### 13. expresses concern over the fundamental rights situation , and calls for more effective and comprehensive countrywide human rights and anti-discrimination strategies , as well as measures against interfaith and interethnic intolerance; stresses the need to duly prevent and prosecute the proliferation of hate speech , hate crimes and violence , and to promote social inclusion of minorities and vulnerable populations , including the roma; ### 13. expresses concern over the fundamental rights situation , specifically , the persisting discrimination and hate speech faced by the lgbtiq+ community , migrants and asylum seekers , as well as ethnic and religious minorities , and calls for more effective and comprehensive countrywide human rights and anti-discrimination strategies , including an action plan on child protection , an action plan on lgbtiq+ people and measures against interfaith and interethnic intolerance; stresses the need to duly prevent and prosecute the proliferation of hate speech , hate crimes and violence targeting minorities , lgbtiq+ persons and women , and to promote social inclusion of minorities and vulnerable populations , including the roma , in line with the 2019 poznan declaration on roma integration within the eu enlargement process , persons with disabilities , lgbtiq+ persons , migrants and asylum seekers , as well as displaced persons and refugees;


### 13. expresses concern over the fundamental rights situation , and calls for more effective and comprehensive countrywide human rights and anti-discrimination strategies , as well as measures against interfaith and interethnic intolerance; stresses the need to duly prevent and prosecute the proliferation of hate speech , hate crimes and violence , and to promote social inclusion of minorities and vulnerable populations , including the roma; ### 13. expresses concern over the fundamental rights situation , specifically the persisting discrimination and hate speech faced by the lgbti community , migrants and asylum seekers , as well as ethnic and religious minorities , and calls for more effective and comprehensive countrywide human rights and anti-discrimination strategies , as well as measures against interfaith and interethnic intolerance; stresses the need to duly prevent and prosecute the proliferation of hate speech , hate crimes and violence , and to promote social inclusion of minorities and vulnerable populations , including the roma;


### 14. commends the decision of the constitutional court of 4 october 2019 to repeal article 11 of the constitution of the republika srpska entity , thus abolishing capital punishment across bih; ### 14. commends the decision of the constitutional court of 4 october 2019 to repeal article 11 of the constitution of the republika srpska entity , thus abolishing capital punishment across bih; regrets that the republika srpska entity parliament did not amend the constitution on this matter prior to the court decision;


### 15. regrets bih’s continued inability to comply with anti-discrimination rulings of the european court of human rights (ecthr); notes the continuing shortcomings in the election process , and reiterates the need to address discriminatory ethnicity and residency-based restrictions on the right to stand for election through the required constitutional changes; ### 15. regrets bih’s continued inability to comply with anti-discrimination rulings of the european court of human rights (ecthr); notes the continuing shortcomings in the election process , and reiterates the need to address discriminatory ethnicity and residency-based restrictions on the right to stand for election through the required constitutional changes; regrets the inability to ensure that elections are conducted in line with european standards by implementing osce/odihr and relevant venice commission recommendations , as well as to ensure transparency of political party financing;


### 15. regrets bih’s continued inability to comply with anti-discrimination rulings of the european court of human rights (ecthr); notes the continuing shortcomings in the election process , and reiterates the need to address discriminatory ethnicity and residency-based restrictions on the right to stand for election through the required constitutional changes; ### 15. regrets bih’s continued inability to comply with anti-discrimination rulings of the european court of human rights (ecthr); maintains that implementing these rulings would help to establish a functioning democratic society in which the equal rights of the constitutive peoples and all citizens of bih would be guaranteed; notes the continuing shortcomings in the election process , and reiterates the need to address discriminatory ethnicity and residency-based restrictions on the right to stand for election through the required constitutional changes;


### 16. calls for thorough investigations into alleged electoral irregularities , including identity theft , barriers to independent electoral observation and political pressure on the bih central election commission (cec) , during of the 2020 municipal elections; ### 16. calls for thorough investigations into alleged electoral irregularities , including identity theft , barriers to independent electoral observation and political pressure on voters and the bih central election commission (cec) itself and other irregularities , during of the 2020 municipal elections;


### 17. regrets continued political and financial pressure and instrumentalisation of the media , undermining freedom of expression and media pluralism; expresses its concern at the hostile environment for independent media , and urges the authorities to effectively investigate and prosecute threats and attacks against journalists and media personnel; ### 17. regrets continued political and financial pressure and instrumentalisation of the media , which has especially deteriorated during the covid-19 pandemic , thus undermining freedom of expression and media pluralism , especially due to the lack of financial sustainability of the public broadcasting system; expresses its concern at the hostile environment for independent media , and urges the authorities to effectively investigate and prosecute verbal and physical threats and attacks against journalists , including female journalists , and media personnel; calls for the regulation of transparency of media ownership;


### 17. regrets continued political and financial pressure and instrumentalisation of the media , undermining freedom of expression and media pluralism; expresses its concern at the hostile environment for independent media , and urges the authorities to effectively investigate and prosecute threats and attacks against journalists and media personnel; ### 17. regrets continued political and financial pressure and instrumentalisation of the media , undermining freedom of expression , media pluralism and access to content in all official languages; expresses its concern at the hostile environment for independent media , and urges the authorities to effectively investigate and prosecute threats and attacks against journalists and media personnel; expresses its concern about the lack of transparency of media ownership and reiterates its call to ensure full transparency by adopting the appropriate legislative framework;


### 18. insists that the eu must enhance its communication strategy in order to effectively counter disinformation campaigns aimed at diminishing the eu’s credibility in the region; ### 18. insists that the eu must enhance its communication strategy in order to proactively and effectively counter ethnic or religious-based foreign interferences and disinform disinformation campaigns aimed at diminishing the eu’s credibility and actions in the region and jeopardizing the country’s unity;


### 19. notes the increased migratory pressure on the country; calls for effective inter-institutional coordination of migration and border management in the face of a mounting humanitarian crisis; calls for equitable burden-sharing and adequate support for local communities hosting temporary reception centres; underlines the need to ensure appropriate reception conditions and to boost capacity for processing incoming migrants and asylum-seekers; urges bih to conclude an agreement with the european asylum support office (easo); calls on the eu to step up its support to bih’s authorities , namely with regard to operational assistance; ### 19. notes the increased migratory pressure on the country; calls for effective inter-institutional and inter-governmental coordination of migration in the face of a mounting humanitarian crisis; urges the bih authorities to quickly scale up actions to address the grave humanitarian situation and provide immediate assistance and secure basic living conditions to all the migrants and refugees in the temporary reception centres;


### 20. urges bih to step up its efforts against cross-border crime , especially human trafficking , and to ensure swift conclusion of the status agreement with the european border and coast guard agency (frontex) that would facilitate better protection of borders in full respect for fundamental rights , while helping fight cross-border crime; ### 20. urges bih to step up its efforts to fight against drug and human smugglers , and to ensure swift conclusion of the status agreement with the european border and coast guard agency (frontex) that should aim at facilitating a better and humane border approach fully respecting fundamental rights , while helping fight cross-border crime;


### 21. calls for a co-ordinated , strategic countrywide response to the ongoing health emergency and post-pandemic recovery measures; recalls covid-related eu support to address the acute situation in the country; calls on the european commission and the member states to allocate a sufficient number of covid-19 vaccines to the western balkan countries; ### 21. calls for a timely co-ordinated , strategic , transparent and publicly accessible countrywide response to the ongoing health emergency and post-pandemic recovery measures , taking into account the different impact of the crisis on different genders , that must reach all individuals affected by the crisis; recalls covid-related eu support to address the acute situation in the country needs to address the specific needs of women and of minority and vulnerable groups; calls on the european commission and the member states to allocate a sufficient number of covid-19 vaccines to the western balkan countries and support their vaccination preparedness; welcomes in this respect the package that will allow bih and other western balkans partners to finally benefit from the eu advance purchase agreements; underlines that the much needed covid-19 mitigation measures should not lead to further marginalization or stigmatization of vulnerable groups , including refugees and migrants;


### 21. calls for a co-ordinated , strategic countrywide response to the ongoing health emergency and post-pandemic recovery measures; recalls covid-related eu support to address the acute situation in the country; calls on the european commission and the member states to allocate a sufficient number of covid-19 vaccines to the western balkan countries; ### 21. calls for a co-ordinated , strategic countrywide response to the ongoing health emergency and post-pandemic recovery measures; recalls covid-related eu support to address the acute situation in the country; supports the european commission’s decision to exempt the western balkan countries from the provision to control vaccine exports from the eu; calls on the commission and the member states to allocate a sufficient number of covid-19 vaccines to the western balkan countries;


