### 22. reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty , which is a cruel , inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the eu must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators; ### 22. reiterates its principled opposition to the death penalty , which is a cruel , inhuman and degrading punishment and is irreversible; stresses that the eu must be relentless in its pursuit of the universal abolition of the death penalty as a major objective of its human rights foreign policy; calls on all countries that have not yet done so to abolish the death penalty or establish an immediate moratorium as a first step towards its abolition; condemns any incidents of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment and deplores the fact that they continue to be common in many countries; notes with great concern the trend of increasing instances of torture worldwide and widespread impunity of its perpetrators; recognises the importance of civil society organisations and human rights defenders in the fight against torture and other forms of ill-treatment;


### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; ### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration and asylum policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , particularly focusing on displaced women , children , ethnic , religious and belief minorities and persons with disabilities , who are among the most vulnerable , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries;


### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; ### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; recalls that the eu and its member states , in their external and extraterritorial actions , agreements and cooperation in the areas of migration , borders and asylum , shall respect and protect human rights , notably those enshrined in the charter of fundamental rights , including the right to life , liberty , and the right to asylum , notably the individual assessment of asylum applications and the principle of non-refoulement; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries;


### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; ### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; reiterates its call on the commission to ensure transparent ex-ante risk assessments performed by independent eu bodies and experts on the impact of any formal , informal or financial eu cooperation with third countries on the rights of migrants , refugees , and forcibly displaced persons;


### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries; ### 37. reaffirms the inalienable human rights of migrants , refugees and forcibly displaced persons , which must be reflected in the eu’s migration policy and in its cooperation with third countries in this area; stresses that the eu should step up its efforts to acknowledge and develop ways to address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement , building the resilience of migrants’ communities of origin and helping them offer their members the possibility to enjoy a decent life in their home country; calls for the eu and its member states to continue and where possible step up their support for countries hosting most refugees , as well as transit countries; reiterates that close cooperation and engagement with third countries remain key to preventing migrant smuggling; deplores the illegal pushbacks and the number of deaths occurring along migration routes as its consequence , which are in violation of international and eu law; stresses , in this regard , that the dissemination of information and awareness-raising campaigns on the risks of smuggling is crucial; calls for eu-funded humanitarian operations to take into consideration the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children and to ensure their protection while they are displaced; underlines the importance of developing an effective framework of safe and legal pathways to the eu and welcomes , in this regard , the commission communication on attracting skills and talent to the eu13 , including the development of talent partnerships with partner countries;


### 38. recalls its commitment to the rights of refugees , as provided by international human rights and refugee laws , in particular the 1951 convention relating to the status of refugees and the 1967 protocol thereto; recalls the obligations of states to protect refugees and respect their rights in accordance with the relevant international law; notes with concern that the number of people forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution , conflict , violence , human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order reached an unprecedented 89 million by the end of 2021 , 36.5 million of whom are children; stresses , in this context , that international action and cooperation is more essential than ever to ensure protection for refugees; ### 38. recalls its commitment to the rights of refugees , as provided by international human rights and refugee laws , in particular the 1951 convention relating to the status of refugees and the 1967 protocol thereto; recalls the obligations of states to protect refugees and respect their rights in accordance with the relevant international law; notes with concern that the number of people forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution , conflict , violence , human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order reached an unprecedented 89 million by the end of 2021 , 36.5 million of whom are children; recalls that refugees and migrants , especially undocumented migrants , face barriers in access to healthcare around the world , that sexual and gender-based violence is a frequent occurrence during displacements , and that in many settings survivors of sexual and gender-based violence do not receive the essential sexual and reproductive healthcare they need; stresses , in this context , that international action and cooperation is more essential than ever to ensure protection for refugees;


### 39. notes that 5.3 million ukrainians have entered the eu since the beginning of russia’s war of aggression against ukraine; underlines the importance of a proper and realistic assessment of the time that ukrainians who have fled the war will probably need to stay outside their country , as long-term stays require different kinds of responses and funding from the host countries , including a greater focus on access to education , economic opportunities , housing and integration in the host societies; ### 39. underlines the importance of a shift from temporary to long term protection for refugees from frozen or prolonged conflicts , accompanied by a proper and realistic assessment of the time that people who have fled wars will probably need to stay outside their country , as long-term stays require different kinds of responses and funding from the host countries , including a greater focus on access to education , economic opportunities , housing , healthcare and integration in the host societies;


### 40. stresses the multitude of threats to human rights caused by modern warfare and conflicts around the world today; underlines that in addition to the states parties themselves , such conflicts often involve non-state agents including private military and security companies as well as terrorist organisations; stresses the disastrous humanitarian consequences of these conflicts and their devastating impact on civilians , who are directly targeted , have to endure grave human rights violations , and often have no or limited access to justice or legal remedies; calls for the eu to continue developing and implementing tools to enable it to respond swiftly and efficiently to such conflicts , to help put an end to the perpetration of human rights violations , and to provide assistance to the victims; ### 40. stresses the multitude of threats to human rights caused by modern warfare and conflicts around the world today; underlines that in addition to the states parties themselves , such conflicts often involve non-state agents including private military and security companies as well as terrorist organisations; stresses the disastrous humanitarian consequences of these conflicts and their devastating impact on civilians , who are directly targeted , have to endure grave human rights violations , and often have no or limited access to justice or legal remedies; calls for the eu to continue developing and implementing tools to enable it to respond swiftly and efficiently to such conflicts , to help put an end to the perpetration of human rights violations , and to provide assistance to the victims; reiterates that humanitarian crises intensify healthcare-related challenges and recalls that in crisis zones , particularly among vulnerable groups such as refugees and migrants , women and girls are particularly exposed to sexual violence , sexually transmitted diseases , sexual exploitation , rape as a weapon of war and unwanted pregnancies; calls on the commission and member states to give high priority to gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights in their humanitarian aid response , as well as accountability and access to justice and redress for sexual and reproductive rights violations and gender-based violence , including in terms of training for humanitarian actors and future funding;


### 40. stresses the multitude of threats to human rights caused by modern warfare and conflicts around the world today; underlines that in addition to the states parties themselves , such conflicts often involve non-state agents including private military and security companies as well as terrorist organisations; stresses the disastrous humanitarian consequences of these conflicts and their devastating impact on civilians , who are directly targeted , have to endure grave human rights violations , and often have no or limited access to justice or legal remedies; calls for the eu to continue developing and implementing tools to enable it to respond swiftly and efficiently to such conflicts , to help put an end to the perpetration of human rights violations , and to provide assistance to the victims; ### 40. stresses the multitude of threats to human rights caused by modern warfare and conflicts around the world today; underlines that in addition to the states parties themselves , such conflicts often involve non-state agents including private military and security companies as well as terrorist organisations; stresses the disastrous humanitarian consequences of these conflicts and their devastating impact on civilians , who are directly targeted , have to endure grave human rights violations , and often have no or limited access to justice or legal remedies; calls for the eu to continue developing and implementing tools to enable it to respond swiftly and efficiently to such conflicts , addressing their root causes , investing in conflict prevention and mediation efforts , seeking and maintaining space for political solutions , creating alliances with like-minded countries and regional organisations , providing further financial and technical support and personnel to peacekeeping civilian missions and military operations missions , and promoting trust-building initiatives between belligerents , to help put an end to the perpetration of human rights violations , and to provide assistance to the victims;


