls on the other eu institutions , bodies , offices and agencies to use a broad interpretation of the concept of ‘document’ , which is particularly important in an information society and in the context of new forms of communication; ### 12. welcomes the ombudsman’s practical recommendations on how to record text and instant messages sent or received by staff members in their professional capacity23 ; recognises that work-related text and instant messages are ‘documents’ within the meaning of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 on public access to documents and invites the other eu institutions , bodies , offices and agencies to also recognise this; calls on the other eu institutions , bodies , offices and agencies to strictly apply this concept of ‘document’ , which is particularly important in an information society and in the context of new forms of communication , which are being used to discuss matters relating to the policies , activities and decisions;


### i. whereas the commission has received 122 eci requests since the introduction of the eci instrument , 97 of which have been registered; whereas the commission has received 28 eci requests under the revised eci regulation , 25 of which have been registered , while two are currently being assessed; ### i. whereas the commission has received 122 eci requests since the introduction of the eci instrument , 97 of which have been registered; whereas the commission has received 28 eci requests under the revised eci regulation , 25 of which have been registered , while two are currently being assessed; whereas 20 eci requests have been withdrawn by the organisers before the end of the collection period; whereas 47 ecis have not reached the threshold of one million signatures by the end of the collection period;


### 1. points out that the eci is the only tool for participatory democracy at eu level that can potentially lead to a proposal for a legal act of the union; considers it essential to involve citizens , in particular young people , in the democratic life of the union; recalls , therefore , that the use of the eci instrument must be enhanced by all available means; ### 1. points out that the eci should be an important tool for participatory democracy at eu level that can potentially lead to a proposal for a legal act of the union; regrets , however , that the overall number of valid ecis and the impact of the instrument on eu decision-making remains very low; considers it therefore essential to significantly strengthen the participation of citizens , in particular young people , in the democratic life of the union; recalls , therefore , that both the regulatory and institutional framework and the use of the eci instrument must be enhanced by all available means;


### 4. highlights that organising an eci is a demanding and costly process; acknowledges that it is very difficult for individual citizens to manage ecis without being supported by associations with strong organisational capacity and financial means; notes that there are major differences between the financial resources available to different ecis; underlines , therefore , the need for financial support for the organisation of ecis; ### 4. highlights that organising an eci is a too demanding and costly process; regrets that it is very difficult for individual citizens to manage ecis without being supported by associations with strong organisational capacity and financial means; underlines , therefore , the need to reduce regulatory , administrative and financial hurdles for individual citizens as much as possible; notes that there are major differences between the financial resources available to different ecis; underlines , therefore , the need for financial support for the organisation of ecis;


### 5. points to the imbalance between the huge amount of effort and extensive resources necessary to organise ecis and their weak legal effects , even if the required threshold of one million signatures is reached , which may deter citizens from launching ecis; ### 5. points to the imbalance between citizens’ expectations , the huge amount of effort and extensive resources necessary to organise ecis and their weak political and legal effects , even if the required threshold of one million signatures is reached , which discourages citizens from launching ecis; stresses the need to reduce regulatory hurdles during the registration phase as much as possible to fully exploit the eci’s potential as an agenda-setting tool;


### 7. regrets the weak legal impact of valid ecis; stresses that , for the objectives of the revised eci regulation to be achieved and the full potential of this instrument to be realised , the commission needs to appropriately consider and respond to valid ecis; ### 7. regrets the weak political and legal impact of valid ecis; stresses that , for the objectives of the revised eci regulation to be achieved and the full potential of this instrument to be realised , the commission needs to appropriately consider and respond to valid ecis;


### 9. underlines the need to continue to raise awareness of this participatory instrument , in particular by promoting it on social media and including it in civic education curriculums , in order to reach as many citizens as possible , especially young people; ### 9. underlines that the eci must be made more accessible for citizens by all available means; underlines the need to continue to raise awareness of this participatory instrument , in particular by promoting it on social media and including it in civic education curriculums , in order to reach as many citizens as possible , especially young people; underlines that the eu should be more visible , and better integrated , in teaching materials and extracurricular activities , given its impact on the everyday life of its citizens; considers that teaching materials should include information about ecis;


### 11. calls on the commission to provide financial support for ecis that reach the threshold of one million signatures; ### 11. calls on the commission to provide progressive financial support for ecis that reach certain thresholds in signature collection (eg. 250 000 , 500 000 , 1 000 000) , thus encouraging a performance-based process;


### 15. recommends that every valid eci and every commission communication setting out its legal and political conclusions on a specific eci be followed by a vote on a parliamentary resolution , which would require the modification of rule 222(8) and (9) of parliament’s rules of procedure; ### 15. commits to follow-up on every valid eci and every commission communication setting out its legal and political conclusions on a specific eci with a parliamentary resolution , which would require the modification of rule 222(8) and (9) of parliament’s rules of procedure , or , where relevant , with an legislative own-initiative report (inl);


### 1. emphasises the urgent need for the union to develop a robust and positive agenda for protecting and reinforcing democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights for all its citizens; insists that the union must remain a champion of freedom and justice in europe and the world; ### 1. emphasises the urgent need for the union to develop a robust and positive agenda for protecting and reinforcing democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights for all its citizens , including for people belonging to minorities; insists that the union must remain a champion of freedom , equality and justice in europe and the world;