### 21. calls for a co-ordinated , strategic countrywide response to the ongoing health emergency and post-pandemic recovery measures; recalls covid-related eu support to address the acute situation in the country; calls on the european commission and the member states to allocate a sufficient number of covid-19 vaccines to the western balkan countries; ### 21. calls for a co-ordinated , strategic countrywide response to the ongoing health emergency and post-pandemic recovery measures in full respect of the principle of non discrimination; recalls covid-related eu support to address the acute situation in the country; calls on the european commission and the member states to allocate a sufficient number of covid-19 vaccines to the western balkan countries;


### 23. calls on bih to step up active labour market measures aimed at reducing long-term and youth unemployment , contributing to the most acute brain drain in the region; ### 23. calls on bih to step up active labour market measures aimed at reducing long-term unemployment , including youth unemployment , contributing to the most acute brain drain in the region by investing more in the education sector – from pre-school to higher education - in order to achieve better and equal opportunities for all including vulnerable groups; recalls bih commitment to increase the employment rate of roma people;


### 24. urges the authorities to prioritise measures aimed at boosting economic diversification , digitalisation and tackling the informal economy , while developing effective and transparent mechanisms for energy market , transport infrastructure , sustainable tourism and support for smes; ### 24. urges the authorities to prioritise measures aimed at boosting economic diversification , digitalisation and tackling the informal economy , while developing effective and transparent mechanisms for energy market , transport infrastructure , sustainable tourism and support for smes; calls on the authorities to foster the social-economic dialogue among social partners on all socio-economic matters;


### 25. recommends focusing on growth-enhancing public investment and infrastructure projects , making full use of the economic and investment plan for the western balkans; ### 25. recommends focusing on sustainable and inclusive growth-enhancing public investment and infrastructure projects , making full use of the economic and investment plan for the western balkans which can contribute to facilitating a social development and long-term recovery following the pandemic; stresses however the need to ensure that eu funds contain both incentives and conditionality and shall effectively contribute to protecting and strengthening democracy , good governance , the rule of law and fundamental rights for all people in bih;


### 26. urges bih’s authorities to ensure alignment with eu standards and policy objectives on climate protection and energy , facilitating the green and digital transition , and calls for the prioritisation of measures reducing ecological degradation and environmental risks to health; ### 26. urges bih’s authorities to ensure alignment with eu standards and policy objectives on climate protection and energy , facilitating the green and digital transition , and calls for the prioritisation of measures reducing ecological degradation and environmental risks to health by banning the building of small hydropower plants , combating illegal construction , and increasing inspection oversight on ecological issues; welcomes the adoption of the green agenda for the western balkans , which shall incentivize the transition to a circular economy and the adoption of the necessary measures to preserve and protect environmentally sensitive areas;


### 27. urges bih to continue progressively improving common foreign and security policy (cfsp) alignment; calls for the strengthening of good neighbourly relations and increased efforts to resolve all outstanding bilateral issues; ### 27. urges bih to continue progressively improving common foreign and security policy (cfsp) alignment; calls for the strengthening of good neighbourly relations and increased efforts to resolve all outstanding bilateral issues; condemns the incident of 30 january. 2020 , during which the façade of the embassy of the republic of croatia in bosnia and herzegovina was damaged and the flag of the european union was removed from the façade and damaged;


### 28. welcomes the continued presence of eufor’s operation althea in the country and the extension of eufor’s mandate until november 2021; ### 28. welcomes the continued presence of eufor’s operation althea in the country and the extension of eufor’s mandate until november 2021; commends that bih contributes troops to eu csdp training missions; welcomes the signature of a joint roadmap for action on the g7 partnership for women , peace and security;


### 30. reaffirms its position that representatives of the western balkan countries should be engaged in the conference on the future of europe; ### 30. reaffirms its position that government and civil society representatives of the western balkan countries should be engaged in the conference on the future of europe;


### c. whereas corruption typically involves the misuse of power , a lack of accountability , the obstruction of justice , the use of improper influence , the institutionalisation of discrimination , clientelism and the distortion of market mechanisms among other things , and is facilitated by inadequate transparency and access to information; whereas rising authoritarianism provides fertile ground for corruption , the combating of which calls for international cooperation with like-minded democracies; ### c. whereas corruption typically involves the misuse of power , the capture of structures of the state , a lack of accountability , the obstruction of justice , the use of improper influence , the institutionalisation of discrimination , clientelism , nepotism and the distortion of market mechanisms among other things , and is facilitated by inadequate transparency and access to information; whereas rising authoritarianism provides fertile ground for corruption , the combating of which calls for international cooperation with like-minded democracies;


### i. whereas corporate due diligence regulations are indispensable means to prevent and tackle human rights and environmental violations; whereas the provisions of the uncac should form part of the due diligence obligations envisaged in the forthcoming commission proposal on the matter; ### i. whereas corporate due diligence legislations are indispensable means to prevent , tackle and effectively remediate human rights and environmental violations globally; whereas the provisions of the uncac should form part of the due diligence obligations envisaged in the forthcoming commission proposal on the matter;


### place the fight against corruption front and centre in all eu efforts and policies promoting human rights and democracy around the world; ### place the fight against corruption front and centre in all eu efforts and policies promoting human rights , democracy and the rule of law around the world;


### recognise the intrinsic link between the retreat of democracies and the rise of kleptocracies around the world; take a leading role in multinational forums to forge a coalition of democracies to push back against this global threat; ### recognise the intrinsic link between the retreat of democracies and the rise of kleptocracies around the world; take a leading role in multinational forums to forge a coalition of democracies to push back against the global threat of kleptarchy and authoritarianism , both within and outside the union;


### formulate a comprehensive eu global anti-corruption strategy by taking stock of existing anti-corruption instruments and good practices in the eu’s toolbox , identifying gaps , increasing funding , and expanding support to anti-corruption csos , as already requested by the european parliament in its resolution of 13 september 2017 on corruption and human rights in third countries; ### formulate a comprehensive eu global anti-corruption strategy by taking stock of existing anti-corruption instruments and good practices in the eu’s toolbox , identifying gaps , increasing funding , and expanding support to anti-corruption csos , as already requested by the european parliament in its resolution of 13 september 2017 on corruption and human rights in third countries; take urgent action to prevent corruption by putting in place preventing measures , policies and practices , enhancing efforts and resources for education and training in the public and private sectors , including through public global corruption prevention campaigns;


### insist on the full implementation and enforcement of existing national and international anti-corruption instruments such as the uncac , the un guiding principles on business and human rights and the council of europe’s criminal law convention on corruption; launch an inclusive and comprehensive process to review the eu’s implementation of the uncac; ### insist on the full implementation and enforcement of existing national and international anti-corruption instruments such as the uncac , oecd convention on combating the bribery of foreign public officials , the un guiding principles on business and human rights and the council of europe’s criminal law convention on corruption; encourage all states that have not yet done so to ratify those anti-corruption instruments as matter of priority; launch an inclusive and comprehensive process to review the eu’s implementation of the uncac;


### advance efforts in all eu member states to freeze and confiscate stolen assets in their jurisdictions , in line with the uncac , and to return them in a transparent and accountable manner to the country of origin; ### advance efforts in all eu member states to ensure greater transparency and access to information on foreign assets detained on the eu territory , including on the origin of these assets , while taking into consideration possible threats to the owners’ safety and safeguarding their fundamental rights; encourage the adoption of legislations and take further measures to freeze and confiscate stolen assets in their jurisdictions , in line with the uncac , and to return them in a transparent and accountable manner to the country of origin; ensuring that fundamental rights are respected and preventing further corrupt practices in the country of asset origin; meaningfully involve csos in the entire process , from identification of assets to monitoring the use of return assets;


### internal-external coherence ### internal-external coherence: fighting corruption in eu democracies


### strengthen the credibility of eu external anti-corruption action by more effectively combating corruption and money laundering within the eu; recognise that systemic corruption in some eu member states undermines anti-corruption efforts in third countries; recognise that a lack of determined action , delays and a gap in implementing the anti-corruption regulations within the eu emboldens corrupt actors outside of the eu; ### strengthen the credibility of eu external anti-corruption action by more effectively combating corruption and money laundering within the eu; recognise that systemic corruption in some eu member states undermines anti-corruption efforts in third countries and take action to terminate it; recognise that a lack of harmonisation and determined action , delays and a gap in implementing the anti-corruption regulations within the eu emboldens corrupt actors both inside and outside of the eu;


