### (24) environmental criminal offences harm nature and society. by reporting breaches of union environmental law , people perform a service of public interest and play a key role in exposing and preventing such breaches , and thus safeguarding the welfare of society. individuals in contact with an organisation in the context of their work-related activities are often the first to know about threats or harm to the public interest and the environment. persons who report irregularities are known as whistleblowers. potential whistleblowers are often discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation. such persons should benefit from balanced and effective whistleblowers protection set out under directive (eu) 2019/1937of the european parliament and of the council25 . ### (24) environmental criminal offences harm nature and society. by reporting breaches of union environmental law , individuals or organisations from the civil society perform a service of public interest and play a key role in exposing and preventing such breaches , and thus safeguarding the welfare of society. individuals in contact with an organisation in the context of their work-related activities are often the first to know about threats or harm to the public interest and the environment. persons who report irregularities are known as whistleblowers. potential whistleblowers are often discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation. such persons should benefit from balanced and effective whistleblowers protection set out under directive (eu) 2019/1937of the european parliament and of the council25 .


### (24) environmental criminal offences harm nature and society. by reporting breaches of union environmental law , people perform a service of public interest and play a key role in exposing and preventing such breaches , and thus safeguarding the welfare of society. individuals in contact with an organisation in the context of their work-related activities are often the first to know about threats or harm to the public interest and the environment. persons who report irregularities are known as whistleblowers. potential whistleblowers are often discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation. such persons should benefit from balanced and effective whistleblowers protection set out under directive (eu) 2019/1937of the european parliament and of the council25 . ### (24) environmental criminal offences harm nature and society. by reporting breaches of union environmental law , individuals and civil society organisations perform a service of public interest and play a key role in exposing and preventing such breaches , and thus safeguarding the welfare of society. individuals in contact with an organisation in the context of their work-related activities are often the first to know about threats or harm to the public interest and the environment. persons who report irregularities are known as whistleblowers. potential whistleblowers are often discouraged from reporting their concerns or suspicions for fear of retaliation. such persons should benefit from balanced and effective whistleblowers protection set out under directive (eu) 2019/1937of the european parliament and of the council25 .


### (25) other persons may also possess valuable information concerning potential environmental criminal offences. they may be members of the community affected or members of society at large taking an active part in protecting the environment. such persons who report environmental crimes as well as persons who cooperate with the enforcement of such offences should be provided the necessary support and assistance in the context of criminal proceedings , so that they are not disadvantaged for their cooperation but supported and assisted. these persons should also be protected from being harassed or unduly prosecuted for reporting such offences or their cooperation in the criminal proceedings. ### (25) other natural or legal persons may also possess valuable information concerning potential environmental criminal offences. they may include members of the community affected , civil society organisations , or members of society at large taking an active part in protecting the environment. such persons who report environmental crimes as well as persons who cooperate with the enforcement of such offences should be provided the necessary protection , support and assistance in the context of criminal proceedings , so that they are not disadvantaged for their cooperation but supported and assisted. these persons should also be protected from being harassed or unduly prosecuted for reporting such offences or their cooperation in the criminal proceedings.


### (28) the effective functioning of the enforcement chain depends on a range of specialist skills. as the complexity of the challenges posed by environmental offences and the technical nature of such crime require a multidisciplinary approach , a high level of legal knowledge , technical expertise as well as a high level of training and specialisation within all relevant competent authorities are necessary. member states should provide training appropriate to the function of those who detect , investigate , prosecute or adjudicate environmental crime. to maximise the professionalism and effectiveness of enforcement chain , member states should also consider assigning specialised investigation units , prosecutors and criminal judges to deal with environmental criminal cases. general criminal courts could provide for specialised chambers of judges. technical expertise should be made available to all relevant enforcement authorities. ### (28) the effective functioning of the enforcement chain depends on a range of specialist skills. as the complexity of the challenges posed by environmental offences and the technical nature of such crime require a multidisciplinary approach , a high level of legal knowledge , technical expertise as well as a high level of training and specialisation within all relevant competent authorities are necessary. member states should provide training appropriate to the function of those who detect , investigate , prosecute or adjudicate environmental crime. to maximise the professionalism and effectiveness of enforcement chain , member states should also consider assigning specialised investigation units , prosecutors and criminal judges to deal with environmental criminal cases. general criminal courts could provide for specialised chambers of judges. technical expertise in a member state should be made available to all relevant enforcement authorities for use in cross-border investigations where needed.


### (30) to ensure an effective , integrated and coherent enforcement system that includes administrative , civil and criminal law measures , member states should organise internal cooperation and communication between all actors along the administrative and criminal enforcement chains and between punitive and remedial sanctioning actors. following the applicable rules , member states should also cooperate through eu agencies , in particular eurojust and europol , as well as with eu bodies , including the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , in their respective areas of competence. ### (30) to ensure an effective , integrated and coherent enforcement system that includes administrative , civil and criminal law measures , member states should organise internal cooperation and communication between all actors along the administrative and criminal enforcement chains and between punitive and remedial sanctioning actors. following the applicable rules , member states should also cooperate through eu agencies , in particular eurojust and europol , as well as with eu bodies , including the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , in their respective areas of competence. the mandate of eppo should be extended to also cover serious environmental crimes with a cross-border dimension. in order to do so , eppo needs adequate resources and funding. in addition , cooperation with third-countries is essential.


### (30) to ensure an effective , integrated and coherent enforcement system that includes administrative , civil and criminal law measures , member states should organise internal cooperation and communication between all actors along the administrative and criminal enforcement chains and between punitive and remedial sanctioning actors. following the applicable rules , member states should also cooperate through eu agencies , in particular eurojust and europol , as well as with eu bodies , including the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , in their respective areas of competence. ### (30) to ensure an effective , integrated and coherent enforcement system that includes administrative , civil and criminal law measures , member states should organise internal cooperation and communication between all actors along the administrative and criminal enforcement chains and between punitive and remedial sanctioning actors. member states should also ensure assistance , coordination and coperation at strategic and operational level between each other as well as with third countries. following the applicable rules , member states should also cooperate through eu agencies , in particular eurojust and europol , as well as with eu bodies , including the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , in their respective areas of competence. the eppo , with its own powers and authority to coordinate investigations and prosecutions in cross-border cases , is currently best placed to combat the most serious environmental crimes , therefore an extention of its mandate is imminently necessary and the commission should present a report to this end , assessing the possibilities and modalities. the extension of the eppo´s mandate would ensure that those environmental crimes for which reinforcement of the criminal law response is unlikely to be achieved through traditional channels of judicial cooperation , are adequately addressed.


### (30) to ensure an effective , integrated and coherent enforcement system that includes administrative , civil and criminal law measures , member states should organise internal cooperation and communication between all actors along the administrative and criminal enforcement chains and between punitive and remedial sanctioning actors. following the applicable rules , member states should also cooperate through eu agencies , in particular eurojust and europol , as well as with eu bodies , including the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , in their respective areas of competence. ### (30) to ensure an effective , integrated and coherent enforcement system that includes administrative , civil and criminal law measures at national and cross-border level , member states should organise internal cooperation , exchanges of good practice and communication between all actors along the administrative and criminal enforcement chains and between punitive and remedial sanctioning actors. following the applicable rules , member states should also cooperate through eu agencies , in particular eurojust and europol , as well as with eu bodies , including the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , in their respective areas of competence.


### (30) to ensure an effective , integrated and coherent enforcement system that includes administrative , civil and criminal law measures , member states should organise internal cooperation and communication between all actors along the administrative and criminal enforcement chains and between punitive and remedial sanctioning actors. following the applicable rules , member states should also cooperate through eu agencies , in particular eurojust and europol , as well as with eu bodies , including the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , in their respective areas of competence. ### (30) to ensure an effective , integrated and coherent enforcement system that includes administrative , civil and criminal law measures , member states should organise internal cooperation and communication between all actors along the administrative and criminal enforcement chains and between punitive and remedial sanctioning actors. following the applicable rules , member states should also cooperate through eu agencies , in particular eurojust and europol , as well as with eu bodies , including the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , in their respective areas of competence. the mandate of eppo should be extended to also cover serious environmental crimes with a cross-border dimension. in order to fulfil this new and broader task , eppo needs adequate resources and funding.