### 41. strongly condemns the grave violations of human rights committed by the russian armed forces; underlines the utmost importance of ensuring accountability for these violations and calls for the eu and its member states to continue to offer their full support for the actors , measures and mechanisms to this end , including the ukrainian prosecutors , investigators and judiciary , the icc , the commission of inquiry of the un human rights council , and national investigations under the principle of universal jurisdiction; stresses the importance of swiftly gathering and preserving evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity and welcomes the efforts of independent civil society to this end; calls on the commission to provide all the necessary assistance in this process , including additional funding from the ndici – global europe , and urges the member states to engage in this process themselves whenever they are in a position to do so; welcomes the amended mandate of the eu advisory mission to ukraine and the commission’s proposal to extend the mandate of eurojust to support the fight against impunity; calls for an informed decision to be made about the most appropriate solution to hold to account the individuals and entities responsible for enabling russia’s war of aggression against ukraine and the war crimes committed on ukrainian territory , which could include the creation of a special international court or enabling the icc to deliberate on these crimes; ### 41. strongly condemns and is deeply concerned by the serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law by russian armed forces in the war of aggression against ukraine; underlines the utmost importance of ensuring accountability for these violations and calls for the eu and its member states to continue to offer their full support for the actors , measures and mechanisms to this end , including the ukrainian prosecutors , investigators and judiciary , the icc , the commission of inquiry of the un human rights council , and national investigations under the principle of universal jurisdiction; stresses the importance of swiftly gathering and preserving evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity and welcomes the efforts of independent civil society to this end; calls on the commission to provide all the necessary assistance in this process , including additional funding from the ndici – global europe , and urges the member states to engage in this process themselves whenever they are in a position to do so; welcomes the amended mandate of the eu advisory mission to ukraine and the commission’s proposal to extend the mandate of eurojust to support the fight against impunity in all situations; calls for an informed decision to be made about the most appropriate solution to hold to account the individuals and entities responsible for enabling russia’s war of aggression against ukraine and the war crimes committed on its territory , which could include the creation of a special international court or enabling the icc to deliberate on these crimes; notes that 7.3 million ukrainians have entered the eu since the beginning of russia’s war of aggression against ukraine , out of which 4 million are registered for temporary protection or similar national protection schemes in europe;


### 42. reiterates that the right to be free from hunger is a human right; underlines its grave concerns about the challenges to the right to food and food security and the affordability of food in many countries around the world; calls for the eu , the member states and the international community to immediately step up their efforts to halt the trend of emerging serious food shortages; underlines that while the parlous food security situation has several causes , it has been aggravated by russia’s war of aggression against ukraine , the fifth-largest grain exporter in the world; strongly condemns the use of food insecurity as a political instrument of war; ### 42. reiterates that the right to be free from hunger is a human right; underlines its grave concerns about the challenges to the right to food and food security and the affordability of food in many countries around the world; calls for the eu , the member states and the international community to immediately step up their efforts to halt the trend of emerging serious food shortages; underlines that while the parlous food security situation has several causes , it has been aggravated by the many conflicts occurring around the globe; strongly condemns the use of food insecurity as a political instrument of war;


### 43. underlines that human rights , a healthy environment and combating climate change are dependent on one another; calls for progress towards the recognition of the right to a clean , healthy and sustainable environment , as laid out in resolution 48/13 of the un human rights council , and stresses its appreciation for the peaceful work undertaken by environmental human rights defenders including land defenders and their lawyers , as well as indigenous activists , to preserve and safeguard such an environment despite the threat of violence and the risk to their lives; recognises , moreover , the important role of civil society organisations , including environmental faith-based organisations , as well as indigenous peoples for their invaluable work in the preservation of the environment; ### 43. underlines that human rights , a healthy environment and combating climate change are dependent on one another; calls for progress towards the recognition of the right to a clean , healthy and sustainable environment , as laid out in resolution 48/13 of the un human rights council , and stresses its appreciation for the critical work undertaken by environmental human rights defenders including land defenders , journalists , whistle-blowers and their lawyers , as well as indigenous activists , to preserve and safeguard the environment despite the threat of violence against them and the risk to their lives; recognises , moreover , the important role of civil society organisations , including environmental organisations , as well as indigenous peoples for their invaluable work in the preservation and protection of the environment;


### 43. underlines that human rights , a healthy environment and combating climate change are dependent on one another; calls for progress towards the recognition of the right to a clean , healthy and sustainable environment , as laid out in resolution 48/13 of the un human rights council , and stresses its appreciation for the peaceful work undertaken by environmental human rights defenders including land defenders and their lawyers , as well as indigenous activists , to preserve and safeguard such an environment despite the threat of violence and the risk to their lives; recognises , moreover , the important role of civil society organisations , including environmental faith-based organisations , as well as indigenous peoples for their invaluable work in the preservation of the environment; ### 43. underlines that human rights , a healthy environment and combating climate change are dependent on one another; calls for progress towards the recognition of the right to a clean , healthy and sustainable environment , as laid out in resolution 48/13 of the un human rights council , and stresses its appreciation for the peaceful work undertaken by environmental human rights defenders including land defenders and their lawyers , as well as indigenous activists , to preserve and safeguard such an environment despite the threat of violence and the risk to their lives; recognises , moreover , the important role of civil society organisations , including environmental faith-based organisations , as well as indigenous peoples for their invaluable work in the preservation of the environment; stresses that climate change also undermines the enjoyment of other human rights , including the right to food security , safe drinking water and sanitation , health , adequate housing , self-determination , work and development; draws attention , furthermore , to the risks posed by climate change to peace and security , as food insecurity and water scarcity can lead to competition over natural resources and then to instability and conflicts within and between states;


### 44. calls for the eu and its member states to step up their contribution to the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss globally , in particular by ensuring that goods imported by the eu are produced in accordance with human rights protected under international law , including the rights of indigenous people , and do not contribute to deforestation or damage to natural ecosystems; ### 44. calls for the eu and its member states to step up their contribution to the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss globally , in particular by ensuring that goods imported by the eu are produced in accordance with human rights protected under international law , including the rights of indigenous people , ethnic minorities and environmental rights defenders , and do not contribute to the destruction or damage of natural ecosystems with actions such as deforestation , pollution or waste spillages; highlights that least developed countries are the most vulnerable to climate change , as they find it hardest to withstand its devastating impacts , despite producing fewer greenhouse gases than richer countries , which are less likely to be as impacted by climate change;


### 45. underlines that trade agreements often offer the possibility for the eu to work with third countries to address their domestic situation by providing some conditions that would serve to enhance living standards , as well as allow for some conditionality to improve the human rights situation in those countries; notes , however , that in some cases there has been little to no improvement in the countries concerned; notes that excessive and exploitative business activities often have detrimental effects on human rights in third countries; ### 45. underlines that trade agreements often offer the possibility for the eu to work with third countries to address their domestic situation by providing some conditions that would serve to enhance living standards , as well as allow for some conditionality to improve the human rights situation in those countries; notes , however , that in some cases there has been little to no improvement in the countries concerned; notes that excessive and exploitative business activities often have detrimental effects on human rights in third countries; calls for the substantive clauses of the trade agreements to recognize that states parties must respect , protect and realise human rights as stated in the universal declaration of human rights , customary law and the international conventions to which they are part; condemns in the strongest terms the arbitrary arrest and detention of human rights and environmental defenders in countries with which the eu has concluded free trade agreements (ftas); highlights that these crackdowns are illustrations of the way these countries’ authorities maintain civil society under threat , in blatant violation of both their human rights international obligations and essential elements of the ftas and partnership and cooperation agreements (pcas) concluded with the eu;


