# Official Journal C 407/4 No

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 407 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 594 November 2016 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 407

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 594 November 2016

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | |
| | EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
  2015-2016 SESSIONSittings of 8 to 11 June 2015
  The Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 247, 7.7.2016 .
  TEXTS ADOPTEDSitting of 24 June 2015
  The Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 256, 14.7.2016 .
  TEXTS ADOPTED | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
  2015-2016 SESSIONSittings of 8 to 11 June 2015
  The Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 247, 7.7.2016 .
  TEXTS ADOPTEDSitting of 24 June 2015
  The Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 256, 14.7.2016 .
  TEXTS ADOPTED

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

The Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 247, 7.7.2016 .

The Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 256, 14.7.2016 .

1

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| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| --- | --- |
| | RESOLUTIONS |
| | European Parliament |
| | Tuesday 9 June 2015 |
| 2016/C 407/01 | European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2015 on the EU Strategy for equality between women and men post 2015 (2014/2152(INI)) | 2 |
| 2016/C 407/02 | European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2015 on Strategy for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries (2014/2206(INI)) | 18 |
| 2016/C 407/03 | European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2015 on Towards a renewed consensus on the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights: An EU Action Plan (2014/2151(INI)) | 25 |
| | Wednesday 10 June 2015 |
| 2016/C 407/04 | European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2015 on the state of EU-Russia relations (2015/2001(INI)) | 35 |
| 2016/C 407/05 | European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2015 on the OLAF Supervisory Committee’s annual report 2014 (2015/2699(RSP)) | 42 |
| 2016/C 407/06 | European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2015 on the situation in Hungary (2015/2700(RSP)) | 46 |
| 2016/C 407/07 | European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2015 on the 2014 Commission Progress Report on Turkey (2014/2953(RSP)) | 50 |
| | Thursday 11 June 2015 |
| 2016/C 407/08 | European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on Syria: situation in Palmyra and the case of Mazen Darwish (2015/2732(RSP)) | 61 |
| 2016/C 407/09 | European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on Paraguay: legal aspects related to child pregnancy (2015/2733(RSP)) | 66 |
| 2016/C 407/10 | European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on the situation in Nepal following the earthquakes (2015/2734(RSP)) | 70 |
| 2016/C 407/11 | European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on the strategic military situation in the Black Sea Basin following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia (2015/2036(INI)) | 74 |
| 2016/C 407/12 | European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on recent revelations on high-level corruption cases in FIFA (2015/2730(RSP)) | 81 |
| | Wednesday 24 June 2015 |
| 2016/C 407/13 | European Parliament resolution of 24 June 2015 on the review of the economic governance framework: stocktaking and challenges (2014/2145(INI)) | 86 |

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

European Parliament

Tuesday 9 June 2015

2016/C 407/01

European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2015 on the EU Strategy for equality between women and men post 2015 (2014/2152(INI))

2

2016/C 407/02

European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2015 on Strategy for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries (2014/2206(INI))

18

2016/C 407/03

European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2015 on Towards a renewed consensus on the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights: An EU Action Plan (2014/2151(INI))

25

Wednesday 10 June 2015

2016/C 407/04

European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2015 on the state of EU-Russia relations (2015/2001(INI))

35

2016/C 407/05

European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2015 on the OLAF Supervisory Committee’s annual report 2014 (2015/2699(RSP))

42

2016/C 407/06

European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2015 on the situation in Hungary (2015/2700(RSP))

46

2016/C 407/07

European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2015 on the 2014 Commission Progress Report on Turkey (2014/2953(RSP))

50

Thursday 11 June 2015

2016/C 407/08

European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on Syria: situation in Palmyra and the case of Mazen Darwish (2015/2732(RSP))

61

2016/C 407/09

European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on Paraguay: legal aspects related to child pregnancy (2015/2733(RSP))

66

2016/C 407/10

European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on the situation in Nepal following the earthquakes (2015/2734(RSP))

70

2016/C 407/11

European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on the strategic military situation in the Black Sea Basin following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia (2015/2036(INI))

74

2016/C 407/12

European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on recent revelations on high-level corruption cases in FIFA (2015/2730(RSP))

81

Wednesday 24 June 2015

2016/C 407/13

European Parliament resolution of 24 June 2015 on the review of the economic governance framework: stocktaking and challenges (2014/2145(INI))

86

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| | II   Information |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Parliament |
| | Wednesday 24 June 2015 |
| 2016/C 407/14 | European Parliament decision of 24 June 2015 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Sotirios Zarianopoulos (2015/2015(IMM)) | 96 |
| 2016/C 407/15 | European Parliament decision of 24 June 2015 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Udo Voigt (2015/2072(IMM)) | 98 |

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Parliament

Wednesday 24 June 2015

2016/C 407/14

European Parliament decision of 24 June 2015 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Sotirios Zarianopoulos (2015/2015(IMM))

96

2016/C 407/15

European Parliament decision of 24 June 2015 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Udo Voigt (2015/2072(IMM))

98

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| | III   Preparatory acts |
| --- | --- |
| | EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT |
| | Tuesday 9 June 2015 |
| 2016/C 407/16 | P8_TA(2015)0217Adjustment rate for direct payments in respect of 2015 ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 9 June 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council fixing the adjustment rate provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 for direct payments in respect of calendar year 2015 (COM(2015)0141 — C8-0083/2015 — 2015/0070(COD))P8_TC1-COD(2015)0070Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 9 June 2015 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council fixing the adjustment rate provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 for direct payments in respect of the calendar year 2015 | 100 |
| | Wednesday 10 June 2015 |
| 2016/C 407/17 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 June 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the joint fulfilment of commitments thereunder (10400/2014 — C8-0029/2015 — 2013/0376(NLE)) | 101 |
| 2016/C 407/18 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 June 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Iceland, of the other part, concerning Iceland's participation in the joint fulfilment of commitments of the European Union, its Member States and Iceland for the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (10883/2014 — C8-0088/2015 — 2014/0151(NLE)) | 102 |
| 2016/C 407/19 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 June 2015 on the recommendation for a Council decision on the accession of Croatia to the Convention of 29 May 2000, established by the Council in accordance with Article 34 of the Treaty on European Union, on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Member States of the European Union and its Protocol of 16 October 2001 (COM(2014)0685 — C8-0275/2014 — 2014/0321(NLE)) | 103 |
| 2016/C 407/20 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 June 2015 on the recommendation for a Council decision concerning the accession of Croatia to the Convention of 26 May 1997, drawn up on the basis of Article K.3(2)(c) of the Treaty on European Union, on the fight against corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of Member States of the European Union (COM(2014)0661 — C8-0274/2014 — 2014/0322(NLE)) | 104 |
| | Wednesday 24 June 2015 |
| 2016/C 407/21 | P8_TA(2015)0236European Fund for Strategic Investments ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 24 June 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Fund for Strategic Investments and amending Regulations (EU) No 1291/2013 and (EU) No 1316/2013 (COM(2015)0010 — C8-0007/2015 — 2015/0009(COD))P8_TC1-COD(2015)0009Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 24 June 2015 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Fund for Strategic Investments, the European Investment Advisory Hub and the European Investment Project Portal and amending Regulations (EU) No 1291/2013 and (EU) No 1316/2013 — the European Fund for Strategic Investments | 105 |
| 2016/C 407/22 | European Parliament resolution of 24 June 2015 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2015/000 TA 2015 — Technical Assistance at the initiative of the Commission) (COM(2015)0156 — C8-0093/2015 — 2015/2076(BUD)) | 107 |

III   Preparatory acts

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Tuesday 9 June 2015

2016/C 407/16

P8_TA(2015)0217Adjustment rate for direct payments in respect of 2015 ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 9 June 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council fixing the adjustment rate provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 for direct payments in respect of calendar year 2015 (COM(2015)0141 — C8-0083/2015 — 2015/0070(COD))P8_TC1-COD(2015)0070Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 9 June 2015 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council fixing the adjustment rate provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 for direct payments in respect of the calendar year 2015

100

Wednesday 10 June 2015

2016/C 407/17

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 June 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the joint fulfilment of commitments thereunder (10400/2014 — C8-0029/2015 — 2013/0376(NLE))

101

2016/C 407/18

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 June 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Iceland, of the other part, concerning Iceland's participation in the joint fulfilment of commitments of the European Union, its Member States and Iceland for the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (10883/2014 — C8-0088/2015 — 2014/0151(NLE))

102

2016/C 407/19

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 June 2015 on the recommendation for a Council decision on the accession of Croatia to the Convention of 29 May 2000, established by the Council in accordance with Article 34 of the Treaty on European Union, on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Member States of the European Union and its Protocol of 16 October 2001 (COM(2014)0685 — C8-0275/2014 — 2014/0321(NLE))

103

2016/C 407/20

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 June 2015 on the recommendation for a Council decision concerning the accession of Croatia to the Convention of 26 May 1997, drawn up on the basis of Article K.3(2)(c) of the Treaty on European Union, on the fight against corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of Member States of the European Union (COM(2014)0661 — C8-0274/2014 — 2014/0322(NLE))

104

Wednesday 24 June 2015

2016/C 407/21

P8_TA(2015)0236European Fund for Strategic Investments ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 24 June 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Fund for Strategic Investments and amending Regulations (EU) No 1291/2013 and (EU) No 1316/2013 (COM(2015)0010 — C8-0007/2015 — 2015/0009(COD))P8_TC1-COD(2015)0009Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 24 June 2015 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Fund for Strategic Investments, the European Investment Advisory Hub and the European Investment Project Portal and amending Regulations (EU) No 1291/2013 and (EU) No 1316/2013 — the European Fund for Strategic Investments

105

2016/C 407/22

European Parliament resolution of 24 June 2015 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2015/000 TA 2015 — Technical Assistance at the initiative of the Commission) (COM(2015)0156 — C8-0093/2015 — 2015/2076(BUD))

107

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| Key to symbols used






  - | Consultation procedure |
| --- | --- |
| *** | Consent procedure |
| ***I | Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading |
| ***II | Ordinary legislative procedure: second reading |
| ***III | Ordinary legislative procedure: third reading |

Key to symbols used

*

Consultation procedure

***

Consent procedure

***I

Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading

***II

Ordinary legislative procedure: second reading

***III

Ordinary legislative procedure: third reading

(The type of procedure depends on the legal basis proposed by the draft act.)

Amendments by Parliament:

New text is highlighted in
  bold italics
  . Deletions are indicated using either the ▌symbol or strikeout. Replacements are indicated by highlighting the new text in
  bold italics
  and by deleting or striking out the text that has been replaced.

bold italics

bold italics

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EN

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4.11.2016

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/1 |
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EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/1

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EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

2015-2016 SESSION

Sittings of 8 to 11 June 2015

The Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 247, 7.7.2016.

TEXTS ADOPTED

Sitting of 24 June 2015

The Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 256, 14.7.2016.

TEXTS ADOPTED

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

European Parliament

Tuesday 9 June 2015

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/2

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P8_TA(2015)0218

The EU Strategy for equality between women and men post 2015

European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2015 on the EU Strategy for equality between women and men post 2015 (2014/2152(INI))

(2016/C 407/01)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Article 2 and Article 3(3), second subparagraph, of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and Article 8 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 2 and Article 3(3), second subparagraph, of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and Article 8 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),

| — | having regard to Article 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

| — | having regard to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR),

| — | having regard to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

| — | having regard to the 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW),

| — | having regard to the 1949 UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 1949 UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others,

| — | having regard to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women on 15 September 1995, to the subsequent outcome documents adopted at the United Nations Beijing + 5 (2000), Beijing + 10 (2005) and Beijing + 15 (2010) special sessions and on the outcome document of the Beijing + 20 review conference, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women on 15 September 1995, to the subsequent outcome documents adopted at the United Nations Beijing + 5 (2000), Beijing + 10 (2005) and Beijing + 15 (2010) special sessions and on the outcome document of the Beijing + 20 review conference,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 606/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 606/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters (1),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1567/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on aid for policies and actions on reproductive and sexual health and rights in developing countries (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1567/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on aid for policies and actions on reproductive and sexual health and rights in developing countries (2),

| — | having regard to Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA (3),

| — | having regard to Directive 2011/99/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the European protection order (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2011/99/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the European protection order (4),

| — | having regard to Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA (5),

| — | having regard to Directive 2010/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Council Directive 86/613/EEC (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2010/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Council Directive 86/613/EEC (6),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2010/18/EU of 8 March 2010 implementing the revised Framework Agreement on parental leave concluded by BusinessEurope, UEAPME, CEEP and ETUC and repealing Directive 96/34/EC (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2010/18/EU of 8 March 2010 implementing the revised Framework Agreement on parental leave concluded by BusinessEurope, UEAPME, CEEP and ETUC and repealing Directive 96/34/EC (7),

| — | having regard to Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (recast) (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (recast) (8),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (tenth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC) (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (tenth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC) (9),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 on implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services (10) and the related judgment of 1 March 2011 of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Test-Achats case (C-236/09) (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 on implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services (10) and the related judgment of 1 March 2011 of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Test-Achats case (C-236/09) (11),

| — | having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention),

| — | having regard to the European Pact for Gender Equality (2011-2020), adopted by the European Council in March 2011 (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Pact for Gender Equality (2011-2020), adopted by the European Council in March 2011 (12),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 5 March 2010 entitled ‘A Strengthened Commitment to Equality between Women and Men: A Women’s Charter’ (COM(2010)0078), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 5 March 2010 entitled ‘A Strengthened Commitment to Equality between Women and Men: A Women’s Charter’ (COM(2010)0078),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 21 September 2010 entitled ‘Strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015’ (COM(2010)0491), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 21 September 2010 entitled ‘Strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015’ (COM(2010)0491),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 3 March 2010 entitled ‘EU 2020: a European strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’ (COM(2010)2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 3 March 2010 entitled ‘EU 2020: a European strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’ (COM(2010)2020),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 20 September 2011 entitled ‘Supporting growth and jobs — An agenda for the modernisation of Europe’s higher education systems’ (COM(2011)0567), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 20 September 2011 entitled ‘Supporting growth and jobs — An agenda for the modernisation of Europe’s higher education systems’ (COM(2011)0567),

| — | having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document of 16 September 2013 entitled ‘Mid-term review of the Strategy for equality between women and men (2010-2015)’ (SWD(2013)0339), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document of 16 September 2013 entitled ‘Mid-term review of the Strategy for equality between women and men (2010-2015)’ (SWD(2013)0339),

| — | having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document of 8 March 2010 entitled ‘EU Plan of Action on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Development (2010-2015)’ (SWD(2010)0265), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document of 8 March 2010 entitled ‘EU Plan of Action on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Development (2010-2015)’ (SWD(2010)0265),

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council of 19-20 June 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council of 19-20 June 2014,

| — | having regard to the study by European Parliament Policy Department C entitled ‘Study on the Evaluation of the Strategy for Equality between Women and Men 2010-2015 as a contribution to achieve the goals of the Beijing Platform for Action’, published in 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the study by European Parliament Policy Department C entitled ‘Study on the Evaluation of the Strategy for Equality between Women and Men 2010-2015 as a contribution to achieve the goals of the Beijing Platform for Action’, published in 2014,

| — | having regard to the report of the European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) entitled ‘Violence against women — an EU-wide survey. Main results’ published in March 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) entitled ‘Violence against women — an EU-wide survey. Main results’ published in March 2014,

| — | having regard to the report of the European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) entitled ‘Discrimination against and living conditions of Roma women in 11 EU Member States’ published in October 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) entitled ‘Discrimination against and living conditions of Roma women in 11 EU Member States’ published in October 2014,

| — | having regard to the report of the European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) entitled ‘Being Trans in the EU — Comparative analysis of the EU LGBT survey data’ published in December 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) entitled ‘Being Trans in the EU — Comparative analysis of the EU LGBT survey data’ published in December 2014,

| — | having regard to its resolutions of 15 June 1995 on the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing: ‘Equality, Development and Peace’ (13), of 10 March 2005 on the follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women — Platform for Action, Beijing + 10 (14), and of 25 February 2010 on Beijing + 15 — UN Platform for Action for Gender Equality (15), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions of 15 June 1995 on the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing: ‘Equality, Development and Peace’ (13), of 10 March 2005 on the follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women — Platform for Action, Beijing + 10 (14), and of 25 February 2010 on Beijing + 15 — UN Platform for Action for Gender Equality (15),

| — | having regard to its resolutions of 10 February 2010 on equality between women and men in the European Union — 2009 (16), of 8 March 2011 on equality between women and men in the European Union — 2010 (17), of 13 March 2012 on equality between women and men in the European Union — 2011 (18), and of 10 March 2015 on progress on equality between women and men in the European Union in 2013 (19), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions of 10 February 2010 on equality between women and men in the European Union — 2009 (16), of 8 March 2011 on equality between women and men in the European Union — 2010 (17), of 13 March 2012 on equality between women and men in the European Union — 2011 (18), and of 10 March 2015 on progress on equality between women and men in the European Union in 2013 (19),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 September 2013 on the application of the principle of equal pay for male and female workers for equal work or work of equal value (20), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 September 2013 on the application of the principle of equal pay for male and female workers for equal work or work of equal value (20),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2013 on eliminating gender stereotypes in the EU (21), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2013 on eliminating gender stereotypes in the EU (21),

| — | having regard to its resolutions of 17 June 2010 on gender aspects of the economic downturn and financial crisis (22) and of 12 March 2013 on the impact of the economic crisis on gender equality and women’s rights (23), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions of 17 June 2010 on gender aspects of the economic downturn and financial crisis (22) and of 12 March 2013 on the impact of the economic crisis on gender equality and women’s rights (23),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 6 February 2013 on the 57th session on UN CSW: Elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls (24), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 6 February 2013 on the 57th session on UN CSW: Elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls (24),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 24 May 2012 with recommendations to the Commission on application of the principle of equal pay for male and female workers for equal work or work of equal value (25), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 24 May 2012 with recommendations to the Commission on application of the principle of equal pay for male and female workers for equal work or work of equal value (25),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 20 November 2013 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures (26), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 20 November 2013 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures (26),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 February 2014 with recommendations to the Commission on combating Violence Against Women (27), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 25 February 2014 with recommendations to the Commission on combating Violence Against Women (27),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 February 2014 on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: Annual Growth Survey 2014 (28), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 25 February 2014 on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: Annual Growth Survey 2014 (28),

| — | having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure, |
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—

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality and the opinion of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0163/2015), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality and the opinion of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0163/2015),

| A. | whereas the right to equal treatment is a defining fundamental right recognised in the Treaties of the European Union which is deeply rooted in European society and is essential for the further development of this society and should apply in legislation, in practice, in case-law and in real life; |
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A.

whereas the right to equal treatment is a defining fundamental right recognised in the Treaties of the European Union which is deeply rooted in European society and is essential for the further development of this society and should apply in legislation, in practice, in case-law and in real life;

| B. | whereas the EU has historically taken some important steps to strengthen women’s rights and gender equality, but there has been a slowdown in political action and reform for gender equality during the last decade at EU level; whereas the previous Commission strategy was too weak and did not result in sufficient action being taken for gender equality; whereas a new strategy will need to give new impetus and deliver concrete action to strengthen women’s rights and promote gender equality; |
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B.

whereas the EU has historically taken some important steps to strengthen women’s rights and gender equality, but there has been a slowdown in political action and reform for gender equality during the last decade at EU level; whereas the previous Commission strategy was too weak and did not result in sufficient action being taken for gender equality; whereas a new strategy will need to give new impetus and deliver concrete action to strengthen women’s rights and promote gender equality;

| C. | whereas under the previous Commission strategy some of the goals that had been set were attained, but full gender equality was not achieved, while evidence for the interaction of various forms of discrimination, precise targets and effective evaluation measures was often lacking and gender mainstreaming continued to be applied only to a limited extent; |
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C.

whereas under the previous Commission strategy some of the goals that had been set were attained, but full gender equality was not achieved, while evidence for the interaction of various forms of discrimination, precise targets and effective evaluation measures was often lacking and gender mainstreaming continued to be applied only to a limited extent;

| D. | whereas gender equality is a basic value of the EU recognised in the Treaties and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the EU has assumed the specific task of integrating it in all its activities; whereas gender equality is essential as a strategic objective to achieve the overall EU objectives, such as the employment rate target within the Europe 2020 strategy and a key economic asset to promote fair and inclusive economic growth; whereas reducing occupational inequality is not just a goal in terms of equal treatment, but also in terms of labour market efficiency and fluidity; |
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D.

whereas gender equality is a basic value of the EU recognised in the Treaties and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the EU has assumed the specific task of integrating it in all its activities; whereas gender equality is essential as a strategic objective to achieve the overall EU objectives, such as the employment rate target within the Europe 2020 strategy and a key economic asset to promote fair and inclusive economic growth; whereas reducing occupational inequality is not just a goal in terms of equal treatment, but also in terms of labour market efficiency and fluidity;

| E. | whereas the gap in education, employment, health and discrimination between Roma and mainstream society remains wide, and the situation for Roma women in the EU is even worse as a result of multiple discrimination based on both ethnicity and sex; |
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E.

whereas the gap in education, employment, health and discrimination between Roma and mainstream society remains wide, and the situation for Roma women in the EU is even worse as a result of multiple discrimination based on both ethnicity and sex;

| F. | whereas the economic and political situation in Europe can only be improved and the consequences of demographic change averted if the talents and potential of all women and men are used; |
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F.

whereas the economic and political situation in Europe can only be improved and the consequences of demographic change averted if the talents and potential of all women and men are used;

| G. | whereas we cannot remain tied to redundant and environmentally unsustainable economic models based on an outdated distribution of work along gender lines which has been superseded by the integration of women in the labour market; whereas we need a new, socially sustainable model based on knowledge and innovation that incorporates the full range of women’s talents in the productive fabric, including by questioning some industrial norms and the factors that assign men and women to different occupations, that redresses the balance of responsibility between men and women in the public and private spheres and that harmonises the personal and working lives of workers of both genders; |
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G.

whereas we cannot remain tied to redundant and environmentally unsustainable economic models based on an outdated distribution of work along gender lines which has been superseded by the integration of women in the labour market; whereas we need a new, socially sustainable model based on knowledge and innovation that incorporates the full range of women’s talents in the productive fabric, including by questioning some industrial norms and the factors that assign men and women to different occupations, that redresses the balance of responsibility between men and women in the public and private spheres and that harmonises the personal and working lives of workers of both genders;

| H. | whereas providing access to affordable, high-quality childcare and support services for the elderly and other dependants is essential for ensuring the equal participation of men and women in the labour market, education and training; |
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H.

whereas providing access to affordable, high-quality childcare and support services for the elderly and other dependants is essential for ensuring the equal participation of men and women in the labour market, education and training;

| I. | whereas this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action and its goals and full implementation are now more relevant than ever; |
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I.

whereas this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action and its goals and full implementation are now more relevant than ever;

| J. | whereas violence against women, whether physical, sexual or psychological, is a prime obstacle to equality between women and men and remains the most widespread violation of human rights affecting all levels of society, but one of the least reported crimes; whereas despite measures taken to counter it, according to the FRA survey carried out in March 2014, 55 % of women have experienced one or more forms of sexual harassment in the course of their lives and 33 % of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15; whereas a life free of violence is a prerequisite for full participation in society and strong measures must be introduced to combat violence against women; |
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J.

whereas violence against women, whether physical, sexual or psychological, is a prime obstacle to equality between women and men and remains the most widespread violation of human rights affecting all levels of society, but one of the least reported crimes; whereas despite measures taken to counter it, according to the FRA survey carried out in March 2014, 55 % of women have experienced one or more forms of sexual harassment in the course of their lives and 33 % of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15; whereas a life free of violence is a prerequisite for full participation in society and strong measures must be introduced to combat violence against women;

| K. | whereas forced prostitution is violence that particularly affects the most vulnerable, is mostly related to organised crime networks and trafficking in human beings and is an obstacle to equality between women and men; |
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K.

whereas forced prostitution is violence that particularly affects the most vulnerable, is mostly related to organised crime networks and trafficking in human beings and is an obstacle to equality between women and men;

| L. | whereas, owing to traditional structures and tax disincentives, women have had second-earner status imposed on them, in the form of both vertical and horizontal segregation in the labour market, an incomplete employment history and gender-specific wage inequality, and whereas in addition unpaid care, childcare, nursing of the elderly and other dependants and domestic work are performed much more frequently by women, who therefore have less time available to pursue paid work, which in turn results in a much lower pension, which is why the compatibility of work and family life, in particular to achieve the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, should continue to be supported by practical measures, a process in which men in particular need to become more involved; |
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L.

whereas, owing to traditional structures and tax disincentives, women have had second-earner status imposed on them, in the form of both vertical and horizontal segregation in the labour market, an incomplete employment history and gender-specific wage inequality, and whereas in addition unpaid care, childcare, nursing of the elderly and other dependants and domestic work are performed much more frequently by women, who therefore have less time available to pursue paid work, which in turn results in a much lower pension, which is why the compatibility of work and family life, in particular to achieve the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, should continue to be supported by practical measures, a process in which men in particular need to become more involved;

| M. | whereas the female employment rate is 63 %, or 53,5 % if employment is measured in full-time equivalents (29); whereas the gender pay gap stands at 16,4 % and the gender pension gap is 39 % on average; whereas women’s participation in the labour market does not always translate into influence, positions of power and decision-making being mostly occupied by men, which limits women in their ability to wield influence and represents a democratic deficit in decision-making, given that women make up half of the population; whereas the promotion of gender equality goes beyond the prohibition of discrimination based on gender and positive action in support of women has proven to be essential to their full integration in the labour market, political and economic decision-making and society in general; whereas the exclusion of women from positions of power and decision-making bodies has a detrimental effect on their ability to influence both their own development and emancipation and the development of society; |
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M.

whereas the female employment rate is 63 %, or 53,5 % if employment is measured in full-time equivalents (29); whereas the gender pay gap stands at 16,4 % and the gender pension gap is 39 % on average; whereas women’s participation in the labour market does not always translate into influence, positions of power and decision-making being mostly occupied by men, which limits women in their ability to wield influence and represents a democratic deficit in decision-making, given that women make up half of the population; whereas the promotion of gender equality goes beyond the prohibition of discrimination based on gender and positive action in support of women has proven to be essential to their full integration in the labour market, political and economic decision-making and society in general; whereas the exclusion of women from positions of power and decision-making bodies has a detrimental effect on their ability to influence both their own development and emancipation and the development of society;

| N. | whereas gender quotas and zipped lists in political decision-making have proven most effective tools in addressing discrimination and gender power imbalances and improving democratic representation on political decision-making bodies; |
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N.

whereas gender quotas and zipped lists in political decision-making have proven most effective tools in addressing discrimination and gender power imbalances and improving democratic representation on political decision-making bodies;

| O. | whereas the failure to promote policies making for work-life balance, the insufficient promotion of flexible working hours, especially among men, and the low take-up rate of parental and paternity leave pose important obstacles for women’s economic independence and the equal sharing of family and domestic responsibilities; |
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O.

whereas the failure to promote policies making for work-life balance, the insufficient promotion of flexible working hours, especially among men, and the low take-up rate of parental and paternity leave pose important obstacles for women’s economic independence and the equal sharing of family and domestic responsibilities;

| P. | whereas the face of poverty in Europe is disproportionately female, and this includes particularly single mothers, women with disabilities, young women, old women, migrant women and ethnic minority women, all of whom are affected by poverty and social exclusion, a situation aggravated by the economic crisis and specific austerity measures, which should not justify doing less work for equality, as well as by job insecurity, part-time employment, low wages and pensions, the difficulty of accessing basic social and health services, and the fact that it is particularly public-sector jobs and services in the care sector that are being eliminated, which makes the gender equality perspective even more important; |
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P.

whereas the face of poverty in Europe is disproportionately female, and this includes particularly single mothers, women with disabilities, young women, old women, migrant women and ethnic minority women, all of whom are affected by poverty and social exclusion, a situation aggravated by the economic crisis and specific austerity measures, which should not justify doing less work for equality, as well as by job insecurity, part-time employment, low wages and pensions, the difficulty of accessing basic social and health services, and the fact that it is particularly public-sector jobs and services in the care sector that are being eliminated, which makes the gender equality perspective even more important;

| Q. | whereas women in rural areas suffer more from multiple discrimination and gender stereotypes than women in urban areas and the employment rate of women in rural areas is much lower than that of women in cities; whereas rural areas are affected by the absence of high-quality employment opportunities; whereas, in addition, many women are never active in the official labour market and are therefore neither registered as unemployed nor included in unemployment statistics, which leads to particular financial and legal problems in relation to the right to maternity and sick leave, the acquisition of pension rights and access to social security, as well as problems in the event of divorce; |
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Q.

whereas women in rural areas suffer more from multiple discrimination and gender stereotypes than women in urban areas and the employment rate of women in rural areas is much lower than that of women in cities; whereas rural areas are affected by the absence of high-quality employment opportunities; whereas, in addition, many women are never active in the official labour market and are therefore neither registered as unemployed nor included in unemployment statistics, which leads to particular financial and legal problems in relation to the right to maternity and sick leave, the acquisition of pension rights and access to social security, as well as problems in the event of divorce;

| R. | whereas traditional gender roles and stereotypes still exert a great deal of influence over the division of labour in the home, in education, in careers, in the workplace and in society in general; |
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R.

whereas traditional gender roles and stereotypes still exert a great deal of influence over the division of labour in the home, in education, in careers, in the workplace and in society in general;

| S. | whereas gender stereotypes and traditional structures have a negative impact on health and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and the associated rights, which are fundamental human rights and should therefore never be restricted; whereas the right to control one’s own body and to self-determination is a fundamental prerequisite for universal equality; |
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S.

whereas gender stereotypes and traditional structures have a negative impact on health and universal access to sexual and reproductive health and the associated rights, which are fundamental human rights and should therefore never be restricted; whereas the right to control one’s own body and to self-determination is a fundamental prerequisite for universal equality;

| T. | whereas one in six couples worldwide experience some form of infertility problem; whereas the Commission should put forward a new Comparative Analysis of Medically Assisted Reproduction in the EU, as the 2008 study (SANCO/2008/C6/051), which then showed significant inequality of access to fertility treatment, is out of date; |
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T.

whereas one in six couples worldwide experience some form of infertility problem; whereas the Commission should put forward a new Comparative Analysis of Medically Assisted Reproduction in the EU, as the 2008 study (SANCO/2008/C6/051), which then showed significant inequality of access to fertility treatment, is out of date;

| U. | whereas there are still educational institutions that practise gender segregation, and education materials often contain stereotypes that help to perpetuate the traditional separate roles assigned to girls and boys, which has a negative influence on their choices; whereas these role patterns are further reinforced especially by representations and the image of women transmitted by the media, material available on the internet and advertising; |
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U.

whereas there are still educational institutions that practise gender segregation, and education materials often contain stereotypes that help to perpetuate the traditional separate roles assigned to girls and boys, which has a negative influence on their choices; whereas these role patterns are further reinforced especially by representations and the image of women transmitted by the media, material available on the internet and advertising;

| V. | whereas Trans persons face frequent discrimination, harassment and violence across the EU today due to their gender identity or gender expression; |
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V.

whereas Trans persons face frequent discrimination, harassment and violence across the EU today due to their gender identity or gender expression;

| W. | whereas the EU has a responsibility and a role as a model for gender equality and women’s rights, which should become a core concern in its external actions; whereas gender equality, the fight against gender-based violence and the empowerment of women are essential if the international development goals are to be attained and for successful EU foreign, development cooperation and international trade policies; whereas women are not only more vulnerable to the effects of energy, environment and climate change, but also effective actors in relation to mitigation and adaptation strategies, as well as a driving force for an equitable and sustainable model of growth; |
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W.

whereas the EU has a responsibility and a role as a model for gender equality and women’s rights, which should become a core concern in its external actions; whereas gender equality, the fight against gender-based violence and the empowerment of women are essential if the international development goals are to be attained and for successful EU foreign, development cooperation and international trade policies; whereas women are not only more vulnerable to the effects of energy, environment and climate change, but also effective actors in relation to mitigation and adaptation strategies, as well as a driving force for an equitable and sustainable model of growth;

| X. | whereas institutional mechanisms form a necessary basis for the achievement of gender equality; whereas gender equality must also be treated as an important, cross-cutting aspect of all policy areas in the EU and its Member States, together with the concepts of gender mainstreaming, gender budgeting and gender impact assessment; |
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X.

whereas institutional mechanisms form a necessary basis for the achievement of gender equality; whereas gender equality must also be treated as an important, cross-cutting aspect of all policy areas in the EU and its Member States, together with the concepts of gender mainstreaming, gender budgeting and gender impact assessment;

| Y. | whereas the breakdown of data by gender is a vital tool for achieving genuine progress and efficiently evaluating results; |
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Y.

whereas the breakdown of data by gender is a vital tool for achieving genuine progress and efficiently evaluating results;

| Z. | whereas in recent years anti-gender equality movements have gained public ground in a number of Member States, attempting to reinforce traditional gender roles and challenging existing achievements in the area of gender equality; |
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Z.

whereas in recent years anti-gender equality movements have gained public ground in a number of Member States, attempting to reinforce traditional gender roles and challenging existing achievements in the area of gender equality;

| AA. | whereas existing challenges and the experience acquired show that the lack of a coherent policy between the different areas has made it difficult to achieve gender equality in the past, and that a suitable proportion of funds and better coordination, dissemination and promotion of women’s rights are needed, taking into account the varying situations; |
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AA.

whereas existing challenges and the experience acquired show that the lack of a coherent policy between the different areas has made it difficult to achieve gender equality in the past, and that a suitable proportion of funds and better coordination, dissemination and promotion of women’s rights are needed, taking into account the varying situations;

General Recommendations

| 1. | Calls on the Commission to draw up and adopt a new separate strategy for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in Europe aimed at creating equal opportunities and based on the priority areas of the previous strategy with a view to ending all forms of discrimination suffered by women in the labour market, with respect to wages, pensions, decision-making, access to goods and services, reconciliation of family and working life and all forms of violence against women and to removing discriminatory structures and practices related to gender; underlines that the new Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Strategy must thoroughly take into account the multiple and intersectional forms of discrimination as referred to in Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which have common underlying factors but affect women differently, and develop specific actions to strengthen the rights of different groups of women, including women with disabilities, migrant and ethnic minority women, Roma women, older women, single mothers and LGBTI; |
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1.

Calls on the Commission to draw up and adopt a new separate strategy for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in Europe aimed at creating equal opportunities and based on the priority areas of the previous strategy with a view to ending all forms of discrimination suffered by women in the labour market, with respect to wages, pensions, decision-making, access to goods and services, reconciliation of family and working life and all forms of violence against women and to removing discriminatory structures and practices related to gender; underlines that the new Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Strategy must thoroughly take into account the multiple and intersectional forms of discrimination as referred to in Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which have common underlying factors but affect women differently, and develop specific actions to strengthen the rights of different groups of women, including women with disabilities, migrant and ethnic minority women, Roma women, older women, single mothers and LGBTI;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission also to develop measures aimed at eliminating discrimination against all women in their diversity under a broader anti-discrimination strategy and a distinctive and separate LGBTI roadmap; to that effect, urges the Council to reach a common position as soon as possible on the proposal for a Council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age, gender or sexual orientation, which has been blocked since its adoption by Parliament in April 2009; |
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2.

Calls on the Commission also to develop measures aimed at eliminating discrimination against all women in their diversity under a broader anti-discrimination strategy and a distinctive and separate LGBTI roadmap; to that effect, urges the Council to reach a common position as soon as possible on the proposal for a Council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age, gender or sexual orientation, which has been blocked since its adoption by Parliament in April 2009;

| 3. | Regrets that the strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015 does not specifically address disability, despite the fact that women with disabilities are often in a less favourable situation than men with disabilities and are more exposed to the risks of poverty and social exclusion; therefore calls on the Commission to address the needs of women with disabilities in order to ensure their increased participation in the labour market; in that sense also regrets that the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 does not also include an integrated perspective on gender or a separate chapter dedicated to disability policies with a special focus on gender; |
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3.

Regrets that the strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015 does not specifically address disability, despite the fact that women with disabilities are often in a less favourable situation than men with disabilities and are more exposed to the risks of poverty and social exclusion; therefore calls on the Commission to address the needs of women with disabilities in order to ensure their increased participation in the labour market; in that sense also regrets that the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 does not also include an integrated perspective on gender or a separate chapter dedicated to disability policies with a special focus on gender;

| 4. | Calls on the Commission to involve civil society and the social partners in a structured way in the development and continuous evaluation of the strategy; |
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4.

Calls on the Commission to involve civil society and the social partners in a structured way in the development and continuous evaluation of the strategy;

| 5. | Calls on the Member States to strengthen and enforce the full exercise of collective bargaining in the private and public sectors, as an indispensable tool for regulating labour relations, fighting wage discrimination and promoting equality; |
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5.

Calls on the Member States to strengthen and enforce the full exercise of collective bargaining in the private and public sectors, as an indispensable tool for regulating labour relations, fighting wage discrimination and promoting equality;

| 6. | Calls on the Commission, in assessing the application of Directive 2004/113/EC implementing the principle of equal treatment of men and women in access to and supply of goods and services, to take into account instances of discrimination; |
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6.

Calls on the Commission, in assessing the application of Directive 2004/113/EC implementing the principle of equal treatment of men and women in access to and supply of goods and services, to take into account instances of discrimination;

| 7. | Calls on the Commission to make clear the role that it wishes the EU to play in the world and in working with the Member States, including their competent authorities with regard to the promotion of gender equality, both within and outside the Union’s borders, and to pursue these goals both through the concept of gender mainstreaming in all areas and through individual targeted and specific actions; stresses the need to integrate the gender perspective and the fight against gender violence into EU foreign policy, development cooperation policy and international trade policy and to safeguard the necessary financial instruments and human resources; |
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7.

Calls on the Commission to make clear the role that it wishes the EU to play in the world and in working with the Member States, including their competent authorities with regard to the promotion of gender equality, both within and outside the Union’s borders, and to pursue these goals both through the concept of gender mainstreaming in all areas and through individual targeted and specific actions; stresses the need to integrate the gender perspective and the fight against gender violence into EU foreign policy, development cooperation policy and international trade policy and to safeguard the necessary financial instruments and human resources;

| 8. | Regrets once again the fact that the Europe 2020 Strategy did not satisfactorily include the gender perspective, and therefore calls on the Commission and Council to ensure that gender equality is incorporated in all the programmes, actions and initiatives launched under that strategy and to introduce a specific pillar for equality between women and men within the strategy, to consider the objectives of the future strategy as an aspect of the European Semester, and to insert a gender perspective in the country-specific recommendations and the Annual Growth Survey; |
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8.

Regrets once again the fact that the Europe 2020 Strategy did not satisfactorily include the gender perspective, and therefore calls on the Commission and Council to ensure that gender equality is incorporated in all the programmes, actions and initiatives launched under that strategy and to introduce a specific pillar for equality between women and men within the strategy, to consider the objectives of the future strategy as an aspect of the European Semester, and to insert a gender perspective in the country-specific recommendations and the Annual Growth Survey;

| 9. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to gather, analyse and publish reliable statistical data broken down by gender and gender equality indicators in all policy areas and at all levels of governance, building on the work of the European Institute for Gender Equality and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, so as to make it possible to analyse the design and application of gender equality strategies in the EU and the Member States, update those strategies and assess the application of the incorporation of gender issues in all appropriate national and Union policy areas, and, where possible, to further disaggregate such data on the basis of race or ethnic origin, religion or belief and disability, in order to make an intersectional analysis possible for all policy areas, thus documenting the multiple discrimination suffered by certain groups of women; encourages the Commission and the Member States to initiate gender impact assessments of Member States’ policies, especially when proposing labour and pensions reforms; |
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9.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to gather, analyse and publish reliable statistical data broken down by gender and gender equality indicators in all policy areas and at all levels of governance, building on the work of the European Institute for Gender Equality and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, so as to make it possible to analyse the design and application of gender equality strategies in the EU and the Member States, update those strategies and assess the application of the incorporation of gender issues in all appropriate national and Union policy areas, and, where possible, to further disaggregate such data on the basis of race or ethnic origin, religion or belief and disability, in order to make an intersectional analysis possible for all policy areas, thus documenting the multiple discrimination suffered by certain groups of women; encourages the Commission and the Member States to initiate gender impact assessments of Member States’ policies, especially when proposing labour and pensions reforms;

| 10. | Calls on the Commission to draft the strategy in the form of a practical action plan with clear identification of responsible stakeholders, ensuring that it takes into account in particular the specific suggestions set out below covering the areas of violence against women, work and time, women in power and decision-making, financial resources, health, knowledge, education and the media, the wider world and institutional mechanisms and gender mainstreaming; emphasises the need to introduce, where applicable and in full respect of the EU’s competences, legislative inputs in order to strengthen the legal framework for gender equality; |
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10.

Calls on the Commission to draft the strategy in the form of a practical action plan with clear identification of responsible stakeholders, ensuring that it takes into account in particular the specific suggestions set out below covering the areas of violence against women, work and time, women in power and decision-making, financial resources, health, knowledge, education and the media, the wider world and institutional mechanisms and gender mainstreaming; emphasises the need to introduce, where applicable and in full respect of the EU’s competences, legislative inputs in order to strengthen the legal framework for gender equality;

Violence against Women and gender-based violence

| 11. | Reiterates its call on the Commission made in its resolution of 25 February 2014, which contained recommendations to combat violence against women, to submit a legal act providing both a consistent system for collecting statistical data as well as a strengthened approach by Member States to the prevention and suppression of all forms of violence against women and girls and of gender-based violence and making low-threshold access to justice possible; |
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11.

Reiterates its call on the Commission made in its resolution of 25 February 2014, which contained recommendations to combat violence against women, to submit a legal act providing both a consistent system for collecting statistical data as well as a strengthened approach by Member States to the prevention and suppression of all forms of violence against women and girls and of gender-based violence and making low-threshold access to justice possible;

| 12. | Calls on the Commission to include a definition of gender-based violence in line with the provisions of Directive 2012/29/EU in the future strategy and to present a comprehensive strategy on violence against women and girls and gender-based violence that contains a binding legislative act as soon as possible; calls on the Council to activate the passerelle clause by adopting a unanimous decision adding gender-based violence to the areas of crime listed in Article 83(1) TFEU; |
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12.

Calls on the Commission to include a definition of gender-based violence in line with the provisions of Directive 2012/29/EU in the future strategy and to present a comprehensive strategy on violence against women and girls and gender-based violence that contains a binding legislative act as soon as possible; calls on the Council to activate the passerelle clause by adopting a unanimous decision adding gender-based violence to the areas of crime listed in Article 83(1) TFEU;

| 13. | Calls on the Commission to assess the possibility of the EU acceding to the Istanbul Convention and to initiate that procedure as soon as possible, as well as to promote the ratification of the Istanbul Convention by the Member States through the new strategy and to work actively to combat violence against women and girls; calls on the Member States to sign and ratify the Istanbul Convention as soon as possible; |
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13.

Calls on the Commission to assess the possibility of the EU acceding to the Istanbul Convention and to initiate that procedure as soon as possible, as well as to promote the ratification of the Istanbul Convention by the Member States through the new strategy and to work actively to combat violence against women and girls; calls on the Member States to sign and ratify the Istanbul Convention as soon as possible;

| 14. | Reiterates its appeal to the Commission to designate 2016 as the European Year for combating violence against women and girls, during which priority should be given to promoting far-reaching and effective strategies for significantly reducing violence against women and girls; |
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14.

Reiterates its appeal to the Commission to designate 2016 as the European Year for combating violence against women and girls, during which priority should be given to promoting far-reaching and effective strategies for significantly reducing violence against women and girls;

| 15. | Calls for the EU to support the Member States in the development of campaigns and strategies against the daily harassment of women in public and in the process to pass on best practices to the Member States; |
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15.

Calls for the EU to support the Member States in the development of campaigns and strategies against the daily harassment of women in public and in the process to pass on best practices to the Member States;

| 16. | Considers it urgently necessary to further monitor the transposition and implementation of the directive establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, the regulation on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters and the directive on the European Protection Order up to 2015 and beyond; |
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16.

Considers it urgently necessary to further monitor the transposition and implementation of the directive establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, the regulation on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters and the directive on the European Protection Order up to 2015 and beyond;

| 17. | Calls on the Commission to enshrine ‘zero tolerance’ campaigns in the strategy and to support the Member States in making society more aware of the problem of violence against women and in promoting annual awareness campaigns on the origins of violence and abuse and as regards prevention, access to justice, and support to victims; emphasises the importance of including the whole of society, and in particular men and boys more specifically, in the fight against violence against women; also calls on the Commission to follow up on its initiatives in the fight against female genital mutilation; |
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17.

Calls on the Commission to enshrine ‘zero tolerance’ campaigns in the strategy and to support the Member States in making society more aware of the problem of violence against women and in promoting annual awareness campaigns on the origins of violence and abuse and as regards prevention, access to justice, and support to victims; emphasises the importance of including the whole of society, and in particular men and boys more specifically, in the fight against violence against women; also calls on the Commission to follow up on its initiatives in the fight against female genital mutilation;

| 18. | Stresses that in order to effectively combat violence against women and impunity, a change of attitude towards women and girls is necessary in society, where women are too often represented in subordinate roles and violence against them is too often tolerated or not given importance; calls on the Commission to support the Member States in action to prevent and combat violence in its many forms and root causes and in protecting abused women, and to adopt specific measures for the different aspects, including increased support to women’s shelters and organisations working to support women who are victims of gender-based violence and preventive steps such as combating gender stereotypes and discriminatory socio-cultural attitudes from an early age onwards, as well as punishing the offenders; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Stresses that in order to effectively combat violence against women and impunity, a change of attitude towards women and girls is necessary in society, where women are too often represented in subordinate roles and violence against them is too often tolerated or not given importance; calls on the Commission to support the Member States in action to prevent and combat violence in its many forms and root causes and in protecting abused women, and to adopt specific measures for the different aspects, including increased support to women’s shelters and organisations working to support women who are victims of gender-based violence and preventive steps such as combating gender stereotypes and discriminatory socio-cultural attitudes from an early age onwards, as well as punishing the offenders;

| 19. | Notes that the feminisation of poverty might lead to an increase in female trafficking, sexual exploitation and forced prostitution, reducing women to greater financial dependence; calls on the Commission and the Member States to explore the reasons why women resort to prostitution and ways to discourage demand; underlines the importance of programmes for exiting from prostitution; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Notes that the feminisation of poverty might lead to an increase in female trafficking, sexual exploitation and forced prostitution, reducing women to greater financial dependence; calls on the Commission and the Member States to explore the reasons why women resort to prostitution and ways to discourage demand; underlines the importance of programmes for exiting from prostitution;

| 20. | Points to the importance of systematic training for qualified personnel caring for female victims of physical, sexual, or psychological violence; considers such training to be essential for providers of first- and second-line care, including emergency social services, medical and civil protection and police services; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Points to the importance of systematic training for qualified personnel caring for female victims of physical, sexual, or psychological violence; considers such training to be essential for providers of first- and second-line care, including emergency social services, medical and civil protection and police services;

| 21. | Calls on the Member States to fully implement Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and on the Commission to evaluate and monitor the implementation and to identify best practices for Member States to share with a view to the adoption of a new strategy to combat human trafficking after the current strategy expires in 2016, which should incorporate a gender perspective and give priority to the rights of victims of trafficking, with a specific pillar on trafficking for sexual exploitation and with particular focus on new methods of trafficking that are developing as other more established methods are being closed down, as well as to ensure that all Member States’ policies, budgets and outcomes within the development of the strategy are transparent and accessible; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls on the Member States to fully implement Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and on the Commission to evaluate and monitor the implementation and to identify best practices for Member States to share with a view to the adoption of a new strategy to combat human trafficking after the current strategy expires in 2016, which should incorporate a gender perspective and give priority to the rights of victims of trafficking, with a specific pillar on trafficking for sexual exploitation and with particular focus on new methods of trafficking that are developing as other more established methods are being closed down, as well as to ensure that all Member States’ policies, budgets and outcomes within the development of the strategy are transparent and accessible;

| 22. | Calls on the Commission to assist Member States by ensuring that victims of stalking can benefit from the protection afforded by existing measures such as the European Protection Order, the regulation on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters, and the EU victims’ directive when moving from one EU Member State to another, and to consider further measures to improve the protection of victims of stalking, considering that figures show that 18 % of women in the EU have experienced stalking since the age of 15, and one in five victims of stalking said that the abusive behaviour had continued for two years or longer (30); |
| --- | --- |

22.

Calls on the Commission to assist Member States by ensuring that victims of stalking can benefit from the protection afforded by existing measures such as the European Protection Order, the regulation on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters, and the EU victims’ directive when moving from one EU Member State to another, and to consider further measures to improve the protection of victims of stalking, considering that figures show that 18 % of women in the EU have experienced stalking since the age of 15, and one in five victims of stalking said that the abusive behaviour had continued for two years or longer (30);

| 23. | Calls on the Commission to assist Member States’ competent authorities in drawing up their action programmes for gender equality, and to pay special attention to new forms of violence against women and girls such as cyberharassment, cyberstalking (31) and cyberbullying, and to carry out ongoing evaluations; also stresses in this connection the importance of close cooperation with civil society in order to recognise problem areas at an earlier stage and address them more effectively; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Commission to assist Member States’ competent authorities in drawing up their action programmes for gender equality, and to pay special attention to new forms of violence against women and girls such as cyberharassment, cyberstalking (31) and cyberbullying, and to carry out ongoing evaluations; also stresses in this connection the importance of close cooperation with civil society in order to recognise problem areas at an earlier stage and address them more effectively;

| 24. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that Member States enable the full legal recognition of a person’s preferred gender, including change of first name, social security number and other gender indicators on identity documents; |
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24.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that Member States enable the full legal recognition of a person’s preferred gender, including change of first name, social security number and other gender indicators on identity documents;

| 25. | Calls on the Commission, once again, to establish as soon as possible a European Observatory on Violence against Women, on the premises of the European Institute for Gender Equality and directed by a EU Coordinator on violence against women and girls; |
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25.

Calls on the Commission, once again, to establish as soon as possible a European Observatory on Violence against Women, on the premises of the European Institute for Gender Equality and directed by a EU Coordinator on violence against women and girls;

Work and time

| 26. | Calls on the Commission to pay special attention in the new strategy to the various ways of reconciling family life and work; regrets, in this connection, the faltering of the negotiations on the adoption of the Maternity Leave Directive, and reiterates Parliament’s unrestricted willingness to cooperate; in the meantime, calls on the Member States to safeguard their maternity entitlements, to take measures to prevent the unfair dismissal of employees during pregnancy, and to protect women and men with care responsibilities from unfair dismissal; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls on the Commission to pay special attention in the new strategy to the various ways of reconciling family life and work; regrets, in this connection, the faltering of the negotiations on the adoption of the Maternity Leave Directive, and reiterates Parliament’s unrestricted willingness to cooperate; in the meantime, calls on the Member States to safeguard their maternity entitlements, to take measures to prevent the unfair dismissal of employees during pregnancy, and to protect women and men with care responsibilities from unfair dismissal;

| 27. | Draws attention to the fact that, despite the EU funding available, some Member States have made budget cuts that are affecting the availability, quality and costs of childcare services, with the subsequent negative impact on reconciling family and working life, which particularly affects women; calls on the Commission to monitor the attainment of the Barcelona objectives and to continue to support Member States in creating high- quality and affordable childcare with reasonable hours of attendance and to successively develop new targets in the field of childcare structures; emphasises in this connection the importance of increasing the availability, quality and accessibility of affordable nursing and care services for children, the elderly and persons requiring special care, including assistance to dependants and ensuring that the availability of such services is compatible with full-time working hours for both women and men; notes that more comprehensive day care and nursery facilities depend not only on the necessary public policies, but also on incentives to employers to offer such solutions; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Draws attention to the fact that, despite the EU funding available, some Member States have made budget cuts that are affecting the availability, quality and costs of childcare services, with the subsequent negative impact on reconciling family and working life, which particularly affects women; calls on the Commission to monitor the attainment of the Barcelona objectives and to continue to support Member States in creating high- quality and affordable childcare with reasonable hours of attendance and to successively develop new targets in the field of childcare structures; emphasises in this connection the importance of increasing the availability, quality and accessibility of affordable nursing and care services for children, the elderly and persons requiring special care, including assistance to dependants and ensuring that the availability of such services is compatible with full-time working hours for both women and men; notes that more comprehensive day care and nursery facilities depend not only on the necessary public policies, but also on incentives to employers to offer such solutions;

| 28. | Stresses the importance of flexible forms of work in allowing women and men to reconcile work and family life, provided the worker is free to make the choice, and instructs the Commission to coordinate and promote exchanges of best practices; stresses in this connection the need for awareness campaigns for the equal division of domestic work and care and nursing, better investment in care infrastructure, and encouragement of men’s participation and the introduction of paternity leave of at least 10 days and parental leave available to both parents but with strong incentives for fathers, such as non-transferable parental leave; stresses that equal parental leave benefits all family members and can act as an incentive for reducing the discrimination associated with parental leave; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Stresses the importance of flexible forms of work in allowing women and men to reconcile work and family life, provided the worker is free to make the choice, and instructs the Commission to coordinate and promote exchanges of best practices; stresses in this connection the need for awareness campaigns for the equal division of domestic work and care and nursing, better investment in care infrastructure, and encouragement of men’s participation and the introduction of paternity leave of at least 10 days and parental leave available to both parents but with strong incentives for fathers, such as non-transferable parental leave; stresses that equal parental leave benefits all family members and can act as an incentive for reducing the discrimination associated with parental leave;

| 29. | Calls for the adoption of the necessary measures to promote higher employment rates among women, such as affordable care and childcare, adequate maternity, paternity and parental leave schemes, and flexibility in working hours and places of work; stresses the importance of good, secure working conditions allowing both women and men to reconcile work and private life, and calls on the Commission to coordinate and promote the strengthening of labour rights for increased gender equality; emphasises that improving the balance between family, personal and working life is an important element for economic recovery, sustainable demography and personal and social wellbeing and notes that equal participation of men and women in the labour market could significantly increase the economic potential of the EU, while confirming its fair and inclusive nature; points out that, according to OECD projections, total convergence in participation rates would result in a 12,4 % increase in per capita GDP by 2030; points out that although part-time work, which is performed for the most part by women, can make it easier to reconcile family and working life, it is no less true that it also involves fewer career opportunities, lower pay and pensions, underutilisation of human capital and, consequently, lower economic growth and prosperity; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Calls for the adoption of the necessary measures to promote higher employment rates among women, such as affordable care and childcare, adequate maternity, paternity and parental leave schemes, and flexibility in working hours and places of work; stresses the importance of good, secure working conditions allowing both women and men to reconcile work and private life, and calls on the Commission to coordinate and promote the strengthening of labour rights for increased gender equality; emphasises that improving the balance between family, personal and working life is an important element for economic recovery, sustainable demography and personal and social wellbeing and notes that equal participation of men and women in the labour market could significantly increase the economic potential of the EU, while confirming its fair and inclusive nature; points out that, according to OECD projections, total convergence in participation rates would result in a 12,4 % increase in per capita GDP by 2030; points out that although part-time work, which is performed for the most part by women, can make it easier to reconcile family and working life, it is no less true that it also involves fewer career opportunities, lower pay and pensions, underutilisation of human capital and, consequently, lower economic growth and prosperity;

| 30. | Stresses the importance of asking the EIGE to gather comprehensive, gender-specific data relating to the allocation of time to care, nursing and domestic work and leisure, with the aim of making a regular assessment; |
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30.

Stresses the importance of asking the EIGE to gather comprehensive, gender-specific data relating to the allocation of time to care, nursing and domestic work and leisure, with the aim of making a regular assessment;

| 31. | Recommends that, as the composition and definition of families change over time, family and work legislation be made more comprehensive with regard to single-parent families and LGBT parenting; |
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31.

Recommends that, as the composition and definition of families change over time, family and work legislation be made more comprehensive with regard to single-parent families and LGBT parenting;

| 32. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote the voice of women in social dialogue and the representation of women in trade unions across all sectors; |
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32.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote the voice of women in social dialogue and the representation of women in trade unions across all sectors;

| 33. | Calls on the Commission, as part of the strategy, to encourage Member States to ratify Convention 189 of the International Labour Organisation in order to strengthen the rights of European domestic and care workers; |
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33.

Calls on the Commission, as part of the strategy, to encourage Member States to ratify Convention 189 of the International Labour Organisation in order to strengthen the rights of European domestic and care workers;

| 34. | Calls on the Commission to support Member States’ competent authorities in creating incentives for employers to convert unofficial work into official employment; stresses the high levels of undeclared work that can be observed especially in female-dominated sectors, such as work in private households; calls on the Member States to combat the precarious work and undeclared employment of women, which contribute to the total deregulation of women’s pay structures, causing increased poverty among women, especially in later life, and negatively impacts both women’s social security and the EU’s GDP levels, and to ensure that workers enjoy appropriate social protection; calls for the swift establishment of the European Platform to better prevent and deter undeclared work; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Calls on the Commission to support Member States’ competent authorities in creating incentives for employers to convert unofficial work into official employment; stresses the high levels of undeclared work that can be observed especially in female-dominated sectors, such as work in private households; calls on the Member States to combat the precarious work and undeclared employment of women, which contribute to the total deregulation of women’s pay structures, causing increased poverty among women, especially in later life, and negatively impacts both women’s social security and the EU’s GDP levels, and to ensure that workers enjoy appropriate social protection; calls for the swift establishment of the European Platform to better prevent and deter undeclared work;

| 35. | Stresses that the feminisation of poverty is the result of several factors, including women’s career breaks, the gender pay gap (16,4 %), the pension gap (39 %), gender inequalities in career progression, the fact that women are often employed on non-standard contracts (such as involuntary part-time, interim or zero-hours contracts), the absence of social security status for partners assisting self-employed workers, and poverty in households headed by single mothers; underlines that the reduction of poverty by 20 million people by 2020 can be achieved by anti-poverty and anti-discrimination policies that are grounded in gender mainstreaming, by action programmes that devote particular attention to disadvantaged women and are supported by actions targeting female poverty, and by the improvement of working conditions in low-income sectors in which women are over-represented; underlines that the multiple discrimination faced by women on the grounds of disability, racial and ethnic background, socio-economic status, gender identity and other factors contributes to the feminisation of poverty; stresses the importance of monitoring the gender effects of taxation and working time models on women and families; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Stresses that the feminisation of poverty is the result of several factors, including women’s career breaks, the gender pay gap (16,4 %), the pension gap (39 %), gender inequalities in career progression, the fact that women are often employed on non-standard contracts (such as involuntary part-time, interim or zero-hours contracts), the absence of social security status for partners assisting self-employed workers, and poverty in households headed by single mothers; underlines that the reduction of poverty by 20 million people by 2020 can be achieved by anti-poverty and anti-discrimination policies that are grounded in gender mainstreaming, by action programmes that devote particular attention to disadvantaged women and are supported by actions targeting female poverty, and by the improvement of working conditions in low-income sectors in which women are over-represented; underlines that the multiple discrimination faced by women on the grounds of disability, racial and ethnic background, socio-economic status, gender identity and other factors contributes to the feminisation of poverty; stresses the importance of monitoring the gender effects of taxation and working time models on women and families;

| 36. | Expects the Commission to take all measures at its disposal to enforce all aspects of the EU directives on equal treatment for men and women, including by the social partners who negotiate collective agreements, and to encourage dialogue with social partners to look into issues such as transparency of payment and part-time and fixed-term contract conditions for women, also encouraging women’s participation in ‘green’ and innovative sectors; stresses that pensions are an important determinant of their beneficiaries’ economic independence and that pensions gaps reflect the cumulated disadvantages of a career spent in a gender-biased labour market; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take appropriate measures to reduce the gender pension gap, which is a direct consequence of the gender pay gap, and to assess the impact of pension systems on women, paying special attention to part-time and atypical contracts; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Expects the Commission to take all measures at its disposal to enforce all aspects of the EU directives on equal treatment for men and women, including by the social partners who negotiate collective agreements, and to encourage dialogue with social partners to look into issues such as transparency of payment and part-time and fixed-term contract conditions for women, also encouraging women’s participation in ‘green’ and innovative sectors; stresses that pensions are an important determinant of their beneficiaries’ economic independence and that pensions gaps reflect the cumulated disadvantages of a career spent in a gender-biased labour market; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take appropriate measures to reduce the gender pension gap, which is a direct consequence of the gender pay gap, and to assess the impact of pension systems on women, paying special attention to part-time and atypical contracts;

| 37. | Stresses the importance of raising awareness of the concept of shared ownership at EU level in order to ensure full recognition of women’s rights in the agricultural sector; urges the Commission and the Member States to contribute to the promotion of a strategy that would lead to job creation for women in rural areas and, implicitly, to ensuring decent pensions for retired women in the EU who live in precarious conditions, and requests support for political efforts to strengthen women’s role in agriculture and for their appropriate representation in all the political, economic and social forums of the agricultural sector; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Stresses the importance of raising awareness of the concept of shared ownership at EU level in order to ensure full recognition of women’s rights in the agricultural sector; urges the Commission and the Member States to contribute to the promotion of a strategy that would lead to job creation for women in rural areas and, implicitly, to ensuring decent pensions for retired women in the EU who live in precarious conditions, and requests support for political efforts to strengthen women’s role in agriculture and for their appropriate representation in all the political, economic and social forums of the agricultural sector;

| 38. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take into account the socio-economic obstacles encountered by women in specific circumstances such as in rural areas, in male-dominated sectors, in older age, and by women with disabilities; emphasises that women continue to experience greater job insecurity than men and that job insecurity has increased as a result of the crisis, and expresses concern over the number and proportion of women who suffer in-work poverty; takes the view that helping women return to the labour market requires multidimensional policy solutions incorporating lifelong learning and action to combat precarious work and promote work with rights and differentiated work organisation practices; asks the Commission and the Member States to reinforce a gender perspective in all job creation programmes, creating high-quality jobs in line with the ILO’s Decent Work agenda; |
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38.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take into account the socio-economic obstacles encountered by women in specific circumstances such as in rural areas, in male-dominated sectors, in older age, and by women with disabilities; emphasises that women continue to experience greater job insecurity than men and that job insecurity has increased as a result of the crisis, and expresses concern over the number and proportion of women who suffer in-work poverty; takes the view that helping women return to the labour market requires multidimensional policy solutions incorporating lifelong learning and action to combat precarious work and promote work with rights and differentiated work organisation practices; asks the Commission and the Member States to reinforce a gender perspective in all job creation programmes, creating high-quality jobs in line with the ILO’s Decent Work agenda;

| 39. | Stresses that economic growth and competitiveness in the EU are dependent on closing the gap between women’s educational attainment (60 % of university graduates in Europe are women) and their participation and position in the labour market; highlights the need to fight all aspects of vertical and horizontal segregation, as such segregation limits the employment of women to certain sectors and excludes them from higher levels within the corporate hierarchy; stresses that existing legislation containing positive action, in particular in the public sectors of some Member States, has improved gender equality at entry level, but that this needs to be extended to all career levels; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Stresses that economic growth and competitiveness in the EU are dependent on closing the gap between women’s educational attainment (60 % of university graduates in Europe are women) and their participation and position in the labour market; highlights the need to fight all aspects of vertical and horizontal segregation, as such segregation limits the employment of women to certain sectors and excludes them from higher levels within the corporate hierarchy; stresses that existing legislation containing positive action, in particular in the public sectors of some Member States, has improved gender equality at entry level, but that this needs to be extended to all career levels;

Participation in decision-making and female entrepreneurship

| 40. | Points out that the biggest increase by far in the proportion of women on corporate boards has occurred in countries that have already adopted legislation on compulsory quotas, and that in Member States where no compulsory measures have been implemented companies are still a long way from achieving an acceptable gender balance; highlights the need to support transparent procedures for the appointment of women as non-executive members on company boards listed on stock exchanges; encourages the public and private sectors to envisage voluntary schemes to promote women in managerial positions; calls on the Commission to include specific measures to promote the equal representation of women and men in leadership positions in the strategy, and to support the Council in the negotiations for the adoption of the directive for a balanced representation of men and women on non-executive boards; asks the Council to reach a common position as soon as possible on this draft directive; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Points out that the biggest increase by far in the proportion of women on corporate boards has occurred in countries that have already adopted legislation on compulsory quotas, and that in Member States where no compulsory measures have been implemented companies are still a long way from achieving an acceptable gender balance; highlights the need to support transparent procedures for the appointment of women as non-executive members on company boards listed on stock exchanges; encourages the public and private sectors to envisage voluntary schemes to promote women in managerial positions; calls on the Commission to include specific measures to promote the equal representation of women and men in leadership positions in the strategy, and to support the Council in the negotiations for the adoption of the directive for a balanced representation of men and women on non-executive boards; asks the Council to reach a common position as soon as possible on this draft directive;

| 41. | Calls on the Commission to create incentives for Member States to create a more balanced representation of women and men in municipal councils, regional and national parliaments and the European Parliament, and emphasises in this connection the importance of gender-balanced electoral lists headed alternately by a man and a woman; highlights the importance of quotas for increasing the presence of women in political decision-making; calls for all EU institutions to take internal measures to increase equality within their own decision-making bodies, by proposing both a female and a male candidate for high-level EU positions; believes that equality should be a requirement for the Commission and that the appointment of a Commission on the basis of equality is an important indicator for future equality work; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Calls on the Commission to create incentives for Member States to create a more balanced representation of women and men in municipal councils, regional and national parliaments and the European Parliament, and emphasises in this connection the importance of gender-balanced electoral lists headed alternately by a man and a woman; highlights the importance of quotas for increasing the presence of women in political decision-making; calls for all EU institutions to take internal measures to increase equality within their own decision-making bodies, by proposing both a female and a male candidate for high-level EU positions; believes that equality should be a requirement for the Commission and that the appointment of a Commission on the basis of equality is an important indicator for future equality work;

| 42. | Draws attention to the imbalance existing in the participation of men and women in decision-making in politics, government and economics, and to the fact that the obstacles to women’s participation can be attributed to a combination of gender-based discrimination and stereotyped behaviours that still tend to persist in business, politics and society; points out that women account for 60 % of new graduates but are underrepresented in, for example, the science and research sector; calls on the Commission and the Member States to raise women’s awareness of training opportunities in that field and ensure that they have the same chances as men to enter the corresponding professions and make a career in them; notes that women in general have careers without significant progression; calls on the Member States to offer their encouragement and support to women so that they can have successful careers, including through positive actions such as networking and mentoring programmes, as well as creating adequate conditions and ensuring equal opportunities with men at all ages for training, advancement, reskilling and retraining; stresses the importance of policies aimed at equality between women and men in employment acknowledging the potential vulnerabilities of women in top professions; stresses that in particular the Commission should promote policies against harassment in the workplace (32); |
| --- | --- |

42.