### (30) to ensure an effective , integrated and coherent enforcement system that includes administrative , civil and criminal law measures , member states should organise internal cooperation and communication between all actors along the administrative and criminal enforcement chains and between punitive and remedial sanctioning actors. following the applicable rules , member states should also cooperate through eu agencies , in particular eurojust and europol , as well as with eu bodies , including the european public prosecutor’s office (eppo) and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , in their respective areas of competence. ### (30) to ensure an effective , integrated and coherent enforcement system that includes administrative , civil and criminal law measures , member states should organise internal cooperation and communication between all actors along the administrative and criminal enforcement chains and between punitive and remedial sanctioning actors. member states should assist each other thoroughly and without delay , in accordance with their national laws and the existing union legal framework. following the applicable rules , member states should also cooperate through eu agencies , in particular eurojust and europol , and the european anti-fraud office (olaf) , in their respective areas of competence.


### (31) to ensure a coherent approach to combating environmental offences , member states should adopt , publish and periodically review a national strategy on combating environmental crime , establishing objectives , priorities and corresponding measures and resources needed. ### (31) to ensure a coherent approach to combating environmental offences , member states should adopt , publish and periodically review a national strategy on combating environmental crime , establishing objectives , priorities and corresponding measures and resources needed. the collected data from member states should be made public.


### (32) to effectively tackle the criminal offences referred to in this directive , it is necessary that competent authorities in the member states collect accurate , consistent and comparable data on the scale of and trends in environmental offences and the efforts to combat them and their results. these data should be used for preparing statistics to serve the operational and strategic planning of enforcement activities as well as for providing information to citizens. member states should collect and report to the commission relevant statistical data on environmental offences. the commission should regularly assess and publish the results based on the data transmitted by the member states. ### (32) to effectively tackle the criminal offences referred to in this directive , it is necessary that competent authorities with the establishment of specialised coordination bodies in every member states collect accurate , consistent and comparable data on the scale of and trends in environmental offences and the efforts to combat them and their results. these data should be used for preparing statistics to serve the operational and strategic planning of enforcement activities as well as for providing information to citizens. member states should collect and report to the commission relevant statistical data on environmental offences. the commission should develop a series of tools and processes to facilitate reporting by member states , including standard formats for the different types of reported data to ensure their relevance , objectivity , and allow comparative analysis between member states. the commission should regularly assess and publish the results based on the data transmitted by the member states.


### (32) to effectively tackle the criminal offences referred to in this directive , it is necessary that competent authorities in the member states collect accurate , consistent and comparable data on the scale of and trends in environmental offences and the efforts to combat them and their results. these data should be used for preparing statistics to serve the operational and strategic planning of enforcement activities as well as for providing information to citizens. member states should collect and report to the commission relevant statistical data on environmental offences. the commission should regularly assess and publish the results based on the data transmitted by the member states. ### (32) to effectively tackle the criminal offences referred to in this directive , it is necessary that competent authorities in the member states collect accurate , consistent and comparable data on the scale of and trends in environmental offences and the efforts to combat them and their results. these data should be used for regular monitoring for the purpose of producing statistics , preparing statistics to serve the operational and strategic planning of enforcement activities as well as for providing information to citizens. member states should collect and report to the commission relevant statistical data on environmental offences. the commission should regularly assess and publish the results based on the data transmitted by the member states.


### this directive establishes minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences and sanctions in order to protect the environment more effectively. ### this directive establishes minimum rules on combatting environmental crime and on the definition of criminal offences and sanctions as well as on facilitating the work of and cooperation between law enforcement authorities in order to protect the environment more effectively.


### this directive establishes minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences and sanctions in order to protect the environment more effectively. ### this directive establishes minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences and sanctions in order to protect the environment more effectively and to ensure its legal representation in criminal proceedings.


### the discharge , emission or introduction of a quantity of materials or substances or ionising radiation into air , soil or water which causes or is likely to cause death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to the quality of air , the quality of soil or the quality of water , or to animals or plants; ### the discharge , emission or introduction of a quantity of materials or substances or ionising radiation into air , soil or water which causes or is likely to cause death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to the quality of air , the quality of soil or the quality of water , or to animals or plants within a member state or at cross-border level;


### the discharge , emission or introduction of a quantity of materials or substances or ionising radiation into air , soil or water which causes or is likely to cause death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to the quality of air , the quality of soil or the quality of water , or to animals or plants; ### the discharge , emission or introduction of a quantity of materials , energy , substances or ionising radiation into air , soil or water which causes or is likely to cause death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to the quality of air , the quality of soil or the quality of water , or to animals or plants;


### the placing on the market of a product which , in breach of a prohibition or another requirement , causes or is likely to cause death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to air , water or soil quality , or to animals or plants as a result of the product's use on a larger scale; ### the placing on the market of a product which , in breach of a prohibition or another requirement , causes or is likely to cause death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to air , water or soil quality , or to animals or plants as a result of the product's use on a larger scale within a member state or at cross-border level;


### and it causes or is likely to cause death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to the quality of air , the quality of soil or the quality of water , or to animals or plants; ### and it causes or is likely to cause death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to the quality of air , the quality of soil or the quality of water , or to animals or plants within a member state or at cross-border level;


### the collection , transport , recovery or disposal of waste , the supervision of such operations and the after-care of disposal sites , including action taken as a dealer or a broker (waste management) , when an unlawful conduct: ### the collection , transport , recovery or disposal of waste within a member state or at cross-border level , followed by the supervision of such operations and the after-care of disposal sites , including action taken as a dealer or a broker (waste management) , when an unlawful conduct:


### the abstraction of surface water or groundwater which causes or is likely to cause substantial damage to the ecological status or potential of surface water bodies or to the quantitative status of groundwater bodies; ### the abstraction or contamination of surface water or groundwater which causes or is likely to cause substantial damage to the ecological status or potential of surface water bodies or to the quantitative status of groundwater bodies;


### any conduct which causes the deterioration of a habitat within a protected site , within the meaning of article 6(2) of the directive 92/43/eec , when this deterioration is significant; ### any conduct which causes the deterioration of a habitat within a protected site , within the meaning of article 6(2) of the directive 92/43/eec;


### 4. member states shall ensure that their national legislation specifies that the following elements shall be taken into account when assessing whether the activity is likely to cause damage to the quality of air , the quality of soil or the quality of water , or to animals or plants for the purposes of the investigation , prosecution and adjudication of offences referred to in paragraph 1 , points (a) to (e) , (i) , (j) , (k) and (p): ### 4. member states shall ensure that their national legislation specifies that the following elements shall be taken into account when assessing whether the activity is likely to cause damage to the quality of air , the quality of soil or the quality of water , ecosystems , habitats or to animals or plants for the purposes of the investigation , prosecution and adjudication of offences referred to in paragraph 1 , points (a) to (e) , (i) , (j) , (k) and (p):


### 2. member states shall also ensure that legal persons can be held liable where the lack of supervision or control by a person referred to in paragraph 1 has made possible the commission of an offence referred to in articles 3 and 4 for the benefit of the legal person by a person under its authority. ### 2. member states shall also ensure that legal persons can be held liable where the lack of supervision or control , if applicable , throughout its entire supply chain , by a person referred to in paragraph 1 has made possible the commission of an offence referred to in articles 3 and 4 for the benefit of the legal person by a person under its authority.


### the obligation to reinstate the environment within a given period; ### the obligation to reinstate the environment within a given period or to compensate for the damage caused , if the perpetrator is not in capacity to conduct such a reinstatement;


### 4. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that offences referred to in article 3(1) points (a) to (j) , (n) , (q) , (r) are punishable by fines , the maximum limit of which shall be not less than 5% of the total worldwide turnover of the legal person [/undertaking] in the business year preceding the fining decision. ### 4. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that offences referred to in article 3(1) are punishable by fines , the maximum limit of which shall be in line with competition law rules , i.e. not less than 10% of the total worldwide turnover of the legal person [/undertaking] in the business year preceding the fining decision.


### 4. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that offences referred to in article 3(1) points (a) to (j) , (n) , (q) , (r) are punishable by fines , the maximum limit of which shall be not less than 5% of the total worldwide turnover of the legal person [/undertaking] in the business year preceding the fining decision. ### 4. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that offences referred to in article 3(1) points (a) to (j) , (n) , (q) , (r) are punishable by fines , the maximum limit of which shall be not less than 15% of the average total worldwide turnover of the legal person [/undertaking] in the three business years preceding the fining decision.