### 1. emphasises the urgent need for the union to develop a robust and positive agenda for protecting and reinforcing democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights for all its citizens; insists that the union must remain a champion of freedom and justice in europe and the world; ### 1. emphasises the urgent need for the union to develop a robust , comprehensive and positive agenda for protecting and reinforcing democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights for all european citizens effectively; insists that the union must remain a champion of freedom and justice in europe and the world;


### 2. warns that the union is facing an unprecedented and escalating crisis of its founding values , which threatens its long-term survival as a democratic peace project; is gravely concerned by the rise and entrenchment of autocratic and illiberal tendencies , further compounded by the covid-19 pandemic and economic recession , as well as corruption and state capture , in several member states; underlines the dangers of this trend for the cohesion of the union’s legal order , the functioning of its single market , the effectiveness of its common policies and its international credibility; ### 2. warns that the union is facing an unprecedented and escalating crisis of its founding values , which threatens its long-term survival as a democratic peace project; is gravely concerned by the rise and entrenchment of autocratic tendencies , further compounded by the covid-19 pandemic , the economic recession and malicious interference , disinformation and diminishing media pluralism as well as corruption and state capture , in several member states; underlines the dangers of this trend for the cohesion of the union’s political and legal order , the functioning of its single market , the effectiveness of its common policies and its international credibility;


### 2. warns that the union is facing an unprecedented and escalating crisis of its founding values , which threatens its long-term survival as a democratic peace project; is gravely concerned by the rise and entrenchment of autocratic and illiberal tendencies , further compounded by the covid-19 pandemic and economic recession , as well as corruption and state capture , in several member states; underlines the dangers of this trend for the cohesion of the union’s legal order , the functioning of its single market , the effectiveness of its common policies and its international credibility; ### 2. warns that the union is facing an unprecedented and escalating crisis of its founding values , which threatens its long-term survival as a democratic peace project; is gravely concerned by the rise and entrenchment of autocratic and illiberal tendencies , further compounded by the covid-19 pandemic and economic recession , as well as corruption and state capture , in several member states; underlines the dangers of this trend for the cohesion of the union’s legal order , the functioning of its single market , the effectiveness of its common policies , the protection of its citizen’s fundamental rights and its international credibility;


### 2. emphasises that an independent and impartial judiciary is an indispensable cornerstone of the rule of law; highlights that the requirement that courts be independent is of the essence to the fundamental right to effective judicial protection and a fair trial and to ensure that all rights deriving from union law are protected; stresses that every national court is also a european court when applying union law; is worried that recent attacks on the rule of law have mainly consisted of attempts to jeopardise judicial independence; ### 2. emphasises that an independent and impartial judiciary is an indispensable cornerstone of the rule of law; highlights that the requirement that courts be independent is of the essence to the fundamental right to effective judicial protection and a fair trial and to ensure that all rights deriving from union law are protected; reiterates its call to replace the existing partially applicable instruments for monitoring of those matters , such as the cooperation and verification mechanism for romania and bulgaria , with a thorough and harmonised analysis applicable to all member states; stresses that every national court is also a european court when applying union law; is worried that recent attacks on the rule of law have mainly consisted of attempts to jeopardise judicial independence;


### 3. recognises that the union remains structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic and rule of law backsliding in the member states; regrets the inability of the council to make meaningful progress in enforcing union values in ongoing article 7 teu procedures; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the union’s toolkit in that field; ### 3. recalls that so far the union and its institutions have been structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic and rule of law backsliding in the member states; regrets that the commission did not consider it necessary to open article 7 teu procedures in the case of hungary despite the emerging signs since 2010; regrets the inability of the council to make meaningful progress in enforcing union values in ongoing article 7 teu procedures regarding poland and hungary; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the union’s toolkit in that field;


### 3. recognises that the union remains structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic and rule of law backsliding in the member states; regrets the inability of the council to make meaningful progress in enforcing union values in ongoing article 7 teu procedures; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the union’s toolkit in that field; ### 3. recognises that the union remains structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic , fundamental rights and rule of law backsliding in the member states; regrets the inability of the council to make meaningful progress in enforcing union values in ongoing article 7 teu procedures; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the union’s toolkit in that field;


### 3. highlights that training of justice professionals is essential to the proper implementation and application of union law and thus to the strengthening of a european common legal culture based on the principles of mutual trust and the rule of law; considers that the upcoming european judicial training strategy must put additional focus on promoting the rule of law and judicial independence and include training on skills and non-legal issues so that judges are better prepared to resist undue pressure; ### 3. highlights that training of justice professionals is essential to the proper implementation and application of union law and thus to the strengthening of a european common legal culture based on the principles of mutual trust and the rule of law; considers that such training must be adequately funded and that the upcoming european judicial training strategy must put additional focus and resources on promoting the rule of law and judicial independence and include training on skills and non-legal issues so that judges are better prepared to resist undue pressure;


### 4. welcomes the commission’s work on the annual rule of law report; notes , however , that it fails to encompass the areas of democracy and fundamental rights; reiterates the need for a comprehensive monitoring mechanism enshrined in a legal act binding parliament , the council and the commission to a transparent and regularised process , with clearly defined responsibilities , so that the protection and promotion of union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the union agenda; ### 4. welcomes the commission’s work on the annual rule of law report; notes , however , that it fails to encompass the areas of democracy and fundamental rights; underlines with concern that vulnerable groups , including women , roma and lgbti persons , continue not seeing their rights fully respected in some member states and are not fully protected from hate and discrimination , in disregard of union values as provided for in article 2 teu; reiterates the need for a comprehensive monitoring mechanism enshrined in a legal act binding parliament , the council and the commission to a transparent and regularised process , with clearly defined responsibilities , so that the protection and promotion of union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the union agenda;