### 46. calls for the eu to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls , in particular , for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated regulation on the generalised scheme of preferences (gsp+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting gsp+ status , including following up on any possible violations; calls for a standing invitation for the eu to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries gsp+ status; reiterates its calls for the commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations , including the revocation of gsp+ status if warranted; ### 46. calls for the eu to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls , in particular , for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated regulation on the generalised scheme of preferences (gsp+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting gsp+ status , including following up on any possible violations; reiterates its calls for the commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations , including the revocation of gsp+ status if warranted;


### 46. calls for the eu to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls , in particular , for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated regulation on the generalised scheme of preferences (gsp+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting gsp+ status , including following up on any possible violations; calls for a standing invitation for the eu to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries gsp+ status; reiterates its calls for the commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations , including the revocation of gsp+ status if warranted; ### 46. calls for the eu to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls , in particular , for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated regulation on the generalised scheme of preferences (gsp+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting gsp+ status , including following up on any possible violations; proposes in this regard , the creation of a procedure allowing gsp+ beneficiary countries to be granted from 2024 the same conditions of preferential trade access to the eu market as up to 2023 , but the enjoyment of these trade preferences would be conditional to the implementation of the specific commitments by the states in favour of human rights , including labour rights , and subject to the activation of a withdrawal mechanism providing for total or partial withdrawal of the preferential access , should evidence be brought forward by stakeholders on human rights and labour rights violations in the beneficiary country; calls for a standing invitation for the eu to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries gsp+ status; reiterates its calls for the commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations , including the revocation of gsp+ status if warranted; calls for an increase in the human resources of the eu delegations concerned to contribute to these assessments and the eu monitoring of preferential trade access to the eu market under the gsp+ scheme;


### 46. calls for the eu to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls , in particular , for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated regulation on the generalised scheme of preferences (gsp+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting gsp+ status , including following up on any possible violations; calls for a standing invitation for the eu to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries gsp+ status; reiterates its calls for the commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations , including the revocation of gsp+ status if warranted; ### 46. calls for the eu to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls , in particular , for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated regulation on the generalised scheme of preferences (gsp+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting gsp+ status , including following up on any possible violations , including caste-based discrimination in relevant countries; calls for a standing invitation for the eu to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries gsp+ status; reiterates its calls for the commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly investigate and respond to any violations , including the revocation of gsp+ status if warranted;


### 46. calls for the eu to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls , in particular , for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated regulation on the generalised scheme of preferences (gsp+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting gsp+ status , including following up on any possible violations; calls for a standing invitation for the eu to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries gsp+ status; reiterates its calls for the commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations , including the revocation of gsp+ status if warranted; ### 46. calls for the eu to use the full potential of conditionality on human rights to grant preferential access to its market to third countries; calls , in particular , for a closer link between preferential treatment and progress on human rights in the updated regulation on the generalised scheme of preferences (gsp+) and for greater transparency throughout all steps of the procedure for granting gsp+ status , including following up on any possible violations; calls for a standing invitation for the eu to observe national elections in third countries to be established as a condition for granting those countries gsp+ status; reiterates its calls for the commission to systematically carry out human rights impact assessments focused on the risks of human rights violations prior to granting any preferential regime to a country and to swiftly respond to any violations , including the revocation of gsp+ status if warranted; stresses the importance of all countries fully implementing the un guiding principles on business and human rights , and calls on the eu member states that have not yet adopted national action plans on business rights to do so as soon as possible; encourages the eu and its member states to participate constructively in the work of the un intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights;


### 47. welcomes the commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human , labour and environmental rights; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all publicly listed undertakings and to small and medium-sized undertakings operating in high-risk economic sectors; calls on the commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal , notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on eu imports of goods produced through forced labour; ### 47. welcomes the commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human , labour and environmental rights; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all publicly listed undertakings and to small and medium-sized undertakings operating in high-risk economic sectors; highlights the importance of holding companies accountable through judicial mechanisms including civil liability; calls for companies’ due diligence strategies to be defined and implemented through meaningful and regular consultation with stakeholders , including workers , workers representatives , trade unions , human rights defenders , local communities including vulnerable ones such as dalits , indigenous groups , migrant workers , informal workers and home workers; calls on the commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal , notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on eu imports of goods produced through forced labour; calls on the eu to include caste-based forced , bonded and child labour in the categories used in the upcoming eu forced labour instrument , using a positive , resolution-based approach that avoids further damage to victims in fighting these problems;


### 47. welcomes the commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour with regard to human , labour and environmental rights; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all publicly listed undertakings and to small and medium-sized undertakings operating in high-risk economic sectors; calls on the commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal , notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on eu imports of goods produced through forced labour; ### 47. welcomes the commission’s proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence as a step towards fostering responsible corporate behaviour and accountability with regard to human , labour and environmental rights; emphasises that the directive’s requirements as regards reporting on the sustainability and due diligence strategies should apply to all large undertakings and to small and medium-sized undertakings publicly listed or operating in high-risk economic sectors;; calls on the commission to draw up a strong and coherent strategy on forced labour as an accompaniment to its proposal , notably with a view to implementing a complete ban on eu imports of goods produced through forced labour;


### 48. stresses that human rights must fully encompass the digital sphere and must be protected from the improper use of technology; underlines the risks posed by digital technologies to personal liberty and democracy at large and condemns the role of digital technologies in human rights violations; calls for more intensive efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework on digital technologies , which should balance the need to protect human rights with taking advantage of the possible gains such technologies can offer for human well-being; ### 48. stresses that human rights must fully encompass the digital sphere and must be protected from the improper use of technology; underlines the risks posed by digital technologies to personal liberty and democracy at large and condemns the role of digital technologies in human rights violations , including through surveillance , monitoring , harassment and limitations to freedom of expression for persecuted minorities; calls for more intensive efforts to establish a comprehensive legal framework on digital technologies , which should balance the need to protect human rights with taking advantage of the possible gains such technologies can offer for human well-being;


### 1. recalls that eige was established in order to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality in the union; ### 1. recalls that eige was established in order to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality in the union; stresses the key role that eige plays in the promotion of gender equality in the eu; recalls that the eige’s task is to collect , analyse and disseminate information as regards gender equality and to develop , analyse , evaluate and disseminate methodological tools in order to support the integration of gender equality into all union policies and the resulting national policies; encourages collaboration between the eige and other union agencies;


### 2. welcomes the ongoing cooperation between the eige and the committee on women’s rights and gender equality; stresses the valuable contribution that the eige can make to all parliament committees; ### 2. welcomes the ongoing cooperation between the eige and the committee on women’s rights and gender equality; stresses the valuable contribution that the eige can make to all parliament committees; in order to better integrate the gender perspective in all eu policies


