### 29. calls for the deployment of the new component dedicated to cooperation with the ors in the new interreg programme; ### 29. highlights that the ors are very important to the enlargement of the eu’s influence sphere; in this context , calls for the deployment of the new component dedicated to cooperation with the ors in the new interreg programme;


### 31. stresses that the ors are strongly affected by migration flows from their immediate neighbourhood; warns of the impact of managing migration flows on local public policies and calls for the new pact on asylum and migration to take account of the real challenges facing the ors in this area; ### 31. recalls that the ors are affected by migration flows to which they lack sufficient means for more efficient responses; stresses the need for an integrated and articulated approach to the management of migration flows , based on the implementation of the new pact on asylum and migration; underlines however the need to have the human individual at the very centre of any response to migration flows;


### 31. stresses that the ors are strongly affected by migration flows from their immediate neighbourhood; warns of the impact of managing migration flows on local public policies and calls for the new pact on asylum and migration to take account of the real challenges facing the ors in this area; ### 31. stresses that the ors are strongly affected by migration flows from their immediate neighbourhood; warns of the impact of managing migration flows on local public policies and calls for the new asylum , migration and integration fund to take appropriate account of the real challenges facing the ors in this area;


### c. whereas islands often suffer from a combination of multiple and permanent structural handicaps , such as small size , low population density , small market , double insularity (island and archipelago) , difficult topography very similar to mountainous regions , a dependence on maritime and air transport or a dependence on a small number of products; ### c. whereas islands often suffer from a combination of multiple and permanent structural handicaps , such as small size , challenges related to population density , small market , double insularity (island and archipelago) , difficult topography very similar to mountainous regions , a dependence on maritime and air transport or a dependence on a small number of products;


### d. whereas the specific characteristics of islands are recognised by article 174 tfeu and whereas they should be taken into account in eu policies , in particular by drawing up a dedicated strategy and a european action plan; ### d. whereas the specific characteristics of islands are recognised by article 174 tfeu , whereas the european union still misses a concrete application of this article with specific regard to its insular territories and whereas the specific characteristics of islands should be taken into account in eu policies , in particular by drawing up a dedicated strategy and a european action plan;


### f. whereas the islands’ physical disconnection from the mainland acts as a permanent impediment in many areas , including the labour market , access for island products to neighbouring external markets , education , health care , business , water and energy supply and waste management facilities; ### f. whereas the islands’ physical disconnection from the mainland acts as a permanent impediment in many areas , including the labour market , access for island products to neighbouring external markets , education , health care , business , water and energy supply and waste management facilities; whereas this geographical disconnection adds important difficulties to the green transition towards a climate-neutral economy of such territories;


### g. whereas the long-term social , economic , environmental and cultural consequences of the covid-19 crisis on the island territories of the union are of particular concern , and whereas europe’s recovery must not create further regional disparities; ### g. whereas several european islands are home to communities with their linguistic heritage , culture and traditions; whereas this diversity should be further promoted and valorised , including in educational settings;


### l. whereas the outermost regions and islands are particularly at risk from natural disasters , such as volcanic eruptions , forest fires and storms; ### l. whereas the outermost regions and islands are particularly at risk from natural disasters , such as volcanic eruptions , forest fires and storms; whereas this is the case of the island of la palma (spain) , which since 19 september has suffered the effects of a volcanic eruption burying more than a thousand hectares of land and housing and caused multiple economic , social and environmental damages in the area;


### l. whereas the outermost regions and islands are particularly at risk from natural disasters , such as volcanic eruptions , forest fires and storms; ### l. whereas the outermost regions and islands are particularly at risk from natural disasters , such as volcanic eruptions , forest fires , storms as well as other risks such as floods , desertification and drought , which can have negative effects on agriculture and food supply;


### 1. recalls that articles 174 and 349 tfeu recognise insularity as a permanent structural handicap and stipulate that the union must pay particular attention to these regions; ### 1. recalls that article 174 tfeu stipulates that the union must pay particular attention to , among others , european islands;


### 4. recalls that insularity creates structural problems of dependence on maritime and air transport , with additional costs for importing and exporting goods , as well as for passenger transport; stresses that , in the case of archipelagos , these difficulties are multiplied by a double insularity; ### 4. recalls that insularity creates structural problems of dependence on maritime and air transport , with additional costs for importing and exporting goods , as well as for passenger transport; highlights that these structural issues leave islands’ citizens and businesses more exposed to rising prices; stresses that , in the case of archipelagos , these difficulties are multiplied by a double insularity;


### 4. recalls that insularity creates structural problems of dependence on maritime and air transport , with additional costs for importing and exporting goods , as well as for passenger transport; stresses that , in the case of archipelagos , these difficulties are multiplied by a double insularity; ### 4. recalls that insularity creates structural problems of dependence on maritime and air transport , with additional costs for importing and exporting goods , as well as for passenger transport; stresses that , in the case of archipelagos , these difficulties are multiplied by a double and sometimes triple insularity;


### 5. highlights the deficit in terms of population , raw materials and resources of all kinds , and notes that in many islands access to drinking water is a central issue in people’s lives , the sustainability of the island and its tourism carrying capacity; ### 5. highlights the deficit in terms of population , raw materials and resources of all kinds , and notes that in many islands access to drinking water is a central issue in people’s lives , the sustainability of the island and its tourism carrying capacity; stresses the importance of spatial planning focusing on effective and efficient land utilisation;


### 6. stresses that isolation owing to insularity means a dependence on mainland markets and increases the cost of certain services , such as waste management; ### 6. stresses that isolation owing to insularity means a dependence on the mainland’s and continental areas’ markets and increases the cost of certain services , such as waste management as well as of certain goods , especially with reference to small islands highly dependent on imports;


### 6. stresses that isolation owing to insularity means a dependence on mainland markets and increases the cost of certain services , such as waste management; ### 6. stresses that isolation owing to insularity means a dependence on mainland markets and increases the cost of certain goods and services , such as waste management;