### 4. welcomes the commission’s work on the annual rule of law report; notes , however , that it fails to encompass the areas of democracy and fundamental rights; reiterates the need for a comprehensive monitoring mechanism enshrined in a legal act binding parliament , the council and the commission to a transparent and regularised process , with clearly defined responsibilities , so that the protection and promotion of union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the union agenda; ### 4. welcomes the commission’s work on the annual rule of law report; welcomes that besides the rule of law , corruption and media freedom is part of the annual assessment; notes , however , that it fails to encompass the most of the areas of democracy and fundamental rights; particularly regrets that the freedom of association and the shrinking space of civil society is not incorporated in the procedure; reiterates the need for a comprehensive monitoring mechanism enshrined in a legal act binding parliament , the council and the commission to a transparent and regularised process , with clearly defined responsibilities , so that the protection and promotion of union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the union agenda;


### 4. welcomes the commission’s work on the annual rule of law report; notes , however , that it fails to encompass the areas of democracy and fundamental rights; reiterates the need for a comprehensive monitoring mechanism enshrined in a legal act binding parliament , the council and the commission to a transparent and regularised process , with clearly defined responsibilities , so that the protection and promotion of union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the union agenda; ### 4. welcomes the commission’s work on the annual rule of law report; notes , however , that the envisaged monitoring fails to encompass developments and violations in the areas of democracy and fundamental rights; recalls that parliament has repeatedly called for a monitoring mechanism to cover the full scope of article 2 teu; further reiterates the need for a monitoring mechanism enshrined in a legal act binding parliament , the council and the commission to a transparent and regularised process , with clearly defined responsibilities , so that the protection and promotion of union values becomes a permanent and visible part of the union agenda;


### — having regard to the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , the case law of the european court of human rights , the conventions , recommendations , resolutions and reports of the parliamentary assembly , the committee of ministers , the human rights commissioner and the venice commission of the council of europe , ### — having regard to the european convention for the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms , the case law of the european court of human rights , the conventions , recommendations , resolutions and reports of the parliamentary assembly , the committee of ministers , the human rights commissioner , the european commission against racism and intolerance , the recently-formed steering committee on anti-discrimination , diversity and inclusion and the venice commission of the council of europe ,


### a. whereas the union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law and respect for human rights , including the rights of persons belonging to minorities , as set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu); whereas those values are values which are common to the member states and to which all member states have freely subscribed; ### a. whereas the union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity , freedom , democracy , equality , the rule of law and respect for human rights , including the rights of persons belonging to minorities , as set out in article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu); whereas those values are values which are common to the member states and to which all member states have freely subscribed; whereas those values are based on objective criteria;


### b. whereas the preceding decade has seen brazen attacks against union values in several member states; whereas international comparisons and parliament resolutions have evidenced considerable democratic backsliding in hungary and poland in particular; whereas parliament has been calling since 2016 for a comprehensive , preventive and evidence-based monitoring in this field via an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights; ### b. whereas the preceding decade has seen brazen attacks against union values in several member states; whereas international comparisons have evidenced considerable democratic backsliding in hungary and poland in particular; whereas the parliament has addressed those worrying developments repeatedly in its resolutions since 2011 , including the activation of article 7 teu procedure against hungary in 2018; whereas parliament has been calling since 2016 for a comprehensive , preventive and evidence-based monitoring in this field via an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights;


### c. whereas breaches of the values referred to in article 2 teu weaken the cohesion of the european project , the rights of all union citizens and mutual trust among the member states; ### c. whereas breaches of the values referred to in article 2 teu without proper response and consequences on european level weaken the cohesion of the european project , the rights of all union citizens and mutual trust among the member states;


### f. whereas any monitoring mechanism must closely involve stakeholders active in the protection and promotion of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , including civil society , council of europe and united nations bodies , the european union agency for fundamental rights , national human rights institutions , national parliaments and local authorities; ### f. whereas any monitoring mechanism must closely involve stakeholders active in the protection and promotion of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , including civil society , council of europe and united nations bodies , the european union agency for fundamental rights , national human rights institutions , national parliaments and local authorities; whereas therefore an adequate european funding is necessary to the civil society particularly through the citizens , equality , rights and values programme;


### 5. highlights the potential of judicial training for improving the dialogue between national courts and the court of justice of the european union , particularly through the use of references for a preliminary ruling and the interaction between the principles of subsidiarity and primacy of union law; ### 5. recalls that preliminary rulings clarify the manner in which the law of the european union is to be applied; considers that recourse to this procedure allows for uniform interpretation and implementation of the european legislation; highlights the potential of judicial training for improving the dialogue between national courts and the court of justice of the european union , particularly through the use of references for a preliminary ruling and the interaction between the principles of subsidiarity and primacy of union law;


### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain country-specific recommendations , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete union enforcement measures; ### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain country-specific recommendations , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to redress the problems identified in the recommendations must be linked to concrete union enforcement measures; points out that recommendations should not only be aimed at redressing violations , but also promote ideas and policies to expand citizens’ access to and opportunity to benefit from union rights and values;


### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain country-specific recommendations , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete union enforcement measures; ### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must be comprehensive , objective , impartial , evidence-based and applied equally and fairly to all member states , contain country-specific recommendations , with clear timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be targeted and concrete , and linked to union enforcement measures;


