# Official Journal C 385/22 S

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 385 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6422 September 2021 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 385

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6422 September 2021

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| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | |
| | EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
  2020-2021 SESSIONSittings of 14 to 17 September 2020TEXTS ADOPTED | 1 |

Contents

page

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
  2020-2021 SESSIONSittings of 14 to 17 September 2020TEXTS ADOPTED

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

1

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| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| --- | --- |
| | RESOLUTIONS |
| | European Parliament |
| | Tuesday 15 September 2020 |
| 2021/C 385/01 | European Parliament resolution of 15 September 2020 on effective measures to green Erasmus+, Creative Europe and the European Solidarity Corps (2019/2195(INI)) | 2 |
| | Wednesday 16 September 2020 |
| 2021/C 385/02 | European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2020 on the EU’s role in protecting and restoring the world’s forests (2019/2156(INI)) | 10 |
| 2021/C 385/03 | European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2020 on EU-African security cooperation in the Sahel region, West Africa and the Horn of Africa (2020/2002(INI)) | 24 |
| 2021/C 385/04 | European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the draft Commission regulation amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 1126/2008 adopting certain international accounting standards in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards International Financial Reporting Standard 16 (D067917/01 — 2020/2712(RPS)) | 39 |
| 2021/C 385/05 | European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2020 on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia (2019/2200(INI)) | 40 |
| | Thursday 17 September 2020 |
| 2021/C 385/06 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (2020/2003(INI)) | 47 |
| 2021/C 385/07 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on a strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment (2019/2816(RSP)) | 59 |
| 2021/C 385/08 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on maximising the energy efficiency potential of the EU building stock (2020/2070(INI)) | 68 |
| 2021/C 385/09 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the shortage of medicines — how to address an emerging problem (2020/2071(INI)) | 83 |
| 2021/C 385/10 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the implementation of National Roma Integration Strategies: combating negative attitudes towards people with Romani background in Europe (2020/2011(INI)) | 104 |
| 2021/C 385/11 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the preparation of the special European Council summit focusing on the dangerous escalation and the role of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean (2020/2774(RSP)) | 117 |
| 2021/C 385/12 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the situation in Belarus (2020/2779(RSP)) | 122 |
| 2021/C 385/13 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the situation in Russia: the poisoning of Alexei Navalny (2020/2777(RSP)) | 128 |
| 2021/C 385/14 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the situation in the Philippines, including the case of Maria Ressa (2020/2782(RSP)) | 133 |
| 2021/C 385/15 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the case of Dr Denis Mukwege in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2020/2783(RSP)) | 138 |
| 2021/C 385/16 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the humanitarian situation in Mozambique (2020/2784(RSP)) | 142 |
| 2021/C 385/17 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the draft Commission regulation amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for cycloxydim, flonicamid, haloxyfop, mandestrobin, mepiquat, Metschnikowia fructicola strain NRRL Y-27328 and prohexadione in or on certain products (D063880/06 — 2020/2734(RPS)) | 148 |
| 2021/C 385/18 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the cultural recovery of Europe (2020/2708(RSP)) | 152 |
| 2021/C 385/19 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on COVID-19: EU coordination of health assessments and risk classification, and the consequences for Schengen and the single market (2020/2780(RSP)) | 159 |
| 2021/C 385/20 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the European Year of Greener Cities 2022 (2019/2805(RSP)) | 167 |

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

European Parliament

Tuesday 15 September 2020

2021/C 385/01

European Parliament resolution of 15 September 2020 on effective measures to green Erasmus+, Creative Europe and the European Solidarity Corps (2019/2195(INI))

2

Wednesday 16 September 2020

2021/C 385/02

European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2020 on the EU’s role in protecting and restoring the world’s forests (2019/2156(INI))

10

2021/C 385/03

European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2020 on EU-African security cooperation in the Sahel region, West Africa and the Horn of Africa (2020/2002(INI))

24

2021/C 385/04

European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the draft Commission regulation amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 1126/2008 adopting certain international accounting standards in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards International Financial Reporting Standard 16 (D067917/01 — 2020/2712(RPS))

39

2021/C 385/05

European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2020 on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia (2019/2200(INI))

40

Thursday 17 September 2020

2021/C 385/06

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (2020/2003(INI))

47

2021/C 385/07

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on a strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment (2019/2816(RSP))

59

2021/C 385/08

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on maximising the energy efficiency potential of the EU building stock (2020/2070(INI))

68

2021/C 385/09

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the shortage of medicines — how to address an emerging problem (2020/2071(INI))

83

2021/C 385/10

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the implementation of National Roma Integration Strategies: combating negative attitudes towards people with Romani background in Europe (2020/2011(INI))

104

2021/C 385/11

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the preparation of the special European Council summit focusing on the dangerous escalation and the role of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean (2020/2774(RSP))

117

2021/C 385/12

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the situation in Belarus (2020/2779(RSP))

122

2021/C 385/13

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the situation in Russia: the poisoning of Alexei Navalny (2020/2777(RSP))

128

2021/C 385/14

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the situation in the Philippines, including the case of Maria Ressa (2020/2782(RSP))

133

2021/C 385/15

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the case of Dr Denis Mukwege in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2020/2783(RSP))

138

2021/C 385/16

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the humanitarian situation in Mozambique (2020/2784(RSP))

142

2021/C 385/17

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the draft Commission regulation amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for cycloxydim, flonicamid, haloxyfop, mandestrobin, mepiquat, Metschnikowia fructicola strain NRRL Y-27328 and prohexadione in or on certain products (D063880/06 — 2020/2734(RPS))

Metschnikowia fructicola

148

2021/C 385/18

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the cultural recovery of Europe (2020/2708(RSP))

152

2021/C 385/19

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on COVID-19: EU coordination of health assessments and risk classification, and the consequences for Schengen and the single market (2020/2780(RSP))

159

2021/C 385/20

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the European Year of Greener Cities 2022 (2019/2805(RSP))

167

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| | III   Preparatory acts |
| --- | --- |
| | European Parliament |
| | Tuesday 15 September 2020 |
| 2021/C 385/21 | European Parliament decision of 15 September 2020 on the proposal for the appointment of the Chair of the CCP Supervisory Committee of the European Securities and Markets Authority (N9-0041/2020 — C9-0276/2020 — 2020/0906(NLE)) | 173 |
| 2021/C 385/22 | European Parliament decision of 15 September 2020 on the proposal for the appointment of an independent member of the CCP Supervisory Committee of the European Securities and Markets Authority (N9-0042/2020 — C9-0277/2020 — 2020/0907(NLE)) | 174 |
| 2021/C 385/23 | European Parliament decision of 15 September 2020 on the proposal for the appointment of an independent member of the CCP Supervisory Committee of the European Securities and Markets Authority (N9-0042/2020 — C9-0278/2020 — 2020/0908(NLE)) | 175 |
| 2021/C 385/24 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 15 September 2020 on the proposal for a Council decision authorising Portugal to apply a reduced rate of excise duty on certain alcoholic products produced in the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores (COM(2020)0240 — C9-0190/2020 — 2020/0118(CNS)) | 176 |
| | Wednesday 16 September 2020 |
| 2021/C 385/25 | European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the Commission delegated regulation of 14 July 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to fees charged by the European Securities and Markets Authority to central counterparties established in third countries (C(2020)4891 — 2020/2720(DEA)) | 177 |
| 2021/C 385/26 | European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the Commission delegated regulation of 14 July 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the criteria that ESMA should take into account to determine whether a central counterparty established in a third-country is systemically important or likely to become systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or of one or more of its Member States (C(2020)4892 — 2020/2726(DEA)) | 178 |
| 2021/C 385/27 | European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the Commission delegated regulation of 14 July 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the minimum elements to be assessed by ESMA when assessing third-country CCPs’ requests for comparable compliance and the modalities and conditions of that assessment (C(2020)4895 — 2020/2729(DEA)) | 179 |
| 2021/C 385/28 | Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 16 September 2020 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (COM(2020)0220 — C9-0160/2020 — 2020/0097(COD)) | 180 |
| 2021/C 385/29 | Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 16 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2015/757 in order to take appropriate account of the global data collection system for ship fuel oil consumption data (COM(2019)0038 — C8-0043/2019 — 2019/0017(COD)) | 217 |
| 2021/C 385/30 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 16 September 2020 on the draft Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union (10025/2020 — C9-0215/2020 — 2018/0135(CNS)) | 256 |
| | Thursday 17 September 2020 |
| 2021/C 385/31 | Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 17 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 on type approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information (COM(2019)0208 — C9-0009/2019 — 2019/0101(COD)) | 275 |
| 2021/C 385/32 | Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 17 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Just Transition Fund (COM(2020)0022 — C9-0007/2020 — 2020/0006(COD)) | 289 |
| 2021/C 385/33 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the proposal for a Council decision on the determination of a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the rule of law (COM(2017)0835 — 2017/0360R(NLE)) | 317 |
| 2021/C 385/34 | P9_TA(2020)0236Sustainable rail market in view of COVID-19 outbreak ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 17 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing measures for a sustainable rail market in view of the COVID-19 pandemic (COM(2020)0260 — C9-0186/2020 — 2020/0127(COD))P9_TC1-COD(2020)0127Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 17 September 2020 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2020/... of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing measures for a sustainable rail market in view of the COVID-19 outbreak | 334 |
| 2021/C 385/35 | European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 8/2020 of the European Union for the financial year 2020 — Increase of payment appropriations for the Emergency Support Instrument to finance the COVID-19 vaccines strategy and for the impact of the Corona Response Investment Initiative Plus (10696/2020 — C9-0290/2020 — 2020/1997(BUD)) | 335 |

III   Preparatory acts

European Parliament

Tuesday 15 September 2020

2021/C 385/21

European Parliament decision of 15 September 2020 on the proposal for the appointment of the Chair of the CCP Supervisory Committee of the European Securities and Markets Authority (N9-0041/2020 — C9-0276/2020 — 2020/0906(NLE))

173

2021/C 385/22

European Parliament decision of 15 September 2020 on the proposal for the appointment of an independent member of the CCP Supervisory Committee of the European Securities and Markets Authority (N9-0042/2020 — C9-0277/2020 — 2020/0907(NLE))

174

2021/C 385/23

European Parliament decision of 15 September 2020 on the proposal for the appointment of an independent member of the CCP Supervisory Committee of the European Securities and Markets Authority (N9-0042/2020 — C9-0278/2020 — 2020/0908(NLE))

175

2021/C 385/24

European Parliament legislative resolution of 15 September 2020 on the proposal for a Council decision authorising Portugal to apply a reduced rate of excise duty on certain alcoholic products produced in the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores (COM(2020)0240 — C9-0190/2020 — 2020/0118(CNS))

176

Wednesday 16 September 2020

2021/C 385/25

European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the Commission delegated regulation of 14 July 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to fees charged by the European Securities and Markets Authority to central counterparties established in third countries (C(2020)4891 — 2020/2720(DEA))

177

2021/C 385/26

European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the Commission delegated regulation of 14 July 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the criteria that ESMA should take into account to determine whether a central counterparty established in a third-country is systemically important or likely to become systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or of one or more of its Member States (C(2020)4892 — 2020/2726(DEA))

178

2021/C 385/27

European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the Commission delegated regulation of 14 July 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the minimum elements to be assessed by ESMA when assessing third-country CCPs’ requests for comparable compliance and the modalities and conditions of that assessment (C(2020)4895 — 2020/2729(DEA))

179

2021/C 385/28

Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 16 September 2020 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (COM(2020)0220 — C9-0160/2020 — 2020/0097(COD))

180

2021/C 385/29

Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 16 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2015/757 in order to take appropriate account of the global data collection system for ship fuel oil consumption data (COM(2019)0038 — C8-0043/2019 — 2019/0017(COD))

217

2021/C 385/30

European Parliament legislative resolution of 16 September 2020 on the draft Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union (10025/2020 — C9-0215/2020 — 2018/0135(CNS))

256

Thursday 17 September 2020

2021/C 385/31

Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 17 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 on type approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information (COM(2019)0208 — C9-0009/2019 — 2019/0101(COD))

275

2021/C 385/32

Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 17 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Just Transition Fund (COM(2020)0022 — C9-0007/2020 — 2020/0006(COD))

289

2021/C 385/33

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the proposal for a Council decision on the determination of a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the rule of law (COM(2017)0835 — 2017/0360R(NLE))

317

2021/C 385/34

P9_TA(2020)0236Sustainable rail market in view of COVID-19 outbreak ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 17 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing measures for a sustainable rail market in view of the COVID-19 pandemic (COM(2020)0260 — C9-0186/2020 — 2020/0127(COD))P9_TC1-COD(2020)0127Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 17 September 2020 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2020/... of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing measures for a sustainable rail market in view of the COVID-19 outbreak

334

2021/C 385/35

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 8/2020 of the European Union for the financial year 2020 — Increase of payment appropriations for the Emergency Support Instrument to finance the COVID-19 vaccines strategy and for the impact of the Corona Response Investment Initiative Plus (10696/2020 — C9-0290/2020 — 2020/1997(BUD))

335

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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

| EN | |
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EN

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22.9.2021

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/1

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EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

2020-2021 SESSION

Sittings of 14 to 17 September 2020

TEXTS ADOPTED

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

European Parliament

Tuesday 15 September 2020

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/2

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P9_TA(2020)0211

Effective measures to ‘green’ Erasmus+, Creative Europe and the European Solidarity Corps

European Parliament resolution of 15 September 2020 on effective measures to ‘green’ Erasmus+, Creative Europe and the European Solidarity Corps (2019/2195(INI))

(2021/C 385/01)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Articles 11, 165, 166, 167, 191 and 193 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 11, 165, 166, 167, 191 and 193 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to the Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (1),

| — | having regard to the European Council conclusions of 12 December 2019, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Council conclusions of 12 December 2019,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions entitled ‘The European Green Deal’ (COM(2019)0640), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions entitled ‘The European Green Deal’ (COM(2019)0640),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 28 November 2019 on the climate and environment emergency (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 28 November 2019 on the climate and environment emergency (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2020 on EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2020 on EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences (3),

| — | having regard to the resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Member States meeting within the Council of 5 June 2019 establishing guidelines on the governance of the EU Youth Dialogue — European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Member States meeting within the Council of 5 June 2019 establishing guidelines on the governance of the EU Youth Dialogue — European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027,