### 4. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that offences referred to in article 3(1) points (a) to (j) , (n) , (q) , (r) are punishable by fines , the maximum limit of which shall be not less than 5% of the total worldwide turnover of the legal person [/undertaking] in the business year preceding the fining decision. ### 4. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that offences referred to in article 3(1) are punishable by fines , the maximum limit of which shall be not less than 10% of the total worldwide turnover of the legal person [/undertaking] in the three business years preceding the detection of the offence.


### 5. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that offences referred to in article 3(1) points (k) , (l) , (m) , (o) , (p) are punishable by fines , the maximum limit of which shall be not less than 3% of the total worldwide turnover of the legal person [/undertaking] in the business year preceding the fining decision. ### deleted


### 5. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that offences referred to in article 3(1) points (k) , (l) , (m) , (o) , (p) are punishable by fines , the maximum limit of which shall be not less than 3% of the total worldwide turnover of the legal person [/undertaking] in the business year preceding the fining decision. ### 5. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that offences referred to in article 3(1) points (k) , (l) , (m) , (o) , (p) are punishable by fines , the maximum limit of which shall be not less than 15% of the average total worldwide turnover of the legal person [/undertaking] in the three business years preceding the fining decision.


### the offence caused destruction or irreversible or long-lasting substantial damage to an ecosystem; ### the offence caused destruction or irreversible or long-lasting substantial damage to an ecosystem , or to protected species referred to in article 3(1) points (l) and (m);


### the offence was committed in the framework of a criminal organisation within the meaning of council framework decision 2008/841/jha56 ; ### the offence was committed in the framework of a criminal organisation within the meaning of council framework decision 2008/841/jha56or involved corruption , money laundering , fraud , extortion , coercion or other forms of intimidation;


### the offender restores nature to its previous condition; ### the offender takes steps to prevent the illegal activity from leading to further consequences or provides for the safety , remediation and , where possible , restores the nature to its previous condition before the trial begins;


### the offender restores nature to its previous condition; ### the offender restores nature to its previous condition or/and fair compensation to the victims;


### 1. member states shall take the necessary measures to provide for a limitation period that enables the investigation , prosecution , trial and judicial adjudication of criminal offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 for a sufficient period of time after the commission of those criminal offences , in order for those criminal offences to be tackled effectively. ### 1. member states shall take the necessary measures to provide for a limitation period that enables the investigation , prosecution , trial and judicial adjudication of criminal offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 for a sufficient period of time after the public detection of those criminal offences , in order for those criminal offences to be tackled effectively.


### of offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 which are punishable by a maximum sanction of at least ten years of imprisonment , for a period of at least ten years from the time when the offence was committed , when offences are punishable; ### of offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 which are punishable by a maximum sanction of at least ten years of imprisonment , for a period of at least ten years from the time when the offence was publicly detected , when offences are punishable;


### of offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 which are punishable by a maximum sanction of at least six years of imprisonment , for a period of at least six years from the time when the offence was committed , when offences are punishable; ### of offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 which are punishable by a maximum sanction of at least six years of imprisonment , for a period of at least six years from the time when the offence was publicly detected , when offences are punishable;


### of offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 which are punishable by a maximum sanction of at least four years of imprisonment , for a period of at least four years from the time when the offence was committed , when offences are punishable. ### of offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 which are punishable by a maximum sanction of at least four years of imprisonment , for a period of at least four years from the time when the offence was publicly detected , when offences are punishable.


### 2. a member state shall inform the commission where it decides to extend its jurisdiction to offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 which have been committed outside its territory , where: ### 2. a member state shall take the necessary measures to extend its jurisdiction to offences referred to in articles 3 , 3a and 4 which have been committed outside its territory , where:


### the offence has created a severe risk for the environment on its territory. ### the offence has created a severe risk for the environment or for the biodiversity on its territory.


### the offence has created a severe risk for the environment on its territory. ### the offence has created a severe risk for the environment , including native wildlife populations and their habitats , on its territory.


### where an offence referred to in articles 3 and 4 falls within the jurisdiction of more than one member state , these member states shall cooperate to determine which member state shall conduct criminal proceedings. the matter shall , where appropriate and in accordance with article 12 of council framework decision 2009/948/jha59 , be referred to eurojust. ### where an offence referred to in articles 3 and 4 falls within the jurisdiction of more than one member state , these member states shall cooperate to determine which member state shall conduct criminal proceedings. the matter shall , where appropriate and in accordance with article 12 of council framework decision 2009/948/jha59 , be referred to eurojust , as well as europol.


### where an offence referred to in articles 3 and 4 falls within the jurisdiction of more than one member state , these member states shall cooperate to determine which member state shall conduct criminal proceedings. the matter shall , where appropriate and in accordance with article 12 of council framework decision 2009/948/jha59 , be referred to eurojust. ### where an offence referred to in articles 3 and 4 falls within the jurisdiction of more than one member state , these member states shall cooperate to determine which member state shall conduct criminal proceedings. the matter shall , where appropriate and in accordance with article 12 of council framework decision 2009/948/jha59 , be referred to eurojust as well as europol.


### 1. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that protection granted under directive (eu) 2019/1937 , is applicable to persons reporting criminal offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 of this directive. ### 1. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that protection granted under directive (eu) 2019/1937 , is applicable not only to persons reporting criminal offences but also to civil society organisations referred to in articles 3 and 4 of this directive.


### 1. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that protection granted under directive (eu) 2019/1937 , is applicable to persons reporting criminal offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 of this directive. ### 1. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that protection granted under directive (eu) 2019/1937 , is applicable to both individual and legal persons reporting criminal offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 of this directive.


### 1. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that protection granted under directive (eu) 2019/1937 , is applicable to persons reporting criminal offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 of this directive. ### 1. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that protection is granted to any natural person under directive (eu) 2019/1937 , as well as legal persons reporting criminal offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 of this directive.


### 2. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that persons reporting offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 of this directive and providing evidence or otherwise cooperating with the investigation , prosecution or adjudication of such offences are provided the necessary support and assistance in the context of criminal proceedings. ### 2. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that persons and civil society associations reporting offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 of this directive and providing evidence or otherwise cooperating with the investigation , prosecution or adjudication of such offences are provided the necessary support and assistance in the context of criminal proceedings.


### 2. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that persons reporting offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 of this directive and providing evidence or otherwise cooperating with the investigation , prosecution or adjudication of such offences are provided the necessary support and assistance in the context of criminal proceedings. ### 2. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that natural and legal persons reporting offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 of this directive and providing evidence or otherwise cooperating with the investigation , prosecution or adjudication of such offences are provided the necessary protection , support and assistance in the context of criminal proceedings.


### member states shall ensure that , in accordance with their national legal system , members of the public concerned have appropriate rights to participate in proceedings concerning offences referred to in articles 3 and 4 , for instance as a civil party. ### member states shall ensure that , in accordance with their national legal system , members of the public concerned have appropriate rights to participate in proceedings concerning offences referred to in articles 3 and 4.


### member states shall take appropriate action , such as information and awareness-raising campaigns and research and education programmes , to reduce overall environmental criminal offences , raise public awareness and reduce the risk of population of becoming a victim of an environmental criminal offence. where appropriate , member states shall act in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders. ### in addition to strengthening their investigation and prosecution arsenal and implementing dissuasive sanctions , member states shall take appropriate action , such as information and awareness-raising campaigns and research and education programmes , to reduce overall environmental criminal offences , raise public awareness and reduce the risk of population of becoming a victim of an environmental criminal offence. where appropriate , member states shall act in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders.


### member states shall ensure that national authorities which detect , investigate , prosecute or adjudicate environmental offences have a sufficient number of qualified staff and sufficient financial , technical and technological resources necessary for the effective performance of their functions related to the implementation of this directive. ### 1. member states shall ensure that national authorities which detect , investigate , prosecute or adjudicate environmental offences have a sufficient number of qualified staff , including prosecutors and police authorities , and sufficient financial , technical and technological resources necessary for the effective performance of their functions related to the implementation of this directive. in particular , member states shall strengthen their enforcement and judicial chains in the remit of environmental crimes by establishing or , where relevant , strengthening specialised law enforcement units , as well as specialised coordination bodies , memoranda of understanding between competent authorities , national enforcement networks and joint training activities.