### 6. points to the complementarity that should exist between the eu justice scoreboard , which allows for an overview comparison between member states , and the annual monitoring report on union values as an in-depth qualitative mapping of the concrete situation in each member state; ### 6. points to the complementarity that should exist between the eu justice scoreboard , which allows for an overview comparison between member states' judicial systems , and the annual monitoring report on union values as an in-depth qualitative mapping of the concrete situation in each member state;


### 8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society , national human rights institutions and other relevant actors in all stages of the annual monitoring cycle , from providing input to facilitating implementation; points out that the accreditation status of national human rights institutions and the space for civil society may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle; ### 8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society , national human rights institutions and other relevant actors in all stages of the annual monitoring cycle , from providing input to facilitating implementation; points out that the accreditation status of national human rights institutions and the space for civil society may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle; reiterates its call on the commission to provide an adequate european funding to the civil society , particularly though the citizens , equality , rights and values programme;


### 8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society , national human rights institutions and other relevant actors in all stages of the annual monitoring cycle , from providing input to facilitating implementation; points out that the accreditation status of national human rights institutions and the space for civil society may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle; ### 8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society , academia , national human rights institutions and other relevant actors in all stages of the annual monitoring cycle , from providing input to facilitating implementation; recalls to that end that adequate funding at both national and union level is necessary to support them; points out that the accreditation status of national human rights institutions and the space for civil society may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle;


### 8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society , national human rights institutions and other relevant actors in all stages of the annual monitoring cycle , from providing input to facilitating implementation; points out that the accreditation status of national human rights institutions and the space for civil society may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle; ### 8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society , equality bodies and national human rights institutions and other relevant actors in all stages of the annual monitoring cycle , from providing input to facilitating implementation; points out that the accreditation status of equality bodies , national human rights institutions and the space for civil society , as well as the protection provided to human rights defenders , may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle;


### 10. is of the view that , in the long-term , strengthening the union’s ability to promote and defend its constitutional core will require treaty change; looks forward to the reflection and conclusions of the conference on the future of europe in that regard; ### 10. is of the view that , in the long-term , strengthening the union’s ability to promote and defend its constitutional core will require deepening the european integration and a treaty change; looks forward to the reflection and conclusions of the conference on the future of europe in that regard;


### 11. believes that addressing persisting gender and cultural gaps in in the composition and structure of member states’ judicial systems is necessary to enhance their quality , effectiveness and independence. ### 11. believes that addressing persisting gender , ethnic and cultural gaps in in the composition and structure of member states’ judicial systems is necessary to enhance their quality , effectiveness and independence.


### a. whereas , under the terms of article 319 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , the european parliament shall give a discharge to the commission in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the european union; ### a. whereas , under the terms of article 319 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) , the european parliament shall give a discharge to the commission in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the european union; whereas the council’s budget is a section of the union budget;


### 1. regrets that , despite the letter sent by parliament's committee on budgetary control on 25 may 2020 to the secretary-general of the council to inform that parliament's committee on budgetary control has been mandated by parliament's conference of presidents to reopen negotiations with the council on cooperation during the annual discharge procedure , those negotiations have not yet resumed; ### 1. stresses the need for a memorandum of understanding between the european parliament , the council and the commission on the provision of the information necessary for the european parliament to take an informed decision on discharge; regrets that negotiations with the council to that end have still not resumed and this despite the letter sent by parliament's committee on budgetary control on 25 may 2020 to the secretary-general of the council to inform that parliament's committee on budgetary control has been mandated by parliament's conference of presidents to reopen negotiations with the council on cooperation during the annual discharge procedure;


### 4. considers that the conference on the future of europe provides an opportunity to discuss proposals to enhance transparency and democratic accountability with regard to the protection of the union’s financial interests. ### 4. suggests that , while the current situation could be improved through better cooperation between the union institutions within the treaty framework , a revision of the treaties could ultimately be required , so as to offer more legal clarity with regard to the discharge procedure by giving the european parliament the explicit competence to grant discharge to all institutions and bodies individually; believes , in that regard , that the conference on the future of europe provides an opportunity to discuss such a proposal and explore possible ways to increase transparency and democratic accountability with regard to the protection of the union’s financial interests.


### d. whereas the new agreement contains important new elements in particular a roadmap for the introduction of new own resources during the next seven years , provisions on enhanced budgetary scrutiny of the spending of next generation eu (ngeu) funding and arrangements to monitor spending on climate and biodiversity objectives and on gender equality and mainstreaming; ### d. whereas the new agreement contains important new elements in particular a roadmap for the introduction of new own resources during the next seven years that will be sufficient to cover the interests and repayment costs of the european union recovery instrument (next generation eu (ngeu)); whereas revenue from own resources in excess of the needs for repayment will continue to fund the union budget as general revenue in line with the principle of universality; whereas the new agreement also contains provisions on enhanced budgetary scrutiny of the spending of funds under the european union recovery instrument (ngeu) and arrangements to monitor spending on climate and biodiversity objectives and on gender equality and mainstreaming;


### g. whereas this agreement , furthermore , contains a commitment to seek arrangements for cooperation between the institutions for future mff negotiations , so as to strengthen dialogue and transparency of the whole negotiation process; ### g. whereas this agreement , furthermore , includes for the first time provisions relating to cooperation and dialogue on the part of the institutions during the negotiations on the mff , aimed at operationalising the treaty requirements , according to which the institutions are to take any measure necessary to facilitate the adoption of a mff and to promote consultation and the reconciliation of their positions on budgetary matters , so as to strengthen dialogue and transparency of the whole negotiation process;