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 22 May 2018 entitled ‘Building a stronger Europe: the role of youth, education and culture policies’ (COM(2018)0268), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 22 May 2018 entitled ‘Building a stronger Europe: the role of youth, education and culture policies’ (COM(2018)0268),

| — | having regard to its legislative resolution of 28 March 2019 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing ‘Erasmus’: the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its legislative resolution of 28 March 2019 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing ‘Erasmus’: the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (4),

| — | having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 establishing ‘Erasmus’: the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (COM(2018)0367), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 establishing ‘Erasmus’: the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (COM(2018)0367),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1288/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing ‘Erasmus+’: the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1288/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing ‘Erasmus+’: the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (5),

| — | having regard to the report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 31 January 2018 entitled ‘Mid-term evaluation of the Erasmus+ programme (2014-2020)’ (COM(2018)0050), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 31 January 2018 entitled ‘Mid-term evaluation of the Erasmus+ programme (2014-2020)’ (COM(2018)0050),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 2 February 2017 on the implementation of Regulation (EU) No 1288/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing ‘Erasmus+’: the Union programme for education training, youth and sport (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 2 February 2017 on the implementation of Regulation (EU) No 1288/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing ‘Erasmus+’: the Union programme for education training, youth and sport (6),

| — | having regard to its legislative resolution of 12 March 2019 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Solidarity Corps programme (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its legislative resolution of 12 March 2019 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Solidarity Corps programme (7),

| — | having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 June 2018 establishing the European Solidarity Corps programme (COM(2018)0440), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 June 2018 establishing the European Solidarity Corps programme (COM(2018)0440),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1475 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 laying down the legal framework of the European Solidarity Corps (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1475 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 laying down the legal framework of the European Solidarity Corps (8),

| — | having regard to its legislative resolution of 28 March 2019 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Creative Europe programme (2021 to 2027) (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its legislative resolution of 28 March 2019 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Creative Europe programme (2021 to 2027) (9),

| — | having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 establishing the Creative Europe programme (2021 to 2027) (COM(2018)0366), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 establishing the Creative Europe programme (2021 to 2027) (COM(2018)0366),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing the Creative Europe programme (2014 to 2020) (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing the Creative Europe programme (2014 to 2020) (10),

| — | having regard to the report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council of 30 April 2018 entitled ‘Mid-term evaluation of the Creative Europe programme (2014-2020)’ (COM(2018)0248), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council of 30 April 2018 entitled ‘Mid-term evaluation of the Creative Europe programme (2014-2020)’ (COM(2018)0248),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 2 March 2017 on the implementation of Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing the Creative Europe programme (2014 to 2020) (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 2 March 2017 on the implementation of Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing the Creative Europe programme (2014 to 2020) (11),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) (12),

| — | having regard to the undertakings given by the then Commissioner-designate for innovation, research, education, culture and youth at her hearing before Parliament on 30 September 2019, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the undertakings given by the then Commissioner-designate for innovation, research, education, culture and youth at her hearing before Parliament on 30 September 2019,

| — | having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education (A9-0141/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education (A9-0141/2020),

| A. | whereas the European Green Deal sets the target of a climate-neutral European Union by 2050, thereby putting the climate emergency at the centre of all the Union’s programmes and policies; whereas the European Green Deal also aims to raise public awareness and involve citizens in climate action by developing a comprehensive European agenda; whereas such an approach should also be built on rethinking education and training, culture and youth programmes; whereas environmental protection, sustainability and fighting climate change should be mainstreamed across the programmes and promoted as transversal skills; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the European Green Deal sets the target of a climate-neutral European Union by 2050, thereby putting the climate emergency at the centre of all the Union’s programmes and policies; whereas the European Green Deal also aims to raise public awareness and involve citizens in climate action by developing a comprehensive European agenda; whereas such an approach should also be built on rethinking education and training, culture and youth programmes; whereas environmental protection, sustainability and fighting climate change should be mainstreamed across the programmes and promoted as transversal skills;

| B. | whereas Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 calls for action to combat climate change and its impact, and whereas SDG 13’s targets include the improvement of education, awareness-raising and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation and impact reduction; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 calls for action to combat climate change and its impact, and whereas SDG 13’s targets include the improvement of education, awareness-raising and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation and impact reduction;

| C. | whereas the COVID-19 crisis is having a dramatic impact on people’s everyday lives, notably with respect to mobility, education and physical access to culture, art and sport; whereas the three programmes have also been significantly affected by the crisis; whereas, in the aftermath of the pandemic, it is important to preserve the cultural values of the Union and to rebuild the European image for future generations; whereas the cultural exchange and interaction that is facilitated through the three programmes will help Europe out of the crisis, which has become more than just a health crisis; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the COVID-19 crisis is having a dramatic impact on people’s everyday lives, notably with respect to mobility, education and physical access to culture, art and sport; whereas the three programmes have also been significantly affected by the crisis; whereas, in the aftermath of the pandemic, it is important to preserve the cultural values of the Union and to rebuild the European image for future generations; whereas the cultural exchange and interaction that is facilitated through the three programmes will help Europe out of the crisis, which has become more than just a health crisis;

| D. | whereas education, sport, volunteering and culture play a fundamental role in the green transition as regards awareness-raising, learning, communication and the sharing of knowledge and good practices, and whereas this potential can be exploited throughout the next programming period to develop innovative ways of tackling environmental challenges; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas education, sport, volunteering and culture play a fundamental role in the green transition as regards awareness-raising, learning, communication and the sharing of knowledge and good practices, and whereas this potential can be exploited throughout the next programming period to develop innovative ways of tackling environmental challenges;

| E. | whereas the Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps (ESC) and Creative Europe programmes all have an impact on the daily lives of millions of Europeans and underpin better cohesion and cultural understanding across the Union, in candidate and accession countries, neighbourhood countries, and throughout the world through the participation of third countries; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps (ESC) and Creative Europe programmes all have an impact on the daily lives of millions of Europeans and underpin better cohesion and cultural understanding across the Union, in candidate and accession countries, neighbourhood countries, and throughout the world through the participation of third countries;

| F. | whereas, although these programmes do not primarily focus on the environment, they nonetheless contribute to the green transition through their substance and scope, by shaping thinking that is respectful of the environment and the climate and by forging a society anchored in mutual understanding and respect; whereas their essential nature should therefore be preserved; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas, although these programmes do not primarily focus on the environment, they nonetheless contribute to the green transition through their substance and scope, by shaping thinking that is respectful of the environment and the climate and by forging a society anchored in mutual understanding and respect; whereas their essential nature should therefore be preserved;

| G. | whereas large-scale sporting and cultural events bring people together; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas large-scale sporting and cultural events bring people together;

| H. | whereas the Erasmus+ programme can do much to foster sustainable development; whereas the programme promotes lifelong learning; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the Erasmus+ programme can do much to foster sustainable development; whereas the programme promotes lifelong learning;

| I. | whereas the objectives and the very nature of the ESC give young people the opportunity to share knowledge and take practical action to protect the environment; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the objectives and the very nature of the ESC give young people the opportunity to share knowledge and take practical action to protect the environment;

| J. | whereas the experience of mobility offered by these programmes can be a transformative experience for participants, and can influence their everyday behaviour, and whereas mobility of this kind should therefore be encouraged; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the experience of mobility offered by these programmes can be a transformative experience for participants, and can influence their everyday behaviour, and whereas mobility of this kind should therefore be encouraged;

| K. | whereas Creative Europe plays a key role in promoting the arts, culture and audiovisual content and in supporting high-quality media; whereas these are key pillars of sustainable development, which help towards building more resilient societies; whereas cooperation in these areas can develop instruments to raise people’s awareness of environmental, climate and sustainability issues and can thus be a unique source of creative solutions throughout Europe and the world, via participating third countries; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas Creative Europe plays a key role in promoting the arts, culture and audiovisual content and in supporting high-quality media; whereas these are key pillars of sustainable development, which help towards building more resilient societies; whereas cooperation in these areas can develop instruments to raise people’s awareness of environmental, climate and sustainability issues and can thus be a unique source of creative solutions throughout Europe and the world, via participating third countries;

| L. | whereas there is a need to coordinate a joint initiative to develop sustainable practices in the cultural and creative sectors; whereas such an initiative requires that the costs associated with ‘greening’ activities be eligible under project support; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas there is a need to coordinate a joint initiative to develop sustainable practices in the cultural and creative sectors; whereas such an initiative requires that the costs associated with ‘greening’ activities be eligible under project support;

| M. | whereas freedom of expression and of artistic creation is an inalienable aspect of Creative Europe, and whereas efforts to ‘green’ the programme must respect this freedom; whereas green thinking in project implementation can be encouraged by factoring environmental aspects into project evaluation; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas freedom of expression and of artistic creation is an inalienable aspect of Creative Europe, and whereas efforts to ‘green’ the programme must respect this freedom; whereas green thinking in project implementation can be encouraged by factoring environmental aspects into project evaluation;

| N. | whereas a substantial share of environment-related projects have been implemented over the 2014-2020 period; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas a substantial share of environment-related projects have been implemented over the 2014-2020 period;

| O. | whereas the programmes should be accessible and free from discrimination; whereas it is essential to put in place concrete measures to make the programmes more inclusive for people with fewer opportunities, especially people with disabilities; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the programmes should be accessible and free from discrimination; whereas it is essential to put in place concrete measures to make the programmes more inclusive for people with fewer opportunities, especially people with disabilities;

| P. | whereas Parliament has called for an ambitious budget for the three programmes in the next programming period, to help them, in particular, become more inclusive and accessible, and whereas a smaller budget would neither make this possible nor create scope for the introduction of environmental, climate and sustainability measures without jeopardising other key parts of the programmes; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas Parliament has called for an ambitious budget for the three programmes in the next programming period, to help them, in particular, become more inclusive and accessible, and whereas a smaller budget would neither make this possible nor create scope for the introduction of environmental, climate and sustainability measures without jeopardising other key parts of the programmes;

| Q. | whereas the aim, under the current multiannual financial framework, of devoting 20 % of expenditure to climate protection measures cannot be achieved if the data and instruments needed to measure the contribution of the programmes are not available, and whereas they must therefore be put in place as a matter of urgency; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the aim, under the current multiannual financial framework, of devoting 20 % of expenditure to climate protection measures cannot be achieved if the data and instruments needed to measure the contribution of the programmes are not available, and whereas they must therefore be put in place as a matter of urgency;

| R. | whereas physical mobility enables immersion in, and optimum interaction with, other cultures; whereas virtual exchange and learning are a valuable complement to physical mobility, but do not provide the same experience; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas physical mobility enables immersion in, and optimum interaction with, other cultures; whereas virtual exchange and learning are a valuable complement to physical mobility, but do not provide the same experience;

| S. | whereas digital technologies also have an environmental footprint; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas digital technologies also have an environmental footprint;

| T. | whereas there are currently few incentives — particularly of a financial nature — to encourage participants in the three programmes to shift to more environmentally friendly means of transport and behaviours; whereas more environmentally friendly means of transport tend to be less accessible and affordable; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas there are currently few incentives — particularly of a financial nature — to encourage participants in the three programmes to shift to more environmentally friendly means of transport and behaviours; whereas more environmentally friendly means of transport tend to be less accessible and affordable;

Objectives common to the three programmes

| 1. | Notes that the concepts of climate and the environment, and even of mobility, cover only a part of the goals which the European Green Deal seeks to pursue; considers that the aim is to go beyond the purely environmental issues and to develop a fairer society for all, on the basis of rational and complementary use of resources, responsible consumption, living alongside one other in respect of one another’s differences and taking into account regional and national complementarities; stresses that educators, artists and creators are also central to achieving this societal change and that the Erasmus+, Creative Europe and European Solidarity Corps programmes play an important role in achieving the broader aims of the European Green Deal; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Welcomes, in this regard, young people’s determination to contribute to the implementation of the EU efforts towards sustainability and choosing ‘Sustainable Green Europe’ as one of the European Youth Goals; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Highlights the importance of the three programmes in promoting cooperation and innovation in European education, culture and youth policy and the positive social and economic impact of mobility; stresses that the programmes can help develop creative and innovative solutions that will make it possible, in the event of a crisis such as COVID-19, to ensure that education and cultural activities can continue effectively; calls on the Commission and national agencies and desks to show maximum flexibility and to provide support to participants and project developers so as to enable them to resume their activities post-pandemic in a sustainable way; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Stresses the need for a baseline assessment of the programmes’ contribution to and impact on environmental and climate goals to inform the design of their future implementation; deplores the Commission’s failure to propose environmental, climate and sustainability indicators for the new programmes; calls, therefore, on the Commission to propose specific indicators to the co-legislators that are to be incorporated into the regulations governing the new generation of programmes; considers that such indicators must be carefully determined, on the basis of robust research and a common methodology and provide a thorough analysis of both the programmes’ contribution to environmental and climate goals (e.g. through their objectives and project calls), and their environmental impact (e.g. through the forms of travel supported); stresses that such indicators must take into account the characteristics of the relevant programme beneficiaries in order to avoid creating excessive burdens; calls for a report with the data gathered to be presented to Parliament and made public once a year; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Calls on the Commission to record and calculate systematically participants’ individual transport-related carbon footprint; takes the view that the Mobility Tool should be used for this purpose and that use of the Tool should be extended to cover all parts of Erasmus+ and the ESC; calls on the Commission to analyse the possibility of making a similar calculation tool available for journeys undertaken in connection with the Creative Europe programme; urges the Commission to make any relevant data collected easily accessible to the public, in addition to its reports on the programmes, highlighting good practices; recalls that any digital tools and apps must always comply with data protection legislation; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Underlines that implementing bodies play a positive and active role in suggesting how the future programmes could best address environmental issues and how to steer beneficiaries to become more environmentally sensitive; takes the view that the good practices already employed by national agencies and desks and by project developers should be surveyed, coordinated and assessed; calls on the Commission to work with stakeholders to develop and circulate a list of recommendations based on the analysis of good practices; recommends that a label be developed to certify and give visibility to responsible environmental practices and to reward environmentally innovative and promising projects in each of the programmes; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Notes the lack of information on the funding available within the three programmes for projects on the environment, climate and sustainability; calls on the Commission, national agencies and desks to improve communication in this regard and give more visibility to environment issues in the project setting and among receiving organisations and participants; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Calls on the main stakeholders in the programmes to inform participants of, and actively promote examples of, good environmental and consumption practice, which they can employ in their everyday lives while participating in the programme, and to inform participants of the environmental impact of their actions; considers that a range of digital tools can be effective, including pre-mobility online courses and potentially a digital app; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Stresses the key role played by organisations that receive participants, including the ‘green offices’ and existing networks located in destination towns and cities, and the importance of existing networks, such as Erasmus+ alumni, in promoting a sustainable way of life by sharing practical recommendations and useful tips at local level in the town, region or country in which they are located; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Calls on the Commission to encourage national agencies, national desks and project developers to register with the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in order to evaluate, communicate and improve their environmental performance and enhance the sustainability of their own operations; calls on the Commission to encourage and coordinate the efforts made by national agencies and desks to reduce their environmental footprint, for example through the use of sustainable promotional material, prudent management of travel, increased use of video-conferencing and waste reduction; believes that sustainable practices within national agencies and desks will encourage participants to adopt more sustainable consumption habits; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Calls on the Commission and on national agencies and desks to establish criteria to enable the environmental aspects of projects to be factored into project evaluation, thus promoting greener practices, while consistently upholding the principle of creative freedom and evaluating each project in line with the programme objectives; |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Underlines the potential and the value of virtual learning and exchange when it comes to enabling mobility programmes to continue in the exceptional context of the COVID-19 crisis; calls on the Commission to encourage the use of virtual formats as a complement to physical mobility, where appropriate, both to reduce unnecessary travel and to ensure that, where participants are unable to travel, they can nevertheless benefit from the programmes; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Urges the Commission to encourage and enable participants to choose the least-polluting means of transport, such as the train, but at the same time not to stigmatise, discriminate against or exclude participants for whom air travel is the only viable option; calls for special attention to be paid to the outermost regions and to rural and remote areas in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Calls on the Commission to revise the current financial rules so that the additional costs and journey times associated with the use of more environmentally friendly means of transport are reimbursed in full and additional journey times accounted for in grant allocations; calls on the Commission and the Member States to put in place effective financial assistance schemes to ensure that people who need the programmes can have access to them; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Calls on the Commission — particularly in the light of the planned European Year of Rail in 2021 — to enter into partnerships with European rail operators so that participants are eligible for discounted fares; stresses that similar initiatives could also be developed with bus operators, in particular for remote and rural areas and those not served by rail transport; |
| --- | --- |

15.