### strengthen the credibility of eu external anti-corruption action by more effectively combating corruption and money laundering within the eu; recognise that systemic corruption in some eu member states undermines anti-corruption efforts in third countries; recognise that a lack of determined action , delays and a gap in implementing the anti-corruption regulations within the eu emboldens corrupt actors outside of the eu; ### strengthen the credibility of eu external anti-corruption action by more effectively combating corruption , tax evasion and money laundering within the eu; recognise that systemic corruption in some eu member states undermines anti-corruption efforts in third countries; recognise that a lack of determined action , delays and a gap in implementing the anti-corruption regulations within the eu emboldens corrupt actors outside of the eu;


### human rights and anti-corruption: the eu’s toolbox ### human rights and anti-corruption: enriching and operationalising the eu’s toolbox


### ensure that the highest ethical and transparency standards are applied in eu funding , that csos and independent actors are included and that grievance mechanisms are available and accessible; ensure that all eu bodies and agencies improve access to information and refrain from charging fees for access to information; ### ensure that the highest ethical and transparency standards are applied in eu funding , including the financing of projects and loans by the european investment bank (eib) , that csos and independent actors are fully involved in the monitoring of these funds and that grievance mechanisms are available , accessible and ensure accountability for the possible misuse of funds; ensure that all eu bodies and agencies guarantee free , swift and easy access to information , including regarding the allocation , the final recipient of funding and the final use of funds;


### in all eu-third country trade agreements , include a strong and mandatory human rights conditionality framework with anti-corruption clauses; as a last resort , impose sanctions or suspend agreements in the event of serious acts of corruption; ### include in all eu-third country trade and investment agreements a strong and mandatory human rights conditionality framework with transparency provisions and binding and enforceable anti-corruption clauses; include commitment and high-standards of whistleblower protection in all eu trade and investment agreements with third parties; impose sanctions or suspend agreements in the event of serious acts of corruption;


### recognise the crucial role of csos , human rights defenders (hrds) and investigative journalists in the fight against corruption , through changing societal norms , fighting impunity , gathering data , and achieving better implementation and enforcement of anti-corruption measures; ### recognise the crucial role of csos , human rights defenders (hrds) and investigative journalists in the fight against corruption , through changing societal norms , fighting impunity , gathering data , and achieving better implementation and enforcement of anti-corruption measures; insist on the need for victims of corruption to be able to participate in judicial corruption proceedings and to claim for compensations;


### design programmes to provide more financial support to csos , independent media , whistleblowers and hrds working on preventing and exposing corruption , advancing transparency and accountability , including support against strategic lawsuits (strategic lawsuits against public participation , slapp suits); improve smaller csos’ access to eu funding; ### design programmes to provide more financial support to csos , independent media , whistleblowers and hrds working on preventing and exposing corruption , advancing transparency and accountability; improve smaller csos’ access to eu funding; support parliaments in their oversight roles with capacity building and advance internal party democracy with capacity building and internal reforms;


### strengthen protection of whistleblowers and anti-corruption hrds , including through temporary visa schemes; ### empower and allocate dedicated resources to eu delegations and member states' representations to strengthen protection of witnesses , whistleblowers and anti-corruption hrds , their relatives and other persons close to them , as appropriate , including through issuing emergency visas and providing temporary shelter in eu member states;


### promote strong access to information laws , including improved transparency of public procurement and lobbying , with independent oversight bodies; ### promote strong access to information laws , including improved transparency of public procurement and lobbying , with independent oversight bodies; promote greater policy coherence , including by integrating human rights due diligence and anti-corruption provisions into public procurement;


### support independent , impartial and effective judiciaries , prosecution and law enforcement bodies; ### support and strengthen independent , impartial and effective judiciaries , prosecution and law enforcement bodies for the successful investigation , prosecution and adjudication of corruption offences , including through sufficient financial and training resources;


### continue supporting free and fair electoral processes with special attention to electoral fraud and vote buying; promote transparency rules to counter illicit political financing; ensure a more systematic follow-up on the recommendations of international observer missions; ### continue supporting free and fair electoral processes and promote accountability to voters with special attention to electoral fraud and vote buying; promote transparency and impartiality rules to counter illicit political financing; ensure a more systematic follow-up on the recommendations of international observer missions;


### (ab) promote the inclusion of non-governmental stakeholders , including academia and csos , as observers in subsidiary bodies of the conference of states parties of the uncac and other multilateral anti-corruption mechanisms; ### (ab) promote the meaningful and effective participation of non-governmental stakeholders , including academia and csos , as observers in subsidiary bodies of the conference of states parties of the uncac and other multilateral anti-corruption mechanisms;


### (ac) set up an eu mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence (hrdd) instrument that requires companies to engage actively in the identification , assessment , mitigation , prevention and notification of any adverse impacts of their businesses and supply chains on human rights , and which includes strong anti-corruption provisions and obligatory grievance mechanisms; ### (ac) urgently set up an eu mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence (hrdd) legislation that requires undertakings , including banks and financial institutions , to identify , prevent , mitigate , cease and account for human rights violations , including acts of bribery and corruption arising from their business models and operations in their global value chains , with robust enforcement mechanisms and liability regimes enabling victims to hold companies into account and to seek for remedy;


### (ae) reconfirm the importance of the un guiding principles on business and human rights by ensuring that all member states that have not yet adopted national action plans do so as soon as possible , and promote the adoption of action plans by third countries; engage constructively and actively in the negotiations on the un binding treaty on business and human rights; ### (ae) reconfirm the importance of the un guiding principles on business and human rights by ensuring that all member states that have not yet adopted national action plans do so as soon as possible , and promote the adoption of action plans and corporate due diligence legislations by third countries; engage constructively and actively in the negotiations on the un binding treaty on business and human rights;


### sanctioning corruption through the eu magnitsky act ### sanctioning corruption through the eu global human rights sanctions regime (eu magnitsky act)


### (af) swiftly come forward with a legislative proposal to amend the current eu global human rights sanctions regime by extending its scope to include acts of corruption; note the risk of corrupt actors moving their assets to the eu as more and more countries adopt stricter frameworks; ### (af) swiftly come forward with a legislative proposal to create a stand-alone global sanctions regime to tackle acts of corruption defined on the basis of the uncac; ensure oversight of the european parliament on the implementation of this new sanctions regime and adopt strict reporting requirements to monitor the implementation of sanctions; note the risk of corrupt actors moving their assets to the eu as more and more countries adopt stricter frameworks;


### (aj) recognise the linkages between environmental degradation as an impediment to the enjoyment of human rights , and the underlying networks of corruption , bribery or organised crime; work towards mainstreaming anti-corruption in eu climate action , focusing on the sectors most at risk , such as the extractive industries; ### (aj) recognise the causal link between environmental destruction as an impediment to the enjoyment of human rights , and the underlying networks of corruption , bribery or organised crime; mainstream anti-corruption in eu climate and environmental action advancing transparency and good governance of natural resources and the fight against land grabbing , and focusing on the sectors most at risk , such as the extractive industries;


### (ak) protect environmental hrds and land defenders , particularly women and indigenous hrds , who face the greatest risk of harassment , intimidation and violence; ### (ak) protect environmental hrds and land defenders , particularly women and indigenous hrds , who face the greatest risk of harassment , intimidation and violence and killings , including through issuing emergency visas and providing temporary shelter in eu member states;


### a. whereas environmental factors can influence human and state security in various direct and indirect ways; ### a. whereas environmental factors can influence human and state security in various direct and indirect ways , while particularly affecting economically disadvantaged populations and having socio-economic effects; whereas climate change has negative effects on cultural and natural heritage of the areas affected;


### b. whereas climate change and climate-related impacts , including environmental degradation , loss of biodiversity , deforestation and natural disasters are already threatening local , regional and international security , stability and peace; whereas climate change , which is predicted to accelerate in the medium and long term , has become an increasingly dominant risk multiplier and must be viewed as a new security challenge , together with hybrid and cyber threats; ### b. whereas climate change and climate-related impacts , including environmental degradation , loss of biodiversity , deforestation , desertification , extreme weather , water and food scarcity , air pollution and natural disasters are already threatening local , regional and international security , stability and peace; whereas climate change , which is predicted to accelerate in the medium and long term , has become an increasingly dominant risk multiplier and must be viewed as a new security challenge that requires adequate resources , together with hybrid and cyber threats;


### b. whereas climate change and climate-related impacts , including environmental degradation , loss of biodiversity , deforestation and natural disasters are already threatening local , regional and international security , stability and peace; whereas climate change , which is predicted to accelerate in the medium and long term , has become an increasingly dominant risk multiplier and must be viewed as a new security challenge , together with hybrid and cyber threats; ### b. whereas climate change and climate-related impacts , including environmental degradation , loss of biodiversity , deforestation and natural disasters are already threatening local , regional and international security , stability and peace; whereas climate change , the consequences of which are already evident and are predicted to accelerate in the medium and long term , has become an increasingly dominant risk multiplier and must be viewed as a new security challenge , together with hybrid and cyber threats;