### 13. acknowledges that despite the fact that the agreed reform of the electoral law has not yet been ratified by some member states , further improvements are required , such as provisions for remote voting operations in defined or exceptional circumstances , as well as on the elections in the joint european constituency; ### 13. acknowledges that despite the fact that the agreed reform of the electoral law has not yet been ratified by some member states , further improvements are required , such as provisions for remote voting operations in defined or exceptional circumstances , the possibility for temporary replacement of members due to a period of absence in case of maternity , parental leave or severe illness , as well as on the elections in the joint european constituency;


### 7. recalls its revised rules of procedure according to which members are invited to adopt the systematic practice of only meeting interest representatives that have registered in the transparency register; also recalls that members are invited to publish online all scheduled meetings with interest representatives falling under the scope of the transparency register , while rapporteurs , shadow rapporteurs and committee chairs are obliged , for each report , to publish online all scheduled meetings with interest representatives falling under the scope of the transparency register; ### 7. recalls its revised rules of procedure according to which members are invited to adopt the systematic practice of only meeting interest representatives that have registered in the transparency register; also recalls that members are invited to publish online all scheduled meetings with interest representatives falling under the scope of the transparency register , while rapporteurs , shadow rapporteurs and committee chairs are obliged , for each report , to publish online all scheduled meetings with interest representatives falling under the scope of the transparency register; points out however , that elected representatives are free to meet with anyone they consider relevant and important for their political work , without restrictions , other than legal and penal ones;


### 10. recalls that the right of public access to documents of the institutions is inextricably linked with the democratic nature of the institutions; ### 10. recalls that the right of public access to documents of the institutions is inextricably linked with the democratic nature of the institutions; recalls that the widest possible public access to documents is essential to public scrutiny on all aspects of eu activity; recalls that trust of citizens in the union depends on transparency;


### 14. recalls that the revision of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 has been blocked since 2012 , and takes note of the commission’s intention to withdraw this proposal; ### 14. recalls that the revision of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 has been blocked since 2012 , and fundamentally objects to the commission’s intention to withdraw this proposal; considers the mere fact that a file is blocked in council , one of the two legislators , insufficient grounds for withdrawal;


### 15. points out that , as a result of the entry into force of the teu and the tfeu , the right of access to documents pertains to all eu institutions , bodies , and agencies; believes that regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 should be amended and modernised to react to the developments that have taken place in this area , also in the light of the relevant case law of the cjeu and ecthr; ### 15. points out that , as a result of the entry into force of the teu and the tfeu , the right of access to documents pertains to all eu institutions , bodies , and agencies; believes that regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 should be amended and modernised to react to the developments that have taken place in this area , also in the light of the relevant case law of the cjeu and ecthr; urges therefore the council to work constructively with parliament and finally adopt the revised regulation;


### 2. calls on the council and the member states to continue reinforcing coherence between all instruments and initiatives within the framework of common security and defence policy (csdp) in order to achieve the required level of effectiveness in ensuring strategic autonomy , and of ambition in the progressive framing of a common union defence policy in line with the treaty on european union; ### 2. calls on the council and the member states to continue reinforcing coherence between all instruments and initiatives within the framework of common security and defence policy (csdp) in order to achieve the required level of effectiveness in ensuring strategic autonomy , and of ambition in the progressive framing of a common union defence policy in line with the treaty on european union; considers that pesco needs ambitious projects , in synergy with card , national implementation plans (nips) and the cdp to deal with present day threats;


### 3. welcomes in this regard the political guidelines of the commission regarding defence policy , and in particular regarding the need for bold steps towards a genuine european defence union , and for an integrated and comprehensive approach to the eu’s security; hopes that the creation of a new commission directorate-general for defence industry and space will serve as a catalyst for enhanced coherence in the creation of defence capabilities; ### 3. welcomes in this regard the political guidelines of the commission regarding defence policy , and in particular regarding the need for bold steps towards a genuine european defence union , and for an integrated and comprehensive approach to the eu’s security; hopes that the creation of a new commission directorate-general for defence industry and space will serve as a catalyst for enhanced coherence in the creation of defence capabilities; acknowledges that the development of military infrastructure is essential for the eu's industrial autonomy;


### 4. considers it necessary to step up the actual contribution of pesco projects to the achievement of the eu’s ambitions in the area of security and defence , by effectively ensuring that the participating member states strengthen their collaboration in significant and ambitious capability development , and that there is coherence between the eu and nato in terms of priorities; ### 4. considers it necessary to step up the actual contribution of pesco projects to the achievement of the eu’s ambitions in the area of security and defence , by effectively ensuring that the participating member states strengthen their collaboration in significant and ambitious capability development , and that there is coherence between the eu and nato;


### 5. calls on the participating member states to continue making resources available for pesco projects , while ensuring real ownership of and commitment to pesco coordinating and pooling processes; ### 5. calls on the participating member states to continue making resources available for pesco projects , while ensuring real ownership of and commitment to pesco coordinating and pooling processes , especially since no effective compliance mechanism for pesco is in place;