### 3. recommends the allocation of more staff to eige in order to cope with a sharp rise of requests for technical assistance on gender mainstreaming; ### 3. recommends the allocation of sufficient funding taking into account the eige’s own assessment of its staff needs with a sharp rise of requests for technical assistance on gender mainstreaming and worsening impact of different social , economic and climate crisis on women and gender equality;


### 9. welcomes the institute’s comprehensive wellbeing policy , with a number of measures in place to support work-life balance , teleworking and a healthy life style of its staff members; notes , with regard to psychological support , that one independent investigation into a claim of psychological harassment was concluded in 2021 and led to the dismissal of the staff member who was subject to investigation; commends the institute’s comprehensive training plan for its staff; encourages the institute to develop a long term hr policy on work-life balance , lifelong guidance and career development , gender balance , teleworking , geographical balance and recruitment and integration of people with disabilities; ### 9. welcomes the institute’s comprehensive wellbeing policy , with a number of measures in place to support work-life balance , teleworking and a healthy lifestyle for its staff members; notes , with regard to psychological support , that one independent investigation into a claim of psychological harassment was concluded in 2021 and led to the dismissal of the staff member who was subject to investigation; commends the institute’s comprehensive training plan for its staff; encourages the institute to develop a long term hr policy on work-life balance , lifelong guidance and the offer of specific training possibilities for career development , gender balance at all staff levels , teleworking , the right to disconnect , the enhancement of a geographical balance to have an appropriate representation from all member states , and the recruitment and integration of people with disabilities as well as the promotion of their equal treatment and their opportunities;


### 21. takes note that the institute has fully digitalised its key processes in 2021 by introducing electronic workflows and e-signature; notes the updating of the institute’s ict security policy and information management policy; welcomes the institute’s reply that it has a cybersecurity in place and that it has implemented a number of measures regarding cybersecurity such as multi factor authentication system and security trainings for members of the it team; ### 21. takes note that the institute has fully digitalised its key processes in 2021 by introducing electronic workflows and e-signature; notes the updating of the institute’s ict security policy and information management policy; welcomes the institute’s reply that it has a cybersecurity in place and that it has implemented a number of measures regarding cybersecurity such as multi factor authentication system and security trainings for members of the it team; encourages the institute to carry out regular risk assessments of its it infrastructure and to ensure regular audits and tests of its cyber defences;


### a. whereas gender mainstreaming is a widely recognised strategy to ensure gender equality; ### a. whereas gender equality is a core principle of the european union; whereas gender mainstreaming is a globally recognised strategy to ensure gender equality; whereas gender mainstreaming means taking into account differences between women and men when designing , implementing and evaluating policies , programmes and projects , so that they benefit both women and men and do not increase inequality but enhance gender equality; whereas gender aspects prevail everywhere , also in areas that have not been the focus of attention , such as taxation , trade , green transition etc.; whereas achieving gender equality thus need to be tackled by a cross-cutting approach integrating all areas of work within the european parliament;


### e. whereas gender-responsive budgeting consists of understanding the impact of budgetary and policy decisions on gender equality and adjusting public expenditure and revenue accordingly; ### e. whereas gender mainstreaming has to be complemented by gender-responsive budgeting the application of gender mainstreaming in the budgetary process; whereas gender-responsive budgeting consists of understanding the impact of budgetary and policy decisions on gender equality and adjusting public expenditure and revenue accordingly;


### 2. stresses that measures to ensure gender equality need to incorporate an intersectional approach; ### 2. stresses that measures to ensure gender equality need to incorporate an intersectional approach within gender , not listing women as another collective since women are the half of the population with intersectionality inside;


### 7. insists on the need to introduce binding quotas in the upcoming revision of the eu electoral law; ### 7. insists on the need to introduce binding quotas and parity principle in the upcoming revision of the eu electoral law;


### 11. calls on the political groups to establish internal rules ensuring gender equality in their internal functioning; ### 11. calls on the political groups and their secretariats to establish internal rules (codes of conduct) to apply gender mainstreaming , training and monitoring and thus to reach gender equality in their internal functioning; encourages them to finalise this exercise before 8 march 2022 , the international day of women's rights;


### 16. welcomes the work of the committee on women’s rights and gender equality , the high-level group on gender equality and diversity and the gender mainstreaming network as leading bodies in ensuring gender mainstreaming in parliament; ### 16. welcomes the work of the committee on women’s rights and gender equality , the high-level group on gender equality and diversity and the gender mainstreaming network as leading bodies in ensuring gender mainstreaming in parliament; encourages this high level group on gender equality to increase its coordination work , especially in extraordinary circumstances as the covid19 crisis and its aftermath; but also regarding processes that influence the future of the eu , such as the work within "conference on the future of europe" to make sure that the principle of gender equality is applied and given the relevance it deserves for the future of the eu;


### 22. asks the relevant bodies to develop and adopt dedicated guidelines to implement gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting; ### 22. asks the relevant bodies to develop and adopt dedicated guidelines to implement gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting; stresses the importance of gender impact assessment during the legislative process from the design to the evaluation assessment;


### 24. regrets that , overall , gender mainstreaming has not yet been applied across the eu budget; ### 24. regrets that , overall , gender mainstreaming has not yet been applied across the eu budget; underlines that the gender perspective has to be integrated at all levels of the budgetary process in order to transform revenues and expenditures into social investment , sustainable well-being and economic development for achieving gender equality goals;


### 25. welcomes the fact that mitigating the social and economic impact of the covid-19 crisis , in particular on women , was included as a general objective of the recovery and resilience facility; calls on the commission to closely monitor this provision; ### 25. welcomes the fact that mitigating the social and economic impact of the covid-19 crisis , in particular on women , was included as a general objective of the recovery and resilience facility; highlights that gender reporting and mainstreaming cannot be mixed with social tracking and social investments; believes that gender equality deserves its own mainstreaming methodology in the framework of the rff and recalls that the european institute fore gender equality has developed a suitable methodology; calls on the commission to closely monitor this provision and for the inclusion of gender budgeting in the mid-term review of the current multiannual financial framework and the implementation of the recovery and resilience facility; highlights that the eu needs a new economic governance framework to allow equality;


### 29. reiterates its call on the council and the european council to establish a council configuration on gender equality; ### 29. reiterates its call on the council and the european council to establish a council configuration on gender equality as the eu needs a platform for intergovernmental exchange on gender equality and a formal forum for the ministers responsible for the matters of gender equality;


### 30. calls for gender mainstreaming to be implemented in the conference on the future of europe; ### 30. calls for gender mainstreaming to be better and more efficiently implemented in the conference on the future of europe;


### gender equality in the symbolic function of parliament ### gender equality and diversity in the symbolic function of parliament


### a. whereas , pursuant to article 8 tfeu , the union is to aim to eliminate inequalities , and to promote equality , between men and women in all its activities , thereby establishing the principle of gender mainstreaming; ### a. whereas , pursuant to article 8 tfeu , the union is to aim to eliminate inequalities , and to promote equality , between men and women in all its activities , thereby establishing the principle of gender mainstreaming , including via gender budgeting at all levels of the budgetary process;


### a. whereas , pursuant to article 8 tfeu , the union is to aim to eliminate inequalities , and to promote equality , between men and women in all its activities , thereby establishing the principle of gender mainstreaming; ### a. whereas , pursuant to article 8 tfeu , the union is to aim to eliminate inequalities , and to promote equality , between men and women in all its activities , thereby establishing the principle of gender mainstreaming;