### d. whereas the us armed forces have lost more military hardware and infrastructure due to natural disasters than due to the armed conflicts in afghanistan and iraq combined; ### d. whereas the us armed forces have lost more military hardware and infrastructure due to natural disasters than due to the armed conflicts in afghanistan and iraq combined; whereas the biden administration has made positive efforts to combat climate change , including by re-joining the paris agreement and incorporating climate change in its interim national security strategic guidance;


### 3. calls on the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy (vp/hr) to make sure that climate change is mainstreamed in the union’s external action; calls for climate-specific strategies , policies , procedures , measures and capabilities to be developed; calls on the vp/hr to make sure that the development of a union policy on climate security and defence entails the implementation of a human security approach; ### 3. welcomes the eeas intention that civilian and military csdp missions and operations will develop and incorporate a set of actions to effectively implement environmental aspects into its work; calls on the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy (vp/hr) to make sure that climate change is mainstreamed in the union’s external action; calls for climate-specific strategies , policies , procedures , measures and capabilities that aim to address all aspects of eu common security and defence policy; calls on the vp/hr to make sure that the development of a union policy on climate security and defence entails the implementation of a human security approach; supports strengthening member state capabilities by incorporating environmental aspects into civilian and military missions' training programmes , by exchanging best practices and expertise;


### 8. welcomes the light-touch reporting process based on indicators of progress related to the environmental footprint , including energy , water , waste management , etc. , of csdp missions and operations; stresses the necessity to generate more detailed assessments by 2022; ### 8. welcomes the light-touch reporting process based on indicators of progress related to the environmental footprint , including energy , water , waste management , etc. , of csdp missions and operations; stresses the necessity to generate more detailed assessments by 2022; acknowledges that many csdp missions are conducted in areas which are severely affected by climate change , which multiplies challenges to these missions;


### 22. underlines that an increase in defence expenditure should not lead to an increase in emissions , and that part of defence spending should be dedicated to investments in instruments that significantly reduce emissions; recalls that eu and nato military strategists and planners have been working on the question of how armed forces can reduce their carbon footprint for more than a decade; welcomes , in this respect , the eda’s activities , in particular the go green policy it launched in 2012 , its military green concept and its working group on the circular economy , and calls for an acceleration and broadening of such projects and for an independent external evaluation thereof; ### 22. underlines that an increase in defence expenditure should not lead to an increase in emissions , and that part of defence spending should be dedicated to investments in instruments that significantly reduce emissions; recalls that eu and nato military strategists and planners have been working on the question of how armed forces can reduce their carbon footprint for more than a decade; welcomes , in this respect , the eda’s activities , in particular the go green policy it launched in 2012 , its military green concept , the consultation forum for sustainable energy , its working group on the circular economy , and calls for an acceleration and broadening of such projects and for an independent external evaluation thereof;


### 3. notes that the 30 august 2020 elections resulted in the first transition of power since the country’s independence , in full respect of democratic standards and montenegro’s constitution; ### 3. notes that the 30 august 2020 elections resulted in the first transition of power since the introduction of the multi-party system , in full respect of democratic standards and montenegro’s constitution;


### 4. welcomes the fact that on its first working day , the newly formed montenegrin government held an exchange of views with members of the european parliament and eu officials; encourages the new government to use its mandate to accelerate eu-related reforms and accession negotiations; ### 4. welcomes the fact that on its first working day , the newly formed montenegrin government held an exchange of views with members of the european parliament and eu officials; encourages the new government to use its mandate to accelerate eu-related reforms and accession negotiations; notes that an open and constructive dialogue between all political and social stakeholders , as well as an agreement on key issues concerning the overall progress of the country are needed for montenegro to make progress on the eu path;


### 12. reiterates the importance of accelerating work on the implementation of the action plans for chapters 23 and 24 and other strategic documents relating to the rule of law , in particular through effective cross-party dialogue aimed at ensuring the required qualified majority for key judicial and prosecutorial appointments; ### 12. reiterates the importance of accelerating work on the implementation of the action plans for chapters 23 and 24 and other strategic documents relating to the rule of law , in particular through effective cross-party dialogue aimed at ensuring the required qualified majority for key judicial and prosecutorial appointments; expresses concern for the fact that the working group on chapter 24 has not met over the past year and calls for the participation of representatives of the non-governmental sector in these working groups;


### 13. regrets limited progress in the judiciary , and calls on the montenegrin authorities to urgently address the remaining challenges with regard to the independence , professionalism , efficiency and accountability of the judiciary in line with the recommendations made by the group of states against corruption (greco); ### 13. regrets limited progress in the judiciary , and calls on the montenegrin authorities to urgently address the remaining challenges with regard to the independence , professionalism , efficiency and accountability of the judiciary through implementation of existing legislation and in line with the recommendations made by the group of states against corruption (greco) and the venice commission; stresses that montenegro needs to make further progress on rule of law reforms , including to advance and not reverse the implementation of the judicial reform in line with good democratic norms and practice; reiterates that as the result of reforms already carried out , montenegro already has the bodies and mechanisms in place to ensure judicial and prosecutorial independence and accountability; encourages the authorities to make consistent use of these mechanisms and to build on the work done to further develop results and its track-record in the fight against corruption and organised crime; emphasises that the independent functioning and integrity of the special prosecutor’s office is key for montenegro’s progress in the area of rule of law;


### 21. underlines that media literacy and media freedom are key to combating disinformation; calls for the strengthening of european cooperation with montenegro on addressing disinformation , and cyber and hybrid threats; ### 21. is concerned about the high polarisation of the media scene , in particular about the growing volume of disinformation; underlines that media literacy , media freedom and independence are key to combating disinformation; calls for the strengthening of european cooperation with montenegro on addressing disinformation , cyber and hybrid threats;


### 24. welcomes progress on the protection of lgbti rights and the adoption of the law on same-sex partnerships; ### 24. welcomes progress on the protection of the rights of lgbti persons and the adoption of the law on same-sex partnerships and calls on authorities to ensure all necessary conditions for its adequate and timely implementation; stresses that the situation of transgender and non-binary persons needs to be improved; urges the collection of disaggregated data relating to hate speech and crime based on sexual orientation and gender identity as recommended by ecri and calls for their effective sanctioning;


### 25. calls on the montenegrin authorities to find a mutually acceptable solution to the law on freedom of religion through genuine dialogue with relevant stakeholders and in line with the venice commission’s opinion of 24 june 2019; ### 25. calls on the montenegrin authorities to find a mutually acceptable solution to the law on freedom of religion through genuine dialogue with relevant stakeholders and in line with the venice commission’s opinion of 24 june 2019; calls on neighbouring countries to refrain from interfering in this issue and other internal affairs of montenegro;


### 27. commends montenegro’s full alignment with the eu’s common foreign and security policy and its active participation in civilian missions under the common security and defence policy (csdp); ### 27. commends montenegro’s full alignment with the eu’s common foreign and security policy and its active participation in eu missions under the common security and defence policy(csdp);


### 29. welcomes montenegro’s progress in reinforcing the stability of its financial sector , as well as in implementing concrete improvements to labour market condition; ### 29. welcomes montenegro’s progress in reinforcing the stability of its financial sector , as well as in implementing concrete improvements to labour market condition; notes however , that the unemployment rate remained high , particularly among women , youth , roma and low-skilled people;


### 31. notes with concern the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on montenegro’s economy; calls on the government to carry on a responsible macroeconomic and fiscal policy in view of the high public debt; encourages the authorities to make the best use of eu assistance in order to mitigate the impact of the crisis; ### 31. notes with concern the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on montenegro’s economy; calls on the government to carry on a responsible macroeconomic and fiscal policy in view of the high public debt; encourages the authorities to make the best use of eu assistance in order to mitigate the impact of the crisis , including developing and implementing targeted measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on marginalised communities and vulnerable people;


### 32. reiterates that the european union has swiftly mobilised substantial support for the western balkans to tackle the covid-19 pandemic health emergency and the socio-economic recovery of the region; ### 32. reiterates that the european union has swiftly mobilised immediate support for the western balkans to tackle the health emergency resulting from the covid-19 pandemic and the socio-economic recovery of the region; recalls eur 53 million granted to montenegro for the procurement of urgent medical equipment and for assisting sectors most seriously affected by the covid-19crisis and the decision to provide macro-financial assistance (mfa) of up to eur 60 million to help montenegro limit the negative socio-economic consequences of the pandemic;