### 7. reiterates that parliament should play a prominent role in the scrutiny and supervision of the implementation and evaluation of the csdp; expects in this regard that parliament will be fully informed and consulted by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy in the context of the current strategic review of the first pesco phase , which ends in 2020. ### 7. reiterates that parliament should play a prominent role in the scrutiny and supervision of the implementation and evaluation of the csdp; expects in this regard that parliament will be fully informed and consulted by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy in the context of the current strategic review of the first pesco phase , which ends in 2020; recalls that deepening defence cooperation among member states at eu level should go hand in hand with the strengthening of parliament’s power of scrutiny;


### b. whereas according to article 1(a) to protocol (no 10) on permanent structured cooperation established by article 42 of the teu , one of the objectives of pesco is for the member states to develop their defence capacities more intensively by furthering their national contributions and participation , where appropriate , in multinational forces , the main european equipment programmes , and in the european defence agency’s activity; ### b. whereas according to article 1(a) to protocol (no 10) on permanent structured cooperation established by article 42 of the teu , one of the objectives of pesco is for the member states to develop their defence capabilities more intensively by furthering their national contributions and participation , where appropriate , in multinational forces , the main european equipment programmes , and in the european defence agency’s activity;


### c. whereas article 1(b) of protocol 10 states that the member states are to ‘have the capacity to supply by 2010 at the latest either at national level or as a component of multinational force groups , targeted combat units for the missions planned , structured at a tactical level as a battle group , with support elements including transport and logistics , capable of carrying out the tasks referred to in article 43 of the treaty on european union , within a period of five to 30 days , in particular in response to requests from the united nations organisation , and which can be sustained for an initial period of 30 days and be extended up to at least 120 days’; whereas article 1(b) needs to be revised in order to respond to the challenging geopolitical environment; whereas the member states are still far from achieving this goal; ### c. whereas article 1(b) of protocol 10 states that the member states are to ‘have the capacity to supply by 2010 at the latest either at national level or as a component of multinational force groups , targeted combat units for the missions planned , structured at a tactical level as a battle group , with support elements including transport and logistics , capable of carrying out the tasks referred to in article 43 of the treaty on european union , within a period of five to 30 days , in particular in response to requests from the united nations organisation , and which can be sustained for an initial period of 30 days and be extended up to at least 120 days’; whereas article 1(b) needs to be revised in order to adequately respond to the challenging geopolitical environment; whereas the member states are still far from achieving this goal;


### d. whereas the three-fold level of ambition under the eu global strategy in the field of security and defence covers securing external borders , countering hybrid threats and fighting against terrorism; whereas no member state can protect itself alone , since security and defence threats faced by the eu , and which are targeted against its citizens and territory , are a joint threat and cannot be addressed by one single member state on its own; whereas an effective eu system for addressing burden-sharing would be advantageous for the eu’s overall level of security and defence; ### d. whereas the three-fold level of ambition under the eu global strategy in the field of security and defence covers securing external borders , countering hybrid threats and fighting against terrorism; whereas no member state can protect itself alone , since security and defence threats the eu , its citizens and its territory faces , are a joint threat and cannot be addressed by a single member state on its own; whereas an effective eu system for addressing burden-sharing would be advantageous for the eu’s overall level of security and defence;


### f. whereas pesco’s long-term vision is to achieve a coherent full-spectrum force package available to the member states; whereas pesco should enhance the eu’s capacity to act as an international security provider in order to protect eu citizens and maximise the effectiveness of defence spending; whereas the cost of non-europe in security and defence is estimated to be more than eur 100 billion per year; ### f. whereas pesco’s long-term vision is contribute to a coherent full-spectrum force package available to the member states; whereas pesco should enhance the eu’s capacity to act as an international security provider in order to protect eu citizens and maximise the effectiveness of defence spending; whereas due to doubling , overcapacity and obstructions for joint procurement in security and defence , the costs are estimated to be between 25 and 100 billion eur per year 8a;


### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence; ### g. whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence;


### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence; ### g. whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of strengthening european defence capabilities and interoperability;


### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence; ### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s democratic model , borders and territories; whereas pesco , alongside the edf and other eu defence initiatives constitute an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence;


### h. whereas according to council decision 2017/2315 , establishing pesco enhanced defence capabilities of the member states will also benefit nato , while strengthening the european pillar within the alliance and responding to repeated calls for stronger transatlantic burden-sharing; ### h. whereas according to council decision 2017/2315 , establishing pesco enhanced defence capabilities of the member states will also benefit nato , while strengthening the european pillar within the alliance and responding to repeated calls for more balanced transatlantic burden-sharing; whereas nato remains the cornerstone of many ms’s security architecture;


### i. whereas pesco creates a binding framework between the pms , which committed themselves to jointly investing , planning , developing and operating defence capabilities within union framework in a permanent and structured manner by subscribing to 20 binding commitments in five areas set by the teu; whereas these commitments should constitute a move from mere defence cooperation towards the integration of member states’ defence forces; whereas despite these binding commitments , no effective compliance mechanism for pesco is in place; ### i. whereas pesco creates a binding framework between the pms , which committed themselves to jointly investing , planning , developing and operating defence capabilities within union framework in a permanent and structured manner by subscribing to 20 binding commitments in five areas set by the teu; whereas these commitments should constitute a move from mere defence cooperation towards the integration of member states’ defence forces through bilateral mutual beneficial partnerships; whereas despite these binding commitments , no effective compliance mechanism for pesco is in place;