### b. whereas women are disproportionately affected by the covid-19 pandemic , particularly women working in precarious employment , feminised sectors and the informal economy; ### b. whereas women are disproportionately affected by the covid-19 pandemic , particularly women working in precarious employment , feminised sectors and the informal economy , whereas these impacts range from a worrying increase in gender-based violence and harassment , unpaid and unequal care and domestic responsibilities , through restricted access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (srhr) , to significant economic and work impacts for women , particularly healthcare workers and caregivers;


### b. whereas women are disproportionately affected by the covid-19 pandemic , particularly women working in precarious employment , feminised sectors and the informal economy; ### b. whereas women are disproportionately affected by the covid-19 pandemic , particularly women working in precarious employment , feminised sectors and the informal economy;


### b. whereas parliament has repeatedly asked the commission to promote and implement the use of gender mainstreaming , gender budgeting and gender impact assessments in all the union policy areas and the court of auditors (the ‘court’) to incorporate a gender perspective into its reports on the implementation of the union budget; ### b. whereas parliament has repeatedly urged the commission to promote and implement the use of gender mainstreaming , gender budgeting and gender impact assessments in all the union policy areas and the court of auditors (the ‘court’) to incorporate a gender perspective , including gender-disaggregated data , into its reports on the implementation of the union budget;


### 1. stresses that women’s rights and a gender equality perspective should be integrated and ensured in all policy areas , particularly in light of the gendered impact of the covid-19 pandemic and the backlash against women’s rights in several member states; reiterates , therefore , its call for the implementation of gender budgeting at all stages of the budgetary process; ### 1. stresses that women’s rights and a gender equality perspective should be integrated and ensured in all policy areas , particularly in light of the gendered impact of the covid-19 pandemic and the backlash against women’s rights in several member states; reiterates , therefore , its call for the implementation of gender budgeting at all stages of the budgetary process , including the implementation of gender budgeting and the assessment of its execution; reiterates its demand to include gender-specific indicators in the common set of result indicators for the implementation of the eu budget;


### 2. welcomes the ongoing cooperation between the eige and parliament’s committee on women’s rights and gender equality (femm); ### 2. welcomes the ongoing cooperation between the eige and parliament’s committee on women’s rights and gender equality (femm) , in particular the institute’s contribution to the ongoing efforts of the committee concerning the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on women , gender-based violence , work-life balance , equal pay and pension gap , gender budgeting and the development of a gender-sensitive parliament tool , strongly supports the work of the institute , which , by means of studies , research and high-quality data enables the committee to properly do its work; stresses the valuable contribution that the eige can make to all committees in order to better integrate the gender perspective in all eu policies and encourages the european parliament to establish an ever closer cooperation with the institute;


### 2. is concerned that the court , in its special report no 10/21 on gender mainstreaming in the eu budget (the ‘court’s special report’)1 , found that the commission has not adequately applied gender mainstreaming , made insufficient use of sex-disaggregated data and indicators , and published little information on the union budget’s overall impact on gender equality; ### 2. is concerned that the court , in its special report no 10/21 on gender mainstreaming in the eu budget (the ‘court’s special report’)1 , found that the commission has not adequately applied gender mainstreaming , made insufficient use of sex-disaggregated data and indicators , and published little information on the union budget’s overall impact on gender equality , ; calls on the commission to implement gender-responsive budgeting to ensure women and men benefit equally from public spending including within next generation eu and all the economic recovery measures;


### 3. notes the eige’s continuous high level of budget execution , with commitment appropriations of 97 ,75 % in 2020 (compared to 98 ,96 % in 2019) , as well as payment appropriations of 74 ,82 % (compared to 82 ,5 % in 2019); ### 3. notes that the covid-19 pandemic had a slight impact on budget execution rates in 2020 , which nonetheless remain high with commitment appropriations of 97 ,75 % in 2020 (compared to 98 ,96 % in 2019) , as well as payment appropriations of 74 ,82 % (compared to 82 ,5 % in 2019);


### 3. welcomes the fact that gender equality and mainstreaming is one of the horizontal principles for union funds in the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 and in the recovery and resilience facility and calls for gender impact assessments , gender objectives and gender monitoring to be rolled out as outlined in the court’s special report; ### 3. welcomes the fact that gender equality and mainstreaming is one of the horizontal principles for union funds in the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 and in the recovery and resilience facility and calls for gender impact assessments , gender objectives and gender monitoring to be rolled out as outlined in the court’s special report , expects the commission to take its commitments seriously in the future by closely monitoring the implementation of these horizontal principles in all of the eu policy areas and providing thorough gender impact assessments and monitoring of all of its policies and programmes;


### 4. calls on the commission to strengthen the rule of law in the union , and thus protect fundamental rights and equality , via the rule of law conditionality mechanism for access to union funds. ### 4. calls on the commission to strengthen the rule of law in the union , and thus protect fundamental rights and equality , via the rule of law conditionality mechanism for access to union funds , urges the commission to strictly apply this conditionality and effectively protect the union’s budget in the event of generalised deficiencies in upholding the rule of law , breaches of human rights , including women’s rights and violations of the fundamental values of the european union;


### a. whereas female entrepreneurs and self-employed are an under-utilised source of economic growth and job creation; whereas supporting this group can strengthen eu competitiveness; ### a. whereas female entrepreneurs and self-employed are an under-utilised source of economic growth and job creation; whereas studies show that women often have a different management and leadership style than men and that gender diversity in teams is beneficial for all in society and economy whereas supporting this group can strengthen eu competitiveness;


### b. whereas the relative scarcity of women entrepreneurs should be considered an untapped source for innovation and development , especially in the context of europe’s green and digital transformations and its economic recovery following the covid-19 crisis; whereas the european economy has the potential to benefit from a growth in gdp of eur 16 billion by encouraging more women to enter the digital jobs market; ### b. whereas the relative scarcity of women entrepreneurs should be considered an untapped source for innovation and development , especially in the context of europe’s green and digital transformations and its economic recovery following the covid-19 crisis; whereas the european economy has the potential to benefit from a growth in gdp of eur 16 billion by encouraging more women to enter the digital jobs market , whereas improving gender equality and empowering female entrepreneurship are key to accelerating and fortifying european recovery;


### d. whereas women face more difficulties in pursuing entrepreneurship than men; whereas barriers include a lack of specific training , a lower level of self-confidence , less access to social and business networks and difficulties in reconciling work and family life; ### d. whereas women face more economic , legislative and social barriers than men , which prevent them from pursuing entrepreneurship; whereas those barriers include limited government support , a lack of specific training and funding , a lower level of self-confidence , less access to social and business networks , gender biases and difficulties in reconciling work and family life , such as the costs of childcare or provisions of maternity and paternity leaves;


### e. whereas promoting women entrepreneurs as role models can be useful in encouraging women to consider entrepreneurship as a career; ### e. whereas to access to networks , mentoring and promoting women entrepreneurs as role models , are important in encouraging women to consider entrepreneurship as a career and in increasing women’s economic empowerment;