Draws attention to the imbalance existing in the participation of men and women in decision-making in politics, government and economics, and to the fact that the obstacles to women’s participation can be attributed to a combination of gender-based discrimination and stereotyped behaviours that still tend to persist in business, politics and society; points out that women account for 60 % of new graduates but are underrepresented in, for example, the science and research sector; calls on the Commission and the Member States to raise women’s awareness of training opportunities in that field and ensure that they have the same chances as men to enter the corresponding professions and make a career in them; notes that women in general have careers without significant progression; calls on the Member States to offer their encouragement and support to women so that they can have successful careers, including through positive actions such as networking and mentoring programmes, as well as creating adequate conditions and ensuring equal opportunities with men at all ages for training, advancement, reskilling and retraining; stresses the importance of policies aimed at equality between women and men in employment acknowledging the potential vulnerabilities of women in top professions; stresses that in particular the Commission should promote policies against harassment in the workplace (32);

| 43. | Stresses the fact that women constitute 52 % of the total European population, but only one-third of the self-employed or of all business starters in the EU; stresses the importance of support programmes for women entrepreneurs and for women in science and academia, and urges the EU to support such programmes in a more tangible manner; calls on the Commission to analyse and develop proposals for ways to interest women in the establishment of undertakings; underlines that potential women entrepreneurs, scientists and academics should be made aware of support programmes and funding opportunities; encourages Member States to promote measures and actions to assist and advice women who decide to become entrepreneurs and to encourage women entrepreneurship, facilitate and simplify access to finance and other support, and cut red tape and other obstacles to women’s start-ups; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Stresses the fact that women constitute 52 % of the total European population, but only one-third of the self-employed or of all business starters in the EU; stresses the importance of support programmes for women entrepreneurs and for women in science and academia, and urges the EU to support such programmes in a more tangible manner; calls on the Commission to analyse and develop proposals for ways to interest women in the establishment of undertakings; underlines that potential women entrepreneurs, scientists and academics should be made aware of support programmes and funding opportunities; encourages Member States to promote measures and actions to assist and advice women who decide to become entrepreneurs and to encourage women entrepreneurship, facilitate and simplify access to finance and other support, and cut red tape and other obstacles to women’s start-ups;

Financial Resources

| 44. | Draws attention once again to the fact there is still a gender pay gap that has hardly been reduced in recent years; stresses that the gender pay gap arises from insufficient participation of women in the labour market, vertical and horizontal segregation, and the fact that sectors where women are over-represented often have lower wages; calls on the Commission to monitor the implementation of Directive 2006/54/EC and to present specific measures which take into account structural wage differences, both legislative and non-legislative, so as to ensure wage transparency and apply sanctions, thereby reducing the gender pay gap, and to submit an annual progress report on this matter; encourages the Member States to recognise the potential of the latest public procurement directive as a tool to promote and enhance gender mainstreaming policy by considering setting requirements based on the existing national legislation on equal treatment and gender equality as prerequisites for public procurement contracts where applicable; calls on the Commission and the Member States to examine whether social clauses in public procurement might be used as a potential tool to enhance social inclusion policies; acknowledges that EU legislation on competition must be complied with in developing this idea; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Draws attention once again to the fact there is still a gender pay gap that has hardly been reduced in recent years; stresses that the gender pay gap arises from insufficient participation of women in the labour market, vertical and horizontal segregation, and the fact that sectors where women are over-represented often have lower wages; calls on the Commission to monitor the implementation of Directive 2006/54/EC and to present specific measures which take into account structural wage differences, both legislative and non-legislative, so as to ensure wage transparency and apply sanctions, thereby reducing the gender pay gap, and to submit an annual progress report on this matter; encourages the Member States to recognise the potential of the latest public procurement directive as a tool to promote and enhance gender mainstreaming policy by considering setting requirements based on the existing national legislation on equal treatment and gender equality as prerequisites for public procurement contracts where applicable; calls on the Commission and the Member States to examine whether social clauses in public procurement might be used as a potential tool to enhance social inclusion policies; acknowledges that EU legislation on competition must be complied with in developing this idea;

| 45. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take account of demographic developments and changes in the size and composition of households when designing their fiscal policies, social security arrangements and public services; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take account of demographic developments and changes in the size and composition of households when designing their fiscal policies, social security arrangements and public services;

| 46. | Calls on the Commission to support the Member States in fighting poverty, which particularly affects single mothers and has been further increased by the crisis, leading to increased social exclusion; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Calls on the Commission to support the Member States in fighting poverty, which particularly affects single mothers and has been further increased by the crisis, leading to increased social exclusion;

| 47. | Calls on the Commission to support Member States in the increasing use of the Structural Funds for investment in public childcare and care for the elderly, as a core strategy to increase women’s participation in the labour market; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Calls on the Commission to support Member States in the increasing use of the Structural Funds for investment in public childcare and care for the elderly, as a core strategy to increase women’s participation in the labour market;

| 48. | Reiterates that Directive 2006/54/EC, in its current form, is not sufficiently effective to tackle the gender pay gap and achieve the objective of gender equality in employment and occupation; urges the Commission to revise this directive without delay; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Reiterates that Directive 2006/54/EC, in its current form, is not sufficiently effective to tackle the gender pay gap and achieve the objective of gender equality in employment and occupation; urges the Commission to revise this directive without delay;

| 49. | Considers that policies and instruments aimed at tackling youth unemployment, such as the Youth Guarantee and the Youth Employment Initiative, should meet the specific needs of young men and women in order to enable them to access the labour market; notes that the proportion of young women not in employment, education or training (NEETs) is higher than that of young men; also calls for the collection of gender-disaggregated data in the area of youth unemployment in order that tailored, evidence-based policies may be developed; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Considers that policies and instruments aimed at tackling youth unemployment, such as the Youth Guarantee and the Youth Employment Initiative, should meet the specific needs of young men and women in order to enable them to access the labour market; notes that the proportion of young women not in employment, education or training (NEETs) is higher than that of young men; also calls for the collection of gender-disaggregated data in the area of youth unemployment in order that tailored, evidence-based policies may be developed;

| 50. | Calls on the Commission to tailor both the investment package adopted in 2014 and the Youth Guarantee more closely to the specific situation and needs of girls and women; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Calls on the Commission to tailor both the investment package adopted in 2014 and the Youth Guarantee more closely to the specific situation and needs of girls and women;

| 51. | Stresses the importance of exchanging best practice examples and initiatives in order to counteract the tendency towards deskilling of women, develop their skills, or provide them with training that will enable them to rejoin the labour market after time dedicated exclusively to caring for their children or other dependants; also emphasises the importance of improving and facilitating the recognition of diplomas and qualifications, so as to prevent the skills of well-qualified women being underused, which is often the case with women migrants; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Stresses the importance of exchanging best practice examples and initiatives in order to counteract the tendency towards deskilling of women, develop their skills, or provide them with training that will enable them to rejoin the labour market after time dedicated exclusively to caring for their children or other dependants; also emphasises the importance of improving and facilitating the recognition of diplomas and qualifications, so as to prevent the skills of well-qualified women being underused, which is often the case with women migrants;

Health

| 52. | Calls on the Commission to assist Member States in ensuring high-quality, geographically appropriate and readily accessible services in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights and safe and legal abortion and contraception, as well as general healthcare; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Calls on the Commission to assist Member States in ensuring high-quality, geographically appropriate and readily accessible services in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights and safe and legal abortion and contraception, as well as general healthcare;

| 53. | Urges the Commission to include sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs) in its next EU Health Strategy, in order to ensure equality between women and men and complement national SRHR policies; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Urges the Commission to include sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs) in its next EU Health Strategy, in order to ensure equality between women and men and complement national SRHR policies;

| 54. | Calls on the Member States to focus on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and prevention methods, as well as on prevention and research in order to improve early detection of diseases such as female cancers (cancers of the breast, cervix, and ovaries) by means of regular gynaecological controls and check-ups; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Calls on the Member States to focus on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and prevention methods, as well as on prevention and research in order to improve early detection of diseases such as female cancers (cancers of the breast, cervix, and ovaries) by means of regular gynaecological controls and check-ups;

| 55. | Reiterates its call on the Commission and the World Health Organisation to withdraw gender identity disorders from the list of mental and behavioural disorders, and to ensure a non-pathologising reclassification in the negotiations on the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), and to ensure that gender diversity in childhood is not pathologised; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Reiterates its call on the Commission and the World Health Organisation to withdraw gender identity disorders from the list of mental and behavioural disorders, and to ensure a non-pathologising reclassification in the negotiations on the 11th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), and to ensure that gender diversity in childhood is not pathologised;

| 56. | Recognising the importance of sexual and reproductive rights, calls on the Commission to create best practice models of sex and relationship education for young people across Europe; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Recognising the importance of sexual and reproductive rights, calls on the Commission to create best practice models of sex and relationship education for young people across Europe;

| 57. | Stresses that the Commission needs to carry out a gender audit in order to ensure that EU health policies and EU-funded research increasingly address women’s health status and diagnosis; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Stresses that the Commission needs to carry out a gender audit in order to ensure that EU health policies and EU-funded research increasingly address women’s health status and diagnosis;

| 58. | Stresses the importance of awareness-raising campaigns for gender-specific symptoms of disease, as well as gender roles and stereotypes having an impact on health, and calls on the Commission to provide financial support for gender-sensitive research programmes; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Stresses the importance of awareness-raising campaigns for gender-specific symptoms of disease, as well as gender roles and stereotypes having an impact on health, and calls on the Commission to provide financial support for gender-sensitive research programmes;

| 59. | Calls on the Commission to encourage Member States to promote (medical) fertility support and to end discrimination in access to fertility treatment and assisted reproduction; also notes in this connection the importance of support for adoption and the right of all children to know their parents; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Calls on the Commission to encourage Member States to promote (medical) fertility support and to end discrimination in access to fertility treatment and assisted reproduction; also notes in this connection the importance of support for adoption and the right of all children to know their parents;

| 60. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to act to implement sex education programmes in schools and ensure counselling and access to contraception for young people; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to act to implement sex education programmes in schools and ensure counselling and access to contraception for young people;

Knowledge, Education and the Media

| 61. | Calls on the Commission to create incentives for competent training in the critical use of the media in the Member States to encourage the questioning of stereotypes and structures and to share best practice examples so as to review the ways in which roles have been stereotyped in the educational material used to date; calls on the Commission, in this connection, to support programmes to raise awareness of stereotypes, sexism and traditional gender roles in the education and media sector as well as to carry out campaigns for positive female and male role models; emphasises in this regard that combating bullying and prejudice against LGBTI persons in schools, whether of students, parents or teachers, should be part of the EU’s efforts to combat gender stereotypes; emphasises in this connection the importance of gender-equitable teaching methods for teachers, so that they can clearly explain the benefits of gender equality and a diverse society; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Calls on the Commission to create incentives for competent training in the critical use of the media in the Member States to encourage the questioning of stereotypes and structures and to share best practice examples so as to review the ways in which roles have been stereotyped in the educational material used to date; calls on the Commission, in this connection, to support programmes to raise awareness of stereotypes, sexism and traditional gender roles in the education and media sector as well as to carry out campaigns for positive female and male role models; emphasises in this regard that combating bullying and prejudice against LGBTI persons in schools, whether of students, parents or teachers, should be part of the EU’s efforts to combat gender stereotypes; emphasises in this connection the importance of gender-equitable teaching methods for teachers, so that they can clearly explain the benefits of gender equality and a diverse society;

| 62. | Calls on the Member States, and especially media regulators, to consider the place accorded — in both quantitative and qualitative terms — to women and to promote a balanced, non-stereotyped image of women, in a way that is respectful of women’s dignity, their diverse roles and their identity, and to ensure that commercial audiovisual media do not contain any sex discrimination or humiliating depictions of women, with particular reference to internet-based media which is often targeted on women and girls; stresses that Members States should also improve women’s access to job opportunities in the media and, in particular, to decision-making positions; calls on the Commission to sensitise the Member States to the need for public and legal media to act as a role model in the presentation of diversity; calls on the Commission and the Member States to commit themselves more firmly to ending the sexist stereotypes conveyed by the media, and draws attention to important measures included in Parliament’s report on the elimination of gender stereotypes, which was adopted in 2013; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Calls on the Member States, and especially media regulators, to consider the place accorded — in both quantitative and qualitative terms — to women and to promote a balanced, non-stereotyped image of women, in a way that is respectful of women’s dignity, their diverse roles and their identity, and to ensure that commercial audiovisual media do not contain any sex discrimination or humiliating depictions of women, with particular reference to internet-based media which is often targeted on women and girls; stresses that Members States should also improve women’s access to job opportunities in the media and, in particular, to decision-making positions; calls on the Commission to sensitise the Member States to the need for public and legal media to act as a role model in the presentation of diversity; calls on the Commission and the Member States to commit themselves more firmly to ending the sexist stereotypes conveyed by the media, and draws attention to important measures included in Parliament’s report on the elimination of gender stereotypes, which was adopted in 2013;

| 63. | Points to the decisive role that education and empowerment play in combating gender stereotypes and ending gender-based discrimination, and to the positive impact for women as well as for society and the economy in general; underlines that it is extremely important to inculcate these values from an early age, and to carry out awareness campaigns in workplaces and the media, highlighting men’s role in promoting equality, the equal distribution of family responsibilities and the achievement of work-life balance; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Points to the decisive role that education and empowerment play in combating gender stereotypes and ending gender-based discrimination, and to the positive impact for women as well as for society and the economy in general; underlines that it is extremely important to inculcate these values from an early age, and to carry out awareness campaigns in workplaces and the media, highlighting men’s role in promoting equality, the equal distribution of family responsibilities and the achievement of work-life balance;

| 64. | Stresses that compliance with gender equality should be considered a criterion for all EU-funded culture, education, and research programmes, and asks the Commission to include a specific area of gender research within the Horizon 2020 programme; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Stresses that compliance with gender equality should be considered a criterion for all EU-funded culture, education, and research programmes, and asks the Commission to include a specific area of gender research within the Horizon 2020 programme;

| 65. | Instructs the Commission to conduct a study of the everyday impact of gender portrayal in public life, the media and educational institutions, focusing in particular on bullying at school, hate speech and gender-based violence; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Instructs the Commission to conduct a study of the everyday impact of gender portrayal in public life, the media and educational institutions, focusing in particular on bullying at school, hate speech and gender-based violence;

| 66. | Calls on the Commission to support campaigns and initiatives to promote the active participation of citizens in society, especially for women and women migrants; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Calls on the Commission to support campaigns and initiatives to promote the active participation of citizens in society, especially for women and women migrants;

The wider world

| 67. | Asks the Commission to ensure that European development cooperation follows an approach that is based on human rights, particularly stressing gender equality, training for women, combating all forms of violence against women, and eradicating child labour; underscores that universal access to health, in particular sexual and reproductive health and the associated rights, is a fundamental human right, and emphasises the right to voluntarily access family planning services, including safe and legal abortion-related care, and information and education for reducing maternal and infant mortality and eliminating all forms of gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation, child, early and forced marriage, gendercide, forced sterilisation and marital rape; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Asks the Commission to ensure that European development cooperation follows an approach that is based on human rights, particularly stressing gender equality, training for women, combating all forms of violence against women, and eradicating child labour; underscores that universal access to health, in particular sexual and reproductive health and the associated rights, is a fundamental human right, and emphasises the right to voluntarily access family planning services, including safe and legal abortion-related care, and information and education for reducing maternal and infant mortality and eliminating all forms of gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation, child, early and forced marriage, gendercide, forced sterilisation and marital rape;

| 68. | Underscores that it is absolutely necessary to integrate the gender perspective in all elements of food safety programming, because women are responsible for 80 % of agriculture in Africa; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Underscores that it is absolutely necessary to integrate the gender perspective in all elements of food safety programming, because women are responsible for 80 % of agriculture in Africa;

| 69. | Calls on the Commission, in the Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy and in the fields of development cooperation, trade and diplomatic relations, to work for the introduction of a standard that defines women’s rights as a human right and makes respect for this right mandatory and part of structured dialogues in all EU partnerships and bilateral negotiations; emphasises the importance of participatory collaboration with all stakeholders, especially with women’s rights organisations and civil society organisations and local and regional government associations in the context of development cooperation; urges the Commission to recognise that placing girls at the forefront of global development delivers a framework for ensuring that girls’ human rights are respected, promoted and fulfilled, and calls for the inclusion of the ‘Girl Declaration’ and its aims at the heart of the post-2015 gender equality strategy; stresses the importance of conducting information and awareness campaigns in communities where gender-based human rights violations are practised; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Calls on the Commission, in the Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy and in the fields of development cooperation, trade and diplomatic relations, to work for the introduction of a standard that defines women’s rights as a human right and makes respect for this right mandatory and part of structured dialogues in all EU partnerships and bilateral negotiations; emphasises the importance of participatory collaboration with all stakeholders, especially with women’s rights organisations and civil society organisations and local and regional government associations in the context of development cooperation; urges the Commission to recognise that placing girls at the forefront of global development delivers a framework for ensuring that girls’ human rights are respected, promoted and fulfilled, and calls for the inclusion of the ‘Girl Declaration’ and its aims at the heart of the post-2015 gender equality strategy; stresses the importance of conducting information and awareness campaigns in communities where gender-based human rights violations are practised;

| 70. | Calls on the Commission to promote the establishment of an action plan based on UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 on women, peace and security, by the Member States; reminds the international community of the necessary safeguards for women and girls, notably protection against rape used as a weapon of war and forced prostitution; strongly condemns the continued use of sexual violence against women as a weapon of war; stresses that more needs to be done to ensure respect for international law, protection of victims, and access to medical and psychological support for women and girls abused in conflicts; |
| --- | --- |

70.

Calls on the Commission to promote the establishment of an action plan based on UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 on women, peace and security, by the Member States; reminds the international community of the necessary safeguards for women and girls, notably protection against rape used as a weapon of war and forced prostitution; strongly condemns the continued use of sexual violence against women as a weapon of war; stresses that more needs to be done to ensure respect for international law, protection of victims, and access to medical and psychological support for women and girls abused in conflicts;

| 71. | Urges that the provision of humanitarian aid by the EU and the Member States should not be subject to restrictions imposed by other partner donors regarding necessary medical treatment, including access to safe abortion for women and girls who are victims of rape in armed conflicts; |
| --- | --- |

71.

Urges that the provision of humanitarian aid by the EU and the Member States should not be subject to restrictions imposed by other partner donors regarding necessary medical treatment, including access to safe abortion for women and girls who are victims of rape in armed conflicts;

| 72. | Stresses the importance of a gender-sensitive asylum and migration policy, the recognition of the threat of genital mutilation as a reason for asylum, and the development of appropriate guidelines and coordination of best practice examples; emphasises in this connection the indispensability of an individual right to stay, as otherwise there is an imbalance of power, with particular reference to migrant women in cases of domestic violence; calls on the Commission to assess and identify specific actions that can ensure that women asylum-seekers’ rights are strengthened and fully respected throughout the asylum procedure; |
| --- | --- |

72.

Stresses the importance of a gender-sensitive asylum and migration policy, the recognition of the threat of genital mutilation as a reason for asylum, and the development of appropriate guidelines and coordination of best practice examples; emphasises in this connection the indispensability of an individual right to stay, as otherwise there is an imbalance of power, with particular reference to migrant women in cases of domestic violence; calls on the Commission to assess and identify specific actions that can ensure that women asylum-seekers’ rights are strengthened and fully respected throughout the asylum procedure;

| 73. | Calls on the Commission to gather gender-specific data with a view to conducting an impact assessment for women in the areas of climate, environment and energy policy; |
| --- | --- |

73.

Calls on the Commission to gather gender-specific data with a view to conducting an impact assessment for women in the areas of climate, environment and energy policy;

| 74. | Points out that although there are gender advisers in both the military and the civil crisis management missions in which the EU takes part, the number of women involved in operations and missions at all levels of decision-making and in the negotiations for peace and reconstruction processes still needs to be increased; insists that there should be a dedicated girls’ and women’s rights and gender equality strategy for each mission; further considers that a specific gender equality chapter needs to be rooted in the next EEAS Human Rights Action Plan; stresses in this connection the importance of continuous and intensive cooperation between the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality and the EEAS; |
| --- | --- |

74.

Points out that although there are gender advisers in both the military and the civil crisis management missions in which the EU takes part, the number of women involved in operations and missions at all levels of decision-making and in the negotiations for peace and reconstruction processes still needs to be increased; insists that there should be a dedicated girls’ and women’s rights and gender equality strategy for each mission; further considers that a specific gender equality chapter needs to be rooted in the next EEAS Human Rights Action Plan; stresses in this connection the importance of continuous and intensive cooperation between the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality and the EEAS;

Institutional mechanisms and gender mainstreaming

| 75. | Calls on the Commission to promote the use of gender mainstreaming, gender budgeting and gender impact assessment in all areas and for each legislative proposal at all levels of governance, and thus ensure specific gender equality targets; asks the Court of Auditors also to incorporate the gender perspective when assessing the execution of the Union budget; asks Member States similarly to introduce the gender dimension in their budgets in order to analyse government programmes and policies, their impact on the allocation of resources and their contribution to equality between men and women; |
| --- | --- |

75.

Calls on the Commission to promote the use of gender mainstreaming, gender budgeting and gender impact assessment in all areas and for each legislative proposal at all levels of governance, and thus ensure specific gender equality targets; asks the Court of Auditors also to incorporate the gender perspective when assessing the execution of the Union budget; asks Member States similarly to introduce the gender dimension in their budgets in order to analyse government programmes and policies, their impact on the allocation of resources and their contribution to equality between men and women;

| 76. | Calls on the Commission also to encourage cooperation between Member States, women’s rights organisations and the social partners; |
| --- | --- |

76.

Calls on the Commission also to encourage cooperation between Member States, women’s rights organisations and the social partners;

| 77. | Stresses the importance of adequate funding for national gender equality and anti-discrimination bodies; calls on the Commission to monitor closely the effectiveness of national complaint bodies and procedures in the implementation of gender equality directives; calls in this connection also on the Commission to support the implementation of the European Charter for equality of women and men in local life and the continuity of NGOs, in particular women’s rights organisations and other organisations working on gender equality issues, through adequate and predictable financial assistance; calls in this connection also for continued financial support for the Daphne programme and for its profile to be maintained in order to continue to allow, in particular, women’s rights organisations on the ground in the Member States to combat violence against women; |
| --- | --- |

77.

Stresses the importance of adequate funding for national gender equality and anti-discrimination bodies; calls on the Commission to monitor closely the effectiveness of national complaint bodies and procedures in the implementation of gender equality directives; calls in this connection also on the Commission to support the implementation of the European Charter for equality of women and men in local life and the continuity of NGOs, in particular women’s rights organisations and other organisations working on gender equality issues, through adequate and predictable financial assistance; calls in this connection also for continued financial support for the Daphne programme and for its profile to be maintained in order to continue to allow, in particular, women’s rights organisations on the ground in the Member States to combat violence against women;

| 78. | Stresses the importance of the partnership between the Commission and Parliament, and therefore proposes that the Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality submit an annual progress report in oral and written form to the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality — from the perspective both of the Commission and of Member States and adopting a country-specific approach in reporting with specific information on each Member State — on the objectives set out in the strategy; |
| --- | --- |

78.

Stresses the importance of the partnership between the Commission and Parliament, and therefore proposes that the Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality submit an annual progress report in oral and written form to the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality — from the perspective both of the Commission and of Member States and adopting a country-specific approach in reporting with specific information on each Member State — on the objectives set out in the strategy;

| 79. | Calls on the Commission to collaborate with the Parliament and the Council and to call an annual EU summit for gender equality and women’s rights, to identify progress made, and to make renewed commitments; |
| --- | --- |

79.

Calls on the Commission to collaborate with the Parliament and the Council and to call an annual EU summit for gender equality and women’s rights, to identify progress made, and to make renewed commitments;

o

o o

| 80. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

80.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States.

---

(1)  OJ L 181, 29.6.2013, p. 4.

(2)  OJ L 224, 6.9.2003, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 57.

(4)  OJ L 338, 21.12.2011, p. 2.

(5)  OJ L 101, 15.4.2011, p. 1.

(6)  OJ L 180, 15.7.2010, p. 1.

(7)  OJ L 68, 18.3.2010, p. 13.

(8)  OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 23.

(9)  OJ L 348, 28.11.1992, p. 1.

(10)  OJ L 373, 21.12.2004, p. 37.

(11)  OJ C 130, 30.4.2011, p. 4.

(12)  Annex to Council conclusions of 7 March 2011.

(13)  OJ C 166, 3.7.1995, p. 92.

(14)  OJ C 320 E, 15.12.2005, p. 247.

(15)  OJ C 348 E, 21.12.2010, p. 11.

(16)  OJ C 341 E, 16.12.2010, p. 35.

(17)  OJ C 199 E, 7.7.2012, p. 65.

(18)  OJ C 251 E, 31.8.2013, p. 1.

(19)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0050.

(20)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0375.

(21)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0074.

(22)  OJ C 236 E, 12.8.2011, p. 79.

(23)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0073.

(24)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0045.

(25)  OJ C 264 E, 13.9.2013, p. 75.

(26)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0488.

(27)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0126.

(28)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0128.

(29)  Commission report on progress on equality between women and men 2012 (SWD(2013)0171), p. 8.

(30)  Violence against women: an EU-wide survey. Main results — report by FRA, pp. 83-84 and 92-93.

(31)  Violence against women: an EU-wide survey. Main results — report by FRA, p. 87.

(32)  Violence against women: an EU-wide survey. Main results — report by FRA, p. 96.

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| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/18

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P8_TA(2015)0219

Intellectual property rights in third countries

European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2015 on Strategy for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries (2014/2206(INI))

(2016/C 407/02)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee of 1 July 2014 entitled ‘Trade, growth and intellectual property — Strategy for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries’ (COM(2014)0389), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee of 1 July 2014 entitled ‘Trade, growth and intellectual property — Strategy for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries’ (COM(2014)0389),

| — | having regard to the Commission’s Strategy for the enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries (1) and its independent evaluation of November 2010, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s Strategy for the enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries (1) and its independent evaluation of November 2010,

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Articles 11(1) and 17(2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Articles 11(1) and 17(2),

| — | having regard to the Europe 2020 strategy (COM(2010)2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Europe 2020 strategy (COM(2010)2020),

| — | having regard to the European Council conclusions of 21 March 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Council conclusions of 21 March 2014,

| — | having regard to the 2008 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) entitled ‘The economic impact of counterfeiting and piracy’ as updated in 2009, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2008 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) entitled ‘The economic impact of counterfeiting and piracy’ as updated in 2009,

| — | having regard to the 2009 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) entitled ‘Piracy of digital content’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2009 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) entitled ‘Piracy of digital content’,

| — | having regard to the 2013 joint study by the European Patent Office and the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (EPO/OHIM) entitled ‘Intellectual property rights intensive industries: contribution to economic performance and employment in the European Union’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2013 joint study by the European Patent Office and the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (EPO/OHIM) entitled ‘Intellectual property rights intensive industries: contribution to economic performance and employment in the European Union’,

| — | having regard to the 2010 trade policy working paper by the OECD entitled ‘Policy Complements to the Strengthening of IPRS in Developing Countries’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2010 trade policy working paper by the OECD entitled ‘Policy Complements to the Strengthening of IPRS in Developing Countries’,

| — | having regard to the 2013 study by the World Trade Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the World Health Organization ‘Promoting Access to Medical Technologies and Innovation’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2013 study by the World Trade Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the World Health Organization ‘Promoting Access to Medical Technologies and Innovation’,

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 3286/94 of 22 December 1994 laying down Community procedures in the field of the common commercial policy in order to ensure the exercise of the Community’s rights under international trade rules, in particular those established under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (2) (Trade Barriers Regulation), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 3286/94 of 22 December 1994 laying down Community procedures in the field of the common commercial policy in order to ensure the exercise of the Community’s rights under international trade rules, in particular those established under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (2) (Trade Barriers Regulation),

| — | having regard to Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights (3),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 816/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on compulsory licensing of patents relating to the manufacture of pharmaceutical products for export to countries with public health problems (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 816/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on compulsory licensing of patents relating to the manufacture of pharmaceutical products for export to countries with public health problems (4),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 953/2003 of 26 May 2003 to avoid trade diversion into the European Union of certain key medicines (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 953/2003 of 26 May 2003 to avoid trade diversion into the European Union of certain key medicines (5),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013 laying down the Union Customs Code (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2013 laying down the Union Customs Code (6),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 608/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 concerning customs enforcement of intellectual property rights and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1383/2003 (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 608/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 concerning customs enforcement of intellectual property rights and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1383/2003 (7),

| — | having regard to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and to the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS agreement and public health adopted by the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference on 14 November 2001, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and to the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS agreement and public health adopted by the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference on 14 November 2001,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 July 2007 on the TRIPS Agreement and access to medicines (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 July 2007 on the TRIPS Agreement and access to medicines (8),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 18 December 2008 on the impact of counterfeiting on international trade (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 18 December 2008 on the impact of counterfeiting on international trade (9),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 22 September 2010 on enforcement of intellectual property rights in the internal market (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 22 September 2010 on enforcement of intellectual property rights in the internal market (10),

| — | having regard to the Commission Report of 31 July 2014 on EU customs enforcement of intellectual property rights — Results at the EU border 2013 (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Report of 31 July 2014 on EU customs enforcement of intellectual property rights — Results at the EU border 2013 (11),

| — | having regard to Council Resolution on the EU Customs Action Plan to combat IPR infringements for the years 2013 to 2017 (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Resolution on the EU Customs Action Plan to combat IPR infringements for the years 2013 to 2017 (12),

| — | having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 10 December 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 10 December 2014,

| — | having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade (A8-0161/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade (A8-0161/2015),

| A. | whereas competitiveness of the EU has been, and increasingly will be, based on creativity and innovation, and whereas ‘smart growth’ — developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation — is one of the three priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy; |
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A.

whereas competitiveness of the EU has been, and increasingly will be, based on creativity and innovation, and whereas ‘smart growth’ — developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation — is one of the three priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy;

| B. | whereas intellectual property rights (IPR) contribute to the development of innovation and creativity, whereas their protection is a key issue for the competitiveness of Europe and whereas, accordingly, the EU needs a more ambitious strategy concerning the protection of intellectual property rights vis-à-vis its trading partners; |
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B.

whereas intellectual property rights (IPR) contribute to the development of innovation and creativity, whereas their protection is a key issue for the competitiveness of Europe and whereas, accordingly, the EU needs a more ambitious strategy concerning the protection of intellectual property rights vis-à-vis its trading partners;

| C. | whereas it is essential to promote the strengthening of links between education, business, research and innovation, and intellectual property; whereas procedures for combating IPR infringements are costly and time-consuming, particularly for SMEs, including individual rightholders; |
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C.

whereas it is essential to promote the strengthening of links between education, business, research and innovation, and intellectual property; whereas procedures for combating IPR infringements are costly and time-consuming, particularly for SMEs, including individual rightholders;

| D. | whereas the EU and its Member States, as members of the World Trade Organisation, are bound by the Agreement on Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and thereby committed to the adoption and implementation of minimum standards of effective measures against all infringements of IPR; |
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D.

whereas the EU and its Member States, as members of the World Trade Organisation, are bound by the Agreement on Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and thereby committed to the adoption and implementation of minimum standards of effective measures against all infringements of IPR;

| E. | whereas the IPR debate should be based on qualified reflection of past experiences as well as of future technological trends, while keeping consistency between internal and external aspects and distinguishing between physical and digital environments, where appropriate, taking into consideration the concerns of all stakeholders, including SMEs and consumer organisations, and aiming at ensuring full transparency of interests and adequate legitimacy in striving to achieve a fair balance amongst all interests at stake; |
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E.

whereas the IPR debate should be based on qualified reflection of past experiences as well as of future technological trends, while keeping consistency between internal and external aspects and distinguishing between physical and digital environments, where appropriate, taking into consideration the concerns of all stakeholders, including SMEs and consumer organisations, and aiming at ensuring full transparency of interests and adequate legitimacy in striving to achieve a fair balance amongst all interests at stake;

| F. | whereas counterfeiting is no longer confined to luxury products, but also includes commonly used goods, such as toys, medicines, cosmetics and foodstuffs which, if counterfeited, can cause injuries or pose serious health risks for consumers; |
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F.

whereas counterfeiting is no longer confined to luxury products, but also includes commonly used goods, such as toys, medicines, cosmetics and foodstuffs which, if counterfeited, can cause injuries or pose serious health risks for consumers;

| G. | whereas the customs authorities in the EU detained almost 36 million items suspected of violating intellectual property rights in 2013, with the value of the intercepted goods exceeding EUR 760 million; |
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G.

whereas the customs authorities in the EU detained almost 36 million items suspected of violating intellectual property rights in 2013, with the value of the intercepted goods exceeding EUR 760 million;

| H. | whereas 72 % of all detentions in 2013 were related to small consignments; whereas medicines represented for the fourth consecutive year the top category, accounting for 19 % of these detentions and 10 % of all detentions; |
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H.

whereas 72 % of all detentions in 2013 were related to small consignments; whereas medicines represented for the fourth consecutive year the top category, accounting for 19 % of these detentions and 10 % of all detentions;

| I. | whereas it is necessary to combat IPR infringements in order to: lower the risks they can pose to the health and safety of consumers and to the environment; protect value creation in the EU and in third countries; avoid economic and social consequences for EU businesses and creators; and avert risks to cultural diversity in Europe and in third countries; whereas the fight against organised crime profiting from trade in counterfeit and pirated goods requires specific attention; |
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I.

whereas it is necessary to combat IPR infringements in order to: lower the risks they can pose to the health and safety of consumers and to the environment; protect value creation in the EU and in third countries; avoid economic and social consequences for EU businesses and creators; and avert risks to cultural diversity in Europe and in third countries; whereas the fight against organised crime profiting from trade in counterfeit and pirated goods requires specific attention;

| J. | whereas a comprehensive IPR legal framework should be combined with effective enforcement, with reference, where appropriate, to enforcement measures and penalties, while ensuring that IPR enforcement measures do not unduly burden legitimate trade; |
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J.

whereas a comprehensive IPR legal framework should be combined with effective enforcement, with reference, where appropriate, to enforcement measures and penalties, while ensuring that IPR enforcement measures do not unduly burden legitimate trade;

| K. | whereas one of the main features of intellectual property protection is the correct enforcement of existing laws and international commitments, including statutes on penalties; |
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K.

whereas one of the main features of intellectual property protection is the correct enforcement of existing laws and international commitments, including statutes on penalties;

General remarks

| 1. | Appreciates the approach followed by the Commission, in particular with regard to the call for balance between divergent interests; |
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1.

Appreciates the approach followed by the Commission, in particular with regard to the call for balance between divergent interests;

| 2. | Considers that the debate on a fair balance between rightholders’ interests and end users’ interests is multifaceted and extremely complex, with economic interests on all sides; considers that the Commission should explore how an informed and transparent public debate can be had on the protection and enforcement of IP and what this means for consumers; considers that the call for improved stakeholder involvement in the debate on IPR need to be accompanied by steps to ensure transparency and legitimacy for all participants; considers that there is no evaluation of the communication that takes into account both the 2004 Strategy for the enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries and the rejection of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA); |
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2.

Considers that the debate on a fair balance between rightholders’ interests and end users’ interests is multifaceted and extremely complex, with economic interests on all sides; considers that the Commission should explore how an informed and transparent public debate can be had on the protection and enforcement of IP and what this means for consumers; considers that the call for improved stakeholder involvement in the debate on IPR need to be accompanied by steps to ensure transparency and legitimacy for all participants; considers that there is no evaluation of the communication that takes into account both the 2004 Strategy for the enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries and the rejection of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA);

| 3. | Stresses that it is not sufficiently clear by what means and by what method the results included in the communication could be achieved, in particular as regards what resources will be used and where they will be taken from, also considering the limited resources made available for the purpose of supporting EU rightholders who export or who establish themselves in third markets; |
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3.

Stresses that it is not sufficiently clear by what means and by what method the results included in the communication could be achieved, in particular as regards what resources will be used and where they will be taken from, also considering the limited resources made available for the purpose of supporting EU rightholders who export or who establish themselves in third markets;

| 4. | Considers that there is no clear indication of coordination between internal policies and external policies regarding the protection of IPR, and stresses the importance of internal improvement on the issue; recognises that coherence between internal and external policies does not negate the need for a tailored approach, recognising the specific facts and circumstances existing in a third country market at issue; |
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4.

Considers that there is no clear indication of coordination between internal policies and external policies regarding the protection of IPR, and stresses the importance of internal improvement on the issue; recognises that coherence between internal and external policies does not negate the need for a tailored approach, recognising the specific facts and circumstances existing in a third country market at issue;

| 5. | Underlines that IPR protection should be seen as a first step — necessary but not sufficient — towards establishing access to a third country’s market, and that the ability to exercise effectively recognised IP rights is contingent upon substantive protection, including effective enforcement and remedies, in the country concerned; |
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5.

Underlines that IPR protection should be seen as a first step — necessary but not sufficient — towards establishing access to a third country’s market, and that the ability to exercise effectively recognised IP rights is contingent upon substantive protection, including effective enforcement and remedies, in the country concerned;

| 6. | Stresses that the commercial nature of many IPR infringements, and the growing involvement of organised crime in them, has become a major issue; regrets that the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (Palermo Convention) still does not have an anti-counterfeiting protocol, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up their efforts considerably to bring this about; |
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6.

Stresses that the commercial nature of many IPR infringements, and the growing involvement of organised crime in them, has become a major issue; regrets that the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (Palermo Convention) still does not have an anti-counterfeiting protocol, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up their efforts considerably to bring this about;

| 7. | Appreciates and supports the aim of better coherence between IPR protection and enforcement and other policies, and between the Commission and the Member States in reaching this goal; considers that IPR protection, and adequate measures to combat IPR infringements, can contribute in the fight against organised crime, money laundering and tax evasion and for the development of a fair, sustainable, future-proof and innovation-friendly digital market; |
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7.

Appreciates and supports the aim of better coherence between IPR protection and enforcement and other policies, and between the Commission and the Member States in reaching this goal; considers that IPR protection, and adequate measures to combat IPR infringements, can contribute in the fight against organised crime, money laundering and tax evasion and for the development of a fair, sustainable, future-proof and innovation-friendly digital market;

| 8. | Supports the Commission in its work identifying geographical priorities, using as a starting basis its biannual reports on the protection and enforcement of IPR in third countries; |
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8.

Supports the Commission in its work identifying geographical priorities, using as a starting basis its biannual reports on the protection and enforcement of IPR in third countries;

| 9. | Considers that the strategy does not give sufficient recognition to the distinction between, on the one hand, the physical counterfeiting of trademarks and patents and, on the other, violations of copyright, especially in the digital environment; notes that, with the increasingly rapid pace of digitisation, the issue of IPR protection and enforcement in the digital world will assume increasing importance worldwide; |
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9.

Considers that the strategy does not give sufficient recognition to the distinction between, on the one hand, the physical counterfeiting of trademarks and patents and, on the other, violations of copyright, especially in the digital environment; notes that, with the increasingly rapid pace of digitisation, the issue of IPR protection and enforcement in the digital world will assume increasing importance worldwide;

| 10. | Considers that the strategy should be better adapted to the digital environment and include a strong collaboration with customs authorities and market surveillance authorities to ensure horizontal coherence; |
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10.

Considers that the strategy should be better adapted to the digital environment and include a strong collaboration with customs authorities and market surveillance authorities to ensure horizontal coherence;

| 11. | Underlines that geographical indications and their protection are as important as other types of intellectual property in that they ensure that products are traceable up to the time of consumption and safeguard producer know-how; |
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11.

Underlines that geographical indications and their protection are as important as other types of intellectual property in that they ensure that products are traceable up to the time of consumption and safeguard producer know-how;

| 12. | Takes the view that the Commission should ensure that geographical indications are recognised and genuinely protected when negotiating free-trade agreements with third countries, in particular with regard to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP); |
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12.

Takes the view that the Commission should ensure that geographical indications are recognised and genuinely protected when negotiating free-trade agreements with third countries, in particular with regard to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP);

| 13. | Takes the view that the TRIPS agreement should be implemented in a balanced and effective manner where appropriate and that any flexibilities in its wording should fully respect the fundamental principle of non-discriminatory treatment for all fields of technology, as laid down in its Article 27(1); believes that the Doha Declaration should also be taken into account, while underlining that reinforced intellectual property protection and enforcement not only benefit EU countries but also help developing countries build and develop the domestic frameworks necessary to encourage and protect innovation and research, an issue of increasing relevance as they move up international trading value chains; |
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13.

Takes the view that the TRIPS agreement should be implemented in a balanced and effective manner where appropriate and that any flexibilities in its wording should fully respect the fundamental principle of non-discriminatory treatment for all fields of technology, as laid down in its Article 27(1); believes that the Doha Declaration should also be taken into account, while underlining that reinforced intellectual property protection and enforcement not only benefit EU countries but also help developing countries build and develop the domestic frameworks necessary to encourage and protect innovation and research, an issue of increasing relevance as they move up international trading value chains;

Enforcement and public awareness

| 14. | Underlines the need for an informed, balanced and more transparent public debate on enforcement, involving all interested parties and balancing all private and public interests; |
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14.

Underlines the need for an informed, balanced and more transparent public debate on enforcement, involving all interested parties and balancing all private and public interests;

| 15. | Recognises the need to increase awareness among consumers of the pecuniary loss, the detriment to innovation and creativity and, on occasion, the danger to health and safety caused by the purchase or accessing of goods that infringe IPR; points to the fact that stronger enforcement alone will not solve existing and future concerns regarding IP protection and enforcement, and it should be complementary to an increased awareness among consumers; stresses the role of the business sector in this regard; |
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15.

Recognises the need to increase awareness among consumers of the pecuniary loss, the detriment to innovation and creativity and, on occasion, the danger to health and safety caused by the purchase or accessing of goods that infringe IPR; points to the fact that stronger enforcement alone will not solve existing and future concerns regarding IP protection and enforcement, and it should be complementary to an increased awareness among consumers; stresses the role of the business sector in this regard;

| 16. | Considers it clear that public support in defence of IPR must be achieved; notes in this context the work of the Office of Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM), which includes awareness-raising campaigns among citizens of the impacts of commercial-scale IP infringement; |
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16.

Considers it clear that public support in defence of IPR must be achieved; notes in this context the work of the Office of Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM), which includes awareness-raising campaigns among citizens of the impacts of commercial-scale IP infringement;

Internet and IPR

| 17. | Welcomes the memorandum of understanding, signed on 4 May 2011, between rights holders and internet platforms in a joint effort to reduce the sale of counterfeit goods via e-commerce platforms; calls on the Commission and the Member States to enter into a structured dialogue with online platforms on how best to identify and tackle the sale of counterfeit goods; |
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17.

Welcomes the memorandum of understanding, signed on 4 May 2011, between rights holders and internet platforms in a joint effort to reduce the sale of counterfeit goods via e-commerce platforms; calls on the Commission and the Member States to enter into a structured dialogue with online platforms on how best to identify and tackle the sale of counterfeit goods;

| 18. | Notes that the problem of IPR infringements has multiplied in recent years as a consequence of digitalisation and the growing number of digital selling platforms, where counterfeited products are sold and distributed worldwide without any effective means of control; calls, in this regard, for a deeper reflection aimed at the adoption of more efficient tools for controlling the online selling of physical products; |
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18.

Notes that the problem of IPR infringements has multiplied in recent years as a consequence of digitalisation and the growing number of digital selling platforms, where counterfeited products are sold and distributed worldwide without any effective means of control; calls, in this regard, for a deeper reflection aimed at the adoption of more efficient tools for controlling the online selling of physical products;

| 19. | Considers that the wording of the strategy concerning the promotion of sound protection of geographical indications on the internet would need to be more specific in order to put forward concrete objectives; |
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19.

Considers that the wording of the strategy concerning the promotion of sound protection of geographical indications on the internet would need to be more specific in order to put forward concrete objectives;

| 20. | Calls on the Commission to work with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to establish a protection mechanism for geographical indications on the internet; |
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20.

Calls on the Commission to work with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to establish a protection mechanism for geographical indications on the internet;

| 21. | Considers that the responsibilities of intermediaries needs to be evaluated carefully; would, in this regard, have welcomed a more sophisticated strategy, while recognising that this issue is a subject for a separate debate; |
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21.

Considers that the responsibilities of intermediaries needs to be evaluated carefully; would, in this regard, have welcomed a more sophisticated strategy, while recognising that this issue is a subject for a separate debate;

Development and emerging economies

| 22. | Calls on the Commission to contribute to creating an environment in which the interests of the Member States and of third countries are convergent, and where there is a reciprocal interest in the creation of high-standard protection frameworks coupled with effective remedies to close the gaps in IPR protection; notes the need to distinguish carefully between the circumstances of the different ‘developing countries’, and between the trade issues involved, taking into account the specific circumstances of individual developing countries; |
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22.

Calls on the Commission to contribute to creating an environment in which the interests of the Member States and of third countries are convergent, and where there is a reciprocal interest in the creation of high-standard protection frameworks coupled with effective remedies to close the gaps in IPR protection; notes the need to distinguish carefully between the circumstances of the different ‘developing countries’, and between the trade issues involved, taking into account the specific circumstances of individual developing countries;

| 23. | Welcomes the work done by the Commission in supporting, on a case-by-case basis, developing countries wishing to improve their IPR systems, and calls on the Commission to continue and step up these efforts by continuing to provide appropriate technical assistance in the form of awareness-raising programmes, legislative assistance and training of officials, with consideration given to the level of development in each country; |
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23.

Welcomes the work done by the Commission in supporting, on a case-by-case basis, developing countries wishing to improve their IPR systems, and calls on the Commission to continue and step up these efforts by continuing to provide appropriate technical assistance in the form of awareness-raising programmes, legislative assistance and training of officials, with consideration given to the level of development in each country;

Access to medicines

| 24. | Agrees with the call for a broad response to the complex and multifaceted problem of the relation between IPR and universal access to affordable medicines, underlining in this context the importance of a patient-focused approach to IPR in the pharmaceutical sector; |
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24.

Agrees with the call for a broad response to the complex and multifaceted problem of the relation between IPR and universal access to affordable medicines, underlining in this context the importance of a patient-focused approach to IPR in the pharmaceutical sector;

| 25. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue to ensure support for a constructive dialogue on access to medicines involving all relevant stakeholders, and to find ways to facilitate access to medicines for the populations of the poorest countries, who are unable to obtain the best treatments currently available; |
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25.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue to ensure support for a constructive dialogue on access to medicines involving all relevant stakeholders, and to find ways to facilitate access to medicines for the populations of the poorest countries, who are unable to obtain the best treatments currently available;

| 26. | Takes the view that, while the interest and competitiveness of EU pharmaceutical companies must be protected by preserving their capacity for innovation, and taking into account that some EU enterprises provide access to medicines through assistance programmes and discounted tiered prices, it is necessary for medicine prices to be within the reach of people in the country in which they are sold, making support for the use of the flexibilities provided for in the TRIPS Agreement and recognised in the Doha Declaration essential, while account must also be taken of market distortions caused by the reselling of medicines in third countries; Calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue efforts to ensure that border measures intended to block the importation of counterfeit medicines do not negatively affect the transit of generic drugs; |
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26.

Takes the view that, while the interest and competitiveness of EU pharmaceutical companies must be protected by preserving their capacity for innovation, and taking into account that some EU enterprises provide access to medicines through assistance programmes and discounted tiered prices, it is necessary for medicine prices to be within the reach of people in the country in which they are sold, making support for the use of the flexibilities provided for in the TRIPS Agreement and recognised in the Doha Declaration essential, while account must also be taken of market distortions caused by the reselling of medicines in third countries; Calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue efforts to ensure that border measures intended to block the importation of counterfeit medicines do not negatively affect the transit of generic drugs;

| 27. | Stresses that companies should be encouraged to collaborate in a better way in their competitive environment and to work together with public authorities with the aim of guaranteeing greater and improved access to medicines in the Member States and in third countries; calls on the Commission to consider supporting innovative mechanisms such as patent pools to stimulate research while ensuring generic production; |
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27.

Stresses that companies should be encouraged to collaborate in a better way in their competitive environment and to work together with public authorities with the aim of guaranteeing greater and improved access to medicines in the Member States and in third countries; calls on the Commission to consider supporting innovative mechanisms such as patent pools to stimulate research while ensuring generic production;

| 28. | Considers that the Union needs to engage in the broader debate on advancing healthcare worldwide, including strategies to strengthen health systems; |
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28.

Considers that the Union needs to engage in the broader debate on advancing healthcare worldwide, including strategies to strengthen health systems;

| 29. | Calls on the Commission to stimulate early exports of EU-produced generic and biosimilar medicines as soon as they are no longer patent-protected in third countries; |
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29.

Calls on the Commission to stimulate early exports of EU-produced generic and biosimilar medicines as soon as they are no longer patent-protected in third countries;

Providing better data

| 30. | Considers that some of the statistical data cited in the communication has been derived using a controversial and already criticised methodology, and that the statistical data must be improved in order to reflect in a better way the actual situation regarding the centrality of IPR, and its protection and enforcement, to the EU economy, not only to inform and improve existing policy but to further support the principle of evidence-based policy making; |
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30.

Considers that some of the statistical data cited in the communication has been derived using a controversial and already criticised methodology, and that the statistical data must be improved in order to reflect in a better way the actual situation regarding the centrality of IPR, and its protection and enforcement, to the EU economy, not only to inform and improve existing policy but to further support the principle of evidence-based policy making;

| 31. | Agrees with the Commission’s reasoning for the establishment of the EU Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, and asks that it be allocated dedicated resources; |
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31.

Agrees with the Commission’s reasoning for the establishment of the EU Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, and asks that it be allocated dedicated resources;

| 32. | Points out that the Observatory should be composed in a comprehensive way and should not replicate already existing bodies; |
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32.

Points out that the Observatory should be composed in a comprehensive way and should not replicate already existing bodies;

| 33. | Calls on the Commission to work towards the Observatory maintaining its independence, to ensure that its work is not undermined by real or perceived biases; |
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33.

Calls on the Commission to work towards the Observatory maintaining its independence, to ensure that its work is not undermined by real or perceived biases;

EU legislation and cooperation within the EU

| 34. | Recognises that better, appropriately harmonised, internal IPR-related policies could be helpful in the effort to improve the standard of protection and enforcement of IPR globally; |
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34.

Recognises that better, appropriately harmonised, internal IPR-related policies could be helpful in the effort to improve the standard of protection and enforcement of IPR globally;

| 35. | Calls on the Commission to work with the Member States towards the ratification of the WIPO Trademark Law Treaty, the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement and the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration, as well as of other IPR-related international agreements; |
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35.

Calls on the Commission to work with the Member States towards the ratification of the WIPO Trademark Law Treaty, the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement and the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration, as well as of other IPR-related international agreements;

| 36. | Calls on the Commission to take further steps in line with the outcome of the public consultation of its Green paper ‘Making the most out of Europe’s traditional know-how’ (COM(2014)0469) concerning a possible extension of geographical indications protection of the Union to non-agricultural products; |
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36.

Calls on the Commission to take further steps in line with the outcome of the public consultation of its Green paper ‘Making the most out of Europe’s traditional know-how’ (COM(2014)0469) concerning a possible extension of geographical indications protection of the Union to non-agricultural products;

Protection and enforcement of IPR in third countries

| 37. | Supports the Commission’s pledge to give priority to promoting better IPR protection, and enforcement thereof, in the WTO and in any other international arenas, thereby opening up new markets for European exporters and improving existing market access; |
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37.

Supports the Commission’s pledge to give priority to promoting better IPR protection, and enforcement thereof, in the WTO and in any other international arenas, thereby opening up new markets for European exporters and improving existing market access;

| 38. | Notes that the granting of Market Economy Status in terms of trade defence instruments is contingent upon, among other criteria, IP protection in the country concerned; |
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38.

Notes that the granting of Market Economy Status in terms of trade defence instruments is contingent upon, among other criteria, IP protection in the country concerned;

| 39. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to uphold IPRs more effectively in all relevant multilateral organisations (the WTO, the World Health Organisation and the World Intellectual Property Organisation) and to work towards the inclusion in the WTO system of those IPR-related international agreements that are not yet part of it, such as the WIPO Trademark Law Treaty, the WIPO Phonograms and Performance Treaty, the WIPO Copyright Treaty, the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement and the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration; |
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39.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to uphold IPRs more effectively in all relevant multilateral organisations (the WTO, the World Health Organisation and the World Intellectual Property Organisation) and to work towards the inclusion in the WTO system of those IPR-related international agreements that are not yet part of it, such as the WIPO Trademark Law Treaty, the WIPO Phonograms and Performance Treaty, the WIPO Copyright Treaty, the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement and the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration;

| 40. | Considers that, in negotiations for bilateral free trade agreements, appropriate attention should be given to chapters on intellectual property, and that the negotiating parties should recognise that the right to conduct business should take into account respect for IPR and compliance with existing legal frameworks; welcomes the Commission’s work so far in successfully integrating chapters on IP protection and enforcement in bilateral free trade agreements; |
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40.

Considers that, in negotiations for bilateral free trade agreements, appropriate attention should be given to chapters on intellectual property, and that the negotiating parties should recognise that the right to conduct business should take into account respect for IPR and compliance with existing legal frameworks; welcomes the Commission’s work so far in successfully integrating chapters on IP protection and enforcement in bilateral free trade agreements;

| 41. | Considers that ratification of the WIPO treaties listed above for inclusion in the WTO system should be included in the bilateral free trade agreements concluded by the Union; |
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41.

Considers that ratification of the WIPO treaties listed above for inclusion in the WTO system should be included in the bilateral free trade agreements concluded by the Union;

| 42. | Supports the Commission’s approach of setting up IP dialogues and working groups with priority countries with which comprehensive negotiations are not ongoing, with the aim of achieving and strengthening specific commitments in IP protection and enforcement; stresses the need to put IPR on the agenda of higher-level political meetings when progress at the level of IP dialogues and inter-agency meetings is not forthcoming; |
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42.

Supports the Commission’s approach of setting up IP dialogues and working groups with priority countries with which comprehensive negotiations are not ongoing, with the aim of achieving and strengthening specific commitments in IP protection and enforcement; stresses the need to put IPR on the agenda of higher-level political meetings when progress at the level of IP dialogues and inter-agency meetings is not forthcoming;

| 43. | Stresses that IPR cooperation between the Union and other regional blocs should be enhanced whenever possible; |
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43.

Stresses that IPR cooperation between the Union and other regional blocs should be enhanced whenever possible;

| 44. | Calls on the Commission to make more regular recourse to relevant dispute settlement mechanisms, including the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body, when the rights of the Union’s economic operators, including all IPR holders, are infringed; |
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44.

Calls on the Commission to make more regular recourse to relevant dispute settlement mechanisms, including the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body, when the rights of the Union’s economic operators, including all IPR holders, are infringed;

| 45. | Calls on the Commission to encourage third countries to give reciprocal recognition of IP legal experts’ right to practice; |
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45.

Calls on the Commission to encourage third countries to give reciprocal recognition of IP legal experts’ right to practice;

| 46. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to step up customs cooperation within the Union and with third countries for the seizure of counterfeit goods and to simplify customs procedures; |
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46.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to step up customs cooperation within the Union and with third countries for the seizure of counterfeit goods and to simplify customs procedures;

| 47. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to cooperate plus closely with third countries regarding copyright and licensing issues; |
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47.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to cooperate plus closely with third countries regarding copyright and licensing issues;

| 48. | Is convinced that better protection of intellectual property rights and effective implementation of related rules in third countries would be a strong incentive for investors from the European Union and elsewhere to invest, share new technological skills and update existing technologies; |
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48.

Is convinced that better protection of intellectual property rights and effective implementation of related rules in third countries would be a strong incentive for investors from the European Union and elsewhere to invest, share new technological skills and update existing technologies;

Assistance in third countries and geographical focus

| 49. | Notes that some Member States have IP attachés within their delegations in certain key countries; believes that better coordination and information sharing among Member States could provide for new opportunities to meet shared objectives in terms of IP protection in third countries; |
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49.

Notes that some Member States have IP attachés within their delegations in certain key countries; believes that better coordination and information sharing among Member States could provide for new opportunities to meet shared objectives in terms of IP protection in third countries;

| 50. | Considers that EU economic operators and consumers in third countries in which IPR infringements are more common should be especially protected through an extension of the IPR Helpdesk; |
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50.

Considers that EU economic operators and consumers in third countries in which IPR infringements are more common should be especially protected through an extension of the IPR Helpdesk;

o

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| 51. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

51.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

---

(1)  OJ C 129, 26.5.2005, p. 3.

(2)  OJ L 349, 31.12.1994, p. 71.

(3)  OJ L 157, 30.4.2004, p. 45.

(4)  OJ L 157, 9.6.2006, p. 1.

(5)  OJ L 135, 3.6.2003 p. 5.

(6)  OJ L 269, 10.10.2013, p. 1.

(7)  OJ L 181, 29.6.2013, p. 15.

(8)  OJ C 175 E, 10.7.2008, p. 591.

(9)  OJ C 45 E, 23.2.2010, p. 47.

(10)  OJ C 50 E, 21.2.2012, p. 48.

(11)  http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/customs/customs_controls/counterfeit_piracy/statistics/2014_ipr_statistics_en.pdf.

(12)  OJ C 80, 19.3.2013, p. 1.