### 32. reiterates that the european union has swiftly mobilised substantial support for the western balkans to tackle the covid-19 pandemic health emergency and the socio-economic recovery of the region; ### 32. reiterates that the european union has swiftly mobilised substantial support for the western balkans to tackle the covid-19 pandemic health emergency and the socio-economic recovery of the region; calls on montenegrin authorities to take into strong consideration the needs of the most vulnerable groups in society such as women , roma and lgbti persons , people with disabilities and other minorities when creating and implementing covid-19 socio-economic relief measures;


### 33. calls on the commission and the council to include montenegro in joint eu procurement for vaccinations , and to allocate a sufficient amount of covid-19 vaccines to the citizens of all western balkan countries; ### 33. calls on the commission and the council to include montenegro in joint eu procurement for vaccinations; welcomes the actions by the commission and the council to help montenegro procure vaccines against covid-19 via covax and by other means such as coordinating donations by eu member states and calls for further assistance to ensure that a sufficient amount of covid-19 vaccines are available to the citizens of all western balkan countries;


### 33. calls on the commission and the council to include montenegro in joint eu procurement for vaccinations , and to allocate a sufficient amount of covid-19 vaccines to the citizens of all western balkan countries; ### 33. calls on the commission and the council to include montenegro in joint eu procurement for vaccinations , and to allocate a sufficient amount of covid-19 vaccines to the people present in all western balkan countries;


### eu global human rights sanctions regime (eu magnitsky act) ### eu global human rights sanctions regime


### a. whereas un human rights treaties , together with international and eu laws provide standards for the protection of the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities as an integral part of human rights; ### a. whereas un human rights treaties , together with international and eu laws provide standards for the protection of the rights of persons belonging to belief or religious minorities as an integral part of human rights;


### b. whereas freedom of religion or belief is violated in almost one third of countries worldwide; whereas over 5 billion people live in countries imposing or tolerating severe violations of freedom of religious or belief; ### b. whereas freedom of religion or belief is violated in almost one third of countries worldwide; whereas over 5 billion people live in countries imposing or tolerating severe violations of freedom of thought , conscience , religion or belief;


### c. whereas discrimination and persecution of religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in society – and can take different forms , such as killings , physical attacks , arbitrary arrests , coercion , forced conversion , kidnapping and forced marriage , forced birth control , threats , exclusion , discriminatory and unfair treatment , harassment , limitation of access to elective offices , employment , education , health and administration services , destruction of places of worship , cemeteries and cultural heritage , and online hate speech; ### c. whereas discrimination and persecution of religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in society – and can take different forms , such as killings , physical attacks , arbitrary arrests , enforced disappearances , extrajudicial executions , coercion , forced conversion , kidnapping and forced marriage , forced birth control , threats , exclusion , discriminatory and unfair treatment , harassment , physical and mental abuse , rape and sexual violence , executions , limitation of access to elective offices , judicial harassment and prosecution , employment , education , health and administration services , destruction of places of worship , cemeteries and cultural heritage , and online hate speech;


### c. whereas discrimination and persecution of religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in society – and can take different forms , such as killings , physical attacks , arbitrary arrests , coercion , forced conversion , kidnapping and forced marriage , forced birth control , threats , exclusion , discriminatory and unfair treatment , harassment , limitation of access to elective offices , employment , education , health and administration services , destruction of places of worship , cemeteries and cultural heritage , and online hate speech; ### c. whereas discrimination and persecution of minorities on the ground of belief or religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in society – and can take different forms , such as killings , physical attacks , arbitrary arrests , coercion , forced conversion , kidnapping and forced marriage , forced birth control , threats , exclusion , discriminatory and unfair treatment , harassment , limitation of access to elective offices , employment , education , health and administration services , destruction of places of worship , cemeteries and cultural heritage , and online hate speech;


### c. whereas discrimination and persecution of religious is carried out by different actors – whether governments or other groups in society – and can take different forms , such as killings , physical attacks , arbitrary arrests , coercion , forced conversion , kidnapping and forced marriage , forced birth control , threats , exclusion , discriminatory and unfair treatment , harassment , limitation of access to elective offices , employment , education , health and administration services , destruction of places of worship , cemeteries and cultural heritage , and online hate speech; ### c. whereas discrimination and persecution of religious is carried out by different actors – whether states and non-state actors , or combination of both – and can take different forms , such as killings , physical attacks , arbitrary arrests , coercion , forced conversion , kidnapping and forced marriage , forced birth control , threats , exclusion , discriminatory and unfair treatment , harassment , limitation of access to elective offices , employment , education , health and administration services , destruction of places of worship , cemeteries and cultural heritage , and online hate speech;


### d. whereas in 2018 asia and the pacific experienced the largest increase in government restrictions on freedom of religion or belief , while the middle east and north africa continued to have the highest median level of restrictions; ### deleted


### e. whereas in 2018 , christians were harassed in 145 countries , muslims in 139 , jews in 88 , buddhists in 24 , hindus in 19 countries and non-believers in 18 countries12 ; ### deleted


### 1. affirms its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities everywhere in the world , including their right to change or choose their religion or belief , in respect of the principles of equality and non-discrimination; condemns in the strongest terms all persecution , violence , incitement to violence and terrorism targeting any minority on the grounds of religion and belief; ### 1. affirms its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities everywhere in the world , including their right to change or choose their religion or belief , in respect of the principles of equality and non-discrimination; condemns in the strongest terms all persecution , violence , incitement to violence and terrorism targeting any minority on the grounds of religion and belief; reaffirms its support for victims of violence based on belief or religion , and its commitment to eradicating such violence;


### 1. affirms its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities everywhere in the world , including their right to change or choose their religion or belief , in respect of the principles of equality and non-discrimination; condemns in the strongest terms all persecution , violence , incitement to violence and terrorism targeting any minority on the grounds of religion and belief; ### 1. affirms its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of persons belonging to belief or religious minorities everywhere in the world , including their right to change or choose their belief or religion , in respect of the principles of equality and non-discrimination; condemns in the strongest terms all persecution , violence , incitement to violence and terrorism targeting any minority on the grounds of belief and religion;


### 1. acknowledges that churches , faith-based organisations (fbos) and religious associations have a major role in the social fabric of developing countries , are important partners in delivering humanitarian assistance to hard-to-reach communities and greatly contribute to sustainable development and to achieving the sdgs , in particular sdgs 3 and 4; further notes that churches and fbos deliver in social sectors where shortcomings in state services are experienced; ### 1. acknowledges that churches , faith-based organisations (fbos) , religious associations and institutions have a major role in the social fabric of developing countries , are important partners in delivering humanitarian assistance to hard-to-reach communities and greatly contribute to sustainable development and to achieving the sdgs , in particular sdgs 3 and 4; further notes that churches , religious institutions and fbos deliver in social sectors where shortcomings in state services are experienced; recalls in this regards the need to provide fbos and religious associations with adequate resources in oda and national budgets in order to support them in carrying out these services;


### 2. takes the view that , regardless of their religion and belief , it is essential to promote and ensure the inclusion of all citizens in their societies and in political and cultural life; ### 2. takes the view that , regardless of their belief , religion , thought and conscience , it is essential to promote and ensure the inclusion of all citizens in their societies and in political , socio-economic and cultural life;


### 3. stresses that freedom of religion or belief , including freedom to worship , and freedom to believe or not believe , is a human right , and that it often serves as a last bastion of liberty and as a source of fierce determination in highly repressive settings; ### 3. stresses that freedom of thought , belief and religion , including freedom to worship , freedom to believe or not believe , to espouse theistic , non-theistic , agnostic or atheistic views and the right to apostasy is a human right , and that it often serves as a last bastion of liberty and as a source of fierce determination in highly repressive settings;


### 3. notes that churches and fbos are frequently the only providers of healthcare and other social services in remote areas of sub-saharan africa and in conflict-prone settings such as northern mozambique and other crisis zones; ### 3. notes that churches , religious institutions and fbos are frequently the only providers of healthcare and other social services in remote areas of sub-saharan africa and in conflict-prone settings such as northern mozambique and other crisis zones;


### 4. is deeply concerned about the rise over the last decade of violence against people belonging to minorities on the grounds of their belief or religion as a global phenomenon , which is intensifying and affecting more and more countries; notes that it affects many religious communities , namely christians (including copts) , jews , muslims (including ahmadis and alevis) , buddhists , hindus and smaller religious groups , such as baha’is , sikhs and zoroastrians , as well as groups of people who are atheists , humanists , agnostics or do not identify with any religion; ### 4. is deeply concerned about the rise over the last decade of violence against people belonging to minorities on the grounds of their belief or religion as a global phenomenon , which is intensifying and affecting more and more countries; notes that it affects many religious communities , as well as groups of people who are atheists , humanists , agnostics or do not identify with any belief or religion;