### 7. stresses that island economies are oriented towards the primary and tertiary sectors and that hyper-specialisation weakens the economic fabric by making it more vulnerable to economic slowdowns; is concerned about long-term developments which in many eu islands can create an economy that is based solely on tourism; ### 7. stresses that island economies are oriented towards the primary and tertiary sectors and that hyper-specialisation weakens the economic fabric by making it more vulnerable to economic slowdowns; is concerned about long-term developments which in many eu islands can create an economy that is based solely on tourism; highlights the necessity of deconcentrating tourism from the summer season to other less-demanded months and to diversify the economy of islands by strengthening their secondary sector;


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


### 9. regrets the eu’s lack of vision for european islands; ### 9. regrets the eu’s lack of vision for european islands , bearing in mind the major importance of these regions for the eu in expanding its geopolitical , economic and geoenvironmental sphere of influence;


### environment and energy autonomy ### environment , energy autonomy , research and innovation


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


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


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


### 11. recalls that islands are on the front line of climate change , particularly with rising water levels and the warming of seas and oceans; notes with concern the risks associated with overfishing and marine and coastal pollution; calls , in the context of the paris agreement and the european green deal , for specific support for islands to combat and adapt to climate change; ### 11. recalls that islands are on the front line of climate change , particularly with rising water levels and the warming of seas and oceans; notes with concern the risks associated with overfishing and marine and coastal pollution; calls , in the context of the paris agreement and the european green deal , for specific support for islands , this being essential to make them suitably adaptable , resilient and foresighted in the face of climate change;


### 12. stresses the increasingly precarious condition of all islands in terms of their environmental assets , particularly water resources; calls , in this context , on the commission to adopt a common water management policy for islands; recalls also the challenges connected with waste management in island territories and the strategic role of the circular economy; ### 12. stresses the increasingly precarious condition of all islands in terms of their environmental assets , particularly water resources; calls , in this context , on the commission to adopt a common water management policy for islands; recalls also the challenges and high cost connected with waste management in island territories and the strategic role of the circular economy , which must be extended to encompass the collection and economic recycling of marine waste;


### 12. stresses the increasingly precarious condition of all islands in terms of their environmental assets , particularly water resources; calls , in this context , on the commission to adopt a common water management policy for islands; recalls also the challenges connected with waste management in island territories and the strategic role of the circular economy; ### 12. stresses the increasingly precarious condition of all islands in terms of their environmental assets , particularly water resources; calls , in this context , on the commission to adopt a common water management policy for islands; recalls also the challenges connected with waste management in island territories as well as the strategic role of the circular economy and its potential in reducing marine litter;


### 13. calls for specific rules and financial support to help islands achieve climate neutrality goals , taking into account the additional costs involved and the impact of mobile technologies on their energy systems; calls for these costs to be taken into account in the ‘fit for 55’ legislative package; ### 13. calls for specific rules and financial support to help islands achieve climate neutrality goals , taking into account the additional costs linked to sectors such as energy and transport as well as the impact of mobile technologies on their energy systems; calls for these costs to be taken into account in the ‘fit for 55’ legislative package;


### 14. considers the use of renewable energy to be a priority and believes it could bring substantial benefits to islands; calls , therefore , for the development of a wide range of renewable energy to be supported; welcomes the green hydrogen programmes which islands have launched; ### 14. considers the use of renewable energy to be apriority and believes it could bring substantial benefits to islands and the strengthening of their energy autonomy; calls , therefore , for the development of a wide range of renewable energy sources to be supported according to their geographical features; welcomes the green hydrogen programmes which islands have launched;


### 15. calls for renewables-based energy autonomy to be established as a target for all european islands; ### 15. calls for renewables-based energy autonomy to be established as a target for all european islands; calls for additional research to make offshore renewables more affordable and fit for the geographical features of the different sea basins;


### 15. calls for renewables-based energy autonomy to be established as a target for all european islands; ### 15. calls for energy autonomy to be established as a target for all european islands through the phasing out of fossil fuels and measures to increase the potential of sustainable and renewable energies;


### 17. calls for urgent measures to counteract the depopulation of islands and to improve quality of life , support local businesses and protect jobs; calls also for the development of professional training and employment establishments for island inhabitants to be promoted; ### 17. calls for urgent measures to counteract the depopulation of islands as well as brain and skill drain and to improve quality of life , support local businesses and protect jobs and address ageing population; calls also for the development of professional training and employment establishments for island inhabitants to be promoted;


### 17. calls for urgent measures to counteract the depopulation of islands and to improve quality of life , support local businesses and protect jobs; calls also for the development of professional training and employment establishments for island inhabitants to be promoted; ### 17. calls for urgent measures to counteract the depopulation of islands and to improve quality of life , support local businesses and protect jobs; calls also for the development of professional training and employment establishments for island inhabitants to be promoted , especially in the health sector;


### 18. stresses the need for increased support for island agriculture and aquaculture , sustainable fisheries , crafts and the blue economy , including through european cooperation programmes; calls on the commission to draw up a regulation laying down specific measures in the area of agriculture for all nuts 2 and nuts 3 level islands with a view to achieving food autonomy and increasing the competitiveness of their products; ### 18. stresses the need for increased support for the sustainable development of island agriculture and aquaculture , sustainable fisheries , crafts and the blue economy , including through european cooperation programmes; calls on the commission to draw up a regulation laying down specific measures in the area of agriculture for all nuts 2 and nuts 3 level islands with a view to achieving food autonomy and increasing the competitiveness of their products;


### 19. notes that the tourism sector is the main contributor to the economic growth of island regions in terms of income and employment; calls , therefore , on the commission to provide specific additional financial support for sustainable tourism in islands and to help islands that are heavily dependent on tourism to diversify their economies; ### 19. notes that the tourism sector is the main contributor to the economic growth of island regions in terms of income and employment; calls , therefore , on the commission to provide specific additional financial support for sustainable tourism in islands , supporting innovatory pilot projects to promote more ecological and digital solutions in line with european green deal objectives , and to help islands that are heavily dependent on tourism to diversify their economies;


