### 6. insists that the crucial area of fundamental rights and freedoms , which is at the core of the accession process , cannot be disconnected and isolated from overall relations with the eu and stresses that for parliament , it remains the main obstacle to further progress on any positive agenda that could be offered to turkey; ### 6. insists that the crucial area of fundamental rights and freedoms , which is at the core of the accession process , cannot be disconnected and isolated from overall relations with the eu and stresses that for parliament , it remains one of the main obstacles to further progress on any positive agenda that could be offered to turkey;


### 7. reiterates its strong condemnation of turkey’s withdrawal , by presidential decree , from the council of europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the istanbul convention); ### 7. reiterates its strong condemnation of turkey’s withdrawal , by presidential decree , from the council of europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the istanbul convention) and expresses deep concern about the persistence of violences against women in turkey;


### 7. reiterates its strong condemnation of turkey’s withdrawal , by presidential decree , from the council of europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the istanbul convention); ### 7. reiterates its strong condemnation and regret of turkey’s withdrawal , by presidential decree , from the council of europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the istanbul convention);


### 8. notes the importance of upholding the freedom of assembly in turkey , which is enshrined in its constitution; ### 8. notes the importance of upholding the freedom of assembly in turkey , which is enshrined in its constitution and a positive obligation derived from its membership of the european convention of human rights;


### 8. notes the importance of upholding the freedom of assembly in turkey , which is enshrined in its constitution; ### 8. notes the importance of upholding the freedom of assembly in turkey , which is enshrined in its constitution but increasingly under pressure , in particular for certain opposition parties;


### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey; ### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; condemns the high number of imprisoned journalists , media employees as well as social media users; notes with deep concern the increasing restrictions and censorship imposed on social media platforms;


### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey; ### 9. reiterates its serious concern about the disproportionate and arbitrary measures curtailing freedom of expression; welcomes the further decrease in the number of journalists in prison in turkey while regretting that turkey still ranks among the countries where freedom of the press is the most attacked;


### 10. asserts that the continued prosecution , censorship and harassment of journalists and independent media remains an issue of concern; ### 10. condemns the continued prosecution , censorship and harassment of journalists and independent media in turkey; is concerned as well by the targeting of journalists and opponents in the european union , as was the case of turkish journalist erk acarer in berlin;


### 11. takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in turkey during 2021; asserts , however , that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation , but are often caused by a failure to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in turkey; ### 11. takes note of the adoption of the fourth and fifth judicial packages in turkey during 2021; asserts , however , that the current problems stem not only from problematic legislation , but are often caused by a failure to implement existing adequate provisions; remains concerned about the continuing erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence in turkey;


### 13. regrets the sustained pressure on civil society and human rights defenders and the continuously shrinking space to operate freely in turkey; ### 13. regrets the sustained harassment of civil society and human rights defenders and the continuously shrinking space to operate freely in turkey; notes the grave impediment on their freedom to associate peacefully through the law on preventing financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; is concerned by the observations from the council of europe’s commissioner for human rights and parliamentary assembly , who point that human rights organisations were the first to be audited pursuant to this law; urges turkey to review the articles of the law which are not related to the prevention of financing or proliferation of weapons of mass destruction , in particular those articles which unduly target civil society;


### 13. regrets the sustained pressure on civil society and human rights defenders and the continuously shrinking space to operate freely in turkey; ### 13. regrets the sustained legal and administrative pressure by the turkish government on civil society , human rights defenders , lawyers , journalists , academics , ethnic and religious minorities and numerous turkish citizens and the continuously shrinking space to operate freely in turkey;


### 14. continues to urge the turkish government to release osman kavala after more than four years of detention; reiterates its call on the turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the european court of human rights in this case; ### 14. continues to urge the turkish government to release osman kavala after more than four years of unlawful and illegitimate detention; reiterates its call on the turkish authorities to abide by the final judgment of the european court of human rights in this case;


### 15. expresses deep concern about the deterioration in the human rights situation for lgbti people , in particular with regard to physical attacks – especially against transgender persons – the protracted bans on pride marches across the country , restrictions on the freedoms of assembly , association and expression , and censorship in the media; ### 15. expresses deep concern about the state-sponsored deterioration in the human rights situation for lgbti people , in particular with regard to hate crimes – especially against transgender persons – , the protracted bans on pride marches across the country , restrictions on the freedoms of assembly , association and expression and censorship in the media and online; recalls the need to adopt measures to ensure all citizens can enjoy these freedom safely; calls on authorities to align its criminal legislation concerning homophobic and transphobic hate crime with ecri’s general policy recommendation 7 ,1aas requested by ecri in its 2019 conclusions1b; urges authorities to lift the protracted bans on pride events;


### 15. expresses deep concern about the deterioration in the human rights situation for lgbti people , in particular with regard to physical attacks – especially against transgender persons – the protracted bans on pride marches across the country , restrictions on the freedoms of assembly , association and expression , and censorship in the media; ### 15. expresses deep concern about the deterioration in the human rights situation for lgbti people , in particular with regard to physical attacks – especially against transgender persons – the protracted bans on pride marches across the country , restrictions on the freedoms of assembly , association and expression , and censorship in the media and urges the turkish government to protect their equal and legal rights;


### 16. is deeply concerned about the constant attacks and pressure on the opposition parties , particularly the hdp and the republican people’s party (chp) , which undermine the proper functioning of the democratic system; stresses that democracy presupposes an environment in which political parties , civil society and the media can function without threats or arbitrary restrictions; ### 16. is deeply concerned about the constant attacks , imprisonment of members of the opposition and pressure on the opposition parties , particularly the hdp and the republican people’s party (chp) , which undermine the proper functioning of the democratic system; stresses that democracy presupposes an environment in which political parties , civil society and the media can function without threats or arbitrary restrictions;


### 17. notes with great concern that the hdp and its party organisations have been specifically and continuously targeted by the turkish authorities , leading to a situation where over 4 000 hdp members are currently in prison; continues to strongly condemn the continued detention since november 2016 of selahattin demirtaş and figen yüksekdağ , the former co-chairs of the hdp; ### 17. strongly condemns the indictment refilled by turkey’s chief public prosecutor at the constitutional court seeking the dissolution of the hdp and a political ban on nearly 500 hdp members , including most of its current leadership , which would prevent them from conducting any kind of political activity in the next five years and that the hdp and its party organisations have been specifically and continuously targeted by the turkish authorities , leading to a situation where over 4 000 hdp members are currently in prison; continues to strongly condemn the continued detention since november 2016 of selahattin demirtaş and figen yüksekdağ , the former co-chairs of the hdp;


### 17. notes with great concern that the hdp and its party organisations have been specifically and continuously targeted by the turkish authorities , leading to a situation where over 4 000 hdp members are currently in prison; continues to strongly condemn the continued detention since november 2016 of selahattin demirtaş and figen yüksekdağ , the former co-chairs of the hdp; ### 17. notes with great concern that the hdp , its elected mayors and its party organisations have been specifically and continuously targeted by the turkish authorities , leading to a situation where over 4 000 hdp members are currently in prison; continues to strongly condemn the continued detention since november 2016 of selahattin demirtaş and figen yüksekdağ , the former co-chairs of the hdp;


### 19. recognises that turkey has legitimate security concerns and the right to fight terrorism; stresses , nevertheless , that this must be done with full respect for the rule of law , human rights and fundamental freedoms; reiterates its firm and unambiguous condemnation of the violent terrorist attacks by the kurdistan workers’ party (pkk) , which has been on the eu list of terrorist organisations since 2002; ### 19. recognises that turkey has legitimate security concerns and the right to fight terrorism; stresses , nevertheless , that this must be done with full respect for the rule of law , human rights and fundamental freedoms; reiterates its firm and unambiguous condemnation of the violent terrorist attacks by isis and the kurdistan workers’ party (pkk) , which has been on the eu list of terrorist organisations since 2002;


### 20. calls on turkey to abide by a zero-tolerance policy on torture and to duly investigate persistent and credible reports of torture , ill-treatment and inhumane or degrading treatment in custody , in order to put an end to impunity and hold those responsible to account; ### 20. calls on turkey to abide by a zero-tolerance policy on torture and to duly investigate persistent and credible reports of torture , ill-treatment and inhumane or degrading treatment in detention , interrogation or custody , in order to put an end to impunity and hold those responsible to account;


### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; ### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; calls on turkey to ensure the full and non-discriminatory implementation of the eu-turkey statement of 2016 , including vis a vis the republic of cyprus , as well as to resume the readmission of returnees from the greek islands interrupted in march 2020 , and turkey’s obligation to take any necessary measures to prevent new sea or land routes for illegal migration opening from turkey to the eu , and its will to cooperate with neighbouring states as well as the eu to this effect and with fundamental rights as part of its implementation process; believes that strengthening trade relations could bring concrete benefits to citizens in turkey and the eu therefore takes note of the commission’s proposal to work on a mandate on the potential upgrading of the customs union provided that it is implemented vis-à-vis all member states would need to be based on strong conditionality related to human rights and fundamental freedoms and that it can only be envisaged following turkey’s full implementation of the additional protocol to extend the association agreement towards all member states without reserve and in a non-discriminatory fashion; stresses that both parties must be fully aware of this democratic conditionality from the very onset of any negotiations , as the parliament will not give its consent to the final agreement without results on the aforementioned preconditions in this field; notes that visa liberalisation would constitute an important step towards facilitating people-to-people contacts and is of great importance for turkish citizens , particularly for students , academics , business representatives and people with family ties in eu member states; continues its support for the visa liberalisation process once the set conditions have been fully and effectively implemented and encourages the turkish government to fully comply with the 72 criteria identified in the visa liberalisation roadmap in a non-discriminatory manner towards all member-states; stresses that there has been very little real progress on the outstanding benchmarks still to be fulfilled by turkey; notes that the new action plan on human rights foresees the acceleration of the fulfilment of the remaining benchmarks; stresses that the revision of turkey’s anti-terrorism legislation and data protection law are key conditions for ensuring fundamental rights and freedoms; regrets that as a result of turkey’s instrumentalization of refugees a continuing increase in asylum applications was registered in cyprus in 2021; notes that pending the full and effective implementation of the eu-turkey readmission agreement vis-à-vis all member states , existing bilateral readmission agreements and provisions in similar agreements and arrangements with eu member states , should be adequately implemented; cooperation in the area of justice and home affairs with all eu member states remains essential;


### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; ### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; emphasises that the instrumentalisation of migrants and refugees cannot be accepted as a tool for political leverage and blackmail; notes that pending the full and effective implementation of the joint eu – turkey statement of 2016 and the eu-turkey readmission agreement vis-à-vis all member states , existing bilateral readmission agreements and provisions in similar agreements and arrangements with member states should be adequately implemented; effective border management , as well as the resumption of returns , continue to be priorities;


### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey , and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; ### 21. commends the efforts made by turkey to continue hosting the largest refugee population in the world of almost 4 million registered refugees; welcomes , in this regard , the continued provision of eu funding for refugees and host communities in turkey and expresses its commitment to sustain this support in the future; recognizes the migratory pressure turkey is facing , however firmly objects to any instrumentalisation of migrants by the turkish government;


### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; ### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; notes that turkey’s cfsp alignment remained at very low levels and its increasingly assertive foreign policy continued to collide with the eu priorities under the cfsp , notably due to its support for military actions in the caucasus , syria , libya and iraq; notes that the eu has repeatedly stressed the need for turkey to respect the sovereign rights of eu member states , which include entering into bilateral agreements and exploring and exploiting their natural resources in accordance with the eu acquis and international law , including the united nations convention on the law of the sea; stresses that turkey needs to commit itself unequivocally to good neighbourly relations , international agreements and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the united nations charter , having recourse , if necessary , to the international court of justice;


### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; ### 22. recalls that , while turkey can pursue its own foreign policy; deplores that only 14% of turkey’s foreign policy actions are aligned with eu foreign policy and that this gap continues to widen; deplores also the way that turkey has never aligned with eu restrictive measures , including that of economic sanctions; expects turkey to defend its interests through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law; notes in particular with concern that despite the military agression of ukraine by the federation of russia with the support of belarus , turkey has refused to take sanctions against the russian authorities responsible for this serious breach of international law;


### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; ### 22. acknowledges that turkey can pursue its own foreign policy in line with its interests and goals , but expects this policy to be defended through diplomacy and dialogue based on international law and , as a candidate country , to be increasingly aligned with that of the eu; deplores that turkey's foreign policy alignment rate with eu foreign policy is a meagre 14%; believes that increased eu-turkey cooperation can be achieved on multiple foreign policy areas such as on ukraine and afghanistan;


### 23. welcomes the decrease in tensions in the eastern mediterranean during the past year , but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; ### 23. welcomes the decrease in tensions in the eastern mediterranean during the past year , but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; condemns , in this regard , the continuous harassment and hindrance by turkish warships of research vessels from performing surveys on the potential route of the east med pipeline , which is an energy project of eu common interest (pci) , within the eez/ continental shelf of member states; calls on turkey to respect the sovereignty of all eu member states over their territorial sea and airspace as well as their sovereign rights , including inter alia the right to explore and exploit natural resources , in accordance with eu and international law , including the united nations convention on the law of the sea (unclos) , which is part of the eu acquis; continues to urge turkey to unequivocally commit to good neighborly relations , international agreements and to the peaceful settlement of disputes , having recourse , if necessary to the international court of justice and to refrain from any unilateral action or threats; supports , in this respect , the invitation by the government of the republic of cyprus to turkey to negotiate in good faith the maritime delimitation between their relevant coasts , or have recourse , to the international court of justice , and calls on turkey to accept cyprus’ invitation; reiterates its call on the turkish government to halt its plans for the akkuyu nuclear power plant , which will be located in a region prone to severe earthquakes , therefore posing a major threat not only to turkey , but also to the mediterranean region; requests , accordingly , that the turkish government join the convention on environmental impact assessment in a transboundary context (espoo convention) , which commits its parties to notifying and consulting each other about major projects under consideration that are likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact across borders; asks the turkish government , to this end , to involve or at least consult the governments of its neighbouring countries in relation to any further developments in the akkuyu venture;


### 23. welcomes the decrease in tensions in the eastern mediterranean during the past year , but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; ### 23. welcomes the relative decrease in tensions in the eastern mediterranean during the past year , but remains concerned that the underlying issues remain unresolved; expresses solidarity with eu member states which have suffered from these tensions and urges turkey to refrain from any provocative statement or action towards eu member states;


### 23. welcomes the decrease in tensions in the eastern mediterranean during the past year , but remains fully aware that these positive dynamics could be reversed at any moment while the underlying issues remain unresolved; ### 23. notes that despite the initial indications towards a de-escalation in the eastern mediterranean during the past year tensions continued to remain high with member states , in particular greece and cyprus;


### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; ### 24. regrets the fact that the cyprus problem remains unresolved and stresses that a solution in line with the relevant unsc resolutions will have a positive impact on turkey’s relations with the eu; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , as set out in relevant un security council resolutions and in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded and the acquis;; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned the agreed un framework and its insistence to a two state solution in cyprus and that it continues to violate un security council resolutions , with unilateral , illegal and provocative actions including by the opening of the fenced off area of varosha; notes that eu funding to turkey will be subject to rules on conditionality , including for respecting the principles of the united nations charter , international law and european values and principles; praises the important work of the bi-communal committee on missing persons (cmp) and calls on the turkish authorities to advance their efforts to provide the cmp proprio motu and without delay with all information at their disposal relating to burial sites and any other places where remains might be found , including information in military archives;


### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; ### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; moreover , deplores that the greek cypriot community rejected the united nations proposal (also called annan plan) that meant the end to the conflict on the 24th april 2004 while it was positively agreed by the turkish cypriot community; therefore , the conflict keeps on; also deplores that the turkish cypriot community , being european citizens , have no representation in the european institutions;


### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; ### 24. deplores the fact that the conflict in cyprus remains unresolved , constituting a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement , including its external aspects , within the un framework , on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law , with all relevant unsc resolutions and in line with the principles on which the eu is founded and the acquis; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; the eu will continue to play an active role in supporting the process;


### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; ### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey’s government has abandoned this un framework by unilaterally opening up the town of varosha , in violation of unsc resolutions;


### 24. deplores the fact that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; reaffirms its view that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deeply regrets that turkey has abandoned this un framework; ### 24. recalls that the unresolved conflict in cyprus is a major obstacle to eu-turkey relations; strongly reaffirms that the only sustainable solution to the cyprus issue is that of a fair , comprehensive and viable settlement on the basis of a bi-communal , bi-zonal federation with a single international legal personality and political equality , in accordance with international law and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the union is founded; deplores that turkey has abandoned this un framework;


### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; ### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; concludes that turkey has drifted unbridgeably far away from meeting the copenhagen criteria , with no positive change foreseen on the short and/or midterm; calls therefore for the accession negotiations with turkey to be formally suspended; notes however , that an eu membership perspective for turkey will remain possible , as laid down in article 49 of the treaty on european union; calls instead for the creation of new momentum and structures to break the current deadlock and to move forward towards a closer , more dynamic and strategic , unique partnership that works beneficially for both parties by modernizing and enhancing the current association agreement as the main framework , based on specific benchmarks related to good neighbourly relations and respect for democratic principles , rule of law , human rights and fundamental freedoms;


### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society; nevertheless remains open to the possibility of both sides reviewing , in a realistic manner , the appropriateness of this framework and its ability to function , or , if necessary , exploring other possible models for future relations; ### 25. insists that democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should remain at the heart of eu-turkey relations under any framework; reaffirms its support for keeping the accession process and its value-based approach as the main framework for eu-turkey relations , as it is still the most powerful tool to exercise normative pressure and sustain the democratic and pro-european aspirations of turkish society;


### 26. notes that the current state of ‘conflictual cooperation’ in eu-turkey relations is prone to producing unsatisfactory results; calls for a rebalancing of the relationship by building on the solid grounds for cooperation driven by mutual interests , and also by building confidence to address the lack of trust; believes that an orderly dispute settlement mechanism may be beneficial in such an overall framework and calls on the commission to explore the creation of such a mechanism; ### 26. notes that the current state of ‘conflictual cooperation’ in eu-turkey relations is prone to producing unsatisfactory results; calls for a rebalancing of the relationship by building on the solid grounds for cooperation driven by mutual interests , and also by building confidence to address the lack of trust in accordance with obligations under the negotiating framework;


### 27. notes that the varying priorities of the eu institutions set out in the existing frameworks governing eu-turkey relations make it very difficult to find an effective way to move forward; deplores the lack of a long-term strategy , a coherent policy and consistent leadership towards turkey in the eu and among all its institutions; ### deleted


### 27. notes that the varying priorities of the eu institutions set out in the existing frameworks governing eu-turkey relations make it very difficult to find an effective way to move forward; deplores the lack of a long-term strategy , a coherent policy and consistent leadership towards turkey in the eu and among all its institutions; ### 27. notes that the varying priorities of the eu institutions set out in the existing frameworks governing eu-turkey relations make it very difficult to find an effective way to move forward; deplores the lack of a long-term strategy , a coherent policy and consistent leadership towards turkey in the eu and among all its institutions; calls on the eeas to intensify transatlantic dialogue and cooperation with the biden administration as regards to its relations with turkey;


### b. whereas the guidelines , adopted in 2004 and revised in 2008 , have gradually become the framework of reference for eu institutions , eu delegations , member states’ diplomatic missions and eu leaders to promote and ensure respect for the rights of hrds and to protect hrds at risk of attacks and threats from state and non-state actors; ### b. whereas the guidelines , adopted in 2004 and revised in 2008 , have gradually become the framework of reference for eu institutions , eu delegations , member states’ diplomatic missions and eu leaders to promote and ensure respect for the rights of hrds and to protect hrds at risk of attacks and threats from state and non-state actors; whereas the european parliament constantly calls for a proper and coordinated implementation of the eu guidelines;


### c. whereas consistent , coherent eu action to support and protect hrds can have a significant impact , such as when member states’ missions and eu delegations coordinate their action; ### c. whereas consistent , coherent eu action to support and protect hrds can have a significant impact , such as when member states’ missions and eu delegations coordinate their action , including by raising specific cases both bilaterally and in multilateral fora;


### f. whereas the eu , as a powerful economic actor , has the capacity to influence the situation of human rights and hrds worldwide by integrating a human rights-based approach into its trade and investment policies in a coherent manner; ### f. whereas the eu , as a powerful economic actor , has the capacity to influence the situation of human rights and hrds worldwide by integrating a human rights-based approach into its policies in a coherent manner;


### g. whereas the new eu global human rights sanctions regime allows the eu to target serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide; ### g. whereas the new eu global human rights sanctions regime (eu magnitsky act) allows the eu to target serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide;


### g. whereas the new eu global human rights sanctions regime allows the eu to target serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide; ### g. whereas the eu global human rights sanctions regime (eu magnitsky act) allows the eu to target serious human rights violations and abuses worldwide;


### i. whereas there has been a substantial increase in the number , range and severity of attacks on hrds and their families and lawyers in recent years; whereas the global analysis published by the ngo front line defenders reported that 358 hrds had been killed across 35 countries in 2021 alone , and since under-reporting is common , the actual figure is likely to be much higher; whereas 227 environmental defenders were killed in 2020 , with more than half of those killings occurring in only three countries , colombia , mexico and the philippines , according to the ngo global witness; whereas a large number of hrds are under threat and attack because they raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations , often in the context of large development projects that affect access to land and livelihoods; ### i. whereas there has been a substantial increase in the number , range and severity of attacks on hrds and their families and lawyers in recent years; whereas the global analysis published by the ngo front line defenders reported that 358 hrds had been killed across 35 countries in 2021 alone , and since under-reporting is common , the actual figure is likely to be much higher; whereas 227 environmental defenders were killed in 2020 , with more than half of those killings occurring in only three countries , colombia , mexico and the philippines , according to the ngo global witness; whereas a large number of hrds are under threat and attack because they raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations , often in the context of large development projects that affect access to land and livelihoods; whereas according to several sources land and environmental rights defenders are the most targeted hrd groups;


### 1. praises and thanks all human rights defenders for their courageous and crucial work for humanity and the planet; acknowledges that they have to do their work under increasingly difficult circumstances and often at a heavy cost for them , their families and their communities; ### 1. praises and thanks all human rights defenders for their courageous and crucial work in defence of human rights as well as for the planet; acknowledges that they have to do their work under increasingly difficult circumstances and often at a heavy cost for them , their families and their communities;


### 1. praises and thanks all human rights defenders for their courageous and crucial work for humanity and the planet; acknowledges that they have to do their work under increasingly difficult circumstances and often at a heavy cost for them , their families and their communities; ### 1. praises and thanks all human rights defenders for their courageous and crucial work for humanity and the planet; acknowledges that they have to do their work under increasingly difficult circumstances and often at a heavy personal cost for them , their families and their communities;


### 5. calls for the eu to put its ambitious rhetoric and hrd policy framework into practice through concrete and effective action , in particular in its relations with authoritarian regimes in places where the eu and the member states have substantial commercial , energy , security , migratory and other interests; ### 5. calls for the eu to further strengthen its hrd policy framework by continuously putting into practice concrete and effective action in third countries , in particular in its relations with authoritarian regimes in places where the eu and the member states have association , trade , investment or cooperation agreements , or substantial commercial , energy , security , migratory and other interests;


### 6. calls for the guidelines to be linked to the eu global human rights sanctions regime and for systematic attacks on hrds to lead to listing under this regime; ### 6. calls for the guidelines to be linked to the eu global human rights sanctions regime (eu magnitsky act) and for systematic attacks on hrds to lead to listing under this regime;


### 7. calls for the eu to implement a genuine team europe approach to hrds , encouraging those member states not yet active on hrd issues to develop a policy , joining forces on the diplomatic and funding fronts and bringing together a broad coalition of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders; ### 7. calls for the eu to implement a genuine team europe approach to hrds , encouraging those member states not yet active on hrd issues to develop a dedicated strategy and policy framework , joining forces on the diplomatic and funding fronts and bringing together a broad coalition of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders , while representing and pursuing the same approach in their bilateral relations as well;