### 4. welcomes the activities of churches and religious leaders in the field of conflict management and mediation , and in fostering reconciliation , dialogue and peace; highlights that inter-religious dialogue is crucial , notably in conflict areas , to foster peace and reconciliation; ### 4. welcomes the activities of churches , religious institutions and religious leaders in the field of conflict management and mediation , and in fostering reconciliation , dialogue and peace; highlights that inter-religious dialogue is crucial , notably in conflict areas , to foster peace and reconciliation;


### 5. stresses that among believers’ groups , christians are estimated to constitute the majority of people facing persecution for their faith; underlines that globally around 340 million christians experience high levels of persecution and discrimination , with over 4 500 christians killed for their faith , 4 500 churches and other christian buildings attacked , and over 4 200 believers detained without trial , arrested , sentenced or imprisoned in 2020 alone; is alarmed about the increase in the overall level of discrimination , and especially about the sharp increase in the number of killings compared to 2019; ### deleted


### 5. calls on the commission and the council to make the fight against the persecution of religious minorities a priority in the programming of activities related to eu development assistance , in line with the areas of cooperation for geographic and thematic programmes of ndici-global europe; ### 5. calls on the commission and the council to make the fight against the persecution of religious and belief minorities a priority in the programming of activities related to eu development assistance , in line with the areas of cooperation for geographic and thematic programmes of ndici-global europe;


### 6. is concerned about the persecution and serious human rights violations against muslim minorities; ### deleted


### 6. is concerned about the persecution and serious human rights violations against muslim minorities; ### 6. is concerned about the persecution and serious human rights violations against muslim minorities; stresses that the office of the united nations high commissioner for human rights (ohchr) , and various human rights organisations conclude that discrimination against muslims in european counter-terrorism efforts has helped to create an environment in which muslims are more likely to be the subject of hate speech and attacks , normalising institutional suspicion of muslims , which has escalated to epidemic proportions;


### 6. calls on the eu to develop the necessary reaction and sanction mechanisms to combat effectively violations of freedom of religion or belief , including discrimination or legal restrictions based on religion or belief in its partner countries , as well as any kind of impediment to freedom of religion or belief , freedom of association and freedom of expression. ### 6. calls on the eu to develop the necessary reaction and sanction mechanisms to combat effectively violations of freedom of religion or belief , including discrimination or legal restrictions based on religion or belief in its partner countries , as well as any kind of impediment to freedom of thought , religion or belief , freedom of association and freedom of expression.


### 7. is worried about growing antisemitism worldwide , given that although jews make up only 0.2 % of the global population , they faced harassment in 88 countries in 2018; ### deleted


### the middle east and north africa ### deleted


### 9. notes with particular concern that persecution of christians is widespread in the middle east , at times amounting to genocide , and has prompted an exodus of christians from the region over the past two decades , resulting in approximately 15 million christians making up 4 % of the population in the middle east and north africa , down from 20 % a century ago; ### deleted


### 10. strongly deplores that millions of christians have been uprooted from their homes , and that many have been killed , kidnapped , imprisoned , discriminated against and have had restrictions placed on their freedom of worship; notes that forms of persecution also exist in all aspects of social life , including in employment and education; ### deleted


### 11. recalls the crimes against humanity and war crimes were committed in iraq and syria by the so-called ‘isis/daesh’ against christians , yazidis , muslims and other religious and ethnic minorities in the territories under its control during the period 2014-2020; ### deleted


### 12. underlines that the persecution of minority muslim denominations or sects is widespread in the countries in the middle east and north africa in which islam is the predominant or official religion; ### deleted


### 13. notes with particular concern that the middle east and north africa present the highest regional levels of anti-semitic attitudes , and that holocaust denial is prevalent among certain segments in society and even at state level , such as in iran; ### deleted


### 14. is concerned about the persecution of baha’is in the middle east; strongly condemns the restrictions imposed on the baha’i community by the houthis in yemen , the expulsion of community members from qatar and the continued systematic arrests , imprisonment , torture and harassment of community members in iran; ### deleted


### 15. deplores the fact that atheists are still persecuted in almost all of the region and that apostasy carries the death sentence in several countries; expresses its regret that freedom of worship is severely limited in some of the countries in the middle east , with the notable example of saudi arabia , where public practice of any religion other than islam is strictly prohibited; ### 15. deplores the fact that atheists are still persecuted and that apostasy carries the death sentence in several countries;


### asia ### deleted


### 16. notes that persecution of religious minorities in asia is commonplace in many countries , especially in those with communist regimes , and that blasphemy laws are of particular concern , particularly in pakistan; ### deleted


### 17. deplores the crimes against muslim communities in asia , including the past and current human rights abuses against the muslim rohingya population; ### deleted


### 18. is concerned about the situation of buddhists; takes special note of the difficult situation faced by buddhists in vietnam; ### deleted


### 19. underlines that hindus continued to be harassed in 19 countries in 2018 , most notably in pakistan , bangladesh and sri lanka; ### deleted


### 20. strongly condemns terror attacks on places of worship , including the easter attacks in sri lanka in 2019 , when nine suicide bombers carried out a series of attacks , including on three churches; ### deleted


### sub-saharan africa ### deleted


### 21. notes with particular concern the rise of terrorist groups and militias in several parts of africa , including in the sahel , nigeria and mozambique , and of terrorist violence against religious minorities; ### deleted


### 22. strongly condemns , in this regard , the violence , including murder , kidnapping and burning of places of worship , committed by terrorist and militant groups against christian and muslim communities in nigeria , mozambique and the central african republic; ### deleted


### tackling key challenges posed by the persecution against religious minorities ### tackling key challenges posed by the persecution against belief or religious minorities


### 23. stresses the paramount importance of holding accountable perpetrators of human rights abuses against persons belonging to religious minorities; calls on the eu and member states to urgently work towards the establishment of un mechanisms and committees to investigate current human rights violations against religious minorities around the world; ### 23. stresses the paramount importance of holding accountable perpetrators of human rights abuses against persons belonging to belief or religious minorities; calls on the eu and member states to urgently work towards the establishment of additional un mechanisms and committees to investigate current human rights violations against belief and religious minorities around the world;


### 24. calls on the council and eu member states to apply sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for or involved in systematic violations of the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities , as provided for by the eu global human rights sanctions regime; ### 24. calls on the council and eu member states to apply sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for or involved in systematic violations of the rights of persons belonging to belief or religious minorities , as provided for by the eu global human rights sanctions regime;


### 25. is appalled by the exacerbation of persecution against religious minority groups during the covid-19 pandemic; denounces the fact that persons belonging to religious minorities have been scapegoated , blamed for spreading the covid-19 virus , and have been denied or faced discrimination in access to public healthcare , food or humanitarian aid , on the basis of religious or belief criteria; ### 25. is appalled by the exacerbation of persecution against belief or religious minority groups during the covid-19 pandemic; denounces the fact that persons belonging to belief or religious minorities have been scapegoated , blamed for spreading the covid-19 virus , and have been denied or faced discrimination in access to public healthcare , food or humanitarian aid , on the basis of belief or religious criteria;


### 26. underlines that women belonging to religious minorities have been specifically and increasingly targeted with the purpose of inflicting harm on their community as a whole; stresses that they are particularly exposed to violent attacks , kidnapping , sexual violence , forced conversion , forced and early marriage and domestic incarceration , and that lockdown measures taken during the covid-19 pandemic have made their human rights situation even more precarious; ### 26. underlines that women belonging to belief or religious minorities have been specifically and increasingly targeted with the purpose of inflicting harm on their community as a whole; stresses that they are particularly exposed to violent attacks , kidnapping , sexual violence , forced conversion , forced and early marriage and domestic incarceration , and that lockdown measures taken during the covid-19 pandemic have made their human rights situation even more precarious; calls to devote particular attention to abolishing practices and legislation that discriminate against them;


### 27. condemns the use by authoritarian regimes of legislation on security , sedition and the fight against terrorism and extremism as an instrument to persecute persons belonging to religious minorities , to outlaw the practise or expression of their religion and gatherings of believers , and to deter the registration of religious associations; calls on the commission and european external action service (eeas) to monitor carefully the implementation of such legislation , and to consistently raise this issue in bilateral dialogues with the governments concerned; urges eu member states to reject any request by foreign authorities for judicial and police cooperation in individual judicial cases if they are based on such legislation; ### 27. condemns the use by state actors of legislation on security , or security imperatives , sedition and the fight against terrorism and extremism as an instrument to persecute or criminalize persons belonging to belief and religious minorities , to outlaw or restrict the practise or expression of their belief or religion and gatherings of believers , and to deter the membership and registration of belief or religious associations; calls on the commission and european external action service (eeas) to monitor carefully the implementation of such legislation , and to consistently raise this issue in bilateral dialogues with the governments concerned; urges eu member states to reject any request by foreign authorities for judicial and police cooperation in individual judicial cases if they are based on such legislation;