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


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


### access to public services ### access to public services , entrepreneurship and digitalisation


### 21. calls for the development of sustainable transport in island countries and regions to be fostered , and for support for the modernisation and greening of port infrastructure; ### 21. calls for the development of sustainable and less pollutant transport in island countries and regions to be fostered , thereby promoting alternatives to fossil fuels , and for support for the modernisation and greening of port infrastructure;


### 21. calls for the development of sustainable transport in island countries and regions to be fostered , and for support for the modernisation and greening of port infrastructure; ### 21. calls for the development of sustainable transport in island countries and regions to be fostered , and for support for the modernisation and greening of port infrastructure while ensuring a socially just transition;


### 22. stresses the need to ensure the territorial continuity of all islands through maritime and air transport and to ensure the safety and suitability of land bridges and road links; calls on the commission to ensure that the 2021-2023 work programme of the connecting europe facility contributes to the territorial accessibility of islands; ### 22. stresses the need to ensure the territorial continuity and cohesion of all islands through maritime and air transport , to reduce the costs of both passenger and goods transport and to ensure the safety and suitability of land bridges and road links; calls on the commission to ensure that the 2021-2023 work programme of the connecting europe facility contributes to the territorial accessibility of islands;


### 22. stresses the need to ensure the territorial continuity of all islands through maritime and air transport and to ensure the safety and suitability of land bridges and road links; calls on the commission to ensure that the 2021-2023 work programme of the connecting europe facility contributes to the territorial accessibility of islands; ### 22. stresses the need to ensure the territorial continuity of all islands through maritime and air transport and to ensure the safety and suitability of land bridges and road links; calls on the commission to ensure that the 2021-2023 work programme of the connecting europe facility contributes to the territorial accessibility of islands and the development of sustainable transport;


### 23. stresses , particularly in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the importance of improving the health infrastructure on european islands; ### 23. stresses , particularly in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the importance of improving the health infrastructure on european islands and of mobilising the necessary funds to offset delays in the provision of health care;


### 23. stresses , particularly in the context of the covid-19 crisis , the importance of improving the health infrastructure on european islands; ### 23. stresses , particularly in the context of the covid-19 pandemic , the importance of improving the public health infrastructure on european islands and the access to medicines;


### 24. calls for priority to be afforded to equipping islands with digital technologies , in particular so as to enhance the provision of education and training services; ### 24. underlines that digital connectivity for islands is an utmost priority in particular to enhance the provision of education and training services as well as e-health and other essential government services for citizens and businesses;


### 25. stresses that the lack of statistical data on islands is hindering the development of targeted policies; calls on the commission to set up a european institute for disadvantaged territories to collect data at all administrative levels; ### 25. stresses that the lack of statistical data on islands , including gender-disaggregated data , is hindering the development of targeted policies; calls on the commission to set up a european institute for disadvantaged territories to collect data at all administrative levels;


### 25. stresses that the lack of statistical data on islands is hindering the development of targeted policies; calls on the commission to set up a european institute for disadvantaged territories to collect data at all administrative levels; ### 25. stresses that the lack of statistical data on islands is hindering the development of targeted policies; calls on the commission to set up a european institute for disadvantaged territories to collect reliable , aggregated and current data at all administrative levels;


### 26. calls on the commission to take note of the studies already produced by island regions concerning the additional costs associated with insularity , and to establish interdisciplinary analyses covering the demographic , geographical and economic characteristics of island territories; ### 26. calls on the commission to take note of the studies already produced by island regions concerning the additional costs associated with insularity , and to establish interdisciplinary analyses covering the demographic , geographical and economic characteristics of island territories so as to ensure that these regions will not suffer from any competitive disadvantage linked to their geographical condition;


### state aid scheme and measures to reduce the development deficit ### re-assessment of state aid schemes and measures to reduce the development deficit


### 28. calls on the commission to produce an analysis of the volume of state aid granted to undertakings based in island regions; considers it imperative , despite the efforts made by the eu and the member states , to determine whether and to what extent undertakings located in island territories have benefited from such measures; ### 28. calls on the commission to produce an analysis of the volume of state aid granted to undertakings based in island regions; considers it imperative , despite the efforts made by the eu and the member states , to determine whether and to what extent undertakings located in island territories have benefited from such measures and to re-assess state rules accordingly;


### 29. calls for any future revision of the legislative framework on state aid to be subject to impact assessments based on specific indicators to assess the lagging competitiveness of island region economies and to design a specific degressive scheme for island territories when the extraordinary measures provided for under the state aid temporary framework end after 31 december 2021; ### 29. calls for any future revision of the legislative framework on state aid to be subject to impact assessments based on specific indicators to assess the lagging competitiveness of island region economies , also vis-à-vis the consequences of the fit for 55 package on these territories , and to design a specific degressive scheme for island territories when the extraordinary measures provided for under the state aid temporary framework end after 31 december 2021;


### 31. calls on the commission to undertake a dynamic assessment of article 174 tfeu and to build on that article to create a european strategy for islands that takes into account the specific features of each of the eu’s sea basins; calls on the commission to carry out a study on the situation of island territories and to consider a strategy for islands with tangible proposals; ### 31. calls on the commission to undertake a dynamic assessment of article 174 tfeu and to build on that article to create a european strategy for islands that is in line with local needs and realities on the ground and takes into account the specific features of each of the eu’s sea basins; calls on the commission to carry out a study on the situation of island territories and to consider a strategy for islands with tangible proposals;


### 31. calls on the commission to undertake a dynamic assessment of article 174 tfeu and to build on that article to create a european strategy for islands that takes into account the specific features of each of the eu’s sea basins; calls on the commission to carry out a study on the situation of island territories and to consider a strategy for islands with tangible proposals; ### 31. calls on the commission to undertake a dynamic assessment of article 174 tfeu and to build on that article to create a european strategy for islands , based on this report , that takes into account the specific features of each of the eu’s sea basins; calls on the commission to carry out a study on the diverse situations of island territories and to consider a strategy for islands with tangible proposals;