| 16. | Recognises that participants in the programmes travel across their host country and beyond to explore the local culture; calls upon the national agencies and desks and project staff to encourage ‘slow travel’, eco-tourism and the use of environmentally sustainable travel options for long-distance journeys as well as for local travel; |
| --- | --- |

16.

| 17. | Notes that smart use of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and robotics have the potential to increase social inclusion and reduce the programmes’ carbon footprint; emphasises the need to tackle the digital divide by ensuring access to digital infrastructure and equipment and the acquisition of digital skills, which are prerequisites for a smart digital transition; highlights the importance, in this regard, of a more ambitious Digital Education Action Plan, supported notably through the Erasmus+ programme; |
| --- | --- |

17.

| 18. | Points out, at the same time, that the expansion of digitalisation can have an environmental impact; recalls that all three programmes are characterised by the use of digital tools, in particular Creative Europe, and calls on the Commission to take account of their digital environmental impact; encourages the Commission to look at ways of reducing the environmental footprint of digital tools, including websites and software, used within the programmes; calls on the main programme stakeholders to promote the use of more environmentally friendly digital tools; underlines that joined-up policy-making is required across the future digital agenda and the European Green Deal to combine the digital transformation with environmental policy; |
| --- | --- |

18.

| 19. | Underlines that effective measures to green the Erasmus+, Creative Europe and European Solidarity Corps programmes will cost money and insists that new measures must not further erode the already extremely limited budgets of the programmes; points, in this regard, to the value of promoting effective synergies and complementarity with other relevant funding programmes, such as the Structural Funds, the Just Transition Fund, LIFE, InvestEU, Horizon Europe, in particular under Pillar II through the ‘Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society’ cluster, the current knowledge and innovation community on Climate, and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology — in particular, the proposal for it to house a Knowledge and Innovation Community, dedicated to the cultural and creative sector; |
| --- | --- |

19.

| 20. | Recalls that many of the three programmes’ beneficiaries are often small and struggle with complex administrative requirements; calls, therefore, on the Commission to provide guidance to national agencies and desks, and to support and foster dialogue with stakeholders to ensure that synergies are meaningfully achieved in practice; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Erasmus+

| 21. | Calls on the Commission to include respect for the environment, sound environmental practices and environmental protection among the principles set out in the Erasmus+ Higher Education Charter; urges the Commission to apply this approach to all sectors covered by the programme and to take action to ensure that the principles are adhered to; encourages cooperation between national agencies, partner universities and students’ associations to build information and advice on sustainability and environmentally sound practices into welcome and other integration activities; |
| --- | --- |

21.

| 22. | Emphasises the potential of the European Universities and Vocational Education and Training Centres of Excellence, as they could introduce programmes of excellence for teaching and training in environmental, climate and sustainability issues for a wide range of stakeholders and learners and support research projects in this area; stresses that the new initiatives will only be able to achieve this with sufficient funding for the Erasmus+ programme in the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework; |
| --- | --- |

22.

| 23. | Notes that the future implementation of the European Student Card can be a significant step in making participation in the Erasmus+ programme more environmentally friendly, since it will represent a shift from a paper-based process to a streamlined digital process, which must be of a high quality, in addition to being inclusive and accessible, thus also simplifying the management of the mobility cycle; notes that the European Student Card can be developed to offer access to services that promote more environmentally friendly life choices; calls on the Commission to make every effort to expedite the roll-out of the European Student Card; |
| --- | --- |

23.

| 24. | Points out that the online Support, Advanced Learning and Training Opportunities (SALTO) platforms in the programme are an excellent source of information and advice for project developers; calls on the Commission to set up a SALTO platform for greening; |
| --- | --- |

24.

| 25. | Stresses the value of the ‘eTwinning’ network aimed at teachers, which enables them to develop and share training modules, particularly on sustainability and climate change — the annual theme for 2020; calls on the Commission to disseminate as widely as possible the annual report on this priority as well as the toolkit for teachers; draws attention, in this regard, to the importance of developing European e-learning platforms that will make it possible, in the event of a crisis such as COVID-19, to ensure the continuity of learning; |
| --- | --- |

25.

| 26. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to take measures to support the development of school programmes on climate change and sustainability, in both primary and secondary education; considers that both Key Actions 2 and 3 of the Erasmus+ programme can help to support such efforts through targeted calls for proposals on environmental education and the exchange of best practices between schools and teachers; |
| --- | --- |

26.

| 27. | Calls on the Commission, in the initiatives it takes to coordinate the European Higher Education Area and the European Education Area, to include a list of green criteria for regional and national education authorities on the facilities made available to schools, the inclusion of institutions in public transport networks and ensuring respect for the environment and energy resources; |
| --- | --- |

27.

| 28. | Underlines that Erasmus+, through its support for formal and non-formal education and training and for youth participation activities, is crucial for awareness-raising among Europeans, in particular young generations, to encourage them to have an active and informed position on sustainability and relevant policies and to become engaged and conscious future citizens; highlights, in this respect, the major role played by youth and civil society organisations in sharing best practices and implementing projects raising younger generations’ awareness about sustainability; considers that Erasmus+ should also contribute to enhancing knowledge of climate change and the environment among youth workers; |
| --- | --- |

28.

| 29. | Urges that, under the Sport section, encouragement be given to joint projects with sports associations on the subject of the environment and nature protection, healthy and sustainable lifestyles, innovation to promote more environmentally sound practices in sport and the organisation of sustainable grassroots sports events; points to the need to make sports events more environmentally friendly and considers that Erasmus+ can help develop and promote best practices in that regard; considers that ESC volunteers could support the organisation of sustainable grassroots sport events; |
| --- | --- |

29.

| 30. | Considers that long-term, locally implemented programmes and encouraging mobility among the staff of local sports organisations would help make them aware of more environmentally friendly ways of organising sports events; calls for greater emphasis to be placed on environmental, climate and sustainability issues when the European Week of Sport takes place; |
| --- | --- |

30.

| 31. | Highlights the importance of sustainable participant inclusion in the local community, with the aim of achieving active citizenship and cultural exchange, as a key element in the Erasmus+ programme; urges the Commission to explore which programme actions can be developed in depopulated rural areas where active community engagement can help, for example, in promoting nature conservation and cultural heritage curation; |
| --- | --- |

31.

| 32. | Points to the possibility of establishing a relationship with the European Parliament Ambassador School Programme, in order to enrich both programmes to involve participants in the local community and to build knowledge of what European citizenship entails among local students; |
| --- | --- |

32.

European Solidarity Corps (ESC)

| 33. | Recalls that protecting the environment is considered an important solidarity activity within the ESC, consistent with the current legal basis, the Commission’s proposal for the new programme after 2020, and Parliament’s first reading position; |
| --- | --- |

33.

| 34. | Takes the view that the quality label, which every organisation that sends or receives a volunteer has to obtain before participating in ESC activities, should, over time, also cover sound environmental practices; recalls that organisations participating in the ESC are often small associations; insists, therefore, that they need targeted support to enable them to adopt more sustainable practices; |
| --- | --- |

34.

| 35. | Points out that the Commission can launch calls for thematic projects; calls on it to step up its promotion of the environmental, climate and sustainability dimension of the ESC by increasing the visibility of these projects on the Placement Administration and Support System (PASS) platform; |
| --- | --- |

35.

| 36. | Calls on the national agencies involved in the ESC to support and actively advise organisations responsible for sending and receiving participants; stresses that they are also able to identify the scope for, and to help set up, environmental projects in situ and to ensure that volunteers are made aware of sound environmental practices in their work and their daily lives; encourages the creation of digital tools to facilitate the dissemination and exchange of good practices and of experiences among participants; |
| --- | --- |

36.

| 37. | Calls on the Commission and national agencies to promote projects in less popular destinations to stimulate the development of the local economy and sustainability, while encouraging the exploration of new destinations; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Creative Europe

| 38. | Emphasises the enormous potential of the cultural and creative sectors in encouraging citizens to act sustainably; notes that museums, cultural and community centres, performing arts, literature, visual arts and cross-arts initiatives could promote sustainability and contribute to reversing the climate trend, provided that sufficient funding is available; stresses the importance of sustainability and good environmental practice in the preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage; |
| --- | --- |

38.

| 39. | Calls on the Commission and the national desks to consult stakeholders from the cultural and creative sectors and to collect information on existing charters in the various fields of artistic activity, with a view to drawing up a charter with a set of environmental principles that every participant in the programme must observe; considers that the process of determining the right principles should be sector-led, enable mutual learning and take a broad view of the issues to be addressed, which should include recycling, the circular economy and behavioural change, among both cultural creators and consumers; |
| --- | --- |

39.

| 40. | Calls on the Commission to undertake comprehensive research and consult with stakeholders to develop a sector-specific strategy and a ‘good environmental practice’ guide covering audiovisual and cultural production, dissemination and event organisation, with a particular focus on transport, energy, resource-efficiency and waste management and with the aim of making the practices concerned standard for all projects financed by the programme; recalls that such standard practices must not come at the expense of quality cultural and audiovisual projects and events; |
| --- | --- |

40.

| 41. | Underlines the importance of green public procurement in ensuring the supply of sustainable and environmentally-friendly goods and services at cultural events; calls on the Commission to lay down common green public procurement criteria for the cultural sector and to develop a tool to evaluate the environmental impact of cultural events; emphasises, furthermore, the environmental impact of audiovisual content production and calls on the Commission to use the MEDIA strand of Creative Europe to promote best practices in the audiovisual sector, with respect to sustainability, energy efficiency and the protection of the environment; |
| --- | --- |

41.

| 42. | Calls on the Commission to include sustainability and respect for the environment in the selection and the evaluation criteria for the European Capitals of Culture; insists that the European Capitals of Culture must also observe the charter setting out the environmental principles mentioned above; |
| --- | --- |

42.

| 43. | Calls on the Commission to authorise, as a trans-sectoral measure, the establishment of a European network of environmental, climate and sustainability consultants to advise project developers and Creative Europe Desks; considers that best practices should be shared and made public; |
| --- | --- |

43.

o

o o

| 44. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Member States and the national agencies and offices responsible for implementing the three programmes. |
| --- | --- |

44.

---

(1)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0005.

(2)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0078.

(3)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0054.

(4)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0324.

(5)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 5.

(6)  OJ C 252, 18.7.2018, p. 31.

(7)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0150.

(8)  OJ L 250, 4.10.2018, p. 1.

(9)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0323.

(10)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 221.

(11)  OJ C 263, 25.7.2018, p. 19.

(12)  OJ L 342, 22.12.2009, p. 1.

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Wednesday 16 September 2020

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/10

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P9_TA(2020)0212

The EU’s role in protecting and restoring the world’s forests

European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2020 on the EU’s role in protecting and restoring the world’s forests (2019/2156(INI))

(2021/C 385/02)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular Articles 11, 191(1) and 208 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular Articles 11, 191(1) and 208 thereof,

| — | having regard to the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 17 April 2018 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 17 April 2018 (1),

| — | having regard to the 2015-2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2015-2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

| — | having regard to the Paris Agreement reached at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Paris Agreement reached at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),

| — | having regard to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, the Global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, the Global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 23 July 2019 entitled ‘Stepping up EU Action to Protect and Restore the World’s Forests’ (COM(2019)0352), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 23 July 2019 entitled ‘Stepping up EU Action to Protect and Restore the World’s Forests’ (COM(2019)0352),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM(2019)0640) and to Parliament’s resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM(2019)0640) and to Parliament’s resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (2),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 20 May 2020 entitled ‘EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives’ (COM(2020)0380), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 20 May 2020 entitled ‘EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives’ (COM(2020)0380),

| — | having regard to the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy for 2020-2024, the EU External Policy on Indigenous Peoples of 2016, the Council conclusions on indigenous peoples of 15 May 2017 and the European Consensus on Development of 2017, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy for 2020-2024, the EU External Policy on Indigenous Peoples of 2016, the Council conclusions on indigenous peoples of 15 May 2017 and the European Consensus on Development of 2017,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 28 November 2018 entitled ‘A Clean Planet for all — A European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy’ (COM(2018)0773), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 28 November 2018 entitled ‘A Clean Planet for all — A European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy’ (COM(2018)0773),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 20 September 2013 entitled ‘A new EU Forest Strategy: for forests and the forest-based sector’ (COM(2013)0659), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 20 September 2013 entitled ‘A new EU Forest Strategy: for forests and the forest-based sector’ (COM(2013)0659),

| — | having regard to the 2013 final report of the Commission study entitled ‘The impact of EU consumption on deforestation: Comprehensive analysis of the impact of EU consumption on deforestation’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2013 final report of the Commission study entitled ‘The impact of EU consumption on deforestation: Comprehensive analysis of the impact of EU consumption on deforestation’,

| — | having regard to the 2018 feasibility study on options to step up EU action against deforestation, commissioned by the Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2018 feasibility study on options to step up EU action against deforestation, commissioned by the Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 17 October 2008 entitled ‘Addressing the challenges of deforestation and forest degradation to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss’ (COM(2008)0645), |
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—

having regard to the Commission communication of 17 October 2008 entitled ‘Addressing the challenges of deforestation and forest degradation to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss’ (COM(2008)0645),

| — | having regard to the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan of 2003, the FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) with third countries and the FLEGT Work Plan 2018-2022, |
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—

having regard to the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan of 2003, the FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) with third countries and the FLEGT Work Plan 2018-2022,

| — | having regard to the UN Human Rights Council resolution of 21 March 2019 on recognising the contribution of environmental human rights defenders to the enjoyment of human rights, environmental protection and sustainable development, |
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—

having regard to the UN Human Rights Council resolution of 21 March 2019 on recognising the contribution of environmental human rights defenders to the enjoyment of human rights, environmental protection and sustainable development,

| — | having regard to the report of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) entitled ‘The State of the World’s Forests 2020’, |
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—

having regard to the report of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) entitled ‘The State of the World’s Forests 2020’,

| — | having regard to the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030, |
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—

having regard to the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030,

| — | having regard to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special reports on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems, and its fifth assessment report on climate change 2014: impacts, adaptation and vulnerability, |
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—

having regard to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special reports on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems, and its fifth assessment report on climate change 2014: impacts, adaptation and vulnerability,

| — | having regard to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of 31 May 2019, |
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—

having regard to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of 31 May 2019,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2020 on the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (3), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2020 on the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 28 November 2019 on the climate and environment emergency (4), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 28 November 2019 on the climate and environment emergency (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 11 September 2018 on transparent and accountable management of natural resources in developing countries: the case of forests (5), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 11 September 2018 on transparent and accountable management of natural resources in developing countries: the case of forests (5),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 4 April 2017 on palm oil and deforestation of rainforests (6), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 4 April 2017 on palm oil and deforestation of rainforests (6),

| — | having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure, |
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—

having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the opinions of the Committee on Development, the Committee on International Trade, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, |
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—

having regard to the opinions of the Committee on Development, the Committee on International Trade, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A9-0143/2020), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A9-0143/2020),

| A. | whereas between 1990 and 2016, 1,3 million square kilometres of the world’s forests was lost, with destructive effects on biodiversity, climate, people and the economy; whereas despite all efforts so far, a number of forest-related international commitments, such as target 15,2 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (7) and target 5 of the Aichi Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (8), are not on track to be adequately met by current policies; whereas the European Environment Agency report entitled ‘The European Environment — state and outlook 2020’ notes that ‘the forested area in Europe has been largely stable over the last two decades’, but also warns that ‘there has been little improvement in the conservation status of forest habitats and species since 2013’ and that ‘natural [...] and human-induced disturbances [...] are threats to Europe’s forests’; |
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A.