### 8. believes that such an approach , through which all eu institutions – from the eeas to the commission , european financial institutions , parliament and the member states – would work together on implementing the guidelines , would prove effective in helping to counter the global backsliding of human rights and democracy; ### 8. believes that such an approach , through which all eu institutions , including the eu special representative for human rights would work together on implementing the guidelines , would prove effective in helping to counter the global backsliding of human rights and democracy; stresses the need to apply a gender specific implementation of the guidelines;


### 9. welcomes the efforts by many eu delegations and member states’ missions to give visibility and recognition to hrds , in particular by establishing local human rights working groups with staff from eu missions , proactively reaching out to and holding regular meetings with hrds , conducting systematic field visits to areas where hrds are at risk (such as in mexico and colombia) , developing rosters of diplomats for trial monitoring (for example in russia) , recognising outstanding contributions by hrds through annual awards (for example in uganda and honduras) , providing emergency support to hrds , challenging laws that criminalise hrds and supporting the development of hrd protection networks; highlights , as an example of best practice , the innovative #defendamoslavida initiative launched by the eu delegations and member states’ missions in colombia and , most recently , mexico; ### 9. welcomes the efforts by many eu delegations and member states’ missions to give visibility and recognition to hrds , in particular by establishing local human rights working groups with staff from eu missions , proactively reaching out to and holding regular meetings with hrds , conducting systematic field visits to areas where hrds are at risk developing rosters of diplomats for trial monitoring , recognising outstanding contributions by hrds through annual awards providing emergency support to hrds , challenging laws that criminalise hrds and supporting the development of hrd protection networks; highlights , as an example of best practice , the innovative #defendamoslavida initiative launched by the eu delegations and member states’ missions in colombia and , most recently , mexico;


### 10. regrets , however , the fact that , due to the voluntarist nature of the guidelines , the intensity and quality of eu delegations’ engagement with and on hrds vary considerably from country to country and are in practice largely dependent on the local political context or the individual dedication and political will of the specific eu ambassador or staff in question , or of the officials at the eeas and commission headquarters; calls for greater consistency and a strategic overall approach in this regard and for a firm personal commitment by the vp/hr to ensuring the consistent implementation of the guidelines across all delegations , particularly in the countries where hrds are most at risk; ### 10. regrets , however , the fact that , due to the voluntarist nature of the guidelines , the intensity and quality of eu delegations’ engagement with and on hrds vary considerably from country to country and are in practice largely dependent on the local political context or the individual dedication and political will of the specific eu ambassador or staff in question , or of the officials at the eeas and commission headquarters; calls for greater consistency and a strategic overall approach in this regard and for a firm commitment by the vp/hr office to ensuring the consistent implementation of the guidelines across all delegations , particularly in the countries where hrds are most at risk;


### 11. is encouraged by reports of improved coordination between eu delegations and member states in the area of hrd protection , particularly through the practice of burden sharing and joint public diplomacy; regrets the fact that only a few member states , such as ireland and finland , have adopted their own national hrd guidelines; calls on member states to step up their efforts to achieve broader and more consistent engagement on the protection of hrds; ### 11. is encouraged by reports of improved coordination between eu delegations and member states in the area of hrd protection , particularly through the practice of burden sharing and joint public diplomacy; regrets the fact that only a few member states have adopted their own national hrd guidelines; calls on member states to step up their efforts to achieve broader and more consistent engagement on the protection of hrds and to set up their own hrd guidelines , which are in line with those of the european union;


### 13. calls for more public engagement by the vp/hr and the eu special representative for human rights with regard to individual hrds; encourages the vp/hr and the commissioners to commit to systematically meeting with hrds during their visits abroad and to raise at the highest level the plight of hrds under attack , including through public statements when appropriate; ### 13. calls for more public engagement by the vp/hr and the eu special representative for the safeguarding of human rights , including with regard to individual hrds; encourages the vp/hr and the commissioners to commit to systematically meeting with hrds during their visits abroad and to raise at the highest level the plight of hrds under attack , including those persecuted , intimidated , detained , arbitrarily imprisoned or forced to flee their country , including through public statements when appropriate;


### 15. welcomes the eu’s substantial and steadily increasing financial contribution to supporting hrds worldwide , which makes it the lead donor in this regard , as well as its efforts to heighten flexibility and the development of various programmes to support human rights and hrds , including when hrds work in exile; emphasises the unique role of the civil society-run protectdefenders.eu mechanism in providing invaluable practical support for hrds at risk; ### 15. welcomes the eu’s substantial and steadily increasing financial contribution to supporting hrds worldwide , which makes it the lead donor in this regard , as well as its efforts to heighten flexibility and the development of various programmes to support human rights and hrds , including when hrds work in exile; emphasises the unique role of the civil society-run protectdefenders.eu mechanism in providing invaluable practical support for hrds at risk; welcomes the work of the european endowment for democracy and stresses upon importance for the eu and its member states to continue further strengthening its activities by using flexible financial support instruments to support the activities and needs of hrds;


### 15. welcomes the eu’s substantial and steadily increasing financial contribution to supporting hrds worldwide , which makes it the lead donor in this regard , as well as its efforts to heighten flexibility and the development of various programmes to support human rights and hrds , including when hrds work in exile; emphasises the unique role of the civil society-run protectdefenders.eu mechanism in providing invaluable practical support for hrds at risk; ### 15. welcomes the eu’s substantial and steadily increasing financial contribution to supporting hrds worldwide , which makes it the lead donor in this regard , as well as its efforts to heighten flexibility and the development of various programmes to support human rights and hrds , including when hrds work in exile; emphasises the unique role of the civil society-run protectdefenders.eu mechanism in providing invaluable practical support for hrds at risk; calls on the commission to put greater emphasis on communicating these efforts publicly in order to reinforce the european union’s image as the most prominent human rights defender entity in the world;


### 16. highlights the rise in attacks on hrds’ families , communities and lawyers worldwide; accordingly , reiterates the importance of using the commission’s emergency grants , protectdefenders.eu and the crisis facility to increase protection and support for these family members , bearing in mind the diverse family units that exist , and hrds’ lawyers; ### 16. condemns the rise in attacks on hrds’ families , communities and lawyers worldwide; stresses that these attacks also occur while in exile and are intended to inflict pain , fear , anguish , and a sense of vulnerability in order to humiliate and degrade the victims and break their physical and moral resistance accordingly , reiterates the importance of using the commission’s emergency grants , protectdefenders.eu and the crisis facility to increase protection and support for these family members , bearing in mind the diverse family units that exist , and hrds’ lawyers;


### 17. underlines the need to invest more in hrds’ overall long-term protection and psychosocial welfare , including by taking a more preventative approach in order to anticipate serious problems , such as assaults , in addition to implementing reactive measures focused on individuals; ### 17. underlines the need to invest more in hrds’ overall long-term protection and psychosocial welfare , including by taking a more preventative approach in order to anticipate serious problems , in addition to implementing reactive measures focused on individuals; highlights that in its overall approach , hrd protection must prioritise preventive measures to reactive ones;


### - the development of a strategy to work for the release of hrds in long-term detention; ### - the development of a strategy to work for the release of arbitrarily detained hrds or those in long-term detention;


### 20. welcomes the recent efforts by eu delegations and member states’ missions in some third countries to reach out to activists who do not match the traditional notion of hrds; encourages the eu to pursue a broad approach to hrds , particularly by engaging with and providing support for local and grassroots hrds and especially marginalised and vulnerable hrds , such as those operating in remote areas and women , all of whom are at greater risk of experiencing violence and restrictions; ### 20. welcomes the recent efforts by eu delegations and member states’ missions in some third countries to reach out to activists who do not match the traditional notion of hrds; encourages the eu to pursue a broad approach to hrds , particularly by engaging with and providing support for local and grassroots hrds and especially marginalised and vulnerable hrds , such as those operating in remote areas and vulnerable groups , including women , all of whom are at greater risk of experiencing violence and restrictions;