### 32. calls for an islands pact to be drawn up and implemented , along the lines of the urban pact and the future rural pact; ### 32. calls for an islands pact to be drawn up and implemented with the participation of the principal stakeholders , namely national , regional and local authorities , economic and social operators , civil society , academia and non-governmental organisations , along the lines of the urban pact and the future rural pact;


### c. whereas any action against foreign interference and information manipulation must itself respect the fundamental freedoms of expression and information; ### c. whereas any action against foreign interference and information manipulation must itself respect the fundamental freedoms of expression and information; whereas actors of foreign interference and information manipulation misuse those freedoms to their advantage;


### d. whereas evidence shows that malicious foreign actors use information manipulation and other interference tactics to interfere in democratic processes in the eu; whereas these attacks mislead and deceive citizens , increase polarisation and divide society , worsen the situation of vulnerable groups , distort the integrity of democratic elections and referenda , and sow distrust in public authorities and democracy; ### d. whereas evidence shows that malicious foreign actors use information manipulation and other interference tactics to interfere in democratic processes in the eu; whereas these attacks mislead and deceive citizens , amplify divisive debates , divide and polarize society , worsen the situation of vulnerable groups , distort the integrity of democratic elections and referenda , sow distrust in public authorities and democracy , and have the goal to destabilize european democracy;


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


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


### g. whereas there is a need to agree between like-minded partners on common definitions of foreign interference in order to establish international norms and standards; ### g. whereas there is a need to agree between like-minded partners on common definitions of foreign interference in order to establish international norms and standards; whereas the eu should take the lead in establishing clear international rules for attribution of foreign interference;


### interference through elite capture , national diasporas and universities ### geopolitical impacts and actors of foreign interference


### be. whereas a number of former high-level european politicians and civil servants are hired or co-opted by foreign companies controlled by states operating malicious interference within the eu , in exchange of their knowledge at the expense of the eu and its member states’ interests; ### be. whereas a number of politicians , former high-level european politicians and civil servants are hired or co-opted by foreign companies controlled by states operating malicious interference within the eu , in exchange of their knowledge at the expense of the eu and its member states’ interests;


### bf. whereas two countries are particularly active in the field of elite capture and co-optation , namely russia and china , with , for instance , former german chancellor gerhard schröder and former prime minister of finland paavo lipponen having both joined gazprom to speed up the application process for nord stream 1 and 2 , former austrian minister of foreign affairs karin kneissl appointed board member of rosneft , former prime minister of france françois fillon appointed board member of zaroubejneft , former prime minister of france jean-pierre raffarin actively engaged in promoting chinese interests in france , and former czech commissioner štefan füle having worked for cefc china energy; ### bf. whereas two countries are particularly active in the field of elite capture and co-optation , namely russia and china , with , for instance , former german chancellor gerhard schröder and former prime minister of finland paavo lipponen having both joined gazprom to speed up the application process for nord stream 1 and 2 , former austrian minister of foreign affairs karin kneissl appointed board member of rosneft , former prime minister of france françois fillon appointed board member of zaroubejneft , former prime minister of france jean-pierre raffarin actively engaged in promoting chinese interests in france , former czech commissioner štefan füle having worked for cefc china energy , former prime minister of finland esko aho now on the board of the kremlin sherbank , former french minister in charge of relations with the parliament jean-marie le guen who is member of the board of directors of huawei francek , or yves leterme , former prime minister of belgium , co-chairman of the chinese investment fund tojoy , etc.;


### bg. whereas economic lobbying strategies can be combined with foreign interference goals; ### bg. whereas economic lobbying strategies can be combined with foreign interference goals; whereas according the oecd on “lobbying in the 21st century” only the us , australia and canada have rules in place that cover foreign influence;


### bh. whereas controlling the national diaspora living on eu soil represents an important element of foreign interference strategies; ### bh. whereas trying to instrumentalize the national diaspora living on eu soil represents an important element of foreign interference strategies;


### bi. whereas different state actors , such as the russian government and the chinese communist party , have been attempting to increase their influence using cultural , educational (e.g. through grants and scholarships) and religious institutes; ### bi. whereas different state actors , such as the russian and chinese government , have been attempting to increase their influence using cultural , educational (e.g. through grants and scholarships) and religious institutes;


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


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


### 83. calls on the commission to encourage and coordinate actions against elite capture , such as complementing the cooling-off periods for eu commissioners with a reporting duty after the period , and structured rules to tackle elite capture at eu level; ### 83. calls on the commission to encourage and coordinate actions against elite capture , such as complementing the cooling-off periods for eu commissioners with a reporting duty after the period , and structured rules to tackle elite capture at eu level; calls all the member states to apply and harmonise these cooling-off periods for their political leadership and deter then to work after their time in office for companies connected to foreign states engaged in anti-eu activities;


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


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


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


### b. whereas the purpose of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 may 2001 regarding public access to european parliament , council and commission documents1 is to confer on the public the widest possible right of access to the documents of the institutions; whereas , in light of this right and recent case law , any exceptions have to be interpreted and applied strictly and the institutions have the obligation to demonstrate how disclosure would specifically and actually undermine the interests protected by the exceptions; ### b. whereas the purpose of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 of the european parliament and of the council of 30 may 2001 regarding public access to european parliament , council and commission documents1 is to confer on the public the widest possible right of access to the documents of the institutions , in order to effectively exercise their right to scrutinise the work and activities of the eu institutions; whereas , in light of this right and recent case law , any exceptions have to be interpreted and applied strictly and the institutions have the obligation to demonstrate how disclosure would specifically and actually undermine the interests protected by the exceptions;


### c. whereas in the final report of the conference on the future of europe , citizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency in the eu’s decision-making process and voiced a desire for more citizen involvement and accountability; ### c. whereas in the final report of the conference on the future of europe , citizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency in the eu’s decision-making process and voiced a desire for more citizen involvement and accountability , whereas the transparency of the decision-making process will increase citizens’ trust in the european union , and in the democratic nature of the european institutions , and will ensure greater legitimacy , efficiency and accountability of the administration to the citizens;