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| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/25

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P8_TA(2015)0220

Intellectual property rights: an EU action plan

European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2015 on ‘Towards a renewed consensus on the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights: An EU Action Plan’ (2014/2151(INI))

(2016/C 407/03)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights (1) (‘the IPR Enforcement Directive’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights (1) (‘the IPR Enforcement Directive’),

| — | having regard to Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 386/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 April 2012 on entrusting the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (Trade Marks and Designs) with tasks related to the enforcement of intellectual property rights, including the assembling of public and private-sector representatives as a European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 386/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 April 2012 on entrusting the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market (Trade Marks and Designs) with tasks related to the enforcement of intellectual property rights, including the assembling of public and private-sector representatives as a European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights (2),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 608/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 concerning customs enforcement of intellectual property rights and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1383/2003, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 608/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 concerning customs enforcement of intellectual property rights and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1383/2003,

| — | having regard to the report submitted by OHIM and the European Patent Office (EPO) in September 2013 entitled ‘Intellectual property rights intensive industries: contribution to economic performance and employment in the European Union’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report submitted by OHIM and the European Patent Office (EPO) in September 2013 entitled ‘Intellectual property rights intensive industries: contribution to economic performance and employment in the European Union’,

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 25 June 2008 entitled ‘“Think Small First’ — A ‘Small Business Act’ for Europe’ (COM(2008)0394), |
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—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 25 June 2008 entitled ‘“Think Small First’ — A ‘Small Business Act’ for Europe’ (COM(2008)0394),

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee of 11 September 2009 entitled ‘Enhancing the enforcement of intellectual property rights in the internal market’ (COM(2009)0467), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee of 11 September 2009 entitled ‘Enhancing the enforcement of intellectual property rights in the internal market’ (COM(2009)0467),

| — | having regard to the report from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 22 December 2010 entitled ‘Application of Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 29 April 2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights’ (COM(2010)0779) and its accompanying staff working document (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 22 December 2010 entitled ‘Application of Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 29 April 2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights’ (COM(2010)0779) and its accompanying staff working document (3),

| — | having regard to the summary made by the Commission of the responses to the public consultation ‘Civil enforcement of intellectual property rights: public consultation on the efficiency of proceedings and accessibility of measures’ of July 2013 (4), |
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—

having regard to the summary made by the Commission of the responses to the public consultation ‘Civil enforcement of intellectual property rights: public consultation on the efficiency of proceedings and accessibility of measures’ of July 2013 (4),

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee of 1 July 2014 entitled ‘Towards a renewed consensus on the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights: An EU Action Plan’ (COM(2014)0392), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee of 1 July 2014 entitled ‘Towards a renewed consensus on the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights: An EU Action Plan’ (COM(2014)0392),

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee of 1 July 2014 entitled ‘Trade, growth and intellectual property — Strategy for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries’ (COM(2014)0389), |
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—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the European Economic and Social Committee of 1 July 2014 entitled ‘Trade, growth and intellectual property — Strategy for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in third countries’ (COM(2014)0389),

| — | having regard to the Commission’s plan to create a single EU digital market and to Parliament’s resolution of 20 April 2012 on a competitive digital single market (5), |
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—

having regard to the Commission’s plan to create a single EU digital market and to Parliament’s resolution of 20 April 2012 on a competitive digital single market (5),

| — | having regard to the Council Conclusions of 4-5 December 2014 on IPR enforcement (6), |
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—

having regard to the Council Conclusions of 4-5 December 2014 on IPR enforcement (6),

| — | having regard to the Council resolution on the EU Customs Action Plan to combat IPR infringements for the years 2013 to 2017 (7), |
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—

having regard to the Council resolution on the EU Customs Action Plan to combat IPR infringements for the years 2013 to 2017 (7),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 22 September 2010 on enforcement of intellectual property rights in the internal market (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 22 September 2010 on enforcement of intellectual property rights in the internal market (8),

| — | having regard to the Committee on Legal Affairs’ letter of 24 March 2011 on the Report on the application of Directive 2004/48/EC, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Committee on Legal Affairs’ letter of 24 March 2011 on the Report on the application of Directive 2004/48/EC,

| — | having regard to Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which stipulates that everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which they are the author, |
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—

having regard to Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which stipulates that everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which they are the author,

| — | having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and to the opinions of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the Committee on Culture and Education (A8-0169/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and to the opinions of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the Committee on Culture and Education (A8-0169/2015),

| A. | whereas particular emphasis is placed on intellectual property in Article 118 of the Treaty and in Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; |
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A.

whereas particular emphasis is placed on intellectual property in Article 118 of the Treaty and in Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

| B. | whereas intellectual property rights are one of the driving forces of innovation and creativity and a key contributor to competitiveness, employment and cultural diversity; whereas product authenticity should not always be conflated with product safety and product quality issues, and the enforcement of intellectual property rights plays a significant role in ensuring consumers’ health and safety; whereas revenue from counterfeiting generally feeds into the black economy and organised crime; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas intellectual property rights are one of the driving forces of innovation and creativity and a key contributor to competitiveness, employment and cultural diversity; whereas product authenticity should not always be conflated with product safety and product quality issues, and the enforcement of intellectual property rights plays a significant role in ensuring consumers’ health and safety; whereas revenue from counterfeiting generally feeds into the black economy and organised crime;

| C. | whereas the EU faces a high number of intellectual property rights infringements, and whereas the volume and financial value of these infringements are alarming, as reported by the Commission in its report on the application of the Directive on the enforcement of intellectual property rights (COM(2010)0779); whereas these figures also illustrate the added value which IPR represent for the European economy in global competition; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the EU faces a high number of intellectual property rights infringements, and whereas the volume and financial value of these infringements are alarming, as reported by the Commission in its report on the application of the Directive on the enforcement of intellectual property rights (COM(2010)0779); whereas these figures also illustrate the added value which IPR represent for the European economy in global competition;

| D. | whereas IPR infringements, including counterfeiting, discourages growth, job creation, innovation and creativity; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas IPR infringements, including counterfeiting, discourages growth, job creation, innovation and creativity;

| E. | whereas infringements of IPR cause both non-material and economic damage to European undertakings and bring about heavy economic and fiscal losses to states; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas infringements of IPR cause both non-material and economic damage to European undertakings and bring about heavy economic and fiscal losses to states;

| F. | whereas adequate protection of intellectual property rights is a prerequisite for the development of the digital economy and of the digital single market; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas adequate protection of intellectual property rights is a prerequisite for the development of the digital economy and of the digital single market;

| G. | whereas the rapidly increasing development of e-commerce and online activities has changed the way IPR enforcement should be considered in the digital environment, particularly because it affords new possibilities for infringement, owing not least to new social behavioural patterns among users; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the rapidly increasing development of e-commerce and online activities has changed the way IPR enforcement should be considered in the digital environment, particularly because it affords new possibilities for infringement, owing not least to new social behavioural patterns among users;

| H. | whereas Parliament notes with concern what the OHIM report points out regarding the existence of a certain level of tolerance among a significant minority of Europeans for the idea that IPR infringements could be considered acceptable (9); whereas there is a lack of adequate knowledge of the social and cultural importance of IPR and of the actions considered as infringements of them, and a lack of awareness, especially among young Europeans, of the potential consequences of IPR infringements on the EU economy and society, and on the general safety of citizens; whereas it is necessary and possible to run suitable user awareness and information campaigns; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas Parliament notes with concern what the OHIM report points out regarding the existence of a certain level of tolerance among a significant minority of Europeans for the idea that IPR infringements could be considered acceptable (9); whereas there is a lack of adequate knowledge of the social and cultural importance of IPR and of the actions considered as infringements of them, and a lack of awareness, especially among young Europeans, of the potential consequences of IPR infringements on the EU economy and society, and on the general safety of citizens; whereas it is necessary and possible to run suitable user awareness and information campaigns;

| I. | whereas there is a need to redouble efforts to combat the illegal trade in counterfeit goods, and whereas no one should make a profit out of IPR infringements; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas there is a need to redouble efforts to combat the illegal trade in counterfeit goods, and whereas no one should make a profit out of IPR infringements;

| J. | whereas law enforcement is essential with regard to the foreseeability of the law, and whereas it is of the utmost importance to find effective, proportionate and dissuasive means of enforcing IPR across borders; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas law enforcement is essential with regard to the foreseeability of the law, and whereas it is of the utmost importance to find effective, proportionate and dissuasive means of enforcing IPR across borders;

| K. | whereas IPR infringements have a particular impact on SMEs, including in business-to-business services, and can lead to the loss of markets and bankruptcy; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas IPR infringements have a particular impact on SMEs, including in business-to-business services, and can lead to the loss of markets and bankruptcy;

| L. | whereas taking into account international aspects is fundamental for IPR enforcement as IPR infringement is a global phenomenon; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas taking into account international aspects is fundamental for IPR enforcement as IPR infringement is a global phenomenon;

| M. | whereas both online and offline infringements should be considered in policy actions against IPR infringement; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas both online and offline infringements should be considered in policy actions against IPR infringement;

| 1. | Welcomes the communication of the Commission of 1 July 2014 presenting an action plan on the enforcement of intellectual property rights; supports its approach to IPR enforcement, based on preventive actions and on policy tools which intend to deprive commercial-scale infringers of their revenues and make it more difficult for infringing goods to be put on the market; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welcomes the communication of the Commission of 1 July 2014 presenting an action plan on the enforcement of intellectual property rights; supports its approach to IPR enforcement, based on preventive actions and on policy tools which intend to deprive commercial-scale infringers of their revenues and make it more difficult for infringing goods to be put on the market;

| 2. | Stresses that the prime responsibility for IPR enforcement rests with the Member States’ public authorities; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Stresses that the prime responsibility for IPR enforcement rests with the Member States’ public authorities;

| 3. | Stresses that the key objective of the action plan should be to ensure the effective, evidence-based enforcement of IPR, which plays a key role in stimulating innovation, creativity, competitiveness, growth and cultural diversity; notes that measures taken to enforce IPR should be based on precise, reliable data; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Stresses that the key objective of the action plan should be to ensure the effective, evidence-based enforcement of IPR, which plays a key role in stimulating innovation, creativity, competitiveness, growth and cultural diversity; notes that measures taken to enforce IPR should be based on precise, reliable data;

| 4. | Stresses that, at times of financial crisis, when major cuts are being made in financial support for the cultural sector, IPR are often among individual creators’ main sources of income; stresses, therefore, that ensuring fair remuneration for creators should be a crucial element of the EU action plan; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Stresses that, at times of financial crisis, when major cuts are being made in financial support for the cultural sector, IPR are often among individual creators’ main sources of income; stresses, therefore, that ensuring fair remuneration for creators should be a crucial element of the EU action plan;

| 5. | Takes the view that, in the interests of innovation, creativity and competitiveness, it is crucial that IPR protection measures are transparent and that full information is available to the public and to all other actors concerned; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Takes the view that, in the interests of innovation, creativity and competitiveness, it is crucial that IPR protection measures are transparent and that full information is available to the public and to all other actors concerned;

| 6. | Recognises that the enforcement of IPR is not merely a driver for jobs and growth across the Union but is essential for the proper functioning of the single market — especially in view of factors such as the share of EU GDP and employment, and range, of industries which benefit from and exploit IPR — and plays a key role in stimulating innovation, creativity, competitiveness and cultural diversity; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Recognises that the enforcement of IPR is not merely a driver for jobs and growth across the Union but is essential for the proper functioning of the single market — especially in view of factors such as the share of EU GDP and employment, and range, of industries which benefit from and exploit IPR — and plays a key role in stimulating innovation, creativity, competitiveness and cultural diversity;

| 7. | Stresses that intellectual property rights are guarantors of the creativity, innovation and competitiveness of the cultural and creative industries in particular, but also of other industrial sectors, as underlined by the Commission in its communication ‘For a European industrial renaissance’; calls on the Commission to continue the work of taking IPR into account as a factor in the competitiveness of the European economy; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Stresses that intellectual property rights are guarantors of the creativity, innovation and competitiveness of the cultural and creative industries in particular, but also of other industrial sectors, as underlined by the Commission in its communication ‘For a European industrial renaissance’; calls on the Commission to continue the work of taking IPR into account as a factor in the competitiveness of the European economy;

| 8. | Underlines that IPR are not just copyrights but also trademarks and patents, among others, and that each of these is vital to the value of Europe’s goods and services; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Underlines that IPR are not just copyrights but also trademarks and patents, among others, and that each of these is vital to the value of Europe’s goods and services;

| 9. | Notes that, according to the Commission, the cultural and creative sectors, which are often IPR-intensive, already account for up to 4,5 % of GDP, and up to 8,5 million jobs in the EU and are not only essential for cultural diversity but also contribute significantly to social and economic development; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Notes that, according to the Commission, the cultural and creative sectors, which are often IPR-intensive, already account for up to 4,5 % of GDP, and up to 8,5 million jobs in the EU and are not only essential for cultural diversity but also contribute significantly to social and economic development;

Involving all actors in the supply chain, both on- and offline

| 10. | Believes that all actors in the supply chain have a role to play in the fight against IPR infringement and should be involved in this process; stresses that an approach involving all actors should be developed both in the online and in the offline context; believes that fundamental rights need to be balanced for this to be successful, as measures that impact fundamental rights cannot be undertaken voluntarily by commercial operators, but need a legal basis and judicial oversight; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Believes that all actors in the supply chain have a role to play in the fight against IPR infringement and should be involved in this process; stresses that an approach involving all actors should be developed both in the online and in the offline context; believes that fundamental rights need to be balanced for this to be successful, as measures that impact fundamental rights cannot be undertaken voluntarily by commercial operators, but need a legal basis and judicial oversight;

| 11. | Stresses that the inclusion of online actors in measures to combat IPR infringements must comply with the principles of Directive 2000/31/EC (the Electronic Commerce Directive) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Stresses that the inclusion of online actors in measures to combat IPR infringements must comply with the principles of Directive 2000/31/EC (the Electronic Commerce Directive) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

| 12. | Notes that counterfeit and IPR-infringing physical goods are increasingly being traded and sold via online marketplaces, where Member State authorities have limited abilities to control sales; stresses the need to involve marketplace platform owners in all efforts to enforce IPRs, including efforts to remove counterfeit goods and ban sellers of counterfeit goods from their sites; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Notes that counterfeit and IPR-infringing physical goods are increasingly being traded and sold via online marketplaces, where Member State authorities have limited abilities to control sales; stresses the need to involve marketplace platform owners in all efforts to enforce IPRs, including efforts to remove counterfeit goods and ban sellers of counterfeit goods from their sites;

| 13. | Stresses the importance of ensuring the application of due diligence throughout the supply chain, including the digital supply chain and all the key actors and operators therein, such as creators, artists and rights holders, producers, intermediaries, internet service providers, online sales platforms, end users and public authorities; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Stresses the importance of ensuring the application of due diligence throughout the supply chain, including the digital supply chain and all the key actors and operators therein, such as creators, artists and rights holders, producers, intermediaries, internet service providers, online sales platforms, end users and public authorities;

| 14. | Believes that applying due diligence throughout the supply chain and enhanced market surveillance and information sharing between customs authorities would improve the business environment and contribute to preventing infringing goods and services from entering the market; stresses that the cost-benefit ratio and effectiveness of any qualitative auditing schemes should be well assessed before being pursued, and that providing support to SMEs should be a strong consideration in that respect; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Believes that applying due diligence throughout the supply chain and enhanced market surveillance and information sharing between customs authorities would improve the business environment and contribute to preventing infringing goods and services from entering the market; stresses that the cost-benefit ratio and effectiveness of any qualitative auditing schemes should be well assessed before being pursued, and that providing support to SMEs should be a strong consideration in that respect;

| 15. | Further notes the inclusive stakeholder consultation proposals on applying EU due diligence throughout the supply chain, including to providers of payment services, to prevent IPR infringements, and asks that the outcome of the consultations and the voluntary EU due diligence scheme be presented to Parliament on an annual rather than biennial basis; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Further notes the inclusive stakeholder consultation proposals on applying EU due diligence throughout the supply chain, including to providers of payment services, to prevent IPR infringements, and asks that the outcome of the consultations and the voluntary EU due diligence scheme be presented to Parliament on an annual rather than biennial basis;

| 16. | Calls on the Commission to make all stakeholder consultations transparent and timely and to ensure that the outcome of consultations is analysed both qualitatively as well as quantitatively and shared with stakeholders, including Parliament and other EU institutions; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls on the Commission to make all stakeholder consultations transparent and timely and to ensure that the outcome of consultations is analysed both qualitatively as well as quantitatively and shared with stakeholders, including Parliament and other EU institutions;

| 17. | Stresses the importance of sector-based agreements and good practice guides to combat IPR infringements; calls on operators in the industry to exchange information about platforms which provide access to content that infringes IPR, and to take coordinated and proportionate measures, such as notice and takedown, to reduce the income generated from such content and platforms; notes that such measures should not include the non-judicial blocking of websites; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Stresses the importance of sector-based agreements and good practice guides to combat IPR infringements; calls on operators in the industry to exchange information about platforms which provide access to content that infringes IPR, and to take coordinated and proportionate measures, such as notice and takedown, to reduce the income generated from such content and platforms; notes that such measures should not include the non-judicial blocking of websites;

| 18. | Points out that ‘cyberlocker’ platforms are one of the main hubs for IPR infringements, from which they indirectly derive income via advertising and/or subscriptions; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Points out that ‘cyberlocker’ platforms are one of the main hubs for IPR infringements, from which they indirectly derive income via advertising and/or subscriptions;

| 19. | Welcomes the approach of depriving IPR infringers of their revenues by means of agreements between right-holders and their partners; supports the elaboration of memoranda of understanding as soft-law measures to fight against counterfeiting and piracy, and supports the idea of developing such measures further among stakeholders; recommends the Commission, in this regard, to conduct a study on how these counterfeiting operations are cross-funding their activities (selling counterfeit products and providing illegal content); |
| --- | --- |

19.

Welcomes the approach of depriving IPR infringers of their revenues by means of agreements between right-holders and their partners; supports the elaboration of memoranda of understanding as soft-law measures to fight against counterfeiting and piracy, and supports the idea of developing such measures further among stakeholders; recommends the Commission, in this regard, to conduct a study on how these counterfeiting operations are cross-funding their activities (selling counterfeit products and providing illegal content);

| 20. | Recalls that a voluntary Memorandum of Understanding on the Sale of Counterfeit Goods via the Internet has been in existence since May 2011, and calls on the Commission to assess the results of the implementation of this MoU, and to report back to Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Recalls that a voluntary Memorandum of Understanding on the Sale of Counterfeit Goods via the Internet has been in existence since May 2011, and calls on the Commission to assess the results of the implementation of this MoU, and to report back to Parliament;

| 21. | Believes that the Commission should also consider the effectiveness of existing initiatives, and possible future activities, with regard to the role of intermediaries in tackling IPR infringement; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Believes that the Commission should also consider the effectiveness of existing initiatives, and possible future activities, with regard to the role of intermediaries in tackling IPR infringement;

| 22. | Points out that in the cultural and creative sector, in particular, cooperation — including on the basis of self-regulation — between rights holders, authors, platform operators, intermediaries and final consumers should be encouraged with a view to detecting IPR infringements at an early stage; emphasises that the effectiveness of such self-regulation must be assessed by the Commission in the near future, and that further legislative measures may be necessary; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Points out that in the cultural and creative sector, in particular, cooperation — including on the basis of self-regulation — between rights holders, authors, platform operators, intermediaries and final consumers should be encouraged with a view to detecting IPR infringements at an early stage; emphasises that the effectiveness of such self-regulation must be assessed by the Commission in the near future, and that further legislative measures may be necessary;

| 23. | Emphasises that, in the cultural and creative sector, payment service providers should be involved in the dialogue with a view to reducing the profits generated by IPR infringements in the online sphere; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Emphasises that, in the cultural and creative sector, payment service providers should be involved in the dialogue with a view to reducing the profits generated by IPR infringements in the online sphere;

| 24. | Recalls the involvement of organised crime in international IPR-infringing activities and the high importance of delivering a European coordinated solution, strengthening the audit measures in place while implementing the ‘follow the money’ principle, to safeguard consumer interests and the integrity of the supply chain; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Recalls the involvement of organised crime in international IPR-infringing activities and the high importance of delivering a European coordinated solution, strengthening the audit measures in place while implementing the ‘follow the money’ principle, to safeguard consumer interests and the integrity of the supply chain;

Consumer awareness and information

| 25. | Welcomes the approach taken by the Commission to develop targeted awareness campaigns; believes that it is essential that the concrete consequences of IPR infringements for society as a whole, and for consumers and citizens individually, should be understood by all; believes that consumers should be better informed of what IPR consist of, and what can be done or not done with protected goods and content; calls on the Commission and the Member States to further develop awareness actions aimed at specific audiences and relevant markets; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Welcomes the approach taken by the Commission to develop targeted awareness campaigns; believes that it is essential that the concrete consequences of IPR infringements for society as a whole, and for consumers and citizens individually, should be understood by all; believes that consumers should be better informed of what IPR consist of, and what can be done or not done with protected goods and content; calls on the Commission and the Member States to further develop awareness actions aimed at specific audiences and relevant markets;

| 26. | Recommends a broader information campaign regarding the Intellectual Property Right Holders and Enforcement Authorities Platform so that right holders have a more active role in defending their rights across the European Union through the Enforcement Database integrated in the secure network of the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union; calls for further and faster integration with police authorities and other customs authorities worldwide to ensure better IPR enforcement; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Recommends a broader information campaign regarding the Intellectual Property Right Holders and Enforcement Authorities Platform so that right holders have a more active role in defending their rights across the European Union through the Enforcement Database integrated in the secure network of the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union; calls for further and faster integration with police authorities and other customs authorities worldwide to ensure better IPR enforcement;

| 27. | Stresses the need to address, more specifically, the younger generation by means of appropriate campaigns to raise awareness, bearing in mind that, as a recent survey of perceptions of IP has revealed, it is that particular generation that is least respectful of IPR; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Stresses the need to address, more specifically, the younger generation by means of appropriate campaigns to raise awareness, bearing in mind that, as a recent survey of perceptions of IP has revealed, it is that particular generation that is least respectful of IPR;

| 28. | Stresses the importance of initiatives to assess and monitor the development of knowledge of young people’s understanding and perception of IP in order to better understand their needs and to define the most appropriate action to take; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Stresses the importance of initiatives to assess and monitor the development of knowledge of young people’s understanding and perception of IP in order to better understand their needs and to define the most appropriate action to take;

| 29. | Welcomes, in particular, the efforts of the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, located within the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM), aimed at raising awareness among consumers of the benefits of choosing products that respects IPR and at facilitating access to such products; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Welcomes, in particular, the efforts of the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, located within the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM), aimed at raising awareness among consumers of the benefits of choosing products that respects IPR and at facilitating access to such products;

| 30. | Believes, at the same time, that consumers should be better able to identify infringing offers so that they can decide not to proceed with a given purchase; deplores the fact that the Commission’s action plan does not include any action designed to improve consumers’ ability to identify infringing goods and contents; calls on the Commission and the Member States to reflect further on the development of specific tools and guidelines, and to have an evidence-based examination and possible development of a harmonised system of procedures for notification/withdrawal of infringing goods and content, so that consumers and undertakings can take action when they are misled, in the same way as they can act to draw attention to undesirable content, based on the experiences gathered by the Commission and the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, especially with regard to the sharing of best practices; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Believes, at the same time, that consumers should be better able to identify infringing offers so that they can decide not to proceed with a given purchase; deplores the fact that the Commission’s action plan does not include any action designed to improve consumers’ ability to identify infringing goods and contents; calls on the Commission and the Member States to reflect further on the development of specific tools and guidelines, and to have an evidence-based examination and possible development of a harmonised system of procedures for notification/withdrawal of infringing goods and content, so that consumers and undertakings can take action when they are misled, in the same way as they can act to draw attention to undesirable content, based on the experiences gathered by the Commission and the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, especially with regard to the sharing of best practices;

| 31. | Notes that the system for the notification and removal, one URL at a time, of content that infringes IPR has practical limitations in view of the speed with which the content in question can be made available again; calls, therefore, on operators in this sector to start thinking about how to make the notification and removal system more effective in the long term; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Notes that the system for the notification and removal, one URL at a time, of content that infringes IPR has practical limitations in view of the speed with which the content in question can be made available again; calls, therefore, on operators in this sector to start thinking about how to make the notification and removal system more effective in the long term;

| 32. | Points out that all actors involved in the distribution chain should cooperate in the development of information campaigns giving consumers information on their rights and obligations, while easily accessing and using creative content; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Points out that all actors involved in the distribution chain should cooperate in the development of information campaigns giving consumers information on their rights and obligations, while easily accessing and using creative content;

| 33. | Considers that it will be possible to achieve greater transparency and better information in an effective manner only with the cooperation of the main internet stakeholders who convey content protected by IPR, and that it is therefore desirable to involve them in such efforts to achieve transparency and the circulation of information; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Considers that it will be possible to achieve greater transparency and better information in an effective manner only with the cooperation of the main internet stakeholders who convey content protected by IPR, and that it is therefore desirable to involve them in such efforts to achieve transparency and the circulation of information;

| 34. | Insists on the need to coordinate initiatives and campaigns in all Member States in order to avoid duplication of work and ensure coherence and efficiency; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Insists on the need to coordinate initiatives and campaigns in all Member States in order to avoid duplication of work and ensure coherence and efficiency;

| 35. | Asks Member States’ authorities to ensure that IPR infringing goods that are a safety risk are included in RAPEX notifications, regardless of whether these goods are sold legally or illegally in the Member State in question; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Asks Member States’ authorities to ensure that IPR infringing goods that are a safety risk are included in RAPEX notifications, regardless of whether these goods are sold legally or illegally in the Member State in question;

Developing new business models

| 36. | Believes that, in certain sectors, the lack of consumer awareness about legal offers, and the sometimes difficult-to-access or costly supply of non-infringing products and content can make it difficult to deter consumers from buying unlawful goods or using unlawful content; takes the view that further progress needs to be made in this area, and reiterates its demand that the Commission and the Member States put more pressure on the industry to develop, in all Member States, licit offers that are both diversified and attractive so that consumers genuinely have every opportunity to purchase licit goods or to use licit content; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Believes that, in certain sectors, the lack of consumer awareness about legal offers, and the sometimes difficult-to-access or costly supply of non-infringing products and content can make it difficult to deter consumers from buying unlawful goods or using unlawful content; takes the view that further progress needs to be made in this area, and reiterates its demand that the Commission and the Member States put more pressure on the industry to develop, in all Member States, licit offers that are both diversified and attractive so that consumers genuinely have every opportunity to purchase licit goods or to use licit content;

| 37. | Stresses the need for a more holistic approach focussing on how to meet consumer demand by increasing the availability and consumption of innovative and affordable legal offers, based on business models that are adapted to the internet and that allow for the removal of barriers, creating a truly European digital single market, while maintaining a balance between the rights of consumers and the protection of innovators and creators; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Stresses the need for a more holistic approach focussing on how to meet consumer demand by increasing the availability and consumption of innovative and affordable legal offers, based on business models that are adapted to the internet and that allow for the removal of barriers, creating a truly European digital single market, while maintaining a balance between the rights of consumers and the protection of innovators and creators;

| 38. | Takes the view that one way of strengthening IPR could be to develop innovative business models; further stresses that the improvement and constant adaptation of such models to the advance of technology should be reconsidered for certain sectors of the industry; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Takes the view that one way of strengthening IPR could be to develop innovative business models; further stresses that the improvement and constant adaptation of such models to the advance of technology should be reconsidered for certain sectors of the industry;

Focus on SMEs

| 39. | Emphasises the importance of improving civil enforcement procedures for SMEs and individual creators as regards IP, as they play a key role in the creative and cultural sectors and often do not have the capacity to have their rights enforced, given the complexity, cost and length of such procedures; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Emphasises the importance of improving civil enforcement procedures for SMEs and individual creators as regards IP, as they play a key role in the creative and cultural sectors and often do not have the capacity to have their rights enforced, given the complexity, cost and length of such procedures;

| 40. | Welcomes the Commission’s declared intention to support SMEs in enforcing their IPR through improving accessible ways of civil redress in order to better fight market abuse from larger competitors and, in particular, to further assess SMEs’ needs for future EU action; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Welcomes the Commission’s declared intention to support SMEs in enforcing their IPR through improving accessible ways of civil redress in order to better fight market abuse from larger competitors and, in particular, to further assess SMEs’ needs for future EU action;

| 41. | Welcomes the decision set out in the Commission’s communication of 1 July 2014 on an EU Action Plan, and more specifically Action 4 therein, which was aimed at improving IPR civil enforcement procedures for SMEs, in particular in respect of low value claims and possible action in that field; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Welcomes the decision set out in the Commission’s communication of 1 July 2014 on an EU Action Plan, and more specifically Action 4 therein, which was aimed at improving IPR civil enforcement procedures for SMEs, in particular in respect of low value claims and possible action in that field;

| 42. | Emphasises that for SMEs, clear and manageable structures for enforcement of their IPRs are crucial; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Emphasises that for SMEs, clear and manageable structures for enforcement of their IPRs are crucial;

| 43. | Calls on the Commission to make sure that any measure taken will have a limited impact in terms of the burden and cost imposed on SMEs; in particular, calls on the Commission to assess further how SMEs could take part in qualitative auditing schemes and to identify what specific measures could be taken in favour of SMEs to this end; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Calls on the Commission to make sure that any measure taken will have a limited impact in terms of the burden and cost imposed on SMEs; in particular, calls on the Commission to assess further how SMEs could take part in qualitative auditing schemes and to identify what specific measures could be taken in favour of SMEs to this end;

| 44. | Insists on the need to take into account SMEs when drafting legislation, and reiterates that the ‘think small first’ principle should be applied at all times; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Insists on the need to take into account SMEs when drafting legislation, and reiterates that the ‘think small first’ principle should be applied at all times;

| 45. | Stresses the importance of access to justice and of the cost-effectiveness of judicial proceedings, especially for SMEs, and calls for the development of mediation services and other business-to-business alternative dispute resolution schemes in the area of IPR; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Stresses the importance of access to justice and of the cost-effectiveness of judicial proceedings, especially for SMEs, and calls for the development of mediation services and other business-to-business alternative dispute resolution schemes in the area of IPR;

| 46. | Stresses the importance of regularly analysing the factors which decisively influence decisions by SMEs to make use, or not to make use, of their IPR, so as to identify where improvements could be made, whether in the case of innovative SMEs or in the case of SMEs which encounter problems, in particular, in exercising their IPR; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Stresses the importance of regularly analysing the factors which decisively influence decisions by SMEs to make use, or not to make use, of their IPR, so as to identify where improvements could be made, whether in the case of innovative SMEs or in the case of SMEs which encounter problems, in particular, in exercising their IPR;

| 47. | Looks forward to receiving information on existing national initiatives addressing IPR civil enforcement for SMEs by the end of 2015; welcomes the forthcoming Green Paper on the need for future Union action based on the best practice found in nationally financed schemes assisting SMEs to enforce their IPR; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Looks forward to receiving information on existing national initiatives addressing IPR civil enforcement for SMEs by the end of 2015; welcomes the forthcoming Green Paper on the need for future Union action based on the best practice found in nationally financed schemes assisting SMEs to enforce their IPR;

European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights

| 48. | Expresses its satisfaction about the development of the activities of the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights as a useful aid to the deliberations of political decision-makers and as a tool for collecting and exchanging data and information on all forms of IPR infringements; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Expresses its satisfaction about the development of the activities of the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights as a useful aid to the deliberations of political decision-makers and as a tool for collecting and exchanging data and information on all forms of IPR infringements;

| 49. | Emphasises that the duty of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM) — to obtain data documenting IPR infringements from the industry and to generate reliable data and analysis of the real impact of infringements on economic actors — should be part of the ten-point Action Plan and of the basis for further actions in the different sectors most affected; calls, in this connection, on the Commission to improve the Anti-Counterfeiting Intelligence Support Tool (ACIST) database developed by the OHIM, so as to provide information concerning counterfeiters and ensure that counterfeit products are not purchased by contracting authorities; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Emphasises that the duty of the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM) — to obtain data documenting IPR infringements from the industry and to generate reliable data and analysis of the real impact of infringements on economic actors — should be part of the ten-point Action Plan and of the basis for further actions in the different sectors most affected; calls, in this connection, on the Commission to improve the Anti-Counterfeiting Intelligence Support Tool (ACIST) database developed by the OHIM, so as to provide information concerning counterfeiters and ensure that counterfeit products are not purchased by contracting authorities;

| 50. | Stresses that in order to achieve a meaningful enforcement of IPR, all information should be made available and accessible regarding the type of IP rights (patent, trademark and copyright, for example) that are of relevance in each situation, the status of the validity of these rights and the identity of the owners, including in the form of metadata in the case of digital files; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Stresses that in order to achieve a meaningful enforcement of IPR, all information should be made available and accessible regarding the type of IP rights (patent, trademark and copyright, for example) that are of relevance in each situation, the status of the validity of these rights and the identity of the owners, including in the form of metadata in the case of digital files;

| 51. | Calls on the Commission to make full use of the data collected by the Observatory, and of the results of the Observatory’s activities, to draw conclusions with regard to, and propose solutions for improving, IPR enforcement that can be used by policy-makers; calls on the Commission to report back to Parliament on this on a regular basis; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Calls on the Commission to make full use of the data collected by the Observatory, and of the results of the Observatory’s activities, to draw conclusions with regard to, and propose solutions for improving, IPR enforcement that can be used by policy-makers; calls on the Commission to report back to Parliament on this on a regular basis;

| 52. | Notes that training for the development of sectorial IPR enforcement at national level is essential, as is the role which the Observatory will play in helping train Member State authorities and in sharing best practice, in particular by promoting digitally accessible value-for-money campaigns and coordinating these with the relevant agencies and bodies; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Notes that training for the development of sectorial IPR enforcement at national level is essential, as is the role which the Observatory will play in helping train Member State authorities and in sharing best practice, in particular by promoting digitally accessible value-for-money campaigns and coordinating these with the relevant agencies and bodies;

Commission’s group of experts on the enforcement of IPR

| 53. | Welcomes the establishment by the Commission of an expert group on IPR enforcement, and calls on the Commission to ensure that Parliament and, where necessary, the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, is involved more closely in the group’s work and, in particular, that it be asked to send experts to attend its meetings; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Welcomes the establishment by the Commission of an expert group on IPR enforcement, and calls on the Commission to ensure that Parliament and, where necessary, the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, is involved more closely in the group’s work and, in particular, that it be asked to send experts to attend its meetings;

Evolution of the legal framework

| 54. | Welcomes the publication of the Commission’s report on the application of the IPR Enforcement Directive (10), while noting that only limited conclusions can be drawn in some respects, owing to the late transposition of the directive by some Member States; calls on the Commission to provide further analysis of the impact of the directive, in particular on innovation and on the development of the information society, as required by its Article 18(1) and as called for by Parliament in its above-mentioned resolution of 22 September 2010; recalls, however, that a number of other aspects of enforcing IPR have been identified by the Commission, such as the role of intermediaries in combating infringements, which could also prove useful in the fight against abuses; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Welcomes the publication of the Commission’s report on the application of the IPR Enforcement Directive (10), while noting that only limited conclusions can be drawn in some respects, owing to the late transposition of the directive by some Member States; calls on the Commission to provide further analysis of the impact of the directive, in particular on innovation and on the development of the information society, as required by its Article 18(1) and as called for by Parliament in its above-mentioned resolution of 22 September 2010; recalls, however, that a number of other aspects of enforcing IPR have been identified by the Commission, such as the role of intermediaries in combating infringements, which could also prove useful in the fight against abuses;

| 55. | Takes note of the Commission’s report indicating that the IPR Enforcement Directive is in some respects out of step with the digital age and insufficient for combating online infringements; calls on the Commission to come up with a detailed assessment of the limitations of the current legal framework as regards online activities and, if appropriate, with proposals for adapting the EU legislative framework to the internet environment; stresses that any such proposals must be subject to a detailed impact assessment; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Takes note of the Commission’s report indicating that the IPR Enforcement Directive is in some respects out of step with the digital age and insufficient for combating online infringements; calls on the Commission to come up with a detailed assessment of the limitations of the current legal framework as regards online activities and, if appropriate, with proposals for adapting the EU legislative framework to the internet environment; stresses that any such proposals must be subject to a detailed impact assessment;

| 56. | Takes note of the finding that divergent interpretations of certain provisions of the directive result in differences in its application in the Member States, and calls on the Commission to take action to remedy the problems identified in the report, including by means of further clarification of the directive; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Takes note of the finding that divergent interpretations of certain provisions of the directive result in differences in its application in the Member States, and calls on the Commission to take action to remedy the problems identified in the report, including by means of further clarification of the directive;

| 57. | Reiterates its call for an IPR strategy, including a comprehensive legal framework to combat IPR infringement adapted to the online environment, with full regard for fundamental rights and freedoms, fair trials, proportionality and data protection; considers that legal protection is urgently needed for new creations since this will encourage investment and lead on to further innovations; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Reiterates its call for an IPR strategy, including a comprehensive legal framework to combat IPR infringement adapted to the online environment, with full regard for fundamental rights and freedoms, fair trials, proportionality and data protection; considers that legal protection is urgently needed for new creations since this will encourage investment and lead on to further innovations;

| 58. | Stresses that any IPR-related legislation needs to reflect the development of the digital era, taking into account the online environment and various means of distribution, guaranteeing a balanced approach representing the interests of all stakeholders involved, and, in particular, of consumers and their right of access to content, whilst at the same time promoting artists, creators and innovation in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Stresses that any IPR-related legislation needs to reflect the development of the digital era, taking into account the online environment and various means of distribution, guaranteeing a balanced approach representing the interests of all stakeholders involved, and, in particular, of consumers and their right of access to content, whilst at the same time promoting artists, creators and innovation in Europe;

| 59. | Reiterates that a modern pro-competitive and consumer-friendly copyright framework is needed, one that also supports creativity and innovation by guaranteeing a safe, adequate and secure environment for inventors and creators; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Reiterates that a modern pro-competitive and consumer-friendly copyright framework is needed, one that also supports creativity and innovation by guaranteeing a safe, adequate and secure environment for inventors and creators;

| 60. | Stresses that the European Union’s cultural and creative industries are a driving force for social and economic development as well as job creation in Europe, while recalling that notable contribution to the economic growth, innovation and job creation in the Union is also generated by creators, designers and institutions relying on exceptions and limitations to copyright; stresses that any legislative initiative to modernise copyright should be based on independent evidence regarding the impact on growth and jobs (particularly as regards SME’s in the cultural and creative sectors), access to knowledge and culture, as well as the potential costs and benefits; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Stresses that the European Union’s cultural and creative industries are a driving force for social and economic development as well as job creation in Europe, while recalling that notable contribution to the economic growth, innovation and job creation in the Union is also generated by creators, designers and institutions relying on exceptions and limitations to copyright; stresses that any legislative initiative to modernise copyright should be based on independent evidence regarding the impact on growth and jobs (particularly as regards SME’s in the cultural and creative sectors), access to knowledge and culture, as well as the potential costs and benefits;

International supply chains and the role of customs and international cooperation

| 61. | Insists on the important role played by customs authorities, and international cooperation in the customs field, in the fight against IPR infringement in cross-border trade, and stresses the need to support and facilitate the work performed by customs services in mutual cooperation, by clarifying operational rules, particularly in order that this work may permit the effective performance of inspections on goods in transit within EU territory; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Insists on the important role played by customs authorities, and international cooperation in the customs field, in the fight against IPR infringement in cross-border trade, and stresses the need to support and facilitate the work performed by customs services in mutual cooperation, by clarifying operational rules, particularly in order that this work may permit the effective performance of inspections on goods in transit within EU territory;

| 62. | Calls on the Commission to take into account, when implementing the IPR Enforcement Action Plan, related initiatives, especially the EU Customs Action Plan to combat IPR infringements and the strategy for the protection and enforcement of IPRs in third countries; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Calls on the Commission to take into account, when implementing the IPR Enforcement Action Plan, related initiatives, especially the EU Customs Action Plan to combat IPR infringements and the strategy for the protection and enforcement of IPRs in third countries;

| 63. | Calls for enhanced market surveillance, risk management and sharing of information among customs authorities on issues raised in the context of IPR enforcement by customs, for example, in relation to the storage and destruction of infringing goods; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Calls for enhanced market surveillance, risk management and sharing of information among customs authorities on issues raised in the context of IPR enforcement by customs, for example, in relation to the storage and destruction of infringing goods;

| 64. | Stresses the importance of close cooperation and information exchange and appropriate training of customs authorities, market surveillance authorities and judicial authorities; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Stresses the importance of close cooperation and information exchange and appropriate training of customs authorities, market surveillance authorities and judicial authorities;

Other issues

| 65. | Highlights the vital role public authorities play at all levels, including local, regional and national, through procurement and purchasing, and commends the Commission’s desire to develop, promote and publish a guide on best practices to avoid public authorities on all levels purchasing counterfeit goods; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Highlights the vital role public authorities play at all levels, including local, regional and national, through procurement and purchasing, and commends the Commission’s desire to develop, promote and publish a guide on best practices to avoid public authorities on all levels purchasing counterfeit goods;

| 66. | Welcomes the Commission’s proposed Green Paper on consulting stakeholders on the impact of chargeback and related schemes in order to tackle commercial-scale IPR infringements and assess the need to take more concrete actions in this field, in both the online and offline context; believes that the introduction of an EU-wide right to ‘chargeback’ on all unwillingly bought counterfeit goods could be a positive benefit for consumers and encourage traders to verify goods before putting them on sale; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Welcomes the Commission’s proposed Green Paper on consulting stakeholders on the impact of chargeback and related schemes in order to tackle commercial-scale IPR infringements and assess the need to take more concrete actions in this field, in both the online and offline context; believes that the introduction of an EU-wide right to ‘chargeback’ on all unwillingly bought counterfeit goods could be a positive benefit for consumers and encourage traders to verify goods before putting them on sale;

| 67. | Supports the emphasis placed in the Action Plan on the importance of working with Member States, sharing information and best practice, and coordinating activities on cross-border enforcement; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Supports the emphasis placed in the Action Plan on the importance of working with Member States, sharing information and best practice, and coordinating activities on cross-border enforcement;

| 68. | Emphasises that in order to stimulate innovation and competitiveness in knowledge-based sectors in the Union, in a manner compatible with IPR, it is necessary to stimulate open research and knowledge sharing, which are also identified as key elements in the Global Europe and Europe 2020 strategies; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Emphasises that in order to stimulate innovation and competitiveness in knowledge-based sectors in the Union, in a manner compatible with IPR, it is necessary to stimulate open research and knowledge sharing, which are also identified as key elements in the Global Europe and Europe 2020 strategies;

| 69. | Emphasises the need for precise detection systems that lead to the swift interruption of commercial-scale IPR-infringing activities; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Emphasises the need for precise detection systems that lead to the swift interruption of commercial-scale IPR-infringing activities;

| 70. | Points out that the income generated by using IPR represents an important source of external funding for research projects and thus a driving force for innovation and development and cooperation between universities and companies; |
| --- | --- |

70.

Points out that the income generated by using IPR represents an important source of external funding for research projects and thus a driving force for innovation and development and cooperation between universities and companies;

| 71. | Calls for the action plan to be implemented quickly, so that, if necessary, the measures needed to enforce IPR, in particular in the cultural and creative sector, can be revised in the near future to take account of real needs; |
| --- | --- |

71.

Calls for the action plan to be implemented quickly, so that, if necessary, the measures needed to enforce IPR, in particular in the cultural and creative sector, can be revised in the near future to take account of real needs;

| 72. | Calls on the Commission to evaluate the implementation of each of the actions presented in the Action Plan and to report back on them to Parliament by July 2016 at the latest; |
| --- | --- |

72.

Calls on the Commission to evaluate the implementation of each of the actions presented in the Action Plan and to report back on them to Parliament by July 2016 at the latest;

o

o o

| 73. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, and to the parliaments and governments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

73.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, and to the parliaments and governments of the Member States.

---

(1)  OJ L 157, 30.4.2004, p. 45.

(2)  OJ L 129, 16.5.2012, p. 1.

(3)  ‘Analysis of the application of Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of 29 April 2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights in the Member States’ (SEC(2010)1589).

(4)  http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/consultations/docs/2012/intellectual-property-rights/summary-of-responses_en.pdf.

(5)  OJ C 258 E, 7.9.2013, p. 64.

(6)  http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-15321-2014-INIT/en/pdf.

(7)  OJ C 80, 19.3.2013, p. 1.

(8)  OJ C 50 E, 21.2.2012, p. 48.

(9)  See OHIM Report ‘European Citizens and intellectual property: perception, awareness and behaviour’, November 2013.

(10)  COM(2010)0779.

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Wednesday 10 June 2015

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/35 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/35

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P8_TA(2015)0225

State of EU-Russia relations

European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2015 on the state of EU-Russia relations (2015/2001(INI))

(2016/C 407/04)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its resolutions of 13 December 2012 containing the European Parliament’s recommendations to the Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service on the negotiations of the new EU-Russia Agreement (1), of 12 September 2013 on the pressure exerted by Russia on Eastern Partnership countries (in the context of the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius) (2), of 6 February 2014 on the EU-Russia summit (3), of 18 September 2014 on the situation in Ukraine and the state of play of EU-Russia relations (4) and of 12 March 2015 on the murder of the Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov and the state of democracy in Russia (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions of 13 December 2012 containing the European Parliament’s recommendations to the Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service on the negotiations of the new EU-Russia Agreement (1), of 12 September 2013 on the pressure exerted by Russia on Eastern Partnership countries (in the context of the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius) (2), of 6 February 2014 on the EU-Russia summit (3), of 18 September 2014 on the situation in Ukraine and the state of play of EU-Russia relations (4) and of 12 March 2015 on the murder of the Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov and the state of democracy in Russia (5),

| — | having regard to the conclusions and statements of the European Council, of the Foreign Affairs Council and of the G7 leaders over the past 18 months on the situation in Ukraine and on relations with Russia, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions and statements of the European Council, of the Foreign Affairs Council and of the G7 leaders over the past 18 months on the situation in Ukraine and on relations with Russia,

| — | having regard to the agreements reached in Minsk on 5 and 19 September 2014 and on 12 February 2015 (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the agreements reached in Minsk on 5 and 19 September 2014 and on 12 February 2015 (6),

| — | having regard to the Wales NATO Summit Declaration of 5 September 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Wales NATO Summit Declaration of 5 September 2014,

| — | having regard to the resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 27 March 2014 (7) and by the United Nations Security Council on 17 February 2015 (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 27 March 2014 (7) and by the United Nations Security Council on 17 February 2015 (8),

| — | having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A8-0162/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A8-0162/2015),

| A. | whereas the EU has for many years striven to build a mutually beneficial strategic partnership with Russia based on shared values and principles, such as democracy and rule of law, and on common interests; whereas the EU remains open to such a relationship and to dialogue leading to it, and wishes to return to a cooperative relation with Russia, should the Russian authorities meet their international and legal obligations; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the EU has for many years striven to build a mutually beneficial strategic partnership with Russia based on shared values and principles, such as democracy and rule of law, and on common interests; whereas the EU remains open to such a relationship and to dialogue leading to it, and wishes to return to a cooperative relation with Russia, should the Russian authorities meet their international and legal obligations;

| B. | whereas, in reaction to and despite Russia’s violation of Georgia’s territorial integrity in 2008, the ongoing occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, and the non-fulfilment by Russia of all its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, the EU opted for an increased cooperation model as a way to continue the engagement with Russia, for their mutual benefit; whereas, rather than taking restrictive measures, a series of initiatives for deeper cooperation — such as the common spaces, the Partnership for Modernisation, the negotiations on a New EU-Russia Agreement, and the Human Rights dialogue — have been launched or deepened; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, in reaction to and despite Russia’s violation of Georgia’s territorial integrity in 2008, the ongoing occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, and the non-fulfilment by Russia of all its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, the EU opted for an increased cooperation model as a way to continue the engagement with Russia, for their mutual benefit; whereas, rather than taking restrictive measures, a series of initiatives for deeper cooperation — such as the common spaces, the Partnership for Modernisation, the negotiations on a New EU-Russia Agreement, and the Human Rights dialogue — have been launched or deepened;

| C. | whereas Russia has — by illegally annexing Crimea, an action which was strongly condemned by the EU and which will not be recognised, and waging an armed conflict against Ukraine, with the direct and indirect participation of military and security services, and by deliberately destabilising this neighbouring sovereign and independent country — profoundly damaged its relationship with the EU by jeopardising the basic principles of Europe’s security by not respecting borders and by breaking its international commitments, notably the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, the Budapest Memorandum, the 1990 Paris Charter for a New Europe and the bilateral Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership; whereas the humanitarian situation in Crimea and in Eastern Ukraine has considerably deteriorated, with a death toll of several thousand; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas Russia has — by illegally annexing Crimea, an action which was strongly condemned by the EU and which will not be recognised, and waging an armed conflict against Ukraine, with the direct and indirect participation of military and security services, and by deliberately destabilising this neighbouring sovereign and independent country — profoundly damaged its relationship with the EU by jeopardising the basic principles of Europe’s security by not respecting borders and by breaking its international commitments, notably the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, the Budapest Memorandum, the 1990 Paris Charter for a New Europe and the bilateral Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership; whereas the humanitarian situation in Crimea and in Eastern Ukraine has considerably deteriorated, with a death toll of several thousand;

| D. | whereas Russia is directly or indirectly, involved in a number of ‘frozen conflicts’ in its neighbourhood — in Transnistria, South Ossetia, Abkhasia and Nagorno Karabakh — that constitute serious impediments to the development and stability of the neighbouring countries concerned and to their rapprochement with the European Union; |
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D.

whereas Russia is directly or indirectly, involved in a number of ‘frozen conflicts’ in its neighbourhood — in Transnistria, South Ossetia, Abkhasia and Nagorno Karabakh — that constitute serious impediments to the development and stability of the neighbouring countries concerned and to their rapprochement with the European Union;

| E. | whereas the Russian Federation has blacklisted 89 EU politicians — among them current and former Members of the European Parliament — and officials and is denying them access to Russia; |
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E.

whereas the Russian Federation has blacklisted 89 EU politicians — among them current and former Members of the European Parliament — and officials and is denying them access to Russia;

| F. | whereas Russia — against the spirit of good neighbourly relations and in breach of international law, rules and standards — has, on the basis of a doctrine under which it considers itself to have the right to protect Russian compatriots abroad, taken deliberate actions aimed at destabilising its neighbours through illegal trade embargos or the conclusion of integration treaties with separatist and breakaway regions; |
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F.

whereas Russia — against the spirit of good neighbourly relations and in breach of international law, rules and standards — has, on the basis of a doctrine under which it considers itself to have the right to protect Russian compatriots abroad, taken deliberate actions aimed at destabilising its neighbours through illegal trade embargos or the conclusion of integration treaties with separatist and breakaway regions;

| G. | whereas, in reaction to the illegal annexation of Crimea and the hybrid war launched against Ukraine by Russia, the EU has adopted a stage-by-stage series of restrictive measures; whereas similar sanctions have been adopted by a number of other countries in reaction to Russia’s aggression; |
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G.

whereas, in reaction to the illegal annexation of Crimea and the hybrid war launched against Ukraine by Russia, the EU has adopted a stage-by-stage series of restrictive measures; whereas similar sanctions have been adopted by a number of other countries in reaction to Russia’s aggression;

| H. | whereas a constructive relationship between the EU and Russia must be sought in the long run, in the interest of both parties and with a view to facing common global challenges, such as climate change, new technological developments and the fight against terrorism, extremism and organised crime; whereas EU-Russia cooperation has positive outcomes in some fields such as the Northern dimension and cross-border cooperation; whereas Russia has been constructive in the recent Iran negotiations; |
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H.

whereas a constructive relationship between the EU and Russia must be sought in the long run, in the interest of both parties and with a view to facing common global challenges, such as climate change, new technological developments and the fight against terrorism, extremism and organised crime; whereas EU-Russia cooperation has positive outcomes in some fields such as the Northern dimension and cross-border cooperation; whereas Russia has been constructive in the recent Iran negotiations;

| I. | whereas these restrictive targeted measures are not directed against the Russian people but against certain individuals and enterprises connected to the Russian leadership, who are taking direct advantage of the current stand-off with Ukraine, in the economic and defence sectors, and aim at stimulating a change in the policies of the Russian government towards, and actions in, the common neighbourhood; whereas the sanctions related to the destabilisation in Eastern Ukraine should be lifted once Russia has fully implemented the provisions of the Minsk Agreements; whereas these sanctions should be strengthened should Russia choose to continue directly or indirectly to destabilise Ukraine and to harm its territorial integrity; whereas the sanctions related to the illegal annexation of Crimea will remain until the peninsula is returned to Ukraine; |
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I.

whereas these restrictive targeted measures are not directed against the Russian people but against certain individuals and enterprises connected to the Russian leadership, who are taking direct advantage of the current stand-off with Ukraine, in the economic and defence sectors, and aim at stimulating a change in the policies of the Russian government towards, and actions in, the common neighbourhood; whereas the sanctions related to the destabilisation in Eastern Ukraine should be lifted once Russia has fully implemented the provisions of the Minsk Agreements; whereas these sanctions should be strengthened should Russia choose to continue directly or indirectly to destabilise Ukraine and to harm its territorial integrity; whereas the sanctions related to the illegal annexation of Crimea will remain until the peninsula is returned to Ukraine;

| J. | whereas the Russian Federation, as a full member of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights; whereas the EU has firmly supported Russia’s accession to, and participation in, different international organisations and fora, such as the G8, the G20 and the WTO; whereas inclusion of Russia in these bodies has created tensions owing to Russia's repeated violation of rules, e.g. its non-compliance with WTO standards and obligations (by introducing a number of discriminatory measures against individual EU Member States and other countries in its neighbourhood), and its failure to implement more than a thousand judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and to guarantee basic human rights; whereas the EU-Russia Human Rights consultations have not been conclusive or brought concrete results; |
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J.

whereas the Russian Federation, as a full member of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights; whereas the EU has firmly supported Russia’s accession to, and participation in, different international organisations and fora, such as the G8, the G20 and the WTO; whereas inclusion of Russia in these bodies has created tensions owing to Russia's repeated violation of rules, e.g. its non-compliance with WTO standards and obligations (by introducing a number of discriminatory measures against individual EU Member States and other countries in its neighbourhood), and its failure to implement more than a thousand judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and to guarantee basic human rights; whereas the EU-Russia Human Rights consultations have not been conclusive or brought concrete results;

| K. | whereas the rule of law, as one of the fundamental principles of the EU, implies not only respect for democracy and human rights, but also compliance with international law, the assurance that the law is fairly enforced and applied, as well as the independence and impartiality of the judiciary; whereas these conditions are not met in Russia, where the authorities fail to uphold the rule of law and to respect fundamental rights, and where political rights, civil liberties and media freedom have deteriorated in recent years; whereas legislation has recently been passed with ambiguous provisions that are used to place further restrictions on opposition and civil-society actors; whereas the recent adoption of the law criminalising so-called ‘homosexual propaganda’ has led to an increase in homophobic and anti-LGBTI violence and hate speech, which the authorities have failed to address; whereas, following the illegal annexation of Crimea, respect for human rights, including freedom of expression, assembly and association, has suffered a serious deterioration in the peninsula, the Crimean Tartar community being particularly affected; |
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K.

whereas the rule of law, as one of the fundamental principles of the EU, implies not only respect for democracy and human rights, but also compliance with international law, the assurance that the law is fairly enforced and applied, as well as the independence and impartiality of the judiciary; whereas these conditions are not met in Russia, where the authorities fail to uphold the rule of law and to respect fundamental rights, and where political rights, civil liberties and media freedom have deteriorated in recent years; whereas legislation has recently been passed with ambiguous provisions that are used to place further restrictions on opposition and civil-society actors; whereas the recent adoption of the law criminalising so-called ‘homosexual propaganda’ has led to an increase in homophobic and anti-LGBTI violence and hate speech, which the authorities have failed to address; whereas, following the illegal annexation of Crimea, respect for human rights, including freedom of expression, assembly and association, has suffered a serious deterioration in the peninsula, the Crimean Tartar community being particularly affected;

| L. | whereas Alexey Navalny, a prominent opposition leader, has been charged and condemned on the basis of forged evidence, and is subject to continued intimidation and harassment, including through the imprisonment of his brother; whereas the Progress Party he chairs is being prevented from participating in the next parliamentary elections; whereas Nadia Savchenko, a Member of the Ukrainian Rada, is being illegally detained in Russia, in breach of international law; |
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L.

whereas Alexey Navalny, a prominent opposition leader, has been charged and condemned on the basis of forged evidence, and is subject to continued intimidation and harassment, including through the imprisonment of his brother; whereas the Progress Party he chairs is being prevented from participating in the next parliamentary elections; whereas Nadia Savchenko, a Member of the Ukrainian Rada, is being illegally detained in Russia, in breach of international law;

| M. | whereas the Corruption Perceptions Index ranks the Russian Federation at 136 out of 175 making Russia a serious concern with regard to international corruption and money laundering, which is a threat to European economies and their integrity; |
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M.

whereas the Corruption Perceptions Index ranks the Russian Federation at 136 out of 175 making Russia a serious concern with regard to international corruption and money laundering, which is a threat to European economies and their integrity;

| N. | whereas Russia actively uses hybrid warfare, deliberately blurring the lines between military/paramilitary activity and political activism; |
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N.

whereas Russia actively uses hybrid warfare, deliberately blurring the lines between military/paramilitary activity and political activism;

| O. | whereas the World Media Freedom Index 2014 ranks the Russian Federation at 148 out of 180; whereas the financing of state-controlled media outlets has been significantly widened and increased; whereas the initiatives and activities of human rights defenders, independent civil society organisations, political opponents, independent media and ordinary citizens are often restricted or hindered; whereas the space for expression of independent and pluralistic opinions has narrowed and is continuously under threat; whereas the European Endowment for Democracy is targeting the issue of plurality of the Russian media, and whereas, together with its partners, it is invited to develop new media initiatives; |
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O.

whereas the World Media Freedom Index 2014 ranks the Russian Federation at 148 out of 180; whereas the financing of state-controlled media outlets has been significantly widened and increased; whereas the initiatives and activities of human rights defenders, independent civil society organisations, political opponents, independent media and ordinary citizens are often restricted or hindered; whereas the space for expression of independent and pluralistic opinions has narrowed and is continuously under threat; whereas the European Endowment for Democracy is targeting the issue of plurality of the Russian media, and whereas, together with its partners, it is invited to develop new media initiatives;

| P. | whereas the irresponsible actions of Russian jet fighters near the airspace of EU and NATO Member States are jeopardising the safety of civilian flights and could be a threat to European airspace security; whereas provocative large-scale military manoeuvres have been conducted by Russia in the immediate vicinity of the EU, while threats of Russian military and even nuclear attacks have been made public; whereas Russia has suspended its participation in negotiations on the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, and violated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty; |
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P.

whereas the irresponsible actions of Russian jet fighters near the airspace of EU and NATO Member States are jeopardising the safety of civilian flights and could be a threat to European airspace security; whereas provocative large-scale military manoeuvres have been conducted by Russia in the immediate vicinity of the EU, while threats of Russian military and even nuclear attacks have been made public; whereas Russia has suspended its participation in negotiations on the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, and violated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty;

| Q. | whereas energy, which plays a central and strategic role in EU-Russia relations, is a key instrument of Russian foreign policy; whereas the EU's resilience to external pressures can be achieved through diversification of energy supply and a decrease in dependence on Russia; whereas the EU must speak with one voice and show strong internal solidarity when it comes to its energy security; |
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Q.

whereas energy, which plays a central and strategic role in EU-Russia relations, is a key instrument of Russian foreign policy; whereas the EU's resilience to external pressures can be achieved through diversification of energy supply and a decrease in dependence on Russia; whereas the EU must speak with one voice and show strong internal solidarity when it comes to its energy security;

| R. | whereas the Russian Federation has actively promoted the Eurasian Economic Union; whereas this project of economic integration should not be seen as competing with the European Union; |
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R.

whereas the Russian Federation has actively promoted the Eurasian Economic Union; whereas this project of economic integration should not be seen as competing with the European Union;

| 1. | Reiterates that Russia's direct and indirect involvement in the armed conflict in Ukraine and its illegal annexation of Crimea, together with its violation of the territorial integrity of Georgia, and economic coercion and political destabilisation of its European neighbours constitute a deliberate violation of democratic principles and fundamental values and of international law; in this context, the EU cannot envisage a return to ‘business as usual’ and has no choice but to conduct a critical re-assessment of its relations with Russia, which includes the drafting, as promptly as possible, of a soft-power contingency plan to counter the aggressive and divisive policies conducted by Russia, and a comprehensive plan on its future relations with that country and with its Eastern European partners; underlines that the resolution of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine can only be political in nature; |
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1.

Reiterates that Russia's direct and indirect involvement in the armed conflict in Ukraine and its illegal annexation of Crimea, together with its violation of the territorial integrity of Georgia, and economic coercion and political destabilisation of its European neighbours constitute a deliberate violation of democratic principles and fundamental values and of international law; in this context, the EU cannot envisage a return to ‘business as usual’ and has no choice but to conduct a critical re-assessment of its relations with Russia, which includes the drafting, as promptly as possible, of a soft-power contingency plan to counter the aggressive and divisive policies conducted by Russia, and a comprehensive plan on its future relations with that country and with its Eastern European partners; underlines that the resolution of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine can only be political in nature;

| 2. | Stresses that at this point Russia, because of its actions in Crimea and in Eastern Ukraine, can no longer be treated as, or considered, a ‘strategic partner’; points out that strategic partnerships must be based on mutual trust and respect for international law, which is based on democracy, state sovereignty and the freedom to choose internal constitutional order and foreign policy orientations, territorial integrity of the State, and respect for the rule of law, human rights, and the principles of international diplomacy and trade; |
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2.

Stresses that at this point Russia, because of its actions in Crimea and in Eastern Ukraine, can no longer be treated as, or considered, a ‘strategic partner’; points out that strategic partnerships must be based on mutual trust and respect for international law, which is based on democracy, state sovereignty and the freedom to choose internal constitutional order and foreign policy orientations, territorial integrity of the State, and respect for the rule of law, human rights, and the principles of international diplomacy and trade;

| 3. | Is deeply concerned by the fact that Russia now openly positions itself and acts as a challenger of the international democratic community and its law-based order, not least by seeking to redraw by force borders within Europe; is alarmed by the growing atmosphere of hatred directed against opposition activists, human rights defenders, minorities and neighbouring nations, and the deterioration in the situation of human rights and rule of law in Russia; condemns the intimidation of critical voices through violence, trials, imprisonments and other measures used by the state; |
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3.

Is deeply concerned by the fact that Russia now openly positions itself and acts as a challenger of the international democratic community and its law-based order, not least by seeking to redraw by force borders within Europe; is alarmed by the growing atmosphere of hatred directed against opposition activists, human rights defenders, minorities and neighbouring nations, and the deterioration in the situation of human rights and rule of law in Russia; condemns the intimidation of critical voices through violence, trials, imprisonments and other measures used by the state;

| 4. | Condemns the arbitrary measure of banning EU politicians and officials from access to Russian territory, and stresses that the Russian leadership is repeatedly trespassing against international law and is violating universal standards and impeding transparency; considers this act to be counterproductive and detrimental to the already weak channels of communication between the European Union and Russia; stresses that the targeted EU politicians and officials should be informed of the motives for their being denied access to Russian territory and should have the right to appeal such a decision before an independent court; |
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4.

Condemns the arbitrary measure of banning EU politicians and officials from access to Russian territory, and stresses that the Russian leadership is repeatedly trespassing against international law and is violating universal standards and impeding transparency; considers this act to be counterproductive and detrimental to the already weak channels of communication between the European Union and Russia; stresses that the targeted EU politicians and officials should be informed of the motives for their being denied access to Russian territory and should have the right to appeal such a decision before an independent court;

| 5. | Is of the opinion that, in the long run, a constructive and predictable relationship between the EU and Russia is possible and desirable for their mutual benefit, especially in view of the existing political, trade, transport and energy relations, people-to-people contacts including through Erasmus+ and the Common Steps (9), cross-border cooperation, climate change, environment, and sectorial cooperation, bearing in mind that reciprocal sanctions are harmful to both economies, that common challenges and interests on the world scene must be addressed, and that the divisive nature of the perception of security in Europe can be overcome by increased dialogue; welcomes, in that regard, the positive outcome of EU-Russia cooperation in various areas such as the fight against terrorism, extremism and organised crime, the Northern dimension partnership, the nuclear talks with Iran, and in the Middle East Peace Process; calls on Russia to participate constructively in finding a solution to the conflict in Syria; |
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5.

Is of the opinion that, in the long run, a constructive and predictable relationship between the EU and Russia is possible and desirable for their mutual benefit, especially in view of the existing political, trade, transport and energy relations, people-to-people contacts including through Erasmus+ and the Common Steps (9), cross-border cooperation, climate change, environment, and sectorial cooperation, bearing in mind that reciprocal sanctions are harmful to both economies, that common challenges and interests on the world scene must be addressed, and that the divisive nature of the perception of security in Europe can be overcome by increased dialogue; welcomes, in that regard, the positive outcome of EU-Russia cooperation in various areas such as the fight against terrorism, extremism and organised crime, the Northern dimension partnership, the nuclear talks with Iran, and in the Middle East Peace Process; calls on Russia to participate constructively in finding a solution to the conflict in Syria;

| 6. | Underlines that EU-Russia relations must henceforth be based on respect for international law and a dialogue, whereby the EU would be ready to re-engage and relaunch cooperation with the authorities in Moscow in a number of specific fields of common interest; underlines that a resumption of cooperation would be envisaged on the condition that Russia respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, including Crimea, fully implements the Minsk Agreements (which include full control of the border by the Ukrainian authorities, the unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops and weapons, and an immediate halt to the provision of assistance to rebel groups), and stops destabilising military and security activities at the EU Member States' borders; stresses that the OSCE has shown itself to be a structure capable of making a contribution to crisis resolution; stresses that such potentially renewed cooperation must not be conducted at the expense of international principles, European values, standards and international commitments; stresses that the EU must clearly define both its expectations of Russia, especially as regards respecting international law and contractual commitments and acting as a predictable partner, and the measures it will take after 31 December 2015, should Russia fail to honour its commitments (or before that date if there are serious developments on the ground), and the resumption of cooperation it would be ready to offer in the event of compliance; stresses that such cooperation should adhere fully to international human rights standards; |
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6.

Underlines that EU-Russia relations must henceforth be based on respect for international law and a dialogue, whereby the EU would be ready to re-engage and relaunch cooperation with the authorities in Moscow in a number of specific fields of common interest; underlines that a resumption of cooperation would be envisaged on the condition that Russia respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, including Crimea, fully implements the Minsk Agreements (which include full control of the border by the Ukrainian authorities, the unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops and weapons, and an immediate halt to the provision of assistance to rebel groups), and stops destabilising military and security activities at the EU Member States' borders; stresses that the OSCE has shown itself to be a structure capable of making a contribution to crisis resolution; stresses that such potentially renewed cooperation must not be conducted at the expense of international principles, European values, standards and international commitments; stresses that the EU must clearly define both its expectations of Russia, especially as regards respecting international law and contractual commitments and acting as a predictable partner, and the measures it will take after 31 December 2015, should Russia fail to honour its commitments (or before that date if there are serious developments on the ground), and the resumption of cooperation it would be ready to offer in the event of compliance; stresses that such cooperation should adhere fully to international human rights standards;

| 7. | Commends the solidarity and unity demonstrated by the Member States in the context of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and direct involvement in the war in Ukraine, allowing the adoption and further extension of responsive measures, and their linkage to the full implementation of the Minsk agreements; calls on the Member States to regard as an absolute priority the preservation of this unity and to abstain from bilateral relations and agreements which could harm this unity or be interpreted as such; reiterates that unity of action and solidarity amongst the Member States and with candidate countries is essential for ensuring the credibility, legitimacy and effectiveness of the EU’s policies and its ability to withstand external challenges and pressures, while at the same time fostering a more profound and cooperative relation with the Eastern Partnership countries; |
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7.