whereas between 1990 and 2016, 1,3 million square kilometres of the world’s forests was lost, with destructive effects on biodiversity, climate, people and the economy; whereas despite all efforts so far, a number of forest-related international commitments, such as target 15,2 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (7) and target 5 of the Aichi Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (8), are not on track to be adequately met by current policies; whereas the European Environment Agency report entitled ‘The European Environment — state and outlook 2020’ notes that ‘the forested area in Europe has been largely stable over the last two decades’, but also warns that ‘there has been little improvement in the conservation status of forest habitats and species since 2013’ and that ‘natural [...] and human-induced disturbances [...] are threats to Europe’s forests’;

| B. | whereas the 17 SDGs are integrated and indivisible; whereas progress towards sustainable agriculture, food security and sustainable forest management — core elements of the SDGs — should be made simultaneously; |
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B.

whereas the 17 SDGs are integrated and indivisible; whereas progress towards sustainable agriculture, food security and sustainable forest management — core elements of the SDGs — should be made simultaneously;

| C. | whereas forests are essential contributors to climate change mitigation and adaptation and whereas, conversely, deforestation, in particular tropical deforestation, is an important contributor to climate change; whereas emissions from land use and land-use change, mostly due to deforestation, are the second largest cause of climate change after the burning of fossil fuels, accounting for nearly 12 % of all greenhouse gas emissions; whereas forests also host 80 % of global biodiversity, contribute to disaster risk reduction measures through nature-based solutions, and support the livelihoods of around 25 % of the global population, while representing a large part of the land traditionally inhabited by indigenous peoples, and contributing to human health, embodying irreplaceable cultural, societal and spiritual values; |
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C.

whereas forests are essential contributors to climate change mitigation and adaptation and whereas, conversely, deforestation, in particular tropical deforestation, is an important contributor to climate change; whereas emissions from land use and land-use change, mostly due to deforestation, are the second largest cause of climate change after the burning of fossil fuels, accounting for nearly 12 % of all greenhouse gas emissions; whereas forests also host 80 % of global biodiversity, contribute to disaster risk reduction measures through nature-based solutions, and support the livelihoods of around 25 % of the global population, while representing a large part of the land traditionally inhabited by indigenous peoples, and contributing to human health, embodying irreplaceable cultural, societal and spiritual values;

| D. | whereas due to climate change and loss of biodiversity, natural disturbances such as droughts, floods, storms, pest infestations, erosion and fires will occur more frequently and with greater intensity, which will also cause increasing damage to the world’s forests, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; whereas scaling up investments in nature-based solutions is one of the most cost-effective remedies to tackle emissions and protect vital ecosystems, while improving livelihoods, resilience and food security; |
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D.

whereas due to climate change and loss of biodiversity, natural disturbances such as droughts, floods, storms, pest infestations, erosion and fires will occur more frequently and with greater intensity, which will also cause increasing damage to the world’s forests, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; whereas scaling up investments in nature-based solutions is one of the most cost-effective remedies to tackle emissions and protect vital ecosystems, while improving livelihoods, resilience and food security;

| E. | whereas there is a need for far-reaching, ambitious and concerted action, underpinned by political and societal will, to protect and restore the world’s forests; |
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E.

whereas there is a need for far-reaching, ambitious and concerted action, underpinned by political and societal will, to protect and restore the world’s forests;

| F. | whereas stepping up action to protect and restore forests and enhance the quantity and quality of forest ecosystems has to play a crucial role in the EU’s and Member States’ sustainability policies and in reaching the objectives of the European Green Deal; whereas in order to limit global warming and help tackle biodiversity loss, it is essential that forests are protected, restored and managed in such a way as to maximise their capacity for carbon storage and biodiversity protection; whereas primary forests provide more carbon dioxide storage and essential habitat that is missing from younger and newly planted forests; |
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F.

whereas stepping up action to protect and restore forests and enhance the quantity and quality of forest ecosystems has to play a crucial role in the EU’s and Member States’ sustainability policies and in reaching the objectives of the European Green Deal; whereas in order to limit global warming and help tackle biodiversity loss, it is essential that forests are protected, restored and managed in such a way as to maximise their capacity for carbon storage and biodiversity protection; whereas primary forests provide more carbon dioxide storage and essential habitat that is missing from younger and newly planted forests;

| G. | whereas according to the FAO State of the World’s Forests Report 2020, globally, ‘agricultural expansion continues to be the main driver of deforestation’ alongside urban expansion, infrastructure development and mining; whereas there is a need to work closely with the EU’s partner countries and different stakeholders to enhance innovative and positive interactions between agriculture and forestry to build sustainable agricultural systems and improve food security; whereas the EU is also indirectly involved in the deforestation and degradation of world forests and other natural ecosystems through the import and consumption of commodities associated with deforestation, such as soy, palm oil, rubber, maize, beef, leather and cocoa; whereas EU consumption represents around 10 % of the global share of deforestation embodied in total final consumption; |
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G.

whereas according to the FAO State of the World’s Forests Report 2020, globally, ‘agricultural expansion continues to be the main driver of deforestation’ alongside urban expansion, infrastructure development and mining; whereas there is a need to work closely with the EU’s partner countries and different stakeholders to enhance innovative and positive interactions between agriculture and forestry to build sustainable agricultural systems and improve food security; whereas the EU is also indirectly involved in the deforestation and degradation of world forests and other natural ecosystems through the import and consumption of commodities associated with deforestation, such as soy, palm oil, rubber, maize, beef, leather and cocoa; whereas EU consumption represents around 10 % of the global share of deforestation embodied in total final consumption;

| H. | whereas a recent Global Witness investigation revealed that between 2013 and 2019, EU-based financial institutions were the main international source of funds for six agribusiness companies linked to forest destruction in the Amazon, Congo Basin and Papua New Guinea, whom they backed to the tune of EUR 7 billion (9); |
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H.

whereas a recent Global Witness investigation revealed that between 2013 and 2019, EU-based financial institutions were the main international source of funds for six agribusiness companies linked to forest destruction in the Amazon, Congo Basin and Papua New Guinea, whom they backed to the tune of EUR 7 billion (9);

| I. | whereas current voluntary commitments from companies and banks to tackle deforestation have failed to deliver the change in behaviour needed to halt this disastrous environmental destruction; |
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I.

whereas current voluntary commitments from companies and banks to tackle deforestation have failed to deliver the change in behaviour needed to halt this disastrous environmental destruction;

| J. | whereas the negative impact of the Renewable Energy Directive on the world’s and EU’s forests required the directive to be recast (10); whereas the changes introduced will not address the problem however; |
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J.

whereas the negative impact of the Renewable Energy Directive on the world’s and EU’s forests required the directive to be recast (10); whereas the changes introduced will not address the problem however;

| K. | whereas subsidies for bioenergy from wood should be redirected towards energy efficiency and renewable energy; |
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K.

whereas subsidies for bioenergy from wood should be redirected towards energy efficiency and renewable energy;

| L. | whereas the applicable rules of the Renewable Energy Directive are based on the understanding that dedicated energy harvests are sustainable, climate neutral and enable the source to be renewed within a suitable time frame; whereas this understanding is erroneous; |
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L.

whereas the applicable rules of the Renewable Energy Directive are based on the understanding that dedicated energy harvests are sustainable, climate neutral and enable the source to be renewed within a suitable time frame; whereas this understanding is erroneous;

| M. | whereas action at all levels, including regulatory measures and stricter enforcement of current legislation, as well as substantial public and private investment, will be needed to protect the world’s forests and other natural ecosystems more effectively; whereas this can only be achieved by ensuring policy coherence across all sectors and between the EU’s internal and external policies through the application of the do no harm principle; |
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M.

whereas action at all levels, including regulatory measures and stricter enforcement of current legislation, as well as substantial public and private investment, will be needed to protect the world’s forests and other natural ecosystems more effectively; whereas this can only be achieved by ensuring policy coherence across all sectors and between the EU’s internal and external policies through the application of the do no harm principle;

| N. | whereas increased protection and restoration of forests and other natural ecosystems, as well as sustainable forest management, are important to preserve the livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities, provide opportunities for social and economic development and job creation, and allow for sustainable bio-economies to be developed, while enhancing ecosystem services and protecting biodiversity; whereas forests represent a green economic sector with the potential to create between 10 and 16 million jobs worldwide; |
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N.

whereas increased protection and restoration of forests and other natural ecosystems, as well as sustainable forest management, are important to preserve the livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities, provide opportunities for social and economic development and job creation, and allow for sustainable bio-economies to be developed, while enhancing ecosystem services and protecting biodiversity; whereas forests represent a green economic sector with the potential to create between 10 and 16 million jobs worldwide;

| O. | whereas mangrove forests fulfil crucial ecosystem services, as they store large amounts of carbon, are an important spawn location for many species of coral reef fish, and protect coral reefs from nutrient loads and sediments, and coastal areas from flooding; whereas until recently, mangrove forests covered more than three quarters of tropical coasts, but more than half has been lost due to coastal development, aquaculture, pollution and unsustainable use; |
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O.

whereas mangrove forests fulfil crucial ecosystem services, as they store large amounts of carbon, are an important spawn location for many species of coral reef fish, and protect coral reefs from nutrient loads and sediments, and coastal areas from flooding; whereas until recently, mangrove forests covered more than three quarters of tropical coasts, but more than half has been lost due to coastal development, aquaculture, pollution and unsustainable use;

| P. | whereas the conversion of mangrove forests causes 10 % of carbon emissions from deforestation, despite mangroves representing just 0,7 % of tropical forests (11); |
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P.

whereas the conversion of mangrove forests causes 10 % of carbon emissions from deforestation, despite mangroves representing just 0,7 % of tropical forests (11);

| Q. | whereas the amount of EU funding provided to support the protection and restoration of forests and sustainable forest management in partner countries is insufficient given the scale of the problem; whereas the protection, restoration and sustainable management of forests and other natural ecosystems, as well as their related co-benefits and human rights aspects, need to be better integrated into EU funding mechanisms; |
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Q.

whereas the amount of EU funding provided to support the protection and restoration of forests and sustainable forest management in partner countries is insufficient given the scale of the problem; whereas the protection, restoration and sustainable management of forests and other natural ecosystems, as well as their related co-benefits and human rights aspects, need to be better integrated into EU funding mechanisms;

| R. | whereas the EU and its Member States have a long tradition of and expertise in sustainable forest management and can use this to assist other countries in capacity-building in this field; |
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R.

whereas the EU and its Member States have a long tradition of and expertise in sustainable forest management and can use this to assist other countries in capacity-building in this field;

| S. | whereas indigenous peoples, local communities and environmental defenders are increasingly under threat and being subjected to intimidation, while facing human rights violations in their efforts to protect their forests, land and environment; |
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S.

whereas indigenous peoples, local communities and environmental defenders are increasingly under threat and being subjected to intimidation, while facing human rights violations in their efforts to protect their forests, land and environment;

| T. | whereas the chances of pathogens like viruses passing from wild and domestic animals to humans (zoonoses) may be increased by the destruction and modification of natural ecosystems; |
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T.

whereas the chances of pathogens like viruses passing from wild and domestic animals to humans (zoonoses) may be increased by the destruction and modification of natural ecosystems;

| U. | whereas a sustainable and effective forest policy requires reliable information on forest resources, their condition, and how they are managed and used, along with reliable information on land-use change; |
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U.

whereas a sustainable and effective forest policy requires reliable information on forest resources, their condition, and how they are managed and used, along with reliable information on land-use change;

| V. | whereas forests and the forest-based value chain are fundamental to the further development of the circular bio-economy by providing jobs and economic welfare in rural and urban areas, delivering climate change mitigation and offering health-related benefits; |
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V.

whereas forests and the forest-based value chain are fundamental to the further development of the circular bio-economy by providing jobs and economic welfare in rural and urban areas, delivering climate change mitigation and offering health-related benefits;

| 1. | Welcomes the Commission communication ‘Stepping up EU Action to Protect and Restore the World’s Forests’ and considers it a good basis for decisive action; agrees with the five priorities presented in the communication; underlines that these priorities are all necessary to halt and reverse deforestation and the degradation of natural ecosystems, in particular forests, as well as biodiversity loss and related human rights violations, and need to be implemented speedily and coherently; recalls, however, that the EU and its Member States should be more ambitious in their actions to meet their commitments and address the urgency of deforestation and forest degradation worldwide; underlines the importance of a comprehensive set of actions and initiatives, including new regulatory measures, which are effective, complementary, enforceable, and include monitoring; |
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1.

| 2. | Stresses the need to recognise the EU’s competences, responsibility and funds available in the area of forest protection, including European forests as part of the world’s forests, in the framework of EU environmental policy; reiterates that the success of our external action and of our partners’ response to protect their forests depends on how effective and ambitious we are in relation to our natural heritage; calls, therefore, on the Commission and the Member States to ensure, in line with the European Green Deal and the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, the highest standards of environmental protection and greater consistency between the task of protecting and restoring forests both within the EU and in its external action; |
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2.

| 3. | Recalls that the EU and its Member States are expected to take urgent action to protect and restore forests in order to meet their commitments under the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, the Global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030 and its Global Forest Goals; |
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3.

| 4. | Highlights the role of forests in increasing resilience towards adverse impacts from climate change; underlines the need for concrete and effective action in climate adaptation strategies and plans, incorporating the synergies between mitigation and adaptation; |
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4.

| 5. | Emphasises the positive contribution of forests to human health and the quality of life of citizens and the high environmental value provided in terms of carbon sequestration, storing water, controlling erosion and providing protection from landslides; |
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5.

| 6. | Underlines the fact that the drivers of deforestation go beyond the forest sector per se and relate to a wide range of issues, such as land tenure, protection of the rights of indigenous peoples, agricultural policies, climate change, democracy, human rights and political freedom; |
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6.

| 7. | Highlights that indigenous women and women farmers play a central role in protecting forest ecosystems; notes with concern, however, the absence of women’s inclusion and empowerment in the natural resource management process; believes that gender equality in forestry education plays a key role in the sustainable management of forests and should be reflected in the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan; |
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7.

| 8. | Calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to address deforestation holistically through a coherent policy framework, while ensuring the conservation of ecosystems; recalls the importance of respecting the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; supports the ongoing negotiations to create a binding UN instrument on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights and stresses the importance of the EU being proactively involved in this process; |
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8.

| 9. | Agrees with and highlights the reference in the Commission communication to the irreplaceable nature of primary forests and calls on the Commission and Member States to recognise that the protection of native forests provides an outstanding climate mitigation benefit, deriving from the size and longevity of their ecosystem carbon stocks; stresses that afforestation, performed in a way that is compatible with the protection and enhancement of local ecosystems, can help to reach climate neutrality by 2050, while noting that newly planted forests cannot replace primary forests; highlights that safeguarding forests should be a political priority of the EU; emphasises that the EU should lead by example and ensure implementation of its own and Member States’ international social and environmental commitments, including on climate, biodiversity and human rights; |
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9.

| 10. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure effective implementation of existing priority areas, and to include binding targets for the protection and restoration of forest ecosystems, especially primary forests, as part of the EU’s future forest strategy, which should be fully consistent with the proposal outlined in the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy for binding targets on restoration and protected areas; underlines the importance of providing adequate support and funding for these measures; |
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10.

| 11. | Underlines that specific attention should be paid to mangroves and forests in coastal areas, which are particularly impacted by climate change and represent a great opportunity for preservation, adaptation and mitigation policies; regrets the fact that the Commission communication lacks any mention of mangrove forests; stresses that 80 % of terrestrial biodiversity can be found in forests and that mangrove forests are important both from a climate and biodiversity point of view, as well as for the livelihood of the respective local communities; |
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11.