### h. whereas only 10 % of business angels in europe are women9 and only 10 % all senior positions in private equity and venture capital firms globally10 are occupied by women; whereas several studies show that investment managers tend to provide capital to those who are similar to themselves; whereas developing the ecosystem is key to improving funding conditions sustainably for women-led companies and creating a reliable network of female investors; ### h. whereas only 10 % of business angels in europe are women9 and only 10 % all senior positions in private equity and venture capital firms globally10 are occupied by women; whereas creating more favourable environment and providing additional budgetary allocations at the eu level are key to improving funding conditions sustainably for women-led companies and creating a reliable network of female investors;


### entrepreneurship programmes , education and competence building ### women's entrepreneurship and gender equality


### 1. welcomes commission initiatives such as women techeu and the european innovation council women leadership programme and the creation of various european networks for female entrepreneurs; urges the commission to promote such initiatives more actively by focusing on the eu growth potential and to support the achievements of women entrepreneurs; ### 1. welcomes commission initiatives such as women techeu and the european innovation council women leadership programme and the creation of various european networks for female entrepreneurs; urges the commission and the member states to promote such initiatives more actively by focusing on the eu growth potential and to support the achievements of women entrepreneurs;


### 2. calls on the commission to include public-private partnerships in their initiatives because private companies can play a valuable role as advisors and impart relevant and specialised skills to women entrepreneurs; ### 2. calls on the commission and the member states to include public-private partnerships in their initiatives because private companies can play a valuable role as advisors and impart relevant and specialised skills to women entrepreneurs;


### 3. highlights the necessity and importance of recognising and promoting women entrepreneurs as role models; notes , in this regard , the european network of female entrepreneurship ambassadors , which encourages women to consider entrepreneurship as a career; ### 3. highlights the necessity and importance of recognising and promoting women entrepreneurs as role models and mentors; notes , in this regard , the european network of female entrepreneurship ambassadors , which encourages women to consider entrepreneurship as a career;


### 4. welcomes public and private women entrepreneurship programmes in the member states that include elements of networking , mentoring and training to support and advise women entrepreneurs; notes that publicly available reports and testimonials in seven member states suggest the positive impact of these programmes; urges the commission to collect data from all member states and analyse the impact of female entrepreneurship programmes; calls the commission to share best practices to strengthen and increase the share of women entrepreneurs and self-employed in the member states; ### 4. welcomes public and private women entrepreneurship programmes in the member states that include elements of networking , mentoring and training to support and advise women entrepreneurs and promote their economic independence; notes that publicly available reports and testimonials in seven member states suggest the positive impact of these programmes; urges the commission and the eige to collect gender-disaggregated data from all member states and analyse the impact of female entrepreneurship programmes; calls the commission and member states to share best practices to strengthen and increase the share of women entrepreneurs and self-employed within the eu;


### 4. welcomes public and private women entrepreneurship programmes in the member states that include elements of networking , mentoring and training to support and advise women entrepreneurs; notes that publicly available reports and testimonials in seven member states suggest the positive impact of these programmes; urges the commission to collect data from all member states and analyse the impact of female entrepreneurship programmes; calls the commission to share best practices to strengthen and increase the share of women entrepreneurs and self-employed in the member states; ### 4. welcomes public and private women entrepreneurship programmes in the member states that include elements of networking , mentoring , training to support and advise women entrepreneurs , coaching and consultancy services and professional advice on legal and fiscal matters; notes that publicly available reports and testimonials in seven member states suggest the positive impact of these programmes; urges the commission to collect data from all member states and analyse the impact of female entrepreneurship programmes; calls the commission to share best practices to strengthen and increase the share of women entrepreneurs and self-employed in the member states;


### 5. calls the commission to make up-to-date and comparable statistics available for the purpose of analysing the economic significance of entrepreneurs and self-employed , and the various categories within entrepreneurship and self-employed with respect to industry and gender to identify the share of women entrepreneurs and self-employed; ### 5. calls the commission and the eige to make up-to-date and comparable statistics available for the purpose of analysing the economic significance of entrepreneurs and self-employed , and the various categories within entrepreneurship and self-employed with respect to industry and gender to identify the share of women entrepreneurs and self-employed;


### 6. calls , in particular , for greater women-focused promotion of stem subjects , digital education and financial literacy in order to combat prevailing stereotypes and ensure that more women enter these sectors and contribute to their development; highlights the importance of promoting education and careers in finance to women to support the development of a reliable network of female investors; ### 6. calls , in particular , for greater women-focused promotion of stem subjects , digital education and financial literacy in order to combat prevailing stereotypes and ensure that more women enter these sectors which would allow for more diverse management and leadership styles that would bring an added value to these sectors and would contribute to their development; highlights the importance of promoting education and careers in finance to women to support the development of a reliable network of female investors;


### 8. calls on member states and the commission to facilitate access to funds for women entrepreneurs and self-employed; urges the commission to establish a european network of gender-conscious investors; considers that such a network will be able to provide women-led companies with relevant connections , networks and funding opportunities; ### 8. calls on member states and the commission to advance female entrepreneurship and access to loans and equity finance through eu programmes and funds for women entrepreneurs and self-employed and to strengthen gender equality under horizon europe; urges the commission to establish a european network of gender-conscious investors stresses the need for awareness-raising regarding existing and future eu funding possibilities for women and girl entrepreneurs , and to increase the visibility of women leaders to establish stronger role models and break existing stereotypes; considers that such a network will be able to provide women-led companies with relevant connections , networks and funding opportunities; recalls that funding and taxation policies have a strong gender component;


### 10. welcomes public and private funds that implement diversity policies; notes , in this regard , the diversity commitment initiative , which is the first initiative in the world where private funds have committed to measuring and tracking representation on gender and to reporting annually and in public on their findings; ### 10. welcomes public and private funds that implement gender equality , diversity and inclusion policies; notes , in this regard , the diversity commitment initiative , which is the first initiative in the world where private funds have committed to measuring and tracking representation on gender and to reporting annually and in public on their findings;


### 11. calls on the commission and member states to systematically track and monitor gender-disaggregated data across the whole union to ensure high-quality data on eu and national funding programmes; highlights that this could serve as a basis for more informed policy decisions in the future; ### 11. calls on the commission and member states to systematically track and monitor gender-disaggregated data across the whole union to ensure high-quality data on eu and national funding programmes; highlights that this could serve as a basis for more informed policy decisions in the future and for enhancing of women’s economic independence;


### 13. highlights the importance of work-life balance for women entrepreneurs and self-employed; calls on member states to support social frameworks , such as flexible childcare , that are essential to encouraging more women to take part in entrepreneurship; welcomes actions already taken by member states on this matter; recognises national differences in social policy and respect for subsidiarity; ### 13. highlights the importance of work-life balance for women entrepreneurs and self-employed; calls on the commission to put forward a care deal for europe , taking a comprehensive approach towards all care needs and services and setting minimum standards and quality guidelines for care throughout the life cycle; calls on member states to support social frameworks , such as flexible childcare , that are essential to encouraging more women to take part in entrepreneurship and to fully implement and go beyond the barcelona care targets , ensuring the coverage of those needs through investment in accessible and affordable high-quality , universal public care services , and to modernise them so that women do not have to choose between family and participation in the labour market; urges the member states to swiftly and fully transpose and implement the work-life balance directive;


### proposal for a directive of the european parliament and of the council on adequate minimum wages in the european union ### proposal for a directive of the european parliament and of the council on a framework for promotion of adequate minimum wages in the european union


### (3) the european social charter establishes that all workers have the right to just conditions of work. it recognises the right of all workers to a fair remuneration sufficient for a decent standard of living for themselves and their families. article 4 of the charter recognises the role of freely concluded collective agreements as well as of statutory minimum wage setting mechanisms , to ensure the effective exercise of this right. ### (3) the european social charter establishes that all workers have the right to just conditions of work. it recognises the right of all workers to a fair remuneration sufficient for a decent standard of living for themselves and their families , contributing to reduce the existing pay gap between men and women. article 4 of the charter recognises the role of freely concluded collective agreements as well as of statutory minimum wage setting mechanisms , to ensure the effective exercise of this right.