### without prejudice to judicial independence and differences in the organisation of the judiciary across the union , member states shall request those responsible for the training of judges , prosecutors , police , judicial staff and competent authorities’ staff involved in criminal proceedings and investigations to provide at regular intervals specialised training with respect to the objectives of this directive and appropriate to the functions of the involved staff and authorities. ### without prejudice to judicial independence and differences in the organisation of the judiciary across the union , member states shall request those responsible for the training of judges , prosecutors , police , judicial staff , and competent authorities’ staff involved in criminal proceedings and investigations , including environmental experts , to provide at regular intervals specialised training with respect to the objectives of this directive and appropriate to the functions of the involved staff and authorities.


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that effective investigative tools , such as those which are used in organised crime or other serious crime cases , are also available for investigating or prosecuting offences referred to in articles 3 and 4. ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that effective investigative tools , such as those which are used in organised crime , financial crime , cybercrime or other serious crime cases , are also available for investigating or prosecuting offences referred to in articles 3 and 4.


### 3. member states shall ensure that a consolidated review of their statistics is regularly published. ### 3. member states shall ensure that the statistical data as well as a consolidated review of their statistics are regularly published.


### 3. member states shall ensure that a consolidated review of their statistics is regularly published. ### 3. member states shall ensure that a consolidated review of their statistics is published and made easily accessible at least every three years.


### (29) to ensure successful enforcement , member states should make available effective investigative tools for environmental offences such as those which exist in their national law for combating organised crime or other serious crimes. these tools should include among others the interception of communications , covert surveillance including electronic surveillance , controlled deliveries , the monitoring of bank accounts and other financial investigation tools. these tools should be applied in line with the principle of proportionality and in full respect of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union. in accordance with national law , the nature and gravity of the offences under investigation should justify the use of these investigative tools. the right to the protection of personal data must be respected. ### (29) to ensure successful enforcement , member states should make available effective investigative tools for environmental offences such as those which exist in their national law for combating organised crime , financial crime , cybercrime , corruption or other serious crimes. these tools should include among others the interception of communications , covert surveillance including electronic surveillance , controlled deliveries , the monitoring of bank accounts and other financial investigation tools as well as the use of an agent. these tools should be applied in line with the principle of proportionality and in full respect of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union. in accordance with national law , the nature and gravity of the offences under investigation should justify the use of these investigative tools. the right to the protection of personal data must be respected.


### (29) to ensure successful enforcement , member states should make available effective investigative tools for environmental offences such as those which exist in their national law for combating organised crime or other serious crimes. these tools should include among others the interception of communications , covert surveillance including electronic surveillance , controlled deliveries , the monitoring of bank accounts and other financial investigation tools. these tools should be applied in line with the principle of proportionality and in full respect of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union. in accordance with national law , the nature and gravity of the offences under investigation should justify the use of these investigative tools. the right to the protection of personal data must be respected. ### (29) to ensure successful enforcement , member states should make available effective investigative tools for environmental offences such as those which exist in their national law for combating organised crime or other serious crimes. these tools should include among others the interception of communications , covert surveillance including electronic surveillance , controlled deliveries , the monitoring of bank accounts and other financial investigation tools. these tools should be applied in line with the principle of proportionality and in full respect of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , including with the right to the respect for private and family life , and the protection of personal data. in accordance with national law , the nature and gravity of the offences under investigation should justify the use of these investigative tools.


### criminal or non-criminal fines; ### criminal or non-criminal fines , the proceeds of which should all be used by member states to combat environmental crime and to protect the environment;


### obligation of companies to install due diligence schemes for enhancing compliance with environmental standards; ### obligation , subject to a periodic penalty payment , of companies to install due diligence schemes for enhancing compliance with environmental standards;


### the offender actively obstructs inspection , custom controls or investigation activities , or intimidates or interferes with witnesses or complainants. ### the offender actively obstructs inspection , custom controls or investigation activities , destroys any available evidence , or intimidates or interferes with witnesses or complainants;


### the offence is committed for the benefit of a legal person established on its territory; ### deleted


### the modes of coordination and cooperation between the competent authorities; ### the modes of coordination and cooperation between the competent authorities as well as between their competent authorities and other member states;


### the procedures and mechanisms for regular monitoring and evaluation of the results achieved; ### the procedures and mechanisms for regular monitoring , evaluation and reporting of the results achieved;


### 1. the commission shall by [op – please insert the date - two years after the transposition period is over] , submit a report to the european parliament and to the council assessing the extent to which the member states have taken the necessary measures to comply with this directive. member states shall provide the commission with the necessary information for the preparation of that report. ### 1. the commission shall by [op – please insert the date - two years after the transposition period is over] , submit a report to the european parliament and to the council assessing the extent to which the member states have taken the necessary measures to comply with this directive , and providing recommendations to member states. member states shall provide the commission with the necessary information for the preparation of that report , including , but not limited to , data referred to in article 21 (2).


### 1. the commission shall by [op – please insert the date - two years after the transposition period is over] , submit a report to the european parliament and to the council assessing the extent to which the member states have taken the necessary measures to comply with this directive. member states shall provide the commission with the necessary information for the preparation of that report. ### 1. the commission shall by [op – please insert the date - two years after the transposition period is over] and every two years thereafter , submit a report to the european parliament and to the council assessing the extent to which the member states have taken the necessary measures to comply with this directive and providing recommendations to member states. member states shall provide the commission with the necessary information for the preparation of that report.


### 3. by [op – please insert the date - five years after the transposition period is over] , the commission shall carry out an evaluation of the impact of this directive and submit a report to the european parliament and to the council. member states shall provide the commission with necessary information for the preparation of that report. ### 3. by [op – please insert the date - five years after the transposition period is over] , the commission shall carry out an evaluation of the impact of this directive and submit a report to the european parliament and to the council. member states shall provide the commission with necessary information for the preparation of that report. the commission shall ensure that a regular update of criminal offences as outlined in article 3 is secured.


### 3. by [op – please insert the date - five years after the transposition period is over] , the commission shall carry out an evaluation of the impact of this directive and submit a report to the european parliament and to the council. member states shall provide the commission with necessary information for the preparation of that report. ### 3. by [op – please insert the date - five years after the transposition period is over] , the commission shall carry out an evaluation of the impact of this directive and submit a report to the european parliament and to the council. member states shall provide the commission with necessary information for the preparation of that report , including , but not limited to , data referred to in article 21 (2).


### 19 coordination and cooperation between competent authorities within a member state ### 19 coordination and cooperation between competent authorities within a member state and across member states


### member states shall take the necessary measures to establish appropriate mechanisms for coordination and cooperation at strategic and operational levels among all their competent authorities involved in the prevention of and the fight against environmental criminal offences. such mechanisms shall be aimed at least at: ### member states shall take the necessary measures to establish appropriate mechanisms for coordination and cooperation at strategic and operational levels among all their competent authorities involved in the prevention of and the fight against environmental criminal offences. such mechanisms may take the form of units and bodies referred to in article 16 (1) of this directive and shall be aimed at least at:


### implementing powers ### implementing powers and guidelines


### 1. highlights that persons with disabilities’ exercise of the right to work9 is closely linked to measures to tackle discrimination , poverty and obstacles in education , training , housing , care , personal mobility and the built environment; ### 1. highlights that persons with disabilities’ exercise of the right to work9 is closely linked to measures to tackle direct and indirect discrimination , poverty and barriers in education , training , housing , care , personal mobility and the built environment; therefore , encourages commission and member states to take effective and adequate measures to facilitate and improve the conditions for people with disabilities so that they can benefit of equal conditions and opportunities to enjoy this fundamental right;


### b. whereas approximately 1 in 6 people in the eu live with some kind of disability; whereas 50.6 % of persons with disabilities are employed and 28.4 % are at risk of poverty or social exclusion , compared to 74.8 %7 and 18.4 % respectively of persons without disabilities8 ; ### b. whereas approximately 1 in 6 people in the eu live with some kind of disability; whereas 50.6 % of persons with disabilities are employed and 28.4 % are at risk of poverty or social exclusion , compared to 74.8 %7 and 18.4 % respectively of persons without disabilities8; whereas the eu activity rate of persons with disabilities is only 61.0 % compared to 82.3 % of people without disabilities;