Commends the solidarity and unity demonstrated by the Member States in the context of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and direct involvement in the war in Ukraine, allowing the adoption and further extension of responsive measures, and their linkage to the full implementation of the Minsk agreements; calls on the Member States to regard as an absolute priority the preservation of this unity and to abstain from bilateral relations and agreements which could harm this unity or be interpreted as such; reiterates that unity of action and solidarity amongst the Member States and with candidate countries is essential for ensuring the credibility, legitimacy and effectiveness of the EU’s policies and its ability to withstand external challenges and pressures, while at the same time fostering a more profound and cooperative relation with the Eastern Partnership countries;

| 8. | Underlines, in this regard, that the deepening of EU integration and coherence between its internal and external policies is the key to a more coherent, effective and successful EU external and security policy, including vis-à-vis Russia; calls, therefore, on the Member States to carry on with, and intensify their efforts towards, the effective elimination of decision-making bottlenecks and, also with candidate countries, the consolidation of common policies, in particular in the areas of trade, financial services and transactions, migration, energy, external borders management, information and cyber security; |
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8.

Underlines, in this regard, that the deepening of EU integration and coherence between its internal and external policies is the key to a more coherent, effective and successful EU external and security policy, including vis-à-vis Russia; calls, therefore, on the Member States to carry on with, and intensify their efforts towards, the effective elimination of decision-making bottlenecks and, also with candidate countries, the consolidation of common policies, in particular in the areas of trade, financial services and transactions, migration, energy, external borders management, information and cyber security;

| 9. | Reiterates its call on the EU and its Member States to make full use of the provisions and instruments of the Lisbon Treaty, with a view to reinforcing the forward-looking and strategic nature of the European common foreign and security policy; is furthermore of the firm conviction that the central role of human rights in every aspect of the external action of the EU is a prerequisite for ensuring its respected and credible role as a global actor; |
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9.

Reiterates its call on the EU and its Member States to make full use of the provisions and instruments of the Lisbon Treaty, with a view to reinforcing the forward-looking and strategic nature of the European common foreign and security policy; is furthermore of the firm conviction that the central role of human rights in every aspect of the external action of the EU is a prerequisite for ensuring its respected and credible role as a global actor;

| 10. | Reiterates its conviction that energy policy is a significant element of EU external policy; firmly supports, therefore, the swift creation of a robust European Energy Union, specifically the interconnection of national energy networks in order to reduce considerably the dependence of individual Member States on external energy suppliers, particularly Russia; is of the firm conviction that the challenges to, and vulnerability of, European solidarity, and the exposure of individual Member States and candidate countries, to the use of energy as a political and diplomatic bargaining chip can only be combated effectively through the full application of EU energy legislation, and in particular the implementation of the Third Energy package and the completion of a free, transparent, integrated, synchronised, energy-efficient — with an adequate proportion of renewables — and resilient European internal energy market with diversified supply, and to which competition legislation must apply unequivocally; calls on the EU to provide adequate support to the Contracting Parties of the Energy Community that have committed to the implementation of the EU energy acquis, with a view to enhancing their negotiating positions vis-à-vis external energy suppliers; |
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10.

Reiterates its conviction that energy policy is a significant element of EU external policy; firmly supports, therefore, the swift creation of a robust European Energy Union, specifically the interconnection of national energy networks in order to reduce considerably the dependence of individual Member States on external energy suppliers, particularly Russia; is of the firm conviction that the challenges to, and vulnerability of, European solidarity, and the exposure of individual Member States and candidate countries, to the use of energy as a political and diplomatic bargaining chip can only be combated effectively through the full application of EU energy legislation, and in particular the implementation of the Third Energy package and the completion of a free, transparent, integrated, synchronised, energy-efficient — with an adequate proportion of renewables — and resilient European internal energy market with diversified supply, and to which competition legislation must apply unequivocally; calls on the EU to provide adequate support to the Contracting Parties of the Energy Community that have committed to the implementation of the EU energy acquis, with a view to enhancing their negotiating positions vis-à-vis external energy suppliers;

| 11. | Stresses the necessity and relevance of the suspension of cooperation with Russia in the defence sector in view of its aggressive attitude, and calls on the Member States and candidate countries to refrain from taking any decisions that could jeopardise this united position; is therefore of the view that, notwithstanding their bilateral nature, agreements in the field of defence cooperation with Russia should be assessed carefully at EU level, with a view to defining an appropriate and consistent approach; notes the importance of the cooperation between the EU and NATO in that regard; |
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11.

Stresses the necessity and relevance of the suspension of cooperation with Russia in the defence sector in view of its aggressive attitude, and calls on the Member States and candidate countries to refrain from taking any decisions that could jeopardise this united position; is therefore of the view that, notwithstanding their bilateral nature, agreements in the field of defence cooperation with Russia should be assessed carefully at EU level, with a view to defining an appropriate and consistent approach; notes the importance of the cooperation between the EU and NATO in that regard;

| 12. | Is deeply concerned by the ever-growing restrictions on media and internet freedom, the tightening of online media control, the use of coercion to curb impartial reporting and the erosion of journalistic standards in Russia, as well as the increasing monopoly on the information available to Russian-language audiences abroad by state-owned media outlets; condemns the ban on broadcasting of Ukrainian and Tatar TV channels in Crimea; |
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12.

Is deeply concerned by the ever-growing restrictions on media and internet freedom, the tightening of online media control, the use of coercion to curb impartial reporting and the erosion of journalistic standards in Russia, as well as the increasing monopoly on the information available to Russian-language audiences abroad by state-owned media outlets; condemns the ban on broadcasting of Ukrainian and Tatar TV channels in Crimea;

| 13. | Renews its call for the development of strengthened analytical and monitoring capabilities of Russian propaganda, especially in the Russian language, in order to be able to identify, and respond swiftly and appropriately to, deliberately biased information spread in various EU languages; calls on the Commission to earmark without delay adequate funding for concrete projects aimed at countering Russian propaganda and misinformation within the EU and abroad, and at providing objective information to the general public in Eastern partner countries, and to develop the appropriate instruments for strategic communication; welcomes, in that regard, the conclusions of the European Council of 20 March 2015 on an action plan to counter disinformation campaigns; calls on the Commission and the Member States to also devise a coordinated mechanism for transparency of and for the collection, monitoring and reporting of financial, political or technical assistance provided by Russia to political parties and other organisations within the EU, with a view to assessing its involvement in, and influence over, political life and public opinion in the EU and its Eastern neighbours, and to take appropriate measures; |
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13.

Renews its call for the development of strengthened analytical and monitoring capabilities of Russian propaganda, especially in the Russian language, in order to be able to identify, and respond swiftly and appropriately to, deliberately biased information spread in various EU languages; calls on the Commission to earmark without delay adequate funding for concrete projects aimed at countering Russian propaganda and misinformation within the EU and abroad, and at providing objective information to the general public in Eastern partner countries, and to develop the appropriate instruments for strategic communication; welcomes, in that regard, the conclusions of the European Council of 20 March 2015 on an action plan to counter disinformation campaigns; calls on the Commission and the Member States to also devise a coordinated mechanism for transparency of and for the collection, monitoring and reporting of financial, political or technical assistance provided by Russia to political parties and other organisations within the EU, with a view to assessing its involvement in, and influence over, political life and public opinion in the EU and its Eastern neighbours, and to take appropriate measures;

| 14. | Is deeply concerned at the recent tendency of the Russian state-controlled media to rewrite and reinterpret historical events of the twentieth century, such as the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and its secret protocols, as well as the selective use of historical narrative for current political propaganda; |
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14.

Is deeply concerned at the recent tendency of the Russian state-controlled media to rewrite and reinterpret historical events of the twentieth century, such as the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and its secret protocols, as well as the selective use of historical narrative for current political propaganda;

| 15. | Is deeply concerned at the ever more intensive contacts and cooperation, tolerated by the Russian leadership, between European populist, fascist and extreme right-wing parties on the one hand and nationalist groups in Russia on the other; recognises that this represents a danger to democratic values and the rule of law in the EU; calls in this connection on the EU institutions and Member States to take action against this threat of an emerging ‘Nationalist International’; |
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15.

Is deeply concerned at the ever more intensive contacts and cooperation, tolerated by the Russian leadership, between European populist, fascist and extreme right-wing parties on the one hand and nationalist groups in Russia on the other; recognises that this represents a danger to democratic values and the rule of law in the EU; calls in this connection on the EU institutions and Member States to take action against this threat of an emerging ‘Nationalist International’;

| 16. | Is deeply concerned with Russia’s support for and financing of radical and extremist parties in the EU Member States; considers a recent meeting in St Petersburg of the far right parties an insult to the memory of millions of Russians who sacrificed their lives to save the world from Nazism; |
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16.

Is deeply concerned with Russia’s support for and financing of radical and extremist parties in the EU Member States; considers a recent meeting in St Petersburg of the far right parties an insult to the memory of millions of Russians who sacrificed their lives to save the world from Nazism;

| 17. | Calls on the EU to provide support to projects aimed at promoting and developing high journalistic standards, freedom of the media, and unbiased and trustworthy information in Russia, and at deconstructing propaganda within the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries; calls on the Commission to make available adequate funding for initiatives developing Russian-language media alternatives to Russian state-controlled media, in order to provide Russian-speaking audiences with credible and independent sources of information; |
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17.

Calls on the EU to provide support to projects aimed at promoting and developing high journalistic standards, freedom of the media, and unbiased and trustworthy information in Russia, and at deconstructing propaganda within the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries; calls on the Commission to make available adequate funding for initiatives developing Russian-language media alternatives to Russian state-controlled media, in order to provide Russian-speaking audiences with credible and independent sources of information;

| 18. | Reiterates that uncompromising respect for the rule of law is a core and founding principle of the EU and calls for its strict, swift and unconditional application in the event of any breach of the rules; calls on the Commission to apply with the same determination the principle of free and fair competition in the Single Market, including in the proceedings against Gazprom; takes the view that the EU and its Member States have to put a stronger emphasis on the need for Russia to approach constructively its WTO membership and to comply fully with subsequent commitments, including by ending unjustified trade restrictions and providing non-discriminatory access to its market; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Reiterates that uncompromising respect for the rule of law is a core and founding principle of the EU and calls for its strict, swift and unconditional application in the event of any breach of the rules; calls on the Commission to apply with the same determination the principle of free and fair competition in the Single Market, including in the proceedings against Gazprom; takes the view that the EU and its Member States have to put a stronger emphasis on the need for Russia to approach constructively its WTO membership and to comply fully with subsequent commitments, including by ending unjustified trade restrictions and providing non-discriminatory access to its market;

| 19. | Calls on Russia to cooperate fully with the international community on the investigation into the downing of flight MH17, and condemns any attempt or decision to grant amnesty or delay prosecution for those identified as responsible; reiterates its call on Russia to return immediately the wreckage and all of the black boxes of the Polish Government plane which crashed in Smolensk; calls on all the EU Institutions to raise these requests in any bilateral contact with the Russian authorities; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on Russia to cooperate fully with the international community on the investigation into the downing of flight MH17, and condemns any attempt or decision to grant amnesty or delay prosecution for those identified as responsible; reiterates its call on Russia to return immediately the wreckage and all of the black boxes of the Polish Government plane which crashed in Smolensk; calls on all the EU Institutions to raise these requests in any bilateral contact with the Russian authorities;

| 20. | Calls on the Government of the Russian Federation to acknowledge the scope and gravity of the problem of violence and harassment against LGBTI people in Russia, and to commit to taking steps to end these abuses and to repeal the provisions of Law No. 135-FZ of 29 June 2013 (the ‘gay propaganda’ law) banning distribution of information about LGBTI relationships; calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the EU Member States to raise the issue of homophobia and violence against LGBTI people and activists in meetings with relevant Russian officials, including at the highest level; calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the EU Member States — in line with the June 2013 EU guidelines — to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI people, to contribute to combating any form of anti-LGBTI violence by seeking assistance and redress for victims of such violence and by supporting civil society and governmental initiatives to monitor cases of violence, and by educating law enforcement personnel; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on the Government of the Russian Federation to acknowledge the scope and gravity of the problem of violence and harassment against LGBTI people in Russia, and to commit to taking steps to end these abuses and to repeal the provisions of Law No. 135-FZ of 29 June 2013 (the ‘gay propaganda’ law) banning distribution of information about LGBTI relationships; calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the EU Member States to raise the issue of homophobia and violence against LGBTI people and activists in meetings with relevant Russian officials, including at the highest level; calls on the EEAS, the Commission and the EU Member States — in line with the June 2013 EU guidelines — to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI people, to contribute to combating any form of anti-LGBTI violence by seeking assistance and redress for victims of such violence and by supporting civil society and governmental initiatives to monitor cases of violence, and by educating law enforcement personnel;

| 21. | Bearing in mind the enrichment of a society through the development of genuine and independent civil society, expresses its deep concern at the deteriorating state of human rights, including the rights of freedom of expression, association and assembly and the rights of LGBTI people, and the rule of law in Russia and in Crimea following its illegal annexation; strongly condemns the government's continued crackdown on dissent by targeting independent NGOs through the so-called ‘foreign agents law’ and the persistent and multiform repression of activists, political opponents and critics of the regime; draws particular attention to the assassinations of Anna Politkovskaya, Natalya Estemirova, Boris Nemtsov, Sergey Magnitsky, Alexander Litvinenko and others; demands that all assassinations of political activists, journalists and whistleblowers be investigated properly and independently, that those responsible be brought to justice as a sign of the uncompromising fight against impunity, and that targeted restrictive measures be considered if the investigations carried out are not in line with international standards; reiterates its call on the Council to deliver on its commitment to defend these principles, and to adopt, upon a proposal which should be submitted without delay by the VP/HR, restrictive measures for the officials involved in the well-documented Magnitsky case; underlines that the obligation for Russia to comply with human rights and the rule of law standards proceeds directly from its membership of the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Bearing in mind the enrichment of a society through the development of genuine and independent civil society, expresses its deep concern at the deteriorating state of human rights, including the rights of freedom of expression, association and assembly and the rights of LGBTI people, and the rule of law in Russia and in Crimea following its illegal annexation; strongly condemns the government's continued crackdown on dissent by targeting independent NGOs through the so-called ‘foreign agents law’ and the persistent and multiform repression of activists, political opponents and critics of the regime; draws particular attention to the assassinations of Anna Politkovskaya, Natalya Estemirova, Boris Nemtsov, Sergey Magnitsky, Alexander Litvinenko and others; demands that all assassinations of political activists, journalists and whistleblowers be investigated properly and independently, that those responsible be brought to justice as a sign of the uncompromising fight against impunity, and that targeted restrictive measures be considered if the investigations carried out are not in line with international standards; reiterates its call on the Council to deliver on its commitment to defend these principles, and to adopt, upon a proposal which should be submitted without delay by the VP/HR, restrictive measures for the officials involved in the well-documented Magnitsky case; underlines that the obligation for Russia to comply with human rights and the rule of law standards proceeds directly from its membership of the UN, the Council of Europe and the OSCE;

| 22. | Stresses the importance of continued political and financial support for independent civil society activists, human rights defenders, bloggers, independent media, outspoken academics and public figures and NGOs, with a view to promoting democratic values, fundamental freedoms and human rights in Russia and in occupied Crimea; calls on the Commission to programme more ambitious financial assistance to Russian civil society from the existing external financial instruments; encourages the EU to reach out to Russian officials and civil society organisations that are inclined to develop a vision of political and diplomatic relations with the EU based on partnership and cooperation; underlines the need to promote, as much as possible, people-to-people contacts and to maintain, despite the current state of relations, strong dialogue and cooperation between EU and Russian students and researchers, between civil societies and between local authorities, with a view to diffusing tension and improving mutual understanding; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Stresses the importance of continued political and financial support for independent civil society activists, human rights defenders, bloggers, independent media, outspoken academics and public figures and NGOs, with a view to promoting democratic values, fundamental freedoms and human rights in Russia and in occupied Crimea; calls on the Commission to programme more ambitious financial assistance to Russian civil society from the existing external financial instruments; encourages the EU to reach out to Russian officials and civil society organisations that are inclined to develop a vision of political and diplomatic relations with the EU based on partnership and cooperation; underlines the need to promote, as much as possible, people-to-people contacts and to maintain, despite the current state of relations, strong dialogue and cooperation between EU and Russian students and researchers, between civil societies and between local authorities, with a view to diffusing tension and improving mutual understanding;

| 23. | Calls on the Commission to propose legislation ensuring the full transparency of political funding and financing of political parties in the EU in line with the recommendation of the Council of Europe with regard, in particular, to political or economic stakeholders outside the EU; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Commission to propose legislation ensuring the full transparency of political funding and financing of political parties in the EU in line with the recommendation of the Council of Europe with regard, in particular, to political or economic stakeholders outside the EU;

| 24. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the European External Action Service, the Government and Parliament of the Russian Federation, and the Governments and Parliaments of the Eastern Partnership countries. |
| --- | --- |

24.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the European External Action Service, the Government and Parliament of the Russian Federation, and the Governments and Parliaments of the Eastern Partnership countries.

---

(1)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0505.

(2)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0383.

(3)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0101.

(4)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0025.

(5)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0074.

(6)  ‘Protocol on the results of consultations of the Trilateral Contact Group’, signed on 5 September 2014, and ‘Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements’, adopted on 12 February 2015.

(7)  UNGA Resolution A/RES/68/262 on Territorial integrity of Ukraine.

(8)  UNSC Resolution S/RES/2202(2015).

(9)  Common steps towards visa-free short-term travel of Russian and EU citizens.

---

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/42 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/42

---

P8_TA(2015)0226

OLAF Supervisory Committee's annual report 2014

European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2015 on the OLAF Supervisory Committee’s annual report 2014 (2015/2699(RSP))

(2016/C 407/05)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999 (1),

| — | having regard to its decision of 29 April 2015 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2013, Section III — Commission and executive agencies (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its decision of 29 April 2015 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2013, Section III — Commission and executive agencies (2),

| — | having regard to its decision of 3 April 2014 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2012, Section III — Commission and executive agencies (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its decision of 3 April 2014 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2012, Section III — Commission and executive agencies (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2013 on the Annual Report 2011 on the protection of the EU’s financial interests — Fight against fraud (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2013 on the Annual Report 2011 on the protection of the EU’s financial interests — Fight against fraud (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 11 March 2015 on the Annual Report 2013 on the protection of the EU’s financial interests — Fight against fraud (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 11 March 2015 on the Annual Report 2013 on the protection of the EU’s financial interests — Fight against fraud (5),

| — | having regard to the 2014 Annual Activity Report of the OLAF Supervisory Committee (hereinafter ‘the SC’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2014 Annual Activity Report of the OLAF Supervisory Committee (hereinafter ‘the SC’),

| — | having regard to Opinion No 4/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘Control of the duration of investigations conducted by the European Anti-fraud Office’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Opinion No 4/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘Control of the duration of investigations conducted by the European Anti-fraud Office’,

| — | having regard to OLAF’s response to Opinion No 4/2014 of the SC, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to OLAF’s response to Opinion No 4/2014 of the SC,

| — | having regard to Opinion No 5/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘OLAF external reporting on the duration of investigations’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Opinion No 5/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘OLAF external reporting on the duration of investigations’,

| — | having regard to OLAF’s response to Opinion No 5/2014 of the SC, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to OLAF’s response to Opinion No 5/2014 of the SC,

| — | having regard to Report No 1/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘Safeguarding OLAF’s investigative independence’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Report No 1/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘Safeguarding OLAF’s investigative independence’,

| — | having regard to Report No 2/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘Implementation by OLAF of the Supervisory Committee’s recommendations’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Report No 2/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘Implementation by OLAF of the Supervisory Committee’s recommendations’,

| — | having regard to Report No 3/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘Opening of cases in OLAF in 2012’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Report No 3/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘Opening of cases in OLAF in 2012’,

| — | having regard to OLAF’s response to Report No 3/2014 of the SC, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to OLAF’s response to Report No 3/2014 of the SC,

| — | having regard to the SC’s Note on the Supervisory Committee’s Analysis of the OLAF Draft IPPs for 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the SC’s Note on the Supervisory Committee’s Analysis of the OLAF Draft IPPs for 2015,

| — | having regard to the SC’s 2013 Annual Activity Report, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the SC’s 2013 Annual Activity Report,

| — | having regard to Opinion No 2/2013 of the SC, entitled ‘Establishing an internal OLAF procedure for complaints’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Opinion No 2/2013 of the SC, entitled ‘Establishing an internal OLAF procedure for complaints’,

| — | having regard to Opinion No 1/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘OLAF Investigation Policy Priorities’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Opinion No 1/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘OLAF Investigation Policy Priorities’,

| — | having regard to Opinion No 2/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘Case selection in OLAF’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Opinion No 2/2014 of the SC, entitled ‘Case selection in OLAF’,

| — | having regard to the SC’s observations on investigation procedures in OLAF, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the SC’s observations on investigation procedures in OLAF,

| — | having regard to the SC’s 2012 Recommendations, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the SC’s 2012 Recommendations,

| — | having regard to the SC paper entitled ‘Mission, competences and objectives of the Supervisory Committee of the European Anti-Fraud Office — Mid-term strategy (2014-2015)’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the SC paper entitled ‘Mission, competences and objectives of the Supervisory Committee of the European Anti-Fraud Office — Mid-term strategy (2014-2015)’,

| — | having regard to the SC’s Working Arrangements with OLAF, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the SC’s Working Arrangements with OLAF,

| — | having regard to the questions to the Commission and to the Council on the OLAF Supervisory Committee’s annual report 2014 (O-000060/2015 — B8-0553/2015, O-000061/2015 — B8-0554/2015 and O-000066/2015 — B8-0555/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the questions to the Commission and to the Council on the OLAF Supervisory Committee’s annual report 2014 (O-000060/2015 — B8-0553/2015, O-000061/2015 — B8-0554/2015 and O-000066/2015 — B8-0555/2015),

| — | having regard to Rules 128(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 128(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas in its Annual Activity Report 2014 the OLAF Supervisory Committee (SC) noted that at the time of the reorganisation of OLAF (1 February 2012), 423 cases were opened on the same day by a single decision of the Director-General of OLAF (OLAF DG); whereas, on the basis of its analysis, the SC concluded that (i) OLAF did not conduct any appropriate assessment of the incoming information for any of the cases analysed by the SC, (ii) for the vast majority of cases there was not even a trace of any assessment activity, and (iii) the OLAF DG opened all the cases in question without establishing beforehand the existence of a sufficiently serious suspicion that there had been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the Union — which is in contradiction with the legal requirement for opening an OLAF investigation in force at that time; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas in its Annual Activity Report 2014 the OLAF Supervisory Committee (SC) noted that at the time of the reorganisation of OLAF (1 February 2012), 423 cases were opened on the same day by a single decision of the Director-General of OLAF (OLAF DG); whereas, on the basis of its analysis, the SC concluded that (i) OLAF did not conduct any appropriate assessment of the incoming information for any of the cases analysed by the SC, (ii) for the vast majority of cases there was not even a trace of any assessment activity, and (iii) the OLAF DG opened all the cases in question without establishing beforehand the existence of a sufficiently serious suspicion that there had been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the Union — which is in contradiction with the legal requirement for opening an OLAF investigation in force at that time;

| B. | whereas the SC, in its communications to the EU institutions, has pointed out that in spite of a clear obligation set out in Article 17(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013, the OLAF DG did not report to the SC in 2014 on those OLAF recommendations which were not implemented; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the SC, in its communications to the EU institutions, has pointed out that in spite of a clear obligation set out in Article 17(5) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013, the OLAF DG did not report to the SC in 2014 on those OLAF recommendations which were not implemented;

| C. | whereas in the first half of its mandate the SC issued 50 recommendations to OLAF, of which only eight were fully implemented, six were partially implemented, one is pending and 20 were not implemented, and whereas in 15 cases the SC was not able to verify implementation owing to insufficient substantive information; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas in the first half of its mandate the SC issued 50 recommendations to OLAF, of which only eight were fully implemented, six were partially implemented, one is pending and 20 were not implemented, and whereas in 15 cases the SC was not able to verify implementation owing to insufficient substantive information;

| D. | whereas the SC — in its note on the OLAF draft Investigation Policy Priorities (IPPs) for 2015 — observed that OLAF had not taken into account the three recommendations made in the SC’s Opinion No 1/2014: (i) the OLAF DG had not issued guidelines on the application of the selection principles arising from Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 (efficient use of resources, proportionality/subsidiarity, added value) and, instead of reviewing the financial indicators to adapt them to the reality of spending programmes, had abolished them completely; (ii) the draft IPPs for 2015 appeared to take into consideration several documents from stakeholders, but no dialogue with the stakeholders seemed to have taken place with regard to financial indicators and to possible follow-up of the cases showing sufficient suspicion of fraud, but which had been dismissed on the basis of the IPPs or the selection principles; (iii) the OLAF DG had not forwarded to the SC an assessment of the application of the previous IPPs or a summary of the feedback provided by stakeholders, despite a previous commitment to do so; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the SC — in its note on the OLAF draft Investigation Policy Priorities (IPPs) for 2015 — observed that OLAF had not taken into account the three recommendations made in the SC’s Opinion No 1/2014: (i) the OLAF DG had not issued guidelines on the application of the selection principles arising from Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 (efficient use of resources, proportionality/subsidiarity, added value) and, instead of reviewing the financial indicators to adapt them to the reality of spending programmes, had abolished them completely; (ii) the draft IPPs for 2015 appeared to take into consideration several documents from stakeholders, but no dialogue with the stakeholders seemed to have taken place with regard to financial indicators and to possible follow-up of the cases showing sufficient suspicion of fraud, but which had been dismissed on the basis of the IPPs or the selection principles; (iii) the OLAF DG had not forwarded to the SC an assessment of the application of the previous IPPs or a summary of the feedback provided by stakeholders, despite a previous commitment to do so;

| E. | whereas the SC had constantly pointed out its inability to supervise OLAF’s independence, its investigative function, the application of procedural guarantees and the duration of investigations, on account of the lack of access to necessary information; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the SC had constantly pointed out its inability to supervise OLAF’s independence, its investigative function, the application of procedural guarantees and the duration of investigations, on account of the lack of access to necessary information;

| F. | whereas the SC has stated that the core of the problem with regard to the effectiveness of its supervisory role is not poor implementation of the Working Arrangements, but a fundamental difference of views between the SC and the OLAF DG in their perceptions of the SC’s role; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the SC has stated that the core of the problem with regard to the effectiveness of its supervisory role is not poor implementation of the Working Arrangements, but a fundamental difference of views between the SC and the OLAF DG in their perceptions of the SC’s role;

| G. | whereas Parliament, in its aforementioned resolutions on the Annual Reports 2011 and 2013 on the protection of the EU’s financial interests — Fight against fraud, called for an improvement in the SC’s ability to fulfil its role; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas Parliament, in its aforementioned resolutions on the Annual Reports 2011 and 2013 on the protection of the EU’s financial interests — Fight against fraud, called for an improvement in the SC’s ability to fulfil its role;

| H. | whereas the SC has on several occasions called on the EU institutions either to reinforce its competences, in particular through full access to OLAF case files, or to take other measures to ensure OLAF’s accountability; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the SC has on several occasions called on the EU institutions either to reinforce its competences, in particular through full access to OLAF case files, or to take other measures to ensure OLAF’s accountability;

| I. | whereas in March 2014 the OLAF DG committed to report to the SC once a year on the number of complaints received, the timeliness of their processing and their classification as either justified or not; whereas, however, the SC reports that it has not received any such information; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas in March 2014 the OLAF DG committed to report to the SC once a year on the number of complaints received, the timeliness of their processing and their classification as either justified or not; whereas, however, the SC reports that it has not received any such information;

| J. | whereas Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 reinforced the SC’s role in monitoring the duration of OLAF’s investigations; whereas, notwithstanding OLAF’s formal compliance with its obligation to report regularly to the SC on investigations lasting more than 12 months, the SC concluded, in its Opinion No 4/2014 entitled ‘Control of the duration of investigations conducted by OLAF’, that the information provided to it had been insufficient to enable it to properly and effectively monitor the duration of OLAF’s investigations; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 reinforced the SC’s role in monitoring the duration of OLAF’s investigations; whereas, notwithstanding OLAF’s formal compliance with its obligation to report regularly to the SC on investigations lasting more than 12 months, the SC concluded, in its Opinion No 4/2014 entitled ‘Control of the duration of investigations conducted by OLAF’, that the information provided to it had been insufficient to enable it to properly and effectively monitor the duration of OLAF’s investigations;

| K. | whereas, in its Opinion No 5/2014 entitled ‘OLAF external reporting on the duration of investigations’, the SC concluded that the reporting on the duration of investigations by OLAF had not provided a comprehensive view of its investigative performance; whereas, while OLAF stated in its annual report that ‘investigations are being completed in less time’, the SC concluded that the improvement in the results of OLAF investigations was due to the introduction of new calculation methods; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas, in its Opinion No 5/2014 entitled ‘OLAF external reporting on the duration of investigations’, the SC concluded that the reporting on the duration of investigations by OLAF had not provided a comprehensive view of its investigative performance; whereas, while OLAF stated in its annual report that ‘investigations are being completed in less time’, the SC concluded that the improvement in the results of OLAF investigations was due to the introduction of new calculation methods;

| L. | whereas, in its Report No 1/2014 entitled ‘Safeguarding OLAF’s independence’, the SC called for clarification of OLAF’s role in the implementation of the Commission’s anti-fraud policy in the cigarette sector; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas, in its Report No 1/2014 entitled ‘Safeguarding OLAF’s independence’, the SC called for clarification of OLAF’s role in the implementation of the Commission’s anti-fraud policy in the cigarette sector;

| M. | whereas for two years in a row the SC has expressed, in its Annual Activity Report, its concerns about the lack of transparency regarding OLAF’s participation in the Commission ‘Clearing House’ meetings and the inherent risks with regard to OLAF’s investigative independence; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas for two years in a row the SC has expressed, in its Annual Activity Report, its concerns about the lack of transparency regarding OLAF’s participation in the Commission ‘Clearing House’ meetings and the inherent risks with regard to OLAF’s investigative independence;

| N. | whereas the SC has drawn the EU institutions’ attention to the need to implement the requirements of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 concerning the independent functioning of the SC Secretariat; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the SC has drawn the EU institutions’ attention to the need to implement the requirements of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 concerning the independent functioning of the SC Secretariat;

| O. | whereas the SC has identified four basic conditions to ensure the independent functioning of the Secretariat: (i) recruitment, appraisal and promotion of the Head of the Secretariat on the basis of the SC’s decisions; (ii) reclassification of the Head of the Secretariat as a senior manager; (iii) recruitment, appraisal and promotion of the staff of the Secretariat by its Head; (iv) sub-delegation of the Secretariat’s budget implementation to its Head; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the SC has identified four basic conditions to ensure the independent functioning of the Secretariat: (i) recruitment, appraisal and promotion of the Head of the Secretariat on the basis of the SC’s decisions; (ii) reclassification of the Head of the Secretariat as a senior manager; (iii) recruitment, appraisal and promotion of the staff of the Secretariat by its Head; (iv) sub-delegation of the Secretariat’s budget implementation to its Head;

| P. | whereas Parliament has considered OLAF’s responses to the SC reports and opinions that were delivered to Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas Parliament has considered OLAF’s responses to the SC reports and opinions that were delivered to Parliament;

| 1. | Strongly emphasises OLAF’s responsibility to comply with the legal requirements for opening an investigation; recalls that, as regards the 423 cases opened on the same day, only 8,4 % of those that were closed resulted in recommendations; calls on the SC to follow up compliance with the legal requirements on a regular basis; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Strongly emphasises OLAF’s responsibility to comply with the legal requirements for opening an investigation; recalls that, as regards the 423 cases opened on the same day, only 8,4 % of those that were closed resulted in recommendations; calls on the SC to follow up compliance with the legal requirements on a regular basis;

| 2. | Refers to its aforementioned resolution of 29 April 2015 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2013, and urges OLAF, without undue delay, to provide justification for the cases in which it has not implemented the SC’s recommendations; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Refers to its aforementioned resolution of 29 April 2015 on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2013, and urges OLAF, without undue delay, to provide justification for the cases in which it has not implemented the SC’s recommendations;

| 3. | Considers it regrettable that the SC found it impossible to conclude whether the IPPs had been identified correctly and whether their application had positive or negative consequences for the fight against fraud and corruption; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Considers it regrettable that the SC found it impossible to conclude whether the IPPs had been identified correctly and whether their application had positive or negative consequences for the fight against fraud and corruption;

| 4. | Deplores the fact that the SC is not able to implement its mandate fully; refers to its aforementioned resolutions on the Annual Reports 2011 and 2013 on the protection of the EU’s financial interests — Fight against fraud, and asks the Commission to take measures to improve the SC’s ability to supervise OLAF’s independence, its investigative function, the application of procedural guarantees and the duration of investigations, without, however, putting OLAF’s independence at risk; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Deplores the fact that the SC is not able to implement its mandate fully; refers to its aforementioned resolutions on the Annual Reports 2011 and 2013 on the protection of the EU’s financial interests — Fight against fraud, and asks the Commission to take measures to improve the SC’s ability to supervise OLAF’s independence, its investigative function, the application of procedural guarantees and the duration of investigations, without, however, putting OLAF’s independence at risk;

| 5. | Urges the Commission to facilitate the negotiations between OLAF and the SC by drawing up an action plan by 31 December 2015 with a view to amending the Working Arrangements to create a working environment in which the SC can fulfil its mandate; takes the view that the amended Working Arrangements should clarify the SC’s role to all the parties concerned; notes that the secretariat of the supervisory body is under the (administrative) control of the supervised body; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Urges the Commission to facilitate the negotiations between OLAF and the SC by drawing up an action plan by 31 December 2015 with a view to amending the Working Arrangements to create a working environment in which the SC can fulfil its mandate; takes the view that the amended Working Arrangements should clarify the SC’s role to all the parties concerned; notes that the secretariat of the supervisory body is under the (administrative) control of the supervised body;

| 6. | Calls for the fulfilment of the OLAF DG’s commitment to provide the SC with the number of complaints received, the timeliness of their processing and their classification as either justified or not; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls for the fulfilment of the OLAF DG’s commitment to provide the SC with the number of complaints received, the timeliness of their processing and their classification as either justified or not;

| 7. | Urges OLAF to comply with the legal requirements to enable the SC to fulfil one of its core functions with regard to supervising the duration of OLAF’s investigations; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Urges OLAF to comply with the legal requirements to enable the SC to fulfil one of its core functions with regard to supervising the duration of OLAF’s investigations;

| 8. | Welcomes, however, the fact that OLAF and the SC have started to work together to improve the information OLAF provides to the SC and to enrich the content of the reports on investigations lasting more than 12 months; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Welcomes, however, the fact that OLAF and the SC have started to work together to improve the information OLAF provides to the SC and to enrich the content of the reports on investigations lasting more than 12 months;

| 9. | Notes that out of 134 investigators at the end of 2014, 13 (10 %) were assigned to the tobacco and counterfeit unit, and 44 (33 %) to the units for agricultural and structural funds, which accounted for 86 % of the financial interests at stake (EUR 1,9 billion); recommends, therefore, that OLAF reconsider the allocation of its resources; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Notes that out of 134 investigators at the end of 2014, 13 (10 %) were assigned to the tobacco and counterfeit unit, and 44 (33 %) to the units for agricultural and structural funds, which accounted for 86 % of the financial interests at stake (EUR 1,9 billion); recommends, therefore, that OLAF reconsider the allocation of its resources;

| 10. | Expresses concerns about the transparency of OLAF’s participation in the Commission ‘Clearing House’ meetings; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Expresses concerns about the transparency of OLAF’s participation in the Commission ‘Clearing House’ meetings;

| 11. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the national parliaments and the OLAF Supervisory Committee. |
| --- | --- |

11.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the national parliaments and the OLAF Supervisory Committee.

---

(1)  OJ L 248, 18.9.2013, p. 1.

(2)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0118.

(3)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0287.

(4)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0318.

(5)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0062.

---

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/46 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/46

---

P8_TA(2015)0227

Situation in Hungary

European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2015 on the situation in Hungary (2015/2700(RSP))

(2016/C 407/06)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the preamble to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular the second and the fourth to seventh recitals thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the preamble to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular the second and the fourth to seventh recitals thereof,

| — | having regard in particular to Article 2, the second subparagraph of Article 3(3), Article 6 and Article 7 of the TEU, and to the articles of the TEU and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) relating to respect for, and the promotion and protection of, fundamental rights in the EU, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard in particular to Article 2, the second subparagraph of Article 3(3), Article 6 and Article 7 of the TEU, and to the articles of the TEU and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) relating to respect for, and the promotion and protection of, fundamental rights in the EU,

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union of 7 December 2000, which was proclaimed on 12 December 2007 in Strasbourg and entered into force with the Treaty of Lisbon in December 2009, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union of 7 December 2000, which was proclaimed on 12 December 2007 in Strasbourg and entered into force with the Treaty of Lisbon in December 2009,

| — | having regard to Articles 1, 2 and 19 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 1, 2 and 19 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Protocol No 13 to the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Protocol No 13 to the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances,

| — | having regard to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, and 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 Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, and 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 its resolution of 3 July 2013 on the situation of fundamental rights: standards and practices in Hungary (pursuant to the European Parliament resolution of 16 February 2012) (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2013 on the situation of fundamental rights: standards and practices in Hungary (pursuant to the European Parliament resolution of 16 February 2012) (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 27 February 2014 on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2012) (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 27 February 2014 on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2012) (2),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 11 March 2014 entitled ‘A new EU Framework to strengthen the Rule of Law’ (COM(2014)0158), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 11 March 2014 entitled ‘A new EU Framework to strengthen the Rule of Law’ (COM(2014)0158),

| — | having regard to the report of 16 December 2014 by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights following his visit to Hungary from 1 to 4 July 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of 16 December 2014 by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights following his visit to Hungary from 1 to 4 July 2014,

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the Council of the European Union and the Member States meeting within the Council of 16 December 2014 on ensuring respect for the rule of law, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the Council of the European Union and the Member States meeting within the Council of 16 December 2014 on ensuring respect for the rule of law,

| — | having regard to the hearing on the situation of human rights in Hungary held on 22 January 2015 by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the hearing on the situation of human rights in Hungary held on 22 January 2015 by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs,

| — | having regard to the Council and Commission statements presented at the plenary debate held in the European Parliament on 11 February 2015 on an EU framework for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council and Commission statements presented at the plenary debate held in the European Parliament on 11 February 2015 on an EU framework for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights,

| — | having regard to the exchange of views further to the Conference of Presidents’ decision of 30 April 2015 on the possible effects, including on its rights and status as a member of the European Union, if a Member State decided to reintroduce the death penalty, held on 7 May 2015 by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the exchange of views further to the Conference of Presidents’ decision of 30 April 2015 on the possible effects, including on its rights and status as a member of the European Union, if a Member State decided to reintroduce the death penalty, held on 7 May 2015 by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs,

| — | having regard to the Council and Commission statements presented at the plenary debate held in the European Parliament on 19 May 2015 on the situation in Hungary, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council and Commission statements presented at the plenary debate held in the European Parliament on 19 May 2015 on the situation in Hungary,

| — | having regard to Rule 123(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 123(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the European 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, and whereas these values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail (Article 2 TEU); |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the European 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, and whereas these values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail (Article 2 TEU);

| B. | whereas the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union prohibits any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union prohibits any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation;

| C. | whereas the abolition of the death penalty is a precondition for membership of the EU, with the EU holding a strong and principled position against the death penalty, the abolition of which is a key objective of its human rights policy; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the abolition of the death penalty is a precondition for membership of the EU, with the EU holding a strong and principled position against the death penalty, the abolition of which is a key objective of its human rights policy;

| D. | whereas the right to asylum is guaranteed, with due respect for the rules of the Geneva Convention of 28 July 1951 and the Protocol thereto of 31 January 1967 relating to the status of refugees, and in accordance with the TEU and the TFEU; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the right to asylum is guaranteed, with due respect for the rules of the Geneva Convention of 28 July 1951 and the Protocol thereto of 31 January 1967 relating to the status of refugees, and in accordance with the TEU and the TFEU;

| E. | whereas the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the European Convention on Human Rights have been fully incorporated into the Hungarian constitution; whereas recent developments in Hungary have, however, led to concerns over the situation in the country; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the European Convention on Human Rights have been fully incorporated into the Hungarian constitution; whereas recent developments in Hungary have, however, led to concerns over the situation in the country;

| F. | whereas on 28 April 2015 following recent events in Hungary, the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, made a statement concerning the need for public debate on the death penalty; whereas on 30 April 2015 the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, issued a press release stating that Viktor Orbán had assured him that the Hungarian Government has no plans to take any steps to reintroduce the death penalty and will comply with and honour all European treaties and legislation; whereas Viktor Orbán reiterated similar statements on 1 May 2015, however, during an interview on national public radio, adding that the decision to reintroduce the death penalty should fall under the sole competence of the Member States, thus deviating from the provisions of the EU Treaties; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas on 28 April 2015 following recent events in Hungary, the Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, made a statement concerning the need for public debate on the death penalty; whereas on 30 April 2015 the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, issued a press release stating that Viktor Orbán had assured him that the Hungarian Government has no plans to take any steps to reintroduce the death penalty and will comply with and honour all European treaties and legislation; whereas Viktor Orbán reiterated similar statements on 1 May 2015, however, during an interview on national public radio, adding that the decision to reintroduce the death penalty should fall under the sole competence of the Member States, thus deviating from the provisions of the EU Treaties;

| G. | whereas in May 2015 the Hungarian Government launched a public consultation on migration, having held a number of similar consultations in the past on other issues; whereas public consultation can be an important and valuable tool for governments to develop policies that can count on the support of the population; whereas the questions have received criticism regarding their leading and rhetorical nature, establishing a direct link between migratory phenomena and security threats; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas in May 2015 the Hungarian Government launched a public consultation on migration, having held a number of similar consultations in the past on other issues; whereas public consultation can be an important and valuable tool for governments to develop policies that can count on the support of the population; whereas the questions have received criticism regarding their leading and rhetorical nature, establishing a direct link between migratory phenomena and security threats;

| H. | whereas during the exchange of views in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs the majority of the political groups shared the view that the reintroduction of the death penalty and the questions asked in the public consultation were unacceptable; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas during the exchange of views in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs the majority of the political groups shared the view that the reintroduction of the death penalty and the questions asked in the public consultation were unacceptable;

| I. | whereas, in its statement presented at the plenary debate held in the European Parliament on 19 May 2015 on the situation in Hungary, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union declared that the Council had not discussed the situation in Hungary and therefore not adopted any formal position on that matter; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas, in its statement presented at the plenary debate held in the European Parliament on 19 May 2015 on the situation in Hungary, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union declared that the Council had not discussed the situation in Hungary and therefore not adopted any formal position on that matter;

| J. | whereas efforts to address the current situation in Hungary should not aim to single out a particular Member State or government but fulfil a collective obligation on all the EU institutions, and in particular the Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, to ensure the application of, and compliance with, the Treaties and the Charter across the Union and in every Member State; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas efforts to address the current situation in Hungary should not aim to single out a particular Member State or government but fulfil a collective obligation on all the EU institutions, and in particular the Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, to ensure the application of, and compliance with, the Treaties and the Charter across the Union and in every Member State;

| 1. | Insists that the death penalty is incompatible with the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights on which the Union is founded, and that any Member State reintroducing the death penalty would therefore be in violation of the Treaties and of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; reaffirms in the most adamant manner that the abolition of the death penalty constitutes a milestone in the development of fundamental rights in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Insists that the death penalty is incompatible with the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights on which the Union is founded, and that any Member State reintroducing the death penalty would therefore be in violation of the Treaties and of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; reaffirms in the most adamant manner that the abolition of the death penalty constitutes a milestone in the development of fundamental rights in Europe;

| 2. | Recalls that a serious breach by a Member State of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU would trigger the ‘Article 7’ procedure; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Recalls that a serious breach by a Member State of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU would trigger the ‘Article 7’ procedure;

| 3. | Condemns the repeated statements made by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán instigating a debate on a potential re-establishment of the death penalty in Hungary, thus institutionalising and fuelling a concept which is in breach of the values on which the Union is founded; notes, therefore, the statement made by Viktor Orbán not to reintroduce capital punishment in Hungary, and underlines the responsibility of a prime minister as head of government to promote EU values and to lead by example; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Condemns the repeated statements made by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán instigating a debate on a potential re-establishment of the death penalty in Hungary, thus institutionalising and fuelling a concept which is in breach of the values on which the Union is founded; notes, therefore, the statement made by Viktor Orbán not to reintroduce capital punishment in Hungary, and underlines the responsibility of a prime minister as head of government to promote EU values and to lead by example;

| 4. | Notes that Member States have the sovereign right to launch national consultations; recalls, however, that consultations should reflect the readiness of governments to exercise responsible governance aimed at securing democratic political solutions and respect for fundamental European values; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Notes that Member States have the sovereign right to launch national consultations; recalls, however, that consultations should reflect the readiness of governments to exercise responsible governance aimed at securing democratic political solutions and respect for fundamental European values;

| 5. | Denounces the public consultation on migration and the related country-wide billboard campaign initiated by the Hungarian Government, and stresses that the content and language used in the particular consultation launched in Hungary, on immigration and terrorism, are highly misleading, biased and unbalanced, establishing a biased and direct link between migratory phenomena and security threats; points out that replies to the online questionnaire are to be complemented by personal data, thus revealing one’s political opinions in violation of data protection rules; calls, therefore, for this consultation to be withdrawn; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Denounces the public consultation on migration and the related country-wide billboard campaign initiated by the Hungarian Government, and stresses that the content and language used in the particular consultation launched in Hungary, on immigration and terrorism, are highly misleading, biased and unbalanced, establishing a biased and direct link between migratory phenomena and security threats; points out that replies to the online questionnaire are to be complemented by personal data, thus revealing one’s political opinions in violation of data protection rules; calls, therefore, for this consultation to be withdrawn;

| 6. | Regrets the fact that the public consultation casts blame on the EU institutions and their policies without also acknowledging the responsibility of the Member States in these areas; recalls that the Member States are fully involved in the EU legislative process; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Regrets the fact that the public consultation casts blame on the EU institutions and their policies without also acknowledging the responsibility of the Member States in these areas; recalls that the Member States are fully involved in the EU legislative process;

| 7. | Invites all Member States to participate in a constructive manner in the current discussion on the European Agenda on Migration, which affects equally internal, external and development policies that have to be implemented in the EU; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Invites all Member States to participate in a constructive manner in the current discussion on the European Agenda on Migration, which affects equally internal, external and development policies that have to be implemented in the EU;

| 8. | Believes that all Member States have to comply fully with EU law in their legislative and administrative practice, and that all legislation, including the primary law of any Member State or candidate country, has to reflect and be in accordance with basic European values, namely democratic principles, the rule of law and fundamental rights; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Believes that all Member States have to comply fully with EU law in their legislative and administrative practice, and that all legislation, including the primary law of any Member State or candidate country, has to reflect and be in accordance with basic European values, namely democratic principles, the rule of law and fundamental rights;

| 9. | Deplores the absence of a reaction from the Council to the most recent developments in Hungary and denounces the lack of commitment by Member States to ensuring respect for the rule of law as specified in the Conclusions of the Council of the European Union of 16 December 2014; urges the Council of the European Union and the European Council to hold a discussion and adopt conclusions on the situation in Hungary; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Deplores the absence of a reaction from the Council to the most recent developments in Hungary and denounces the lack of commitment by Member States to ensuring respect for the rule of law as specified in the Conclusions of the Council of the European Union of 16 December 2014; urges the Council of the European Union and the European Council to hold a discussion and adopt conclusions on the situation in Hungary;

| 10. | Notes that these recent developments have led to concerns regarding the principles of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights in Hungary over the past year, which, taken together, could represent an emerging systemic threat to the rule of law in this Member State; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Notes that these recent developments have led to concerns regarding the principles of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights in Hungary over the past year, which, taken together, could represent an emerging systemic threat to the rule of law in this Member State;

| 11. | Urges the Commission to activate the first stage of the EU framework to strengthen the rule of law, and therefore to initiate immediately an in-depth monitoring process concerning the situation of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary, assessing a potential systemic serious breach of the values on which the Union is founded as per Article 2 TEU, including the combined impact of a number of measures exacerbating the state of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, and evaluating the emergence of a systemic threat to the rule of law in that Member State that could develop into a clear risk of a serious breach within the meaning of Article 7 TEU; asks the Commission to report back on this matter to Parliament and the Council before September 2015; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Urges the Commission to activate the first stage of the EU framework to strengthen the rule of law, and therefore to initiate immediately an in-depth monitoring process concerning the situation of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary, assessing a potential systemic serious breach of the values on which the Union is founded as per Article 2 TEU, including the combined impact of a number of measures exacerbating the state of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, and evaluating the emergence of a systemic threat to the rule of law in that Member State that could develop into a clear risk of a serious breach within the meaning of Article 7 TEU; asks the Commission to report back on this matter to Parliament and the Council before September 2015;

| 12. | Calls on the Commission to present a proposal for the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, as a tool for compliance with and enforcement of the Charter and Treaties as signed by all Member States, relying on common and objective indicators, and to carry out an impartial, yearly assessment on the situation of fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law in all Member States, indiscriminately and on an equal basis, involving an evaluation by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, together with appropriate binding and corrective mechanisms, in order to fill existing gaps and to allow for an automatic and gradual response to breaches of the rule of law and fundamental rights at Member State level; instructs its Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs to contribute to the development and elaboration of this proposal in the form of a legislative own-initiative report to be adopted by the end of the year; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls on the Commission to present a proposal for the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, as a tool for compliance with and enforcement of the Charter and Treaties as signed by all Member States, relying on common and objective indicators, and to carry out an impartial, yearly assessment on the situation of fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law in all Member States, indiscriminately and on an equal basis, involving an evaluation by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, together with appropriate binding and corrective mechanisms, in order to fill existing gaps and to allow for an automatic and gradual response to breaches of the rule of law and fundamental rights at Member State level; instructs its Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs to contribute to the development and elaboration of this proposal in the form of a legislative own-initiative report to be adopted by the end of the year;

| 13. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the President, Government and Parliament of Hungary, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the candidate countries, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

13.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the President, Government and Parliament of Hungary, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the candidate countries, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

---

(1)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0315.

(2)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0173.

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| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/50 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/50

---

P8_TA(2015)0228

2014 Progress Report on Turkey

European Parliament resolution of 10 June 2015 on the 2014 Commission Progress Report on Turkey (2014/2953(RSP))

(2016/C 407/07)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the 2014 Commission Progress Report on Turkey (SWD(2014)0307), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2014 Commission Progress Report on Turkey (SWD(2014)0307),

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 8 October 2014 entitled ‘Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2014-15’ (COM(2014)0700), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 8 October 2014 entitled ‘Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2014-15’ (COM(2014)0700),

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions, in particular those of 10 February 2010 on Turkey’s progress report 2009 (1), 9 March 2011 on Turkey’s 2010 progress report (2), 29 March 2012 on the 2011 Progress Report on Turkey (3), 18 April 2013 on the 2012 Progress Report on Turkey (4), 13 June 2013 on the situation in Turkey (5), 12 March 2014 on the 2013 progress report on Turkey (6), 13 November 2014 on Turkish actions creating tensions in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus (7) and 15 January 2015 on freedom of expression in Turkey (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions, in particular those of 10 February 2010 on Turkey’s progress report 2009 (1), 9 March 2011 on Turkey’s 2010 progress report (2), 29 March 2012 on the 2011 Progress Report on Turkey (3), 18 April 2013 on the 2012 Progress Report on Turkey (4), 13 June 2013 on the situation in Turkey (5), 12 March 2014 on the 2013 progress report on Turkey (6), 13 November 2014 on Turkish actions creating tensions in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus (7) and 15 January 2015 on freedom of expression in Turkey (8),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 April 2015 on the centenary of the Armenian Genocide (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 April 2015 on the centenary of the Armenian Genocide (9),

| — | having regard to the Negotiating Framework for Turkey of 3 October 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Negotiating Framework for Turkey of 3 October 2005,

| — | having regard to Council Decision 2008/157/EC of 18 February 2008 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with the Republic of Turkey (10) (‘the Accession Partnership’), and to the previous Council decisions of 2001, 2003 and 2006 on the Accession Partnership, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision 2008/157/EC of 18 February 2008 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with the Republic of Turkey (10) (‘the Accession Partnership’), and to the previous Council decisions of 2001, 2003 and 2006 on the Accession Partnership,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 14 December 2010, 5 December 2011, 11 December 2012, 25 June 2013, 24 October 2014 and 16 December 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 14 December 2010, 5 December 2011, 11 December 2012, 25 June 2013, 24 October 2014 and 16 December 2014,

| — | having regard to Article 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which states that the contracting parties undertake to abide by the final judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in any case to which they are parties, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which states that the contracting parties undertake to abide by the final judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in any case to which they are parties,

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

| — | having regard to the World Bank report of 28 March 2014 entitled ‘Evaluation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the World Bank report of 28 March 2014 entitled ‘Evaluation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union’,

| — | having regard to the Commission report on progress by Turkey in fulfilling the requirements of its visa liberalisation roadmap (COM(2014)0646), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission report on progress by Turkey in fulfilling the requirements of its visa liberalisation roadmap (COM(2014)0646),

| — | having regard to the work of Kati Piri as the standing rapporteur on Turkey of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the work of Kati Piri as the standing rapporteur on Turkey of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,

| — | having regard to Rule 123(2) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 123(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas accession negotiations with Turkey were opened on 3 October 2005 and the opening of such negotiations is the starting point for a long-lasting and open-ended process based on fair and rigorous conditionality and a commitment to reform; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas accession negotiations with Turkey were opened on 3 October 2005 and the opening of such negotiations is the starting point for a long-lasting and open-ended process based on fair and rigorous conditionality and a commitment to reform;

| B. | whereas the EU remains committed to further enlargement as a key policy to promote peace, democracy, security and prosperity in Europe; whereas each candidate country will be judged on its own merits and, on this basis, the Commission does not foresee any new accession to the EU in this legislative term; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the EU remains committed to further enlargement as a key policy to promote peace, democracy, security and prosperity in Europe; whereas each candidate country will be judged on its own merits and, on this basis, the Commission does not foresee any new accession to the EU in this legislative term;

| C. | whereas Turkey has committed itself to the fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria, adequate and effective reforms, good neighbourly relations and progressive alignment with the EU; whereas these efforts should be viewed as an opportunity for Turkey to strengthen its institutions and continue its process of democratisation and modernisation; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas Turkey has committed itself to the fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria, adequate and effective reforms, good neighbourly relations and progressive alignment with the EU; whereas these efforts should be viewed as an opportunity for Turkey to strengthen its institutions and continue its process of democratisation and modernisation;

| D. | whereas, according to the Freedom House ranking of press and media freedoms, Turkey is now ranked as not having a free press and as having only partial internet freedom; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas, according to the Freedom House ranking of press and media freedoms, Turkey is now ranked as not having a free press and as having only partial internet freedom;

| E. | whereas Reporters Without Borders classified Turkey in 2014 as one of the countries where journalists suffered the most threats and physical attacks; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas Reporters Without Borders classified Turkey in 2014 as one of the countries where journalists suffered the most threats and physical attacks;

| F. | whereas the EU should remain the benchmark for reforms in Turkey; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the EU should remain the benchmark for reforms in Turkey;

| G. | whereas full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria and the EU’s integration capacity, in accordance with the conclusions of the December 2006 European Council meeting, remains the basis for accession to the EU; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria and the EU’s integration capacity, in accordance with the conclusions of the December 2006 European Council meeting, remains the basis for accession to the EU;

| H. | whereas the rule of law in the negotiation process — including, in particular, the separation of powers, the fight against corruption and organised crime, freedom of assembly and peaceful protest, freedom of expression and the media, the rights of women, freedom of religion, the rights of persons belonging to (national) minorities, and tackling discrimination against vulnerable groups such as the Roma and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons — is of central importance; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the rule of law in the negotiation process — including, in particular, the separation of powers, the fight against corruption and organised crime, freedom of assembly and peaceful protest, freedom of expression and the media, the rights of women, freedom of religion, the rights of persons belonging to (national) minorities, and tackling discrimination against vulnerable groups such as the Roma and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons — is of central importance;

| I. | whereas in its communication entitled ‘Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2014-15’ the Commission concluded that Turkey is a strategic partner for the EU, in economic and energy security terms, and that cooperation on foreign policy issues with Turkey is crucial; whereas in the same communication, the Commission expressed its concerns regarding the protection of fundamental rights, the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, and the right to assembly and freedom of expression; |
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I.

whereas in its communication entitled ‘Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2014-15’ the Commission concluded that Turkey is a strategic partner for the EU, in economic and energy security terms, and that cooperation on foreign policy issues with Turkey is crucial; whereas in the same communication, the Commission expressed its concerns regarding the protection of fundamental rights, the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, and the right to assembly and freedom of expression;

| J. | whereas, for the ninth consecutive year, Turkey has still not implemented the provisions stemming from the EC-Turkey Association Agreement and the Additional Protocol thereto; whereas this refusal continues to have a profound negative effect on the negotiation process; |
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J.

whereas, for the ninth consecutive year, Turkey has still not implemented the provisions stemming from the EC-Turkey Association Agreement and the Additional Protocol thereto; whereas this refusal continues to have a profound negative effect on the negotiation process;

| K. | whereas, with a view to enhancing stability and promoting good neighbourly relations, Turkey needs to step up efforts to resolve outstanding bilateral issues, including unsettled legal obligations and disputes with its immediate neighbours over land and maritime borders and airspace, in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter and with international law; |
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K.

whereas, with a view to enhancing stability and promoting good neighbourly relations, Turkey needs to step up efforts to resolve outstanding bilateral issues, including unsettled legal obligations and disputes with its immediate neighbours over land and maritime borders and airspace, in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter and with international law;

| L. | whereas the Turkish authorities did not agree to the reopening of the Orthodox seminary on the island of Heybeliada; |
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L.

whereas the Turkish authorities did not agree to the reopening of the Orthodox seminary on the island of Heybeliada;

The state of play in EU-Turkey relations

| 1. | Welcomes the Commission’s 2014 progress report on Turkey, and shares its conclusion that Turkey is a key strategic partner for the EU and that active and credible negotiations would provide a suitable framework for exploiting the full potential of EU-Turkey relations; stresses that the reform process in the context of negotiations with the EU could present a significant opportunity for Turkey to develop a strong pluralistic democratic system, with solid institutions, for the benefit of all citizens of Turkey, and for closer relations with the EU; asks the Commission to make a reassessment of the way in which negotiations have been conducted so far and how EU-Turkey relations and cooperation could be improved and intensified; |
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1.

Welcomes the Commission’s 2014 progress report on Turkey, and shares its conclusion that Turkey is a key strategic partner for the EU and that active and credible negotiations would provide a suitable framework for exploiting the full potential of EU-Turkey relations; stresses that the reform process in the context of negotiations with the EU could present a significant opportunity for Turkey to develop a strong pluralistic democratic system, with solid institutions, for the benefit of all citizens of Turkey, and for closer relations with the EU; asks the Commission to make a reassessment of the way in which negotiations have been conducted so far and how EU-Turkey relations and cooperation could be improved and intensified;

| 2. | Underlines that an effective and functioning relationship, based on dialogue, closer cooperation, mutual commitment and negotiations between the EU and Turkey — considering their geographical proximity, their historical links, the large Turkish community living in the EU, the close economic ties and common strategic interests — is to the benefit of both parties; calls on Turkey to place the reform process at the centre of its domestic policy choices; takes the view that the EU should seize this opportunity to become the main anchor of the process of further democratisation in Turkey by promoting universal values and European regulatory standards as benchmarks for the reform process, and by supporting Turkey in developing solid, democratic institutions and effective legislation based on the respect for fundamental freedoms, human rights and the rule of law and representing and defending the interests of all sectors of Turkey’s society; |
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2.

Underlines that an effective and functioning relationship, based on dialogue, closer cooperation, mutual commitment and negotiations between the EU and Turkey — considering their geographical proximity, their historical links, the large Turkish community living in the EU, the close economic ties and common strategic interests — is to the benefit of both parties; calls on Turkey to place the reform process at the centre of its domestic policy choices; takes the view that the EU should seize this opportunity to become the main anchor of the process of further democratisation in Turkey by promoting universal values and European regulatory standards as benchmarks for the reform process, and by supporting Turkey in developing solid, democratic institutions and effective legislation based on the respect for fundamental freedoms, human rights and the rule of law and representing and defending the interests of all sectors of Turkey’s society;

| 3. | Encourages the Government of Turkey to accelerate the pace of negotiations and urges it to commit itself unequivocally to respecting democratic values and principles, which are at the heart of the EU; supports the new Commission in its efforts to step up engagement with Turkey on the basis of shared interests and common challenges; notes the opening of negotiations on Chapter 22 (Regional Policy) in November 2013; |
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3.

Encourages the Government of Turkey to accelerate the pace of negotiations and urges it to commit itself unequivocally to respecting democratic values and principles, which are at the heart of the EU; supports the new Commission in its efforts to step up engagement with Turkey on the basis of shared interests and common challenges; notes the opening of negotiations on Chapter 22 (Regional Policy) in November 2013;

| 4. | Welcomes the election of the most inclusive and representative parliament in Turkish modern history, reflecting the country’s diversity; commends the resilience of Turkish democracy and the democratic spirit of its citizens, as proven by the very high voter turnout and the impressive participation of civil society volunteers on election day; calls on all political parties to work towards the establishment of a stable and inclusive government with the aim of reinvigorating Turkey’s democratisation process and reform dialogue with the EU; |
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4.

Welcomes the election of the most inclusive and representative parliament in Turkish modern history, reflecting the country’s diversity; commends the resilience of Turkish democracy and the democratic spirit of its citizens, as proven by the very high voter turnout and the impressive participation of civil society volunteers on election day; calls on all political parties to work towards the establishment of a stable and inclusive government with the aim of reinvigorating Turkey’s democratisation process and reform dialogue with the EU;

| 5. | Underlines the importance of investing more efforts in people-to-people contacts in order to create a favourable environment of cooperation between Turkey and the EU; stresses, therefore, that in the interest of closer links between the EU and Turkey concrete progress should be made on visa liberalisation, based on the fulfilment of the requirements set out in the roadmap towards a visa-free regime with Turkey; stresses that in the interim period, the EU should make it easier for business people to obtain visas, and that student and academic exchange programmes and access opportunities for civil society should be actively promoted; believes that enhanced access opportunities to the EU would provide further support to the reform process in Turkey; |
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5.

Underlines the importance of investing more efforts in people-to-people contacts in order to create a favourable environment of cooperation between Turkey and the EU; stresses, therefore, that in the interest of closer links between the EU and Turkey concrete progress should be made on visa liberalisation, based on the fulfilment of the requirements set out in the roadmap towards a visa-free regime with Turkey; stresses that in the interim period, the EU should make it easier for business people to obtain visas, and that student and academic exchange programmes and access opportunities for civil society should be actively promoted; believes that enhanced access opportunities to the EU would provide further support to the reform process in Turkey;

Rule of law and democracy

| 6. | Notes that Turkey has continued to implement the reforms from previous years; welcomes, in this regard, the changes to the legal framework regarding political parties and election campaigns, which now permits political campaigning in languages other than Turkish, legalises party co-chairmanship and eases the rules governing the local organisation of political parties; reiterates the importance of lowering the 10 % electoral threshold, which would give all components of Turkey’s society opportunities for political participation; |
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6.