### 21. calls on the commission to prioritise women hrds’ access to protection mechanisms and resources , and provide increased funding to independent civil society organisations that promote the rights of women and girls; ### 21. calls on the commission to prioritise women hrds’ access to protection mechanisms and resources , and provide increased funding to civil society organisations that promote the rights of women and girls;


### 22. stresses that the eu should address climate activism as an integral human rights issue under its hrd policy and step up its action in support of those defending the environment , especially those environmental and indigenous peoples’ rights defenders who are most at risk; ### 22. stresses that the eu should address climate activism as an integral human rights issue under its hrd policy and step up its action in support of those defending the climate and the environment , especially those environmental and indigenous peoples’ rights defenders who are most at risk;


### 24. calls on the eeas , the commission and the member states to address the threats against and attacks on hrds by non-governmental actors , including criminal groups and local communities , as well as threats in conflict and transition settings; urges the eu to integrate violence against hrds into its crisis management policy and provide an effective protection response to hrds in need of relocation in crisis situations; ### 24. calls on the eeas , the commission and the member states to address the threats against and attacks on hrds by non-governmental actors , including criminal groups and hostile interest groups , as well as threats in conflict and transition settings; urges the eu to integrate violence against hrds into its crisis management policy and provide an effective protection response to hrds in need of relocation;


### 25. calls on the eeas , the commission and the member states to prioritise the fight against the misuse of surveillance technology to undermine the work of hrds , particularly through the development of robust national and international legislation and , in the immediate future , the adoption of a global moratorium on the sale and transfer of such technology; ### 25. calls on the eeas , the commission and the member states to prioritise the fight against the misuse of surveillance technology to undermine the work of hrds , particularly through the development of robust national and international legislation and , in the immediate future , the adoption of a global moratorium on the sale and transfer of such technology to countries with a poor human rights track record;


### 26. believes that , in the light of the large and growing number of threats and attacks faced by hrds who raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations , the eu should coherently integrate the promotion and protection of the rights of hrds , particularly trade union representatives and defenders of land , indigenous peoples’ rights and the environment , into its trade agreements and instruments , such as the generalised scheme of preferences; ### 26. believes that , in the light of the large and growing number of threats and attacks faced by hrds who raise concerns about the adverse human rights impacts of business operations , the eu should coherently integrate the promotion and protection of the rights of hrds , particularly trade union representatives and defenders of land , indigenous peoples’ rights and the environment , into its trade agreements and instruments , such as the generalised scheme of preferences and to ensure efficient monitoring mechanism;


### 27. calls for the eu to align its hrd strategies with the un guiding principles on business and human rights; underlines that eu delegations and member states should prioritise engaging with the business community , and particularly european companies abroad , in order to protect hrds working on land , extraction and manufacturing concerns and monitor their operations , especially in situations involving a risk or reports of human rights violations relating to their activities; ### 27. calls for the eu to align its hrd strategies with the un guiding principles on business and human rights; underlines that eu delegations and member states should focus on engaging with the business community , and particularly european companies abroad , in order to protect hrds working on land , extraction and manufacturing concerns and monitor their operations , especially in situations involving a risk or reports of human rights violations relating to their activities concerning the entire value chain of a company’s commercial activity;


### 29. highlights the increasing phenomenon of transnational threats against hrds by their national authorities or proxies , including in member states; calls on the commission and the member states to identify and tackle these threats within the eu as a priority and as an integral aspect of the guidelines; urges the commission and the member states to provide foreign hrds residing in the eu with adequate financial and other means to enable them to continue their human rights work remotely; ### 29. highlights the increasing phenomenon of transnational threats against hrds by their national authorities or proxies , including in member states; calls on the commission and the member states to identify and tackle these threats within the eu as a priority and as an integral aspect of the guidelines; urges the commission and the member states to provide foreign hrds residing in the eu with adequate financial and other means to enable them to continue their human rights work remotely and without fearing retaliation;


### 30. notes the improvement of eu support for relocating hrds at risk and the adoption of best practice in some member states , such as ireland and spain , but deplores the fact that many hrds and their families continue to see their urgent relocation or visa requests denied; ### 30. notes the improvement of eu support for relocating hrds at risk and the adoption of best practice in some member states , but deplores the fact that many hrds and their families continue to see their urgent relocation or visa requests denied;


### 37. stresses that , as an integral member of team europe , parliament should be fully integrated into the eu policy on hrds , including through regular dialogue , when needed in a confidential setting , on key issues and policy developments in relation to the guidelines , as well as through the commission and member states acting swiftly on its requests to initiate targeted sanctions for severe repression against hrds; suggests that the concerns and recommendations expressed in its urgency resolutions be included in local strategies; ### 37. stresses that , as an integral member of team europe , parliament should be fully integrated into the eu policy on hrds , including through regular dialogue , when needed in a confidential setting , on key issues and policy developments in relation to the guidelines , as well as through the commission and member states acting swiftly on its requests to initiate targeted sanctions for severe repression against hrds; suggests that the concerns and recommendations expressed in its urgency resolutions be included in local strategies; calls on eu delegations to pay special attention to sakharov prize laureates;


### - systematic efforts by its missions to meet with jailed hrds and their immediate family members , or to carry out trial observation , when deemed helpful for hrds and their family members; ### - systematic efforts by its missions to meet with arbitrarily jailed hrds and their immediate family members , or to carry out trial observation , when deemed helpful for hrds and their family members;


### 40. resolves to ensure that its key resolutions on human rights , in particular urgency resolutions , are translated into the local languages of the countries concerned and published and distributed accordingly; ### 40. resolves to ensure that its key resolutions on human rights , in particular urgency resolutions , are translated into the local languages of the countries concerned and published and distributed accordingly; calls for adequate follow-up of ep resolutions;


### 42. regrets the lack of an in-depth , specific analysis by the eeas and the commission of the implementation of the guidelines since 2008; calls for a comprehensive assessment of eu action on hrds in the framework of the mid-term review of the implementation of the action plan on human rights and democracy 2020-2024 , scheduled for june 2023; ### 42. regrets the lack of an in-depth , specific analysis by the eeas and the commission of the implementation of the guidelines since 2008; calls for a comprehensive assessment of eu action on hrds in the framework of the mid-term review of the implementation of the action plan on human rights and democracy 2020-2024 , scheduled for june 2023; calls on the eeas and the commission to , if necessary , expand their respective units with more officials working on hrd protection issues;


### — having regard to the association agreement between the european union and the european atomic energy community and their member states , of the one part , and the republic of moldova , of the other part (aa) , which includes a deep and comprehensive free trade area (dcfta) and fully entered into force on 1 july 2016 , ### — having regard to the association agreement between the european union and the european atomic energy community and their member states , of the one part , and the republic of moldova (hereinafter referred to as moldova) , of the other part (aa) , which includes a deep and comprehensive free trade area (dcfta) and fully entered into force on 1 july 2016 ,


### 2. calls on the commission to increase its engagement with its moldovan counterparts and to maximise its political , technical and financial support to the republic of moldova during this crucial time in order to give further impetus to progress and to ensure adequate absorption capacity for eu assistance; ### 2. calls on the commission to increase its engagement with its moldovan counterparts and to maximise its political , technical and financial support to the republic of moldova during this crucial time in order to give further impetus to progress and to ensure adequate absorption capacity for eu assistance; points out , in this respect , that the european union should be more strategic in its support and calls for the establishment , at the level of the commission , of a support group for the republic of moldova on the model of the one already established for ukraine; underlines that such a group could play a pivotal role in advancing reforms in the key areas of justice and the fight against corruption , to stimulate long-term socio-economic development and recovery , for the benefit of the people of moldova;


### 2. calls on the commission to increase its engagement with its moldovan counterparts and to maximise its political , technical and financial support to the republic of moldova during this crucial time in order to give further impetus to progress and to ensure adequate absorption capacity for eu assistance; ### 2. welcomes the intensified high-level political dialogue with the moldovan authorities and calls on the commission and the european external action service to further increase its engagement with its moldovan counterparts and to maximise its political , technical and financial support to the republic of moldova during this crucial time in order to give further impetus to progress and to ensure adequate absorption capacity for eu assistance;