### 1. expresses concern about the number of petitions setting out cases of discrimination; in this context , stresses that discrimination remains one of the most serious and unacceptable threats to fundamental rights and that it has no place in any aspect of life; regrets the fact that the proposal for a council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation (com(2008)0426) (the ‘horizontal anti-discrimination directive’) remains blocked in the council , and calls on the commission to propose new anti-discrimination legislation; calls , therefore , on the member states to effectively tackle every alleged case of discrimination and to deal with it in accordance with eu and national law; ### 1. expresses concern about the number of petitions setting out cases of discrimination; in this context , stresses that discrimination remains one of the most serious and unacceptable threats to fundamental rights and that it has no place in any aspect of life; recalls that the eu is built on diversity , pluralism , tolerance , and non-discrimination; stresses that discrimination undermines human dignity , life opportunities , prosperity , well-being , and often safety; regrets the fact that the proposal for a council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation (com(2008)0426) (the ‘horizontal anti-discrimination directive’) remains blocked in the council , and calls on the commission to unblock this situation by proposing a new anti-discrimination legislation if the council does not approve the text as its stands since 2008; calls , therefore , on the member states to effectively tackle every alleged case of discrimination and to deal with it in accordance with eu and national law;


### 1. expresses concern about the number of petitions setting out cases of discrimination; in this context , stresses that discrimination remains one of the most serious and unacceptable threats to fundamental rights and that it has no place in any aspect of life; regrets the fact that the proposal for a council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation (com(2008)0426) (the ‘horizontal anti-discrimination directive’) remains blocked in the council , and calls on the commission to propose new anti-discrimination legislation; calls , therefore , on the member states to effectively tackle every alleged case of discrimination and to deal with it in accordance with eu and national law; ### 1. expresses concern about the number of petitions setting out cases of discrimination; in this context , stresses that discrimination remains one of the most serious and unacceptable threats to fundamental rights and that it has no place in any aspect of life; recalls that the eu is built on diversity , pluralism , tolerance , and non-discrimination; stresses that discrimination undermines human dignity , life opportunities , prosperity , well-being , and often safety; regrets the fact that the proposal for a council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief , disability , age or sexual orientation(com(2008)0426) (the ‘horizontal anti-discrimination directive’) remains blocked in the council , and calls on the commission to propose new anti-discrimination legislation; calls , therefore , on the member states to effectively tackle every alleged case of discrimination and to deal with it in accordance with eu and national law;


### 1. considers that too much parliamentary time is taken up with targeting conservative member states , such as hungary or poland , but that not enough is done to eliminate corruption and breaches of the rule of law and media freedom in other member states; ### deleted


### 1. considers that too much parliamentary time is taken up with targeting conservative member states , such as hungary or poland , but that not enough is done to eliminate corruption and breaches of the rule of law and media freedom in other member states; ### 1. considers that too much parliamentary time is taken up with targeting conservative member states , such as hungary or poland , but that not enough is done to eliminate corruption and breaches of the rule of law and media freedom in other member states , and hence considers it necessary to monitor respect for the rule of law and freedom of the press throughout europe;


### 2. calls on the commission to cease its strategies of identity politics , favouring groups based on sex , ethnicity , skin colour , group history or self-perception; notes that so-called ‘positive discrimination’ includes negative discrimination towards those not in that particular group; further notes that intersectional discrimination does not solve the problems of underprivileged people , but rather multiplies a victim mentality for people in every applicable category; urges the commission and the member states to take a meritocratic viewpoint , whereby people are judged on individual merit; ### deleted


### 4. condemns governmental politicisation of the media , whereby governments use it as a tool for their own propaganda; urges the member states to decouple broadcasting councils from political parties , ensuring independence of financing , editorial freedom and journalistic integrity; notes that the german broadcasters ard and zdf are firmly in the hands of politicians , despite decades of appeals by the german constitutional court to try and change this; ### deleted


### 4. condemns governmental politicisation of the media , whereby governments use it as a tool for their own propaganda; urges the member states to decouple broadcasting councils from political parties , ensuring independence of financing , editorial freedom and journalistic integrity; notes that the german broadcasters ard and zdf are firmly in the hands of politicians , despite decades of appeals by the german constitutional court to try and change this; ### 4. condemns governmental politicisation of the media , which is prejudicing the provision of proper information to eu citizens and respect for the principle of access to information , and through which governments use the media as a tool for their own propaganda; urges the member states to decouple nominations to broadcasting councils from political parties , ensuring independence of financing , editorial freedom and journalistic integrity; notes that the german broadcasters ard and zdf are firmly in the hands of politicians , despite decades of appeals by the german constitutional court to try and change this;


### 4. condemns governmental politicisation of the media , whereby governments use it as a tool for their own propaganda; urges the member states to decouple broadcasting councils from political parties , ensuring independence of financing , editorial freedom and journalistic integrity; notes that the german broadcasters ard and zdf are firmly in the hands of politicians , despite decades of appeals by the german constitutional court to try and change this; ### 4. regrets the fact that that the safety of journalists is not universally guaranteed; underlines the importance of media pluralism and the need to protect journalists against threats and attacks in order to prevent self-censorship and to assure freedom of expression and the right to information and safeguard the journalistic profession; calls on the commission to improve the instruments for assessing measures taken by governments that may undermine freedom of information and pluralism;


### rule of law ### rule of law and fundamental rights


### 5. highlights the seeming impunity of some national governments to rule of law scrutiny , especially germany , where political parties continue to exert influence in the appointment of judges , and seek to eliminate political opposition parties by intimidation and spurious court cases; ### deleted


### 5. highlights the seeming impunity of some national governments to rule of law scrutiny , especially germany , where political parties continue to exert influence in the appointment of judges , and seek to eliminate political opposition parties by intimidation and spurious court cases; ### 5. underlines that the rule of law is a cornerstone of democracy , maintains the separation of powers , ensures accountability , contributes to trust in public institutions and guarantees the principles of legality , legal certainty , prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive powers , judicial independence , impartiality , and equality before the law; stresses that the rule of law and judicial independence in particular are critical for citizens’ ability to enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms;


### 5. highlights the seeming impunity of some national governments to rule of law scrutiny , especially germany , where political parties continue to exert influence in the appointment of judges , and seek to eliminate political opposition parties by intimidation and spurious court cases; ### 5. highlights the rule of law backsliding in many member states over different periods and by different levels of authority , from the executive level through procedures such as fast-tracking laws in periods of state emergencies , to the local level such as pervasive abuse by policing authorities;


### right to congregate , free movement and freedom of conscience ### rights of minorities and vulnerable groups


### 6. condemns the violence of antifa rioting in the midst of peaceful vaccine passport protests across europe; notes the allegations that they are working in cooperation with police authorities to create headlines and discredit the protests; ### deleted


### 6. condemns the violence of antifa rioting in the midst of peaceful vaccine passport protests across europe; notes the allegations that they are working in cooperation with police authorities to create headlines and discredit the protests; ### 6. condemns push backs and violence against migrants and asylum seekers at the external borders; calls on the commission and the member states to set up a fully-fledged fundamental rights monitoring system at the external borders; calls on the commission to start infringement procedures where there are indications of push backs and violence; calls on frontex to suspend all operations in member states where such instances take place and to provide full transparency and accountability of its operational activities;


### 6. condemns the violence of antifa rioting in the midst of peaceful vaccine passport protests across europe; notes the allegations that they are working in cooperation with police authorities to create headlines and discredit the protests; ### 6. condemns the violence of antifa rioting in the midst of peaceful vaccine passport protests across europe and the lack of any measures to counter these groups; notes the allegations that they are working in cooperation with police authorities to create headlines and discredit the protests;


### 7. recognises that freedom of conscience includes the right to conscientious objection; notes with concern that there are still member states in which competent and well-qualified medical staff are denied employment , or have their employment terminated , because of their conscientious objection to life-ending procedures; urges sweden and finland to end their practice of compelling midwives to perform abortions even if this is against their conscience; ### deleted


### 8. deplores the vaccine mandates , which coerce and oblige all citizens to take part in a medical trial of experimental gene therapies , some of which were tested on the kidneys of aborted babies (moderna and pfizer) , contrary to article 10 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and article 9 of the european convention on human rights; ### deleted


### freedom of expression ### combatting hate crime and hate speech


### 9. reiterates that freedom of speech is a fundamental right , vital for the development of a pluralistic and democratic society; emphasises that any restriction to the online or offline exercise of this freedom , such as the removal of content , must be exceptional , prescribed by law and justified by the pursuit of a legitimate aim , in accordance with article 11 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and article 10 of the european convention on human rights; ### deleted