Notes that Turkey has continued to implement the reforms from previous years; welcomes, in this regard, the changes to the legal framework regarding political parties and election campaigns, which now permits political campaigning in languages other than Turkish, legalises party co-chairmanship and eases the rules governing the local organisation of political parties; reiterates the importance of lowering the 10 % electoral threshold, which would give all components of Turkey’s society opportunities for political participation;

| 7. | Stresses that a new constitution based on provisions promoting a pluralistic, inclusive and tolerant society would underpin the reform process and provide a solid base for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law; commends the work done by the constitutional conciliation committee, which reached consensus on 60 constitutional amendments before being dissolved; reiterates its call for the constitutional reform process to continue and underlines the need for a new constitution to be based on widespread consensus across the political spectrum and in society as a whole; encourages Turkey to consult with the Venice Commission in the framework of the constitutional reform process; |
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7.

Stresses that a new constitution based on provisions promoting a pluralistic, inclusive and tolerant society would underpin the reform process and provide a solid base for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law; commends the work done by the constitutional conciliation committee, which reached consensus on 60 constitutional amendments before being dissolved; reiterates its call for the constitutional reform process to continue and underlines the need for a new constitution to be based on widespread consensus across the political spectrum and in society as a whole; encourages Turkey to consult with the Venice Commission in the framework of the constitutional reform process;

| 8. | Welcomes the new strategy devised by the Government of Turkey to channel all new legislation through the EU Affairs Ministry, aiming at increasing the Ministry’s coordination role and enhancing compliance of draft legislation with EU standards; recommends, in this regard, whenever possible, close consultation with the Venice Commission and a more intensive dialogue with the European Commission on new legislation under preparation and on the implementation of existing laws, in order to ensure compatibility with the EU acquis; |
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8.

Welcomes the new strategy devised by the Government of Turkey to channel all new legislation through the EU Affairs Ministry, aiming at increasing the Ministry’s coordination role and enhancing compliance of draft legislation with EU standards; recommends, in this regard, whenever possible, close consultation with the Venice Commission and a more intensive dialogue with the European Commission on new legislation under preparation and on the implementation of existing laws, in order to ensure compatibility with the EU acquis;

| 9. | Stresses the importance of adequate consultation of civil society in the legislative process; recommends, therefore, that structured civil society consultation mechanisms should be developed as part of the legislative and policymaking processes and in the implementation process of new legislation; praises the vibrant civil society in Turkey; underlines that consistent reforms are urgently needed to guarantee freedom of association and expression, to allow civil society organisations to operate freely without restrictions and to improve their access to funding; |
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9.

Stresses the importance of adequate consultation of civil society in the legislative process; recommends, therefore, that structured civil society consultation mechanisms should be developed as part of the legislative and policymaking processes and in the implementation process of new legislation; praises the vibrant civil society in Turkey; underlines that consistent reforms are urgently needed to guarantee freedom of association and expression, to allow civil society organisations to operate freely without restrictions and to improve their access to funding;

| 10. | Strongly supports and encourages efforts by the Government of Turkey and all other stakeholders to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable conclusion to the peace process with the Kurdish community on the basis of negotiations with PKK, which is on the EU’s list of terrorist organisations, and a process of socio-economic and political integration of the Kurdish community; strongly supports the announcement by the HDP of an extraordinary congress of the PKK to lay down arms and promote democratic politics as a method; strongly encourages the Government to continue to give priority to and enhance the social, cultural and political rights and equal treatment of citizens of Kurdish origin; welcomes the law ‘to bring a stronger legal foundation to the settlement process’, adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly on 11 June 2014, which encompasses measures to eliminate terrorism, strengthen social inclusion, reintegrate those who leave the PKK and lay down their arms, and prepare public opinion for the return of former fighters; takes the view that a successful resolution of the Kurdish issue is of primary importance and would make a substantial positive contribution to democracy, peace, stability and the protection of human rights in Turkey; therefore encourages all political parties to support this process; calls on the Commission to provide technical support and to dedicate resources available under the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA), inter alia, to programmes of socio-economic integration and education in the south-east of Turkey as a way to reinforce the Kurdish settlement process; notes that negotiations on Chapter 22 (Regional Policy) could assist Turkey in defining an effective programme of cohesion for the south-east; |
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10.

Strongly supports and encourages efforts by the Government of Turkey and all other stakeholders to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable conclusion to the peace process with the Kurdish community on the basis of negotiations with PKK, which is on the EU’s list of terrorist organisations, and a process of socio-economic and political integration of the Kurdish community; strongly supports the announcement by the HDP of an extraordinary congress of the PKK to lay down arms and promote democratic politics as a method; strongly encourages the Government to continue to give priority to and enhance the social, cultural and political rights and equal treatment of citizens of Kurdish origin; welcomes the law ‘to bring a stronger legal foundation to the settlement process’, adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly on 11 June 2014, which encompasses measures to eliminate terrorism, strengthen social inclusion, reintegrate those who leave the PKK and lay down their arms, and prepare public opinion for the return of former fighters; takes the view that a successful resolution of the Kurdish issue is of primary importance and would make a substantial positive contribution to democracy, peace, stability and the protection of human rights in Turkey; therefore encourages all political parties to support this process; calls on the Commission to provide technical support and to dedicate resources available under the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA), inter alia, to programmes of socio-economic integration and education in the south-east of Turkey as a way to reinforce the Kurdish settlement process; notes that negotiations on Chapter 22 (Regional Policy) could assist Turkey in defining an effective programme of cohesion for the south-east;

| 11. | Regrets the decision by the Turkish State Hydraulic Works to continue works on the Ilisu Dam, which will have devastating social, environmental and political effects; recalls that this particular region is mainly inhabited by Kurds and that the construction will have severe effects on the Kurdish population and culture; |
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11.

Regrets the decision by the Turkish State Hydraulic Works to continue works on the Ilisu Dam, which will have devastating social, environmental and political effects; recalls that this particular region is mainly inhabited by Kurds and that the construction will have severe effects on the Kurdish population and culture;

| 12. | Expresses concern at the 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International on 3 December 2014, which points to a perceived stark increase in corruption in Turkey during the past year and now ranks Turkey as 64th in the index; regrets deeply the way in which the Turkish Government and the Turkish Parliament reacted to the allegations of corruption, including against former members of government, made in December 2013 and the fact that there was no follow-up to the very serious corruption investigations; expresses concern at the criminal prosecution of investigative journalists who followed the corruption cases; calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the accusations made in December 2013; stresses the need for greater political will to develop an adequate legal framework for the fight against corruption, which not only erodes the democratic functioning of institutions and people’s trust in democracy, but can also harm economic development and a favourable investment climate; |
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12.

Expresses concern at the 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International on 3 December 2014, which points to a perceived stark increase in corruption in Turkey during the past year and now ranks Turkey as 64th in the index; regrets deeply the way in which the Turkish Government and the Turkish Parliament reacted to the allegations of corruption, including against former members of government, made in December 2013 and the fact that there was no follow-up to the very serious corruption investigations; expresses concern at the criminal prosecution of investigative journalists who followed the corruption cases; calls for a transparent and independent investigation into the accusations made in December 2013; stresses the need for greater political will to develop an adequate legal framework for the fight against corruption, which not only erodes the democratic functioning of institutions and people’s trust in democracy, but can also harm economic development and a favourable investment climate;

| 13. | Expresses concern at the recent amendments to the Law on the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HCJP) and the subsequent numerous reassignments and dismissals of judges and prosecutors, and at the arrests, reassignments and dismissals of police officers, which raised serious and justified concerns about the independence, impartiality and efficiency of the judiciary, the separation of powers and the respect for the principle of the rule of law, which remain the core of the Copenhagen political criteria; is concerned at the frequent changes made to key legislation without due consultation of relevant stakeholders; welcomes the abolition of Article 10 of the anti-terror law; is concerned, however, that very broad definitions make the scope of the anti-terror law still excessive and allow for exceptionally broad interpretations; recalls the need to reform Article 314 of the Criminal Code, so that only those who are members of or contribute to the activities of a terrorist or armed organisation can be prosecuted; calls for a judicial reform strategy in line with EU standards to be adopted in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders; welcomes the initial step taken towards the reduction of the maximum length of pre-trial detention from 10 to 5 years, but strongly emphasises that further reduction is needed to avoid pre-trial detention becoming a de facto punishment; underlines the importance of setting up regional courts of appeal and adopting all relevant measures to ensure due process; encourages Turkey to further the reform of the justice system and to ensure fair and effective access to justice for all children; |
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13.

Expresses concern at the recent amendments to the Law on the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HCJP) and the subsequent numerous reassignments and dismissals of judges and prosecutors, and at the arrests, reassignments and dismissals of police officers, which raised serious and justified concerns about the independence, impartiality and efficiency of the judiciary, the separation of powers and the respect for the principle of the rule of law, which remain the core of the Copenhagen political criteria; is concerned at the frequent changes made to key legislation without due consultation of relevant stakeholders; welcomes the abolition of Article 10 of the anti-terror law; is concerned, however, that very broad definitions make the scope of the anti-terror law still excessive and allow for exceptionally broad interpretations; recalls the need to reform Article 314 of the Criminal Code, so that only those who are members of or contribute to the activities of a terrorist or armed organisation can be prosecuted; calls for a judicial reform strategy in line with EU standards to be adopted in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders; welcomes the initial step taken towards the reduction of the maximum length of pre-trial detention from 10 to 5 years, but strongly emphasises that further reduction is needed to avoid pre-trial detention becoming a de facto punishment; underlines the importance of setting up regional courts of appeal and adopting all relevant measures to ensure due process; encourages Turkey to further the reform of the justice system and to ensure fair and effective access to justice for all children;

| 14. | Expresses serious concern at Law 6532, which came into force on 26 April 2014 and which dramatically increases the powers of the National Intelligence Agency (MİT), undermining the freedom of the media, freedom of expression and the right to access information of public interest, rendering the staff of the Agency virtually immune to legal proceedings and violating privacy rules by making it possible for the Agency to procure personal data without a court order; considers that these provisions violate Turkey’s obligations in respect of international humanitarian law and its own national laws; |
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14.

Expresses serious concern at Law 6532, which came into force on 26 April 2014 and which dramatically increases the powers of the National Intelligence Agency (MİT), undermining the freedom of the media, freedom of expression and the right to access information of public interest, rendering the staff of the Agency virtually immune to legal proceedings and violating privacy rules by making it possible for the Agency to procure personal data without a court order; considers that these provisions violate Turkey’s obligations in respect of international humanitarian law and its own national laws;

| 15. | Welcomes a number of important decisions taken by the Constitutional Court of Turkey protecting the rule of law and fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, which has illustrated the resilience of the constitutional system; notes, in addition, that the Constitutional Court’s rulings highlighted the mishandling of the investigations and subsequent trials in the Ergenekon and Sledgehammer cases; welcomes the fact that the Constitutional Court continues to receive individual applications; expresses concern at the amendments to the Criminal Code, and particularly the use of the term ‘reasonable suspicion’, which opens the door to arbitrary attacks on the opposition; points out that these amendments were adopted without the Commission being consulted, contrary to what was agreed during the negotiations; |
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15.

Welcomes a number of important decisions taken by the Constitutional Court of Turkey protecting the rule of law and fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, which has illustrated the resilience of the constitutional system; notes, in addition, that the Constitutional Court’s rulings highlighted the mishandling of the investigations and subsequent trials in the Ergenekon and Sledgehammer cases; welcomes the fact that the Constitutional Court continues to receive individual applications; expresses concern at the amendments to the Criminal Code, and particularly the use of the term ‘reasonable suspicion’, which opens the door to arbitrary attacks on the opposition; points out that these amendments were adopted without the Commission being consulted, contrary to what was agreed during the negotiations;

| 16. | Expresses serious concerns about the high degree of political polarisation in Turkey; recalls that pluralism should be at the core of any democratic regime; urges, therefore, the promotion of dialogue across the Turkish political spectrum; stresses that as regards key, long-term reform processes, a new constitution and the Kurdish settlement talks, such a dialogue is indispensable; calls on the ruling party and the opposition to strive to cooperate and reach consensus, and to actively include civil society in decision-making processes; |
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16.

Expresses serious concerns about the high degree of political polarisation in Turkey; recalls that pluralism should be at the core of any democratic regime; urges, therefore, the promotion of dialogue across the Turkish political spectrum; stresses that as regards key, long-term reform processes, a new constitution and the Kurdish settlement talks, such a dialogue is indispensable; calls on the ruling party and the opposition to strive to cooperate and reach consensus, and to actively include civil society in decision-making processes;

Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms

| 17. | Welcomes the adoption in March 2014 of the Action Plan for the Prevention of Violations of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as a significant step towards aligning Turkey’s legal framework with the jurisprudence of the ECtHR, and expects the Government to take further steps to implement its recommendations; underlines that Turkey’s membership of the Council of Europe commits Turkey to pursuing high political and legal standards and asks Turkey to engage fully with the Council of Europe and the Venice Commission on its reform process; recalls that progress in the negotiations depends on respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights; |
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17.

Welcomes the adoption in March 2014 of the Action Plan for the Prevention of Violations of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as a significant step towards aligning Turkey’s legal framework with the jurisprudence of the ECtHR, and expects the Government to take further steps to implement its recommendations; underlines that Turkey’s membership of the Council of Europe commits Turkey to pursuing high political and legal standards and asks Turkey to engage fully with the Council of Europe and the Venice Commission on its reform process; recalls that progress in the negotiations depends on respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights;

| 18. | Notes with concern that most investigations into the events that occurred in Gezi Park in May and June 2013 and allegations about the disproportionate use of force and police abuse are still pending, and that little progress has been made in identifying the alleged perpetrators; underlines that, following a number of complaints received on the use of force by police officers during the Gezi protests, the Ombudsman issued a report in which it found the use of force to be disproportionate; calls on the Turkish authorities to make amends to all those victims who were non-violent protesters, or who were not amongst the protesters but were only accidentally on the site of the events; calls for the completion of effective and impartial investigations into all cases of alleged ill-treatment by state officials and for those responsible to be brought to justice; underlines the need for subsequent adoption of clear rules on the use of force and the role of the police in line with international standards; strongly urges the lifting of restrictions on peaceful assembly and stresses that other laws, such as anti-terrorism legislation, should not be used to prevent people from exercising their right to peacefully protest and that peaceful demonstrations should not be a reason for arrest; calls on the Turkish Government to provide for adequate, objective and transparent checks and balances on the power of law enforcement agencies; recommends that the Turkish authorities set up an independent and effective police complaints mechanism; expresses deep concern at the domestic security package, which goes against the principle of judicial oversight of police activities and is excessive in scope; |
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18.

Notes with concern that most investigations into the events that occurred in Gezi Park in May and June 2013 and allegations about the disproportionate use of force and police abuse are still pending, and that little progress has been made in identifying the alleged perpetrators; underlines that, following a number of complaints received on the use of force by police officers during the Gezi protests, the Ombudsman issued a report in which it found the use of force to be disproportionate; calls on the Turkish authorities to make amends to all those victims who were non-violent protesters, or who were not amongst the protesters but were only accidentally on the site of the events; calls for the completion of effective and impartial investigations into all cases of alleged ill-treatment by state officials and for those responsible to be brought to justice; underlines the need for subsequent adoption of clear rules on the use of force and the role of the police in line with international standards; strongly urges the lifting of restrictions on peaceful assembly and stresses that other laws, such as anti-terrorism legislation, should not be used to prevent people from exercising their right to peacefully protest and that peaceful demonstrations should not be a reason for arrest; calls on the Turkish Government to provide for adequate, objective and transparent checks and balances on the power of law enforcement agencies; recommends that the Turkish authorities set up an independent and effective police complaints mechanism; expresses deep concern at the domestic security package, which goes against the principle of judicial oversight of police activities and is excessive in scope;

| 19. | Underlines the need to revise the law on the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) of Turkey in order to make it an independent body which is adequately resourced and accountable to the public and which includes the participation of civil society groups; takes note of the recommendations in the report issued by the Ombudsman, including the demand for the gradual and proportionate use of force by police, and only as a last resort and under supervision; stresses the importance of reinforcing the right of initiative of the Ombudsman, its capacity to conduct on-the-spot checks, and guarantees for adequate follow-up to the Ombudsman’s decisions; |
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19.

Underlines the need to revise the law on the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) of Turkey in order to make it an independent body which is adequately resourced and accountable to the public and which includes the participation of civil society groups; takes note of the recommendations in the report issued by the Ombudsman, including the demand for the gradual and proportionate use of force by police, and only as a last resort and under supervision; stresses the importance of reinforcing the right of initiative of the Ombudsman, its capacity to conduct on-the-spot checks, and guarantees for adequate follow-up to the Ombudsman’s decisions;

| 20. | Commends Turkey on a growing Roma civil society; hopes that the new Roma organisations will be given support and time to enable them to take a meaningful part in cooperation initiatives to devise and implement measures at local and national level; recommends that the government combine existing accommodation projects with social and long-term aspects such as healthcare and education; welcomes general action plans to combat discrimination, which could give Roma people greater access to the labour market; |
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20.

Commends Turkey on a growing Roma civil society; hopes that the new Roma organisations will be given support and time to enable them to take a meaningful part in cooperation initiatives to devise and implement measures at local and national level; recommends that the government combine existing accommodation projects with social and long-term aspects such as healthcare and education; welcomes general action plans to combat discrimination, which could give Roma people greater access to the labour market;

| 21. | Urges the Government of Turkey to guarantee media freedom as a matter of priority and to provide an adequate legal framework guaranteeing pluralism in line with international standards; condemns the efforts made by the Turkish Government to ban access to social media and websites or close down the latter without a court order, its restrictive approach to freedom of expression and the pressure put on media outlets and journalists, which often results in the intimidation, dismissal or arrest of journalists and widespread self-censorship; points out that violations of freedom of expression increased after the corruption scandal of December 2013; considers it necessary for a legal framework to be established to enable full transparency on media group ownership; reiterates the EU’s commitment to freedom of expression in all its forms and calls on the EU Delegation to Turkey to continue to monitor trials of journalists and human right defenders; |
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21.

Urges the Government of Turkey to guarantee media freedom as a matter of priority and to provide an adequate legal framework guaranteeing pluralism in line with international standards; condemns the efforts made by the Turkish Government to ban access to social media and websites or close down the latter without a court order, its restrictive approach to freedom of expression and the pressure put on media outlets and journalists, which often results in the intimidation, dismissal or arrest of journalists and widespread self-censorship; points out that violations of freedom of expression increased after the corruption scandal of December 2013; considers it necessary for a legal framework to be established to enable full transparency on media group ownership; reiterates the EU’s commitment to freedom of expression in all its forms and calls on the EU Delegation to Turkey to continue to monitor trials of journalists and human right defenders;

| 22. | Condemns the recent police raids and the detention of a number of journalists and media representatives on 14 December 2014; recalls that a free and pluralistic press is the core principle of any democracy, as are due process and judicial independence; stresses, therefore, the need, in all cases, (i) to provide ample and transparent information on the allegations against the defendants, (ii) to grant the defendants full access to the incriminating evidence and full defence rights, and (iii) to ensure the proper handling of the cases in order to verify the veracity of the accusations without delay and beyond reasonable doubt; calls on the authorities of Turkey to review and address these cases as soon as possible and to adhere to international due process standards in cases where it insists on pursuing the proceedings; |
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22.

Condemns the recent police raids and the detention of a number of journalists and media representatives on 14 December 2014; recalls that a free and pluralistic press is the core principle of any democracy, as are due process and judicial independence; stresses, therefore, the need, in all cases, (i) to provide ample and transparent information on the allegations against the defendants, (ii) to grant the defendants full access to the incriminating evidence and full defence rights, and (iii) to ensure the proper handling of the cases in order to verify the veracity of the accusations without delay and beyond reasonable doubt; calls on the authorities of Turkey to review and address these cases as soon as possible and to adhere to international due process standards in cases where it insists on pursuing the proceedings;

| 23. | Asserts that the Turkish Government’s recent action against freedom of the press and plurality of opinion is incompatible with the fundamental rights of the EU and thus conflicts with the spirit of the negotiation process; |
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23.

Asserts that the Turkish Government’s recent action against freedom of the press and plurality of opinion is incompatible with the fundamental rights of the EU and thus conflicts with the spirit of the negotiation process;

| 24. | Takes the view that, in keeping with the EU commitment to the rule of law and fundamental values, reforms in the areas of the judiciary and fundamental rights and of justice, freedom and security are urgently needed in Turkey; believes, furthermore, that delivering the official opening benchmarks for Chapters 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights) and 24 (justice, freedom and security) is an important step to promote truly effective reforms and to ensure that the reform process in Turkey is shaped on the basis of EU values and standards; reiterates its call for the Council, as soon as the set criteria have been fulfilled, to start negotiations on the judiciary and fundamental rights and on justice, freedom and security; calls on Turkey to cooperate as much as possible to this end; calls on the Commission to promote without delay further dialogue and cooperation with Turkey in the fields covered by chapters 23 and 24 to promote a common understanding on the reforms needed; |
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24.

Takes the view that, in keeping with the EU commitment to the rule of law and fundamental values, reforms in the areas of the judiciary and fundamental rights and of justice, freedom and security are urgently needed in Turkey; believes, furthermore, that delivering the official opening benchmarks for Chapters 23 (judiciary and fundamental rights) and 24 (justice, freedom and security) is an important step to promote truly effective reforms and to ensure that the reform process in Turkey is shaped on the basis of EU values and standards; reiterates its call for the Council, as soon as the set criteria have been fulfilled, to start negotiations on the judiciary and fundamental rights and on justice, freedom and security; calls on Turkey to cooperate as much as possible to this end; calls on the Commission to promote without delay further dialogue and cooperation with Turkey in the fields covered by chapters 23 and 24 to promote a common understanding on the reforms needed;

| 25. | Welcomes the decision that reforms related to the rule of law and fundamental rights, home affairs and civil society are to receive increased funding under the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) II for the period 2014-2020; points out that the promotion of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental freedoms are key principles governing pre-accession support; reiterates the Council’s December 2014 conclusion that enhanced coherence between financial assistance and the overall progress made in the implementation of the pre-accession strategy, including full respect of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, will be introduced; calls, in addition, on the Commission to closely monitor the implementation of IPA II in all candidate countries and to dedicate resources available under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) to supporting freedom of expression, including media freedom, media pluralism, freedom of association and assembly, trade union related rights and freedom of thought; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Welcomes the decision that reforms related to the rule of law and fundamental rights, home affairs and civil society are to receive increased funding under the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) II for the period 2014-2020; points out that the promotion of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental freedoms are key principles governing pre-accession support; reiterates the Council’s December 2014 conclusion that enhanced coherence between financial assistance and the overall progress made in the implementation of the pre-accession strategy, including full respect of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, will be introduced; calls, in addition, on the Commission to closely monitor the implementation of IPA II in all candidate countries and to dedicate resources available under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) to supporting freedom of expression, including media freedom, media pluralism, freedom of association and assembly, trade union related rights and freedom of thought;

| 26. | Takes note of the fact that Turkey contributed to the coming into force on 1 August 2014 of the Council of Europe’s Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention); expresses concern, however, at the persistent high levels of violence against women and the lack of implementation of domestic law protections to prevent violence against women; calls on the Turkish authorities to provide sufficient shelters for the protection of women and minors who are victims of violence; recommends that the Government promote gender equality in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field; calls on the Government of Turkey, in cooperation with civil society and relevant business associations, to facilitate women entrepreneurships and reduce obstacles to women’s access to economic activities, and urges the Government of Turkey, in this regard, to set itself an ambitious target regarding women’s access to employment; points out that Turkey ranked 125th out of 142 countries in the 2014 World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap report; regrets deeply the remarks made by certain officials and government representatives about the role of women in Turkish society and stresses the importance of combating stereotypes and biases in society against women; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Takes note of the fact that Turkey contributed to the coming into force on 1 August 2014 of the Council of Europe’s Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention); expresses concern, however, at the persistent high levels of violence against women and the lack of implementation of domestic law protections to prevent violence against women; calls on the Turkish authorities to provide sufficient shelters for the protection of women and minors who are victims of violence; recommends that the Government promote gender equality in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field; calls on the Government of Turkey, in cooperation with civil society and relevant business associations, to facilitate women entrepreneurships and reduce obstacles to women’s access to economic activities, and urges the Government of Turkey, in this regard, to set itself an ambitious target regarding women’s access to employment; points out that Turkey ranked 125th out of 142 countries in the 2014 World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap report; regrets deeply the remarks made by certain officials and government representatives about the role of women in Turkish society and stresses the importance of combating stereotypes and biases in society against women;

| 27. | Stresses the importance of continuing the process of reform in the area of freedom of thought, conscience and religion by enabling religious communities to obtain legal personality, by eliminating all restrictions on the training, appointment, legal residence and succession of the clergy, and by ensuring adequate implementation of all relevant ECtHR rulings and the recommendations of the Venice Commission; stresses, in this regard, the need to promote dialogue with the Alevi community, to give proper recognition to Cem houses as places of worship, to allow the reopening of the Halki Greek Orthodox Seminary and lift all obstacles to its proper functioning, and to allow the official use of the ecclesiastical title of the Ecumenical Patriarch; asks Turkey’s relevant authorities to address all outstanding issues related to the restitution of land belonging to the Mor Gabriel monastery and other Syriac church land claims; recalls the importance of adequately implementing the Venice Commission recommendations on Imbros and Tenedos with regard to the protection of property and educational rights; underlines the need to fully respect, in line with EU values, the right to different lifestyles, both secular and faith-based, and to maintain the separation of state and religion; underlines the importance of protecting the rights of minorities; expresses regret about the fact that, after the abolition of the previous law two years ago and due to the existing legal vacuum, it is not possible for non-Muslim charitable foundations to elect their governing bodies; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Stresses the importance of continuing the process of reform in the area of freedom of thought, conscience and religion by enabling religious communities to obtain legal personality, by eliminating all restrictions on the training, appointment, legal residence and succession of the clergy, and by ensuring adequate implementation of all relevant ECtHR rulings and the recommendations of the Venice Commission; stresses, in this regard, the need to promote dialogue with the Alevi community, to give proper recognition to Cem houses as places of worship, to allow the reopening of the Halki Greek Orthodox Seminary and lift all obstacles to its proper functioning, and to allow the official use of the ecclesiastical title of the Ecumenical Patriarch; asks Turkey’s relevant authorities to address all outstanding issues related to the restitution of land belonging to the Mor Gabriel monastery and other Syriac church land claims; recalls the importance of adequately implementing the Venice Commission recommendations on Imbros and Tenedos with regard to the protection of property and educational rights; underlines the need to fully respect, in line with EU values, the right to different lifestyles, both secular and faith-based, and to maintain the separation of state and religion; underlines the importance of protecting the rights of minorities; expresses regret about the fact that, after the abolition of the previous law two years ago and due to the existing legal vacuum, it is not possible for non-Muslim charitable foundations to elect their governing bodies;

| 28. | Stresses the need to recognise the right to conscientious objection to compulsory military service; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Stresses the need to recognise the right to conscientious objection to compulsory military service;

| 29. | Calls on Turkey to undertake serious efforts to protect the rights of the LGBTI community, and takes the view that the creation of a specific body to combat discrimination, hate speech, racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance would reinforce individual rights in Turkey; calls on Turkey to enact comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, including the prohibition of discrimination and hate speech on the grounds of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, and to include the prohibition of such discrimination in a new constitution; expresses concern at the frequent attacks on transgender persons and the lack of protection provided to LGBTI persons against acts of violence; strongly regrets that hate crime against LGBTI people often remains unpunished or that offenders’ sentences are reduced for the victim’s ‘unjust provocation’; reiterates its call on the Government of Turkey to instruct the Turkish Armed Forces to end their classification of homosexuality and transsexuality as a ‘psychosexual illness’; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Calls on Turkey to undertake serious efforts to protect the rights of the LGBTI community, and takes the view that the creation of a specific body to combat discrimination, hate speech, racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and intolerance would reinforce individual rights in Turkey; calls on Turkey to enact comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, including the prohibition of discrimination and hate speech on the grounds of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, and to include the prohibition of such discrimination in a new constitution; expresses concern at the frequent attacks on transgender persons and the lack of protection provided to LGBTI persons against acts of violence; strongly regrets that hate crime against LGBTI people often remains unpunished or that offenders’ sentences are reduced for the victim’s ‘unjust provocation’; reiterates its call on the Government of Turkey to instruct the Turkish Armed Forces to end their classification of homosexuality and transsexuality as a ‘psychosexual illness’;

| 30. | Expresses regret over the loss of many lives in the Soma and Ermenek mine disasters; welcomes the ratification by Turkey of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention on safety and health in mines and calls for its swift implementation; stresses the importance of addressing the issues of occupational health and safety in all sectors and urges the Turkish authorities to make the monitoring of fatal workplace accidents more transparent; takes the view that trade union freedom, social dialogue and the involvement of social partners are vital to the development of a prosperous and pluralistic society, and underlines the importance of further progress in the areas of social policy and employment, based on adequate and timely implementation of the conventions of the ILO; takes note of legislative shortcomings on labour and trade union rights; stresses that the right to organise, the right to enter into collective bargaining and the right to strike for private sector employees and civil servants will have to be aligned with the EU acquis and international standards; urges the Government of Turkey to prepare a roadmap to improve legislation and bring it into line with ILO standards; stresses the importance of Turkey meeting the opening benchmarks on social policy and employment; calls on the Commission to provide adequate technical assistance to Turkey in the field of labour reform and promote EU standards; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Expresses regret over the loss of many lives in the Soma and Ermenek mine disasters; welcomes the ratification by Turkey of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention on safety and health in mines and calls for its swift implementation; stresses the importance of addressing the issues of occupational health and safety in all sectors and urges the Turkish authorities to make the monitoring of fatal workplace accidents more transparent; takes the view that trade union freedom, social dialogue and the involvement of social partners are vital to the development of a prosperous and pluralistic society, and underlines the importance of further progress in the areas of social policy and employment, based on adequate and timely implementation of the conventions of the ILO; takes note of legislative shortcomings on labour and trade union rights; stresses that the right to organise, the right to enter into collective bargaining and the right to strike for private sector employees and civil servants will have to be aligned with the EU acquis and international standards; urges the Government of Turkey to prepare a roadmap to improve legislation and bring it into line with ILO standards; stresses the importance of Turkey meeting the opening benchmarks on social policy and employment; calls on the Commission to provide adequate technical assistance to Turkey in the field of labour reform and promote EU standards;

| 31. | Calls on Turkey to legislate on the working conditions of part-time workers, for example, who are currently subjected to substandard conditions, lack of job security and problems with joining trade unions; notes that the mining and construction sectors are the most dangerous industries in Turkey and calls for transparent investigations into fatal accidents at work; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Calls on Turkey to legislate on the working conditions of part-time workers, for example, who are currently subjected to substandard conditions, lack of job security and problems with joining trade unions; notes that the mining and construction sectors are the most dangerous industries in Turkey and calls for transparent investigations into fatal accidents at work;

| 32. | Calls upon the Turkish Government to halt its plans for the construction of the Akkuyuy nuclear power plant; points out that the envisaged site is located in a region prone to severe earthquakes, hence posing a major threat not only to Turkey but to the Mediterranean region; accordingly, requests that the Turkish Government join the Espoo Convention, which commits parties to notifying and consulting each other on major projects under consideration that are likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact across boundaries; to this end, asks the Turkish Government to involve, or at least consult, the governments of its neighbouring countries, such as Greece and Cyprus, during any further developments in the Akkuyu venture; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Calls upon the Turkish Government to halt its plans for the construction of the Akkuyuy nuclear power plant; points out that the envisaged site is located in a region prone to severe earthquakes, hence posing a major threat not only to Turkey but to the Mediterranean region; accordingly, requests that the Turkish Government join the Espoo Convention, which commits parties to notifying and consulting each other on major projects under consideration that are likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact across boundaries; to this end, asks the Turkish Government to involve, or at least consult, the governments of its neighbouring countries, such as Greece and Cyprus, during any further developments in the Akkuyu venture;

Shared interests and common challenges

| 33. | Underlines the important benefits of the Customs Union (CU) between the EU and Turkey; recalls that, since the start of the CU in 1996, the value of bilateral trade between Turkey and the EU has increased more than fourfold, with a parallel significant rise in foreign direct investment from the EU to Turkey and deeper integration between Turkish and European firms for the benefit of both sides; stresses in this connection, however, that any increase in the positive impact of the CU is closely linked to compliance with its rules and requirements, and is therefore greatly concerned by the growing problems for European companies trading with Turkey; points to the recent evaluation of the CU by the World Bank, which stresses the need to introduce a number of reforms to maintain an environment conducive to close economic cooperation, including in the future; points, in particular, to the need (i) to extend the scope of the CU to agricultural products, services and public procurement, (ii) to create favourable conditions for continued growth in trade, including the facilitation of visas for business travellers, and (iii) for consultations between the EU and Turkey on the impact on Turkey of Free Trade Agreements signed by the EU with third countries to be intensively pursued; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Underlines the important benefits of the Customs Union (CU) between the EU and Turkey; recalls that, since the start of the CU in 1996, the value of bilateral trade between Turkey and the EU has increased more than fourfold, with a parallel significant rise in foreign direct investment from the EU to Turkey and deeper integration between Turkish and European firms for the benefit of both sides; stresses in this connection, however, that any increase in the positive impact of the CU is closely linked to compliance with its rules and requirements, and is therefore greatly concerned by the growing problems for European companies trading with Turkey; points to the recent evaluation of the CU by the World Bank, which stresses the need to introduce a number of reforms to maintain an environment conducive to close economic cooperation, including in the future; points, in particular, to the need (i) to extend the scope of the CU to agricultural products, services and public procurement, (ii) to create favourable conditions for continued growth in trade, including the facilitation of visas for business travellers, and (iii) for consultations between the EU and Turkey on the impact on Turkey of Free Trade Agreements signed by the EU with third countries to be intensively pursued;

| 34. | Takes the view that political dialogue between Turkey and the EU should be complemented by a regular, structured high-level economic dialogue on issues of common concern, including trade relationships with third countries; underlines, in this regard, the interaction between the proper functioning of the rule of law and economic development; believes in the importance of developing and reinforcing Turkey’s economic, institutional and legal framework in the area of economic and monetary policy, with particular regard to the independence of the Central Bank, and believes that this could contribute to Turkey’s alignment with the acquis; notes that economic cooperation would be greatly enhanced by Turkey complying sufficiently with EU standards on public procurement, competition and employment and social policy; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Takes the view that political dialogue between Turkey and the EU should be complemented by a regular, structured high-level economic dialogue on issues of common concern, including trade relationships with third countries; underlines, in this regard, the interaction between the proper functioning of the rule of law and economic development; believes in the importance of developing and reinforcing Turkey’s economic, institutional and legal framework in the area of economic and monetary policy, with particular regard to the independence of the Central Bank, and believes that this could contribute to Turkey’s alignment with the acquis; notes that economic cooperation would be greatly enhanced by Turkey complying sufficiently with EU standards on public procurement, competition and employment and social policy;

| 35. | Reaffirms its support for the readmission agreement with the EU, which entered into force on 1 October 2014; encourages the Commission to continue to monitor progress by Turkey in fulfilling the requirements of its visa liberalisation roadmap; welcomes the effective efforts made to meet the criteria identified in the visa liberalisation roadmap; recalls that the visa liberalisation dialogue is a merit-based process and that Turkey should meet all the requirements set out in the visa roadmap, including, particularly, the full and effective implementation of all provisions of the readmission agreement; reiterates Turkey’s obligation to fully and effectively implement the readmission agreement and the visa liberalisation vis-à-vis all Member States, including non-discriminatory visa-free access to the Turkish territory for the citizens of all EU Member States; calls on Turkey to implement the existing bilateral readmission agreements fully and effectively; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular migration to the EU and calls for the improvement of Turkey’s cross-border cooperation with neighbouring EU Member States in this respect; welcomes the entry into force of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection and the establishment of the General Directorate for Migration Management (GDMM) in April 2014 as substantial steps towards alignment with EU standards on international protection of regular and irregular migrants; notes that cooperation between Turkey and all EU Member States, aiming in particular at reinforcing the management of the common borders with all EU Member States, needs to be increased; emphasises the need for Turkey to further strengthen border security in order to combat irregular migration to EU countries; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Reaffirms its support for the readmission agreement with the EU, which entered into force on 1 October 2014; encourages the Commission to continue to monitor progress by Turkey in fulfilling the requirements of its visa liberalisation roadmap; welcomes the effective efforts made to meet the criteria identified in the visa liberalisation roadmap; recalls that the visa liberalisation dialogue is a merit-based process and that Turkey should meet all the requirements set out in the visa roadmap, including, particularly, the full and effective implementation of all provisions of the readmission agreement; reiterates Turkey’s obligation to fully and effectively implement the readmission agreement and the visa liberalisation vis-à-vis all Member States, including non-discriminatory visa-free access to the Turkish territory for the citizens of all EU Member States; calls on Turkey to implement the existing bilateral readmission agreements fully and effectively; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular migration to the EU and calls for the improvement of Turkey’s cross-border cooperation with neighbouring EU Member States in this respect; welcomes the entry into force of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection and the establishment of the General Directorate for Migration Management (GDMM) in April 2014 as substantial steps towards alignment with EU standards on international protection of regular and irregular migrants; notes that cooperation between Turkey and all EU Member States, aiming in particular at reinforcing the management of the common borders with all EU Member States, needs to be increased; emphasises the need for Turkey to further strengthen border security in order to combat irregular migration to EU countries;

| 36. | Recalls Turkey’s strategic importance for the EU’s energy security and regards Turkey as an important partner in the energy sector; points to the three Southern Gas Corridor projects approved at the end of 2013, which will enhance the security of gas supply for Turkey and access to the EU as the main energy market; takes the view that in a context of increasingly competing energy markets and the need for diversified energy sources and supply routes, Turkey, with its huge potential of renewables, could provide an important contribution to the EU’s energy security and its ambitions regarding energy diversification in line with international law; is concerned about closer energy cooperation between Turkey and Russia and therefore believes that the EU should speed up the negotiations on energy; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Recalls Turkey’s strategic importance for the EU’s energy security and regards Turkey as an important partner in the energy sector; points to the three Southern Gas Corridor projects approved at the end of 2013, which will enhance the security of gas supply for Turkey and access to the EU as the main energy market; takes the view that in a context of increasingly competing energy markets and the need for diversified energy sources and supply routes, Turkey, with its huge potential of renewables, could provide an important contribution to the EU’s energy security and its ambitions regarding energy diversification in line with international law; is concerned about closer energy cooperation between Turkey and Russia and therefore believes that the EU should speed up the negotiations on energy;

| 37. | Recalls Turkey’s strategic position as a partner of the EU and a member of NATO, and therefore its crucial geopolitical importance and its relevance for a comprehensive strategy seeking to address security and stability in its eastern and southern neighbourhoods, with particular reference to Syria and Iraq; points to the fact that the very serious developments in the region and the attacks carried out on European soil make it crucial that dialogue and cooperation with the EU on foreign policy issues is increased within the framework of EU-Turkey political dialogue; calls on Turkey to play an active role in the international coalition against terrorist groups such as ISIL, and to use all the resources at its disposal to this end; calls on Turkey to increase measures to prevent so-called foreign fighters, money or equipment from reaching ISIL and other extremist groups via its territory; stresses the need to continue and strengthen the regular EU-Turkey counterterrorism dialogue and to take concrete measures and action as part of our common efforts to fight terrorism in all its forms; calls on Turkey to ensure effective border control while continuing to provide the necessary assistance through humanitarian aid means to refugees entering from Syria and to ensure the safety of the victims of the Syrian civil war; underlines the importance of more frequent high-level dialogue and consultation between the EU and Turkey on foreign and security policy issues in order to ensure that our policies complement one another and that Turkey progressively aligns its foreign policy with that of the EU; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Recalls Turkey’s strategic position as a partner of the EU and a member of NATO, and therefore its crucial geopolitical importance and its relevance for a comprehensive strategy seeking to address security and stability in its eastern and southern neighbourhoods, with particular reference to Syria and Iraq; points to the fact that the very serious developments in the region and the attacks carried out on European soil make it crucial that dialogue and cooperation with the EU on foreign policy issues is increased within the framework of EU-Turkey political dialogue; calls on Turkey to play an active role in the international coalition against terrorist groups such as ISIL, and to use all the resources at its disposal to this end; calls on Turkey to increase measures to prevent so-called foreign fighters, money or equipment from reaching ISIL and other extremist groups via its territory; stresses the need to continue and strengthen the regular EU-Turkey counterterrorism dialogue and to take concrete measures and action as part of our common efforts to fight terrorism in all its forms; calls on Turkey to ensure effective border control while continuing to provide the necessary assistance through humanitarian aid means to refugees entering from Syria and to ensure the safety of the victims of the Syrian civil war; underlines the importance of more frequent high-level dialogue and consultation between the EU and Turkey on foreign and security policy issues in order to ensure that our policies complement one another and that Turkey progressively aligns its foreign policy with that of the EU;

| 38. | Is of the opinion that the Turkish Foreign Minister should be invited to attend Foreign Affairs Council meetings whenever relevant; is of the opinion that a framework for structured dialogue, cooperation and coordination on foreign, security and defence policy issues is needed; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Is of the opinion that the Turkish Foreign Minister should be invited to attend Foreign Affairs Council meetings whenever relevant; is of the opinion that a framework for structured dialogue, cooperation and coordination on foreign, security and defence policy issues is needed;

| 39. | Regrets the fact that the casus belli threat declared by the Turkish Grand National Assembly against Greece has not yet been withdrawn, despite a good track record of dialogue and cooperation between Greece and Turkey; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Regrets the fact that the casus belli threat declared by the Turkish Grand National Assembly against Greece has not yet been withdrawn, despite a good track record of dialogue and cooperation between Greece and Turkey;

| 40. | Praises Turkey for its continued assistance to the estimated 1,6 million refugees from Iraq and Syria, and for maintaining an open border policy for humanitarian purposes; welcomes the Temporary Protection Directive adopted in October 2014, granting a secure legal status for refugees and enabling them to receive identity cards and access the labour market; calls on the EU to continue its financial support for humanitarian aid to Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Turkey; points out that refugee camps have attained their maximum capacity and that having to find a dwelling puts a tremendous strain on refugees’ lives and resources; takes the view that the EU should provide active support to the Government of Turkey in defining long-term assistance programmes for refugees and to promote access to education, health care and (legal) employment; calls on the Commission to increase the resources available under IPA II and the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) to help provide adequate assistance to the local communities affected by the large inflows of refugees; calls also on the Member States to provide (temporary) resettlement places for the most vulnerable refugees, in the spirit of genuine responsibility-sharing; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Praises Turkey for its continued assistance to the estimated 1,6 million refugees from Iraq and Syria, and for maintaining an open border policy for humanitarian purposes; welcomes the Temporary Protection Directive adopted in October 2014, granting a secure legal status for refugees and enabling them to receive identity cards and access the labour market; calls on the EU to continue its financial support for humanitarian aid to Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Turkey; points out that refugee camps have attained their maximum capacity and that having to find a dwelling puts a tremendous strain on refugees’ lives and resources; takes the view that the EU should provide active support to the Government of Turkey in defining long-term assistance programmes for refugees and to promote access to education, health care and (legal) employment; calls on the Commission to increase the resources available under IPA II and the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) to help provide adequate assistance to the local communities affected by the large inflows of refugees; calls also on the Member States to provide (temporary) resettlement places for the most vulnerable refugees, in the spirit of genuine responsibility-sharing;

| 41. | Calls on Turkey, with the technical and financial support of its partners, to provide access to education for the growing number of Syrian children living in Turkey; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Calls on Turkey, with the technical and financial support of its partners, to provide access to education for the growing number of Syrian children living in Turkey;

Building good neighbourly relations

| 42. | Urges the Turkish Government to end the repeated violations of Greek airspace and territorial waters, as well as Turkish military aircraft flights over Greek islands; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Urges the Turkish Government to end the repeated violations of Greek airspace and territorial waters, as well as Turkish military aircraft flights over Greek islands;

| 43. | Calls on the Turkish Government to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which has been signed and ratified by the EU and its 28 Member States, without further delay, and underlines the Republic of Cyprus’ lawful right to enter into bilateral agreements concerning its exclusive economic zone; reiterates its calls on Turkey to respect the sovereign rights of all Member States, including those relating to the exploration and exploitation of natural resources when in line with the EU acquis and international law; calls on Turkey to refrain from any action damaging good neighbourly relations and a climate conducive to the peaceful settlement of bilateral disputes; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Calls on the Turkish Government to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which has been signed and ratified by the EU and its 28 Member States, without further delay, and underlines the Republic of Cyprus’ lawful right to enter into bilateral agreements concerning its exclusive economic zone; reiterates its calls on Turkey to respect the sovereign rights of all Member States, including those relating to the exploration and exploitation of natural resources when in line with the EU acquis and international law; calls on Turkey to refrain from any action damaging good neighbourly relations and a climate conducive to the peaceful settlement of bilateral disputes;

| 44. | Deplores Turkey’s refusal to fulfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement vis-à-vis all Member States; recalls that this refusal continues to have a profound effect on the negotiation process; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Deplores Turkey’s refusal to fulfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement vis-à-vis all Member States; recalls that this refusal continues to have a profound effect on the negotiation process;

| 45. | Reiterates its strong support for the reunification of Cyprus, on the basis of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement for both communities, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General and in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the values and principles on which the EU is founded, for a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with single sovereignty, single international legal personality and single citizenship, with political equality between the two communities and equal opportunities for all its citizens; welcomes the announcement by the UN Special Envoy Espen Barth Eide that the leaders of both communities are to resume negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General at the earliest convenience, and expresses its strong support for the efforts made by the UN Special Adviser on Cyprus to create the conditions for the resumption of talks; expresses hope that the message of reunification and reconciliation by the recently elected Turkish Cypriot leader will open a new window of opportunity in the negotiation process; calls on Turkey and all parties concerned to actively support the negotiations on reunification and to take the necessary steps towards the normalisation of relations with Cyprus; calls on Turkey to begin to withdraw its troops from Cyprus and to transfer the sealed-off area of Famagusta to the UN in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550(1984); calls, in parallel, on the Republic of Cyprus to open the port of Famagusta under EU customs supervision, in order to promote a positive climate conducive to the successful resolution of the ongoing reunification negotiations, and to allow Turkish Cypriots to trade with the EU in a legal manner that is acceptable to all; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Reiterates its strong support for the reunification of Cyprus, on the basis of a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement for both communities, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General and in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the values and principles on which the EU is founded, for a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with single sovereignty, single international legal personality and single citizenship, with political equality between the two communities and equal opportunities for all its citizens; welcomes the announcement by the UN Special Envoy Espen Barth Eide that the leaders of both communities are to resume negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General at the earliest convenience, and expresses its strong support for the efforts made by the UN Special Adviser on Cyprus to create the conditions for the resumption of talks; expresses hope that the message of reunification and reconciliation by the recently elected Turkish Cypriot leader will open a new window of opportunity in the negotiation process; calls on Turkey and all parties concerned to actively support the negotiations on reunification and to take the necessary steps towards the normalisation of relations with Cyprus; calls on Turkey to begin to withdraw its troops from Cyprus and to transfer the sealed-off area of Famagusta to the UN in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550(1984); calls, in parallel, on the Republic of Cyprus to open the port of Famagusta under EU customs supervision, in order to promote a positive climate conducive to the successful resolution of the ongoing reunification negotiations, and to allow Turkish Cypriots to trade with the EU in a legal manner that is acceptable to all;

| 46. | Reiterates relevant ECtHR decisions and calls on the Turkish Government to immediately stop the violation of the human rights of the Cypriot citizens and stop depriving them of the enjoyment and exercise of their property, religious and other human rights stemming from the constitutional order of the Republic of Cyprus and the acquis communautaire, as well as the fundamental principles and values of the EU; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Reiterates relevant ECtHR decisions and calls on the Turkish Government to immediately stop the violation of the human rights of the Cypriot citizens and stop depriving them of the enjoyment and exercise of their property, religious and other human rights stemming from the constitutional order of the Republic of Cyprus and the acquis communautaire, as well as the fundamental principles and values of the EU;

| 47. | Deplores Turkey’s policy of settlement and calls on Turkey to refrain from further settlement of Turkish citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus, which is contrary to the Geneva Convention and the principles of international law; urges Turkey to terminate all actions that alter the demographic balance on the island thus impeding a future solution; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Deplores Turkey’s policy of settlement and calls on Turkey to refrain from further settlement of Turkish citizens in the occupied areas of Cyprus, which is contrary to the Geneva Convention and the principles of international law; urges Turkey to terminate all actions that alter the demographic balance on the island thus impeding a future solution;

| 48. | Calls on Turkey to allow the Committee on Missing Persons full access to all relevant archives and military zones in the northern part of Cyprus for exhumation and to provide all relevant information that will lead to the discovery of relocated remains; calls for special consideration for the work done by the Committee on Missing Persons; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Calls on Turkey to allow the Committee on Missing Persons full access to all relevant archives and military zones in the northern part of Cyprus for exhumation and to provide all relevant information that will lead to the discovery of relocated remains; calls for special consideration for the work done by the Committee on Missing Persons;

| 49. | Urges Turkey and Armenia to proceed to a normalisation of their relations by ratifying, without preconditions, the protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations, by opening the border and by actively improving their relations, with particular reference to cross-border cooperation and economic integration; welcomes the ongoing dialogue between Turkey and Armenia; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Urges Turkey and Armenia to proceed to a normalisation of their relations by ratifying, without preconditions, the protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations, by opening the border and by actively improving their relations, with particular reference to cross-border cooperation and economic integration; welcomes the ongoing dialogue between Turkey and Armenia;

o

o o

| 50. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, the President of the European Court of Human Rights, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government and Parliament of the Republic of Turkey. |
| --- | --- |

50.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, the President of the European Court of Human Rights, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government and Parliament of the Republic of Turkey.

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(1)  OJ C 341 E, 16.12.2010, p. 59.

(2)  OJ C 199 E, 7.7.2012, p. 98.

(3)  OJ C 257 E, 6.9.2013, p. 38.

(4)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0184.

(5)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0277.

(6)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0235.

(7)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0052.

(8)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0014.

(9)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0094.

(10)  OJ L 51, 26.2.2008, p. 4.

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Thursday 11 June 2015

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/61 |
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4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/61

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P8_TA(2015)0229

Syria: situation in Palmyra and the case of Mazen Darwish

European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on Syria: situation in Palmyra and the case of Mazen Darwish (2015/2732(RSP))

(2016/C 407/08)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Syria, including that of 30 April 2015 (1), |
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having regard to its previous resolutions on Syria, including that of 30 April 2015 (1),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 6 February 2015 entitled ‘Elements for an EU regional strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Da’esh threat’, |
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having regard to the Commission communication of 6 February 2015 entitled ‘Elements for an EU regional strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Da’esh threat’,

| — | having regard to the statements and reports by the UN Secretary-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the conflict in Syria, |
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having regard to the statements and reports by the UN Secretary-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the conflict in Syria,

| — | having regard to the reports of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, established by the United Nations Human Rights Council, |
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having regard to the reports of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, established by the United Nations Human Rights Council,

| — | having regard to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court adopted on 17 July 1998, in particular Article 8(2)(b)(ix) thereof, which states that intentionally directing attacks against historic monuments constitutes a war crime, |
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having regard to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court adopted on 17 July 1998, in particular Article 8(2)(b)(ix) thereof, which states that intentionally directing attacks against historic monuments constitutes a war crime,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 30 April 2015 on the destruction of cultural sites perpetrated by ISIS/Da’esh (2), |
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having regard to its resolution of 30 April 2015 on the destruction of cultural sites perpetrated by ISIS/Da’esh (2),

| — | having regard to Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which states that ‘the Union and the Member States shall foster cooperation with third countries and the competent international organisations in the sphere of culture’, |
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having regard to Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which states that ‘the Union and the Member States shall foster cooperation with third countries and the competent international organisations in the sphere of culture’,

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 116/2009 of 18 December 2008 on the export of cultural goods, |
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having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 116/2009 of 18 December 2008 on the export of cultural goods,

| — | having regard to the resolution on the creation of an informal network of law enforcement authorities and expertise competent in the field of cultural goods (EU CULTNET) adopted by the Council at its meeting of 25 and 26 October 2012, |
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having regard to the resolution on the creation of an informal network of law enforcement authorities and expertise competent in the field of cultural goods (EU CULTNET) adopted by the Council at its meeting of 25 and 26 October 2012,

| — | having regard to the Second Protocol (1999) to the Hague Convention of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, |
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having regard to the Second Protocol (1999) to the Hague Convention of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict,

| — | having regard to the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, of 21 May 2015 on the situation in Palmyra; and having regard to the statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton of 17 February 2012 condemning the arrest of Mazen Darwich, and to the Local EU Statement of 3 April 2012 on the continued detention without charge of Mr Mazen Darwish and seven other human rights defenders, |
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having regard to the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, of 21 May 2015 on the situation in Palmyra; and having regard to the statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton of 17 February 2012 condemning the arrest of Mazen Darwich, and to the Local EU Statement of 3 April 2012 on the continued detention without charge of Mr Mazen Darwish and seven other human rights defenders,

| — | having regard to the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, adopted in June 2004, and updated in 2008, |
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having regard to the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, adopted in June 2004, and updated in 2008,

| — | having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 2222 (2015), |
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having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 2222 (2015),

| — | having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, |
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having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

| — | having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
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having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas over 220 000 people, mostly civilians, have lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict in Syria in 2011; whereas massive and recurrent violations of human rights and international humanitarian law have been committed by the Assad regime, IS/Da’esh, al-Nusra and the other parties involved in conflict; whereas the overwhelming majority of these crimes have so far gone unpunished; |
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A.

whereas over 220 000 people, mostly civilians, have lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict in Syria in 2011; whereas massive and recurrent violations of human rights and international humanitarian law have been committed by the Assad regime, IS/Da’esh, al-Nusra and the other parties involved in conflict; whereas the overwhelming majority of these crimes have so far gone unpunished;

| B. | whereas the use of torture, mass arrests and widespread destruction of populated areas have dramatically escalated over the past few months; and whereas large numbers of Syrians are being displaced, some even being forced to move further away from the humanitarian assistance they need; |
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B.

whereas the use of torture, mass arrests and widespread destruction of populated areas have dramatically escalated over the past few months; and whereas large numbers of Syrians are being displaced, some even being forced to move further away from the humanitarian assistance they need;

| C. | whereas IS/Da’esh have killed at least 400 people, including women and children, in Palmyra since capturing the ancient Syrian city and, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, have executed at least 217 people and detained another 600, including women and children accused of having dealings with the regime’s forces and hiding regime members in their houses; |
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C.

whereas IS/Da’esh have killed at least 400 people, including women and children, in Palmyra since capturing the ancient Syrian city and, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, have executed at least 217 people and detained another 600, including women and children accused of having dealings with the regime’s forces and hiding regime members in their houses;

| D. | whereas the capture of the city of Palmyra was followed by ferocious air strikes by pro-Assad forces, which killed more than a dozen civilians and led to many of the remaining inhabitants fleeing; |
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D.

whereas the capture of the city of Palmyra was followed by ferocious air strikes by pro-Assad forces, which killed more than a dozen civilians and led to many of the remaining inhabitants fleeing;

| E. | whereas after a fresh offensive in April-May 2015 IS/Da’esh captured Ramadi on 17 May 2015 and Palmyra on 21 May 2015, bringing 50 % of Syrian territory under its control; whereas the transnational nature of the so-called Islamic State, which has significant financial resources and around 200 000 fighters, according to some sources, poses a threat to the wider region; whereas thousands of foreigners, including EU citizens, are estimated to be fighting with these armed groups; whereas the upsurge of IS/Da’esh has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, notably with a massive displacement of civilians; |
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E.

whereas after a fresh offensive in April-May 2015 IS/Da’esh captured Ramadi on 17 May 2015 and Palmyra on 21 May 2015, bringing 50 % of Syrian territory under its control; whereas the transnational nature of the so-called Islamic State, which has significant financial resources and around 200 000 fighters, according to some sources, poses a threat to the wider region; whereas thousands of foreigners, including EU citizens, are estimated to be fighting with these armed groups; whereas the upsurge of IS/Da’esh has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, notably with a massive displacement of civilians;

| F. | whereas on 5 June 2015 the members of the UN Security Council expressed outrage at the high level of violence and all attacks against civilians in Syria and condemned the terrorist attacks carried out by IS/Da’esh, al-Nusra and other terrorist groups operating in the country, |
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F.

whereas on 5 June 2015 the members of the UN Security Council expressed outrage at the high level of violence and all attacks against civilians in Syria and condemned the terrorist attacks carried out by IS/Da’esh, al-Nusra and other terrorist groups operating in the country,

| G. | whereas Palmyra is situated between Damascus and the eastern city of Deir al-Zour and has important gas fields and phosphate mines in its vicinity; whereas the capture of Palmyra coincided with IS/Da’esh’s conquest of Ramadi in Iraq’s Anbar province, but also came shortly after IS/Da’esh’s territorial losses around Tikrit; |
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G.

whereas Palmyra is situated between Damascus and the eastern city of Deir al-Zour and has important gas fields and phosphate mines in its vicinity; whereas the capture of Palmyra coincided with IS/Da’esh’s conquest of Ramadi in Iraq’s Anbar province, but also came shortly after IS/Da’esh’s territorial losses around Tikrit;

| H. | whereas Palmyra, which is more than 2 000 years old, is an immensely important cultural site and is included on UNESCO's World Heritage list; whereas on 21 May 2015 the Director-General of UNESCO appealed for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the city; |
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H.

whereas Palmyra, which is more than 2 000 years old, is an immensely important cultural site and is included on UNESCO's World Heritage list; whereas on 21 May 2015 the Director-General of UNESCO appealed for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the city;

| I. | whereas Palmyra is a symbol of Syria’s rich cultural heritage, containing the monumental ruins of a great city that was one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world; whereas IS/Da’esh’s mass killings and acts of destruction of archaeological and cultural heritage have been considered, under certain circumstances, to constitute crimes against humanity and ‘cultural cleansing’, and amount to a war crime according to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court; whereas these systematic attacks on cultural heritage were described by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova as ‘cultural cleansing’; |
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I.

whereas Palmyra is a symbol of Syria’s rich cultural heritage, containing the monumental ruins of a great city that was one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world; whereas IS/Da’esh’s mass killings and acts of destruction of archaeological and cultural heritage have been considered, under certain circumstances, to constitute crimes against humanity and ‘cultural cleansing’, and amount to a war crime according to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court; whereas these systematic attacks on cultural heritage were described by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova as ‘cultural cleansing’;

| J. | whereas IS/Da’esh is systematically attacking and destroying the cultural heritage of both Iraq and Syria as a tactic of war to spread terror and hatred; whereas, as a result of IS/Da’esh’s capture of Palmyra, the historical heritage of this city is under threat of destruction; |
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J.

whereas IS/Da’esh is systematically attacking and destroying the cultural heritage of both Iraq and Syria as a tactic of war to spread terror and hatred; whereas, as a result of IS/Da’esh’s capture of Palmyra, the historical heritage of this city is under threat of destruction;

| K. | whereas in the EU’s regional strategy for Syria and Iraq and the IS/Da’esh threat, which was adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 16 March 2015, the EU strongly condemns the deliberate destruction of archaeological and cultural heritage, and notes that such actions may amount to a war crime within the meaning of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC); |
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K.

whereas in the EU’s regional strategy for Syria and Iraq and the IS/Da’esh threat, which was adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 16 March 2015, the EU strongly condemns the deliberate destruction of archaeological and cultural heritage, and notes that such actions may amount to a war crime within the meaning of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC);

| L. | having regard to the three-year Emergency Safeguarding of the Syrian Heritage project launched by UNESCO and other partners with a view to protecting the country's cultural heritage; |
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L.

having regard to the three-year Emergency Safeguarding of the Syrian Heritage project launched by UNESCO and other partners with a view to protecting the country's cultural heritage;

| M. | whereas illicit trade in cultural goods is now the third most significant illegal trade after drugs and arms, whereas this illicit trade is dominated by organised criminal networks, and whereas current national and international mechanisms are neither adequately equipped nor supported to tackle the issue; whereas the EU has taken all the appropriate steps in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2199 (2015) to prevent the illegal trade in cultural property; |
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M.

whereas illicit trade in cultural goods is now the third most significant illegal trade after drugs and arms, whereas this illicit trade is dominated by organised criminal networks, and whereas current national and international mechanisms are neither adequately equipped nor supported to tackle the issue; whereas the EU has taken all the appropriate steps in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2199 (2015) to prevent the illegal trade in cultural property;

| N. | whereas since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in March 2011 there have been widespread and grave human rights violations, in particular the deliberate targeting, arbitrary detention and disappearance of independent journalists, human rights defenders, humanitarian workers and medical personnel, subjected to threats, violence, arbitrary arrest and disappearance in Syria; |
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N.

whereas since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in March 2011 there have been widespread and grave human rights violations, in particular the deliberate targeting, arbitrary detention and disappearance of independent journalists, human rights defenders, humanitarian workers and medical personnel, subjected to threats, violence, arbitrary arrest and disappearance in Syria;

| O. | whereas Mazen Darwish, a Syrian journalist and activist and president of the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression, has been imprisoned since 2012, as have Hani Al-Zaitani and Hussain Ghrer, for their work defending freedom of expression; whereas Mazen Darwish was reportedly subjected to severe torture and ill-treatment and on 6 May 2015 was taken to an unknown location; whereas Mazen Darwish has been awarded the 2015 UNESCO Press Freedom Prize, as well as other important international awards, such as the Preis der Lutherstädte — ‘Das unerschrockene Wort’ 2015, the Bruno-Kreisky-Preis für Verdienste um die Menschenrechte 2013, and the PEN-Pinter Prize 2014; whereas the continued imprisonment of Mazen Darwish, Hani Al-Zaitani and Hussain Ghrer is further evidence of the repressive nature of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria; |
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O.

whereas Mazen Darwish, a Syrian journalist and activist and president of the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression, has been imprisoned since 2012, as have Hani Al-Zaitani and Hussain Ghrer, for their work defending freedom of expression; whereas Mazen Darwish was reportedly subjected to severe torture and ill-treatment and on 6 May 2015 was taken to an unknown location; whereas Mazen Darwish has been awarded the 2015 UNESCO Press Freedom Prize, as well as other important international awards, such as the Preis der Lutherstädte — ‘Das unerschrockene Wort’ 2015, the Bruno-Kreisky-Preis für Verdienste um die Menschenrechte 2013, and the PEN-Pinter Prize 2014; whereas the continued imprisonment of Mazen Darwish, Hani Al-Zaitani and Hussain Ghrer is further evidence of the repressive nature of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria;

| P. | whereas in Resolution 67/262 of 15 May 2013 the UN General Assembly demanded that the Syrian authorities immediately release all persons arbitrarily detained, including the members of the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression; |
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P.

whereas in Resolution 67/262 of 15 May 2013 the UN General Assembly demanded that the Syrian authorities immediately release all persons arbitrarily detained, including the members of the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression;

| Q. | whereas on 19 February 2015 the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, urged the Syrian authorities to release all those being held in prison for having peacefully expressed their views, including Mazen Darwish; |
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Q.

whereas on 19 February 2015 the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, urged the Syrian authorities to release all those being held in prison for having peacefully expressed their views, including Mazen Darwish;

| R. | whereas hundreds of human rights defenders have been subjected to threats, violence, arbitrary arrest and disappearance in Syria; whereas this includes human rights lawyer and 2011 Sakharov Prize laureate Razan Zeitouneh, who was abducted in Duma on 9 December 2013; |
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R.

whereas hundreds of human rights defenders have been subjected to threats, violence, arbitrary arrest and disappearance in Syria; whereas this includes human rights lawyer and 2011 Sakharov Prize laureate Razan Zeitouneh, who was abducted in Duma on 9 December 2013;

| 1. | Strongly condemns the gruesome systematic and widespread human rights abuses, violations of international humanitarian law committed by the al-Assad regime, terrorists belonging to IS/Da’esh and other jihadi groups in Syria, and the sentences and charges against political, civil and human rights activists, bloggers and journalists; reiterates its absolute condemnation of torture, intensified shelling and the use of aerial bombardment, including barrel bombs, by the Syrian Government; expresses its deep sympathy to the victims; remains profoundly dismayed by the harrowing level of human suffering and loss of life in the Syrian conflict and is extremely concerned at the deterioration of the humanitarian and security situation in Syria; |
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1.