### a. whereas the broader middle east region referred to in this report encompasses the area between the mediterranean sea and the persian gulf; whereas this region is strategic for the european union given its geographical position and common ties; whereas the stability and security of europe and the broader middle east region are interdependent , and whereas the situation in the region is currently characterised by ongoing conflicts with a strong regional dimension; ### a. whereas the broader middle east region referred to in this report encompasses the area between the mediterranean sea and the persian gulf; whereas this region is strategic for the european union given its geographical position and common ties; whereas the stability and security of europe and the broader middle east region are interdependent , and whereas the situation in the region is characterised by ongoing conflicts with a strong regional dimension;


### 2. notes that all 33 screened chapters have been opened , but regrets that none have been closed since 2017; encourages montenegro to specifically focus on meeting the interim benchmarks in chapters 23 and 24 and thereafter on closing chapters; ### 2. notes that all 33 screened chapters have been opened , but regrets that none have been closed since 2017; encourages montenegro to continue to specifically focus on meeting the interim benchmarks in chapters 23 and 24 and thereafter on closing chapters;


### 5. notes the protests against possible minority government organised by the democratic front and strongly condemns the support expressed for the russian federation on the day of the start of russian aggression against ukraine; recalls russia’s persistent interest in destabilising the country; ### 5. notes the protests against possible minority government organised by the democratic front and strongly condemns the support expressed for the russian federation , by a rather small group of people , on the day of the start of russian aggression against ukraine; recalls russia’s persistent interest in destabilising the country; welcomes montenegro's adoption of its own temporary protection mechanism for persons fleeing ukraine , granting them the right to stay in the country for the duration of one year;


### 6. regrets that key positions in negotiating structures have remained vacant for a long time; urges the authorities to re-establish a fully functional negotiating structure as soon as possible; ### 6. regrets that key positions in negotiating structures have remained vacant for a long time; urges the authorities to re-establish a fully functional negotiating structure as soon as possible; welcomes the efforts in consolidating and upgrading the negotiating structure in 2021 and calls on all political forces to maintain the accession process as a national political priority;


### 7. welcomes montenegro’s continued and full alignment with eu common foreign and security policy , including its announcement of support for the latest eu sanctions against russia , and its active participation in eu common security and defence policy missions and operations; ### 7. welcomes montenegro’s continued and full alignment with eu common foreign and security policy , including its full support for the latest eu sanctions against russia , and its active participation in eu common security and defence policy missions and operations;


### 8. encourages montenegro to make best use of the eu funds available under the pre-accession instrument (ipa iii) and the economic and investment plan for the western balkans; ### 8. encourages montenegro to make best use of the eu funds available under the pre-accession instrument (ipa iii) and the economic and investment plan for the western balkans , in order to strengthen institution-building and foster economic and democratic development , especially in the areas of rule of law , fundamental freedoms and wellbeing of its citizens;


### 9. is deeply concerned by the continuing political tensions between and within the executive and legislative powers , and by the boycott of the parliament , which continues to slow down the reform process; ### 9. is deeply concerned by the continuing political tensions between and within the executive and legislative powers , and by the boycott of the parliament , which continues to slow down the reform process; calls on all parties to engage in constructive political dialogue aimed at overcoming the current political crisis;


### 11. reiterates its strong recommendation that montenegro should hold local elections simultaneously across the country; ### 11. reiterates its strong recommendation that montenegro should hold local elections simultaneously across the country; notes in this regard that on 4 february 2022 the parliament of montenegro adopted the law amending the law on local self government , which foresees that local elections in 14 municipalities are to be held on the same date;


### 16. notes the limited progress on freedom of expression; encourages montenegro to step up its efforts to fight disinformation , hate speech , online harassment , politically-biased reporting and foreign influence in the montenegrin media; ### 16. notes the limited progress on freedom of expression; encourages montenegro to step up its efforts to fight disinformation , hate speech , online harassment , politically-biased reporting and foreign influence in the montenegrin media , in close cooperation with the relevant eu and nato institutions;


### 18. strongly condemns attacks and harassment of journalists and calls for them to be investigated , sanctioned and for there to be effective judicial follow-up; welcomes the proposal to introduce tougher penalties for threats to or attacks on journalists; ### 18. strongly condemns attacks and harassment of journalists and calls for them to be investigated , sanctioned and for there to be effective judicial follow-up; welcomes the introduction of tougher penalties for threats to or attacks on journalists and calls on all political parties to enhance their efforts in creating the conditions for the work of independent and free media;


### 20. condemns all violent acts during the demonstrations in cetinje linked to the inauguration of the head of the serbian orthodox church; condemns serbian interference in this regard; ### 20. condemns all violent acts during the demonstrations in cetinje linked to the inauguration of the metropolitanate of montenegro and the littoral of the serbian orthodox church; condemns serbian interference in this regard; calls for religious tolerance in line with the montenegrin constitution and european values and principles;


### 23. welcomes progress on the protection and promotion of lgbtiq rights and the first same-sex marriage in july 2021; ### 23. welcomes progress on the protection and promotion of lgbtiq rights and the first same-sex registered partnership in july 2021; calls on the government to continue making the appropriate amendments to other laws and bylaws required for the full implementation of the law on registered partnership , which continue to pose problems for some partners’ access to it; underlines that the promotion of lgbtiq rights is a responsibility of the ministry of justice , human and minority rights , and is therefore concerned that neither the national lgbti strategy nor lgbti rights are referenced in the description of its directorates work programmes;


### 24. regrets that persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination; notes that the reform of the national disability determination system is under way; ### 24. regrets that persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination; welcomes that the reform of the national disability determination system is under way;


### 26. notes montenegro’s continued cooperation under the sarajevo declaration process; welcomes the adoption of the resolution on srebrenica of 17 june 2021; welcomes the joint commemoration of morinj camp victims; notes that since 2006 just eight war crime trials have been held and only low-level perpetrators have been tried; underlines there should be no tolerance for genocide denial , inflammatory rhetoric or the glorification of war criminals; ### 26. notes montenegro’s continued cooperation under the sarajevo declaration process; welcomes the adoption of the resolution on srebrenica of 17 june 2021; welcomes the first ever attendance by the foreign minister of montenegro at the joint commemoration of morinj camp victims; notes that since 2006 just eight war crime trials have been held and only low-level perpetrators have been tried; underlines there should be no tolerance for genocide denial , inflammatory rhetoric or the glorification of war criminals;


### 27. calls on the montenegrin authorities to take concrete steps to build resilience and cybersecurity as it faces increasing pressure from third country interference; ### 27. calls on the montenegrin authorities to take concrete steps to build resilience and cybersecurity as it faces increasing pressure from third country interference , in close cooperation with the relevant eu and nato institutions;


### 28. expresses its concern about the persistently high unemployment rate; reiterates the need for better alignment of the education system with the job market; ### 28. notes the recovery of the labour market in 2021 , as a result of high economic growth; expresses its concern , however , about the persistently high unemployment rate; reiterates the need for better alignment of the education system with the job market and welcomes in this regard the steps made towards the introduction of the youth guarantee programme;


### 29. welcomes the announcement of the ‘europe now’ initiative and calls on the authorities to make the best use of available eu pre-accession assistance in this regard; ### 29. welcomes the announcement of the ‘europe now’ initiative , which aims to achieve higher living standards and a more competitive economy through a more sustainable and inclusive economic growth model; calls on the authorities to make the best use of available eu pre-accession assistance in this regard;


### 35. welcomes the adoption of a national climate change adaptation plan and encourages montenegro to speed up reforms in line with the eu’s 2020 climate and energy policy framework; ### 35. welcomes the adoption of a national climate change adaptation plan; encourages montenegro to speed up reforms in line with the eu’s 2020 climate and energy policy framework and calls on the authorities to make the best use of available eu pre-accession assistance in this regard;


### 36. reiterates its call on montenegro to take urgent measures to preserve protected areas , and to continue identifying potential natura 2000 sites; ### 36. welcomes the proclamation of three protected areas and reiterates its call on montenegro to continue identifying potential natura 2000 sites;


### 38. calls on montenegro to address illegal waste disposal; ### 38. notes the progress made in addressing illegal waste disposal and calls on montenegro to take further steps in this regard;