### d. whereas citizens’ expectations as regards transparency , accountability and technical solutions have evolved in recent years; whereas this may require the adoption of new technical solutions and guidelines; ### d. whereas citizens’ expectations as regards transparency , efficiency , accountability and technical solutions have evolved in recent years; whereas this may require the adoption of new technical solutions and guidelines that increase accountability and efficiency;


### f. whereas in case 1499/2021/sf16 , the ombudsman found that the council’s refusal to give full public access to documents related to legislative negotiations constituted maladministration; ### f. whereas in case 1499/2021/sf16 , the ombudsman found that the council and commission’s refusal to give full public access to documents related to legislative negotiations constituted maladministration;


### g. whereas the union’s response to the covid-19 crisis showed its ability to act , but also demonstrated the need for increased transparency within the union; ### g. whereas the union’s response to the covid-19 crisis showed its ability to act , but also demonstrated the need for increased transparency within the union , for instance regarding the procurement of vaccines and the eu’s economic recovery programmes; whereas the ombudsman found that the commission’s refusal of public access constituted maladministration in case 790/2021/mig and 1316/2021/mig


### g. whereas the union’s response to the covid-19 crisis showed its ability to act , but also demonstrated the need for increased transparency within the union; ### g. whereas the union’s response to the covid-19 crisis showed its ability to act , but also demonstrated the need for increased transparency within the union , as well as the adoption of a better policy on tackling disinformation , in order to obtain better and more accurate information for the european citizen;


### h. whereas parliament adopted its first-reading position on the commission proposal for reform of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 in december 2011; whereas negotiations on that regulation have been at a standstill since 2012; whereas the eu has taken on many new responsibilities since the regulation came into force; whereas increased responsibility requires increased transparency in order to uphold the eu’s credibility and legitimacy in citizens’ eyes; ### h. whereas parliament adopted its first-reading position on the commission proposal for reform of regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 in december 2011; whereas negotiations on that regulation have been at a standstill since 2012; whereas the eu has taken on many new responsibilities since the regulation came into force; whereas increased responsibility requires increased transparency in order to uphold the eu’s credibility and legitimacy in citizens’ eyes , and their trust;


### 3. notes with concern that a common problem faced in requests for access to documents is the refusal of access by institutions on the basis of insubstantial arguments; reiterates that an institution invoking one of the exceptions to access has to make an objective and individual assessment and show that the risk to the interest protected is foreseeable and not purely hypothetical , and define how access to the document would specifically and effectively undermine the interest protected18 ; highlights that it might be possible to disclose some parts of a document when other parts need to be protected; notes with interest the case lodged against the council for its frequent recourse to the informal ‘working document’ predicate19 ; ### 3. notes with concern that a common problem faced in requests for access to documents is the refusal of access by institutions on the basis of insubstantial arguments; reiterates that an institution invoking one of the exceptions to access has to make an objective and individual assessment and show that the risk to the interest protected is foreseeable and not purely hypothetical , and define how access to the document would specifically and effectively undermine the interest protected18 ; highlights that it might be possible to disclose some parts of a document when other parts need to be protected , a process which must be subjected to an equally objective and individual assessment conducted by the respective union’s institution , body , office or agency , and approved by the eu ethics body; notes with interest the case lodged against the council for its frequent recourse to the informal ‘working document’ predicate19 ;


### 3. notes with concern that a common problem faced in requests for access to documents is the refusal of access by institutions on the basis of insubstantial arguments; reiterates that an institution invoking one of the exceptions to access has to make an objective and individual assessment and show that the risk to the interest protected is foreseeable and not purely hypothetical , and define how access to the document would specifically and effectively undermine the interest protected18; highlights that it might be possible to disclose some parts of a document when other parts need to be protected; notes with interest the case lodged against the council for its frequent recourse to the informal ‘working document’ predicate19; ### 3. notes with concern that a common problem faced in requests for access to documents is the refusal of access by institutions on the basis of insubstantial arguments; reiterates that an institution invoking one of the exceptions to access has to make an objective and individual assessment and show that the risk to the interest protected is foreseeable and genuine and not purely hypothetical , and define how access to the document would specifically and effectively undermine the interest protected18; highlights that it might be possible to disclose some parts of a document when other parts need to be protected; notes with interest the case lodged against the council for its frequent recourse to the informal ‘working document’ predicate19;


### 9. welcomes the commission’s intention to increase transparency within the eu based on ‘transparency by default’; implores the commission not to consider any proposal to revise regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 that would lower the standards of transparency and access to documents; deplores the fact that negotiations have long been at a standstill and strongly urges the council and the commission to resume negotiations with the other institutions on the basis of commission’s proposals from 2008 and 2011; notes that any reform will need to address key issues such as the scope of the grounds for refusal , the public-interest test , transparency in the legislative process , and opposition to block exemptions; calls for the council , the commission and parliament to work constructively with the ultimate aim of giving eu citizens wider and improved access to documents; ### 9. welcomes the commission’s intention to increase transparency within the eu based on ‘transparency by default’; demands the commission not to consider any proposal to revise regulation (ec) no 1049/2001 that would lower the standards of transparency and access to documents; deplores the fact that negotiations have long been at a standstill and strongly urges the council and the commission to resume negotiations with the other institutions on the basis of commission’s proposals from 2008 and 2011; notes that any reform will need to address key issues such as the scope of the grounds for refusal , the public-interest test , transparency in the legislative process , and opposition to block exemptions; calls for the council , the commission and parliament to work constructively with the ultimate aim of giving eu citizens wider and improved access to documents;


### 10. stresses the importance of parliament’s transparency register and calls for the introduction of a mandatory requirement for all members to make public all scheduled meetings with people external to parliament where these meetings relate to a report or resolution of the european parliament; ### 10. calls for the parliament’s transparency register to be made mandatory and also cover former members of the european parliament; calls for a stricter interpretation ensuring that all meetings between third-party representatives and members of the european parliament , accredited parliamentary assistants or staff members’ shall only take place in accordance with the eu transparency register provisions; calls for mandatory anti-corruption and transparency training for members of the european parliament , accredited parliamentary assistants and staff members; and calls for the introduction of a mandatory requirement for all members of the european parliament , accredited parliamentary assistants , political group staff and european parliament staff , to make public all scheduled meetings with people external to parliament where these meetings relate to a report , initiative report or resolution of the european parliament;


### 10. stresses the importance of parliament’s transparency register and calls for the introduction of a mandatory requirement for all members to make public all scheduled meetings with people external to parliament where these meetings relate to a report or resolution of the european parliament; ### 10. stresses the importance of parliament’s transparency register and calls for the introduction of a mandatory requirement for all members to make public all scheduled meetings with people external to parliament where these meetings relate to a report or resolution of the european parliament; certain people - i.e. human rights defenders , political opposition , religious and ethnic minorities , and independent journalists - should , on duly justified grounds regarding their protection and security , and upon approval of the eu ethics body , be exempted from this mandatory requirement.