### (10) while minimum wage protection exists in all member states , in some that protection stems from legislative provisions (“statutory minimum wages”) and from collective agreements while in others it is provided exclusively , through collective agreements. ### (10) minimum wage protection exists in all member states. protection stems from legislative provisions and from collective agreements. many member states have statutory minimum wages. in some member states , social partners have developed autonomous bargaining structures that contribute to well functioning wage setting. in these member states , social partners have a high capacity to negotiate and monitor the implementation of concluded agreements.


### (11) minimum wage protection set out by collective agreements in low-paid occupations is adequate in most cases; statutory minimum wages are low compared to other wages in the economy in several member states. in 2018 , the statutory minimum wage did not provide sufficient income for a single minimum-wage earner to reach the at-risk-of-poverty threshold in nine member states. in addition , the use of reduced minimum wage rates (variations) and deductions from statutory minimum wages negatively affect their adequacy. ### (11) minimum wage protection in the form of wages stemming from collective agreements in low-paid occupations is adequate in most cases; statutory minimum wages are low compared to other wages in the economy in several member states. in 2018 , the statutory minimum wage did not provide sufficient income for a single minimum-wage earner to reach the at-risk-of-poverty threshold in nine member states. in addition , the use of reduced minimum wage rates (variations) and deductions from statutory minimum wages negatively affect their adequacy.


### (12) not all workers in the union are protected by minimum wages. in some member states some workers , even though they are covered , receive in practice a remuneration below the statutory minimum wage due to the non-respect of existing rules. in particular , such non-compliance has been found to affect notably women , young workers , people with disabilities and agricultural workers. in member states where minimum wage protection is provided only through collective agreements , the share of workers not covered is estimated to vary from 2% to 55% of all workers. ### (12) not all workers in the union are protected by minimum wages. in some member states some workers , even though they are covered , receive in practice a remuneration below the statutory minimum wage due to the non-respect of existing rules. in particular , such non-compliance has been found to affect notably women , young workers , people with disabilities and agricultural workers. in member states where minimum wage protection in the form of wages stemming from collective agreements , the share of workers not covered is estimated to vary from 2% to 55% of all workers.


### (13) while strong collective bargaining at sector or cross-industry level contributes to ensuring adequate minimum wage protection , traditional collective bargaining structures have been eroding during the last decades , in part due to structural shifts in the economy towards less unionised sectors and to the decline in trade union membership related to the increase of atypical and new forms of work. ### (13) while strong collective bargaining at sector or cross-industry level contributes to ensuring adequate minimum wage protection in the form of wages stemming from collective agreements , traditional collective bargaining structures have been eroding during the last decades , in part due to structural shifts in the economy towards less unionised sectors and to the decline in trade union membership related to the increase of atypical and new forms of work.


### (15) this directive establishes minimum requirements at union level to ensure both that minimum wages are set at adequate level and that workers have access to minimum wage protection , in the form of a statutory minimum wage or in the form of wages set under collective agreements as defined for the purpose of this directive. ### (15) this directive establishes minimum requirements at union level as regards the establishment of a framework to promote that minimum wages are set at adequate level and that workers have access to minimum wage protection , in the form of a statutory minimum wage where it exists or in the form of wages stemming from collective agreements as defined for the purpose of this directive.


### (16) in full respect of article 153(5) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , this directive neither aims to harmonise the level of minimum wages across the union nor to establish an uniform mechanism for setting minimum wages. it does not interfere with the freedom of member states to set statutory minimum wages or promote access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements , according to the traditions and specificities of each country and in full respect of national competences and social partners’ contractual freedom. this directive does not impose an obligation on the member states where minimum wage protection is ensured exclusively via collective agreements to introduce a statutory minimum wage nor to make the collective agreements universally applicable. also , this directive does not establish the level of pay , which falls within the contractual freedom of the social partners at national level and within the relevant competence of member states. ### (16) in full respect of article 153(5) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union , this directive neither aims to harmonise the level of minimum wages across the union nor to establish an uniform mechanism for setting minimum wages. it does not interfere with the freedom of member states to set statutory minimum wages or promote access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements , according to the traditions and specificities of each country and in full respect of national competences and social partners’ contractual freedom. this directive does not impose an obligation on the member states where minimum wage protection is ensured exclusively via collective agreements to introduce a statutory minimum wage nor to make the collective agreements universally applicable. also , this directive does not establish the level of pay or conditions for setting wages , which falls within the contractual freedom of the social partners at national level and within the relevant competence of member states. the purpose is not to impose any obligation for member states to take measures demanding the introduction of statutory minimum wages or measures implying that the social partners have an equivalent obligation. this directive does not oblige member states to grant access to minimum wage protection to all workers. such an obligation would directly interfere with the minimum wage coverage and the determination of pay in the member states and therefore fall under the exception of article 153(5) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union. nothing in this directive should be construed as creating rights for individuals.


### (18) well-functioning collective bargaining on wage setting is an important means to ensure that workers are protected by adequate minimum wages. in the member states with statutory minimum wages , collective bargaining supports general wage developments and therefore contributes to improving the adequacy of minimum wages. in the member states where minimum wage protection is provided exclusively by collective bargaining , their level as well as the share of protected workers are directly determined by the functioning of the collective bargaining system and collective bargaining coverage. strong and well-functioning collective bargaining together with a high coverage of sectorial or cross-industry collective agreements strengthen the adequacy and the coverage of minimum wages. ### (18) well-functioning collective bargaining on wage setting is an important means to ensure that workers are protected by adequate minimum wages , in the form of wages stemming from collective agreements. in the member states with statutory minimum wages , collective bargaining supports general wage developments and therefore contributes to improving the adequacy of minimum wages , in the form of wages stemming from collective agreements. in the member states where minimum wage protection , in the form of wages stemming from collective agreements , is provided by collective bargaining , their level as well as the share of protected workers are directly determined by the functioning of the collective bargaining system and collective bargaining coverage. strong and well-functioning collective bargaining together with a high coverage of sectorial or cross-industry collective agreements strengthen the adequacy and the coverage of minimum wages , in the form of wages stemming from collective agreements.


### (20) sound rules , procedures and practice for setting and updating statutory minimum wages are necessary to deliver adequate minimum wages , while safeguarding jobs and the competitiveness of firms including small and medium-sized enterprises. they include a number of elements to preserve the adequacy of statutory minimum wages , including criteria and indicators to assess adequacy , regular and timely updates , the existence of consultative bodies and the involvement of social partners. a timely and effective involvement of the latter is another element of good governance that allows for an informed and inclusive decision-making process. ### (20) sound rules , procedures and practice for setting and updating statutory minimum wages are necessary to promote adequate minimum wages , while safeguarding jobs and the competitiveness of firms including small and medium-sized enterprises. they include a number of elements to preserve the adequacy of statutory minimum wages , including criteria and indicators to assess adequacy , regular and timely updates , the existence of consultative bodies and the involvement of social partners. a timely and effective involvement of the latter is another element of good governance that allows for an informed and inclusive decision-making process.