| 12. | Stresses the role of civil society in environmental protection and sustainable consumption and calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure full transparency and public participation in forest and land use-related measures in order to prevent deforestation and forest degradation, promote forest protection and sustainable forest management, and support the protection and restoration of natural forests, at regional and global levels; stresses the importance of establishing a platform for multi-stakeholder and Member State dialogue on deforestation, forest degradation and ways of sustainably increasing the world’s forest cover in order to build alliances, enter into joint commitments, halt deforestation, and exchange experiences and information; |
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12.

| 13. | Stresses the crucial role, rights and need for support of indigenous peoples and local communities, including women, in the protection of the world’s forests and in the decision-making process concerning those forests; recognises, furthermore, the threats and human rights violations they are facing; calls on the Commission, therefore, to take their role into account and involve them in the design, adoption, implementation and enforcement of forest protection measures, whether at global, EU, national or sub-national level; |
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13.

| 14. | Recalls that many farmers are aware of forests as an integral and necessary part of the landscape for their relevant ecological, economic and social functions, and that historically they strived to protect, use and regenerate forests, and continue to do so now; notes that certain local communities and indigenous peoples have used traditional farming techniques for centuries to preserve forests, with their special understanding of sustainable land use; |
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14.

| 15. | Recalls that indigenous peoples, local communities, smallholder farmers and women possess and heavily rely on indispensable knowledge regarding forests; calls for the EU to ensure the recognition of their land tenure and human rights as a matter of social justice, in line with the UN FAO Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests (VGGT), the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169, as well as their effective participation in the design and implementation of EU development programmes which have an impact on them and in the enforcement of forest protection measures, building upon the lessons learnt from the FLEGT programme; |
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15.

| 16. | Recalls the importance of adequate access to justice, legal remedies and effective protection for whistleblowers in natural resource-exporting countries in order to ensure the efficiency of any legislation or initiative; calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up their support for environmental and forest defenders in the EU and worldwide; |
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16.

| 17. | Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to increasing supply chain and investment sustainability and transparency in order to ensure the consumption of products from deforestation-free supply chains; reiterates the importance of a comprehensive set of actions and initiatives in this regard; |
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17.

| 18. | Calls on the Commission, in developing any such actions and initiatives, to also consider how these can best contribute to the protection of other relevant natural ecosystems at serious risk of degradation or conversion; |
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18.

| 19. | Takes the view that a single definition of the concept of a deforestation-free supply chain is central to addressing the problem of commodities contributing to deforestation, and calls on the Commission to propose an ambitious definition; highlights, in this context, the strong connection between forest-based value chains and the SDGs; |
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19.

| 20. | Notes that the promotion of transparent certification schemes for non-deforestation commodities is one of a number of appropriate tools; points out, however, that the main purpose of such schemes must be to combat deforestation; |
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20.

| 21. | Calls on the Commission to carry out without delay studies on certification and verification schemes in the forest sector and for wood-based products and on certification schemes for non-deforestation commodities; invites the Commission to submit these studies to Parliament for further consideration, together with the proposed follow-up actions and measures so as to encourage more stringent standards and ensure the transparency of certification and third party verification schemes; |
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21.

| 22. | Welcomes the Commission’s announcement to further integrate deforestation considerations within the EU Ecolabel, green public procurement and other initiatives in the context of the circular economy, as part of a comprehensive set of actions and initiatives to ensure deforestation-free supply chains; |
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22.

| 23. | Reiterates its request to the Commission to present, without delay, an impact-assessed proposal for an EU legal framework based on due diligence, in order to ensure sustainable and deforestation-free supply chains for products and commodities placed on the EU market, with a particular focus on tackling the main drivers of imported deforestation; considers that such a framework should be enforceable and in line with international standards and obligations, should apply to the whole supply chain once careful evaluation has concluded that it is functional and applicable to all actors on the market, including SMEs, and should be accompanied by a robust enforcement mechanism, including effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties; points out that EU measures in this regard should not lead to income loss for the people in developing countries, but to new economic opportunities and an overall transformation into a more sustainable economy; calls on the Commission to declare its support on the issue of the sustainability of supply chains, including deforestation and forest degradation, in the relevant international commodity trade forums; |
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23.

| 24. | Calls on the Commission to come forward with due diligence requirements for financial institutions to identify, prevent and mitigate the environmental, social and human rights impacts of EU-driven deforestation in order to guarantee that no EU finance or banking entity is linked — either directly or indirectly — to deforestation, forest degradation, the conversion or degradation of natural ecosystems or human rights violations; |
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24.

| 25. | Stresses the role of forest owners and managers in ensuring sustainable forest development; highlights that European forest industries can contribute to advancing global standards for sustainable forest management; believes that European industries, SMEs and micro-enterprises in the forest sector should also play a role in the dialogue with partner countries on how to further promote sustainability throughout the entire value chain; |
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25.

| 26. | Calls on the private sector to be more proactive in the fight against deforestation in their supply chains and investments, by fulfilling their deforestation commitments and ensuring full transparency on the compliance with their commitments; highlights the need to leverage private investments to address drivers of deforestation and to realise the SDGs and the Paris Agreement; calls, at the same time, on the Commission to step up cooperation with the private sector and to develop appropriate instruments to incentivise frontrunners based on the principle of shared responsibility; welcomes the ongoing review of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (12) and invites the Commission to step up the quality and scope of non-financial disclosures, in particular on environmental aspects, and to promote the integration of forest-relevant considerations into corporate social responsibility; further recalls the importance of respecting the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; supports the ongoing negotiations to create a binding UN instrument on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights and stresses the importance of the EU being proactively involved in this process; |
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26.

| 27. | Calls on the Commission to assess, together with the private sector and other development actors, new disaster risk finance and insurance solutions against catastrophic events affecting a large number of hectares of forest; |
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27.

| 28. | Calls on the Commission to support and stimulate industry-driven innovation and initiatives to enhance sustainability in value chains; |
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28.

| 29. | Considers it necessary to redirect financial flows, both private and public, in the relevant industrial sectors towards activities that do not cause deforestation; recalls that by 31 December 2021, the Commission should assess the provisions required to extend the scope of the Taxonomy Regulation (13) to economic activities that significantly harm environmental sustainability; |
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29.

| 30. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make efficient use of blended finance mechanisms to attract private sector finance into forest restoration; |
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30.

| 31. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to propose specific measures to strengthen the political and regulatory framework supporting the protection and restoration of forests and sustainable forest management at global level, and to provide guidance and specific measures on sustainable land-use planning; calls on the Commission to promote an exchange of best practices among the Member States and with third countries; calls on the Commission, furthermore, to encourage legal reform processes in producer countries to be carried out with the effective and meaningful participation of all stakeholders, including civil society, indigenous peoples and local communities, with special attention for the effective participation of women; |
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31.

| 32. | Stresses the importance of promoting sustainable forest management and a sustainable bioeconomy; acknowledges that sustainable forest management models and sustainable land use globally can contribute to preventing deforestation and forest degradation and should be based on the highest sustainability standards, reconciling economic, environmental and societal sustainability, with the protection of biodiversity and valuable carbon sinks as central elements while retaining their intrinsic value, productivity and ecosystem services; calls on the Commission to promote sustainable forestry and agriculture and to develop incentive mechanisms for small farmers and local communities in partner countries to maintain and improve ecosystem services and products obtained through sustainable forestry and agriculture; stresses the importance of agroforestry systems for agricultural production, diversification, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the prevention of desertification; points out that these agroforestry systems are characterised by higher effectivity of land use than other agricultural systems; calls for a change in order to systematically incentivise existing high-nature-value agroforestry systems, facilitate their restoration and provide capacity-building to streamline this method of production; |
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32.

| 33. | Highlights the fact that Horizon 2020 has already financed significant research and innovation in the transition towards more sustainable land-use practices and supply chains in order to halt deforestation and forest degradation; calls for increased funding to enable Horizon Europe to continue providing support in these areas; |
| --- | --- |

33.

| 34. | Draws attention to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Ministerial Katowice Declaration on Forests for the Climate adopted by the international community on 12 December 2018, which emphasises the importance of forests and timber use for climate protection and sets those issues in the context of other international forest-related objectives and decisions; notes that, as stated in the declaration, these objectives can only be achieved by means of multifunctional active forest management, which means a management strategy that takes account of and strikes a balance between all forest-related objectives, such as carbon storage, species and soil protection, extraction of raw materials, leisure and food production; |
| --- | --- |

34.

| 35. | Stresses the crucial role of forestry, along with farming, in the management of natural resources and land use in the EU’s and the world’s rural areas; recognises, in this respect, the variety in forest management, forest ownership, agroforestry and possibilities between the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

35.

| 36. | Stresses that the methods used to achieve the objectives set out in the Clean Energy for all Europeans package must not lead to deforestation and forest degradation in other parts of the world; calls on the Commission, therefore, to review by 2021 the relevant aspects of the report annexed to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/807 (14) and, if necessary, to revise this regulation without undue delay, and in any case before 2023, on the basis of scientific knowledge and in accordance with the precautionary principle; asks the Commission to reassess soy data and phase out high indirect land-use change (ILUC)-risk biofuels as soon as possible and by 2030 at the latest; |
| --- | --- |

36.

| 37. | Stresses the need to reduce the EU’s consumption of wood and wood-based products by promoting a more circular economy, minimising the generation of waste and by promoting consumer awareness on the ecological consequences of wood-based commodities; |
| --- | --- |

37.

| 38. | Recalls the letter by more than 700 scientists calling for a scientifically-sound revision of the Renewable Energy Directive, in particular the exclusion of certain types of woody biomass from counting towards the target and from the eligibility to receive support; |
| --- | --- |

38.

| 39. | Denounces the increasing use of wood for biofuels and bioenergy, which is creating pressure on the EU’s and the world’s forests in the light of the rising demand for energy from renewable sources; |
| --- | --- |

39.

| 40. | Notes that COP23 witnessed the ambition of a number of countries, rich in primary and highly-biodiverse forests and representing half of the world population, to increase the use of wood and other plant matter to generate energy (15); reiterates that the EU should not set the wrong example and must ensure that rules guiding renewable energy policy do not lead to decimated and degraded ecosystems; |
| --- | --- |

40.

| 41. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to take full account of the impact that the increased use of biofuels has on deforestation; calls on the Commission, therefore, to fundamentally reform EU bioenergy policies, namely by revising the Renewable Energy Directive; |
| --- | --- |

41.

| 42. | Calls on the Commission to ensure effective measures for the sustainable production and use of wood fuels in view, inter alia, of the high level of imports of wood pellets into the EU and the potential risks that these imports pose to forests in third countries; considers that the principle of cascading use should be encouraged and can be used as a beneficial way to improve resource efficiency; |
| --- | --- |

42.

| 43. | Recalls that around 2,6 billion people worldwide use traditional biomass for cooking, mainly wood and charcoal, while almost three quarters of them do not have access to efficient stoves; calls for the EU to step up support to third countries in order to switch to sustainable and renewable energy sources, and reduce the pressure of deforestation caused by the use of wood as fuel; highlights that if the energy systems of third countries were more decentralised, it would allow for a straightforward transition to sustainable renewable energy sources; |
| --- | --- |

43.

| 44. | Notes that the social and economic importance of agriculture is expanding as the world population grows and requires increased production of food and agricultural commodities while mitigating climate change; notes with concern the estimate that 14 % of the world’s food is lost from harvest, slaughter and catch-up (16) and stresses the need for coherent actions to prevent food loss and food waste along the food chain and to respond rapidly to crises that could cause food shortages; |
| --- | --- |

44.

| 45. | Stresses the importance of promoting sustainable diets, by raising consumer awareness of the impacts of consumption patterns and providing information on diets that are better for human health and have a lower environmental footprint; |
| --- | --- |

45.

| 46. | Underlines the need for further significant progress to be made when it comes to developing and implementing an EU protein plant strategy and ensuring robust protein plant production within the EU in order to limit the danger of deforestation linked to these crops in other regions of the world and to reduce the dependence on imports and to reduce the pressure on forests due to land use change; stresses that such progress should be made, inter alia, through the wider adoption of crop rotation accompanied by support and guidance for farmers in areas suitable for cultivation of protein plants and that such action would reduce the dependence on imports, deforestation, degradation and pressure on forests due to land-use change; calls, therefore, for the introduction of sustainability criteria for plant protein imports; |
| --- | --- |

46.

| 47. | Takes the view that the drivers of deforestation should be addressed in an EU policy framework, thereby ensuring the coherence of forest-related policies and reducing the pressure on forests; takes the view that such a policy framework would encourage ever more innovative, sustainable and efficient farming within and outside the EU, and would reduce food losses throughout the food chain through new technologies; points out that targets outlined in the framework can be met by giving farmers easy access to funding so that they can acquire cutting-edge high-precision farming technologies; |
| --- | --- |

47.

| 48. | Stresses that, while farmers are at the heart of providing our basic agricultural and food needs, their work is dependent on natural resources such as soil, water and forests; notes that recognising the multifunctionality of forests is crucial in order to properly manage our global forest heritage; emphasises that the economic, social and environmental aspects — ranging from the traditional production of wood and other products, to ecosystem services, biodiversity and other environmental benefits such as carbon absorption and storage, which prevent soil erosion and improved air and water quality — are all linked and interdependent; stresses that such aspects require a holistic and coherent approach when it comes to protecting, restoring and managing forests and tackling the problem of deforestation; |
| --- | --- |

48.

| 49. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take specific steps to harmonise data and improve the availability of information and data obtained through existing and new monitoring and assessment tools relating to the world’s and the EU’s forests, and to ensure that the information is disseminated in a form that is accessible, user-friendly and comprehensible to regulatory and enforcement authorities, the public, consumers and the private sector and ready to use by policymakers; calls on the Member States to improve their statistics on the volume of wood they purchase, including the indication of how much sustainable, legal or FLEGT-licensed material might be included within their procurement; |
| --- | --- |

49.

| 50. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up efforts to improve the availability, quality and harmonisation of reliable information on forest resources and land-use change in order to inform policymaking through the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including in partner countries. |
| --- | --- |

50.

| 51. | Stresses that credible and reliable forest monitoring and information sharing are essential to improving forest governance and facilitating compliance with zero-deforestation commitments in partner countries; calls for the EU to step up financial and technical support to partner countries to achieve these ends and to help them develop the expertise necessary to improve local forest governance structures and accountability; |
| --- | --- |

51.

| 52. | Stresses that illegal logging is an ongoing practice not only in third countries, but also in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to act decisively to prevent and fight illegal logging; calls on the Commission to establish a European forest surveying and preservation system based on a monitoring system using GNSS (Galileo and Copernicus) and ground networks in order to monitor the activity from logging from the point of harvesting to the entry and exit points of timber processing companies; stresses that the Commission should focus on preventing illegal logging by enhancing the implementation of the Timber Regulation (17) and FLEGT; underlines the need to raise public awareness of the social and economic impacts of illegal logging and forest-related crimes; |
| --- | --- |

52.

| 53. | Recalls that the risk of wildfires is expected to increase due to climate change; underlines the need, therefore, to considerably strengthen prevention and preparedness efforts by collaborating internationally on early warning tools, disaster resilience and risk mitigation measures; recommends that the Commission continue to support the development of global (such as the Global Wildfire Information System) and regional (such as the European Forest Fire Information System) information systems to monitor the impact of forest fires; calls on the Commission to use its expertise and expand the use of the Copernicus REDD+ satellite system to support global forest risk monitoring and deforestation in collaboration with third countries; |
| --- | --- |

53.