### 10. stresses the importance of parliament’s transparency register and calls for the introduction of a mandatory requirement for all members to make public all scheduled meetings with people external to parliament where these meetings relate to a report or resolution of the european parliament; ### 10. stresses the importance of parliament’s transparency register and calls for the introduction of a mandatory requirement for all members to make public all scheduled meetings with people external to parliament where these meetings relate to a report or resolution of the european parliament; the transparency and accountability of members are essential for maintaining the trust of union citizens in the legitimacy of the political and legislative decision-making process in the european union.


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


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


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


### 13. calls for the eu institutions to have a policy of ‘transparency by design’ and publish documents linked to legislative files proactively , within a reasonable time frame and in a user-friendly way; calls for the eu institutions to comply fully with the judgment of the cjeu in case t-540/1524 on access to trilogue documents; insists that the council should improve its rules and procedures on legislative transparency , including the accessibility and classification of legislative documents; ### 13. highlights that transparency and full access to the documents held by the institutions have to be the rule and that exceptions to that rule have to be strictly interpreted , taking into account the overriding public interest in disclosure; calls for the eu institutions to have a policy of ‘transparency by design’ and publish documents linked to legislative files proactively , within a reasonable time frame and in a user-friendly way; calls for the eu institutions to comply fully with the judgment of the cjeu in case t-540/1524 on access to trilogue documents; insists that the council should improve its rules and procedures on legislative transparency , including the accessibility and classification of legislative documents;


### — having regard to its legislative resolution of 3 may 2022 on the proposal for a council regulation on the election of the members of the european parliament by direct universal suffrage , repealing council decision (76/787/ecsc , eec , euratom) and the act concerning the election of the members of the european parliament by direct universal suffrage annexed to that decision3 (‘resolution of 3 may 2022 on the reform of the electoral law of the european union’) , ### — having regard to its legislative resolution of 3 may 2022 on the proposal for a council regulation on the election of the members of the european parliament by direct universal suffrage , repealing council decision (76/787/ecsc , eec , euratom) and the act concerning the election of the members of the european parliament by direct universal suffrage annexed to that decision3 (‘resolution of 3 may 2022 on the new electoral law of the european union’) ,


### c. whereas its resolution of 3 may 2022 on the reform of the electoral law of the european union proposes the establishment of a union-wide constituency; ### c. whereas its resolution of 3 may 2022 on the new electoral law of the european union proposes the establishment of a union-wide constituency;


### 2. acknowledges that the current allocation of seats in the european parliament breaches the principle of degressive proportionality in six instances , and therefore must be corrected in a new allocation to be applied as of the next european elections in 2024; ### deleted


### 3. recognises that a number of member states consider that the voting system in the council needs to be taken into consideration when deciding on the allocation of seats in the european parliament; ### 3. takes note that a number of member states consider that the voting system in the council needs to be taken into consideration when deciding on the allocation of seats in the european parliament;


### 5. underlines that a mathematical formula displays great potential for providing in the future a permanent system to allocate the seats of the european parliament in an objective , fair , durable and transparent way; considers that such a permanent system needs further deliberation and should be introduced well in advance of elections of the european parliament; ### deleted


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


### 9. underlines the need to continue to raise awareness of this participatory instrument , in particular by promoting it on social media and including it in civic education curriculums , in order to reach as many citizens as possible , especially young people; ### 9. underlines the need to continue to raise awareness of this participatory instrument , in particular by promoting it on social media and including it in civic education curriculums , in order to reach as many citizens as possible , especially young people; in this regard , calls on the participation of all relevant actors in the process , including national and local authorities , nongovernmental organisations and youth organisations in order to mainstream eci across channels of communication and encourage active participation of citizens; highlights the role of schools and universities in promoting citizenship education and encourages member states to coordinate , at national level , awareness raising campaigns for the ecis;


### 9. underlines the need to continue to raise awareness of this participatory instrument , in particular by promoting it on social media and including it in civic education curriculums , in order to reach as many citizens as possible , especially young people; ### 9. underlines the need to improve awareness of this participatory instrument , in particular by promoting it on social media and including it in civic education curriculums , in order to reach as many citizens as possible , especially young people; calls , therefore , on the commission to launch broad information campaigns to promote the eci , using all official languages of the eu , involving regional and local authorities; notes , as well , the need to adapt the communication campaigns in order to target specific groups of citizens living in remote areas or with poor access to online tools;


### 10. invites the commission to start a reflection process on the usefulness of reintroducing the option for organisers to use individual online collection systems; ### 10. invites the commission to start a reflection process on the usefulness of reintroducing the option for organisers to use individual online collection systems; also calls on the commission to make efforts to incorporate the possibility to allow citizens of all member states to use the eid signing tool;


### 11. calls on the commission to provide financial support for ecis that reach the threshold of one million signatures; ### 11. calls on the commission to provide financial support for ecis that reach the threshold of one million signatures; reiterates the need for ecis not to be financed by member states;


### 11. calls on the commission to provide financial support for ecis that reach the threshold of one million signatures; ### 11. suggests that the commission should consider providing financial support to valid ecis; invites the commission to conduct an assessment of such possibility;