### (21) minimum wages are considered adequate if they are fair in relation to the wage distribution in the country and if they provide a decent standard of living. the adequacy of statutory minimum wages is determined in view of the national socio-economic conditions , including employment growth , competitiveness as well as regional and sectoral developments. their adequacy should be assessed at least in relation to their purchasing power , to the productivity developments and to their relation to the gross wage levels , distribution and growth. the use of indicators commonly used at international level , such as 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage , can help guide the assessment of minimum wage adequacy in relation to the gross level of wages. ### (21) statutory minimum wages are considered adequate if they are fair in relation to the wage distribution in the country and if they provide a decent standard of living. the adequacy of statutory minimum wages is determined in view of the national socio-economic conditions , including employment growth , competitiveness as well as regional and sectoral developments. their adequacy should be assessed at least in relation to their purchasing power , to the productivity developments and to their relation to the gross wage levels , distribution and growth. the use of indicators commonly used at international level , such as 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage , can help guide the assessment of minimum wage adequacy in relation to the gross level of wages.


### (22) to promote adequacy of minimum wages for all groups of workers , variations and deductions from statutory minimum wages should be limited to a minimum , while ensuring that social partners are duly consulted in their definition. some deductions to statutory minimum wages may be justified by a legitimate aim , including overstated amounts paid or deductions ordered by a judicial authority. others , such as deductions related to the equipment necessary to perform a job or deductions of allowances in kind , such as accommodation , may be unjustified or disproportionate. ### deleted


### (24) the effective implementation of minimum wage protection set out by legal provisions or provided by collective agreements is essential in the performance of public procurement and concession contracts. non-respect of collective agreements providing for minimum wage protection in a given sector may indeed occur in the execution of such contracts or in the sub-contracting chain thereafter , resulting in workers being paid less than the wage level agreed in the sectoral collective agreements. to prevent such situations , economic operators have to apply to their workers the wages set by collective agreements for the relevant sector and geographical area in order to abide by applicable obligations in the field of labour law , in accordance with articles 18(2) and 71(1) of directive 2014/24/eu of the european parliament and the council on public procurement40 , articles 36(2) and 88(1) of directive 2014/25/eu of the european parliament and the council41 on procurement by entities operating in the water , energy , transport and postal services sectors and articles 30(3) and 42(1) of directive 2014/23/eu of the european parliament and the council42 on the award of concession contracts. ### deleted


### 1. with a view to improving working and living conditions in the union , this directive establishes a framework for: ### 1. with a view to improving working and living conditions in the union , this directive establishes a framework for the promotion of:


### setting adequate levels of minimum wages; ### setting adequate levels of statutory minimum wages;


### access of workers to minimum wage protection , in the form of wages set out by collective agreements or in the form of a statutory minimum wage where it exists. ### access of workers to minimum wage protection , in the form of promoting access to collective bargaining wage setting or in the form of a statutory minimum wage where it exists.


### this directive shall be without prejudice to the full respect of the autonomy of social partners , as well as their right to negotiate and conclude collective agreements. ### this directive shall be without prejudice to the full respect of the autonomy of social partners , as well as their right to negotiate and conclude collective agreements according to national law.


### 2. this directive shall be without prejudice to the choice of the member states to set statutory minimum wages or promote access to minimum wage protection provided by collective agreements. ### 2. this directive shall be without prejudice to the choice of the member states to set statutory minimum wages or promote access to minimum wage protection in the form of wages stemming from collective agreements.


### 3. nothing in this directive shall be construed as imposing an obligation on the member states where wage setting is ensured exclusively via collective agreements to introduce a statutory minimum wage nor to make the collective agreements universally applicable. ### 3. nothing in this directive shall be construed as imposing an obligation on the member states where wage setting is ensured exclusively via collective agreements to introduce a statutory minimum wage nor to make the collective agreements universally applicable or otherwise to take measures affecting the contractual freedom of the social partners to negotiate , monitor and set wages through collective agreements. this directive does not oblige these member states to grant access to minimum wage protection to all workers , nor does it create an obligation on the member states as regards the level or conditions for setting of wages.


### article 3 ### deleted


### for the purposes of this directive , the following definitions apply: ### for the purposes of this directive , the following definitions apply , while respecting national law and practise:


### (4) ‘collective agreement’ means all agreements in writing regarding working conditions and terms of employment concluded by the social partners as an outcome of collective bargaining; ### (4) ‘collective agreement’ means all agreements in writing regarding provisions such as , but not limited to , working conditions and terms of employment concluded by the social partners as an outcome of collective bargaining;


### 2. member states where collective bargaining coverage is less than 70% of the workers defined within the meaning of article 2 shall in addition provide for a framework of enabling conditions for collective bargaining , either by law after consultation of the social partners or by agreement with them , and shall establish an action plan to promote collective bargaining. the action plan shall be made public and shall be notified to the european commission. ### 2. member states where collective bargaining coverage is less than 70% of the workers defined within the meaning of article 2 shall in addition provide for a framework of enabling conditions for collective bargaining , either by law after consultation of the social partners or by agreement with them , and shall establish an national action plan to promote collective bargaining. these national action plans should upward wage convergence and establish most appropriate measures and mechanisms for wage setting and increasing coverage at national level , also in order to close the gender pay gap and to reduce inequalities and discrimination. the action plan shall be made public and shall be notified to the european commission.


### 2. member states where collective bargaining coverage is less than 70% of the workers defined within the meaning of article 2 shall in addition provide for a framework of enabling conditions for collective bargaining , either by law after consultation of the social partners or by agreement with them , and shall establish an action plan to promote collective bargaining. the action plan shall be made public and shall be notified to the european commission. ### 2. member states where the overall collective bargaining coverage is less than 70% of the workers defined within the meaning of article 2 shall in addition provide for a framework of enabling conditions for collective bargaining , either by law after consultation of the social partners or by agreement with them , and shall establish an action plan to promote collective bargaining. the action plan shall be made public and shall be notified to the european commission.


### 2. the national criteria referred to in paragraph 1 shall include at least the following elements: ### 2. the national criteria referred to in paragraph 1 shall include at least the following elements , whose relevance and relative weight may be decided by member states in accordance with their prevailing national socio-economic conditions:


### labour productivity developments. ### deleted


### 4. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure the regular and timely updates of statutory minimum wages in order to preserve their adequacy. ### 4. member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure the regular and timely updates of statutory minimum wages in order to continue promoting their adequacy.


### 5. member states shall establish consultative bodies to advise the competent authorities on issues related to statutory minimum wages. ### 5. member states shall establish consultative bodies to advise the competent authorities on issues related to statutory minimum wages. these constitutive bodies shall:


### article 6 ### deleted


### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the social partners are involved in a timely and effective manner in statutory minimum wage setting and updating , including through participation in consultative bodies referred to in article 5(5) and notably as concerns: ### member states shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the social partners are involved in a timely and effective manner in statutory minimum wage setting and updating , including through participation in consultative bodies referred to in article 5(5) guaranteeing anti-discrimination and gender equality trainings for social partners and state authorities and notably as concerns:


### article 9 ### deleted