Strongly condemns the gruesome systematic and widespread human rights abuses, violations of international humanitarian law committed by the al-Assad regime, terrorists belonging to IS/Da’esh and other jihadi groups in Syria, and the sentences and charges against political, civil and human rights activists, bloggers and journalists; reiterates its absolute condemnation of torture, intensified shelling and the use of aerial bombardment, including barrel bombs, by the Syrian Government; expresses its deep sympathy to the victims; remains profoundly dismayed by the harrowing level of human suffering and loss of life in the Syrian conflict and is extremely concerned at the deterioration of the humanitarian and security situation in Syria;

| 2. | Condemns IS/Da’esh’s seizure of Palmyra on 21 May 2015 following a nine-day assault that cost many lives and the fact that it has since murdered at least 217 people in and around the city and continued to commit widespread abuses and atrocities in the ‘caliphate’ it has proclaimed in the areas it controls in Syria and Iraq; |
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2.

Condemns IS/Da’esh’s seizure of Palmyra on 21 May 2015 following a nine-day assault that cost many lives and the fact that it has since murdered at least 217 people in and around the city and continued to commit widespread abuses and atrocities in the ‘caliphate’ it has proclaimed in the areas it controls in Syria and Iraq;

| 3. | Expresses its concern for the situation at the site of Palmyra and the thousands of Palmyra residents inside the city, as well as for those displaced as a result of IS/Da’esh’s advance and for the women and children in Palmyra, noting IS/Da’esh’s pattern of abducting, exploiting, and abusing women and children elsewhere, including rape, sexual abuse, forced marriage and forced child recruitment; |
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3.

Expresses its concern for the situation at the site of Palmyra and the thousands of Palmyra residents inside the city, as well as for those displaced as a result of IS/Da’esh’s advance and for the women and children in Palmyra, noting IS/Da’esh’s pattern of abducting, exploiting, and abusing women and children elsewhere, including rape, sexual abuse, forced marriage and forced child recruitment;

| 4. | Encourages the Council, the Commission and the High Representative to make all necessary financial and human resources available to assist the refugees; |
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4.

Encourages the Council, the Commission and the High Representative to make all necessary financial and human resources available to assist the refugees;

| 5. | Welcomes the commitment to redouble collective efforts to defeat IS/Da’esh made at the ministerial meeting of the international coalition against IS/Da’esh in Paris on 2 June 2015; calls on the coalition to step up efforts to implement a common, multi-dimensional and long-term strategy to weaken and eventually eradicate IS/Da’esh; stresses the need to complement this strategy with strengthened cooperation with all regional state and non-state actors committed to fighting IS/Da’esh; |
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5.

Welcomes the commitment to redouble collective efforts to defeat IS/Da’esh made at the ministerial meeting of the international coalition against IS/Da’esh in Paris on 2 June 2015; calls on the coalition to step up efforts to implement a common, multi-dimensional and long-term strategy to weaken and eventually eradicate IS/Da’esh; stresses the need to complement this strategy with strengthened cooperation with all regional state and non-state actors committed to fighting IS/Da’esh;

| 6. | Remains convinced that there can be neither effective conflict resolution nor sustainable peace in Syria without accountability for the crimes committed by all sides during the conflict; |
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6.

Remains convinced that there can be neither effective conflict resolution nor sustainable peace in Syria without accountability for the crimes committed by all sides during the conflict;

| 7. | Points out that a sustainable solution to the crisis in Syria can be achieved only through an inclusive political settlement based on the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012 and supported by the international community; calls on the UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura to work with all parties towards a genuine political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and enables them independently and democratically to determine their own future; |
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7.

Points out that a sustainable solution to the crisis in Syria can be achieved only through an inclusive political settlement based on the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012 and supported by the international community; calls on the UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura to work with all parties towards a genuine political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and enables them independently and democratically to determine their own future;

| 8. | Expresses serious concern at the severe lack of funding for UN appeals in 2014, which has led to the temporary suspension of World Food Programme assistance to Syrian refugees; urges the international community, therefore, to step up its funding and assistance in response to forthcoming appeals; |
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8.

Expresses serious concern at the severe lack of funding for UN appeals in 2014, which has led to the temporary suspension of World Food Programme assistance to Syrian refugees; urges the international community, therefore, to step up its funding and assistance in response to forthcoming appeals;

| 9. | Calls on the international community to increase the efforts to find solutions in order to mitigate the crisis and end the war in Syria and voices its support for those engaged in combating IS/Da’esh in Syria and Iraq; calls on the governments of the region to work together, as close cooperation on security matters is the only means of bringing peace and security to the region; |
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9.

Calls on the international community to increase the efforts to find solutions in order to mitigate the crisis and end the war in Syria and voices its support for those engaged in combating IS/Da’esh in Syria and Iraq; calls on the governments of the region to work together, as close cooperation on security matters is the only means of bringing peace and security to the region;

| 10. | Calls on the international community to do everything in its power to protect the civilian population and safeguard the unique cultural heritage of Palmyra, and calls on all parties for an immediate end to hostilities in Palmyra and for the safe passage of civilians fleeing the violence; |
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10.

Calls on the international community to do everything in its power to protect the civilian population and safeguard the unique cultural heritage of Palmyra, and calls on all parties for an immediate end to hostilities in Palmyra and for the safe passage of civilians fleeing the violence;

| 11. | Demands an immediate halt to the destruction of the cultural heritage of Syria and Iraq, including religious sites and objects; emphasises that no such acts committed by IS/Da’esh or other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities can be tolerated, and also calls for the preservation of the cultural heritage of Iraq by protecting cultural and religious property and sites in accordance with international humanitarian law; |
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11.

Demands an immediate halt to the destruction of the cultural heritage of Syria and Iraq, including religious sites and objects; emphasises that no such acts committed by IS/Da’esh or other individuals, groups, undertakings and entities can be tolerated, and also calls for the preservation of the cultural heritage of Iraq by protecting cultural and religious property and sites in accordance with international humanitarian law;

| 12. | Urges the EU and the Member States to launch awareness-raising campaigns in order to discourage the illicit purchase and sale of cultural goods from the conflict areas; |
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12.

Urges the EU and the Member States to launch awareness-raising campaigns in order to discourage the illicit purchase and sale of cultural goods from the conflict areas;

| 13. | Reiterates the high value of the cultural heritage for the whole of humanity and therefore considers that its destruction should be regarded as an indefensible war crime; |
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13.

Reiterates the high value of the cultural heritage for the whole of humanity and therefore considers that its destruction should be regarded as an indefensible war crime;

| 14. | Underlines the need for joint efforts by the international community to prevent the illegal trade in cultural property and the illicit trafficking of cultural artefacts, which contributes to the financing of IS/Da’esh; |
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14.

Underlines the need for joint efforts by the international community to prevent the illegal trade in cultural property and the illicit trafficking of cultural artefacts, which contributes to the financing of IS/Da’esh;

| 15. | Endorses the statements made by the Director-General of UNESCO and all special measures taken by the UN and UNESCO with a view to protecting Palmyra and any other cultural and historical sites that come under threat; |
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15.

Endorses the statements made by the Director-General of UNESCO and all special measures taken by the UN and UNESCO with a view to protecting Palmyra and any other cultural and historical sites that come under threat;

| 16. | Calls on the UN Secretary-General to refer the issue of the protection of all cultural sites under threat from terrorist groups including IS/Da’esh to the Security Council, with a view to the adoption of a resolution on the matter; |
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16.

Calls on the UN Secretary-General to refer the issue of the protection of all cultural sites under threat from terrorist groups including IS/Da’esh to the Security Council, with a view to the adoption of a resolution on the matter;

| 17. | Calls on the Member States and the EU institutions to take practical steps, in cooperation with the United Nations, to protect cultural, historical, religious and archaeological sites that are under threat in Palmyra and the Middle East as a whole; |
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17.

Calls on the Member States and the EU institutions to take practical steps, in cooperation with the United Nations, to protect cultural, historical, religious and archaeological sites that are under threat in Palmyra and the Middle East as a whole;

| 18. | Welcomes and underlines the critical importance of the work of local and international civil society organisations in documenting human rights violations, evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other violations; expresses its deepest admiration and solidarity for all the Syrian activists who continue tirelessly to monitor, document and report on the human rights situation in their war-torn country, at the risk of their own lives; |
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18.

Welcomes and underlines the critical importance of the work of local and international civil society organisations in documenting human rights violations, evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other violations; expresses its deepest admiration and solidarity for all the Syrian activists who continue tirelessly to monitor, document and report on the human rights situation in their war-torn country, at the risk of their own lives;

| 19. | Is deeply concerned about the ever-spiralling degradation of the humanitarian and human rights situation in Syria and stresses the need to respect freedom of expression and the freedom of human rights defenders to carry out their work, in line with Syria’s international obligations; points out that every individual has a right to freedom of opinion and expression, and that this is a fundamental human right; condemns all violations of press freedoms and all acts of violence against journalists in Syria; |
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19.

Is deeply concerned about the ever-spiralling degradation of the humanitarian and human rights situation in Syria and stresses the need to respect freedom of expression and the freedom of human rights defenders to carry out their work, in line with Syria’s international obligations; points out that every individual has a right to freedom of opinion and expression, and that this is a fundamental human right; condemns all violations of press freedoms and all acts of violence against journalists in Syria;

| 20. | Calls on the Syrian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release and drop all charges against Mazen Darwish and all those detained, convicted and/or sentenced for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression and association, as well as all human rights defenders and political rights activists arbitrarily deprived of their liberty on the basis of their human rights activities; |
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20.

Calls on the Syrian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release and drop all charges against Mazen Darwish and all those detained, convicted and/or sentenced for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression and association, as well as all human rights defenders and political rights activists arbitrarily deprived of their liberty on the basis of their human rights activities;

| 21. | Urges the Syrian authorities to disclose the fate and the whereabouts of the three men immediately, and to ensure that they are protected from torture and ill-treatment, allowed immediate contact with their families and lawyers, and provided with any medical attention they may require; |
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21.

Urges the Syrian authorities to disclose the fate and the whereabouts of the three men immediately, and to ensure that they are protected from torture and ill-treatment, allowed immediate contact with their families and lawyers, and provided with any medical attention they may require;

| 22. | Urges all Member States to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance as a matter of priority; calls on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Member States to promote universal ratification and the implementation of this key human rights instrument and to support the work of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances, established under this Convention; |
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22.

Urges all Member States to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance as a matter of priority; calls on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Member States to promote universal ratification and the implementation of this key human rights instrument and to support the work of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances, established under this Convention;

| 23. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the UN-Arab League Special Envoy to Syria, and all the parties involved in the conflict in Syria. |
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23.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the UN-Arab League Special Envoy to Syria, and all the parties involved in the conflict in Syria.

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(1)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0187.

(2)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0179.

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| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/66 |
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4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/66

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P8_TA(2015)0230

Paraguay: the legal aspects related to the child pregnancy

European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on Paraguay: legal aspects related to child pregnancy (2015/2733(RSP))

(2016/C 407/09)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Interregional Framework Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Mercosur concluded in 1999, |
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having regard to the Interregional Framework Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Mercosur concluded in 1999,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2015 on the Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2013 and the European Union’s policy on the matter (1), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2015 on the Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2013 and the European Union’s policy on the matter (1),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1567/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on aid for policies and actions on reproductive and sexual health and rights in developing countries (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1567/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 July 2003 on aid for policies and actions on reproductive and sexual health and rights in developing countries (2),

| — | having regard to the Paraguayan Penal Code (Law No 1160/97) of 26 November 1997, in particular Article 109(4) thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Paraguayan Penal Code (Law No 1160/97) of 26 November 1997, in particular Article 109(4) thereof,

| — | having regard to the fifth Millennium Development Goal (improving maternal health), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the fifth Millennium Development Goal (improving maternal health),

| — | having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular Article 3 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular Article 3 thereof,

| — | having regard to the 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW),

| — | having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention),

| — | having regard to the statement of 11 May 2015 by the UN Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of 11 May 2015 by the UN Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice,

| — | having regard to the UN Convention against Torture, which entered into force on 26 June 1987, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Convention against Torture, which entered into force on 26 June 1987,

| — | having regard to the request of March 2015 by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights that Paraguay revise and amend its abortion legislation to ensure its compatibility with other rights such as those to health and life, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request of March 2015 by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights that Paraguay revise and amend its abortion legislation to ensure its compatibility with other rights such as those to health and life,

| — | having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas according to recent UN data, 19 % of pregnant girls in Paraguay are minors, two births a day are to girls under the age of 14, and girls aged 10-14 make up 2,13 % of maternal deaths; whereas about 600 girls aged 14 or under become pregnant each year in Paraguay, a country of 6,8 million people, and whereas the child pregnancy rate is as much as 10 times higher than in other countries in the region; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas according to recent UN data, 19 % of pregnant girls in Paraguay are minors, two births a day are to girls under the age of 14, and girls aged 10-14 make up 2,13 % of maternal deaths; whereas about 600 girls aged 14 or under become pregnant each year in Paraguay, a country of 6,8 million people, and whereas the child pregnancy rate is as much as 10 times higher than in other countries in the region;

| B. | whereas in Latin America the risk of maternal death is four times higher among adolescents under the age of 16, and whereas 65 % of cases of obstetric fistula occur in the pregnancies of adolescents, with serious consequences for their lives, including severe health problems and social exclusion; whereas early pregnancies are also dangerous for the baby, with a mortality rate 50 % higher than average; whereas up to 40 % of women in the region have been victims of sexual violence, and whereas 95 % of abortions carried out in Latin America are unsafe; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas in Latin America the risk of maternal death is four times higher among adolescents under the age of 16, and whereas 65 % of cases of obstetric fistula occur in the pregnancies of adolescents, with serious consequences for their lives, including severe health problems and social exclusion; whereas early pregnancies are also dangerous for the baby, with a mortality rate 50 % higher than average; whereas up to 40 % of women in the region have been victims of sexual violence, and whereas 95 % of abortions carried out in Latin America are unsafe;

| C. | whereas on 21 April 2015 a 10-year-old girl went to the Trinidad Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Asunción and a 21-week pregnancy was detected; whereas after the girl was examined the director of the hospital publicly acknowledged that her pregnancy was high-risk; whereas the girl’s fugitive stepfather was arrested on 9 May 2015 and is accused of raping her; whereas the girl had gone to various medical centres since January 2015 complaining of a stomach ache, but whereas the pregnancy was not confirmed until 21 April; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas on 21 April 2015 a 10-year-old girl went to the Trinidad Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Asunción and a 21-week pregnancy was detected; whereas after the girl was examined the director of the hospital publicly acknowledged that her pregnancy was high-risk; whereas the girl’s fugitive stepfather was arrested on 9 May 2015 and is accused of raping her; whereas the girl had gone to various medical centres since January 2015 complaining of a stomach ache, but whereas the pregnancy was not confirmed until 21 April;

| D. | whereas on 28 April 2015 the girl’s mother requested a voluntary termination of her daughter’s pregnancy on account of her young age and the high level of risk to her health and life; whereas the girl’s mother is being detained for failing to protect her from the sexual abuse that resulted in the pregnancy; whereas according to the latest reports the 10-year-old girl has been sent to a centre for young mothers and separated from her own mother; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas on 28 April 2015 the girl’s mother requested a voluntary termination of her daughter’s pregnancy on account of her young age and the high level of risk to her health and life; whereas the girl’s mother is being detained for failing to protect her from the sexual abuse that resulted in the pregnancy; whereas according to the latest reports the 10-year-old girl has been sent to a centre for young mothers and separated from her own mother;

| E. | whereas back in January 2014 the girl’s mother had made a complaint about the sexual abuse of her daughter by the girl’s stepfather, but whereas prosecutors took no action, did not investigate and did not provide protection measures as they did not consider her to be at risk; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas back in January 2014 the girl’s mother had made a complaint about the sexual abuse of her daughter by the girl’s stepfather, but whereas prosecutors took no action, did not investigate and did not provide protection measures as they did not consider her to be at risk;

| F. | whereas this case is only one of many in Paraguay and other Latin American countries; whereas Paraguay continues, on grounds of religion, to deny the girl access to a safe and legal abortion, thereby violating her rights to health, life and physical and psychological integrity; whereas the girl will face psychological and health risks if the baby is born, on account of her young age and the circumstances that resulted in the pregnancy; whereas on 7 May 2015 an interdisciplinary panel of experts, comprising three professionals proposed by local organisations, three members of the Health Ministry and three members of the Supreme Court, was set up to monitor her condition; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas this case is only one of many in Paraguay and other Latin American countries; whereas Paraguay continues, on grounds of religion, to deny the girl access to a safe and legal abortion, thereby violating her rights to health, life and physical and psychological integrity; whereas the girl will face psychological and health risks if the baby is born, on account of her young age and the circumstances that resulted in the pregnancy; whereas on 7 May 2015 an interdisciplinary panel of experts, comprising three professionals proposed by local organisations, three members of the Health Ministry and three members of the Supreme Court, was set up to monitor her condition;

| G. | whereas, according to Article 109(4) of Paraguay’s Health Code, abortion is banned in all cases except where the pregnancy has life-threatening complications for the woman or girl, and without any other exceptions, including in cases of rape, incest or an unviable foetus; whereas the authorities have argued that the girl’s health is not at risk; whereas the 10-year-old rape survivor is therefore being forced to continue her unwanted pregnancy and to give birth; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas, according to Article 109(4) of Paraguay’s Health Code, abortion is banned in all cases except where the pregnancy has life-threatening complications for the woman or girl, and without any other exceptions, including in cases of rape, incest or an unviable foetus; whereas the authorities have argued that the girl’s health is not at risk; whereas the 10-year-old rape survivor is therefore being forced to continue her unwanted pregnancy and to give birth;

| H. | whereas UN experts have warned that the Paraguayan authorities’ decision is resulting in grave violations of the girl’s rights to life, health and physical and mental integrity, and of her right to education, thereby jeopardising her economic and social opportunities; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas UN experts have warned that the Paraguayan authorities’ decision is resulting in grave violations of the girl’s rights to life, health and physical and mental integrity, and of her right to education, thereby jeopardising her economic and social opportunities;

| I. | whereas according to Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the best interests of the child must always be a primary consideration in all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, and whereas states have an obligation to ensure access to safe and legal abortion when a pregnant woman’s life is at risk; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas according to Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the best interests of the child must always be a primary consideration in all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or private social welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, and whereas states have an obligation to ensure access to safe and legal abortion when a pregnant woman’s life is at risk;

| J. | whereas in March 2015 the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights asked Paraguay to revise and amend its abortion legislation to ensure its compatibility with other rights such as those to health and life; whereas physical, sexual and psychological violence against women is an extensive human rights violation; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas in March 2015 the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights asked Paraguay to revise and amend its abortion legislation to ensure its compatibility with other rights such as those to health and life; whereas physical, sexual and psychological violence against women is an extensive human rights violation;

| K. | whereas Paraguay participated actively in the 59th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, and whereas all parties should continue to promote the UN Beijing Platform for Action as regards, among other elements, access to education and health as basic human rights, and sexual and reproductive rights; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas Paraguay participated actively in the 59th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, and whereas all parties should continue to promote the UN Beijing Platform for Action as regards, among other elements, access to education and health as basic human rights, and sexual and reproductive rights;

| L. | whereas UN treaty monitoring bodies, including the Human Rights Committee (HRC) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), have called on various Latin American states to establish exceptions to restrictive abortion laws in instances where a pregnancy poses a risk to a woman’s life or health, where there is severe foetal impairment, and where pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas UN treaty monitoring bodies, including the Human Rights Committee (HRC) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), have called on various Latin American states to establish exceptions to restrictive abortion laws in instances where a pregnancy poses a risk to a woman’s life or health, where there is severe foetal impairment, and where pregnancy is the result of rape or incest;

| M. | whereas this inhuman act has left the body of the aforementioned 10-year-old girl, who weighed only 34 kg before the pregnancy, in grave danger; whereas the World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified the dangers of pregnancy to young girls, whose bodies are not fully developed; whereas the WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely as the absence of disease or infirmity; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas this inhuman act has left the body of the aforementioned 10-year-old girl, who weighed only 34 kg before the pregnancy, in grave danger; whereas the World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified the dangers of pregnancy to young girls, whose bodies are not fully developed; whereas the WHO defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely as the absence of disease or infirmity;

| N. | whereas the Committee against Torture has found that several restrictions on access to reproductive health services, together with the abuses that occur when women seek these services, may constitute violations of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment — which has been ratified by Paraguay and all the EU Member States — on the grounds that they put women’s health and lives at risk or may otherwise cause them severe physical or mental pain or suffering; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the Committee against Torture has found that several restrictions on access to reproductive health services, together with the abuses that occur when women seek these services, may constitute violations of the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment — which has been ratified by Paraguay and all the EU Member States — on the grounds that they put women’s health and lives at risk or may otherwise cause them severe physical or mental pain or suffering;

| O. | whereas violence against women and girls, whether physical, sexual or psychological, remains the most widespread human rights violation, affecting all levels of society, but is one of the least-reported crimes; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas violence against women and girls, whether physical, sexual or psychological, remains the most widespread human rights violation, affecting all levels of society, but is one of the least-reported crimes;

| 1. | Reaffirms its condemnation of all forms of abuse and violence against women and girls, especially the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, and domestic violence; calls on Paraguay to ensure that women and girls have access to safe and legal abortion, at a minimum, when their health and life are in danger, where there is severe foetal impairment and in cases of rape and incest; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Reaffirms its condemnation of all forms of abuse and violence against women and girls, especially the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, and domestic violence; calls on Paraguay to ensure that women and girls have access to safe and legal abortion, at a minimum, when their health and life are in danger, where there is severe foetal impairment and in cases of rape and incest;

| 2. | Expresses its strong concern about the high number of child pregnancies in Paraguay; urges the Paraguayan authorities to meet their international obligations and to protect human rights by ensuring that all girls have access to all possible information and medical services for the management of high-risk pregnancies resulting from rape; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Expresses its strong concern about the high number of child pregnancies in Paraguay; urges the Paraguayan authorities to meet their international obligations and to protect human rights by ensuring that all girls have access to all possible information and medical services for the management of high-risk pregnancies resulting from rape;

| 3. | Urges the Paraguayan authorities to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the aforementioned rape and to bring the perpetrator to justice; calls on the Paraguayan authorities to release the girl’s mother immediately; welcomes the proposal by members of the Paraguayan congress to raise the maximum prison sentence for the rape of a minor from 10 years to 30 years; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Urges the Paraguayan authorities to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the aforementioned rape and to bring the perpetrator to justice; calls on the Paraguayan authorities to release the girl’s mother immediately; welcomes the proposal by members of the Paraguayan congress to raise the maximum prison sentence for the rape of a minor from 10 years to 30 years;

| 4. | Notes the creation of an interdisciplinary panel of experts and expects it to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the girl’s condition and to ensure respect for all her human rights, particularly the rights to life, health and physical and psychological integrity; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Notes the creation of an interdisciplinary panel of experts and expects it to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the girl’s condition and to ensure respect for all her human rights, particularly the rights to life, health and physical and psychological integrity;

| 5. | Finds it regrettable that women’s and girls’ bodies, specifically with respect to their sexual health and reproductive rights, still remain an ideological battleground, and calls on Paraguay to recognise the inalienable rights of women and girls to bodily integrity and autonomous decision-making as regards, inter alia, the right to access voluntary family planning and safe and legal abortion; believes that the general prohibition on therapeutic abortion and abortion of pregnancies resulting from rape and incest, and the refusal to provide free health cover in cases of rape, amounts to torture; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Finds it regrettable that women’s and girls’ bodies, specifically with respect to their sexual health and reproductive rights, still remain an ideological battleground, and calls on Paraguay to recognise the inalienable rights of women and girls to bodily integrity and autonomous decision-making as regards, inter alia, the right to access voluntary family planning and safe and legal abortion; believes that the general prohibition on therapeutic abortion and abortion of pregnancies resulting from rape and incest, and the refusal to provide free health cover in cases of rape, amounts to torture;

| 6. | Recognises that obstetric violence is an intersection between institutional violence and violence against women, constituting a grave violation of human rights such as the rights to equality, freedom from discrimination, information, integrity, health and reproductive autonomy, the consequences of which are degrading and inhumane childbirth, health complications, severe psychological distress, trauma and even death; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Recognises that obstetric violence is an intersection between institutional violence and violence against women, constituting a grave violation of human rights such as the rights to equality, freedom from discrimination, information, integrity, health and reproductive autonomy, the consequences of which are degrading and inhumane childbirth, health complications, severe psychological distress, trauma and even death;

| 7. | Expresses its deep concern about governments turning a blind eye to inhumane cases of child pregnancy and sexual abuse of women, at a time when one in three women worldwide will experience violence in their lives; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Expresses its deep concern about governments turning a blind eye to inhumane cases of child pregnancy and sexual abuse of women, at a time when one in three women worldwide will experience violence in their lives;

| 8. | Stresses that no 10-year-old girl is ready to become a mother, and stresses that the girls concerned are constantly reminded of the violation committed against them, which causes serious traumatic stress and carries a risk of long-lasting psychological problems; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Stresses that no 10-year-old girl is ready to become a mother, and stresses that the girls concerned are constantly reminded of the violation committed against them, which causes serious traumatic stress and carries a risk of long-lasting psychological problems;

| 9. | Urges the Commission to speed up its work on a proposal to Parliament and the Council with a view to making it possible for the EU to ratify and implement the Istanbul Convention, so as to ensure coherence between EU internal and external action on violence against children, women and girls; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Urges the Commission to speed up its work on a proposal to Parliament and the Council with a view to making it possible for the EU to ratify and implement the Istanbul Convention, so as to ensure coherence between EU internal and external action on violence against children, women and girls;

| 10. | Calls on the Council to include the issue of safe and legal abortion in the EU Guidelines on rape and violence against women and girls; asks the Commission to ensure that European development cooperation follows an approach that is based on human rights, with a particular emphasis on gender equality and combating all forms of sexual violence against women and girls; underscores the fact that universal access to health, in particular sexual and reproductive health and the associated rights, is a fundamental human right, and emphasises the right to voluntarily access family planning services, including safe and legal abortion-related care, and the need for information and education aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality and eliminating all forms of gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation, child, early and forced marriage, gendercide, forced sterilisation and marital rape; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Calls on the Council to include the issue of safe and legal abortion in the EU Guidelines on rape and violence against women and girls; asks the Commission to ensure that European development cooperation follows an approach that is based on human rights, with a particular emphasis on gender equality and combating all forms of sexual violence against women and girls; underscores the fact that universal access to health, in particular sexual and reproductive health and the associated rights, is a fundamental human right, and emphasises the right to voluntarily access family planning services, including safe and legal abortion-related care, and the need for information and education aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality and eliminating all forms of gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation, child, early and forced marriage, gendercide, forced sterilisation and marital rape;

| 11. | Encourages the Commission and the Council to develop data-gathering methods and indicators in respect of this phenomenon, and encourages the European External Action Service (EEAS) to include the issue in the development and implementation of the human rights country strategies; further urges the EEAS to establish good practices for combating rape and sexual violence against women and girls in third countries, with a view to tackling the root causes of the problem; urges that the provision of humanitarian aid by the EU and its Member States should not be subject to restrictions imposed by other partner donors regarding necessary medical treatment, including access to safe abortion for women and girls who are victims of rape or incest; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Encourages the Commission and the Council to develop data-gathering methods and indicators in respect of this phenomenon, and encourages the European External Action Service (EEAS) to include the issue in the development and implementation of the human rights country strategies; further urges the EEAS to establish good practices for combating rape and sexual violence against women and girls in third countries, with a view to tackling the root causes of the problem; urges that the provision of humanitarian aid by the EU and its Member States should not be subject to restrictions imposed by other partner donors regarding necessary medical treatment, including access to safe abortion for women and girls who are victims of rape or incest;

| 12. | Asks the EU-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Heads of State or Government, at their second summit, to augment the chapter on gender-based violence in the EU-CELAC Action Plan 2013-2015, adopted at their first summit in Santiago de Chile in January 2013, with a view to establishing a clear calendar of action and implementing measures intended to guarantee due diligence as regards the prevention and investigation of, and sanctions for, all acts of violence against women and to offer adequate compensation to victims; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Asks the EU-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Heads of State or Government, at their second summit, to augment the chapter on gender-based violence in the EU-CELAC Action Plan 2013-2015, adopted at their first summit in Santiago de Chile in January 2013, with a view to establishing a clear calendar of action and implementing measures intended to guarantee due diligence as regards the prevention and investigation of, and sanctions for, all acts of violence against women and to offer adequate compensation to victims;

| 13. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Congress of the Republic of Paraguay, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Parlasur, the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly and the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States. |
| --- | --- |

13.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Congress of the Republic of Paraguay, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Parlasur, the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly and the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States.

---

(1)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0076.

(2)  OJ L 224, 6.9.2003, p. 1.

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| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/70 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/70

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P8_TA(2015)0231

Situation in Nepal after the earthquakes

European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on the situation in Nepal following the earthquakes (2015/2734(RSP))

(2016/C 407/10)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Nepal, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Nepal,

| — | having regard to the joint statement of 25 April 2015 by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, the Commissioner for Development, Neven Mimica, and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Christos Stylianides, on the earthquake in Asia, and to other official statements, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint statement of 25 April 2015 by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, the Commissioner for Development, Neven Mimica, and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, Christos Stylianides, on the earthquake in Asia, and to other official statements,

| — | having regard to the statement of 30 April 2015 by the chair of its Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia on the earthquake in Nepal, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of 30 April 2015 by the chair of its Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia on the earthquake in Nepal,

| — | having regard to the visit to Nepal of its Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia on the occasion of the 9th EP/Nepal Interparliamentary Meeting held from 8 to 10 April 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the visit to Nepal of its Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia on the occasion of the 9th EP/Nepal Interparliamentary Meeting held from 8 to 10 April 2015,

| — | having regard to the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly of 15 May 2015 on strengthening emergency relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in response to the devastating effects of the earthquake in Nepal, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly of 15 May 2015 on strengthening emergency relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in response to the devastating effects of the earthquake in Nepal,

| — | having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) of 1966, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) of 1966,

| — | having regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966,

| — | having regard to Nepalese post-earthquake initiatives such as the National Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Plan and the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Nepalese post-earthquake initiatives such as the National Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Plan and the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment,

| — | having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4)of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4)of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the humanitarian situation affecting Nepal and the surrounding region following the devastating earthquake of 25 April 2015 and the subsequent earthquake of 12 May 2015 remains extremely grave, with more than 8 800 people reported dead to date and many more injured, and at least half a million houses destroyed, 2,8 million people displaced and millions in need of urgent humanitarian assistance; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the humanitarian situation affecting Nepal and the surrounding region following the devastating earthquake of 25 April 2015 and the subsequent earthquake of 12 May 2015 remains extremely grave, with more than 8 800 people reported dead to date and many more injured, and at least half a million houses destroyed, 2,8 million people displaced and millions in need of urgent humanitarian assistance;

| B. | whereas, in addition, an estimated 1,7 million children have been affected by displacement, the death of one or both parents, or the destruction of their homes or schools; whereas orphans are at increased risk of starvation, sickness, abuse, neglect and trafficking; whereas the Nepalese police have reported cases of groups of children being taken by unrelated adults; whereas a travel ban for unaccompanied minors has been announced and international adoptions have been suspended; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, in addition, an estimated 1,7 million children have been affected by displacement, the death of one or both parents, or the destruction of their homes or schools; whereas orphans are at increased risk of starvation, sickness, abuse, neglect and trafficking; whereas the Nepalese police have reported cases of groups of children being taken by unrelated adults; whereas a travel ban for unaccompanied minors has been announced and international adoptions have been suspended;

| C. | whereas in addition to the terrible loss of lives and the many injured, the earthquake has severely damaged the country’s cultural, religious and historical heritage, including four out of seven World Heritage sites and thousands of monuments, temples and monasteries, representing a blow to national identity as well as affecting indispensable sources of revenue; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas in addition to the terrible loss of lives and the many injured, the earthquake has severely damaged the country’s cultural, religious and historical heritage, including four out of seven World Heritage sites and thousands of monuments, temples and monasteries, representing a blow to national identity as well as affecting indispensable sources of revenue;

| D. | whereas more than 500 major dry landslides have been reported across mountain regions, often blocking the flow of rivers, with a risk of flooding or glacial lake outburst floods; whereas the risks of further landslides, flooding and lake bursts are very high in light of the coming monsoon period; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas more than 500 major dry landslides have been reported across mountain regions, often blocking the flow of rivers, with a risk of flooding or glacial lake outburst floods; whereas the risks of further landslides, flooding and lake bursts are very high in light of the coming monsoon period;

| E. | whereas there are serious concerns about the risk of outbreaks of communicable diseases, in particular in overcrowded areas and in areas where water, sanitation and hygiene systems have been disrupted; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas there are serious concerns about the risk of outbreaks of communicable diseases, in particular in overcrowded areas and in areas where water, sanitation and hygiene systems have been disrupted;

| F. | whereas the monsoon rains are expected to start very soon and will significantly affect relief efforts, in particular in the more remote areas; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the monsoon rains are expected to start very soon and will significantly affect relief efforts, in particular in the more remote areas;

| G. | whereas the UN has estimated that 1,4 million people require food assistance owing to the severe damage to agriculture-based livelihoods; whereas the planting season starts this month and an estimated 236 000 people need agricultural inputs, including rice and vegetable seeds, and whereas the situation is aggravated by the large-scale loss of livestock; whereas farmers who miss this year’s planting season will be unable to harvest until late 2016; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the UN has estimated that 1,4 million people require food assistance owing to the severe damage to agriculture-based livelihoods; whereas the planting season starts this month and an estimated 236 000 people need agricultural inputs, including rice and vegetable seeds, and whereas the situation is aggravated by the large-scale loss of livestock; whereas farmers who miss this year’s planting season will be unable to harvest until late 2016;

| H. | whereas Commissioner Stylianides visited the affected areas together with UN Under-Secretary-General Valerie Amos from 30 April to 2 May 2015; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas Commissioner Stylianides visited the affected areas together with UN Under-Secretary-General Valerie Amos from 30 April to 2 May 2015;

| I. | whereas the EU and its Member States have provided significant financial assistance in response, with the immediate release of EUR 6 million for urgent needs and a total outlay to date of EUR 22,6 million on the part of the Commission, in addition to offering relief items and search and rescue teams through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the EU and its Member States have provided significant financial assistance in response, with the immediate release of EUR 6 million for urgent needs and a total outlay to date of EUR 22,6 million on the part of the Commission, in addition to offering relief items and search and rescue teams through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism;

| J. | whereas, however, the UN humanitarian coordinator stated on 4 June 2015 that international funding in support of Nepal remains unsatisfactory and that the UN has only received USD 120 million out of the total of USD 422 million pledged; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas, however, the UN humanitarian coordinator stated on 4 June 2015 that international funding in support of Nepal remains unsatisfactory and that the UN has only received USD 120 million out of the total of USD 422 million pledged;

| K. | whereas the recently inaugurated disaster relief centre and the humanitarian staging area which provided food rations for 200 000 people for two weeks, also supported with EU funding, have operated successfully and are good examples of the direction in which the government was moving before the earthquake; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the recently inaugurated disaster relief centre and the humanitarian staging area which provided food rations for 200 000 people for two weeks, also supported with EU funding, have operated successfully and are good examples of the direction in which the government was moving before the earthquake;

| L. | whereas, however, the relief effort has been hindered by limited and damaged infrastructure, but supply routes have been set up through neighbouring countries, in particular India through its ‘Operation Friendship’; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas, however, the relief effort has been hindered by limited and damaged infrastructure, but supply routes have been set up through neighbouring countries, in particular India through its ‘Operation Friendship’;

| M. | whereas, although partly resolved, problems still exist with regard to lengthy customs procedures for humanitarian supplies sent to Nepal by official and private donors; whereas a 30-day import duty waiver has expired and has been replaced by a list of items fully or partly exempt from import taxes, and as a result import duties are now levied on some of the relief items; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas, although partly resolved, problems still exist with regard to lengthy customs procedures for humanitarian supplies sent to Nepal by official and private donors; whereas a 30-day import duty waiver has expired and has been replaced by a list of items fully or partly exempt from import taxes, and as a result import duties are now levied on some of the relief items;

| N. | whereas thousands in need of aid following the earthquakes risk being left to fend for themselves amid worrying signs that gender, caste and ethnic discrimination is inhibiting the aid effort; whereas more than half the country’s Dalit community is still waiting for shelter and food rations; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas thousands in need of aid following the earthquakes risk being left to fend for themselves amid worrying signs that gender, caste and ethnic discrimination is inhibiting the aid effort; whereas more than half the country’s Dalit community is still waiting for shelter and food rations;

| O. | whereas estimates by Nepal’s Finance Ministry put the cost of reconstruction at around USD 10 billion, which is half the country’s annual GDP; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas estimates by Nepal’s Finance Ministry put the cost of reconstruction at around USD 10 billion, which is half the country’s annual GDP;

| P. | whereas the Government of Nepal has announced that it will hold an international conference on 25 June 2015 in Kathmandu in order to mobilise international financial support for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the country; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the Government of Nepal has announced that it will hold an international conference on 25 June 2015 in Kathmandu in order to mobilise international financial support for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the country;

| Q. | whereas Nepal, which is among the poorest countries in the world, has only recently and slowly emerged from a 10-year civil war; whereas, nevertheless, the government has made efforts in recent years to prepare for the expected event of a major earthquake; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas Nepal, which is among the poorest countries in the world, has only recently and slowly emerged from a 10-year civil war; whereas, nevertheless, the government has made efforts in recent years to prepare for the expected event of a major earthquake;

| 1. | Expresses its deepest condolences to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, including the families of the more than 8 800 people who lost their lives in Nepal, India, China and Bangladesh; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Expresses its deepest condolences to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, including the families of the more than 8 800 people who lost their lives in Nepal, India, China and Bangladesh;

| 2. | Applauds the efforts of Nepalese institutions and society in the aftermath of the earthquakes; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Applauds the efforts of Nepalese institutions and society in the aftermath of the earthquakes;

| 3. | Welcomes the swift aid provided by the Commission and the Member States to Nepal and calls on the international community to continue to assist the Government of Nepal with short-term humanitarian support and long-term recovery and rehabilitation efforts, with a special focus on the agricultural sector and hard-to-reach areas, and to honour its pledges; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Welcomes the swift aid provided by the Commission and the Member States to Nepal and calls on the international community to continue to assist the Government of Nepal with short-term humanitarian support and long-term recovery and rehabilitation efforts, with a special focus on the agricultural sector and hard-to-reach areas, and to honour its pledges;

| 4. | Stresses the importance of emergency healthcare and of the measures aimed at preventing the outbreak of communicable diseases; calls on the EU and the international community to support the revitalisation of health facilities and services in the country, in particular in remote areas, including through the delivery of medical tents and equipment for damaged or destroyed health facilities; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Stresses the importance of emergency healthcare and of the measures aimed at preventing the outbreak of communicable diseases; calls on the EU and the international community to support the revitalisation of health facilities and services in the country, in particular in remote areas, including through the delivery of medical tents and equipment for damaged or destroyed health facilities;

| 5. | Calls on the Government of Nepal and the international community to ensure that children who have been separated from their families are reunited with them as quickly as possible and to place children at the heart of the humanitarian intervention; calls, furthermore, for special attention to be paid to the particularly vulnerable situation of children, including the many cases of malnutrition and the risks of abuse and trafficking; stresses the importance of bringing children back to school; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on the Government of Nepal and the international community to ensure that children who have been separated from their families are reunited with them as quickly as possible and to place children at the heart of the humanitarian intervention; calls, furthermore, for special attention to be paid to the particularly vulnerable situation of children, including the many cases of malnutrition and the risks of abuse and trafficking; stresses the importance of bringing children back to school;

| 6. | Is concerned at reports of abuse and harassment of women and children in makeshift camps, and calls on the Government of Nepal to take additional measures to ensure the safety of vulnerable people and the swift investigation of such reports; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Is concerned at reports of abuse and harassment of women and children in makeshift camps, and calls on the Government of Nepal to take additional measures to ensure the safety of vulnerable people and the swift investigation of such reports;

| 7. | Calls on the international community to assist the Government of Nepal with salvaging and restoring damaged cultural, religious and historical heritage; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the international community to assist the Government of Nepal with salvaging and restoring damaged cultural, religious and historical heritage;

| 8. | Highlights that the UN estimates that an additional USD 298,2 million is urgently required in order to provide humanitarian assistance, in particular in light of the approaching monsoon season, and calls for a renewed global effort to meet these urgent funding needs; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Highlights that the UN estimates that an additional USD 298,2 million is urgently required in order to provide humanitarian assistance, in particular in light of the approaching monsoon season, and calls for a renewed global effort to meet these urgent funding needs;

| 9. | Urges the Government of Nepal to resolve the remaining problems with customs procedures for humanitarian supplies, to lift any so-called ‘relief taxes’ being levied on humanitarian supplies by local police at Nepal’s borders, and to work alongside aid agencies to ensure that the aid swiftly reaches the places where it is needed; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Urges the Government of Nepal to resolve the remaining problems with customs procedures for humanitarian supplies, to lift any so-called ‘relief taxes’ being levied on humanitarian supplies by local police at Nepal’s borders, and to work alongside aid agencies to ensure that the aid swiftly reaches the places where it is needed;

| 10. | Expresses its concern at reports of discrimination in the distribution of humanitarian aid, and calls on the Government of Nepal to ensure that aid reaches those who need it, regardless of who they are and where the aid is coming from; calls, furthermore, on the Vice-President/High Representative to address this issue at the highest possible political level in her contacts with Nepal; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Expresses its concern at reports of discrimination in the distribution of humanitarian aid, and calls on the Government of Nepal to ensure that aid reaches those who need it, regardless of who they are and where the aid is coming from; calls, furthermore, on the Vice-President/High Representative to address this issue at the highest possible political level in her contacts with Nepal;

| 11. | Commends governments in the region, in particular the Government of India, for their assistance in the international aid effort; calls on the Commission, the Member States and international stakeholders to continue to work with the Government of Nepal and other governments in the region on the issue of improving preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters, including with regard to building codes, infrastructure and emergency plans; stresses that the National Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Plan should also address other key issues, including the fight against poverty, environmental protection and climate change; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Commends governments in the region, in particular the Government of India, for their assistance in the international aid effort; calls on the Commission, the Member States and international stakeholders to continue to work with the Government of Nepal and other governments in the region on the issue of improving preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters, including with regard to building codes, infrastructure and emergency plans; stresses that the National Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Plan should also address other key issues, including the fight against poverty, environmental protection and climate change;

| 12. | Stresses that Nepal, as a post-conflict country, needs further domestic efforts and international support in its transition towards democracy; calls on the Nepalese political forces to work together in a spirit of constructive cooperation and compromise-seeking with a view to the adoption of a new, democratic and inclusive constitution which meets the aspirations of the Nepalese people, as a milestone in the peace process and a significant contribution to a swift and successful post-disaster recovery; welcomes, in this connection, the agreement reached on 8 June 2015 by Nepal’s main political parties; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Stresses that Nepal, as a post-conflict country, needs further domestic efforts and international support in its transition towards democracy; calls on the Nepalese political forces to work together in a spirit of constructive cooperation and compromise-seeking with a view to the adoption of a new, democratic and inclusive constitution which meets the aspirations of the Nepalese people, as a milestone in the peace process and a significant contribution to a swift and successful post-disaster recovery; welcomes, in this connection, the agreement reached on 8 June 2015 by Nepal’s main political parties;

| 13. | Stresses that it is of primary importance to organise the long overdue local elections, given that successful reconstruction efforts will be dependent on the administrative capacities of local authorities; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Stresses that it is of primary importance to organise the long overdue local elections, given that successful reconstruction efforts will be dependent on the administrative capacities of local authorities;

| 14. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Government and Constituent Assembly of Nepal, the governments and parliaments of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. |
| --- | --- |

14.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Government and Constituent Assembly of Nepal, the governments and parliaments of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

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| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/74 |
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4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/74

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P8_TA(2015)0232

The strategic military situation in the Black Sea Basin following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia

European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on the strategic military situation in the Black Sea Basin following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia (2015/2036(INI))

(2016/C 407/11)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Ukraine, in particular its resolution of 15 January 2015 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Ukraine, in particular its resolution of 15 January 2015 (1),

| — | having regard to its resolutions of 12 September 2013 on the maritime dimension of the Common Security and Defence Policy (2), of 12 September 2012 on the Annual Report from the Council to the European Parliament on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (3), of 3 July 2012 on the trade aspects of the Eastern Partnership (4) and of 14 December 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions of 12 September 2013 on the maritime dimension of the Common Security and Defence Policy (2), of 12 September 2012 on the Annual Report from the Council to the European Parliament on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (3), of 3 July 2012 on the trade aspects of the Eastern Partnership (4) and of 14 December 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy (5),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 20 January 2011 on an EU Strategy for the Black Sea (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 20 January 2011 on an EU Strategy for the Black Sea (6),

| — | having regard to the EU Council conclusions of 17 March 2014, 21 March 2014 and 18 December 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Council conclusions of 17 March 2014, 21 March 2014 and 18 December 2014,

| — | having regard to the Council’s (Foreign Affairs) conclusions on Ukraine of 17 November 2014 and 29 January 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council’s (Foreign Affairs) conclusions on Ukraine of 17 November 2014 and 29 January 2015,

| — | having regard to the latest declarations of the Foreign Affairs Council of 9 February 2015 and 16 March 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the latest declarations of the Foreign Affairs Council of 9 February 2015 and 16 March 2015,

| — | having regard to the EU’s Association Agreements with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU’s Association Agreements with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on the Russian Federation, with particular reference to its resolution of 13 March 2014 on the invasion of Ukraine by Russia (7), of 17 April 2014 on Russian pressure on Eastern Partnership countries and in particular destabilisation of eastern Ukraine (8) and of 18 September 2014 on the situation in Ukraine and the state of play of EU-Russia relations (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on the Russian Federation, with particular reference to its resolution of 13 March 2014 on the invasion of Ukraine by Russia (7), of 17 April 2014 on Russian pressure on Eastern Partnership countries and in particular destabilisation of eastern Ukraine (8) and of 18 September 2014 on the situation in Ukraine and the state of play of EU-Russia relations (9),

| — | having regard to the Wales NATO Summit Declaration of 5 September 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Wales NATO Summit Declaration of 5 September 2014,

| — | having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A8-0171/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A8-0171/2015),

| A. | whereas the Black Sea Basin is one of the world’s most strategic regions, of key importance to the EU and its Member States, in particular with regard to ensuring their security and defence, and to the EU Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership; whereas the importance of strengthened cooperation between the European Union and the countries of the region was recognised by Black Sea Synergy — the EU’s regional policy launched in 2008; whereas all existing protracted conflicts in the Republic of Moldova (Transnistria), Georgia (South Ossetia and Abkhazia) and Nagorno-Karabakh are located in the Black Sea Basin; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Black Sea Basin is one of the world’s most strategic regions, of key importance to the EU and its Member States, in particular with regard to ensuring their security and defence, and to the EU Neighbourhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership; whereas the importance of strengthened cooperation between the European Union and the countries of the region was recognised by Black Sea Synergy — the EU’s regional policy launched in 2008; whereas all existing protracted conflicts in the Republic of Moldova (Transnistria), Georgia (South Ossetia and Abkhazia) and Nagorno-Karabakh are located in the Black Sea Basin;

| B. | whereas the Black Sea Basin is a very important external border of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Black Sea Basin is a very important external border of the European Union;

| C. | whereas the European Council has strongly condemned the Russian Federation’s annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol — in violation of the UN Charter, the Charter of Paris and the OSCE Helsinki Final Act, and in violation as well of Russia’s obligations under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum — and will not recognise it; whereas Russia has acted to destabilise the situation in the east of Ukraine; whereas restrictions on trade between the EU and Crimea have been imposed as a consequence; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the European Council has strongly condemned the Russian Federation’s annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol — in violation of the UN Charter, the Charter of Paris and the OSCE Helsinki Final Act, and in violation as well of Russia’s obligations under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum — and will not recognise it; whereas Russia has acted to destabilise the situation in the east of Ukraine; whereas restrictions on trade between the EU and Crimea have been imposed as a consequence;

| D. | whereas NATO has condemned the Russian Federation’s military escalation in Crimea, its illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea and its continued and deliberate destabilisation of eastern Ukraine in violation of international law; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas NATO has condemned the Russian Federation’s military escalation in Crimea, its illegal and illegitimate annexation of Crimea and its continued and deliberate destabilisation of eastern Ukraine in violation of international law;

| E. | whereas the military balance in the Black Sea Basin has shifted following the illegal annexation of Crimea, with Russia now unlawfully controlling hundreds of kilometres of the Crimean coastline and the adjacent waters facing NATO and EU maritime borders; whereas Russia has fuelled aggressive actions on Ukrainian territory; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the military balance in the Black Sea Basin has shifted following the illegal annexation of Crimea, with Russia now unlawfully controlling hundreds of kilometres of the Crimean coastline and the adjacent waters facing NATO and EU maritime borders; whereas Russia has fuelled aggressive actions on Ukrainian territory;

| F. | whereas prior to the illegal annexation, Russian land and air forces in Crimea were minimal and concerned mainly with the defence of Sevastopol — main base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet — and two adjacent naval bases; whereas the annexation of Crimea has seriously weakened the armed forces of Ukraine, affecting in particular its navy which was taken over by Russian troops; whereas through a military build-up in Crimea and in the Black Sea Basin following the annexation, Russia has moved to create an offensive joint striking force comprising the navy and land and air forces; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas prior to the illegal annexation, Russian land and air forces in Crimea were minimal and concerned mainly with the defence of Sevastopol — main base of the Russian Black Sea Fleet — and two adjacent naval bases; whereas the annexation of Crimea has seriously weakened the armed forces of Ukraine, affecting in particular its navy which was taken over by Russian troops; whereas through a military build-up in Crimea and in the Black Sea Basin following the annexation, Russia has moved to create an offensive joint striking force comprising the navy and land and air forces;

| G. | whereas Russia has accelerated the expansion and modernisation of the Black Sea Fleet following the annexation; whereas the Black Sea Fleet modernisation plan is one of the most ambitious parts of the Russian State Arms Procurement programme for 2011-2020; whereas in December 2014 the Russian Government approved a new military doctrine which considers NATO as a main security threat to Russia; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas Russia has accelerated the expansion and modernisation of the Black Sea Fleet following the annexation; whereas the Black Sea Fleet modernisation plan is one of the most ambitious parts of the Russian State Arms Procurement programme for 2011-2020; whereas in December 2014 the Russian Government approved a new military doctrine which considers NATO as a main security threat to Russia;

| H. | whereas in 2007 Russia suspended its participation in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE); whereas on 11 March 2015 Russia ceased its participation in the Joint Consultative Group within the framework of the CFE and, as a result, has fully withdrawn from the Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas in 2007 Russia suspended its participation in the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE); whereas on 11 March 2015 Russia ceased its participation in the Joint Consultative Group within the framework of the CFE and, as a result, has fully withdrawn from the Treaty;

| I. | whereas Turkey is an EU candidate country, a NATO ally, a naval power, an active regional foreign policy player and a key partner for the EU, not least in matters concerning energy and border security; whereas Turkey’s strategic location is also of high relevance to the other major threat facing both NATO and the EU, the self-proclaimed Daesh (Islamic State); whereas Turkey can play an important role in countering the Black Sea threats and Daesh; whereas Turkey, despite considering Russia’s annexation of Crimea to be illegal, has not yet expressed a clear position on it or on its consequences; whereas Turkey’s recent diplomatic stances, in particular with regard to nearby conflicts have left room for ambiguity and have not been consistent with the positions of the EU and of NATO; whereas Turkey is a strategic security partner and has an important role to play in the Black Sea region, including as mandated by the terms of the Montreux Convention of 1936; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas Turkey is an EU candidate country, a NATO ally, a naval power, an active regional foreign policy player and a key partner for the EU, not least in matters concerning energy and border security; whereas Turkey’s strategic location is also of high relevance to the other major threat facing both NATO and the EU, the self-proclaimed Daesh (Islamic State); whereas Turkey can play an important role in countering the Black Sea threats and Daesh; whereas Turkey, despite considering Russia’s annexation of Crimea to be illegal, has not yet expressed a clear position on it or on its consequences; whereas Turkey’s recent diplomatic stances, in particular with regard to nearby conflicts have left room for ambiguity and have not been consistent with the positions of the EU and of NATO; whereas Turkey is a strategic security partner and has an important role to play in the Black Sea region, including as mandated by the terms of the Montreux Convention of 1936;

| J. | whereas the reaction of the EU to Russia’s aggression towards, and violation of the territorial integrity of, Georgia in 2008 may have encouraged Russia to act in a similar way in Ukraine; whereas the EU, NATO and the US have condemned the ‘treaties’ signed, in November 2014 and March 2015, respectively, between Russia and the separatist authorities in Abkhazia and in South Ossetia, and have reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia; whereas these ‘treaties’ violate the fundamental principles of international law as well as Russia’s international commitments, including those taken under the Ceasefire Agreement of 12 August 2008; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the reaction of the EU to Russia’s aggression towards, and violation of the territorial integrity of, Georgia in 2008 may have encouraged Russia to act in a similar way in Ukraine; whereas the EU, NATO and the US have condemned the ‘treaties’ signed, in November 2014 and March 2015, respectively, between Russia and the separatist authorities in Abkhazia and in South Ossetia, and have reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia; whereas these ‘treaties’ violate the fundamental principles of international law as well as Russia’s international commitments, including those taken under the Ceasefire Agreement of 12 August 2008;

| K. | whereas since the occupation by Russian forces, Abkhazia, the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, and — most lately — Crimea have been the scenes of human rights abuses; whereas in Crimea the human rights abuses are affecting minority groups and opponents of Russian occupation, in particular the indigenous Crimean Tatars, pro-Ukrainian and civil society activists, and people wishing to retain their Ukrainian citizenship; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas since the occupation by Russian forces, Abkhazia, the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, and — most lately — Crimea have been the scenes of human rights abuses; whereas in Crimea the human rights abuses are affecting minority groups and opponents of Russian occupation, in particular the indigenous Crimean Tatars, pro-Ukrainian and civil society activists, and people wishing to retain their Ukrainian citizenship;

Change in the strategic and security landscape of the Black Sea

| 1. | Firmly supports the non-recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea; reiterates its commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, in particular its Article 2; fully supports the European Council’s conclusions that the EU will not recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol; stresses that the annexation also violates the 1997 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership between Ukraine and the Russian Federation; emphasises the need for the EU and its Member States to speak with one, united voice on EU relations with Russia; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Firmly supports the non-recognition of Russia’s annexation of Crimea; reiterates its commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, in particular its Article 2; fully supports the European Council’s conclusions that the EU will not recognise the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol; stresses that the annexation also violates the 1997 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership between Ukraine and the Russian Federation; emphasises the need for the EU and its Member States to speak with one, united voice on EU relations with Russia;

| 2. | Notes with concern that the illegal annexation of Crimea has precipitated a significant change in the strategic landscape of the Black Sea Basin and the adjacent area; considers that the aggressive actions of Russia represent its return to a hostile, block-to-block type approach; warns that by occupying the entire peninsula, Russia has gained a very important launching pad facing both west (the Balkans, Transnistria and the Danube Mouths) and south (the Eastern Mediterranean), where it has established a permanent naval task force, and that the illegal annexation of Crimea offers Russia a ‘southern Kaliningrad’, another outpost directly bordering on NATO; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Notes with concern that the illegal annexation of Crimea has precipitated a significant change in the strategic landscape of the Black Sea Basin and the adjacent area; considers that the aggressive actions of Russia represent its return to a hostile, block-to-block type approach; warns that by occupying the entire peninsula, Russia has gained a very important launching pad facing both west (the Balkans, Transnistria and the Danube Mouths) and south (the Eastern Mediterranean), where it has established a permanent naval task force, and that the illegal annexation of Crimea offers Russia a ‘southern Kaliningrad’, another outpost directly bordering on NATO;

| 3. | Believes that the change in the geostrategic landscape, the evolving military situation in the Black Sea Basin and the forceful annexation of Crimea by Russia are indicative of broader and systemic challenges to the post-Cold War, norms-based European security architecture; believes that the EU and the Member States must have a security response to these challenges and reconsider their foreign and security policies in light of this, which must be reflected in a reviewed European Security Strategy, in the European Maritime Security Strategy and in the EU Strategy for the Black Sea; is concerned about the intensified Russian pressure on the EU eastern border, including on Romania, Poland and the Baltic States, which represents a major risk; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Believes that the change in the geostrategic landscape, the evolving military situation in the Black Sea Basin and the forceful annexation of Crimea by Russia are indicative of broader and systemic challenges to the post-Cold War, norms-based European security architecture; believes that the EU and the Member States must have a security response to these challenges and reconsider their foreign and security policies in light of this, which must be reflected in a reviewed European Security Strategy, in the European Maritime Security Strategy and in the EU Strategy for the Black Sea; is concerned about the intensified Russian pressure on the EU eastern border, including on Romania, Poland and the Baltic States, which represents a major risk;

| 4. | Stresses that the EU should strengthen its own resilience and respond to the challenge of weaponised information and information security; welcomes the Council decision of 19-20 March 2015 regarding the launching of a project to counteract Russian propaganda and which includes the financing of several Russian-language TV channels; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Stresses that the EU should strengthen its own resilience and respond to the challenge of weaponised information and information security; welcomes the Council decision of 19-20 March 2015 regarding the launching of a project to counteract Russian propaganda and which includes the financing of several Russian-language TV channels;

| 5. | Is deeply concerned about Russia’s current defensive and offensive military build-up in the Black Sea, and the planned expansion and modernisation of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, involving the addition of six new modern diesel submarines of the Rostov-on-Don type and six new frigates of the Admiral Grigorovich type; recalls that the positioning of offensive air force assets, and the upgrading of Crimean military infrastructures, will enhance Russia’s offensive military posture as well as its ability to project power beyond its territory; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Is deeply concerned about Russia’s current defensive and offensive military build-up in the Black Sea, and the planned expansion and modernisation of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, involving the addition of six new modern diesel submarines of the Rostov-on-Don type and six new frigates of the Admiral Grigorovich type; recalls that the positioning of offensive air force assets, and the upgrading of Crimean military infrastructures, will enhance Russia’s offensive military posture as well as its ability to project power beyond its territory;

| 6. | Notes with concern Russia’s continuous military build-up in the occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia regions of Georgia; notes that this military infrastructure of both defensive and offensive character, with its wide operational range, poses a serious threat to the whole Black Sea region; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Notes with concern Russia’s continuous military build-up in the occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia regions of Georgia; notes that this military infrastructure of both defensive and offensive character, with its wide operational range, poses a serious threat to the whole Black Sea region;

| 7. | Notes with concern that Russia has bolstered its air and naval defences in the Black Sea Basin considerably, deploying new naval defence (anti-ship) missiles (with a range of 600 km, able to reach the Bosphorus) and ensuring that Russian fighter planes control about three quarters of the Black Sea Basin airspace (by practically tripling the number of airports in Crimea); notes, in this regard, that Russia has bolstered its capabilities in both strategic and tactical terms: strategically, long-range bombers, capable of carrying cruise missiles, and reconnaissance aviation operating close to the western shores of the Black Sea, have the potential to penetrate deep into Central Europe; tactically, two naval infantry brigades — potentially supported by Mistral-type helicopter carriers — pose a significant potential landing threat; welcomes France's decision to reconsider the delivery of the Mistral amphibious assault ships to Russia and salutes France's negotiations to unequivocally and finally cancel this deal; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Notes with concern that Russia has bolstered its air and naval defences in the Black Sea Basin considerably, deploying new naval defence (anti-ship) missiles (with a range of 600 km, able to reach the Bosphorus) and ensuring that Russian fighter planes control about three quarters of the Black Sea Basin airspace (by practically tripling the number of airports in Crimea); notes, in this regard, that Russia has bolstered its capabilities in both strategic and tactical terms: strategically, long-range bombers, capable of carrying cruise missiles, and reconnaissance aviation operating close to the western shores of the Black Sea, have the potential to penetrate deep into Central Europe; tactically, two naval infantry brigades — potentially supported by Mistral-type helicopter carriers — pose a significant potential landing threat; welcomes France's decision to reconsider the delivery of the Mistral amphibious assault ships to Russia and salutes France's negotiations to unequivocally and finally cancel this deal;

| 8. | Is deeply concerned by President Putin’s declaration that he was ready to put Russian nuclear forces on alert during Russia’s seizure of Crimea, had the West intervened against the annexation; is also deeply concerned by the statements made in a threatening manner by high ranking Russian officials that Russia has the right to deploy and host nuclear weapons in Crimea, which would have global consequences; notes with concern that during a military drill in March 2015, Russia deployed an undisclosed number of strategic nuclear-capable Tu-22M3 bombers in Crimea; is concerned by the new Russian military doctrine of December 2014 which permits the use of nuclear weapons against a state that does not have such weapons; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Is deeply concerned by President Putin’s declaration that he was ready to put Russian nuclear forces on alert during Russia’s seizure of Crimea, had the West intervened against the annexation; is also deeply concerned by the statements made in a threatening manner by high ranking Russian officials that Russia has the right to deploy and host nuclear weapons in Crimea, which would have global consequences; notes with concern that during a military drill in March 2015, Russia deployed an undisclosed number of strategic nuclear-capable Tu-22M3 bombers in Crimea; is concerned by the new Russian military doctrine of December 2014 which permits the use of nuclear weapons against a state that does not have such weapons;

| 9. | Notes that potential Russian deployment of dual-capable weapon systems in Crimea place in doubt Russia’s good intentions when it comes to achieving progress on the multilateral nuclear disarmament agenda in the forthcoming Non-Proliferation Treaty review, undermining the efforts already made in that direction; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Notes that potential Russian deployment of dual-capable weapon systems in Crimea place in doubt Russia’s good intentions when it comes to achieving progress on the multilateral nuclear disarmament agenda in the forthcoming Non-Proliferation Treaty review, undermining the efforts already made in that direction;

| 10. | Regards the recent close overflights by Russian fighter aircrafts of NATO warships and exploration platforms in the Black Sea as a clear indication of a more aggressive Russian posture in the Black Sea Basin, and warns of a heightened risk of escalation; calls for direct military-to-military lines of communication in order to avoid tragic misunderstandings that could have far-reaching military and security consequences; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Regards the recent close overflights by Russian fighter aircrafts of NATO warships and exploration platforms in the Black Sea as a clear indication of a more aggressive Russian posture in the Black Sea Basin, and warns of a heightened risk of escalation; calls for direct military-to-military lines of communication in order to avoid tragic misunderstandings that could have far-reaching military and security consequences;

| 11. | Is deeply concerned by the extremely serious situation in eastern Ukraine — where war is leading to the destabilisation of Ukraine and the region as a whole — including the possible threat of establishing a land corridor linking Russian territory with Crimea through separatist-controlled territory along the western shore of the Azov Sea (Mariupol), as a result of which Ukraine could be completely cut off from the sea; urges Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova to take measures to prevent the provision of arms and military supplies to the Transnistria region, both by land and by air; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Is deeply concerned by the extremely serious situation in eastern Ukraine — where war is leading to the destabilisation of Ukraine and the region as a whole — including the possible threat of establishing a land corridor linking Russian territory with Crimea through separatist-controlled territory along the western shore of the Azov Sea (Mariupol), as a result of which Ukraine could be completely cut off from the sea; urges Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova to take measures to prevent the provision of arms and military supplies to the Transnistria region, both by land and by air;

| 12. | Condemns the fact that Russia is providing direct and indirect support to the separatist groups in Ukraine, including in the form of weapons and recruitment, thereby facilitating the continuation of war; is concerned by reports of war crimes committed in the region controlled by Russia-backed separatists, including the shooting down of the civilian passenger plane MH-17, an incident currently under an independent and international investigation; urges Russia to withdraw all its military forces from Ukrainian territory immediately and to adhere to the Minsk Agreements; urges Russia and all parties involved to use their influence to halt hostilities and prevent further war crimes and new victims; reiterates that no amnesty can be given for the war crimes committed; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Condemns the fact that Russia is providing direct and indirect support to the separatist groups in Ukraine, including in the form of weapons and recruitment, thereby facilitating the continuation of war; is concerned by reports of war crimes committed in the region controlled by Russia-backed separatists, including the shooting down of the civilian passenger plane MH-17, an incident currently under an independent and international investigation; urges Russia to withdraw all its military forces from Ukrainian territory immediately and to adhere to the Minsk Agreements; urges Russia and all parties involved to use their influence to halt hostilities and prevent further war crimes and new victims; reiterates that no amnesty can be given for the war crimes committed;

| 13. | Regrets that the Black Sea regional security cooperation initiatives BLACKSEAFOR and Black Sea Harmony, designed to demonstrate to the outside world that the littoral states can take primary responsibility for their own security while preserving their potential to revive future possible cooperation among these states, are currently paralysed; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Regrets that the Black Sea regional security cooperation initiatives BLACKSEAFOR and Black Sea Harmony, designed to demonstrate to the outside world that the littoral states can take primary responsibility for their own security while preserving their potential to revive future possible cooperation among these states, are currently paralysed;