| 54. | Reiterates that EU trade and investment policy should include binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters that fully respect international commitments, in particular the Paris Agreement, and are compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules; welcomes the Commission’s intention to make the Paris Agreement an essential element of all future trade and investment agreements; calls on the Commission to ensure that all future trade and investment agreements, both comprehensive and relevant sub-agreements, contain binding and enforceable provisions, including illegal logging-related anti-corruption provisions, to prevent deforestation and forest degradation; |
| --- | --- |

54.

| 55. | Welcomes the ‘do no harm’ principle as highlighted in the communication on the European Green Deal; recommends, in that context, that the Commission better assess the impact of existing trade agreements on deforestation and ensure that more ambitious forest protection, biodiversity and sustainable forestry provisions are included in the trade and sustainable development chapters of all free trade and investment agreements; |
| --- | --- |

55.

| 56. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that the impact of trade agreements on the state of forests, biodiversity and human rights is systematically evaluated within the framework of sustainability impact assessments and other relevant assessment methods, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, and that the conclusions of these assessments are subsequently fully taken into account when negotiating and concluding such agreements; |
| --- | --- |

56.

| 57. | Emphasises the need to further improve implementation and enforcement of the Timber Regulation to best tackle trade in imported and domestic illegally harvested timber and timber products; notes, moreover, that imports of timber and timber products should be more thoroughly checked at EU borders to ensure that the imported products do indeed comply with the criteria necessary for their placing on the EU market; recalls that conflict timber is already an action area in the FLEGT Action Plan, but that the work done to address this issue has been insufficient; calls on the Commission to deliver on its commitment to extend the due diligence obligations provided by the Timber Regulation so as to cover conflict timber in the framework of the upcoming review; stresses that the strengthening of existing policies must go hand in hand with increased policy coherence to ensure that EU policies, including trade, do not create negative impacts on the environment or people; |
| --- | --- |

57.

| 58. | Notes with regret that the current level of monitoring of imports of timber and timber products into the EU is insufficient, especially with regard to checking that they meet the criteria necessary for entry into the EU; |
| --- | --- |

58.

| 59. | Recalls that the objective of the FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) is to provide a legal framework aimed at ensuring that all timber and timber product imports from partner countries into the EU that are covered by VPAs have been produced legally; stresses that VPAs are generally intended to foster systemic changes in the forestry sector with the aim of developing sustainable management of forests, eradicating illegal logging and supporting worldwide efforts to stop deforestation and forest degradation; underlines that VPAs provide an important legal framework for both the EU and its partner countries, made possible by good cooperation and engagement on the part of the countries concerned; |
| --- | --- |

59.

| 60. | Welcomes the progress made through FLEGT VPAs, and the increased dialogue between governments, industry and civil society in several countries resulting from the VPA process; notes that to date, seven countries have ratified VPAs with the EU (Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Ghana, Indonesia, Liberia, the Republic of the Congo and Vietnam), among which Indonesia is the first and so far the only VPA partner with FLEGT licencing, which has been operational since 2016, and that the EU has concluded negotiations and initialled VPAs with Honduras and Guyana, while negotiations are ongoing with six other countries (Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Laos, Thailand and Malaysia); stresses that VPAs constitute a very effective framework within which to establish good partnerships with those countries, and that new VPAs with additional partners should be promoted; is convinced that the EU should continue to engage with FLEGT VPA countries to ensure it remains an attractive alternative to export markets with less stringent environmental standards; acknowledges the importance of the FLEGT Regulation (18) and the Timber Regulation in preventing the entry of illegally harvested timber into the EU market; calls for the EU to increase funding for FLEGT; welcomes the Commission’s upcoming fitness check of the FLEGT Regulation and the Timber Regulation, also as an opportunity to strengthen their enforcement and to widen their scope; |
| --- | --- |

60.

| 61. | Calls on the Commission, when strengthening existing policies, to ensure the coherence of the FLEGT VPAs with all its policies, including in the fields of development, environment, agriculture and trade; calls on the Commission to negotiate timber import standards in future bilateral or multilateral trade-related agreements, in order to avoid undermining the successes achieved through the FLEGT Action Plan with timber-producing countries; |
| --- | --- |

61.

| 62. | Believes that the FLEGT licensing process complements voluntary third-party certification, and that it is particularly beneficial for smaller operators that often struggle to obtain certification through private sector schemes; |
| --- | --- |

62.

| 63. | Calls for the EU to strengthen international cooperation by increasing efforts in key international forums, including the WTO and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); calls on the Commission to investigate avenues for multi-, pluri-, or bilateral cooperation, including speeding up negotiations at the WTO on an Environmental Goods Agreement, with trade partners and other importing countries in the fight against deforestation and climate change resulting from imports, while safeguarding avenues for legal trade and strengthening sustainable land management and agriculture, as well as land tenure and good governance in third countries; |
| --- | --- |

63.

| 64. | Stresses that clear commitments to the fight against deforestation are included in all new trade agreements including Mercosur and others; |
| --- | --- |

64.

| 65. | Calls on the Commission to make use of the new provisions of the Anti-Dumping Regulation (19) concerning environment and climate policies; |
| --- | --- |

65.

| 66. | Calls for the EU to make a stronger link between trade and development policies, inter alia by better implementing the rules of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in partner countries; calls on the Commission to work with GSP+ recipients on forestry management action plans to ensure the effective implementation of their environmental commitments. |
| --- | --- |

66.

| 67. | Stresses that the climate emergency and the consequences of mass biodiversity loss constitute a grave threat to human rights; calls for the EU and the European External Action Service to thoroughly assess how their external action can best contribute to a holistic and human rights-based approach aimed at stopping biodiversity loss, forest deforestation and degradation; calls for the EU to further promote biodiversity as a human right in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework; |
| --- | --- |

67.

| 68. | Stresses the importance of facilitating an inclusive partnership approach at all levels with third countries in order to further combat deforestation and forest degradation, strengthen sustainable land management and agriculture, as well as land tenure and good governance, while respecting human rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, smallholders and local communities; calls on the Commission to strengthen cooperation with third countries through technical assistance, exchange of information and good practices in preservation, conservation and sustainable use of forests, the circular economy, a sustainable bio-economy, renewable energy, sustainable smart agriculture, agro-ecology and agroforestry, while recognising sustainability initiatives by the private sector, such as fair trade schemes; insists that the external dimension of the European Green Deal should be further strengthened through alliances and partnerships aimed at addressing global challenges like climate change and biodiversity while facilitating the socio-economic development of partner countries; |
| --- | --- |

68.

| 69. | Welcomes the Commission’s plan to ensure that the topic of deforestation is part of country-level and regional political dialogues with partner countries and encourages the Commission to develop partnership agreements which include the protection of forests and ecosystems, the promotion of human rights, in particular the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, including women, as well as support for the effective participation of civil society actors and environmentalists; stresses that such dialogues should be held with all producer countries, including developed countries; |
| --- | --- |

69.

| 70. | Welcomes the Commission’s plan to support partner countries in designing and implementing frameworks that can encourage better forest protection and management and land governance, including, where relevant, the recognition of land tenure rights of indigenous peoples and local communities, as well as related governance measures, such as mitigation and adaptation strategies, and recommends that the Commission include this aspect in its reflections and actions; points out that such frameworks should contribute not only to domestic needs but also to partner countries’ nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement as well as their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) under the Convention on Biological Diversity; |
| --- | --- |

70.

| 71. | Calls for the EU to provide support to partner countries to implement actions that will help them comply with any measures the EU may set up to address imported deforestation and calls for cooperation to be stepped up and for the necessary and effective measures to be taken to prevent trade in goods related to deforestation and forest degradation from being diverted to other regions of the world; calls on the Commission to ensure that support provided by the EU for agricultural, infrastructure, mining, urban, peri-urban and rural policies in partner countries does not contribute to deforestation and forest degradation; invites the Commission, together with the Member States, to support an EU technical and financial mechanism which would catalyse funding to support partners’ efforts to sustainably use, protect and restore forests, improve sustainable, deforestation-free agricultural production, and address mining activities with adverse impacts on forests, under the upcoming Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI); |
| --- | --- |

71.

| 72. | Calls for the forestry sector to feature strongly in the upcoming NDICI and for the full potential of the External Investment Plan and regional blending facilities to be exploited in leveraging private funding for sustainable forest management (ranging from proforestation to reforestation and afforestation), sustainable tourism and agroforestry, as well as the initiatives taken by companies to eliminate deforestation products from their supply chains, with the aim of achieving the SDGs; |
| --- | --- |

72.

| 73. | Recommends that the Commission and the Member States identify effective methods for sharing with other countries innovative and sustainable EU practices and expertise on the circular economy, sustainable bio-economy, renewable energy, sustainable smart agriculture and other relevant areas; |
| --- | --- |

73.

| 74. | Requests that the Commission regularly present a report covering the trends of deforestation and exploitation of high carbon stock areas, such as peatlands, in third countries; |
| --- | --- |

74.

| 75. | Encourages the implementation of support measures intended to increase agricultural productivity in targeted countries in order to reduce the social and economic pressure linked to deforestation and the exploitation of peatlands; |
| --- | --- |

75.

| 76. | Supports the Commission’s intention to promote, on behalf of the EU in key international forums, the adoption and implementation of strict commitments and regulations to halt deforestation and forest degradation and to support forest restoration; considers that the EU must lead by example; underlines the importance of taking national, regional and local expertise and practices into account when applying forest protective measures; welcomes the UN General Assembly’s decision to proclaim 2021-2030 as the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration; underlines that this UN Decade positions the restoration of ecosystems as a major nature-based solution towards meeting a wide range of SDGs; |
| --- | --- |

76.

| 77. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue to support forest conservation through the creation, consolidation and effective management of networks of protected areas, including forest areas, such as NaturAfrica 2030, especially in countries that are major timber producers; recognises that this also contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and will strengthen the EU’s position at the next Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity; |
| --- | --- |

77.

| 78. | Welcomes the Commission’s plan to strengthen international cooperation on policies and measures to protect, restore and sustainably manage the world’s forests to prevent global deforestation in key international forums; notes that the existing definition of a forest and the categorisation of forests, as well as other relevant concepts and principles related to sustainable forest management used by relevant institutions such as the FAO, are strictly technical and do not fully reflect the diversity of forest ecosystems; calls on the Commission and the Member States to endeavour to cooperate with these key international forums with a view, inter alia, to harmonising the terminology, concepts and statistics in use (e.g. intact and old-growth forests, plantation, sustainable forest management, close-to-nature management or deforestation-free supply chains) and to ensuring the coherence of the policies and measures adopted; |
| --- | --- |

78.

| 79. | Calls on the Commission to restart the negotiations for an international forest convention that would contribute to the management, conservation and sustainable development of forests and would provide for their multiple and complementary functions and uses, including action towards reforestation, afforestation and forest conservation; stresses that such a convention should take into account the social, economic, ecological, cultural and spiritual needs of present and future generations and recognise the vital role of all types of forests in maintaining ecological processes and the ecological balance and supporting the identity, culture and rights of indigenous peoples, their communities and other communities and forest dwellers; |
| --- | --- |

79.

| 80. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to systematically integrate provisions on deforestation and forest degradation, as well as the degradation of other natural ecosystems, biodiversity loss and human rights violations, into development policies and all investment and support programmes aimed at producer countries and to consider making investments and support conditional on compliance with these elements; |
| --- | --- |

80.

| 81. | Recognises the relevance of international frameworks such as the VGGT in offering legal clarity and internationally accepted standards of good practice for the responsible governance of land tenure; invites the Commission to support the diffusion and use of the VGGT at global, regional and country level; stresses the need for effective independent monitoring and enforcement, including appropriate dispute resolution and grievance mechanisms, to ensure compliance with the VGGT; |
| --- | --- |

81.

| 82. | Calls for cooperation between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) to be strengthened in order to tackle the increasing problem of deforestation and desertification in ACP states through the development of action plans aimed at improving the management and conservation of forests, taking into account the causes of deforestation from within and outside the forest sector and acknowledging the importance of tropical timber for the economies of the ACP states with timber-producing forests; |
| --- | --- |

82.

| 83. | Urges the EU and its Member States to ensure consistency among policies, in accordance with the principle of policy coherence for development set out in Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

83.

| 84. | Acknowledges and supports the FAO’s conclusions that globally sustainable land use is important in the fight against poverty; |
| --- | --- |

84.

| 85. | Points out that forests make a significant contribution to global food security, livelihoods and nutrition in developing countries and are an important source of income for local communities; recalls that progress towards sustainable agriculture, food security and sustainable forest management should be made simultaneously as core elements of the 2030 Agenda; |
| --- | --- |

85.

| 86. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

86.

---

(1)  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 17 April 2018, European Commission v Republic of Poland, C-441/17, EU:C:2018:255.

(2)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0005.

(3)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0015.

(4)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0078.

(5)  OJ C 433, 23.12.2019, p. 50.

(6)  OJ C 298, 23.8.2018, p. 2.

(7)  Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.

(8)  Target 5: By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, is at least halved and where feasible brought close to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced.

(9)  https://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/forests/why-eu-action-tackle-deforestation-should-not-let-finance-hook/

(10)  Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82).

(11)  Donato, D. et al., ‘Mangroves among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics’, Nature Geoscience, April 2011.

(12)  Directive 2014/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 amending Directive 2013/34/EU as regards disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups (OJ L 330, 15.11.2014, p. 1).

(13)  Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13).

(14)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/807 of 13 March 2019 supplementing Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the determination of high indirect land-use change-risk feedstock for which a significant expansion of the production area into land with high carbon stock is observed and the certification of low indirect land-use change-risk biofuels, bioliquids and biomass fuels (OJ L 133, 21.5.2019, p. 1).

(15)  Doyle, A. & Roche, A., ‘Nineteen nations say they’ll use more bioenergy to slow climate change’, Reuters,16 November 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-accord-biofuels/nineteen-nations-say-theyll-use-more-bioenergy-to-slow-climate-change-idUSKBN1DG2DO

(16)  http://www.fao.org/food-loss-and-food-waste/en/

(17)  Regulation (EU) No 995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the market (OJ L 295, 12.11.2010, p. 23).

(18)  Council Regulation (EC) No 2173/2005 of 20 December 2005 on the establishment of a FLEGT licensing scheme for imports of timber into the European Community (OJ L 347, 30.12.2005, p. 1).

(19)  Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Union (OJ L 176, 30.6.2016, p. 21).