### 28. deplores the fact that more than 70 countries in the world enforce criminal laws or seek to introduce new legislation which provide for punishments for blasphemy , apostasy and conversion , including the death sentence; notes that laws already in place are used disproportionately against people belonging to religious minorities , and are thus seen , with good reason , as an instrument of oppression; calls for the eu to intensify its political dialogue with all countries concerned with a view to repeal those laws; ### 28. deplores the fact that in some countries in the world authorities enforce criminal laws or seek to introduce new legislation which provide for punishments for blasphemy , apostasy and conversion , including the death sentence , or use laws against provoking religious offence to arbitrarily detain and ill-treat minorities on the ground of belief or religion , or claim violation of public order laws or law against incitement to violence without sufficient evidence to justify such charges; notes that laws already in place are used disproportionately against people belonging to belief or religious minorities , and are thus seen , with good reason , as an instrument of oppression; calls for the eu to intensify its political dialogue with all countries concerned with a view to repeal those laws;


### 28. deplores the fact that more than 70 countries in the world enforce criminal laws or seek to introduce new legislation which provide for punishments for blasphemy , apostasy and conversion , including the death sentence; notes that laws already in place are used disproportionately against people belonging to religious minorities , and are thus seen , with good reason , as an instrument of oppression; calls for the eu to intensify its political dialogue with all countries concerned with a view to repeal those laws; ### 28. deplores the fact that more than 70 countries in the world enforce criminal laws or seek to introduce new legislation which provide for punishments for blasphemy , apostasy and conversion , including the death sentence; notes that laws already in place are used disproportionately against people belonging to religious minorities , and are thus seen , with good reason , as an instrument of oppression; calls for the eu to intensify its political dialogue with all countries concerned with a view to repeal those laws; underlines that converts leaving a majority faith often experience the most severe violations including imprisonment , forced divorce , abduction , physical violence and murder;


### strengthening eu human rights foreign policy and external actions to address the persecution of religious minorities ### strengthening eu human rights foreign policy and external actions to address the persecution of belief or religious minorities


### 29. welcomes the recent appointment of mr christos stylianides as the eu special envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief; calls on the commission to include objectives for the fight against persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion as important part of his mandate; recommends that the special envoy works closely with the eu special representative for human rights and the council working group on human rights (cohom) , and reiterates its calls on the council and the commission to adequately support the special envoy’s institutional mandate , capacity and duties; ### 29. takes note of the recent appointment of mr christos stylianides as the eu special envoy for the promotion of freedom of belief or religion; reiterates its calls on the commission to guarantee transparency in the nomination , mandate , activities and reporting obligations of the special envoy and to ensure commitment to the universality , indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights and to european values; stresses that the special envoy’s duties should focus on promoting freedom of thought , conscience , religion and belief , and the rights to non-belief , apostasy and the espousal of atheistic views , also paying attention to the situation of non-believers at risk; calls on the commission to include objectives for the fight against persecution of minorities on the grounds of belief or religion as important part of his mandate; recommends that the special envoy works closely with the eu special representative for human rights and the council working group on human rights (cohom) , and reiterates its calls on the council and the commission to carry out a transparent and comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness and added value of the position of the special envoy;


### 30. calls on the council , the commission , eeas and eu member states to address persecutions based on belief or religion as a priority of eu human rights foreign policy , in line with the eu action plan for human rights and democracy for 2020-2024; stresses that a multi-layered and multi-actor approach is needed to protect and promote freedom of religion or belief , encompassing human rights , conflict resolution and interfaith initiatives that involve multiple state and non-state actors; reiterates its call for a public review of the eu guidelines on freedom of religion or belief , allowing for the assessment of their implementation and of proposals for their update; also calls for progress reports on the implementation of the guidelines to be communicated regularly to parliament; ### 30. calls on the council , the commission , eeas and eu member states to address persecutions based on belief or religion as a priority of eu human rights foreign policy , in line with the eu action plan for human rights and democracy for 2020-2024; stresses that a multi-layered and multi-actor approach is needed to protect and promote freedom of belief or religion , encompassing human rights , conflict resolution and interfaith initiatives that involve multiple state and non-state actors; reiterates its call for a public review of the eu guidelines on freedom of religion or belief , allowing for the assessment of their implementation and of proposals for their update; also calls for progress reports on the implementation of the guidelines to be communicated regularly to parliament;


### 31. urges the eeas and eu delegations to include objectives specifically related to the protection of religious minorities for all relevant situations , as part of the human rights and democracy country strategies (hrdcss) for 2021-2024. and to consistently raise general issues and specific cases relating to the persecution of religious minorities during human rights dialogues with partner countries; reiterates its call for members of the european parliament to be given access to the content of hrdcss; ### 31. urges the eeas and eu delegations to include objectives specifically related to the protection of belief or religious minorities for all relevant situations , as part of the human rights and democracy country strategies (hrdcss) for 2021-2024 and to consistently raise general issues and specific cases relating to the discrimination against and persecution of belief or religious minorities during human rights dialogues with partner countries and ensure that these exchanges produce genuine positive outcomes; reiterates its call for members of the european parliament to be given access to the content of hrdcss;


### 32. calls on the commission and eeas to scrutinise the human rights situations of religious minorities in third countries and the implementation of related commitments under bilateral agreements of those countries with the eu; ### 32. calls on the commission and eeas to scrutinise the human rights situations of belief or religious minorities in third countries and the implementation of related commitments under bilateral agreements of those countries with the eu , including under trade agreements such as the generalized scheme of preferences plus;


### b. whereas the transition to a climate-neutral economy requires an energy transition away from fossil fuels towards a renewable-based system; ### b. whereas the transition to a climate-neutral economy requires an energy transition away from fossil fuels towards a climate-neutral and renewable-based system;


### c. whereas most renewable electricity sources , such as wind and solar , are intermittent and variable; whereas the integration of variable renewable energy sources into the electricity system requires increased flexibility regarding supply and demand; ### c. whereas most renewable electricity sources , such as wind and solar , are intermittent and variable; whereas the integration of variable renewable energy sources into the electricity system requires increased flexibility regarding supply and demand in order to stabilise the electricity grid and to prevent extreme price fluctuations to maintain security of supply and affordability of energy; whereas this increased flexibility requires increased energy storage facilities in the eu;


### 1. calls on the member states to fully explore their energy storage potential; ### 1. calls on the member states to fully explore their energy storage potential and to define a policy strategy for storage;


### 1. calls on the member states to fully explore their energy storage potential; ### 1. calls on the member states to fully explore their energy storage potential and to exchange information on good practices that enhance and contribute to energy storage;


### 2. calls on the commission to develop a comprehensive strategy on energy storage; ### 2. calls on the commission to develop a comprehensive strategy on energy storage; encourages the commission to consider all kinds of energy storage including batteries , pumped storage , fly wheels , fuel cells and thermal storage with a technology-open approach , as different storage technologies can have different use cases such as long- and short-term storage and use in industry , transport or homes; notes that the strategy should address the current lack of long-term storage; further encourages the commission to lay out in the strategy ways to support research , development , innovation and adequate investment in energy storage;


### 2. calls on the commission to develop a comprehensive strategy on energy storage; ### 2. calls on the commission to develop a comprehensive strategy on energy storage , while taking into account the range of costs in euro / mwh for the construction and operation of the relevant storage technology;


### 2. calls on the commission to develop a comprehensive strategy on energy storage; ### 2. calls on the commission to develop a comprehensive strategy on energy storage based on scientific evidence and consultation with technical experts and researchers specialised in this field;


### 3. calls on the commission to establish a task force involving all relevant directorates-general to develop this strategy , including a comprehensive analysis of the carbon footprint and life cycle of storage technologies , taking into account at least the extraction and/or production of raw materials , the manufacturing process , transport and the recycling process , where applicable; ### 3. calls on the commission to establish a task force involving all relevant directorates-general to develop this strategy , including a comprehensive analysis of the carbon footprint and life cycle of storage technologies , the market and services related aspects , including but not limited to the extraction and/or production of raw materials , the manufacturing process , transport and the recycling process , and the maintenance process , where applicable; the task force should also assess the potential of the various storage technologies and solutions to create local value chains and market-oriented business models catering for new jobs and services in europe;