### 12. calls on the commission to establish a proper dialogue with organisers about their goals and the best possible means to achieve them , in order to assess citizens’ input seriously and effectively; points out that such a dialogue could already be initiated during the collection period; ### 12. calls on the commission to establish a proper dialogue with organisers about their goals and the best possible means to achieve them , in order to assess citizens’ input seriously and effectively; points out that such a dialogue should be strengthened during the examination procedure and after the commission's initial reply;


### 13. invites the commission to carry out a thorough assessment of the proposals of each valid eci , and to comply fully with its legal obligation to set out its reasons for taking or not taking action , which it should do in a clear , comprehensible and detailed manner; ### 13. invites the commission to carry out a thorough assessment of the proposals of each valid eci , and to comply fully with its legal obligation to set out its reasons for taking or not taking action , which it should do in a clear , comprehensible and detailed manner; calls upon the commission together with the competent bodies to supervise and avoid possible political guided interests of ecis;


### 15. recommends that every valid eci and every commission communication setting out its legal and political conclusions on a specific eci be followed by a vote on a parliamentary resolution , which would require the modification of rule 222(8) and (9) of parliament’s rules of procedure; ### 15. underlines the need for ecis to respect the eu legal framework and values; recommends that every valid eci and every commission communication setting out its legal and political conclusions on a specific eci be followed by a vote on a parliamentary resolution , which would require the modification of rule 222(8) and (9) of parliament’s rules of procedure;


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


### 1. considers that the union mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should primarily aim at preventing and addressing any threat to the union values enshrined in article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu) before any clear risk arises in a member state and article 7 teu should be triggered; ### 1. considers that the union mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights should primarily aim at preventing and addressing any threat to the union values enshrined in article 2 of the treaty on european union (teu) before any clear risk arises in a member state and article 7 teu should be triggered; points out that the union has no legally binding mechanism in place to regularly monitor the compliance of member states and union institutions with union values; considers that the main purpose of any such mechanism should be to prevent and address any clear risk of a serious breach of those values; considers , in this regard , that in any future proposal for an interinstitutional agreement for an union pact for drf , emphasis should be put on preventive and corrective elements.


### 2. insists that the union institutions are to practise mutual sincere cooperation in line with article 13(2) teu and therefore should all contribute to the defence of the union values in accordance with the procedures set out in the treaties; calls for such activities to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement and for existing mechanisms to be consolidated , while setting out detailed assessments of the situations in all member states , determining preventive and corrective actions; ### 2. insists that the union institutions are to practise mutual sincere cooperation in line with article 13(2) teu and therefore should all contribute , without political bias , to the defence of the union values in accordance with the procedures set out in the treaties; calls for such activities to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement and for existing mechanisms to be consolidated , while setting out detailed assessments of the situations in all member states , determining preventive and corrective actions;


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


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


### 2. emphasises that an independent and impartial judiciary is an indispensable cornerstone of the rule of law; highlights that the requirement that courts be independent is of the essence to the fundamental right to effective judicial protection and a fair trial and to ensure that all rights deriving from union law are protected; stresses that every national court is also a european court when applying union law; is worried that recent attacks on the rule of law have mainly consisted of attempts to jeopardise judicial independence; ### 2. emphasises that an independent and impartial judiciary is an indispensable cornerstone of the rule of law; highlights that the requirement that courts be independent is of the essence to the fundamental right to effective judicial protection and a fair trial and to ensure that all rights deriving from union law are protected; underlines that judicial independence is integral to judicial decision-making and a requirement resulting from the principle of effective legal protection set out in article 19 teu; stresses that every national court is also a european court when applying union law; is worried that recent attacks on the rule of law have mainly consisted of attempts to jeopardise judicial independence; urges the commission to use all the instruments at its disposal against any attempt by national governments to endanger the independence of their judiciary and to timely inform parliament of any such situation; points to the conclusion of the 2020 eu justice scoreboard that citizens accurately perceive the interference from government and politician as the main reason for the lack of independence in their respective judicial systems; defends , in this context , that the principle of separation of powers entails that those investigating and deciding on disciplinary sanctions for judges should be appointed in a manner that is free from political influence and that judges who are members of existing national councils for the judiciary should be proposed , selected or elected by their peers;


### 3. recognises that the union remains structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic and rule of law backsliding in the member states; regrets the inability of the council to make meaningful progress in enforcing union values in ongoing article 7 teu procedures; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the union’s toolkit in that field; ### 3. recognises that the union remains structurally ill-equipped to tackle democratic and rule of law backsliding in the member states and therefore we should have a clear definition of the rule of law and of the instruments used to measure it; regrets the inability of the council to make meaningful progress in enforcing union values in ongoing article 7 teu procedures; notes with concern the disjointed nature of the union’s toolkit in that field;


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


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


### 3. highlights that training of justice professionals is essential to the proper implementation and application of union law and thus to the strengthening of a european common legal culture based on the principles of mutual trust and the rule of law; considers that the upcoming european judicial training strategy must put additional focus on promoting the rule of law and judicial independence and include training on skills and non-legal issues so that judges are better prepared to resist undue pressure; ### 3. highlights that training of justice professionals is essential to the proper implementation and application of union law and thus to the strengthening of a european common legal culture based on the principles of mutual trust and the rule of law; considers that the upcoming european judicial training strategy must put additional focus on promoting the rule of law and judicial independence and include training on skills and non-legal issues so that judges are better prepared to resist undue pressure; points to the conclusion of the 2020 eu justice scoreboard that not all member states offer training on it skills , court management and judicial ethics , as well as that the share of judges receiving such training is low in most countries;


### 4. insists that the annual monitoring cycle should be governed by the principles of transparency , impartiality , and equality between member states , be based on objective evidence and lead to effective and realistic measures; ### 4. insists that the annual monitoring cycle should be governed by the principles of transparency , impartiality , and equality between member states , be based on objective evidence and lead to effective and realistic measures; stresses the need for a monitoring system that will follow the situations up close in all member states , without political bias , in order to tackle the issues that have arisen as soon as possible before they evolve and become more complicated to manage at european level;