### 9. reiterates that freedom of speech is a fundamental right , vital for the development of a pluralistic and democratic society; emphasises that any restriction to the online or offline exercise of this freedom , such as the removal of content , must be exceptional , prescribed by law and justified by the pursuit of a legitimate aim , in accordance with article 11 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union and article 10 of the european convention on human rights; ### 9. deplores the fact that a significant number of roma people in the eu still live in marginalised settlements in extremely precarious conditions and in very poor socio-economic circumstances , often lacking access to clean drinking water , electricity , safe and adequate housing , education , employment , healthcare , sewage facilities and waste collection; recalls that the situation in roma settlements is in clear violation of human rights and fundamental rights and has serious ramifications , especially for roma children; urges the member states to follow the council recommendation on roma equality , inclusion and participation as well as the eu roma strategic framework on equality , inclusion and participation for 2020 - 2030 and to make full use of eu and national funding towards this end; calls on the commission to intensify the monitoring of member states’ progress and take further steps accordingly;


### 10. is concerned about the use of the vague notion of ‘hate speech’; calls on the commission and the member states to work , in cooperation with internet companies , to provide adequate safeguards , in particular to ensure that any interference is limited to what is necessary and proportionate , and to include the possibility of judicial redress; ### deleted


### 10. is concerned about the use of the vague notion of ‘hate speech’; calls on the commission and the member states to work , in cooperation with internet companies , to provide adequate safeguards , in particular to ensure that any interference is limited to what is necessary and proportionate , and to include the possibility of judicial redress; ### 10. calls on the member states to ensure proper involvement of social-legal protection bodies regarding children and social guardianship in marginalised roma communities in order to ensure that children receive the protection and care necessary for their well-being and development , while respecting their best interests and to put in place procedures tailored to the different needs of marginalised roma communities in order to carry out their duties in the same way as for children from the majority population;


### 10. is concerned about the use of the vague notion of ‘hate speech’; calls on the commission and the member states to work , in cooperation with internet companies , to provide adequate safeguards , in particular to ensure that any interference is limited to what is necessary and proportionate , and to include the possibility of judicial redress; ### 10. is concerned about the use of the vague notion of ‘hate speech’ and stresses the need to clarify this concept in european legislation; calls on the commission and the member states to work , in cooperation with internet companies , to provide adequate safeguards , in particular to ensure that any interference is limited to what is necessary and proportionate , and to include the possibility of judicial redress;


### 11. calls for transparent implementation and public review of the eu guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief , adopted by the council on 24 june 20137 , as called for by parliament in its resolution of 15 january 2019 on eu guidelines and the mandate of the eu special envoy on the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the eu8 ; calls for progress reports on the implementation of the guidelines to be communicated regularly to parliament and the council; ### deleted


### 11. calls for transparent implementation and public review of the eu guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief , adopted by the council on 24 june 20137 , as called for by parliament in its resolution of 15 january 2019 on eu guidelines and the mandate of the eu special envoy on the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the eu8 ; calls for progress reports on the implementation of the guidelines to be communicated regularly to parliament and the council; ### 11. deplores the fact that the practice of segregation of children from minority groups in schools remains a significant issue in europe; emphasises that such practices often stem from misdiagnosing these children with intellectual disabilities based on their social or personal circumstances; calls on the member states to strengthen their inclusive policies to prevent these discriminatory practices , both intentional and non-intentional and to put in place supervisory mechanisms in order to review and where necessary reverse diagnostic decisions;


### promoting the european way of life ### structural racism


### 12. fully supports the work of frontex in their difficult task protecting the eu external borders against floods of illegal migrants; ### deleted


### 12. fully supports the work of frontex in their difficult task protecting the eu external borders against floods of illegal migrants; ### 12. highlights article37 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , which affirms that measures towards achieving a high level of environmental protection and the improvement of the quality of the environment must be integrated into the policies of the union;


### 13. strongly condemns ngos masquerading as aid agencies while facilitating the smuggling of unqualified migrants into the eu; urges the commission to cease funding such entities; ### deleted


### 13. strongly condemns ngos masquerading as aid agencies while facilitating the smuggling of unqualified migrants into the eu; urges the commission to cease funding such entities; ### 13. calls on the commission to adopt the respective legislative initiatives without delay , and to follow with the adoption of further planned legislation in accordance with the original timeline; emphasises the urgent need of including relevant environmental concerns into the decision-making process of all policies and initiatives and believes that sustainability must be the guiding principle for all macroeconomic policies to ensure the just transition to an environmentally sustainable economy , while protecting and creating sustainable employment; and in order to deal with one of the most significant threats facing humanity;


### 13. strongly condemns ngos masquerading as aid agencies while facilitating the smuggling of unqualified migrants into the eu; urges the commission to cease funding such entities; ### 13. stresses that the saving of lives is a legal obligation under international law and eu law; strongly condemns criminal proceedings initiated in some member states against civil society organisations and individuals for providing humanitarian assistance to migrants; calls on member states to ensure that prosecution is not pursued against individuals and civil society organisations assisting migrants for humanitarian reasons;


### 13. strongly condemns ngos masquerading as aid agencies while facilitating the smuggling of unqualified migrants into the eu; urges the commission to cease funding such entities; ### 13. strongly condemns ngos masquerading as aid agencies while facilitating the smuggling of unqualified migrants into the eu; urges the commission to cease funding such entities and regularly to publish a list with the names of such organisations to stop them receiving fresh funding from other sources;


### 14. urges the commission to adhere to its competences under the treaties , and not seek to encroach on member state sovereignty , especially in the area of health legislation; ### deleted


### 14. urges the commission to adhere to its competences under the treaties , and not seek to encroach on member state sovereignty , especially in the area of health legislation; ### 14. calls for the eu wide implementation of the aarhus convention that links environmental rights and human rights; highlights that environmental impairment and the failure of some public authorities to provide information about serious environmental risks to which individuals are exposed , may have severe harmful consequences for individuals; calls for the protection of journalists , activists , ngos , rights defenders , whistleblowers and public watchdogs acting in these fields.


### 15. condemns the intolerant rhetoric that describes any conservative voice as being ‘anti-vax’ , anti-choice , racist , bigoted or misogynistic; urges the commission and the council to live up to our motto of ‘united in diversity’ by encouraging lively debate on topics with an open mind , rather than ad hominem attacks; ### deleted


### right to protect bodily autonomy ### deleted


### 16. deeply regrets the draconian imposition of the eu digital covid certificate , which has seen the fundamental rights of every eu citizen damaged or lost; notes that the costs (financial as well as psychological) far outweigh any health benefits , as healthy people and those at low risk of death from covid-19 are forced to obey ever-changing , unreasonable , disproportionate and ineffective legal mandates in order to meet their family , enter their workplace (including the premises of the european parliament) , cross schengen borders , attend a place of worship , or enter a concert hall , shopping centre or social club; notes that the costs of these unprecedented governmental controls will be regretted by many for decades to come; ### deleted


### 16. deeply regrets the draconian imposition of the eu digital covid certificate , which has seen the fundamental rights of every eu citizen damaged or lost; notes that the costs (financial as well as psychological) far outweigh any health benefits , as healthy people and those at low risk of death from covid-19 are forced to obey ever-changing , unreasonable , disproportionate and ineffective legal mandates in order to meet their family , enter their workplace (including the premises of the european parliament) , cross schengen borders , attend a place of worship , or enter a concert hall , shopping centre or social club; notes that the costs of these unprecedented governmental controls will be regretted by many for decades to come; ### 16. calls on the council to urgently conclude the eu ratification of the istanbul convention on the basis of a broad accession without any limitations , and to advocate its ratification by all the member states , in particular bulgaria , czechia , hungary , latvia , lithuania and slovakia which haven’t ratify it ; strongly condemns the attempts in some member states , in particular poland , to revoke measures already taken in implementing the istanbul convention and in combating violence against women and to step out of the convention.