### k. whereas pesco was originally conceived as an avant-garde , comprising the member states willing and able to upgrade their cooperation in defence to a new level of ambition; whereas the fact that there are 25 pms means that pesco is at risk of being constrained by the ‘lowest common denominator’ approach; ### k. whereas pesco was originally conceived as an avant-garde , comprising the member states willing and able to upgrade their cooperation in defence to a new level of ambition; whereas the fact that there are 25 pms must not lead pesco to be constrained by the ‘lowest common denominator’ approach;


### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms proposing 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase; ### l. whereas the first three waves of pesco projects have led to the adoption of 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms through the capability development plan (cdp) and the coordinated annual defence on review (card); whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase;


### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms proposing 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase; ### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms proposing 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase; whereas the vast majority of pesco projects coincide with edf and nato shortfalls;


### m. whereas only the most strategic pesco projects , such as eufor crisis response operation core (eufor croc) have the potential to decisively contribute to the creation of a coherent full spectrum force package; ### m. whereas only some of the most strategic pesco projects have the potential to decisively contribute to the union’s strategic sovereignty;


### r. whereas the nato defence planning process (ndpp) drives defence national planning processes in most cases; ### r. whereas the nato defence planning process (ndpp) contributes to defence national planning processes of several pms;


### r. whereas the nato defence planning process (ndpp) drives defence national planning processes in most cases; ### r. whereas the nato defence planning process (ndpp) drives defence national planning processes in most member states;


### s. whereas interactions between member states’ national priorities , eu priorities and nato priorities should be synchronised at the earliest possible convenience; whereas pesco can be an effective tool in order to achieve eu and nato targets simultaneously; ### s. whereas interactions between member states’ national priorities , eu priorities and nato priorities should be synchronised at the earliest possible convenience , where appropriate and relevant; whereas pesco should be an effective and a complimentary tool in achieving eu and nato targets simultaneously;


### u. whereas currently , pesco projects are dependent on the 25 participating member states’ financial contributions; whereas it is expected that , as a result of the covid-19 pandemic , national defence budgets will suffer reductions; whereas paradoxically , several of the currently 47 pesco projects , if funded accordingly , could strengthen member states’ preparedness , should another massive public health crisis occur: military mobility – a flagship pesco project – , the european medical command and many other projects in areas related to logistics and transportation , health care , disaster relief and the fight against malicious cyber activities; whereas cutting funding for the strategic capabilities that the eu and its member states currently lack would also weaken their ability to jointly act against future pandemics; ### u. whereas currently , pesco projects are dependent on the 25 participating member states’ financial contributions; whereas it is expected that , as a result of the covid-19 pandemic , national defence budgets will suffer reductions; whereas paradoxically , several of the currently 47 pesco projects , if funded accordingly , could strengthen member states’ preparedness , should another massive public health crisis occur: military mobility – a flagship pesco project – , the european medical command and many other projects in areas related to logistics and transportation , health care , disaster relief , the fight against malicious cyber activities and hostile disinformation campaigns; whereas cutting funding for the strategic capabilities that the eu and its member states currently lack would also weaken their ability to jointly act against future pandemics;


### u. whereas currently , pesco projects are dependent on the 25 participating member states’ financial contributions; whereas it is expected that , as a result of the covid-19 pandemic , national defence budgets will suffer reductions; whereas paradoxically , several of the currently 47 pesco projects , if funded accordingly , could strengthen member states’ preparedness , should another massive public health crisis occur: military mobility – a flagship pesco project – , the european medical command and many other projects in areas related to logistics and transportation , health care , disaster relief and the fight against malicious cyber activities; whereas cutting funding for the strategic capabilities that the eu and its member states currently lack would also weaken their ability to jointly act against future pandemics; ### u. whereas currently , pesco projects are dependent on the 25 participating member states’ financial contributions; whereas it is expected that , as a result of the covid-19 pandemic , national defence budgets will suffer reductions; whereas paradoxically , several of the currently 47 pesco projects , if funded accordingly , could strengthen member states’ preparedness , should another massive public health crisis occur: military mobility – a flagship pesco project – , the european medical command and many other projects in areas related to logistics and transportation , health care , disaster relief and the fight against malicious cyber activities; whereas cutting funding for the strategic capabilities that the eu and its member states currently lack would also weaken their ability to jointly act against future pandemics and cbrn threats;


### v. whereas the prospect of co-financing certain pesco projects via the future european defence fund (edf) has led pms to multiply their proposals , and despite the fact that this has encouraged exchanges and cooperation , not all proposals necessarily have the eu’s best strategic interest in mind; ### v. whereas pesco and the future european defence fund (edf) shall be mutually reinforcing and interlinkages between them shall be further developed in order to deliver critical capabilities identified under the cdp;


### v. whereas the prospect of co-financing certain pesco projects via the future european defence fund (edf) has led pms to multiply their proposals , and despite the fact that this has encouraged exchanges and cooperation , not all proposals necessarily have the eu’s best strategic interest in mind; ### v. whereas the prospect of co-financing certain pesco projects via the future european defence fund (edf) has led pms to multiply their proposals , and despite the fact that this has encouraged exchanges and cooperation , not all proposals necessarily have the eu’s best common strategic interest in mind;


### w. whereas the participation of third countries in individual pesco projects might be in the strategic interest of the european union , particularly in case of the united kingdom; ### w. whereas the participation of third countries , such as the uk , in individual pesco projects might be in the strategic interest of the eu , noting that this participation can only be exceptional , decided on a case-by-case basis and at the invitation of eu members states;