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


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


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


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


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


### c. whereas breaches of the values referred to in article 2 teu weaken the cohesion of the european project , the rights of all union citizens and mutual trust among the member states; ### c. whereas breaches of the values referred to in article 2 teu do not concern solely the individual member state where the breaches materialise , but also have an impact on other member states , weaken the cohesion of the european project , the fundamental rights of all union citizens and mutual trust among the member states;


### e. whereas a regulation on the protection of the union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states , once adopted , would become an indispensable tool in safeguarding the rule of law within the union; ### e. whereas a regulation on the protection of the union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states , once adopted , would become an indispensable tool in safeguarding the rule of law within the union , if the voting procedure is designed in such a way that this instrument can be used effectively and cannot be blocked by a minority in the council;


### f. whereas any monitoring mechanism must closely involve stakeholders active in the protection and promotion of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , including civil society , council of europe and united nations bodies , the european union agency for fundamental rights , national human rights institutions , national parliaments and local authorities; ### f. whereas any monitoring mechanism must closely involve stakeholders active in the protection and promotion of democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights , including civil society , council of europe and united nations bodies , the european union agency for fundamental rights , national human rights institutions , national parliaments and local authorities as well as national associations which are responsible for the support of the judiciaries in the independent delivery of justice;


### 5. proposes the establishment of an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights (the ‘mechanism’) , building on parliament’s 2016 proposal and the commission’s 2020 rule of law report , to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement between parliament , the council and the commission , consisting of an annual monitoring cycle on union values , covering all aspects of article 2 teu , and applying equally , objectively and fairly to all member states; ### 5. proposes the establishment of an eu mechanism on democracy , the rule of law and fundamental rights (the ‘mechanism’) , building on parliament’s 2016 proposal and the commission’s 2020 rule of law report , to be governed by an interinstitutional agreement between parliament , the council and the commission , consisting of an annual monitoring cycle on union values , covering all aspects of article 2 teu , applying equally , objectively and fairly to all member states and based on reliable evidence;


### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain country-specific recommendations , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete union enforcement measures; ### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain impartial recommendations applied equally to all member states , based on reliable evidence , which should be objectives adapted to each country in the eu , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete union enforcement measures;


### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain country-specific recommendations , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete union enforcement measures; ### 6. underlines that the annual monitoring cycle must contain country-specific recommendations , with timelines and targets for implementation , to be followed up in subsequent annual or urgent reports; stresses that failures to implement the recommendations must be linked to concrete union enforcement measures , including financial measures;


### 7. points out that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments , in particular the annual rule of law report , the commission’s rule of law framework , the council’s rule of law dialogue and the cooperation and verification mechanism (cvm) , while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools , including infringement procedures under article 7 teu , budgetary conditionality once in force , and the european semester; is of the opinion that the annual monitoring cycle can fulfil the objectives of the cvm for bulgaria and romania , thus contributing to equal treatment of all member states; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the annual monitoring cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering article 7 teu and regulation (eu) 2020/xxxx of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of the union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states11; ### 7. points out that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments , in particular the annual rule of law report , the commission’s rule of law framework , the council’s rule of law dialogue and the cooperation and verification mechanism (cvm) , while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools , including infringement procedures under article 7 teu , budgetary conditionality once in force , and the european semester; is of the opinion that the annual monitoring cycle can fulfil the objectives of the cvm for bulgaria and romania , thus contributing to equal treatment of all the eu member states , a treatment which should be objective , impartial and non-discriminatory; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the annual monitoring cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering article 7 teu and regulation (eu) 2020/xxxx of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of the union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states11;


### 7. points out that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments , in particular the annual rule of law report , the commission’s rule of law framework , the council’s rule of law dialogue and the cooperation and verification mechanism (cvm) , while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools , including infringement procedures under article 7 teu , budgetary conditionality once in force , and the european semester; is of the opinion that the annual monitoring cycle can fulfil the objectives of the cvm for bulgaria and romania , thus contributing to equal treatment of all member states; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the annual monitoring cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering article 7 teu and regulation (eu) 2020/xxxx of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of the union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states11 ; ### 7. points out that the mechanism should consolidate and supersede existing instruments , in particular the annual rule of law report , the commission’s rule of law framework , the council’s rule of law dialogue and the cooperation and verification mechanism (cvm) , while increasing complementarity and coherence with other available tools , including infringement procedures under article 258 tfeu , the procedure under article 7 teu , budgetary conditionality once in force , and the european semester; is of the opinion that the annual monitoring cycle can fulfil the objectives of the cvm for bulgaria and romania , thus contributing to equal treatment of all member states; considers that the three institutions should use the findings from the annual monitoring cycle in their assessment for the purposes of triggering article 7 teu and regulation (eu) 2020/xxxx of the european parliament and of the council on the protection of the union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the member states11 ;


### 7. calls on the commission to assess ict tools and other means put in place by member states at the disposal of citizens to facilitate their access to justice , in particular citizens with disabilities or belonging to vulnerable groups , such as national minorities and migrants; ### 7. calls on the commission to assess ict tools and other means put in place by member states at the disposal of citizens to facilitate their access to justice , including the possibility to follow court proceedings online , in particular citizens with disabilities or belonging to vulnerable groups , such as national minorities and migrants; in this context , points to the conclusion of the 2020 eu justice scoreboard that nationwide data collection across all justice areas is still not possible in all member states and recalls that having access is a valuable and necessary assessment tool;


### 8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society , national human rights institutions and other relevant actors in all stages of the annual monitoring cycle , from providing input to facilitating implementation; points out that the accreditation status of national human rights institutions and the space for civil society may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle; ### 8. recalls the indispensable role played by civil society , national human rights institutions , human rights defenders , associations which are responsible for the support of the judiciary in the independent delivery of justice and other relevant actors in all stages of the annual monitoring cycle , from providing input to facilitating and contributing to monitor implementation; points out that the existence , and , where they do exist , the formal and functional independence of national human rights institutions , as also reflected in their accreditation status , and the enabling space for civil society may themselves serve as indicators for assessment purposes; considers that national parliaments must hold public debates and adopt positions on the outcome of the monitoring cycle;


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