### 17. expresses grave concern about the excessive lockdown measures , which have put businesses into debt and closure , seen people separated from their loved ones and families (often during their final hours) , increased mental illness through isolation , led to rises in domestic violence , as people are imprisoned in their homes and prevented from having external contact , and seen children unnecessarily masked and vaccinated; urges the member states to encourage early treatment of the sars-cov-2 infection9 ; ### deleted


### 17. expresses grave concern about the excessive lockdown measures , which have put businesses into debt and closure , seen people separated from their loved ones and families (often during their final hours) , increased mental illness through isolation , led to rises in domestic violence , as people are imprisoned in their homes and prevented from having external contact , and seen children unnecessarily masked and vaccinated; urges the member states to encourage early treatment of the sars-cov-2 infection9 ; ### 17. condemns the continuous and persistent backlash in some member states , particularly poland , slovakia , croatia or lithuania , against women’s rights , including sexual and reproductive health and rights; emphasises that restrictive abortion laws do not only represent a flagrant violation of the human rights of women and girls and their bodily autonomy , but their effects are also contra-productive and in direct opposition to their proclaimed goal of saving lives , as illustrated by the cases of two polish women who died of sepsis after having been denied life-saving abortion; urges the member states to take effective steps to remedy such existing violations of human rights and women´s rights and to put necessary mechanisms in place to prevent their occurrence in the future; calls on the commission to put greater emphasis on sexual and reproductive health and rights in its annual rule of law report;


### 17. expresses grave concern about the excessive lockdown measures , which have put businesses into debt and closure , seen people separated from their loved ones and families (often during their final hours) , increased mental illness through isolation , led to rises in domestic violence , as people are imprisoned in their homes and prevented from having external contact , and seen children unnecessarily masked and vaccinated; urges the member states to encourage early treatment of the sars-cov-2 infection9; ### 17. expresses grave concern about the excessive lockdown measures , including the ending of flights and cross-border transport connections , which have put businesses into debt and closure , seen people separated from their loved ones and families (often during their final hours) , increased mental illness through isolation and the number of suicides , and led to rises in domestic violence , as people are imprisoned in their homes and prevented from having external contact , and seen children unnecessarily masked and vaccinated; urges the member states to encourage early treatment of the sars-cov-2 infection9;


### 17. expresses grave concern about the excessive lockdown measures , which have put businesses into debt and closure , seen people separated from their loved ones and families (often during their final hours) , increased mental illness through isolation , led to rises in domestic violence , as people are imprisoned in their homes and prevented from having external contact , and seen children unnecessarily masked and vaccinated; urges the member states to encourage early treatment of the sars-cov-2 infection9 ; ### 17. recalls that during the pandemic of covid-19 some member states restricted access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services , including abortion; strongly emphasizes that sexual and reproductive health and rights services must be recognized as essential and be available even during global health emergencies , given the time-sensitivity of the nature of these services;


### 18. urges the president of parliament to rescind the obligation for parliament staff to show their eu digital covid certificate in order to access their workplace , as this is in contravention of the gdpr , whereby personal data collected for one purpose (crossing borders) cannot be repurposed for another (entering parliament’s premises) , with the privacy contraventions this entails; further urges her to seek assurance that dna data has not been collected , stored and transferred to third parties; ### deleted


### 18. urges the president of parliament to rescind the obligation for parliament staff to show their eu digital covid certificate in order to access their workplace , as this is in contravention of the gdpr , whereby personal data collected for one purpose (crossing borders) cannot be repurposed for another (entering parliament’s premises) , with the privacy contraventions this entails; further urges her to seek assurance that dna data has not been collected , stored and transferred to third parties; ### 18. 1. is alarmed by the significant increase in domestic violence during the pandemic of covid-19; commends prompt responses by some national , regional and local governments to put in place measures to help victims of domestic violence , such as expansion of helplines and information sharing , introduction of codeword schemes at pharmacies , pop-up counselling centres at grocery shops or concealed applications to facilitate reporting of domestic violence and abuse; points out , however , to the general lack of shelters or other safe accommodation options for survivors of domestic violence; therefore urges the member states to allocate adequate funding to existing shelters to help them increase their capacities , as well as to facilitate the setting-up of additional shelters and safe housing facilities for survivors , including for accompanying minors; moreover calls on the member states to ensure that services for survivors are regarded as essential and remain open , and are complemented by adequate and specialized training for police forces as well as targeted justice responses with the aim to increase preparedness for the future;


### 19. calls on the commission to present full details of contracts concluded for the purchase of covid-19 vaccines , without redactions , and calls for full transparency of health data associated with the vaccines’ efficacy and side effects; notes that manufacturers of harmful vaccines are liable under directive 85/374/eec; ### deleted


### 19. calls on the commission to present full details of contracts concluded for the purchase of covid-19 vaccines , without redactions , and calls for full transparency of health data associated with the vaccines’ efficacy and side effects; notes that manufacturers of harmful vaccines are liable under directive 85/374/eec; ### 19. calls on the commission to present to the european parliament full details of contracts concluded for the purchase of covid-19 vaccines , without redactions , along with a status report on vaccine stocks and the measures to be taken if those doses are not used , and calls for full transparency of health data associated with the vaccines’ efficacy and side effects; notes that manufacturers of harmful vaccines are liable under directive 85/374/eec;


### 20. calls on the member states to take urgent action against acts of modern slavery or reproductive exploitation through surrogacy agreements; ### deleted


### — having regard to article 2(1) of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , which enshrines the right to life for all persons , ### deleted


### — having regard to article 20 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , which states that everyone is equal before the law , ### deleted


### — having regard to article 21 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union , which prohibits all forms of discrimination , ### deleted


### — having regard to council directive 2002/90/ec of 28 november 2002 defining the facilitation of unauthorised entry , transit and residence2 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the ruling of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) of 21 june 2017 in case c-621/15 , n. w and others v sanofi pasteur msd snc and others , regarding directive 85/374/eec3 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the cjeu ruling of 18 october 2011 in case c-34/10 , oliver brüstle v greenpeace ev4 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the exchange of views held on 30 june 2021 at the german chancellor’s office with the german federal constitutional court , during which more than 750 constitutional complaints about excessive lockdown measures were dismissed5 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the political instrumentalisation of the german public prosecutor’s office , whereby political opponents are subjected to spurious legal claims designed to waste their time , energy and resources , thereby harming their chances in elections , ### deleted


### — having regard to president von der leyen’s heavily redacted disclosure of vaccine purchase contracts to meps , ### deleted


### a. whereas the years 2020 and 2021 saw the most draconian loss of fundamental rights in the history of the eu , whereby citizens were forced to stay at home , close businesses , remain distant from friends and family , maintain physical distance and go untreated for ‘non-urgent’ medical issues , were prevented from attending places of worship and from travelling within and outside the eu , and were forced to show a historically worrisome pass to enter premises or vehicles; ### deleted


### a. whereas the years 2020 and 2021 saw the most draconian loss of fundamental rights in the history of the eu , whereby citizens were forced to stay at home , close businesses , remain distant from friends and family , maintain physical distance and go untreated for ‘non-urgent’ medical issues , were prevented from attending places of worship and from travelling within and outside the eu , and were forced to show a historically worrisome pass to enter premises or vehicles; ### a. whereas in many member states , the lockdown and social distancing measures during the covid-19 pandemic have been associated with an exponential increase in the prevalence and intensity of cases of intimate partner violence , psychological violence and coercive control and cyber violence , and with a 60 % increase in emergency calls reported by victims of domestic violence(18); whereas requirement to stay at home and the alarming upsurge in the ‘shadow pandemic’ made it difficult for women and children to access effective protection , support services and justice and revealed that support resources and structures were insufficient and that victims had limited access to support services , leaving many of them without adequate and timely protection; whereas best practices in specific measures to provide timely and accessible assistance to victims , including setting up emergency texting systems or creating contact points to seek help in pharmacies and supermarkets should be shared among the member states; whereas in spite of the prevalence of the phenomenon , intimate partner violence against women remains under-reported in the eu by the victims , their families , friends , acquaintances and neighbours , for various reasons , especially during the covid-19 pandemic , and whereas there is a significant lack of comprehensive , comparable and gender-disaggregated data , making it difficult to fully assess the impact of the crisis;


### a. whereas the years 2020 and 2021 saw the most draconian loss of fundamental rights in the history of the eu , whereby citizens were forced to stay at home , close businesses , remain distant from friends and family , maintain physical distance and go untreated for ‘non-urgent’ medical issues , were prevented from attending places of worship and from travelling within and outside the eu , and were forced to show a historically worrisome pass to enter premises or vehicles; ### a. whereas in the years 2020 and 2021 restrictive measures to combat the covid-19 pandemic interfered with a wide range of fundamental rights , such as to movement and assembly , to private and family life , including personal data protection , and to education , work and social security; whereas the pandemic exacerbated existing challenges and inequalities in all areas of life , especially affecting vulnerable groups , and sparked an increase in racist incidents;