Staying firm and communicating with Russia

| 14. | Underlines that the relationship with Russia, being a major actor in the international system, should, in general, be cooperative rather than confrontational in the long run; is of the view, however, that, in the short and medium term, owing to a lack of trust following Russia’s latest actions, any resumption of cooperation must be based, firstly, on the strong strategic reassurance offered by NATO to its eastern members and, secondly, on a change of Russian policy towards Ukraine, in particular the full and unconditional implementation of the Minsk agreements of September 2014 and February 2015 (which apply only to the conflict in eastern Ukraine) and the return of Crimea to Ukraine, thus restoring the status quo ante and the control of the Ukrainian authorities over the country’s territory within internationally recognised borders; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Underlines that the relationship with Russia, being a major actor in the international system, should, in general, be cooperative rather than confrontational in the long run; is of the view, however, that, in the short and medium term, owing to a lack of trust following Russia’s latest actions, any resumption of cooperation must be based, firstly, on the strong strategic reassurance offered by NATO to its eastern members and, secondly, on a change of Russian policy towards Ukraine, in particular the full and unconditional implementation of the Minsk agreements of September 2014 and February 2015 (which apply only to the conflict in eastern Ukraine) and the return of Crimea to Ukraine, thus restoring the status quo ante and the control of the Ukrainian authorities over the country’s territory within internationally recognised borders;

| 15. | Expresses hope that the Minsk ceasefire agreement reached on 12 February 2015 will hold and, in so doing, provide the time for a negotiated political solution; is concerned by the numerous indications of violations of the agreement by the Russian side and the separatists; underlines that the current international legal framework must be fully respected; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Expresses hope that the Minsk ceasefire agreement reached on 12 February 2015 will hold and, in so doing, provide the time for a negotiated political solution; is concerned by the numerous indications of violations of the agreement by the Russian side and the separatists; underlines that the current international legal framework must be fully respected;

| 16. | Believes that, in the event that Russia does not fully implement the Minsk ceasefire agreements and continues the destabilisation of eastern Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Crimea, the sanction regime should be continued and strengthened, as well as the support to Ukraine in enhancing its defence capabilities; stresses that the EU must demonstrate unity, solidarity and commitment in sanctioning the Russian actions against the applicable rules of international law; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Believes that, in the event that Russia does not fully implement the Minsk ceasefire agreements and continues the destabilisation of eastern Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Crimea, the sanction regime should be continued and strengthened, as well as the support to Ukraine in enhancing its defence capabilities; stresses that the EU must demonstrate unity, solidarity and commitment in sanctioning the Russian actions against the applicable rules of international law;

| 17. | Calls on EU Member States to remain firm and united in their commitment to the agreed sanctions against Russia, also by freezing all military and defence cooperation and by cancelling contracts, such as for the delivery of Mistral class amphibious assault ships to Russia; and looks forward to the successful conclusion of the negotiations to cancel the contract; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls on EU Member States to remain firm and united in their commitment to the agreed sanctions against Russia, also by freezing all military and defence cooperation and by cancelling contracts, such as for the delivery of Mistral class amphibious assault ships to Russia; and looks forward to the successful conclusion of the negotiations to cancel the contract;

Energy, maritime, border and human security in the Black Sea region

| 18. | Welcomes the implementation of the EU energy policy aimed at promoting energy security for all Member States; urges the Member States to take the steps needed to reduce their energy dependence and to ensure the security of oil and gas exploitation and transportation activities in the Black Sea region; calls on the EU to sustain initiatives for the diversification of Black Sea energy resources, including through investment and financial measures as part of an energy-independence strategy; calls on the Commission to resume the work towards the construction of the Nabucco gas pipeline; is of the view that a constructive relationship of trust among the neighbouring countries is the best guarantee for the Member States’ energy supply; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Welcomes the implementation of the EU energy policy aimed at promoting energy security for all Member States; urges the Member States to take the steps needed to reduce their energy dependence and to ensure the security of oil and gas exploitation and transportation activities in the Black Sea region; calls on the EU to sustain initiatives for the diversification of Black Sea energy resources, including through investment and financial measures as part of an energy-independence strategy; calls on the Commission to resume the work towards the construction of the Nabucco gas pipeline; is of the view that a constructive relationship of trust among the neighbouring countries is the best guarantee for the Member States’ energy supply;

| 19. | Is concerned that the benefits of oil and gas exploitation and transportation in the Black Sea are increasingly dependent on the level of militarisation triggered by the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia and the subsequent build-up of its capabilities in the area; reaffirms that, given the potential for instability and, in particular, Europe’s dependence on the Black Sea for the transit of energy supplies, the EU has a strategic interest in deterring regional actors from brinkmanship and, for that purpose, may need to mobilise European naval and airspace assets to the Black Sea; appeals to the Member States to take the steps needed to guarantee the security of exploitation of oil and gas and transportation in the Black Sea region; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Is concerned that the benefits of oil and gas exploitation and transportation in the Black Sea are increasingly dependent on the level of militarisation triggered by the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia and the subsequent build-up of its capabilities in the area; reaffirms that, given the potential for instability and, in particular, Europe’s dependence on the Black Sea for the transit of energy supplies, the EU has a strategic interest in deterring regional actors from brinkmanship and, for that purpose, may need to mobilise European naval and airspace assets to the Black Sea; appeals to the Member States to take the steps needed to guarantee the security of exploitation of oil and gas and transportation in the Black Sea region;

| 20. | Underlines that the current crisis affects cooperation in other important fields, such as border management and security (in particular migration control), trafficking and combating organised crime; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Underlines that the current crisis affects cooperation in other important fields, such as border management and security (in particular migration control), trafficking and combating organised crime;

| 21. | Condemns the violations of human rights in Crimea that have occurred since the occupation by Russian forces, including intimidation and a growing number of enforced disappearances (10), censorship of freedom of speech and the persecution of minorities, in particular ethnic and national minorities; condemns the systematic persecution of the native Crimean Tatars who have participated in demonstrations to support Ukrainian territorial integrity; recalls that thousands of Crimean Tatars have fled their homeland for fear of persecution and have sought refuge in other regions in Ukraine; expresses solidarity with them and calls urgently for the situation to be improved; calls on the Russian authorities immediately to stop harassing the executive body of Crimean Tatars, the Mejlis; calls on Russia to respect fully the human rights of the local population in Crimea, and calls on Ukraine, the EU and its Member States to monitor the respect for human rights in Crimea; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Condemns the violations of human rights in Crimea that have occurred since the occupation by Russian forces, including intimidation and a growing number of enforced disappearances (10), censorship of freedom of speech and the persecution of minorities, in particular ethnic and national minorities; condemns the systematic persecution of the native Crimean Tatars who have participated in demonstrations to support Ukrainian territorial integrity; recalls that thousands of Crimean Tatars have fled their homeland for fear of persecution and have sought refuge in other regions in Ukraine; expresses solidarity with them and calls urgently for the situation to be improved; calls on the Russian authorities immediately to stop harassing the executive body of Crimean Tatars, the Mejlis; calls on Russia to respect fully the human rights of the local population in Crimea, and calls on Ukraine, the EU and its Member States to monitor the respect for human rights in Crimea;

| 22. | Calls for investigations of, and for better access for international human rights monitoring organisations to all cases of serious human rights abuses in Crimea; calls on the Ukrainian Government to use all means at its disposal to investigate and prosecute war crimes committed on its territory; calls on the international community, including the Hague Tribunal, to commence an investigation into the potential crimes committed during the illegal annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Calls for investigations of, and for better access for international human rights monitoring organisations to all cases of serious human rights abuses in Crimea; calls on the Ukrainian Government to use all means at its disposal to investigate and prosecute war crimes committed on its territory; calls on the international community, including the Hague Tribunal, to commence an investigation into the potential crimes committed during the illegal annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine;

| 23. | Draws attention to the extreme environmental vulnerability of the Black Sea basin; underlines that the growing militarisation of the region poses further risks to this delicate eco-system, and calls for the setting up of an effective incident-prevention mechanism with a reliable system for exchange of information between all the littoral states in the event of an emergency; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Draws attention to the extreme environmental vulnerability of the Black Sea basin; underlines that the growing militarisation of the region poses further risks to this delicate eco-system, and calls for the setting up of an effective incident-prevention mechanism with a reliable system for exchange of information between all the littoral states in the event of an emergency;

| 24. | Recalls that, faced with the Russian hybrid war in Ukraine, the EU must stay united and speak with a single voice; strongly believes that unity is the prerequisite of an effective response to all security threats and political challenges resulting from the mix of Russian military and non-military actions in Ukraine; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Recalls that, faced with the Russian hybrid war in Ukraine, the EU must stay united and speak with a single voice; strongly believes that unity is the prerequisite of an effective response to all security threats and political challenges resulting from the mix of Russian military and non-military actions in Ukraine;

Role of the EU and international actors

| 25. | Underlines that the Black Sea region should have real priority for the EU; considers that the current Black Sea Synergy (BSS) format is outdated; calls again on the Commission and the EEAS to draw up, as soon as possible, a comprehensive EU Strategy for the Black Sea region; stresses that the provisions of the EU Maritime Security Strategy should also be applied in the case of the Black Sea; calls for a review of the European Security Strategy, and expects that the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy, taking in all relevant programmes covering the region, will bring about increased CSDP cooperation with Black Sea littoral partner states; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Underlines that the Black Sea region should have real priority for the EU; considers that the current Black Sea Synergy (BSS) format is outdated; calls again on the Commission and the EEAS to draw up, as soon as possible, a comprehensive EU Strategy for the Black Sea region; stresses that the provisions of the EU Maritime Security Strategy should also be applied in the case of the Black Sea; calls for a review of the European Security Strategy, and expects that the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy, taking in all relevant programmes covering the region, will bring about increased CSDP cooperation with Black Sea littoral partner states;

| 26. | Stresses that, in spite of the fact that the BSS is practically on hold, effective cooperation with the states in the Black Sea Basin should continue; welcomes the ongoing CSDP missions — the EU Advisory Mission, the EU Monitoring Mission and the EU Border Assistance Mission — as important components of the EU’s contribution to resolve the protracted conflicts in the region; welcomes the efforts of the Member States to enhance the military capabilities of the Black Sea littoral states and thereby increase their potential to respond to crisis situations in the region; considers that EU needs a bold and result-oriented approach, especially in the areas of economics, defence and security, in order to strengthen the EU internally, update and improve existing instruments, and amplify the Union’s reaction capacity to developments in the neighbouring area that affect European security; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Stresses that, in spite of the fact that the BSS is practically on hold, effective cooperation with the states in the Black Sea Basin should continue; welcomes the ongoing CSDP missions — the EU Advisory Mission, the EU Monitoring Mission and the EU Border Assistance Mission — as important components of the EU’s contribution to resolve the protracted conflicts in the region; welcomes the efforts of the Member States to enhance the military capabilities of the Black Sea littoral states and thereby increase their potential to respond to crisis situations in the region; considers that EU needs a bold and result-oriented approach, especially in the areas of economics, defence and security, in order to strengthen the EU internally, update and improve existing instruments, and amplify the Union’s reaction capacity to developments in the neighbouring area that affect European security;

| 27. | Stresses the critical importance of coordinating with NATO, in particular with the Black Sea littoral states that are members of the Alliance, and with the United States, as the Black Sea Basin is a key component of Euro-Atlantic security; stresses that modernising and enhancing the military capabilities of those Black Sea littoral states that are members of EU and NATO is of key importance to ensuring security and stability in the region; welcomes the commitment of NATO to support regional efforts of Black Sea littoral states aimed at ensuring security and stability; underlines the necessity of EU and NATO support for maintaining the Black Sea as an open economic area; calls on the OSCE to enlarge the scope of its efforts with regard to Black Sea security; calls on the EU to support a reinforced OSCE presence and new OSCE initiatives in the region aiming at easing the security situation; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Stresses the critical importance of coordinating with NATO, in particular with the Black Sea littoral states that are members of the Alliance, and with the United States, as the Black Sea Basin is a key component of Euro-Atlantic security; stresses that modernising and enhancing the military capabilities of those Black Sea littoral states that are members of EU and NATO is of key importance to ensuring security and stability in the region; welcomes the commitment of NATO to support regional efforts of Black Sea littoral states aimed at ensuring security and stability; underlines the necessity of EU and NATO support for maintaining the Black Sea as an open economic area; calls on the OSCE to enlarge the scope of its efforts with regard to Black Sea security; calls on the EU to support a reinforced OSCE presence and new OSCE initiatives in the region aiming at easing the security situation;

| 28. | Recalls that, particularly in light of the security situation in the Black Sea Basin, all EU Members states need to enjoy the same level of security in line with article 42 (7) TEU; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Recalls that, particularly in light of the security situation in the Black Sea Basin, all EU Members states need to enjoy the same level of security in line with article 42 (7) TEU;

| 29. | Welcomes the commitment by the NATO member states to collective security and, if necessary, to enact Article 5 of the Washington Treaty; welcomes the NATO Wales Summit decision on strategic reassurance measures and the Readiness Action Plan, important elements for the security of the most-affected NATO member states; calls on NATO to continue to develop its cyber and missile defence capabilities, including in the Black Sea region, and to develop contingency plans for deterring and countering asymmetric and hybrid warfare; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Welcomes the commitment by the NATO member states to collective security and, if necessary, to enact Article 5 of the Washington Treaty; welcomes the NATO Wales Summit decision on strategic reassurance measures and the Readiness Action Plan, important elements for the security of the most-affected NATO member states; calls on NATO to continue to develop its cyber and missile defence capabilities, including in the Black Sea region, and to develop contingency plans for deterring and countering asymmetric and hybrid warfare;

| 30. | Urges the Commission to support the Member States in their efforts to identify solutions for increasing their defence budget to the level of 2 %; welcomes the pledge made by members of NATO during the last NATO Summit in Newport to ensure that their defence spending reaches a minimum of 2 % GDP by 2024; expresses concern over announcements by some allies of their intent to make new cuts in defence spending; recalls, in this context, Article 3 of the Washington Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Urges the Commission to support the Member States in their efforts to identify solutions for increasing their defence budget to the level of 2 %; welcomes the pledge made by members of NATO during the last NATO Summit in Newport to ensure that their defence spending reaches a minimum of 2 % GDP by 2024; expresses concern over announcements by some allies of their intent to make new cuts in defence spending; recalls, in this context, Article 3 of the Washington Treaty;

| 31. | Recalls that although in 2008 Georgia’s and Ukraine’s applications to join the NATO Membership Action Plan were not accepted, at the Bucharest Summit NATO declared that Georgia and Ukraine will become members of the Alliance; notes that following the 2008 war in Georgia and the 2014 illegal annexation of Crimea, Russia has territorially crippled the two countries, making them ineligible for NATO membership; considers that, while not being able to defend them directly, NATO has a moral obligation to support Georgia’s and Ukraine’s ability to defend themselves; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Recalls that although in 2008 Georgia’s and Ukraine’s applications to join the NATO Membership Action Plan were not accepted, at the Bucharest Summit NATO declared that Georgia and Ukraine will become members of the Alliance; notes that following the 2008 war in Georgia and the 2014 illegal annexation of Crimea, Russia has territorially crippled the two countries, making them ineligible for NATO membership; considers that, while not being able to defend them directly, NATO has a moral obligation to support Georgia’s and Ukraine’s ability to defend themselves;

| 32. | Underlines that NATO should preserve its general naval and air superiority in the Black Sea Basin and maintain its capacity to monitor the area; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Underlines that NATO should preserve its general naval and air superiority in the Black Sea Basin and maintain its capacity to monitor the area;

o

o o

| 33. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the EU Members States and all the Black Sea countries. |
| --- | --- |

33.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the EU Members States and all the Black Sea countries.

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(1)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0011.

(2)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0380.

(3)  OJ C 353 E, 3.12.2013, p. 77.

(4)  OJ C 349 E, 29.11.2013, p. 38.

(5)  OJ C 168 E, 14.6.2013, p. 26.

(6)  OJ C 136 E, 11.5.2012, p. 81

(7)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0248.

(8)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0457.

(9)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0025.

(10)  Within the meaning of Article 7(1)(i) of the Rome Statute (2002).

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| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/81 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/81

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P8_TA(2015)0233

Recent revelations of high-level corruption cases in FIFA

European Parliament resolution of 11 June 2015 on recent revelations on high-level corruption cases in FIFA (2015/2730(RSP))

(2016/C 407/12)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission’s EU Anti-Corruption Report of 3 February 2014 (COM(2014)0038), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s EU Anti-Corruption Report of 3 February 2014 (COM(2014)0038),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 6 June 2011 entitled ‘Fighting Corruption in the EU’ (COM(2011)0308), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 6 June 2011 entitled ‘Fighting Corruption in the EU’ (COM(2011)0308),

| — | having regard to Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing (1),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 18 January 2011 entitled ‘Developing the European Dimension in Sport’ (COM(2011)0012), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 18 January 2011 entitled ‘Developing the European Dimension in Sport’ (COM(2011)0012),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 2 February 2012 on the European dimension in sport (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 2 February 2012 on the European dimension in sport (2),

| — | having regard to the Commission White Paper on Sport of 11 July 2007 (COM(2007)0391), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission White Paper on Sport of 11 July 2007 (COM(2007)0391),

| — | having regard to the resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council of 21 May 2014 on the European Union Work Plan for Sport 2014-2017, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the resolution of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council of 21 May 2014 on the European Union Work Plan for Sport 2014-2017,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2013 on match-fixing and corruption in sport (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2013 on match-fixing and corruption in sport (3),

| — | having regard to the Resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 23 April 2015 on the reform of football governance, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 23 April 2015 on the reform of football governance,

| — | having regard to the new sport programme under Erasmus+, and in particular its objective of tackling cross-border threats to the integrity of sport, such as doping, match-fixing and violence, together with all forms of intolerance and discrimination, and to promote and support good governance in sport, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the new sport programme under Erasmus+, and in particular its objective of tackling cross-border threats to the integrity of sport, such as doping, match-fixing and violence, together with all forms of intolerance and discrimination, and to promote and support good governance in sport,

| — | having regard to the ‘Stockholm Programme — An open and secure Europe serving and protecting citizens’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ‘Stockholm Programme — An open and secure Europe serving and protecting citizens’,

| — | having regard to Article 2 of the FIFA Statute, which establishes among the objectives of FIFA: ‘to promote integrity, ethics and fair play with a view to preventing all methods or practices, such as corruption, doping or match manipulation, which might jeopardise the integrity of matches, competitions, Players, Officials and Members or give rise to abuse of Association Football’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 2 of the FIFA Statute, which establishes among the objectives of FIFA: ‘to promote integrity, ethics and fair play with a view to preventing all methods or practices, such as corruption, doping or match manipulation, which might jeopardise the integrity of matches, competitions, Players, Officials and Members or give rise to abuse of Association Football’,

| — | having regard to Michael Garcia’s report into the controversial 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process, which FIFA agreed to publish in December 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Michael Garcia’s report into the controversial 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process, which FIFA agreed to publish in December 2014,

| — | having regard to Rules 128(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 128(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas 14 FIFA officials, including its Vice-President, were arrested on 27 May 2015 by Swiss authorities in Zurich; whereas the arrests were made at the request of the US Department of Justice on the basis of charges of money laundering, racketeering, fraud, and bribery in excess of USD 150 million; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas 14 FIFA officials, including its Vice-President, were arrested on 27 May 2015 by Swiss authorities in Zurich; whereas the arrests were made at the request of the US Department of Justice on the basis of charges of money laundering, racketeering, fraud, and bribery in excess of USD 150 million;

| B. | whereas a separate criminal investigation into how the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively has also been initiated by the Swiss and US authorities; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas a separate criminal investigation into how the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively has also been initiated by the Swiss and US authorities;

| C. | whereas FIFA has operated for many years as an unaccountable, opaque and notoriously corrupt organisation; whereas the recent arrests confirm that the fraud and corruption in FIFA are systemic, widespread and persistent rather than involving isolated cases of misconduct, as claimed by former FIFA President Joseph Blatter; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas FIFA has operated for many years as an unaccountable, opaque and notoriously corrupt organisation; whereas the recent arrests confirm that the fraud and corruption in FIFA are systemic, widespread and persistent rather than involving isolated cases of misconduct, as claimed by former FIFA President Joseph Blatter;

| D. | whereas despite the arrests and charges made against FIFA executives and the crisis engulfing the organisation, Joseph Blatter was re-elected on 29 May 2015 as FIFA President for a fifth term; whereas the re-election of Joseph Blatter as president and the decision not to publish the findings of the Garcia report into the selection of Russia and Qatar as hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups respectively show that FIFA has been acting in an irresponsible and unaccountable way and has remained unwilling to reform or to make the changes needed to improve the governance of international football; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas despite the arrests and charges made against FIFA executives and the crisis engulfing the organisation, Joseph Blatter was re-elected on 29 May 2015 as FIFA President for a fifth term; whereas the re-election of Joseph Blatter as president and the decision not to publish the findings of the Garcia report into the selection of Russia and Qatar as hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups respectively show that FIFA has been acting in an irresponsible and unaccountable way and has remained unwilling to reform or to make the changes needed to improve the governance of international football;

| E. | whereas the resignation of Joseph Blatter and the arrest of FIFA officials have created the conditions for radical reform of FIFA’s structures and practices with a view to improving its governance and fighting corruption in the organisation, which must take place as a matter of urgency; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the resignation of Joseph Blatter and the arrest of FIFA officials have created the conditions for radical reform of FIFA’s structures and practices with a view to improving its governance and fighting corruption in the organisation, which must take place as a matter of urgency;

| F. | whereas the integrity of sports organisations is of great importance, since both professional and amateur sport play a key role in the global promotion of peace, respect for human rights and solidarity, bring health and economic benefits for societies and have an essential role in highlighting fundamental educational and cultural values and promoting social inclusion; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the integrity of sports organisations is of great importance, since both professional and amateur sport play a key role in the global promotion of peace, respect for human rights and solidarity, bring health and economic benefits for societies and have an essential role in highlighting fundamental educational and cultural values and promoting social inclusion;

| G. | whereas Tibor Navracsics, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, in his statement of 3 June 2015, condemned the latest developments within FIFA and called for the ‘restoration of trust and the establishment of a solid system of good governance at FIFA’; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas Tibor Navracsics, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, in his statement of 3 June 2015, condemned the latest developments within FIFA and called for the ‘restoration of trust and the establishment of a solid system of good governance at FIFA’;

| H. | whereas the Commission and the Council have recognised the need for a partnership between football’s governing bodies and public authorities for the good governance of the game, which respects the self-regulatory nature of professional sport and which has led to the structured dialogue on sport; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the Commission and the Council have recognised the need for a partnership between football’s governing bodies and public authorities for the good governance of the game, which respects the self-regulatory nature of professional sport and which has led to the structured dialogue on sport;

| I. | whereas transparency, accountability and democracy — in other words, good governance — in sports organisations are prerequisites for such a self-regulatory regime, and for the sports movement to prevent and fight fraud and corruption in sport effectively and at a structural level; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas transparency, accountability and democracy — in other words, good governance — in sports organisations are prerequisites for such a self-regulatory regime, and for the sports movement to prevent and fight fraud and corruption in sport effectively and at a structural level;

| J. | whereas Parliament has previously called on football’s governing bodies to establish greater democracy, transparency, legitimacy and accountability (i.e. financial auditing by an independent auditing authority) and good governance, and has asked the Commission to provide guidance as to how legitimate and adequate self-regulation can be supported; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas Parliament has previously called on football’s governing bodies to establish greater democracy, transparency, legitimacy and accountability (i.e. financial auditing by an independent auditing authority) and good governance, and has asked the Commission to provide guidance as to how legitimate and adequate self-regulation can be supported;

| K. | whereas, if not addressed urgently and properly, corruption may continue to undermine trust in sports institutions and threaten the integrity of sport as a whole; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas, if not addressed urgently and properly, corruption may continue to undermine trust in sports institutions and threaten the integrity of sport as a whole;

| L. | whereas the fight against corruption is one of the priorities of the Stockholm Programme, which is guiding the Commission’s actions in the field of justice and home affairs; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the fight against corruption is one of the priorities of the Stockholm Programme, which is guiding the Commission’s actions in the field of justice and home affairs;

| M. | whereas sport also represents a large and fast-growing sector of the EU economy and makes an important contribution to growth and jobs, with value-added and employment effects exceeding average growth rates; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas sport also represents a large and fast-growing sector of the EU economy and makes an important contribution to growth and jobs, with value-added and employment effects exceeding average growth rates;

| 1. | Condemns the systemic and despicable corruption exposed at FIFA and puts on record its view that these allegations are far from surprising; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Condemns the systemic and despicable corruption exposed at FIFA and puts on record its view that these allegations are far from surprising;

| 2. | Calls on sports organisations, the Member States and the EU to cooperate fully with all ongoing and future investigations into allegations of corrupt practices within FIFA; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on sports organisations, the Member States and the EU to cooperate fully with all ongoing and future investigations into allegations of corrupt practices within FIFA;

| 3. | Underlines the utmost importance of the investigation by the Swiss and US justice authorities into the decision by FIFA’s Executive Committee to award the World Cup for 1998, 2010, 2018 and 2022 to France, South Africa, Russia and Qatar respectively; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Underlines the utmost importance of the investigation by the Swiss and US justice authorities into the decision by FIFA’s Executive Committee to award the World Cup for 1998, 2010, 2018 and 2022 to France, South Africa, Russia and Qatar respectively;

| 4. | Highlights the importance of ensuring that the follow-up investigation into past corruption practices within FIFA includes, wherever justified, the removal of all officials involved in financial misconduct, and a review of decisions linked to corrupt or criminal activities; calls for the EU to monitor this process closely and to enable the necessary conditions for an unbiased external investigation; welcomes the statement by the head of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee that the award of the World Cup for 2018 and 2022 could be invalidated if evidence emerges that the awards only came about as a result of corrupt activities; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Highlights the importance of ensuring that the follow-up investigation into past corruption practices within FIFA includes, wherever justified, the removal of all officials involved in financial misconduct, and a review of decisions linked to corrupt or criminal activities; calls for the EU to monitor this process closely and to enable the necessary conditions for an unbiased external investigation; welcomes the statement by the head of FIFA’s Audit and Compliance Committee that the award of the World Cup for 2018 and 2022 could be invalidated if evidence emerges that the awards only came about as a result of corrupt activities;

| 5. | Condemns FIFA’s failure to publish the Garcia Report in full, which it agreed to in December 2014 but has thus far failed to do, and calls on FIFA to do so forthwith; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Condemns FIFA’s failure to publish the Garcia Report in full, which it agreed to in December 2014 but has thus far failed to do, and calls on FIFA to do so forthwith;

| 6. | Recalls the importance of having clear and transparent rules for the awarding of World Cups, and of ensuring the establishment of adequate information and supervision machinery, in order to make sure that this procedure guarantees equality between bidding countries and a final decision based strictly on the merit of their projects; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Recalls the importance of having clear and transparent rules for the awarding of World Cups, and of ensuring the establishment of adequate information and supervision machinery, in order to make sure that this procedure guarantees equality between bidding countries and a final decision based strictly on the merit of their projects;

| 7. | Calls on all international sports organisations to ensure that any country bidding to host a major sporting event undertakes, in relation to all activities linked with the organisation and conduct of the event, to abide by international standards in respect of fundamental rights; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on all international sports organisations to ensure that any country bidding to host a major sporting event undertakes, in relation to all activities linked with the organisation and conduct of the event, to abide by international standards in respect of fundamental rights;

| 8. | Expresses concern about the situation of migrant workers in Qatar building infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including: the kafala system, which constitutes forced labour, dangerous working conditions, being forced to work in extreme heat six days a week, and being forced to live in overcrowded and squalid labour camps; calls on Qatar to ratify, legislate for, and enforce fundamental labour rights and the UN’s International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Expresses concern about the situation of migrant workers in Qatar building infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, including: the kafala system, which constitutes forced labour, dangerous working conditions, being forced to work in extreme heat six days a week, and being forced to live in overcrowded and squalid labour camps; calls on Qatar to ratify, legislate for, and enforce fundamental labour rights and the UN’s International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families;

| 9. | Stresses that corruption and money laundering are intrinsically linked and a large number of Member States have been affected by match-fixing and other financial crimes often related to criminal organisations operating on an international scale; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Stresses that corruption and money laundering are intrinsically linked and a large number of Member States have been affected by match-fixing and other financial crimes often related to criminal organisations operating on an international scale;

| 10. | Commends the investigative journalism that raised serious concerns over corruption within FIFA and the World Cup bidding process; in this regard, encourages all sports organisations to establish an effective regulatory framework to both facilitate and protect whistle-blowers; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Commends the investigative journalism that raised serious concerns over corruption within FIFA and the World Cup bidding process; in this regard, encourages all sports organisations to establish an effective regulatory framework to both facilitate and protect whistle-blowers;

| 11. | Expresses its long-held view that corruption within FIFA is rampant, systemic and deep-rooted, and believes the organisation has seriously damaged the integrity of global football, having a devastating impact from the top echelons of professional football to the amateur grassroots clubs; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Expresses its long-held view that corruption within FIFA is rampant, systemic and deep-rooted, and believes the organisation has seriously damaged the integrity of global football, having a devastating impact from the top echelons of professional football to the amateur grassroots clubs;

| 12. | Strongly underlines that football, as the world’s most popular sport, must not be tarnished by this culture of corruption and should be protected from, rather than stigmatised by, current developments within FIFA; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Strongly underlines that football, as the world’s most popular sport, must not be tarnished by this culture of corruption and should be protected from, rather than stigmatised by, current developments within FIFA;

| 13. | Reiterates the profound positive social impact of football and sport in general on the daily lives of millions of citizens and, in particular, young people; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Reiterates the profound positive social impact of football and sport in general on the daily lives of millions of citizens and, in particular, young people;

| 14. | Welcomes Joseph Blatter’s resignation as FIFA’s president, and the criminal investigations currently being conducted; urges FIFA’s Executive Committee to implement structural reforms in order to bring transparency and accountability and to guarantee open, balanced and democratic decision-making processes within FIFA, including in the election process of the new president, and a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in sport; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Welcomes Joseph Blatter’s resignation as FIFA’s president, and the criminal investigations currently being conducted; urges FIFA’s Executive Committee to implement structural reforms in order to bring transparency and accountability and to guarantee open, balanced and democratic decision-making processes within FIFA, including in the election process of the new president, and a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in sport;

| 15. | Expresses serious concern, however, that the credibility of FIFA, as world football’s governing body, and the urgent reforms required, cannot begin in earnest until a new leadership is appointed, which, under FIFA regulations, might not happen for a further nine months; therefore calls on FIFA to select, in a transparent and inclusive way, an appropriate interim leader to replace Joseph Blatter forthwith; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Expresses serious concern, however, that the credibility of FIFA, as world football’s governing body, and the urgent reforms required, cannot begin in earnest until a new leadership is appointed, which, under FIFA regulations, might not happen for a further nine months; therefore calls on FIFA to select, in a transparent and inclusive way, an appropriate interim leader to replace Joseph Blatter forthwith;

| 16. | Recalls that good governance in sport is a precondition for the autonomy and self-regulation of sports organisations, in accordance with the principles of transparency, accountability and democracy, and stresses the need for a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in sport; underlines the need for appropriate representation of all stakeholders in the decision-making process, and notes that best practice from other sports organisations can be adopted; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Recalls that good governance in sport is a precondition for the autonomy and self-regulation of sports organisations, in accordance with the principles of transparency, accountability and democracy, and stresses the need for a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in sport; underlines the need for appropriate representation of all stakeholders in the decision-making process, and notes that best practice from other sports organisations can be adopted;

| 17. | Calls for an unrestrained commitment from FIFA to a thorough review of past and present decisions and for complete transparency going forward, including in respect of the remuneration of executive and senior management, with a view to establishing internal self-regulatory procedures and effective detection, investigation and sanctioning mechanisms; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls for an unrestrained commitment from FIFA to a thorough review of past and present decisions and for complete transparency going forward, including in respect of the remuneration of executive and senior management, with a view to establishing internal self-regulatory procedures and effective detection, investigation and sanctioning mechanisms;

| 18. | Believes this review should cover FIFA’s statutes, structure, codes and operational policies and practices, the introduction of term limits and independent due diligence for members of the Executive Committee, including the president, and an external and fully independent financial audit assessing the reliability of its financial statements; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Believes this review should cover FIFA’s statutes, structure, codes and operational policies and practices, the introduction of term limits and independent due diligence for members of the Executive Committee, including the president, and an external and fully independent financial audit assessing the reliability of its financial statements;

| 19. | Urges FIFA to implement strict ethical standards and a code of conduct for its management and Executive Committee, to be supervised by an independent monitoring body; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Urges FIFA to implement strict ethical standards and a code of conduct for its management and Executive Committee, to be supervised by an independent monitoring body;

| 20. | Calls upon all sports governing bodies to commit to good governance practices and increasing transparency in order to reduce the risk of falling victim to corruption; recommends in this regard a better observance of gender balance when appointing members to the boards and executive committees of all organisations, especially so as to recall that sports, and especially football, are not only a closed prerogative of men; believes that opening up would mean a gain in transparency; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls upon all sports governing bodies to commit to good governance practices and increasing transparency in order to reduce the risk of falling victim to corruption; recommends in this regard a better observance of gender balance when appointing members to the boards and executive committees of all organisations, especially so as to recall that sports, and especially football, are not only a closed prerogative of men; believes that opening up would mean a gain in transparency;

| 21. | Calls on all contracted sponsors and broadcasters to demand and support the reform process within FIFA by making public pronouncements against corruption in sport, and to follow up their words with continued pressure; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls on all contracted sponsors and broadcasters to demand and support the reform process within FIFA by making public pronouncements against corruption in sport, and to follow up their words with continued pressure;

| 22. | Asks UEFA and the national football associations to step up their own efforts to push for the implementation of fundamental reform measures within FIFA, and in particular the recommendations set out in this resolution, both directly and through the agency of their representatives in the FIFA Executive Committee and national football associations, by the end of 2016; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Asks UEFA and the national football associations to step up their own efforts to push for the implementation of fundamental reform measures within FIFA, and in particular the recommendations set out in this resolution, both directly and through the agency of their representatives in the FIFA Executive Committee and national football associations, by the end of 2016;

| 23. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up and prioritise work and actions on good governance within the EU Work Plan for sport and to make sure that national sports associations are fully involved in acting towards better governance at European and international level; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up and prioritise work and actions on good governance within the EU Work Plan for sport and to make sure that national sports associations are fully involved in acting towards better governance at European and international level;

| 24. | Calls on the Commission, in coordination with the Member States and in cooperation with Interpol, Europol and Eurojust, to take all appropriate measures, including effective enforcement, to tackle any indication of corruption by FIFA and national football association officials on EU territory, and to enhance European law enforcement cooperation through joint investigation teams and cooperation between prosecution authorities; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Calls on the Commission, in coordination with the Member States and in cooperation with Interpol, Europol and Eurojust, to take all appropriate measures, including effective enforcement, to tackle any indication of corruption by FIFA and national football association officials on EU territory, and to enhance European law enforcement cooperation through joint investigation teams and cooperation between prosecution authorities;

| 25. | Stresses that, in view of the transnational nature of corruption in sport, efforts to fight it require more effective cooperation among all stakeholders, including public authorities, law enforcement agencies, the sports industry, athletes and supporters, while emphasis should also be given to education and preventive action in this area; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Stresses that, in view of the transnational nature of corruption in sport, efforts to fight it require more effective cooperation among all stakeholders, including public authorities, law enforcement agencies, the sports industry, athletes and supporters, while emphasis should also be given to education and preventive action in this area;

| 26. | Welcomes the new sport programme under Erasmus+, which supports transnational educational projects that tackle cross-border threats to the integrity and ethics of sport, such as doping, match-fixing and violence, together with all forms of intolerance and discrimination, and aims to promote and support good governance in sport; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Welcomes the new sport programme under Erasmus+, which supports transnational educational projects that tackle cross-border threats to the integrity and ethics of sport, such as doping, match-fixing and violence, together with all forms of intolerance and discrimination, and aims to promote and support good governance in sport;

| 27. | Calls on the Member States and on sports federations to inform and educate sportspeople and consumers adequately, starting from a young age and at all levels of sport, both amateur and professional; encourages sports organisations to establish and persist with comprehensive prevention and education programmes entailing clear obligations for clubs, leagues and federations, in particular with regard to minors; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Calls on the Member States and on sports federations to inform and educate sportspeople and consumers adequately, starting from a young age and at all levels of sport, both amateur and professional; encourages sports organisations to establish and persist with comprehensive prevention and education programmes entailing clear obligations for clubs, leagues and federations, in particular with regard to minors;

| 28. | Welcomes the recent agreement on the 4th Anti-Money-Laundering Directive and supports the proactive use of all means provided for within the new legislation to tackle this issue; calls on the Commission to consistently monitor EU anti-money-laundering legislation to ensure that it is sufficient to fight against corruption in sport and ensure scrutiny of EU-registered sports governing bodies and their officials; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Welcomes the recent agreement on the 4th Anti-Money-Laundering Directive and supports the proactive use of all means provided for within the new legislation to tackle this issue; calls on the Commission to consistently monitor EU anti-money-laundering legislation to ensure that it is sufficient to fight against corruption in sport and ensure scrutiny of EU-registered sports governing bodies and their officials;

| 29. | Insists that the fight against corruption with regard to the governance of FIFA must also be accompanied by clear commitments and measures on the part of FIFA, the EU, the Member States and other stakeholders against other crimes affecting sports organisations, in particular match-fixing, which are often related to organised crime operating on an international scale; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Insists that the fight against corruption with regard to the governance of FIFA must also be accompanied by clear commitments and measures on the part of FIFA, the EU, the Member States and other stakeholders against other crimes affecting sports organisations, in particular match-fixing, which are often related to organised crime operating on an international scale;

| 30. | Stresses the need for all future reforms within professional sport, and football in particular, to include substantial provisions protecting the rights of athletes, trainers and teams; underlines, in this connection, the importance of addressing third-party ownership of players in European sport; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Stresses the need for all future reforms within professional sport, and football in particular, to include substantial provisions protecting the rights of athletes, trainers and teams; underlines, in this connection, the importance of addressing third-party ownership of players in European sport;

| 31. | Supports the call of the New FIFA Now campaign for the establishment of an independent, non-governmental FIFA Reform Commission, to be overseen by an independent international authority; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Supports the call of the New FIFA Now campaign for the establishment of an independent, non-governmental FIFA Reform Commission, to be overseen by an independent international authority;

| 32. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), the European Football Association (UEFA), the national football associations, the Association of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL), the European Club Association (ECA) and the International Federation of Professional Footballers’ Associations (FIFPRO). |
| --- | --- |

32.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), the European Football Association (UEFA), the national football associations, the Association of European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL), the European Club Association (ECA) and the International Federation of Professional Footballers’ Associations (FIFPRO).

---

(1)  OJ L 141, 5.6.2015, p. 73.

(2)  OJ C 239 E, 20.8.2013, p. 46.

(3)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0098.

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Wednesday 24 June 2015

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/86 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/86

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P8_TA(2015)0238

Review of the economic governance framework: stocktaking and challenges

European Parliament resolution of 24 June 2015 on the review of the economic governance framework: stocktaking and challenges (2014/2145(INI))

(2016/C 407/13)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the strengthening of economic and budgetary surveillance of Member States in the euro area experiencing or threatened with serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the strengthening of economic and budgetary surveillance of Member States in the euro area experiencing or threatened with serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability (1),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 473/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on common provisions for monitoring and assessing draft budgetary plans and ensuring the correction of excessive deficit of the Member States in the euro area (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 473/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on common provisions for monitoring and assessing draft budgetary plans and ensuring the correction of excessive deficit of the Member States in the euro area (2),

| — | having regard to the letter of 3 July 2013 from the then Vice-President of the Commission, Olli Rehn, on the application of Article 5(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of 3 July 2013 from the then Vice-President of the Commission, Olli Rehn, on the application of Article 5(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1175/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1175/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (3),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 1177/2011 of 8 November 2011 amending Regulation (EC) No 1467/97 on speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 1177/2011 of 8 November 2011 amending Regulation (EC) No 1467/97 on speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure (4),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1173/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the effective enforcement of budgetary surveillance in the euro area (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1173/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the effective enforcement of budgetary surveillance in the euro area (5),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2011/85/EU of 8 November 2011 on requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2011/85/EU of 8 November 2011 on requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States (6),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances (7),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1174/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on enforcement measures to correct excessive macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1174/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on enforcement measures to correct excessive macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area (8),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2014 on the enquiry on the role and operations of the Troika (the European Central Bank (ECB), the Commission and the International Monetary Fund) with regard to the euro area programme countries (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2014 on the enquiry on the role and operations of the Troika (the European Central Bank (ECB), the Commission and the International Monetary Fund) with regard to the euro area programme countries (9),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 December 2013 on constitutional problems of a multitier governance in the European Union (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 December 2013 on constitutional problems of a multitier governance in the European Union (10),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 1 December 2011 on the European Semester for Economic Policy Coordination (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 1 December 2011 on the European Semester for Economic Policy Coordination (11),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 6 July 2011 on the financial, economic and social crisis: recommendations concerning the measures and initiatives to be taken (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 6 July 2011 on the financial, economic and social crisis: recommendations concerning the measures and initiatives to be taken (12),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 28 November 2014 entitled ‘Economic governance review — Report on the application of Regulations (EU) Nos 1173/2011, 1174/2011, 1175/2011, 1176/2011, 1177/2011, 472/2013 and 473/2013’ (COM(2014)0905), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 28 November 2014 entitled ‘Economic governance review — Report on the application of Regulations (EU) Nos 1173/2011, 1174/2011, 1175/2011, 1176/2011, 1177/2011, 472/2013 and 473/2013’ (COM(2014)0905),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 January 2015 entitled ‘Making the best use of the flexibility within the existing rules of the Stability and Growth Pact’ (COM(2015)0012), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 January 2015 entitled ‘Making the best use of the flexibility within the existing rules of the Stability and Growth Pact’ (COM(2015)0012),

| — | having regard to the Commission’s Sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion of 23 July 2014 (COM(2014)0473), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s Sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion of 23 July 2014 (COM(2014)0473),

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the European Council meetings of June and December 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the European Council meetings of June and December 2014,

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the Euro summit of October 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the Euro summit of October 2014,

| — | having regard to the speech of 15 July 2014 by President of the Commission Jean-Claude Juncker at the European Parliament, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the speech of 15 July 2014 by President of the Commission Jean-Claude Juncker at the European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the speech of 22 August 2014 by President of the ECB Mario Draghi at the annual central bank symposium in Jackson Hole, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the speech of 22 August 2014 by President of the ECB Mario Draghi at the annual central bank symposium in Jackson Hole,

| — | having regard to ECB Occasional Paper No 157 of November 2014 entitled ‘The identification of fiscal and macroeconomic imbalances — unexploited synergies under the strengthened EU governance framework’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to ECB Occasional Paper No 157 of November 2014 entitled ‘The identification of fiscal and macroeconomic imbalances — unexploited synergies under the strengthened EU governance framework’,

| — | having regard to OECD Social, Employment and Migration Working Paper No 163 of 9 December 2014 entitled ‘Trends in income inequality and its impact on economic growth’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to OECD Social, Employment and Migration Working Paper No 163 of 9 December 2014 entitled ‘Trends in income inequality and its impact on economic growth’,

| — | having regard to the IMF staff discussion note of September 2013 entitled ‘Towards a fiscal union for the euro area’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the IMF staff discussion note of September 2013 entitled ‘Towards a fiscal union for the euro area’,

| — | having regard to the ECB's Governing Council proposals of 10 June 2010 entitled ‘Reinforcing Economic Governance in the Euro Area’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ECB's Governing Council proposals of 10 June 2010 entitled ‘Reinforcing Economic Governance in the Euro Area’,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions on the sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion: investment for jobs and growth, adopted by the General Affairs (Cohesion) Council on 19 November 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions on the sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion: investment for jobs and growth, adopted by the General Affairs (Cohesion) Council on 19 November 2014,

| — | having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (A8-0190/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (A8-0190/2015),

| A. | whereas the economic governance in the Eurozone which was designed to avoid unsustainable public finances and coordinate fiscal policies started out with the SGP consisting of two simple rules in order to avoid detrimental effects on the EMU as a whole; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the economic governance in the Eurozone which was designed to avoid unsustainable public finances and coordinate fiscal policies started out with the SGP consisting of two simple rules in order to avoid detrimental effects on the EMU as a whole;

| B. | whereas immediately after the introduction of the euro, consolidation fatigue set in regarding implementation of these rules, which laid ground for an element of the present crisis in the EMU; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas immediately after the introduction of the euro, consolidation fatigue set in regarding implementation of these rules, which laid ground for an element of the present crisis in the EMU;

| C. | whereas a reform of the original SGP took place in 2005 which introduced a number of refinements and increased flexibility and which did not sufficiently address the problems of the weak enforcement provisions and coordination; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas a reform of the original SGP took place in 2005 which introduced a number of refinements and increased flexibility and which did not sufficiently address the problems of the weak enforcement provisions and coordination;

| D. | whereas when several countries were at risk of default on their debt, which would have resulted in a world-wide spread of the crisis and depression, the situation could be averted by putting in place ad-hoc mechanisms such as the EFSF and the EFSM; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas when several countries were at risk of default on their debt, which would have resulted in a world-wide spread of the crisis and depression, the situation could be averted by putting in place ad-hoc mechanisms such as the EFSF and the EFSM;

| E. | whereas, in order to avoid a reoccurrence of this kind of crisis, as well as the spreading of the crisis to other countries through the banking sector, a number of measures were taken, which included the creation of the Banking Union, the ESM, improved economic governance legislation in the form of the 6- and 2- packs, the TSCG and the European Semester, all of which must be considered as a package; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas, in order to avoid a reoccurrence of this kind of crisis, as well as the spreading of the crisis to other countries through the banking sector, a number of measures were taken, which included the creation of the Banking Union, the ESM, improved economic governance legislation in the form of the 6- and 2- packs, the TSCG and the European Semester, all of which must be considered as a package;

| F. | whereas, according to the Commission's latest Spring forecast, after two consecutive years of negative growth, gross domestic product (GDP) in the euro area is expected to rise, meaning that the economic recovery is slowly gaining ground and need to be strengthened further as the output gap will remain large; |
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F.

whereas, according to the Commission's latest Spring forecast, after two consecutive years of negative growth, gross domestic product (GDP) in the euro area is expected to rise, meaning that the economic recovery is slowly gaining ground and need to be strengthened further as the output gap will remain large;

| G. | whereas huge differences continue to prevail between the Member States in terms of debt ratios, deficit ratios, unemployment levels, current account balances and levels of social protection, also after the implementation of the programmes, reflecting differences in the origins of the crises and its point of departure, and in the ambition, impact and national ownership when implementing the measures agreed between the Institutions and the Member States concerned; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas huge differences continue to prevail between the Member States in terms of debt ratios, deficit ratios, unemployment levels, current account balances and levels of social protection, also after the implementation of the programmes, reflecting differences in the origins of the crises and its point of departure, and in the ambition, impact and national ownership when implementing the measures agreed between the Institutions and the Member States concerned;

| H. | whereas investment in the euro area decreased by 17 % since the pre-crisis period and, remains weak; whereas both a lack of future-oriented growth-enhancing investment and unsustainable public and private debt are crippling burden for future generations; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas investment in the euro area decreased by 17 % since the pre-crisis period and, remains weak; whereas both a lack of future-oriented growth-enhancing investment and unsustainable public and private debt are crippling burden for future generations;

| I. | whereas a European investment plan as an important instrument to stimulate notably private investment is being put in place to mobilise EUR 315 billion in new investments over the next three years; whereas if the proposed financial objectives are achieved this plan is only one element destined to overcome the accumulated investment gap, together with implementation of structural reforms to create an investor-friendly environment in Member States; |
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I.

whereas a European investment plan as an important instrument to stimulate notably private investment is being put in place to mobilise EUR 315 billion in new investments over the next three years; whereas if the proposed financial objectives are achieved this plan is only one element destined to overcome the accumulated investment gap, together with implementation of structural reforms to create an investor-friendly environment in Member States;

Stocktaking of the current economic governance framework

| 1. | Welcomes the Commission Communication of 28 November 2014 on the economic governance review; considers that the assessment by the Commission gives a picture of how and to what extent the different tools and procedures have been used and implemented; |
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1.

Welcomes the Commission Communication of 28 November 2014 on the economic governance review; considers that the assessment by the Commission gives a picture of how and to what extent the different tools and procedures have been used and implemented;

| 2. | Stresses that at the core of the economic governance system is the prevention of excessive deficit and debt levels and excessive macroeconomic imbalances, as well as the economic policy coordination; underlines therefore that the central question in the review is whether the EMU has been made more resilient by the new economic governance framework, notably as far as its ability to avoid a Member State to default on its debt is concerned, while contributing to closer coordination and convergence of Member States' economic policies and ensuring a high level of transparency, credibility and democratic accountability; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Stresses that at the core of the economic governance system is the prevention of excessive deficit and debt levels and excessive macroeconomic imbalances, as well as the economic policy coordination; underlines therefore that the central question in the review is whether the EMU has been made more resilient by the new economic governance framework, notably as far as its ability to avoid a Member State to default on its debt is concerned, while contributing to closer coordination and convergence of Member States' economic policies and ensuring a high level of transparency, credibility and democratic accountability;

| 3. | Takes notes of the fact that in some Member States, progress has been made in addressing debt level or in exiting the Excessive Deficit Procedure; |
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3.

Takes notes of the fact that in some Member States, progress has been made in addressing debt level or in exiting the Excessive Deficit Procedure;

| 4. | Shares the Commission's analysis that parts of the new framework have achieved results but that the ability to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of the regulations in normal economic times is limited; |
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4.

Shares the Commission's analysis that parts of the new framework have achieved results but that the ability to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of the regulations in normal economic times is limited;

| 5. | Acknowledges that an assessment of the application of the six-pack and two-pack at this stage remains partial and cannot be isolated from the European Semester, the TFEU and the Fiscal Compact; |
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5.

Acknowledges that an assessment of the application of the six-pack and two-pack at this stage remains partial and cannot be isolated from the European Semester, the TFEU and the Fiscal Compact;

| 6. | Welcomes the 6- and 2-Packs' broadening of the scope of the stability and growth pact through the addition of procedures to prevent and correct macroeconomic imbalances inside and among Member States and shift the overreliance on the deficit criterion to attention to both the deficit and the overall debt, thus trying to identify and correct possible problems and preventing the emergence of crises at the earliest stage possible, while at the same time allowing flexibility in the form of clauses for structural reforms, investments and adverse business cycle conditions; recalls that flexibility cannot endanger the preventive nature of the Pact; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Welcomes the 6- and 2-Packs' broadening of the scope of the stability and growth pact through the addition of procedures to prevent and correct macroeconomic imbalances inside and among Member States and shift the overreliance on the deficit criterion to attention to both the deficit and the overall debt, thus trying to identify and correct possible problems and preventing the emergence of crises at the earliest stage possible, while at the same time allowing flexibility in the form of clauses for structural reforms, investments and adverse business cycle conditions; recalls that flexibility cannot endanger the preventive nature of the Pact;

| 7. | Underlines the importance of the scoreboard to identify macroeconomic imbalances at an early stage and the importance of sustainable structural reforms when trying to overcome macroeconomic imbalances; |
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7.

Underlines the importance of the scoreboard to identify macroeconomic imbalances at an early stage and the importance of sustainable structural reforms when trying to overcome macroeconomic imbalances;

| 8. | Stresses that a consistent and fair implementation of the framework across countries and over time contributes to credibility; calls on the Commission and Council to apply and act in the spirit of the changes made to the SGP under the 6 and 2 pack, notably regarding enforcement provisions; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Stresses that a consistent and fair implementation of the framework across countries and over time contributes to credibility; calls on the Commission and Council to apply and act in the spirit of the changes made to the SGP under the 6 and 2 pack, notably regarding enforcement provisions;

| 9. | Believes that the current economic situation with its fragile growth and high unemployment calls for urgent, comprehensive and decisive measures in an holistic approach based on growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, structural reforms and boosting investment in order to restore sustainable growth and competitiveness, to foster innovation and to fight unemployment while addressing the risk of persisting low inflation or possible threat of deflationary pressure, as well as persistent macroeconomic imbalances; highlights that the economic governance framework must constitute a key component of this holistic approach to be able to address these challenges; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Believes that the current economic situation with its fragile growth and high unemployment calls for urgent, comprehensive and decisive measures in an holistic approach based on growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, structural reforms and boosting investment in order to restore sustainable growth and competitiveness, to foster innovation and to fight unemployment while addressing the risk of persisting low inflation or possible threat of deflationary pressure, as well as persistent macroeconomic imbalances; highlights that the economic governance framework must constitute a key component of this holistic approach to be able to address these challenges;

| 10. | Agrees with Commissioner Thyssen’s statement that countries that provide high-quality jobs and better social protection and invest in human capital are more resilient to economic crises; calls on the Commission to reflect this position as it moves forward in all of its European semester policy and country-specific recommendations; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Agrees with Commissioner Thyssen’s statement that countries that provide high-quality jobs and better social protection and invest in human capital are more resilient to economic crises; calls on the Commission to reflect this position as it moves forward in all of its European semester policy and country-specific recommendations;

| 11. | Highlights the fact that the current economic governance framework needs to be implemented and where necessary improved to deliver fiscal stability, to favour a proper debate on the overall assessment of the euro area as a whole allowing growth-friendly fiscal responsibility, to improve economic convergence perspective of the euro area and to address on an equal footing Member States' different economic and fiscal situations; insists that it suffers from a lack of ownership at national level and limited attention to the international economic perspective and appropriate democratic accountability mechanism; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Highlights the fact that the current economic governance framework needs to be implemented and where necessary improved to deliver fiscal stability, to favour a proper debate on the overall assessment of the euro area as a whole allowing growth-friendly fiscal responsibility, to improve economic convergence perspective of the euro area and to address on an equal footing Member States' different economic and fiscal situations; insists that it suffers from a lack of ownership at national level and limited attention to the international economic perspective and appropriate democratic accountability mechanism;

| 12. | Stresses that the current situation calls for enhanced and inclusive economic coordination considering the euro area as a whole and improving the national ownership and democratic accountability for the implementation of the rules (to restore trust, favour convergence between Member States, improve fiscal sustainability, encourage sustainable structural reforms and boost investments) as well as for swift reaction to correct the most obvious fault lines, to improve the effectiveness of the economic governance framework and to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the framework across countries and over time; |
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12.

Stresses that the current situation calls for enhanced and inclusive economic coordination considering the euro area as a whole and improving the national ownership and democratic accountability for the implementation of the rules (to restore trust, favour convergence between Member States, improve fiscal sustainability, encourage sustainable structural reforms and boost investments) as well as for swift reaction to correct the most obvious fault lines, to improve the effectiveness of the economic governance framework and to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the framework across countries and over time;

| 13. | Underlines the importance of simple and transparent procedures for economic governance and warns that the current complexity of the framework as well as the lack of implementation and ownership is detrimental to its effectiveness and acceptance by national parliaments, local authorities, social partners and citizens in Member States; |
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13.

Underlines the importance of simple and transparent procedures for economic governance and warns that the current complexity of the framework as well as the lack of implementation and ownership is detrimental to its effectiveness and acceptance by national parliaments, local authorities, social partners and citizens in Member States;

| 14. | Acknowledges that some progress has been made with a debate on the Medium-Term Objective (MTO) and in terms of a better ownership of the national debate in euro area Member States, also thanks to the contribution of the national fiscal councils acting as independent bodies monitoring compliance with fiscal rules and macroeconomic forecast; calls on the Commission to present an overview on the structure and the functioning of Member States’ national fiscal councils and how these councils can improve ownership at national level; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Acknowledges that some progress has been made with a debate on the Medium-Term Objective (MTO) and in terms of a better ownership of the national debate in euro area Member States, also thanks to the contribution of the national fiscal councils acting as independent bodies monitoring compliance with fiscal rules and macroeconomic forecast; calls on the Commission to present an overview on the structure and the functioning of Member States’ national fiscal councils and how these councils can improve ownership at national level;

| 15. | Considers the economic governance framework to be a key political initiative that underpins the foundations of the Europe 2020 goals and flagship initiatives which are aimed at fully exploiting the Single Market’s untapped growth potential; believes that by unlocking the Single Market’s growth potential, Member States will more easily fulfil the targets embedded in the economic governance framework; furthermore, considers that the primary actors in the Single Market are consumers and businesses; |
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15.

Considers the economic governance framework to be a key political initiative that underpins the foundations of the Europe 2020 goals and flagship initiatives which are aimed at fully exploiting the Single Market’s untapped growth potential; believes that by unlocking the Single Market’s growth potential, Member States will more easily fulfil the targets embedded in the economic governance framework; furthermore, considers that the primary actors in the Single Market are consumers and businesses;

What best application of flexibility within the existing rules?

| 16. | Acknowledges that the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) which has been put in place to ensure the fiscal sustainability of the Member States participating in the Economic and Monetary Union, allows Member States to conduct a counter-cyclical policy when necessary and fiscal room for the automatic stabilizers to work properly; underlines that not all Member states achieved a surplus while economy was booming and that some existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislation was not put in full use in previous years; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Acknowledges that the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) which has been put in place to ensure the fiscal sustainability of the Member States participating in the Economic and Monetary Union, allows Member States to conduct a counter-cyclical policy when necessary and fiscal room for the automatic stabilizers to work properly; underlines that not all Member states achieved a surplus while economy was booming and that some existing flexibility clauses foreseen in the legislation was not put in full use in previous years;

| 17. | Welcomes the fact that in its interpretative communication on flexibility, the Commission acknowledges that the way in which the current fiscal rules are interpreted is one element in bridging the investment gap in the EU and facilitating the implementation of growth-enhancing, sustainable and socially balanced structural reforms; notes that the Communication makes no changes as far as the calculation of the deficit is concerned but that certain investments can justify a temporary deviation from the Medium Term Objective (MTO) of the concerned Member State or from the adjustment path towards it; |
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17.

Welcomes the fact that in its interpretative communication on flexibility, the Commission acknowledges that the way in which the current fiscal rules are interpreted is one element in bridging the investment gap in the EU and facilitating the implementation of growth-enhancing, sustainable and socially balanced structural reforms; notes that the Communication makes no changes as far as the calculation of the deficit is concerned but that certain investments can justify a temporary deviation from the Medium Term Objective (MTO) of the concerned Member State or from the adjustment path towards it;

| 18. | Supports all the incentives proposed by the European Commission to finance the new European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), mainly by making national contributions to the fund fiscally neutral as regards to the attainment of the MTO and to the required fiscal adjustment effort without modifying it in the preventive or the corrective arm of the SGP; notes the Commission's intention to refrain from launching an EDP if, only because of the additional contribution to the EFSI, a Member State deficit goes slightly and temporarily beyond the 3 % deficit limit; draws the attention on the SGP's vital contribution to confidence building when attracting foreign investments; stresses the importance of the additionality of the EFSI financing since EFSI-funded projects must, under no circumstances simply replace investment already planned and that net investment must, on the contrary, be effectively increased as a result; |
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18.

Supports all the incentives proposed by the European Commission to finance the new European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), mainly by making national contributions to the fund fiscally neutral as regards to the attainment of the MTO and to the required fiscal adjustment effort without modifying it in the preventive or the corrective arm of the SGP; notes the Commission's intention to refrain from launching an EDP if, only because of the additional contribution to the EFSI, a Member State deficit goes slightly and temporarily beyond the 3 % deficit limit; draws the attention on the SGP's vital contribution to confidence building when attracting foreign investments; stresses the importance of the additionality of the EFSI financing since EFSI-funded projects must, under no circumstances simply replace investment already planned and that net investment must, on the contrary, be effectively increased as a result;

| 19. | Welcomes that the Commission communication aims at clarifying the scope of the investment clause, allowing for a certain degree of temporary flexibility in the preventive arm of the SGP, in the form of a temporary deviation from the MTO, provided the deviation does not lead to an excess over the 3 % deficit reference value and an appropriate safety margin, to accommodate investment programmes by the Member States, in particular as regards expenditure on projects under structural and cohesion policy, including the Youth Employment Initiative, trans-European networks and the Connecting Europe Facility, and co-financing under the EFSI; |
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19.

Welcomes that the Commission communication aims at clarifying the scope of the investment clause, allowing for a certain degree of temporary flexibility in the preventive arm of the SGP, in the form of a temporary deviation from the MTO, provided the deviation does not lead to an excess over the 3 % deficit reference value and an appropriate safety margin, to accommodate investment programmes by the Member States, in particular as regards expenditure on projects under structural and cohesion policy, including the Youth Employment Initiative, trans-European networks and the Connecting Europe Facility, and co-financing under the EFSI;

| 20. | Believes that a precondition for the application of the structural reform clause under the preventive arm and the consideration of structural reform plans under the corrective arm is a formal national parliamentary adoption of a reform and its actual implementation, allowing more efficiency and ownership; stresses that the reform process should fully involve social partners at all stages; |
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20.

Believes that a precondition for the application of the structural reform clause under the preventive arm and the consideration of structural reform plans under the corrective arm is a formal national parliamentary adoption of a reform and its actual implementation, allowing more efficiency and ownership; stresses that the reform process should fully involve social partners at all stages;

| 21. | Calls for enhanced dialogue between the Commission and the Member States on the content and types of structural reforms most appropriate and effective to be proposed by the Commission in the Country specific recommendations, compatible with the Treaty and secondary law, taking into account cost benefit analysis, result-oriented assessment and timeframe impact, and contributing to the achievement of the MTO; |
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21.