### b. whereas in order to achieve the strategic objective of developing its global leadership role , the eu must continue to take the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities , in particular its partnership with the un , and its comprehensive and open cooperation with nato and other like-minded countries , and in protecting and promoting democracy and human rights globally; ### b. whereas in order to achieve the strategic objective of developing its global leadership role , the eu must continue to take the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global priorities , in particular its partnership with the un , and an improved , more comprehensive and open cooperation with nato and other like-minded countries , and in protecting and promoting democracy and human rights globally;


### c. whereas the time is ripe to reform eu decision-making , making full and more effective use of the eu’s hard and soft power instruments , including by introducing qualified majority voting for decision-making in certain eu foreign policy areas such as human rights and the protection of international law , while also ensuring that the eu’s external and internal actions are coherently interlinked; ### c. whereas the time is ripe to reform eu decision-making , making full and more effective use of the eu’s hard and soft power instruments , including by introducing qualified majority voting for decision-making in certain eu foreign policy areas such as human rights and the protection of international law , and with the exception of decisions creating military missions or operations with an executive mandate under the csdp , for which unanimity must still be required , while also ensuring that the eu’s external and internal actions are coherently interlinked;


### d. whereas the role of the eeas is at the heart of implementing the necessary reforms of the eu’s foreign , security and defence policies; ### d. whereas the role of the eeas is at the heart of implementing the necessary reforms of the eu’s foreign , security and defence policies and must show the way to a more comprehensive approach including dgs of the commission such as dg intpa , dg near among others;


### f. whereas parliament’s determination and resolve to protect and defend the union and the values and principles for which it stands , including the principle of territorial integrity , national sovereignty and the rules-based international order , must be matched by adequate decision-making and institutional structures for external actions; ### f. whereas parliament’s determination and resolve to protect and defend the union and the values and principles for which it stands , including the principle of territorial integrity , national sovereignty and the rules-based international order , must be matched by adequate decision-making and institutional structures for external actions , and interinstitutional dialogue and cooperation;


### g. whereas the structure of the eeas should be reformed , using the pragmatic space created by the recent crises and whereas these reforms should clarify some of the unclear boundaries between the eeas , the commission , the council and the structures of the member states; ### g. whereas the management of the eu external action should be reformed , using the pragmatic space created by the recent crises and whereas these reforms should clarify the division of labour between the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy and vice-president of the european commission and the other commissioners responsible for external relations , as well as between the eeas and the commission , in a way which adequately reflects the specific role granted to the high representative in relation to eu's external action;


### — having regard to the reports of the european commission against racism and intolerance (ecri) of the council of europe , ### — having regard to the reports of the european commission against racism and intolerance (ecri) of the council of europe , notably the 2016 country monitoring report on armenia1a and its adopted 2019 conclusions on the adoption of the recommendations ,1b


### d. whereas kosovo has not been granted visa liberalisation , although all benchmarks have been fulfilled since 2018; ### d. whereas kosovo has not been granted visa liberalisation;


### 1. welcomes kosovo’s commitment to advance on eu-related reforms and the overwhelming public support for european integration; ### 1. welcomes kosovo’s commitment to advance on eu-related reforms and the overwhelming consensus among political parties and public support for european integration;


### 2. welcomes the adoption of the action plan of the european reform agenda ii and the national programme for the implementation of the stabilisation and association agreement; underlines the need to strengthen the administrative capacities and to put in place a coherent coordination structure within the kosovo institutions for their effective implementation; ### 2. welcomes the increased political stability and strong commitment of the government to further advance on its european path as demonstrated by the adoption of the action plan of the european reform agenda ii and the national programme for the implementation of the stabilisation and association agreement 2022-2026; underlines the need to strengthen the administrative capacities and to put in place a coherent coordination structure within the kosovo institutions for their effective implementation;


### 4. calls on kosovo to address the long-standing deficiencies in the electoral process; deplores the fact that many of the recommendations issued by previous eu election observation missions since 2013 remain unaddressed; ### 4. welcomes the approval by the assembly for the establishment of the ad-hoc commission for electoral reform on 13 april 2021 by the assembly; calls on kosovo to address the long-standing deficiencies in the electoral process; deplores the fact that many of the recommendations issued by previous eu election observation missions since 2013 remain unaddressed;


### 5. reiterates its call on the council to proceed urgently with the adoption of a visa-free regime for the citizens of kosovo; ### deleted


### 7. notes also kosovo’s intention to apply for membership of the european union in 2022 , but stresses that there is no fast-track procedure and that the normalisation of relations with serbia is necessary for kosovo to advance on its european path; ### 7. notes also kosovo’s intention to apply for membership of the european union in 2022 and aim for candidate status , but stresses that there is no fast-track procedure and that the progress in normalisation of relations with serbia is necessary for kosovo to advance on its european path;


### 9. welcomes the adoption of the resolution of the assembly of kosovo strongly condemning the military aggression and the invasion of ukraine by the russian federation , and commends kosovo for its alignment with the eu by adopting sanctions against russia; ### 9. welcomes the adoption of the resolution of the assembly of kosovo strongly condemning the military aggression and the invasion of ukraine by the russian federation , and commends kosovo for its alignment with the eu by adopting sanctions against russia and adopting measures to support refugees;


### a. whereas european integration represents the aspirations of citizens of north macedonia towards democracy and prosperity and serves as a powerful catalyst for reforms; ### a. whereas european integration represents the aspirations of citizens of north macedonia towards democracy and prosperity and serves as a powerful catalyst for reforms; whereas the prospect of north macedonia’s merit-based membership is in the union’s own political , security and economic interests;


### b. whereas north macedonia is a trustworthy partner , having continued to make consistent efforts on its path towards membership of the eu and towards meeting and sustaining the conditions required for the opening of accession negotiations; ### b. whereas north macedonia is a trustworthy partner , having continued to make consistent progress on its path towards membership of the eu and towards meeting and sustaining the conditions required for the opening of accession negotiations;


### d. whereas north macedonia should press forward with reforms; ### d. whereas north macedonia has maintained a steady and determined pace in advancing eu reforms , with a focus on the fundamentals , the country should continue to keep up the reform momentum;


### e. whereas the eu remains fully committed to supporting north macedonia’s strategic choice of european integration; ### e. whereas the eu remains fully committed to supporting north macedonia’s strategic choice of european integration , based on the rule of law and good neighbourly relations , and continues being by far the biggest trade and investment partner and the largest provider of financial assistance to the country;


### 1. reiterates its clear support for north macedonia’s democratic transformation , underpinned by its strategic orientation and unwavering commitment to european integration; ### 1. reiterates its clear support for north macedonia’s democratic transformation , underpinned by its strategic orientation and unwavering commitment to european integration along , with good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation;


### 2. recalls the need to uphold the pace and credibility of european integration by promptly opening accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia , given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered sustained results across fundamental areas; ### 2. recalls the need to accelerate the pace and strengthen the credibility of european integration by officially starting accession negotiations with albania and north macedonia as soon as possible , given that both countries have fulfilled the necessary conditions and delivered sustained results , including across the areas of the fundamentals;


### 3. commends north macedonia on its steady progress on the path towards eu membership , its commitment to multiculturalism and inter-ethnic harmony , and its continued positive bilateral engagement; ### 3. commends north macedonia on its steady progress on the path towards eu membership , its commitment to multiculturalism and inter-ethnic harmony , and its continued engagement to resolve bilateral issues; welcomes the strategic approach towards the eu-related reforms under the “europe at home” agenda and the national plan for adoption of the acquis;


### 4. urges north macedonia to sustain and intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence , counter corruption , reform its public administration and consolidate media freedom; ### 4. underscores that the pace of the eu accession is determined by the progress on the due functioning of democratic institutions , grounded in the rule of law , good governance and fundamental rights; urges north macedonia to sustain and intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence , counter corruption , reform its public administration and consolidate media freedom;