### b. whereas more than 325 000 illegal crossings were detected by the european border and coast guard agency (frontex) and member state border controls between january 2020 and december 20216 , with untold numbers of illegal migrants , traffickers and smugglers entering , remaining in and destabilising the security of our union; ### deleted


### c. whereas eu law , as upheld in the case of brüstle v greenpeace , affirms the right to life and dignity of every human embryo , and this right should therefore be protected under article 2 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; ### deleted


### right to equal treatment ### right to equal treatment: multiple and intersectional discrimination.


### media freedom ### media freedom and the protection of journalists


### 3. condemns attempts by governments to silence media outlets that criticise them and to eliminate media freedom and pluralism; also condemns social media platforms that censor , deplatform or intimidate independent journalists and free citizens who express a narrative differing from that of mainstream media; ### deleted


### 3. condemns attempts by governments to silence media outlets that criticise them and to eliminate media freedom and pluralism; also condemns social media platforms that censor , deplatform or intimidate independent journalists and free citizens who express a narrative differing from that of mainstream media; ### 3. calls on member states to protect and develop an independent , pluralist and free media sector; condemns in this respect any measures aimed at silencing critical media and undermining media freedom and pluralism;


### 3. condemns attempts by governments to silence media outlets that criticise them and to eliminate media freedom and pluralism; also condemns social media platforms that censor , deplatform or intimidate independent journalists and free citizens who express a narrative differing from that of mainstream media; ### 3. condemns attempts by governments to silence and intimidate media outlets that criticise them and to eliminate media freedom and pluralism; also condemns social media platforms that censor , deplatform or intimidate independent journalists and free citizens who express a narrative differing from that of mainstream media;


### 1. underlines that the annual rule of law report is a key element of the eu’s rule of law toolbox; ### 1. underlines that the annual rule of law report is a key element of the eu’s rule of law toolbox; points out that both the efficiency of national courts and access to justice were adversely affected during the pandemic , with the partial closure of national courts and the - sometimes inefficient - use of digitalisation for some legal proceedings;


### 1. recalls that regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 2020 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget (the conditionality regulation) integrated the conditionality mechanism into a wider framework , requiring the commission to use its own annual rule of law reports as a source for its assessments under the regulation; calls on the commission to implement the conditionality regulation without any further delay; recalls that for budget-related measures in the event of violations of the rule of law in a member state , the competences of parliamentary committees should be determined on the basis of annex vi of parliament’s rules of procedure if the infringements under the conditionality regulation procedure are dealt with in parliament; ### 1. recalls that regulation (eu , euratom) 2020/2092 of the european parliament and of the council of 16 december 2020 on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget (the conditionality regulation) integrated the conditionality mechanism into a wider framework , requiring the commission to use its own annual rule of law reports as a source for its objective assessments under the regulation; calls on the commission to implement the conditionality regulation without any further delay and without affecting eu citizens directly or indirectly; recalls that for budget-related measures in the event of violations of the rule of law in a member state , the competences of parliamentary committees should be determined on the basis of annex vi of parliament’s rules of procedure if the infringements under the conditionality regulation procedure are dealt with in parliament;


### 2. recalls its resolution of 8 july 2021 on the creation of guidelines for the application of the conditionality regulation; insists that the commission include in its annual rule of law reports a section dedicated to cases where rule of law breaches in a member state could affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the union’s financial interests in a sufficiently direct way; ### 2. recalls its resolution of 8 july 2021 on the creation of guidelines for the application of the conditionality regulation; insists that the commission include in its annual rule of law reports a section dedicated to cases where rule of law breaches in a member state have affected , could affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the union’s financial interests in a sufficiently direct way; calls on the commission to present in its future reports a summary of the actions undertaken at national or eu level to address such cases , as well as to what extent they have protected the union’s budget;


### 2. recalls its resolution of 8 july 2021 on the creation of guidelines for the application of the conditionality regulation; insists that the commission include in its annual rule of law reports a section dedicated to cases where rule of law breaches in a member state could affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the union’s financial interests in a sufficiently direct way; ### 2. recalls its resolution of 8 july 2021 on the creation of guidelines for the application of the conditionality regulation; insists that the commission include in its annual rule of law reports a section dedicated to cases where rule of law breaches in a member state could affect or seriously risk affecting the sound financial management of the union budget or the protection of the union’s financial interests in a sufficiently direct way;


### 2. recalls that respect for the rule of law entails compliance with eu primary and secondary law , and with the core principle of the primacy of eu law; ### 2. recalls that respect for the rule of law entails compliance with eu primary and secondary law , and with the core principle of the primacy of eu law; therefore has serious concerns about the recent developments where such principle has been rejected , as well as the role of the court in interpreting and applying eu law;


### 3. recalls that important elements of parliament’s resolutions of 25 october 2016 and of 7 october 2020 on the establishment of an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights are still missing , in particular the panel of independent experts , widening the scope to include all values set out under article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu) , and the interinstitutional agreement for an annual monitoring cycle; ### 3. recalls that important elements of parliament’s resolutions of 25 october 2016 and of 7 october 2020 on the establishment of an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights are still missing , in particular the panel of independent experts , widening the scope of the monitoring to include all values set out under article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu) , and the negotiation of an interinstitutional agreement for the establishment of an annual monitoring cycle; invites the commission to better integrate the eu justice scoreboard in the annual rule of law report and to include in the next editions an assessment of how the right to a fair trial is guaranteed in member states , with particular attention paid to the right of defence , the protection of victims of crimes , the fight against impunity , equality between prosecution and defence parties , and the length of court proceedings; calls on the commission to also include in its next annual reports an evaluation of prison conditions , judicial backlogs , and the average duration of trials in all member states;


### 3. stresses that the four areas assessed in the 27 country chapters of the commission’s 2021 rule of law report (the justice system , the anti-corruption framework , media pluralism , and other institutional checks and balances) are key interdependent pillars for upholding the rule of law , fighting fraud and protecting the union’s financial interests; welcomes the evaluation of the effects of covid-19 on the four issues assessed; highlights the importance of continuing this evaluation in future annual rule of law reports; points out that covid-19 pandemic has shortened legislative processes and reduced parliamentary debate and consultation of civil society and other stakeholders; ### 3. stresses that the four areas assessed in the 27 country chapters of the commission’s 2021 rule of law report (the justice system , the anti-corruption framework , media pluralism , and other institutional checks and balances) are key interdependent pillars for upholding the rule of law , fighting fraud and protecting the union’s financial interests; welcomes the evaluation of the effects of covid-19 on the four issues assessed; highlights the importance of continuing this evaluation in future annual rule of law reports to contribute to streamlining anti-corruption measures in pandemic-related areas , such as recovery funds , emergency legislation and medical care; points out that covid-19 pandemic has shortened legislative processes and reduced parliamentary debate and consultation of civil society and other stakeholders;


### 3. notes that crises such as the covid-19 pandemic have shown that measures taken in urgency can have democratic deficits and lead to corruption , and that they lack proper scrutiny; stresses , therefore , the need for clear legal arrangements ensuring respect for the rule of law also during times of crisis; ### 3. notes that crises such as the covid-19 pandemic have shown that measures taken in urgency can have democratic deficits and lead to corruption , and that they lack proper scrutiny; stresses , therefore , the need for clear legal arrangements ensuring respect for the rule of law also during times of crisis; welcomes the ongoing efforts in that direction by member states that are lacking such frameworks;


### 4. underlines that corruption prevention policies cover many fields , typically including ethical rules , awareness-raising measures , rules on asset disclosures , incompatibilities and conflicts of interest , internal control mechanisms , rules on lobbying , and revolving doors; reiterates the role of national measures in preventing fraud and corruption; ### 4. underlines that corruption prevention policies cover many fields , typically including ethical rules , awareness-raising measures , rules on asset disclosures , incompatibilities and conflicts of interest , public procurement , internal control mechanisms , rules on lobbying , and revolving doors; reiterates the role of national measures in preventing fraud and corruption , as well as in recovering the profit from those cases; welcomes in this regard the information included in the 2021 report about cases of corruption involving high-level officials in member states and calls on provision of more clarification in future reports with regard to whether eu funds have been affected;