### w. whereas the participation of third countries in individual pesco projects might be in the strategic interest of the european union , particularly in case of the united kingdom; ### w. whereas the participation of third countries in individual pesco projects might be in the strategic interest of the european union , particularly in case of the united kingdom; whereas an agreement on third state participation in pesco projects is long overdue;


### y. whereas the governance of pesco is led by pms , and therefore eventually leads to the insufficient coordination and overall consistency of the projects; whereas this should constitute grounds for the extension of the mandate of the pesco secretariat; ### deleted


### encourage the pms to switch from a strictly national focus on defence to a european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls; ### encourage the pms to switch from a strictly national focus on defence to a european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls; encourage pms and ms more generally not to reduce their defence spending in the coming years , and especially their financial involvement in european cooperative projects in order to avoid being distanced by other global powers;


### encourage the pms to switch from a strictly national focus on defence to a european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls; ### encourage the pms to switch from a strictly national focus on defence to a more prominent european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls alone;


### ensure that pesco is effectively used as an instrument to reach eu defence integration as a common goal , in line with the ambition for greater eu strategic autonomy; ### ensure that pesco is effectively used as an instrument to strengthen pms defence capabilities and interoperability as a common goal , in line with the ambition for greater eu strategic sovereignty;


### ensure that pesco is treated as a union institutions sui generis , as is the case with the european external action service (eeas) , which would require amending the financial regulation8 in order to include pesco , with a specific section in the union budget; recognise that parliament , jointly with the council , exercises legislative and budgetary functions , as well as functions of political control and consultation as laid down in the treaties; ### deleted


### ensure that pesco is treated as a union institutions sui generis , as is the case with the european external action service (eeas) , which would require amending the financial regulation8 in order to include pesco , with a specific section in the union budget; recognise that parliament , jointly with the council , exercises legislative and budgetary functions , as well as functions of political control and consultation as laid down in the treaties; ### ensure that pesco , is included with a specific section in the union budget , which would require amending the financial regulation; recognise that parliament , jointly with the council , exercises legislative and budgetary functions , as well as functions of political control and consultation as laid down in the treaties;


### focus pesco efforts on projects with a strategic and integrative dimension , such as eufor croc , and link those to other pesco projects in order to create additional synergies and effects of scale; ### focus pesco efforts on projects with a strategic dimension and to those projects that contribute to the remedy of important capability and operational shortfalls , and link those to other pesco projects in order to create additional synergies and effects of scale;


### ensure that future key land , sea , air and other platforms for the armed forces of the member states are brought under pesco or are at least closely connected to it; ### ensure the possibility that future key land , sea , air , cyber and other platforms for the armed forces of the member states can be brought under pesco or are at least closely connected to it;


### consider , as part of the reform of the eu battlegroup system , to bring it under pesco in order to increase its operational capacity , modularity and agility; ### deleted


### group pesco projects into capability clusters and make a distinction between strategically relevant and other projects; ### support and promote the grouping of pesco projects into capability clusters and make a distinction between strategically relevant and other projects , keeping in mind the objective of achieving a full-spectrum force package and concentrate their efforts on those having the highest potential to deliver european strategic autonomy;


### group pesco projects into capability clusters and make a distinction between strategically relevant and other projects; ### group pesco projects into capability clusters and make a distinction between strategically relevant and designated projects; review the current list of 47 projects and either cluster or cancel projects which are making insufficient progress or present insufficient mutually beneficial gain to the european union;


### promote compliance with the 20 pesco commitments by establishing clearer definition of compliance benchmarks , and by ensuring that future project proposals must address a specific cdp priority; ensure that any reviews of project progress should be based on clear and transparent criteria; ensure that such criteria serve as benchmark for all member states participating in pesco projects; ### promote compliance with the 20 pesco commitments by establishing clearer definition of compliance benchmarks , and by ensuring that future project proposals must address a specific cdp priority; ensure that any reviews of project progress should be based on clear and transparent criteria , including when co-financed in the framework of edidp/future edf; ensure that such criteria serve as benchmark for all member states participating in pesco projects;


### define an effective and strong project steering committee , reaffirm the central role of the pesco secretariat as a single point of contact for all projects and invite the secretariat to carry out regular situation points on the progress of projects for the benefit of all the stakeholders , including parliament , via information collected member state(s) in charge of project coordination; ### reaffirm the central role of the pesco secretariat as a single point of contact for all projects and invite the secretariat to carry out regular situation points on the progress of projects for the benefit of all the stakeholders , including parliament , via information collected member state(s) in charge of project coordination;


### establish an eu council on defence based on the existing eda ministerial steering board and the pesco format of eu defence ministers , in order to guarantee the prioritisation of resources , and the effective cooperation and integration among the member states; ### examine the establishment of an eu council on defence based on the existing eda ministerial steering board and the pesco format of eu defence ministers , in order to guarantee the prioritisation of resources , and the effective cooperation and integration among the member states;


### clarify or define the link between the governance of pesco and that of the edf and to involve parliament in the ex-post control process when it comes to edf funding of pesco projects; ### clarify or define the link between the governance of pesco and that of the edf in order to maximise their combined impact; involve parliament in the ex-post control process when it comes to edf funding of pesco projects;


### clarify or define the link between the governance of pesco and that of the edf and to involve parliament in the ex-post control process when it comes to edf funding of pesco projects; ### clarify or define the link between the governance of pesco and that of the edf and inform parliament in the ex-post control process when it comes to edf funding of pesco projects;