### 7. reaffirms the need to maintain constructive engagement with and a broad cross-party consensus on eu-related reforms , by strengthening the capacities of the assembly of north macedonia (sobranie); urges lawmakers to swiftly implement the commitments made under the jean monnet dialogue process; ### 7. reaffirms the need to maintain constructive engagement with and a broad consensus on eu-related reforms; underlines the need to further strengthen the legislative , oversight and budgetary capacities of the assembly of north macedonia (sobranie); urges lawmakers to swiftly implement the commitments to revise its rules of procedure , made under the jean monnet dialogue process;


### 9. stresses the need to finalise the electoral reform in a timely fashion; ### 9. stresses the need to finalise the electoral reform in line with the outstanding osce/odihr recommendations;


### 11. calls for the continued modernisation of a merit-based public administration , streamlined intra-service coordination and improved local governance; ### 11. calls for the continued reform towards a merit-based public administration , with improved lines of accountability , streamlined intra-service coordination on the eu integration and related reforms and improved local governance; acknowledges steps taken to enhance efficiency and quality of services and eliminate corruption through digitalisation;


### 12. welcomes the implementation of the 2021 population census; ### 12. welcomes the implementation of the 2021 population census , which should lead to an improved evidence-based decision-making and expects the publication of its results soon;


### 18. welcomes the proposed amendments to the penal code and calls for the implementation of measures that increase the safety of media professionals and tackle attempts to intimidate them; ### 18. calls for the implementation of measures that increase the safety of media professionals and tackle attempts to intimidate them; notes the need to improve working conditions of journalists in order to ensure quality journalism;


### 19. recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism , fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech , disinformation and foreign interference campaigns; ### 19. recalls the need to strengthen investigative journalism , fact-checking and media literacy as means to tackle hate speech , disinformation and foreign interference campaigns; stresses the importance to enforce a zero-tolerance approach regarding intimidation , threats and acts of violence against journalists;


### 20. commends the government’s efforts to improve engagement with civil society and calls for a framework to ensure the financial sustainability of civil society organisations; ### 20. commends the government’s efforts to improve engagement with civil society and calls for a framework to ensure the financial sustainability of civil society organisations; strongly welcomes in this optic the creation of the inter-party parliamentary group for improvement of the rights of lgbti people , which constitutes a positive synergy between civil society and institutions;


### 21. notes the improvements in ensuring women’s rights and gender-responsive policies; welcomes the adoption of the law aimed at preventing violence against women and domestic violence and encourages the alignment of the penal code with the istanbul convention; ### 21. notes the improvements in ensuring women’s rights and gender-responsive policies; welcomes the adoption of the law aimed at preventing violence against women and domestic violence and encourages the country to enhance the implementation of the national action plan for the implementation of the istanbul convention’s provisions; acknowledges the amendments to the law on the rights of the child and the completion of deinstitutionalisation;


### 22. encourages ongoing steps to build trust in inter-community relations and the functioning of a multi-ethnic society , while recalling the importance of upholding the rights of non-majority communities and tackling all instances of discrimination; ### 22. encourages ongoing steps to building further trust among communities and the functioning of a multi-ethnic society and democracy , while recalling the importance of upholding the rights of all communities and tackling all instances of discrimination; encourages the government to ensure equal constitutional protection of rights of all ethnic communities’ through appropriate constitutional and legislative amendments;


### 24. urges the relevant bodies to proactively prevent and systematically prosecute all instances of hate speech , hate crimes and intimidation , to thoroughly investigate related attacks and to ensure the safety and security of their targets , such as journalists , people belonging to minorities and other vulnerable groups; ### 24. urges the relevant bodies to proactively prevent and systematically prosecute all instances of hate speech , hate crimes and intimidation , to thoroughly investigate related attacks and to ensure the safety and security of their targets , such as journalists , people belonging to minorities and other vulnerable groups; calls for the government and the judiciary to improve institutional capacity in this area and ensure increasing hate speech is addressed in accordance with international standards;


### 26. calls for the eu to boost its support for humanitarian assistance and border protection in the region; reiterates its calls for north macedonia to improve migration management and reception conditions; ### 26. calls on the eu to boost its support for humanitarian assistance and border protection in the region , to be conducted in full respect of the fundamental rights and welcomes international cooperation to fight people smuggling; reiterates its calls on the country to put in place a proper migration management and registration system and to improve reception conditions;


### 27. underlines the need to push forward the rule of law reform; ### 27. while acknowledging the progress made , underlines the need to push forward the rule of law reform as a backbone of a democratic transformation , ensuring legal certainty , transparency , access to justice and non-discrimination;


### 29. recalls that the updates to the penal code should cover , inter alia , the provisions on economic crime and disinformation; ### 29. recalls that the updates to the penal code should cover , inter alia , the provisions on violence against women , the economic crime , money laundering , corruption , asset confiscation and dissemination of disinformation , step up fighting organised crime , including illegal timber cutting;


### 30. emphasises the need to advance the judicial reform , the independence of the judiciary and the functioning of bodies that ensure its self-governance; ### 30. emphasises the need to advance the judicial reform , , strengthening institutional independence , funding , quality , coordination and transparency of the judiciary and the functioning of bodies that ensure its self-governance; urges political forces to swiftly agree on appointing constitutional court judges to ensure its functionality;


### 31. welcomes the considerable progress made and supports the measures enforced in countering corruption and organised crime; calls on the member states to enhance cross-border judicial cooperation with the western balkan countries in criminal matters; ### 31. welcomes the considerable progress made and supports the measures enforced in countering corruption and organised crime under the ‘action21’ anti-corruption plan , including thought proactive investigations by the specialised commission (scpc) and prosecutor (occpo) , prioritising convictions and confiscations of criminal assets in high-level cases; calls on the member states to enhance cross-border judicial cooperation with the western balkan countries in criminal matters;


### 32. encourages the finalisation of the security and intelligence sector reform; calls for the whistle-blower protection mechanism to be updated and the lobbying law to be implemented effectively; ### 32. encourages the finalisation of the security and intelligence sector reform measures , ensuring its independence and a meaningful oversight; calls for the whistle-blower protection mechanism , improving implementation of the eu directive and the council of europe recommendation on whistle-blowers and an effective implementation of the newly-amended lobbying law;


### 36. welcomes the sustained progress made so far , which should lead to systemic improvements in tackling the trafficking of humans , drugs , firearms and goods , along with cybercrime and surveillance , violent crime , extremism and terrorist threats; urges north macedonia to strengthen its resilience to hybrid threats and fake news; ### 36. welcomes the sustained progress made so far , which should lead to systemic improvements in tackling the trafficking of humans , drugs , firearms and goods , along with cybercrime and surveillance , violent crime , extremism and terrorist threats; urges north macedonia to strengthen its resilience to hybrid threats , disinformation and fake news; commends the ongoing bilateral and international co-operation on dismantling transnational crime networks , including with international and the eu justice and home affairs agencies , covering the intensified action against the trafficking of humans , drugs and illegal weapons; deplores cyber-attacks conducted against the country's institutions;


### 37. recommends that north macedonia continue to pursue steps to improve the business climate and infrastructure , combat tax evasion , modernise education , broaden social security coverage and advance the digital transformation; ### 37. recommends that north macedonia continue to pursue steps to improve the business climate and infrastructure under the growth acceleration financing plan , combat tax evasion , modernise education , broaden social security coverage and advance the digital transformation , reform the energy and transport markets , in addition to short-term measures mitigating the impacts of pandemics and rising energy and food prices;


### 38. encourages the authorities to improve access to social and healthcare services; ### 38. encourages the authorities to reduce the risk of poverty and social exclusion by improving the access to social and healthcare services , especially to disadvantaged populations;


### 39. encourages north macedonia to continue harnessing the potential offered by digitalisation; underlines the need to step up eu support for the rule of law , sustainable green growth , biodiversity , innovation , competitiveness , property rights and the reversal of the brain drain; underlines the need to boost investment in youth empowerment; ### 39. encourages north macedonia to continue harnessing the potential offered by digitalisation for modernising administrative , electoral , judicial , social , health , fiscal and economic processes , increasing transparency and accountability and tackling corruption and informal economy; underlines the need to step up eu support for the rule of law , sustainable green growth , biodiversity , innovation , competitiveness , property rights and the reversal of the brain drain and demographic decline; underlines the need to boost investment in youth empowerment and inclusion , along with measures to reduce high levels of youth unemployment;