### 3. calls on the commission to establish a task force involving all relevant directorates-general to develop this strategy , including a comprehensive analysis of the carbon footprint and life cycle of storage technologies , taking into account at least the extraction and/or production of raw materials , the manufacturing process , transport and the recycling process , where applicable; ### 3. calls on the commission to establish a task force involving all relevant directorates-general to develop this strategy , including a comprehensive analysis of the carbon footprint and life cycle of storage technologies , as well as addressing regulatory barriers to disruptive research and innovation , taking into account at least the extraction and/or production of raw materials , the manufacturing process , transport and the recycling process , where applicable;


### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a renewable-based system requires a well-developed electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply; ### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a renewable-based system requires well-developed energy grids and advanced storage technologies for both electrons and molecules , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a secure , affordable and sustainable energy supply;


### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a renewable-based system requires a well-developed electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply; ### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a renewable-based system requires a well-developed and smart electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply; recognizes the crucial role of digitalization in developing a greater decentralized and integrated energy system and , ultimately , delivering the energy transition;


### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a renewable-based system requires a well-developed electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply; ### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a renewable-based system requires innovative approaches in research , a well-developed and smart electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply; therefore calls on the commission to continue providing support for research in storage , including on new and emerging alternative technologies , in the framework of horizon europe;


### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a renewable-based system requires a well-developed electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply; ### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a renewable-based system requires a well-developed electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , such as microgrids , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply;


### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a renewable-based system requires a well-developed electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply; ### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a climate neutral and renewable-based system requires a well-developed electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply;


### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a renewable-based system requires a well-developed electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply; ### 4. notes that the energy transition towards a climate-neutral and renewable-based system requires a well-developed electricity grid and advanced storage technologies , backup generation and demand management in order to secure a constant power supply;


### 5. underlines that the transition to a climate-neutral economy must not endanger security of supply; stresses that reliable power supply and the energy transition must go hand in hand; ### 5. underlines that the transition to a climate-neutral economy must not endanger security of supply and affordability of energy; stresses that reliable energy supply , increased energy efficiency , affordability and the energy transition must go hand in hand; stresses that this can be achieved by increased energy storage facilities;


### 5. underlines that the transition to a climate-neutral economy must not endanger security of supply; stresses that reliable power supply and the energy transition must go hand in hand; ### 5. underlines that the transition to a climate-neutral economy must not endanger security of supply; stresses that reliable power supply and the energy transition must go hand in hand also through the necessary integration of the different energy sources;


### 5. underlines that the transition to a climate-neutral economy must not endanger security of supply; stresses that reliable power supply and the energy transition must go hand in hand; ### 5. underlines that the transition to a climate-neutral economy must not endanger security of supply; stresses that reliable energy supply and the energy transition must go hand in hand;


### 5. underlines that the transition to a climate-neutral economy must not endanger security of supply; stresses that reliable power supply and the energy transition must go hand in hand; ### 5. underlines that the transition to a climate-neutral economy must not endanger security of supply , energy access and affordability; stresses that reliable power supply and the energy transition must go hand in hand;


### 5. underlines that the transition to a climate-neutral economy must not endanger security of supply; stresses that reliable power supply and the energy transition must go hand in hand; ### 5. underlines that the transition to a climate-neutral economy must not endanger security of supply; stresses that reliable power supply and a just energy transition must go hand in hand;


### 6. deeply regrets that infrastructure projects which are crucial to the energy transition often face strong resistance at local level; encourages the member states to actively encourage public support at the local level , for instance through early public participation; ### 6. deeply regrets that infrastructure projects which are crucial to the energy transition often face strong resistance at local level; encourages the member states , regions and municipalities to actively encourage public support at the all levels through collaborative governance , for instance through early public participation and consultation , an abundant dissemination of information , including the cost of non-action , transparency regarding the planned projects and models to make the concerned communities benefit from the installations where appropriate;


### 6. deeply regrets that infrastructure projects which are crucial to the energy transition often face strong resistance at local level; encourages the member states to actively encourage public support at the local level , for instance through early public participation; ### 6. recalls that infrastructure projects which are crucial to the energy transition often face important delays in the permitting procedures and strong resistance at local level; encourages the member states to act towards a simplification and streamlining of permitting procedures and timeframes and to actively encourage public information and participation in order to boost support at the local level; calls on the commission to assess whether to issue guidelines to member states for an harmonization on the matter;


### 6. deeply regrets that infrastructure projects which are crucial to the energy transition often face strong resistance at local level; encourages the member states to actively encourage public support at the local level , for instance through early public participation; ### 6. deeply regrets that infrastructure projects which are crucial to the energy transition often face strong resistance at local level; encourages the member states to actively encourage public support at the local level , for instance through early public participation and by widely publicising the public consultation relating to the project;


### 7. points out that most member states require operators of storage facilities to pay network charges or energy taxes twice; is convinced that the abolishment of this burden would lead to more energy storage projects being deployed; calls on the commission to prohibit the double taxation related to energy storage projects in its upcoming proposal for a revised energy taxation directive; calls on the member states to abolish any kind of double taxation or charges related to energy storage projects; ### 7. points out that most member states require operators of storage facilities to pay network charges or energy taxes and other levies twice; is convinced that the abolishment of this burden would lead to more energy storage projects being deployed; calls on the commission to prohibit the double taxation related to energy storage projects in its upcoming proposal for a revised energy taxation directive; calls on the member states to abolish any kind of double taxation or charges related to energy storage projects;


### 8. urgently calls for a revision of the ten-e regulation17 before the adoption of the next list of projects of common interest (pci); calls for the criteria for granting pci status to be aligned with the eu’s climate and sustainability goals; ### 8. urgently calls for a revision of the ten-e regulation17 before the adoption of the next list of projects of common interest (pci); calls for the criteria for granting pci status to be aligned with the paris agreement long-term temperature goal and the eu’s goal for climate neutrality in 2050 through a systematic climate-assessment of all candidate projects for the pci-list;


### 8. urgently calls for a revision of the ten-e regulation17 before the adoption of the next list of projects of common interest (pci); calls for the criteria for granting pci status to be aligned with the eu’s climate and sustainability goals; ### 8. urgently calls for a revision of the ten-e regulation17 before the adoption of the next list of projects of common interest (pci); calls for the criteria for granting pci status to be aligned with the eu’s climate and sustainability goals , while taking into account the specific needs of the different member states;


### 10. regrets the lack of market deployment of research projects under horizon 2020 , and welcomes the planned greater focus on close-to-market activities under horizon europe , in particular through the creation of the european innovation council; calls for greater use of pre-commercial procurement; ### 10. regrets the lack of market deployment of research projects under horizon 2020 , and welcomes the planned greater focus on battery projects and close-to-market activities under horizon europe , in particular through the creation of the european innovation council; calls for greater use of pre-commercial procurement , including public procurement; further calls for sufficient funding for horizon europe to be able to support energy storage capacities in the eu as well as for reduced administrative burden in order to facilitate access to finance for start-ups and smes active in the field of energy storage; further notes that ways must be found to increase the success rate of research projects in the field of energy storage;


### 10. regrets the lack of market deployment of research projects under horizon 2020 , and welcomes the planned greater focus on close-to-market activities under horizon europe , in particular through the creation of the european innovation council; calls for greater use of pre-commercial procurement; ### 10. regrets the lack of market deployment of research projects under horizon 2020 , and welcomes the planned greater focus on close-to-market activities under horizon europe , in particular through the creation of the european innovation council; calls for greater use of pre-commercial procurement and for more investment in new energy storage technologies , which are more sustainable and profitable;


### 11. notes that that there is only an indirect reference to energy storage projects in the guidelines on state aid for environmental protection and energy 2014-2020; notes , furthermore , that astonishingly few state aid measures for storage projects have been notified in the past; ### 11. notes that that there is only an indirect reference to energy storage projects in the guidelines on state aid for environmental protection and energy 2014-2020; notes , furthermore , that astonishingly few state aid measures for storage projects have been notified in the past , and invites the commission to extend the scope of the activities eligible under the next state aid guidelines (eeags) as to include energy storage systems and solutions based on open , competitive and transparent mechanisms;


### 11. notes that that there is only an indirect reference to energy storage projects in the guidelines on state aid for environmental protection and energy 2014-2020; notes , furthermore , that astonishingly few state aid measures for storage projects have been notified in the past; ### 11. notes with concern that there is only an indirect reference to energy storage projects in the guidelines on state aid for environmental protection and energy 2014-2020; notes , furthermore , that astonishingly few state aid measures for storage projects have been notified in the past;