Calls for enhanced dialogue between the Commission and the Member States on the content and types of structural reforms most appropriate and effective to be proposed by the Commission in the Country specific recommendations, compatible with the Treaty and secondary law, taking into account cost benefit analysis, result-oriented assessment and timeframe impact, and contributing to the achievement of the MTO;

| 22. | Encourages the Finance Committees of the national parliaments to systematically invite the European Commissioners responsible for economic governance to a public debate in their chambers before the draft budgets of the Member States are adopted; |
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22.

Encourages the Finance Committees of the national parliaments to systematically invite the European Commissioners responsible for economic governance to a public debate in their chambers before the draft budgets of the Member States are adopted;

| 23. | Believes that structural reforms committed in National Reform Programmes should in the medium and long terms have positive economic, social and environmental returns, and improve the efficiency and efficacy of administrative capacity; |
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23.

Believes that structural reforms committed in National Reform Programmes should in the medium and long terms have positive economic, social and environmental returns, and improve the efficiency and efficacy of administrative capacity;

| 24. | Notes that because it could have led to an exercise to define all kinds of hypothesis with the danger of leaving out the one that will actually happen, the communication does not touch upon the nature of ‘unusual events’ falling outside the control of a Member State which could allow it to temporarily depart from the adjustment path towards achieving its MTO; underlines the need to treat similar situations in similar ways; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Notes that because it could have led to an exercise to define all kinds of hypothesis with the danger of leaving out the one that will actually happen, the communication does not touch upon the nature of ‘unusual events’ falling outside the control of a Member State which could allow it to temporarily depart from the adjustment path towards achieving its MTO; underlines the need to treat similar situations in similar ways;

| 25. | Calls for greater economic and social cohesion to be provided by strengthening the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund in order to preserve and create jobs with rights by supporting measures to combat unemployment and poverty; |
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25.

Calls for greater economic and social cohesion to be provided by strengthening the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund in order to preserve and create jobs with rights by supporting measures to combat unemployment and poverty;

| 26. | Underlines the importance of boosting economic growth and creating new jobs, particularly jobs for young people, for the public acceptance of the European economic governance framework; |
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26.

Underlines the importance of boosting economic growth and creating new jobs, particularly jobs for young people, for the public acceptance of the European economic governance framework;

| 27. | Notes with deep concern that long-term unemployment has doubled over the course of the crisis; notes also that this increase was even higher among low-skilled workers; calls on the Commission to ensure that the fight against long-term unemployment is reflected in its policies and country-specific recommendations; |
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27.

Notes with deep concern that long-term unemployment has doubled over the course of the crisis; notes also that this increase was even higher among low-skilled workers; calls on the Commission to ensure that the fight against long-term unemployment is reflected in its policies and country-specific recommendations;

| 28. | Believes that the rising levels of inequality in Europe should be given the utmost importance in the context of the Union’s economic framework; believes that one of the best ways to combat this rising inequality is to redouble efforts to create more quality jobs in Europe; |
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28.

Believes that the rising levels of inequality in Europe should be given the utmost importance in the context of the Union’s economic framework; believes that one of the best ways to combat this rising inequality is to redouble efforts to create more quality jobs in Europe;

Closer coordination, economic convergence and streamlining of the European Semester

| 29. | Urges the Commission to fully apply the SGP and ensure its fair implementation in line with its recent review of the 6- and 2- pack and the communication on flexibility; believes that, where necessary and possible, the European Semester should be streamlined and reinforced within the current legislative framework; stresses that any such future streamlining and reinforcements should in any case be stability-oriented; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Urges the Commission to fully apply the SGP and ensure its fair implementation in line with its recent review of the 6- and 2- pack and the communication on flexibility; believes that, where necessary and possible, the European Semester should be streamlined and reinforced within the current legislative framework; stresses that any such future streamlining and reinforcements should in any case be stability-oriented;

| 30. | Believes that the Commission communication clarifies where room for flexibility exists under the existing legislation; welcomes the attempt to shed more clarity into this complicated field and expects the Commission to use the flexibility that is built into the existing rules in line with the communication while ensuring the predictability, transparency and effectiveness of the economic governance framework; |
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30.

Believes that the Commission communication clarifies where room for flexibility exists under the existing legislation; welcomes the attempt to shed more clarity into this complicated field and expects the Commission to use the flexibility that is built into the existing rules in line with the communication while ensuring the predictability, transparency and effectiveness of the economic governance framework;

| 31. | Invites the Commission and the Council to better articulate the fiscal and macroeconomic frameworks to allow for earlier and more consistent debate among all stakeholders taking into account the European interests served by these frameworks, the need to increase convergence between euro area Member States, deliberation by national parliaments and the role of social partners or of local authorities regarding the ownership of sustainable and socially balanced structural reforms; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Invites the Commission and the Council to better articulate the fiscal and macroeconomic frameworks to allow for earlier and more consistent debate among all stakeholders taking into account the European interests served by these frameworks, the need to increase convergence between euro area Member States, deliberation by national parliaments and the role of social partners or of local authorities regarding the ownership of sustainable and socially balanced structural reforms;

| 32. | Insists that the Annual Growth Survey (AGS) as well as the country-specific recommendations (CSR) must be better implemented and take into account the assessment of the budgetary situation and prospects both in the euro area as a whole and in the individual Member States; suggests that this overall assessment foreseen in Regulation (EU) No 473/2013 on common provisions for monitoring and assessing draft budgetary plans and ensuring the correction of excessive deficit of the Member States in the euro area should be submitted to a plenary debate of the European Parliament with the Council, the President of the Eurogroup and the Commission prior to the Spring Council and properly implemented throughout the European Semester; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Insists that the Annual Growth Survey (AGS) as well as the country-specific recommendations (CSR) must be better implemented and take into account the assessment of the budgetary situation and prospects both in the euro area as a whole and in the individual Member States; suggests that this overall assessment foreseen in Regulation (EU) No 473/2013 on common provisions for monitoring and assessing draft budgetary plans and ensuring the correction of excessive deficit of the Member States in the euro area should be submitted to a plenary debate of the European Parliament with the Council, the President of the Eurogroup and the Commission prior to the Spring Council and properly implemented throughout the European Semester;

| 33. | Acknowledges that the European Semester has become an important vehicle to deliver reforms at national and EU levels by ensuring that the EU and its Member States coordinate their economic policies; regrets however the lack of ownership resulting in an unsatisfactory level of implementation of the country-specific recommendations; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Acknowledges that the European Semester has become an important vehicle to deliver reforms at national and EU levels by ensuring that the EU and its Member States coordinate their economic policies; regrets however the lack of ownership resulting in an unsatisfactory level of implementation of the country-specific recommendations;

| 34. | Believes that the European Semester should be streamlined and reinforced, without modifying the current legal framework, and that Semester-related documents should be better coordinated, thus increasing focus, effectiveness and ownership to achieve the European goals of good economic governance; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Believes that the European Semester should be streamlined and reinforced, without modifying the current legal framework, and that Semester-related documents should be better coordinated, thus increasing focus, effectiveness and ownership to achieve the European goals of good economic governance;

| 35. | Requests that the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) be, where relevant, better coordinated with the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) recommendations so as to ensure consistency between surveillance of the fiscal position and economic policy coordination; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Requests that the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) be, where relevant, better coordinated with the Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) recommendations so as to ensure consistency between surveillance of the fiscal position and economic policy coordination;

| 36. | Favours an enhanced process at EU and national level regarding the elaboration, follow-up, support and monitoring of Country Specific Recommendations also allowing to check their actual implementation and quality against delivery; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Favours an enhanced process at EU and national level regarding the elaboration, follow-up, support and monitoring of Country Specific Recommendations also allowing to check their actual implementation and quality against delivery;

| 37. | Recalls that the legislation requires the Commission to take into account amongst others the 2020 targets when preparing its recommendations and enshrines the principle according to which ‘the Council is expected to, as a rule, follow the recommendations and proposals of the Commission or explain its positions publicly’; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Recalls that the legislation requires the Commission to take into account amongst others the 2020 targets when preparing its recommendations and enshrines the principle according to which ‘the Council is expected to, as a rule, follow the recommendations and proposals of the Commission or explain its positions publicly’;

| 38. | Is concerned by the debt increase in countries which already have a high level of debt, which is in stark contradiction with the 1/20 rule on debt reduction; asks the Commission to explain how it intends to address this contradiction and to ensure that debt ratios are reduced to sustainable levels in line with the SGP; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Is concerned by the debt increase in countries which already have a high level of debt, which is in stark contradiction with the 1/20 rule on debt reduction; asks the Commission to explain how it intends to address this contradiction and to ensure that debt ratios are reduced to sustainable levels in line with the SGP;

| 39. | Supports the Commission three-pillar strategy (growth-enhancing investments, fiscal consolidation and structural reforms), presented in the AGS 2015 and ask to make it more concrete under the overall assessment of the budgetary situation and prospects in the euro area and in the CSRs; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Supports the Commission three-pillar strategy (growth-enhancing investments, fiscal consolidation and structural reforms), presented in the AGS 2015 and ask to make it more concrete under the overall assessment of the budgetary situation and prospects in the euro area and in the CSRs;

| 40. | Recognises the need for independent and pluralistic analysis of Member States' economic perspectives at the EU level; in this context urges to further develop the Commission's Unit known as Chief Economic Analyst to provide objective, independent and transparent analysis of the relevant data, which should be made public and serve as a basis for a well-informed debate and decision-making in the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament; demands that the Chief Economic Analyst be transmitted all relevant documents in time to carry out its tasks; stresses the useful role of national fiscal councils both at national and at EU level and encourages the set-up of a European network; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Recognises the need for independent and pluralistic analysis of Member States' economic perspectives at the EU level; in this context urges to further develop the Commission's Unit known as Chief Economic Analyst to provide objective, independent and transparent analysis of the relevant data, which should be made public and serve as a basis for a well-informed debate and decision-making in the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament; demands that the Chief Economic Analyst be transmitted all relevant documents in time to carry out its tasks; stresses the useful role of national fiscal councils both at national and at EU level and encourages the set-up of a European network;

| 41. | Recalls that the MIP is meant to avoid crises to happen through the early identification of harmful macro-economic imbalances on the basis of an objective assessment of the development of the key macroeconomic variables; believes that the MIP must be used to assess in an efficient and effective manner the development of key macroeconomic variables in both deficit and surpluses countries, particularly with regard to strengthening competitiveness and better taking into account the euro area as a whole, including spillover effects; recalls that macroeconomic surveillance is also aimed at identifying countries that are likely to experience a future imbalance and to avoid it through the timely launching of sustainable and socially balanced structural reforms, when room for action is still available; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Recalls that the MIP is meant to avoid crises to happen through the early identification of harmful macro-economic imbalances on the basis of an objective assessment of the development of the key macroeconomic variables; believes that the MIP must be used to assess in an efficient and effective manner the development of key macroeconomic variables in both deficit and surpluses countries, particularly with regard to strengthening competitiveness and better taking into account the euro area as a whole, including spillover effects; recalls that macroeconomic surveillance is also aimed at identifying countries that are likely to experience a future imbalance and to avoid it through the timely launching of sustainable and socially balanced structural reforms, when room for action is still available;

| 42. | Underlines the Commission's clear differentiation between the preventive and corrective arms of the SGP as regards investment allowing temporary deviation from the MTO, or the adjustment path towards it, within the existence of a safety margin under the preventive arm; calls on the Commission and the Council to be consistent in this domain with the outcome of the co-legislators position regarding the European Fund for Strategic Investments regulation; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Underlines the Commission's clear differentiation between the preventive and corrective arms of the SGP as regards investment allowing temporary deviation from the MTO, or the adjustment path towards it, within the existence of a safety margin under the preventive arm; calls on the Commission and the Council to be consistent in this domain with the outcome of the co-legislators position regarding the European Fund for Strategic Investments regulation;

| 43. | Asks the Commission to consider in its analyses all important factors, including real growth, inflation, long term public investment and unemployment rates when evaluating the economic and fiscal situations of Member States, urgently addressing the investment gap in the EU by shifting expenditure towards the most productive, sustainable growth and jobs enhancing investment; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Asks the Commission to consider in its analyses all important factors, including real growth, inflation, long term public investment and unemployment rates when evaluating the economic and fiscal situations of Member States, urgently addressing the investment gap in the EU by shifting expenditure towards the most productive, sustainable growth and jobs enhancing investment;

| 44. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that the way in which effective actions are taken into account under the EDP is based on clear, numerical quantifiable and qualitative criteria; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that the way in which effective actions are taken into account under the EDP is based on clear, numerical quantifiable and qualitative criteria;

| 45. | Insists that the focus on structural deficits since the 2005 reform of the SGP, together with the introduction of an expenditure rule with the 2011 reform as well as the concept of output gap which is difficult to quantify, create uncertainty, complexity and margins for flexibility and thus the discretionary implementation of the SGP; fears that the calculation of potential growth and output, which underpins the assessment of structural deficits, and that of the expenditure rule, are subject to several questionable assumptions which lead to substantial revisions between the Commission's autumn and spring forecasts, thereby leading to various calculations and diverging assessments as regards the implementation of the SGP; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Insists that the focus on structural deficits since the 2005 reform of the SGP, together with the introduction of an expenditure rule with the 2011 reform as well as the concept of output gap which is difficult to quantify, create uncertainty, complexity and margins for flexibility and thus the discretionary implementation of the SGP; fears that the calculation of potential growth and output, which underpins the assessment of structural deficits, and that of the expenditure rule, are subject to several questionable assumptions which lead to substantial revisions between the Commission's autumn and spring forecasts, thereby leading to various calculations and diverging assessments as regards the implementation of the SGP;

| 46. | Calls on the Commission, when monitoring and evaluating the fiscal positions of Member States, to consider the practical implications of the agreed fiscal measures and reforms; calls on the Commission to aim at predictable and consistent policy making, to base its analysis on hard facts and reliable data and to exercise the utmost caution when making use of estimations in concepts such as estimated growth potential for GDP and output gaps; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Calls on the Commission, when monitoring and evaluating the fiscal positions of Member States, to consider the practical implications of the agreed fiscal measures and reforms; calls on the Commission to aim at predictable and consistent policy making, to base its analysis on hard facts and reliable data and to exercise the utmost caution when making use of estimations in concepts such as estimated growth potential for GDP and output gaps;

| 47. | Underlines the importance of new growth and job creation for the public acceptance of the economic governance framework and calls, therefore, for the Commission to improve the business environment in Europe with particular attention to SMEs, removal of red tape and access to finance; recalls in this respect the need to provide support to SMEs to enable them to also access non-EU markets such as the US, Canada, China and India; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Underlines the importance of new growth and job creation for the public acceptance of the economic governance framework and calls, therefore, for the Commission to improve the business environment in Europe with particular attention to SMEs, removal of red tape and access to finance; recalls in this respect the need to provide support to SMEs to enable them to also access non-EU markets such as the US, Canada, China and India;

Democratic accountability and challenges ahead in deepening economic governance

| 48. | Believes that a deepened and more resilient EMU urgently needs less complexity, better ownership and more transparency, rather than just adding new layers of rules to the already existing ones; underlines that, as responsibilities in the field of EMU are shared between the national and the European level, particular attention needs to be paid to ensuring the coherence and accountability of economic governance at both the national and European level; believes furthermore that a major role must be played by institutions subject to democratic accountability and underlines the need for sustained parliamentary involvement, whereby responsibilities must be assumed at the level where decisions are taken or implemented; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Believes that a deepened and more resilient EMU urgently needs less complexity, better ownership and more transparency, rather than just adding new layers of rules to the already existing ones; underlines that, as responsibilities in the field of EMU are shared between the national and the European level, particular attention needs to be paid to ensuring the coherence and accountability of economic governance at both the national and European level; believes furthermore that a major role must be played by institutions subject to democratic accountability and underlines the need for sustained parliamentary involvement, whereby responsibilities must be assumed at the level where decisions are taken or implemented;

| 49. | Acknowledges, based on the current situation, that the economic governance framework must be simplified, better enforced and where necessary, corrected and completed to allow for the EU and the euro area to meet the challenges of convergence, sustainable growth, full employment, citizens' welfare, competitiveness, sound and sustainable public finances, future oriented with high social-economic return long-lasting investment and reliance; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Acknowledges, based on the current situation, that the economic governance framework must be simplified, better enforced and where necessary, corrected and completed to allow for the EU and the euro area to meet the challenges of convergence, sustainable growth, full employment, citizens' welfare, competitiveness, sound and sustainable public finances, future oriented with high social-economic return long-lasting investment and reliance;

| 50. | Believes that, as parliamentary input on economic policy guidelines is an important aspect of any democratic system, increased legitimacy at the European level can be ensured by the adoption of Convergence Guidelines which contain targeted priorities for the coming years, subject to a codecision procedure that should be introduced in the next Treaty change; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Believes that, as parliamentary input on economic policy guidelines is an important aspect of any democratic system, increased legitimacy at the European level can be ensured by the adoption of Convergence Guidelines which contain targeted priorities for the coming years, subject to a codecision procedure that should be introduced in the next Treaty change;

| 51. | Recalls the European Parliament's resolutions specifying that the creation of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance (‘Fiscal Compact’) outside of the structure of the institutions of the Union represents a setback to the political integration of the Union and, therefore, demands that the ESM and the Fiscal Compact be fully integrated into the community framework on the basis of an assessment of the experience with its implementation according to Article 16 of the TSCG and consequently made formally accountable to Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Recalls the European Parliament's resolutions specifying that the creation of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and of the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance (‘Fiscal Compact’) outside of the structure of the institutions of the Union represents a setback to the political integration of the Union and, therefore, demands that the ESM and the Fiscal Compact be fully integrated into the community framework on the basis of an assessment of the experience with its implementation according to Article 16 of the TSCG and consequently made formally accountable to Parliament;

| 52. | Recalls its request to develop options for a new legal framework for future macroeconomic adjustment programmes, replacing the Troika, in order to increase the transparency and ownership of these programmes and ensure that all EU decisions are, where possible, taken under the Community method; believes that there should be a consistency between the nature of the stability mechanism used and the institution in charge of its mobilisation, while acknowledging that, because financial assistance is guaranteed by MS of the euro area, they have a say in its release; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Recalls its request to develop options for a new legal framework for future macroeconomic adjustment programmes, replacing the Troika, in order to increase the transparency and ownership of these programmes and ensure that all EU decisions are, where possible, taken under the Community method; believes that there should be a consistency between the nature of the stability mechanism used and the institution in charge of its mobilisation, while acknowledging that, because financial assistance is guaranteed by MS of the euro area, they have a say in its release;

| 53. | Requests that a reassessment of the Eurogroup's decision-making process be conducted so as to provide for appropriate democratic accountability; welcomes the Eurogroup President regularly participating in the meetings of the ECON committee in the same way as the chair of the ECOFIN Council, thus contributing to a similar level of democratic accountability; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Requests that a reassessment of the Eurogroup's decision-making process be conducted so as to provide for appropriate democratic accountability; welcomes the Eurogroup President regularly participating in the meetings of the ECON committee in the same way as the chair of the ECOFIN Council, thus contributing to a similar level of democratic accountability;

| 54. | Recalls that the 6 and 2 pack are based on a strengthened role for an independent Commissioner who should ensure the fair and non-discriminatory application of the rules, believes that further steps in the institutional set-up of economic governance, such as the strengthening of the role of the Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs or the creation of a European Treasury Office must respect the separation of powers between the different institutions and be linked to adequate means for democratic accountability and legitimacy, involving the European Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Recalls that the 6 and 2 pack are based on a strengthened role for an independent Commissioner who should ensure the fair and non-discriminatory application of the rules, believes that further steps in the institutional set-up of economic governance, such as the strengthening of the role of the Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs or the creation of a European Treasury Office must respect the separation of powers between the different institutions and be linked to adequate means for democratic accountability and legitimacy, involving the European Parliament;

| 55. | Recalls that the banking union was the result of the political will to avoid the renewal of financial crises, to break the vicious circle between banks and sovereigns as well as to minimise the negative spill-overs emanating from a sovereign debt crisis and that the same will is needed to achieve a deepened EMU; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Recalls that the banking union was the result of the political will to avoid the renewal of financial crises, to break the vicious circle between banks and sovereigns as well as to minimise the negative spill-overs emanating from a sovereign debt crisis and that the same will is needed to achieve a deepened EMU;

| 56. | Asks the Commission to come forward with an ambitious roadmap for the achievement of a deepened economic and monetary union which takes into account the proposals as outlined in this resolution, building on the mandate given by the euro area summit, confirmed by the European Council ‘to prepare next steps on better economic governance in the euro area’ as well as on previous work such as Parliament’s resolution of 20 November 2012‘Towards a genuine Economic and Monetary Union’ (13), the communication of the Commission of 28 November 2012‘A blueprint for a deep and genuine economic and monetary union. Launching a European debate’ (COM(2012)0777) and the final Four Presidents report of 5 December 2012; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Asks the Commission to come forward with an ambitious roadmap for the achievement of a deepened economic and monetary union which takes into account the proposals as outlined in this resolution, building on the mandate given by the euro area summit, confirmed by the European Council ‘to prepare next steps on better economic governance in the euro area’ as well as on previous work such as Parliament’s resolution of 20 November 2012‘Towards a genuine Economic and Monetary Union’ (13), the communication of the Commission of 28 November 2012‘A blueprint for a deep and genuine economic and monetary union. Launching a European debate’ (COM(2012)0777) and the final Four Presidents report of 5 December 2012;

| 57. | Invites the stakeholders in this necessary next step of the EMU to take into account foreseeable future enlargement of the euro area and to explore all options to deepen and strengthen the EMU and make it more resilient, conductive to growth, jobs and stability, such as:






  (a) | enhanced democratic accountability mechanisms at both the EU and national levels, whereby responsibilities must be assumed at the level where decisions are taken and based on the adoption of convergence guidelines under co-decision, while formalising the scrutiny role of the European Parliament in the European Semester in an Inter-Institutional Agreement and ensuring that all euro area National Parliaments follow each step of the European Semester process; |
| --- | --- | --- |

57.

Invites the stakeholders in this necessary next step of the EMU to take into account foreseeable future enlargement of the euro area and to explore all options to deepen and strengthen the EMU and make it more resilient, conductive to growth, jobs and stability, such as:

(a)

enhanced democratic accountability mechanisms at both the EU and national levels, whereby responsibilities must be assumed at the level where decisions are taken and based on the adoption of convergence guidelines under co-decision, while formalising the scrutiny role of the European Parliament in the European Semester in an Inter-Institutional Agreement and ensuring that all euro area National Parliaments follow each step of the European Semester process;

| (b) | a social dimension aimed at preserving Europe's social market economy, respecting the right to collective bargaining, under which coordination of the social policies of the Member States would be ensured, including a minimum wage or income mechanism proper to and decided by each Member State and supporting the fight against poverty and social exclusion, the reintegration of workers into the job market, voluntary mobility and flexibility between professions and Member States; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

a social dimension aimed at preserving Europe's social market economy, respecting the right to collective bargaining, under which coordination of the social policies of the Member States would be ensured, including a minimum wage or income mechanism proper to and decided by each Member State and supporting the fight against poverty and social exclusion, the reintegration of workers into the job market, voluntary mobility and flexibility between professions and Member States;

| (c) | a euro area fiscal capacitybased on specific own-resources which should, in the framework of the Union budget with European parliamentary control, assist Member States in the implementation of the agreed structural reforms based on certain conditions, including the effective implementation of the National Reform Programmes; welcomes in this regard the work of the EU Group on own resources chaired by Mario Monti; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

a euro area fiscal capacitybased on specific own-resources which should, in the framework of the Union budget with European parliamentary control, assist Member States in the implementation of the agreed structural reforms based on certain conditions, including the effective implementation of the National Reform Programmes; welcomes in this regard the work of the EU Group on own resources chaired by Mario Monti;

| (d) | increase the resilience of the EMU to face economic shocks and emergencies directly connected to the monetary union while avoiding any form of permanent fiscal transfers; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

increase the resilience of the EMU to face economic shocks and emergencies directly connected to the monetary union while avoiding any form of permanent fiscal transfers;

| (e) | on taxation, a commitment to European-wide measures against tax fraud and evasion and aggressive corporate tax planning, cooperation of the national tax authorities in order to exchange information regarding tax avoidance and tax fraud, measures to bring about convergence of taxation policies of the Member States, a common consolidated corporate tax base, simpler and more transparent tax systems and country-by-country reporting for corporates, excluding SMEs; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

on taxation, a commitment to European-wide measures against tax fraud and evasion and aggressive corporate tax planning, cooperation of the national tax authorities in order to exchange information regarding tax avoidance and tax fraud, measures to bring about convergence of taxation policies of the Member States, a common consolidated corporate tax base, simpler and more transparent tax systems and country-by-country reporting for corporates, excluding SMEs;

| (f) | completing the Banking Union step by step; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

completing the Banking Union step by step;

| (g) | the inclusion of the ESM and the TSCG in Union law going hand in hand with enhanced economic policy coordination, real convergence, enforcement of common rules and a clear commitment to economically and socially sustainable structural reforms; |
| --- | --- |

(g)

the inclusion of the ESM and the TSCG in Union law going hand in hand with enhanced economic policy coordination, real convergence, enforcement of common rules and a clear commitment to economically and socially sustainable structural reforms;

| (h) | addressing weaknesses in the current framework that enables certain parts of the Treaty to be overseen by the Court while others are excluded; |
| --- | --- |

(h)

addressing weaknesses in the current framework that enables certain parts of the Treaty to be overseen by the Court while others are excluded;

| (i) | an increased external role of the euro area, including the upgrading of its representation; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

an increased external role of the euro area, including the upgrading of its representation;

| 58. | Requests that possible further step in the EMU be elaborated on the basis of a ‘4+1 Presidents’ approach, including the EP President, who should be invited to all meetings, provided with full information, and given the right to participate in the debates; notes that the President of the Commission has indicated his intention to draw on input from the President of the European Parliament in his reflections during the preparation of the 4 Presidents' reports; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Requests that possible further step in the EMU be elaborated on the basis of a ‘4+1 Presidents’ approach, including the EP President, who should be invited to all meetings, provided with full information, and given the right to participate in the debates; notes that the President of the Commission has indicated his intention to draw on input from the President of the European Parliament in his reflections during the preparation of the 4 Presidents' reports;

| 59. | Asks its President, to undertake an ex-ante coordination with the chairmen of the political groups or those Members specifically appointed by their groups or Parliament, to represent Parliament in this upcoming task drawing on the basis of the mandate given by this resolution addressing inter alia the questions in the Four Presidents' Analytical Note on ‘Preparing Next Steps on Better Economic Governance in the Euro area’; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Asks its President, to undertake an ex-ante coordination with the chairmen of the political groups or those Members specifically appointed by their groups or Parliament, to represent Parliament in this upcoming task drawing on the basis of the mandate given by this resolution addressing inter alia the questions in the Four Presidents' Analytical Note on ‘Preparing Next Steps on Better Economic Governance in the Euro area’;

o

o o

| 60. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the presidents of the Council, the Commission, the Eurogroup and the ECB, and to the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

60.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the presidents of the Council, the Commission, the Eurogroup and the ECB, and to the national parliaments.

---

(1)  OJ L 140, 27.5.2013, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 140, 27.5.2013, p. 11.

(3)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 12.

(4)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 33.

(5)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 1.

(6)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 41.

(7)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 25.

(8)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 8.

(9)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0239.

(10)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0598.

(11)  OJ C 165 E, 11.6.2013, p. 24.

(12)  OJ C 33 E, 5.2.2013, p. 140.

(13)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0430.

---

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Parliament

Wednesday 24 June 2015

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/96 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/96

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P8_TA(2015)0234

Request for the waiver of the immunity of Sotirios Zarianopoulos

European Parliament decision of 24 June 2015 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Sotirios Zarianopoulos (2015/2015(IMM))

(2016/C 407/14)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the request for the waiver of the immunity of Sotirios Zarianopoulos, forwarded on 8 December 2014 by the deputy public prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Greece, regarding proceedings pending before the Third Single-Member Magistrates Court in Thessaloniki (File No G2010-1744), and announced in plenary on 13 January 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for the waiver of the immunity of Sotirios Zarianopoulos, forwarded on 8 December 2014 by the deputy public prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Greece, regarding proceedings pending before the Third Single-Member Magistrates Court in Thessaloniki (File No G2010-1744), and announced in plenary on 13 January 2015,

| — | having heard Sotirios Zarianopoulos in accordance with Rule 9(5) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having heard Sotirios Zarianopoulos in accordance with Rule 9(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage,

| — | having regard to the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 12 May 1964, 10 July 1986, 15 and 21 October 2008, 19 March 2010, 6 September 2011 and 17 January 2013 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 12 May 1964, 10 July 1986, 15 and 21 October 2008, 19 March 2010, 6 September 2011 and 17 January 2013 (1),

| — | having regard to Article 62 of the Constitution of the Hellenic Republic, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 62 of the Constitution of the Hellenic Republic,

| — | having regard to Rule 5(2), Rule 6(1) and Rule 9 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 5(2), Rule 6(1) and Rule 9 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A8-0191/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A8-0191/2015),

| A. | whereas the deputy public prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Greece has requested the waiver of the immunity of Sotirios Zarianopoulos, Member of the European Parliament, as part of an investigation concerning an alleged crime; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the deputy public prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Greece has requested the waiver of the immunity of Sotirios Zarianopoulos, Member of the European Parliament, as part of an investigation concerning an alleged crime;

| B. | whereas, under Article 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, Members of the European Parliament enjoy, in the territory of their own State, the immunities accorded to members of their parliament; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, under Article 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, Members of the European Parliament enjoy, in the territory of their own State, the immunities accorded to members of their parliament;

| C. | whereas, under Article 62 of the Constitution of the Hellenic Republic, during the parliamentary term, Members of Parliament may not be prosecuted, arrested, imprisoned or otherwise confined without prior leave granted by the Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas, under Article 62 of the Constitution of the Hellenic Republic, during the parliamentary term, Members of Parliament may not be prosecuted, arrested, imprisoned or otherwise confined without prior leave granted by the Parliament;

| D. | whereas Sotirios Zarianopoulos is accused of having threatened physical violence and illegally entered the premises of Greek public television channel ERT-3 on 4 March 2010 to interrupt the midday news bulletin and read out a statement; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Sotirios Zarianopoulos is accused of having threatened physical violence and illegally entered the premises of Greek public television channel ERT-3 on 4 March 2010 to interrupt the midday news bulletin and read out a statement;

| E. | whereas the alleged crime clearly has no connection with the position of Sotirios Zarianopoulos as a Member of the European Parliament, given that it relates to action carried out by the Greek trade union PAME and that Sotirios Zarianopoulos was not a Member of the European Parliament at the time the offence was committed; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the alleged crime clearly has no connection with the position of Sotirios Zarianopoulos as a Member of the European Parliament, given that it relates to action carried out by the Greek trade union PAME and that Sotirios Zarianopoulos was not a Member of the European Parliament at the time the offence was committed;

| F. | whereas, under Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union and in accordance with the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, an opinion expressed by a Member of the European Parliament in the performance of his or her duties is defined as being a subjective appraisal having a direct, obvious connection with the performance of those parliamentary duties, but the alleged actions of Sotirios Zarianopoulos cannot be included in that definition; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas, under Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union and in accordance with the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, an opinion expressed by a Member of the European Parliament in the performance of his or her duties is defined as being a subjective appraisal having a direct, obvious connection with the performance of those parliamentary duties, but the alleged actions of Sotirios Zarianopoulos cannot be included in that definition;

| G. | whereas, therefore, the criminal proceedings do not concern any opinion expressed or vote cast in the performance of the duties of a Member of the European Parliament for the purposes of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas, therefore, the criminal proceedings do not concern any opinion expressed or vote cast in the performance of the duties of a Member of the European Parliament for the purposes of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union;

| H. | whereas, pursuant to Rule 9(7) of the Rules of Procedure, the Committee on Legal Affairs may not, under any circumstances, pronounce on the guilt or otherwise of the Member nor on whether or not the opinions or acts attributed to him or her justify prosecution, even if, in considering the request, it acquires detailed knowledge of the facts of the case; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas, pursuant to Rule 9(7) of the Rules of Procedure, the Committee on Legal Affairs may not, under any circumstances, pronounce on the guilt or otherwise of the Member nor on whether or not the opinions or acts attributed to him or her justify prosecution, even if, in considering the request, it acquires detailed knowledge of the facts of the case;

| I. | whereas, since Sotirios Zarianopoulos maintains that the charges are politically motivated, the committee, having heard the Member and considered the documents the latter has produced, has also considered the statements made to the investigating authorities by witnesses in 2010, on which the charges are based; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas, since Sotirios Zarianopoulos maintains that the charges are politically motivated, the committee, having heard the Member and considered the documents the latter has produced, has also considered the statements made to the investigating authorities by witnesses in 2010, on which the charges are based;

| J. | whereas those statements were made in the context of the legal proceedings against Sotirios Zarianopoulos, while it is not up to this committee to carry out an investigation on the substance of the case, nor to decide on whether or not the Member of the European Parliament subject to legal proceedings is guilty; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas those statements were made in the context of the legal proceedings against Sotirios Zarianopoulos, while it is not up to this committee to carry out an investigation on the substance of the case, nor to decide on whether or not the Member of the European Parliament subject to legal proceedings is guilty;

| K. | whereas, therefore, in the light of the information acquired by the committee, there is no reason to assume that the intention underlying the criminal proceedings is to damage a Member’s political activity (fumus persecutionis), given that the prosecution was initiated a number of years before the Member took up his post; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas, therefore, in the light of the information acquired by the committee, there is no reason to assume that the intention underlying the criminal proceedings is to damage a Member’s political activity (fumus persecutionis), given that the prosecution was initiated a number of years before the Member took up his post;

| 1. | Decides to waive the immunity of Sotirios Zarianopoulos; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Decides to waive the immunity of Sotirios Zarianopoulos;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision and the report of its committee responsible immediately to the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Supreme Court of Greece and to Sotirios Zarianopoulos. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward this decision and the report of its committee responsible immediately to the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Supreme Court of Greece and to Sotirios Zarianopoulos.

---

(1)  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 12 May 1964, Wagner v Fohrmann and Krier, 101/63, ECLI:EU:C:1964:28; judgment of the Court of Justice of 10 July 1986, Wybot v Faure and others, 149/85, ECLI:EU:C:1986:310; judgment of the General Court of 15 October 2008, Mote v Parliament, T-345/05, ECLI:EU:T:2008:440; judgment of the Court of Justice of 21 October 2008, Marra v De Gregorio and Clemente, C-200/07 and C-201/07, ECLI:EU:C:2008:579; judgment of the General Court of 19 March 2010, Gollnisch v Parliament, T-42/06, ECLI:EU:T:2010:102; judgment of the Court of Justice of 6 September 2011, Patriciello, C-163/10, ECLI: EU:C:2011:543; judgment of the General Court of 17 January 2013, Gollnisch v Parliament, T-346/11 and T-347/11, ECLI:EU:T:2013:23.

---

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/98 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/98

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P8_TA(2015)0235

Request for the waiver of the immunity of Udo Voigt

European Parliament decision of 24 June 2015 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Udo Voigt (2015/2072(IMM))

(2016/C 407/15)

Τhe European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the request for waiver of the immunity of Udo Voigt, forwarded on 9 February 2015 by the presiding judge at the Kammergericht of Berlin (Ref. (3) 161 Ss 189/14 (14/15)) and announced in plenary on 25 March 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for waiver of the immunity of Udo Voigt, forwarded on 9 February 2015 by the presiding judge at the Kammergericht of Berlin (Ref. (3) 161 Ss 189/14 (14/15)) and announced in plenary on 25 March 2015,

| — | having heard Udo Voigt in accordance with Rule 9(5) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having heard Udo Voigt in accordance with Rule 9(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage,

| — | having regard to the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 12 May 1964, 10 July 1986, 15 and 21 October 2008, 19 March 2010, 6 September 2011 and 17 January 2013 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 12 May 1964, 10 July 1986, 15 and 21 October 2008, 19 March 2010, 6 September 2011 and 17 January 2013 (1),

| — | having regard to Article 46 of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 46 of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany,

| — | having regard to Rule 5(2), Rule 6(1) and Rule 9 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 5(2), Rule 6(1) and Rule 9 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A8-0192/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A8-0192/2015),

| A. | whereas the presiding judge at the Kammergericht of Berlin has submitted a request for waiver of the parliamentary immunity of Udo Voigt in connection with legal action concerning an alleged offence; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the presiding judge at the Kammergericht of Berlin has submitted a request for waiver of the parliamentary immunity of Udo Voigt in connection with legal action concerning an alleged offence;

| B. | whereas, under Article 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, Members enjoy, in the territory of their own state, the immunities accorded to members of the parliament of that state; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, under Article 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, Members enjoy, in the territory of their own state, the immunities accorded to members of the parliament of that state;

| C. | whereas, under Article 46(2) of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany, a member of parliament may not be called to account or arrested for a punishable offence without parliamentary permission, save in certain specific circumstances; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas, under Article 46(2) of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany, a member of parliament may not be called to account or arrested for a punishable offence without parliamentary permission, save in certain specific circumstances;

| D. | whereas Udo Voigt is accused of incitement and collective insults in a publication issued by the National Democratic Party of Germany at the time of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, for which he was responsible as the party chair; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Udo Voigt is accused of incitement and collective insults in a publication issued by the National Democratic Party of Germany at the time of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, for which he was responsible as the party chair;

| E. | whereas the charges are clearly unrelated to Udo Voigt’s position as a Member of the European Parliament and arise from his position as Chair of the National Democratic Party of Germany; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the charges are clearly unrelated to Udo Voigt’s position as a Member of the European Parliament and arise from his position as Chair of the National Democratic Party of Germany;

| F. | whereas the alleged actions do not relate to opinions expressed or votes cast by the Member of the European Parliament in the performance of his duties within the meaning of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, bearing in mind also that the accusation relates to actions carried out in 2006, which is well before Udo Voigt was elected to the European Parliament in 2014; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the alleged actions do not relate to opinions expressed or votes cast by the Member of the European Parliament in the performance of his duties within the meaning of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, bearing in mind also that the accusation relates to actions carried out in 2006, which is well before Udo Voigt was elected to the European Parliament in 2014;

| G. | whereas Udo Voigt claims that the length of the proceedings, which were initiated in 2006, demonstrates a desire to obstruct his parliamentary work; whereas, however, the present request for waiver of immunity is explained by further proceedings which were initiated by a remedy introduced by Udo Voigt himself, and the principle of nemo auditur propriam turpitudinem allegans therefore applies to this objection; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas Udo Voigt claims that the length of the proceedings, which were initiated in 2006, demonstrates a desire to obstruct his parliamentary work; whereas, however, the present request for waiver of immunity is explained by further proceedings which were initiated by a remedy introduced by Udo Voigt himself, and the principle of nemo auditur propriam turpitudinem allegans therefore applies to this objection;

| H. | whereas there can be no suspicion of any attempt to obstruct the parliamentary work of Udo Voigt (fumus persecutionis) behind the proceedings, as they were initiated a number of years before he assumed his seat in the European Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas there can be no suspicion of any attempt to obstruct the parliamentary work of Udo Voigt (fumus persecutionis) behind the proceedings, as they were initiated a number of years before he assumed his seat in the European Parliament;

| 1. | Decides to waive the parliamentary immunity of Udo Voigt; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Decides to waive the parliamentary immunity of Udo Voigt;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision and the report of its committee responsible immediately to the Kammergericht of Berlin and to Udo Voigt. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward this decision and the report of its committee responsible immediately to the Kammergericht of Berlin and to Udo Voigt.

---

(1)  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 12 May 1964, Wagner v Fohrmann and Krier, 101/63, ECLI:EU:C:1964:28; judgment of the Court of Justice of 10 July 1986, Wybot v Faure and others, 149/85, ECLI:EU:C:1986:310; judgment of the General Court of 15 October 2008, Mote v Parliament, T-345/05, ECLI:EU:T:2008:440; judgment of the Court of Justice of 21 October 2008, Marra v De Gregorio and Clemente, C-200/07 and C-201/07, ECLI:EU:C:2008:579; judgment of the General Court of 19 March 2010, Gollnisch v Parliament, T-42/06, ECLI:EU:T:2010:102; judgment of the Court of Justice of 6 September 2011, Patriciello, C-163/10, ECLI: EU:C:2011:543; judgment of the General Court of 17 January 2013, Gollnisch v Parliament, T-346/11 and T-347/11, ECLI:EU:T:2013:23.

---

III Preparatory acts

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Tuesday 9 June 2015

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/100 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/100

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P8_TA(2015)0217

Adjustment rate for direct payments in respect of 2015 ***I

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 June 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council fixing the adjustment rate provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 for direct payments in respect of calendar year 2015 (COM(2015)0141 — C8-0083/2015 — 2015/0070(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

(2016/C 407/16)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2015)0141), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2015)0141),

| — | having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 43(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8-0083/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 43(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8-0083/2015),

| — | having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

| — | having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 1 June 2015 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 1 June 2015 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Rules 59 and 50(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 59 and 50(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A8-0174/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A8-0174/2015),

| 1. | Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

---

(1)  Opinion of 22.4.2015 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

---

P8_TC1-COD(2015)0070

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 9 June 2015 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council fixing the adjustment rate provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 for direct payments in respect of the calendar year 2015

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EU) 2015/1146.)

---

Wednesday 10 June 2015

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/101 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/101

---

P8_TA(2015)0221

Conclusion of the Doha amendment to the Kyoto Protocol ***

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 June 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the joint fulfilment of commitments thereunder (10400/2014 — C8-0029/2015 — 2013/0376(NLE))

(Consent)

(2016/C 407/17)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Council decision (10400/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Council decision (10400/2014),

| — | having regard to the Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol adopted at the eighth session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, held in Doha, Qatar in December 2012 (Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol adopted at the eighth session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, held in Doha, Qatar in December 2012 (Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol),

| — | having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 192(1) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0029/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 192(1) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0029/2015),

| — | having regard to the letter of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy,

| — | having regard to Rule 99(1), first and third subparagraphs, Rule 99(2), and Rule 108(7) of its Rule of Procedures, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 99(1), first and third subparagraphs, Rule 99(2), and Rule 108(7) of its Rule of Procedures,

| — | having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A8-0167/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A8-0167/2015),

| 1. | Gives its consent to conclusion of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Gives its consent to conclusion of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and to the United Nations. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and to the United Nations.

---

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/102 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/102

---

P8_TA(2015)0222

EU-Iceland agreement on Iceland participation in the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol ***

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 June 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Iceland, of the other part, concerning Iceland's participation in the joint fulfilment of commitments of the European Union, its Member States and Iceland for the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (10883/2014 — C8-0088/2015 — 2014/0151(NLE))

(Consent)

(2016/C 407/18)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Council decision (10883/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Council decision (10883/2014),

| — | having regard to the Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Iceland, of the other part, concerning Iceland's participation in the joint fulfilment of commitments of the European Union, its Member States and Iceland for the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (10941/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Iceland, of the other part, concerning Iceland's participation in the joint fulfilment of commitments of the European Union, its Member States and Iceland for the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (10941/2014),

| — | having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 192(1) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0088/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 192(1) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0088/2015),

| — | having regard to the letter of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,

| — | having regard to Rule 99(1), first and third subparagraphs, Rule 99(2), and Rule 108(7) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 99(1), first and third subparagraphs, Rule 99(2), and Rule 108(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A8-0166/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A8-0166/2015),

| 1. | Gives its consent to conclusion of the Agreement; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Gives its consent to conclusion of the Agreement;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Iceland. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Iceland.

---

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/103 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/103

---

P8_TA(2015)0223

Accession of Croatia to the Convention on mutual assistance in criminal matters *

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 June 2015 on the recommendation for a Council decision on the accession of Croatia to the Convention of 29 May 2000, established by the Council in accordance with Article 34 of the Treaty on European Union, on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between the Member States of the European Union and its Protocol of 16 October 2001 (COM(2014)0685 — C8-0275/2014 — 2014/0321(NLE))

(Consultation)

(2016/C 407/19)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission recommendation to the Council (COM(2014)0685), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission recommendation to the Council (COM(2014)0685),

| — | having regard to Article 3(4) and (5) of the Act of Accession of Croatia, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C8-0275/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 3(4) and (5) of the Act of Accession of Croatia, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C8-0275/2014),

| — | having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A8-0156/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A8-0156/2015),

| 1. | Approves the Commission recommendation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission recommendation;

| 2. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 3. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the text approved by Parliament;

| 4. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and to the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and to the Commission.

---

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/104 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/104

---

P8_TA(2015)0224

Accession of Croatia to the Convention on the fight against corruption involving EC officials or officials of Member States *

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 June 2015 on the recommendation for a Council decision concerning the accession of Croatia to the Convention of 26 May 1997, drawn up on the basis of Article K.3(2)(c) of the Treaty on European Union, on the fight against corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of Member States of the European Union (COM(2014)0661 — C8-0274/2014 — 2014/0322(NLE))

(Consultation)

(2016/C 407/20)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission recommendation to the Council (COM(2014)0661), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission recommendation to the Council (COM(2014)0661),

| — | having regard to Article 3(4) and (5) of the Act of Accession of Croatia, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C8-0274/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 3(4) and (5) of the Act of Accession of Croatia, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C8-0274/2014),

| — | having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A8-0157/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A8-0157/2015),

| 1. | Approves the Commission recommendation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission recommendation;

| 2. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 3. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the text approved by Parliament;

| 4. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and to the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and to the Commission.

---

Wednesday 24 June 2015

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/105 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/105

---

P8_TA(2015)0236

European Fund for Strategic Investments ***I

European Parliament legislative resolution of 24 June 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Fund for Strategic Investments and amending Regulations (EU) No 1291/2013 and (EU) No 1316/2013 (COM(2015)0010 — C8-0007/2015 — 2015/0009(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

(2016/C 407/21)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2015)0010), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2015)0010),

| — | having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 172 and 173, the third paragraph of Article 175 and Article 182(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8-0007/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 172 and 173, the third paragraph of Article 175 and Article 182(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8-0007/2015),

| — | having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

| — | having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2),

| — | having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 9 June 2015 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 9 June 2015 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the joint deliberations of the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs under Rule 55 of the Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint deliberations of the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs under Rule 55 of the Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, the Committee on Transport and Tourism, the Committee on Budgetary Control, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, the Committee on Regional Development, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, the Committee on Culture and Education and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (A8-0139/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, the Committee on Transport and Tourism, the Committee on Budgetary Control, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, the Committee on Regional Development, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, the Committee on Culture and Education and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (A8-0139/2015),

| 1. | Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

| 2. | Approves the joint statement by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission annexed to this resolution, which will be published in the L series of the Official Journal of the European Union together with the final legislative act; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Approves the joint statement by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission annexed to this resolution, which will be published in the L series of the Official Journal of the European Union together with the final legislative act;

| 3. | Takes note of the statements by the Commission annexed to this resolution, which will be published in the L series of the Official Journal of the European Union together with the final legislative act; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Takes note of the statements by the Commission annexed to this resolution, which will be published in the L series of the Official Journal of the European Union together with the final legislative act;

| 4. | Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

---

(1)  Opinion of 19 March 2015 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

(2)  Opinion of 16 April 2015 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

---

P8_TC1-COD(2015)0009

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 24 June 2015 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Fund for Strategic Investments, the European Investment Advisory Hub and the European Investment Project Portal and amending Regulations (EU) No 1291/2013 and (EU) No 1316/2013 — the European Fund for Strategic Investments

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EU) 2015/1017.)

---

ANNEX TO THE LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

1.   Joint statement by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on the breakdown for Horizon 2020

‘The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission agree that the following budget lines will not contribute to the funding of the EFSI: “Strengthening frontier research in the European Research Council”, “Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions” and “Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation”. The remaining amount stemming from the additional use of the margin as compared to the Commission's proposal will be re-instated to the other Horizon 2020 budget lines in proportion to the reductions proposed by the Commission. The indicative breakdown is set out in Annex I to the EFSI Regulation.’

2.   Statement by the Commission on the draft budget 2016

Statement by the Commission on the draft budget 2016

‘The Commission will analyse the potential impact of the contributions to the EFSI from the different budget lines of Horizon 2020 on the effective implementation of the respective programmes and will, if appropriate, propose an amending letter to the draft general budget of the Union for 2016 to adjust the breakdown of the Horizon 2020 budget lines.’

3.   Statement by the Commission on its assessment of one-off contributions within the context of the EFSI initiative for the purpose of implementing the Stability and Growth Pact

Statement by the Commission on its assessment of one-off contributions within the context of the EFSI initiative for the purpose of implementing the Stability and Growth Pact

‘Without prejudice to the prerogatives of the Council in the implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP), one-off contributions by Member States, either by a Member State or by national promotional banks classified in the general government sector or acting on behalf of a Member State, into the EFSI or thematic or multi-country investment platforms established for the implementation of the Investment Plan, should in principle qualify as one-off measures, within the meaning of Article 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 and Article 3 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/97.’

---

| 4.11.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 407/107 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

4.11.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 407/107

---

P8_TA(2015)0237

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2015/000 TA 2015 — Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission

European Parliament resolution of 24 June 2015 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2015/000 TA 2015 — Technical Assistance at the initiative of the Commission) (COM(2015)0156 — C8-0093/2015 — 2015/2076(BUD))

(2016/C 407/22)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2015)0156 — C8-0093/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2015)0156 — C8-0093/2015),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2014-2020) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 (1) (EGF Regulation), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2014-2020) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 (1) (EGF Regulation),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (2), and in particular Article 12 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (2), and in particular Article 12 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (3) (IIA of 2 December 2013), and in particular point 13 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (3) (IIA of 2 December 2013), and in particular point 13 thereof,

| — | having regard to its Resolution of 17 September 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2014/000 TA 2014 — Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission) (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its Resolution of 17 September 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2014/000 TA 2014 — Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission) (4),

| — | having regard to the trilogue procedure provided for in point 13 of the IIA of 2 December 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the trilogue procedure provided for in point 13 of the IIA of 2 December 2013,

| — | having regard to the letter of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A8-0185/2015), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A8-0185/2015),

| A. | whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns or of the global financial and economic crisis and to assist their reintegration into the labour market; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns or of the global financial and economic crisis and to assist their reintegration into the labour market;

| B. | whereas the Union’s financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission adopted during the conciliation meeting on 17 July 2008, and having due regard to the IIA of 2 December 2013 in respect of the adoption of decisions to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF); |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Union’s financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission adopted during the conciliation meeting on 17 July 2008, and having due regard to the IIA of 2 December 2013 in respect of the adoption of decisions to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF);

| C. | whereas the adoption of the EGF Regulation reflects the agreement reached between the Parliament and the Council to reintroduce the crisis mobilisation criterion, to increase the Union financial contribution to 60 % of the total estimated cost of proposed measures, to increase efficiency for the treatment of EGF applications in the Commission and by the Parliament and the Council by shortening the time for assessment and approval, to widen eligible actions and beneficiaries by introducing self-employed persons and young people and to finance incentives for setting up own businesses; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the adoption of the EGF Regulation reflects the agreement reached between the Parliament and the Council to reintroduce the crisis mobilisation criterion, to increase the Union financial contribution to 60 % of the total estimated cost of proposed measures, to increase efficiency for the treatment of EGF applications in the Commission and by the Parliament and the Council by shortening the time for assessment and approval, to widen eligible actions and beneficiaries by introducing self-employed persons and young people and to finance incentives for setting up own businesses;

| D. | whereas the maximum annual budget available for the EGF in 2015 is EUR 150 million (2011 prices) and whereas Article 11(1) of the EGF Regulation states that 0,5 % of this amount (i.e. EUR 811 825 in 2015) can be made available for technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission in order to finance preparation, monitoring, data gathering and creation of a knowledge base, administrative and technical support, information and communication activities as well as audit, control and evaluation activities necessary to implement the EGF Regulation; |
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D.

whereas the maximum annual budget available for the EGF in 2015 is EUR 150 million (2011 prices) and whereas Article 11(1) of the EGF Regulation states that 0,5 % of this amount (i.e. EUR 811 825 in 2015) can be made available for technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission in order to finance preparation, monitoring, data gathering and creation of a knowledge base, administrative and technical support, information and communication activities as well as audit, control and evaluation activities necessary to implement the EGF Regulation;

| E. | whereas the European Parliament has frequently underlined the necessity of better visibility of the EGF as a Union instrument of solidarity with the workers made redundant; |
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E.

whereas the European Parliament has frequently underlined the necessity of better visibility of the EGF as a Union instrument of solidarity with the workers made redundant;

| F. | whereas the proposed amount of EUR 630 000 corresponds to about 0,39 % of the maximum annual budget available for the EGF in 2015; |
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F.

whereas the proposed amount of EUR 630 000 corresponds to about 0,39 % of the maximum annual budget available for the EGF in 2015;

| 1. | Agrees with the measures proposed by the Commission as technical assistance to finance expenditure mentioned in Article 11(1) and (4) as well as Article 12(2), (3) and (4) of the EGF Regulation; |
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1.

Agrees with the measures proposed by the Commission as technical assistance to finance expenditure mentioned in Article 11(1) and (4) as well as Article 12(2), (3) and (4) of the EGF Regulation;

| 2. | Recalls the importance of networking and exchange of information on the EGF: particularly in relation to the provisions of the new EGF Regulation; supports, therefore, the funding of the Expert Group of Contact Persons of the EGF and the networking seminars on the implementation of the EGF; |
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2.

Recalls the importance of networking and exchange of information on the EGF: particularly in relation to the provisions of the new EGF Regulation; supports, therefore, the funding of the Expert Group of Contact Persons of the EGF and the networking seminars on the implementation of the EGF;

| 3. | Stresses that a key objective of those meetings should be to analyse the ex-post evaluation of the EGF (2007-2013) and thoroughly discuss its recommendations; calls on the Commission to present a complete analysis and report of the EGF funds already implemented to the European Parliament; |
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3.

Stresses that a key objective of those meetings should be to analyse the ex-post evaluation of the EGF (2007-2013) and thoroughly discuss its recommendations; calls on the Commission to present a complete analysis and report of the EGF funds already implemented to the European Parliament;

| 4. | Welcomes the continued work on the standardised procedures for EGF applications and management using the functionalities of the electronic data exchange system (SFC2014), which allows for the simplification and faster processing of applications, and better reporting; |
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4.

Welcomes the continued work on the standardised procedures for EGF applications and management using the functionalities of the electronic data exchange system (SFC2014), which allows for the simplification and faster processing of applications, and better reporting;

| 5. | Notes that the process of integration of the EGF into the electronic data exchange system (SFC2014) has been going on for years and that the relevant costs from the EGF budget will continue to be relatively high for the next two or three years, until the integration process is completed; |
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5.

Notes that the process of integration of the EGF into the electronic data exchange system (SFC2014) has been going on for years and that the relevant costs from the EGF budget will continue to be relatively high for the next two or three years, until the integration process is completed;

| 6. | Asks the Commission to present the progress of integration into SFC2014 from the beginning of 2011 until 2014; |
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6.

Asks the Commission to present the progress of integration into SFC2014 from the beginning of 2011 until 2014;

| 7. | Recommends that the Commission and the Member States should focus their networking activities on the following in particular:






  (a) | improving the monitoring and evaluation of the impact of EGF support on individual participants in the following ways:






  — | the budget for monitoring and evaluation should be used to assess the longer term impact on EGF beneficiaries; |
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7.

Recommends that the Commission and the Member States should focus their networking activities on the following in particular:

(a)

improving the monitoring and evaluation of the impact of EGF support on individual participants in the following ways:

—

the budget for monitoring and evaluation should be used to assess the longer term impact on EGF beneficiaries;

| — | the EGF application form and the template for the final report on the execution of a contribution from the EGF should clearly recall the obligation on the EGF coordinator and the Member State to provide data on employment outcomes of beneficiaries twelve months after the implementation of the measures, and data regarding the employment rate in the last 12 months, since the implementation of the EGF in the area concerned, in order to have a broader view of the EGF’s impact; |
| --- | --- |

—

the EGF application form and the template for the final report on the execution of a contribution from the EGF should clearly recall the obligation on the EGF coordinator and the Member State to provide data on employment outcomes of beneficiaries twelve months after the implementation of the measures, and data regarding the employment rate in the last 12 months, since the implementation of the EGF in the area concerned, in order to have a broader view of the EGF’s impact;

| — | more detailed information on the measures accessed by individual participants should be recorded and clearly communicated to allow, for instance, for a clearer cost-benefit assessment of different measures; |
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—

more detailed information on the measures accessed by individual participants should be recorded and clearly communicated to allow, for instance, for a clearer cost-benefit assessment of different measures;

| — | the approval of final case reports and the final case closure should be coupled with the provision of complete beneficiary outcome information (at an aggregate level). Previously beneficiary outcome data has been incomplete; |
| --- | --- |

—

the approval of final case reports and the final case closure should be coupled with the provision of complete beneficiary outcome information (at an aggregate level). Previously beneficiary outcome data has been incomplete;

| (b) | further streamlining the application process in the following ways:






  — | at the national level the process of providing assistance to dismissed workers should be further encouraged to start without waiting for the approval of applications; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(b)

further streamlining the application process in the following ways:

—

at the national level the process of providing assistance to dismissed workers should be further encouraged to start without waiting for the approval of applications;

| — | where this is not possible, the Commission and the Member States should consider counting the EGF implementation period from the date an application is approved. This would allow for the full funding period of 24 months to be exploited; |
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—

where this is not possible, the Commission and the Member States should consider counting the EGF implementation period from the date an application is approved. This would allow for the full funding period of 24 months to be exploited;

| (c) | providing greater flexibility during the delivery period in the following ways:






  — | the Commission should provide greater flexibility for Member States to provide additional measures as new opportunities/demand arises during the delivery period beyond the measures described in the application form; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(c)

providing greater flexibility during the delivery period in the following ways:

—

the Commission should provide greater flexibility for Member States to provide additional measures as new opportunities/demand arises during the delivery period beyond the measures described in the application form;

| — | the reference period required to count redundancies for the EGF application is perceived as a straightjacket affecting the aim of solidarity and the success of EGF assistance and this period could be reviewed to allow flexibility in the form of an addendum to the application form where it can be demonstrated that the redundancies are due to the same reasons and are linked to the redundancies presented in the application; |
| --- | --- |

—

the reference period required to count redundancies for the EGF application is perceived as a straightjacket affecting the aim of solidarity and the success of EGF assistance and this period could be reviewed to allow flexibility in the form of an addendum to the application form where it can be demonstrated that the redundancies are due to the same reasons and are linked to the redundancies presented in the application;

| 8. | Recommends that the Commission assess the reasons that resulted, for some projects, in a delay in terms of approval or implementation and to present publicly its recommendations; |
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8.

Recommends that the Commission assess the reasons that resulted, for some projects, in a delay in terms of approval or implementation and to present publicly its recommendations;

| 9. | Underlines the importance of increasing general awareness about EGF and its visibility; reminds applicant Member States of their role in publicising actions funded by the EGF to the targeted beneficiaries, authorities, social partners, the media and the general public, as set out in Article 12 of the EGF Regulation; |
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9.

Underlines the importance of increasing general awareness about EGF and its visibility; reminds applicant Member States of their role in publicising actions funded by the EGF to the targeted beneficiaries, authorities, social partners, the media and the general public, as set out in Article 12 of the EGF Regulation;

| 10. | Notes that the cost of information activities continues to be significantly reduced in 2015; considers that this should not have an adverse effect on the production and sufficient distribution of information material and necessary guidance; |
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10.

Notes that the cost of information activities continues to be significantly reduced in 2015; considers that this should not have an adverse effect on the production and sufficient distribution of information material and necessary guidance;

| 11. | Underlines the need for increased contact between all those involved in EGF applications, including, in particular, the social partners and stakeholders at regional and local level, to create as many synergies as possible; interaction between the National Contact Person and regional or local case delivery partners should be strengthened and communication and support arrangements and information flows (internal divisions, tasks and responsibilities) made explicit and agreed on by all partners concerned; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Underlines the need for increased contact between all those involved in EGF applications, including, in particular, the social partners and stakeholders at regional and local level, to create as many synergies as possible; interaction between the National Contact Person and regional or local case delivery partners should be strengthened and communication and support arrangements and information flows (internal divisions, tasks and responsibilities) made explicit and agreed on by all partners concerned;

| 12. | Underlines the need to extend access to EGF support to young people up to the age of 25 who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs) in equal numbers to workers receiving support in regions with high youth unemployment, if it is demonstrated in the mid-term evaluation that there is a need to maintain this measure after December 2017; |
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12.

Underlines the need to extend access to EGF support to young people up to the age of 25 who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs) in equal numbers to workers receiving support in regions with high youth unemployment, if it is demonstrated in the mid-term evaluation that there is a need to maintain this measure after December 2017;

| 13. | Calls on the Commission to invite the Parliament to expert group meetings and seminars in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (5); underlines furthermore the importance of increased contact between all those involved in EGF applications, including the social partners; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Calls on the Commission to invite the Parliament to expert group meetings and seminars in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (5); underlines furthermore the importance of increased contact between all those involved in EGF applications, including the social partners;

| 14. | Calls for the timely publication of the final evaluation in accordance with the deadline set out in Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council (6); |
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14.

Calls for the timely publication of the final evaluation in accordance with the deadline set out in Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council (6);

| 15. | Asks Member States and all the institutions involved to make the necessary efforts to improve procedural and budgetary arrangements in order to accelerate the mobilisation of the EGF; notes, in this regard, the will of the Parliament to draft an own-initiative report, based on the evaluation by the Commission, to take stock of the functioning of the new EGF Regulation and the cases examined; notes that the improved procedure, put in place by the Commission following Parliament's request to ensure that the EGF is truly an urgency instrument and to accelerate the release of grants, is aimed at presenting to the Parliament and the Council the Commission's assessment on the eligibility of an EGF application together with the proposal to mobilise the EGF; welcomes the significant acceleration of examination and authorisation of applications brought about by the new EGF Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Asks Member States and all the institutions involved to make the necessary efforts to improve procedural and budgetary arrangements in order to accelerate the mobilisation of the EGF; notes, in this regard, the will of the Parliament to draft an own-initiative report, based on the evaluation by the Commission, to take stock of the functioning of the new EGF Regulation and the cases examined; notes that the improved procedure, put in place by the Commission following Parliament's request to ensure that the EGF is truly an urgency instrument and to accelerate the release of grants, is aimed at presenting to the Parliament and the Council the Commission's assessment on the eligibility of an EGF application together with the proposal to mobilise the EGF; welcomes the significant acceleration of examination and authorisation of applications brought about by the new EGF Regulation;

| 16. | Underlines that the mid-term evaluation to be launched in current 2015 should also take into account the long-term impact of the crisis and globalisation on small and medium-sized enterprises and therefore evaluate the possibility of lowering the criteria of 500 workers being made redundant set out in Article 4 of the EGF Regulation, as suggested by the European Parliament in its Resolution of 17 September 2014; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Underlines that the mid-term evaluation to be launched in current 2015 should also take into account the long-term impact of the crisis and globalisation on small and medium-sized enterprises and therefore evaluate the possibility of lowering the criteria of 500 workers being made redundant set out in Article 4 of the EGF Regulation, as suggested by the European Parliament in its Resolution of 17 September 2014;

| 17. | Asks Member States to highlight the additionality of EGF cases, to create links more clearly with other funds and to consider the most appropriate ways for the EGF to add value and avoid displacement effects; |
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17.

Asks Member States to highlight the additionality of EGF cases, to create links more clearly with other funds and to consider the most appropriate ways for the EGF to add value and avoid displacement effects;

| 18. | Approves the decision annexed to this resolution; |
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18.

Approves the decision annexed to this resolution;

| 19. | Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
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19.

Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 20. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

20.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission.

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(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 855.

(2)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884.

(3)  OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.

(4)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0016.

(5)  OJ L 304, 20.11.2010, p. 47.

(6)  Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (OJ L 406, 30.12.2006, p. 1).

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ANNEX

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF/2015/000 TA 2015 — Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission)

(The text of this annex is not reproduced here since it corresponds to the final act, Decision (EU) 2015/1179.)

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