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| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/24 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/24

---

P9_TA(2020)0213

EU-African security cooperation in the Sahel region, West Africa and the Horn of Africa

European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2020 on EU-African security cooperation in the Sahel region, West Africa and the Horn of Africa (2020/2002(INI))

(2021/C 385/03)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and in particular Articles 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and in particular Articles 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 thereof,

| — | having regard to the OECD and Sahel and West Africa Club report of 14 February 2020 entitled ‘The Geography of Conflict in North and West Africa’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the OECD and Sahel and West Africa Club report of 14 February 2020 entitled ‘The Geography of Conflict in North and West Africa’,

| — | having regard to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report entitled ‘Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2019’, published in April 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report entitled ‘Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2019’, published in April 2020,

| — | having regard to the Joint Communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 9 March 2020 entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa’ (JOIN(2020)0004), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 9 March 2020 entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa’ (JOIN(2020)0004),

| — | having regard to the Joint Declaration of the members of the European Council with the member states of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G5 Sahel) of 28 April 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Declaration of the members of the European Council with the member states of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G5 Sahel) of 28 April 2020,

| — | having regard to the Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/253 of 25 February 2020, amending Decision (CFSP) 2018/906 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the Sahel (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/253 of 25 February 2020, amending Decision (CFSP) 2018/906 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the Sahel (1),

| — | having regard to the Joint Declaration of the heads of the member states of the G5 Sahel and the President of the French Republic made at the summit of 13 January 2020 held in Pau, France (the Pau Declaration), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Declaration of the heads of the member states of the G5 Sahel and the President of the French Republic made at the summit of 13 January 2020 held in Pau, France (the Pau Declaration),

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 20 April 2015 on the Sahel Regional Action Plan 2015-2020, of 16 March 2015 on the EU Gulf of Guinea Action Plan 2015-2020 and of 25 June 2018 on the Horn of Africa/Red Sea, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 20 April 2015 on the Sahel Regional Action Plan 2015-2020, of 16 March 2015 on the EU Gulf of Guinea Action Plan 2015-2020 and of 25 June 2018 on the Horn of Africa/Red Sea,

| — | having regard to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325/1820 and its follow-up resolutions, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325/1820 and its follow-up resolutions,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2013 on EU Strategy for the Horn of Africa (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2013 on EU Strategy for the Horn of Africa (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 7 June 2016 on Peace Support Operations — EU engagement with the UN and the African Union (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 7 June 2016 on Peace Support Operations — EU engagement with the UN and the African Union (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 5 July 2018 on Somalia (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 5 July 2018 on Somalia (4),

| — | having regard to the Strategy for the Development and Security of the G5 Sahel Countries of September 2016, the Framework for Integrated Priority Actions of February 2020, the Sahel Alliance and the Partnership for Stability and Security in the Sahel, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Strategy for the Development and Security of the G5 Sahel Countries of September 2016, the Framework for Integrated Priority Actions of February 2020, the Sahel Alliance and the Partnership for Stability and Security in the Sahel,

| — | having regard to the Council's ‘EU Concept for ESDP support for Security Sector Reform (SSR)’ of 13 October 2005, the Commission communication of 24 May 2006 entitled ‘A Concept for European Community Support for Security Sector Reform’(COM(2006)0253), the Joint Communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 5 July 2016 entitled ‘Elements for an EU-wide strategic framework to support security sector reform’ (JOIN(2016)0031) and to the Council conclusions on an ‘EU-wide strategic framework to support Security Sector Reform (SSR)’ of 14 November 2016, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council's ‘EU Concept for ESDP support for Security Sector Reform (SSR)’ of 13 October 2005, the Commission communication of 24 May 2006 entitled ‘A Concept for European Community Support for Security Sector Reform’(COM(2006)0253), the Joint Communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 5 July 2016 entitled ‘Elements for an EU-wide strategic framework to support security sector reform’ (JOIN(2016)0031) and to the Council conclusions on an ‘EU-wide strategic framework to support Security Sector Reform (SSR)’ of 14 November 2016,

| — | having regard to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in particular to SDG 16, aimed at the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in particular to SDG 16, aimed at the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 laying down supply chain due diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas (the ‘Conflict Minerals Regulation’) (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 laying down supply chain due diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas (the ‘Conflict Minerals Regulation’) (5),

| — | having regard to the Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa of 14 November 2011, and to the EU Horn of Africa Regional Action Plan 2015-2020 of 26 October 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa of 14 November 2011, and to the EU Horn of Africa Regional Action Plan 2015-2020 of 26 October 2015,

| — | having regard to the United Nations Secretary-General’s appeal for a global ceasefire following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations Secretary-General’s appeal for a global ceasefire following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19),

| — | having regard to the EU Strategy on the Gulf of Guinea of 17 March 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Strategy on the Gulf of Guinea of 17 March 2014,

| — | having regard to the EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel of 21 March 2011 which was presented by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission, on the Council’s request, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel of 21 March 2011 which was presented by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission, on the Council’s request,

| — | having regard to the Annual Joint Consultative Meetings of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the Political and Security Committee of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Annual Joint Consultative Meetings of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the Political and Security Committee of the European Union,

| — | having regard to the Plan of Action to Enhance EU CSDP Support to UN Peacekeeping of 14 June 2012 and on Strengthening the UN-EU Strategic Partnership on Peacekeeping and Crisis Management: Priorities 2015-2018 of 27 March 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Plan of Action to Enhance EU CSDP Support to UN Peacekeeping of 14 June 2012 and on Strengthening the UN-EU Strategic Partnership on Peacekeeping and Crisis Management: Priorities 2015-2018 of 27 March 2015,

| — | having regard to the Joint Africa-EU Strategy (JAES) adopted at the 2nd EU-Africa Summit held in Lisbon on 8 and 9 December 2007, and the JAES Roadmap 2014-2017 adopted at the 4th EU-Africa Summit held in Brussels on 2 and 3 April 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Africa-EU Strategy (JAES) adopted at the 2nd EU-Africa Summit held in Lisbon on 8 and 9 December 2007, and the JAES Roadmap 2014-2017 adopted at the 4th EU-Africa Summit held in Brussels on 2 and 3 April 2014,

| — | having regard to the European Court of Auditors’ Special Report No 3 entitled ‘The efficiency and effectiveness of EU contributions channelled through United Nations Organisations in conflict-affected countries’ of 25 May 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Court of Auditors’ Special Report No 3 entitled ‘The efficiency and effectiveness of EU contributions channelled through United Nations Organisations in conflict-affected countries’ of 25 May 2011,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 November 2010 on the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 November 2010 on the 10th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security (6),

| — | having regard to the EU Strategic Approach to Women, Peace and Security (WPS) of 10 December 2018 and its Action Plan 2019-2024 of 5 July 2019, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Strategic Approach to Women, Peace and Security (WPS) of 10 December 2018 and its Action Plan 2019-2024 of 5 July 2019,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 22 November 2012 on the role of the Common Security and Defence Policy in case of climate-driven crises and natural disasters (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 22 November 2012 on the role of the Common Security and Defence Policy in case of climate-driven crises and natural disasters (7),

| — | having regard to the 2011 and 2012 reports of the United Nations Environment Programme entitled ‘Livelihood Security: Climate Change, Migration and Conflict in the Sahel’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2011 and 2012 reports of the United Nations Environment Programme entitled ‘Livelihood Security: Climate Change, Migration and Conflict in the Sahel’,

| — | having regard to the Council’s Concept on Strengthening EU Mediation and Dialogue Capacities of 10 November 2009, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council’s Concept on Strengthening EU Mediation and Dialogue Capacities of 10 November 2009,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2019 on building EU capacity on conflict prevention and mediation (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2019 on building EU capacity on conflict prevention and mediation (8),

| — | having regard to its resolutions of 15 January 2020 on the implementation of the common security and defence policy (9) and the implementation of the common foreign and security policy (10), |
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—

having regard to its resolutions of 15 January 2020 on the implementation of the common security and defence policy (9) and the implementation of the common foreign and security policy (10),

| — | having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 230/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an instrument contributing to stability and peace (COM(2016)0447), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 230/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an instrument contributing to stability and peace (COM(2016)0447),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 28 April 2015 entitled ‘The European Agenda on Security’ (COM(2015)0185), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 28 April 2015 entitled ‘The European Agenda on Security’ (COM(2015)0185),

| — | having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the letter of the Committee on Development, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Development,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A9-0129/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A9-0129/2020),

| A. | whereas development and sustainable peace will only be achieved by addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger; whereas security is a precondition for development; whereas human security is a precondition for lasting peace and stability; whereas a strong nexus between security, development, and humanitarian intervention is essential for the sustainable development of the Sahel, West Africa and Horn of Africa regions; whereas without development and poverty eradication, there will be no sustainable peace; whereas security in the Sahel-Saharan and Horn of Africa regions has progressively worsened while European Union action has not been able to respond adequately to this crisis as a result, in particular, of limitations in mandate and operability; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas development and sustainable peace will only be achieved by addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger; whereas security is a precondition for development; whereas human security is a precondition for lasting peace and stability; whereas a strong nexus between security, development, and humanitarian intervention is essential for the sustainable development of the Sahel, West Africa and Horn of Africa regions; whereas without development and poverty eradication, there will be no sustainable peace; whereas security in the Sahel-Saharan and Horn of Africa regions has progressively worsened while European Union action has not been able to respond adequately to this crisis as a result, in particular, of limitations in mandate and operability;

| B. | whereas the EU’s southern strategic environment is unstable; whereas it faces a range of challenges, particularly armed conflicts at the southern borders of the European continent and jihadist terrorism; whereas instability in this region has a direct effect on the security of Europe and its citizens, and on stability at the European external borders; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the EU’s southern strategic environment is unstable; whereas it faces a range of challenges, particularly armed conflicts at the southern borders of the European continent and jihadist terrorism; whereas instability in this region has a direct effect on the security of Europe and its citizens, and on stability at the European external borders;

| C. | whereas the security and stability of the Sahel, West Africa and Horn of Africa must be a strategic goal of the EU’s cooperation with the governments in the southern neighbourhood; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the security and stability of the Sahel, West Africa and Horn of Africa must be a strategic goal of the EU’s cooperation with the governments in the southern neighbourhood;

| D. | whereas the mandates of the common security and defence policy (CSDP) mission are comprehensive and aim, among other things, to foster security sector reform, advance justice reform and strengthen military and police training, as well as to advance oversight; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the mandates of the common security and defence policy (CSDP) mission are comprehensive and aim, among other things, to foster security sector reform, advance justice reform and strengthen military and police training, as well as to advance oversight;

| E. | whereas the European Union has been committed to the security and development of the Sahel region as a leading partner through an integrated approach focused on political and diplomatic dialogue, and development and humanitarian support; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the European Union has been committed to the security and development of the Sahel region as a leading partner through an integrated approach focused on political and diplomatic dialogue, and development and humanitarian support;

| F. | whereas the ‘Capacity building in support of security and development’ (CBSD) initiative led to a revision of the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP+) in 2017, which resulted in financing for training initiatives and the delivery of non-lethal equipment to armed forces in non-EU countries; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the ‘Capacity building in support of security and development’ (CBSD) initiative led to a revision of the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP+) in 2017, which resulted in financing for training initiatives and the delivery of non-lethal equipment to armed forces in non-EU countries;

| G. | whereas Member States are required to provide the necessary personnel for the missions, shortfalls, exacerbated by the pandemic caused by the spread of COVID-19, mean that the number of EU staff in these missions is being reduced on health grounds; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas Member States are required to provide the necessary personnel for the missions, shortfalls, exacerbated by the pandemic caused by the spread of COVID-19, mean that the number of EU staff in these missions is being reduced on health grounds;

| H. | whereas from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean in the east, many African countries are struggling to contend with challenges, such as the destabilisation of the traditional agro-pastoral economy as a result of climate change, the exploitation of natural resources by external actors, food and nutrition insecurity, the lack of access to basic social services, inappropriate agricultural models, population growth and pressure on natural and environmental resources such as deforestation; whereas another major challenge is the emergence of new forms of mafia economy, including human, migrant and drug trafficking, cultural and wildlife smuggling, and the uncontrolled export of gold and mineral deposits, which, combined with institutional weakness and lack of transparency, weak governance, rising inequalities, the lack of trust in governments and corruption of many administrations, is producing a hybridisation between armed groups, traffickers and traditional community and regional conflicts, with the unacceptable phenomenon of jihadist religious extremism appearing as a false response for the societies concerned and with the rise of radicalisation; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean in the east, many African countries are struggling to contend with challenges, such as the destabilisation of the traditional agro-pastoral economy as a result of climate change, the exploitation of natural resources by external actors, food and nutrition insecurity, the lack of access to basic social services, inappropriate agricultural models, population growth and pressure on natural and environmental resources such as deforestation; whereas another major challenge is the emergence of new forms of mafia economy, including human, migrant and drug trafficking, cultural and wildlife smuggling, and the uncontrolled export of gold and mineral deposits, which, combined with institutional weakness and lack of transparency, weak governance, rising inequalities, the lack of trust in governments and corruption of many administrations, is producing a hybridisation between armed groups, traffickers and traditional community and regional conflicts, with the unacceptable phenomenon of jihadist religious extremism appearing as a false response for the societies concerned and with the rise of radicalisation;

| I. | whereas the nature of security challenges, violent conflicts and political violence varies between different African regions, countries and provinces; whereas in the Sahel or the Horn of Africa regions, armed Islamist groups and terrorism, but also to a minor degree security forces, various criminal groups and militia cause major casualties, in particular, among civilians; whereas the situation is very different in most of West Africa’s 19 countries, where some countries experience lasting stability and security, and others political violence or ethnic conflict; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the nature of security challenges, violent conflicts and political violence varies between different African regions, countries and provinces; whereas in the Sahel or the Horn of Africa regions, armed Islamist groups and terrorism, but also to a minor degree security forces, various criminal groups and militia cause major casualties, in particular, among civilians; whereas the situation is very different in most of West Africa’s 19 countries, where some countries experience lasting stability and security, and others political violence or ethnic conflict;

| J. | whereas 3 471 reported violent events were linked to these groups last year; whereas reported fatalities resulting from African militant Islamist group activity also increased by seven percent last year, to an estimated 10 460 deaths; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas 3 471 reported violent events were linked to these groups last year; whereas reported fatalities resulting from African militant Islamist group activity also increased by seven percent last year, to an estimated 10 460 deaths;

| K. | whereas terrorist activities are largely concentrated in five main theatres, including Somalia, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel — with lesser but persistent threats in North Africa and the west coast of the Indian Ocean; whereas the Sahel has seen the most rapid increase in violent extremist activity of any region in 2019; whereas each theatre has its own unique dynamics and requires a unique regional approach; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas terrorist activities are largely concentrated in five main theatres, including Somalia, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel — with lesser but persistent threats in North Africa and the west coast of the Indian Ocean; whereas the Sahel has seen the most rapid increase in violent extremist activity of any region in 2019; whereas each theatre has its own unique dynamics and requires a unique regional approach;

| L. | whereas EU and G5 Sahel leaders have expressed their deep concern about the increase in terrorism and the deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in the Sahel region; whereas terrorism is putting heightened pressure on the G5 Sahel countries and their neighbourhood; whereas terrorism is exacerbating local political, ethnical and religious tensions, and is fuelled by criminal and fundamentalist groupings, socio-economic grievances, weak governance, and, in some cases, by security and defence forces; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas EU and G5 Sahel leaders have expressed their deep concern about the increase in terrorism and the deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in the Sahel region; whereas terrorism is putting heightened pressure on the G5 Sahel countries and their neighbourhood; whereas terrorism is exacerbating local political, ethnical and religious tensions, and is fuelled by criminal and fundamentalist groupings, socio-economic grievances, weak governance, and, in some cases, by security and defence forces;

| M. | whereas terrorist attacks on civilian populations, state institutions, state representatives, security and defence forces and infrastructure undermine social cohesion, and whereas terrorist groups also use existing local conflicts for this purpose; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas terrorist attacks on civilian populations, state institutions, state representatives, security and defence forces and infrastructure undermine social cohesion, and whereas terrorist groups also use existing local conflicts for this purpose;

| N. | whereas all of these challenges have deeply affected the stability and peace of the local communities and the traditional order based on compromises and the moral authority of the elders and traditional leaders, which is being supplanted by the domination of armed groups of smugglers and terrorists; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas all of these challenges have deeply affected the stability and peace of the local communities and the traditional order based on compromises and the moral authority of the elders and traditional leaders, which is being supplanted by the domination of armed groups of smugglers and terrorists;

| O. | whereas creating the security conditions necessary for the re-establishment of basic state structures, particularly in the more remote regions where citizens may feel most abandoned, is essential; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas creating the security conditions necessary for the re-establishment of basic state structures, particularly in the more remote regions where citizens may feel most abandoned, is essential;

| P. | whereas terrorist and criminal attacks tend to target civilian populations, state representatives, security and defence forces, and socio-economic infrastructure, and thereby undermine social and community cohesion and integration; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas terrorist and criminal attacks tend to target civilian populations, state representatives, security and defence forces, and socio-economic infrastructure, and thereby undermine social and community cohesion and integration;

| Q. | whereas the Sahel is one of the regions most affected by the proliferation of illicit small arms, and whereas these undocumented and mostly illegally held arms not only threaten the safety and security of communities, but are also used by dangerous transnational criminal networks engaged in various forms of trafficking, including of weapons, human beings and illegal drugs; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the Sahel is one of the regions most affected by the proliferation of illicit small arms, and whereas these undocumented and mostly illegally held arms not only threaten the safety and security of communities, but are also used by dangerous transnational criminal networks engaged in various forms of trafficking, including of weapons, human beings and illegal drugs;

| R. | whereas according to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute SIPRI:






  (a) | the combined military expenditure of states in Africa grew by 1,5 % to an estimated USD 41,2 billion in 2019, the region’s first spending increase for five years; |
| --- | --- | --- |

R.

whereas according to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute SIPRI:

(a)

the combined military expenditure of states in Africa grew by 1,5 % to an estimated USD 41,2 billion in 2019, the region’s first spending increase for five years;

| (b) | Africa imported 49 % of its military equipment from Russia, 14 % from the United States and 13 % from China; whereas China has exported 20 % of its global arms sales to Africa; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Africa imported 49 % of its military equipment from Russia, 14 % from the United States and 13 % from China; whereas China has exported 20 % of its global arms sales to Africa;

| S. | whereas Russia’s military influence across Africa consists in arms sales, deploying of mercenaries and political advisers, security agreements and training programs for unstable countries; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas Russia’s military influence across Africa consists in arms sales, deploying of mercenaries and political advisers, security agreements and training programs for unstable countries;

| T. | whereas billions of dollars’ worth of gold is being smuggled out of west African countries every year through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Middle East; whereas according to the United Nations, the Somali extremist group Al Shabaab generates millions of dollars in revenue off exports of charcoal to Iran and then on to the UAE, in violation of UN sanctions; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas billions of dollars’ worth of gold is being smuggled out of west African countries every year through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Middle East; whereas according to the United Nations, the Somali extremist group Al Shabaab generates millions of dollars in revenue off exports of charcoal to Iran and then on to the UAE, in violation of UN sanctions;

| U. | whereas poverty, lack of education, unemployment, conflicts, crises and insecurity combined with other factors such as failed states, bad governance and corruption particularly affect young people and the opportunities given to them, pushing many to flee and leave their homes and families for safer regions or other continents, thereby risking their lives; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas poverty, lack of education, unemployment, conflicts, crises and insecurity combined with other factors such as failed states, bad governance and corruption particularly affect young people and the opportunities given to them, pushing many to flee and leave their homes and families for safer regions or other continents, thereby risking their lives;

| V. | whereas the above-mentioned challenges will be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the worsening effects of climate change; whereas the Commission has announced an additional EUR 194 million to support security, stability and resilience in Sahel; |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas the above-mentioned challenges will be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the worsening effects of climate change; whereas the Commission has announced an additional EUR 194 million to support security, stability and resilience in Sahel;

| W. | whereas the threat from militant Islamist groups in Africa is not uniform in nature, but comprises activity from a constantly shifting mix of roughly two dozen groups actively operating in 14 countries; |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas the threat from militant Islamist groups in Africa is not uniform in nature, but comprises activity from a constantly shifting mix of roughly two dozen groups actively operating in 14 countries;

| X. | whereas the European Union has conducted three military CSDP missions and operations to train and advise the Armed Forces of Somalia (EU training mission (EUTM) Somalia — 2010), Mali (EUTM Mali — 2013) and the Central African Republic (EUTM CAR — 2016), one naval military operation (EU naval force operation (NAVFOR) ATALANTA — 2009), and three civilian missions to train and advise the internal security forces of Mali (EU capacity-building mission (EUCAP) Sahel Mali — 2012), Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger — 2014) and Somalia (EUCAP Somalia — 2014), the GAR-SI Sahel Project, and has established and will soon launch an advisory mission (EUAM) in the Central African Republic; |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas the European Union has conducted three military CSDP missions and operations to train and advise the Armed Forces of Somalia (EU training mission (EUTM) Somalia — 2010), Mali (EUTM Mali — 2013) and the Central African Republic (EUTM CAR — 2016), one naval military operation (EU naval force operation (NAVFOR) ATALANTA — 2009), and three civilian missions to train and advise the internal security forces of Mali (EU capacity-building mission (EUCAP) Sahel Mali — 2012), Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger — 2014) and Somalia (EUCAP Somalia — 2014), the GAR-SI Sahel Project, and has established and will soon launch an advisory mission (EUAM) in the Central African Republic;

| Y. | whereas a number of military outposts of individual countries, such as France and the United States of America, provide security assistance to local partners, conducting counter-terrorism and other operations; whereas these, in parallel to political solutions, state building efforts and development initiatives, are crucial to defeating terrorist groups and contribute to building regional stability; |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas a number of military outposts of individual countries, such as France and the United States of America, provide security assistance to local partners, conducting counter-terrorism and other operations; whereas these, in parallel to political solutions, state building efforts and development initiatives, are crucial to defeating terrorist groups and contribute to building regional stability;

| Z. | whereas sustained pressure on terrorists is needed to stop the proliferation of this threat into other regions and continents, including Europe; |
| --- | --- |

Z.

whereas sustained pressure on terrorists is needed to stop the proliferation of this threat into other regions and continents, including Europe;

| AA. | whereas over the past decade, African security institutions have deployed tens of thousands of personnel in peace operations on African soil, demonstrating a genuine will to contribute to security governance on their own continent; |
| --- | --- |

AA.

whereas over the past decade, African security institutions have deployed tens of thousands of personnel in peace operations on African soil, demonstrating a genuine will to contribute to security governance on their own continent;

| AB. | whereas the EU is also supporting the operationalisation of the G5 Sahel Joint Force, a key counter-terrorism instrument which is vital to combating terrorism, jihadist activity and security threats, and to the improvement of regional security; |
| --- | --- |

AB.

whereas the EU is also supporting the operationalisation of the G5 Sahel Joint Force, a key counter-terrorism instrument which is vital to combating terrorism, jihadist activity and security threats, and to the improvement of regional security;

| AC. | whereas the continued operationalisation of key regional security actors such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) and the African Union’s African Standby Force overlap with the EU’s interest in assisting struggling countries to provide peace and prosperity for their citizens; |
| --- | --- |

AC.

whereas the continued operationalisation of key regional security actors such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) and the African Union’s African Standby Force overlap with the EU’s interest in assisting struggling countries to provide peace and prosperity for their citizens;

| AD. | whereas regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations between the countries of the Sahel region, West Africa and the Horn of Africa are indispensable in order to maintain and strengthen stability in these regions; |
| --- | --- |

AD.

whereas regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations between the countries of the Sahel region, West Africa and the Horn of Africa are indispensable in order to maintain and strengthen stability in these regions;

| AE. | whereas the African Union remains a key partner for the EU’s peace and stability efforts; |
| --- | --- |

AE.

whereas the African Union remains a key partner for the EU’s peace and stability efforts;

| AF. | whereas the African Union announced plans at its annual summit in February 2020 to send 3 000 soldiers to the Sahel to support the G5 Sahel in combating armed groups; |
| --- | --- |

AF.

whereas the African Union announced plans at its annual summit in February 2020 to send 3 000 soldiers to the Sahel to support the G5 Sahel in combating armed groups;

| AG. | whereas since 2017 the EU has followed a process of regionalisation of its CSDP missions, which, alongside advancing cooperation with the G5 Sahel, is aimed at better identifying and filling gaps in cross-border cooperation in the regions; |
| --- | --- |

AG.

whereas since 2017 the EU has followed a process of regionalisation of its CSDP missions, which, alongside advancing cooperation with the G5 Sahel, is aimed at better identifying and filling gaps in cross-border cooperation in the regions;

| AH. | whereas after years of specific training, the above-mentioned EU as well as the UN missions have been hampered in their sustainability and effectiveness due to restrictions on their mandate, training programmes, sustainability plans and local ownership, and the fact that they cannot supply the necessary equipment to the unit they train and to the local defence forces, including weapons, ammunition and vehicles; whereas the mandates and purpose of the EU missions need to be reviewed in order to draw up a ‘lessons learned’ analysis which should be used to adapt current and future missions; |
| --- | --- |

AH.

whereas after years of specific training, the above-mentioned EU as well as the UN missions have been hampered in their sustainability and effectiveness due to restrictions on their mandate, training programmes, sustainability plans and local ownership, and the fact that they cannot supply the necessary equipment to the unit they train and to the local defence forces, including weapons, ammunition and vehicles; whereas the mandates and purpose of the EU missions need to be reviewed in order to draw up a ‘lessons learned’ analysis which should be used to adapt current and future missions;

| AI. | whereas any training, financing, or equipping of security forces in third countries should abide by European fundamental values and help in building a reliable security sector which is first and foremost aimed at delivering security benefits to the entire local population while respecting the rule of law and, in particular, international human rights law; |
| --- | --- |

AI.

whereas any training, financing, or equipping of security forces in third countries should abide by European fundamental values and help in building a reliable security sector which is first and foremost aimed at delivering security benefits to the entire local population while respecting the rule of law and, in particular, international human rights law;

| AJ. | whereas these restrictions and the absence of a cohesive and strategic presence of the European Union affect the credibility of the EU’s external action, while other global actors are stepping up their actions, sending mercenaries and building their own military facilities and have increased their supply of weapons and ammunitions to countries of the region with no governance stipulations and do so, in effect, to boost strictly bilateral interests; |
| --- | --- |

AJ.

whereas these restrictions and the absence of a cohesive and strategic presence of the European Union affect the credibility of the EU’s external action, while other global actors are stepping up their actions, sending mercenaries and building their own military facilities and have increased their supply of weapons and ammunitions to countries of the region with no governance stipulations and do so, in effect, to boost strictly bilateral interests;

| AK. | whereas in 2017 China’s Communist Party formally adopted the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the National Party Congress, with an announced investment as high as USD 8 trillion for a vast network of transport, energy and telecommunications infrastructure linking Europe, Africa, and Asia; whereas China is a major stakeholder in Africa’s economy with a significant influence on many aspects of the continent's affairs; |
| --- | --- |

AK.

whereas in 2017 China’s Communist Party formally adopted the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the National Party Congress, with an announced investment as high as USD 8 trillion for a vast network of transport, energy and telecommunications infrastructure linking Europe, Africa, and Asia; whereas China is a major stakeholder in Africa’s economy with a significant influence on many aspects of the continent's affairs;

| AL. | whereas over the last decade, the UAE has gradually increased its presence in the Horn of Africa, using development and humanitarian projects to boost its geostrategic prominence, particularly in the Gulf of Aden; whereas Somalia has urged the United Nations Security Council to take action against the construction of a UAE military base in Somaliland; |
| --- | --- |

AL.

whereas over the last decade, the UAE has gradually increased its presence in the Horn of Africa, using development and humanitarian projects to boost its geostrategic prominence, particularly in the Gulf of Aden; whereas Somalia has urged the United Nations Security Council to take action against the construction of a UAE military base in Somaliland;

| AM. | whereas Turkey has spent years building trust in the Horn of Africa as it seeks to increase its influence, particularly in the Red Sea region; whereas Turkish companies still manage Mogadishu’s main seaport and airport, and even provide military training for Somali government soldiers; |
| --- | --- |

AM.

whereas Turkey has spent years building trust in the Horn of Africa as it seeks to increase its influence, particularly in the Red Sea region; whereas Turkish companies still manage Mogadishu’s main seaport and airport, and even provide military training for Somali government soldiers;

| AN. | whereas the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has established its first overseas military base in Djibouti, and China holds over 70 % of Djibouti’s gross domestic product in debt; whereas the BRI’s loans catch vulnerable, developing countries in ‘debt-traps’, depleting government reserves and burdening generations of taxpayers with gigantic debts; |
| --- | --- |

AN.

whereas the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has established its first overseas military base in Djibouti, and China holds over 70 % of Djibouti’s gross domestic product in debt; whereas the BRI’s loans catch vulnerable, developing countries in ‘debt-traps’, depleting government reserves and burdening generations of taxpayers with gigantic debts;

| AO. | whereas neither the Somalian, Burkinabe, Malian nor the Central African armies have found effective responses and are struggling to fight against jihadists and armed groups or hold and secure areas with the aid of friendly international forces, the result being that the local populations feel abandoned, fearing accusations of collaborating with the government by the jihadists or the armed groups once they return and reoccupy the space from which they were expelled; |
| --- | --- |

AO.

whereas neither the Somalian, Burkinabe, Malian nor the Central African armies have found effective responses and are struggling to fight against jihadists and armed groups or hold and secure areas with the aid of friendly international forces, the result being that the local populations feel abandoned, fearing accusations of collaborating with the government by the jihadists or the armed groups once they return and reoccupy the space from which they were expelled;

| AP. | whereas there has been a decisive drop in piracy off the coasts of both Eastern and Western Africa as a result of international maritime security efforts from both the EU and NATO that serve as a precedent for European, African and transatlantic security cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

AP.

whereas there has been a decisive drop in piracy off the coasts of both Eastern and Western Africa as a result of international maritime security efforts from both the EU and NATO that serve as a precedent for European, African and transatlantic security cooperation;

| AQ. | whereas after years of involvement in the above-mentioned civil and military missions, the general situation has not improved significantly and is now showing a tendency to become worse despite the efforts made; whereas, as a result, a number of old and new challenges persist and a comprehensive strategy therefore needs to be implemented, with a particular focus on regions where vulnerabilities and tensions are the highest, to achieve the ultimate goal of regional stability and of transferring responsibility for security into the hands of Africans; whereas this strategy will satisfy an urgent need and the high expectations of both actors on the ground and local people, and should address the root causes of the crisis; |
| --- | --- |

AQ.

whereas after years of involvement in the above-mentioned civil and military missions, the general situation has not improved significantly and is now showing a tendency to become worse despite the efforts made; whereas, as a result, a number of old and new challenges persist and a comprehensive strategy therefore needs to be implemented, with a particular focus on regions where vulnerabilities and tensions are the highest, to achieve the ultimate goal of regional stability and of transferring responsibility for security into the hands of Africans; whereas this strategy will satisfy an urgent need and the high expectations of both actors on the ground and local people, and should address the root causes of the crisis;

| AR. | whereas the question of financing the CSDP is crucial for the continuation of the policy, and whereas the European Development Fund through the African Peace Facility (APF), and, in the future, through the European Peace Facility (EPF) provides support to the African Union, financing, among other things, the operational cost of military peacekeeping operations in Africa, in particular of AMISOM in Somalia; whereas the EPF will replace the Athena mechanism for the financing of the common costs of CSDP military operations, and the APF will endow the EU with a new tool to deploy military operations more flexibly and significantly enhance options for security assistance to partners; whereas the ultimate impact of the EPF as an instrument to sustainably address violent conflict and insecurity will depend on the extent to which it is complemented by the necessary safeguards and monitoring systems to avoid potential misuse of the aid provided, and to ensure that questions of accountability, human rights and the respect of humanitarian law are duly taken into account; whereas the future EPF that is due to take over from the APF in 2021 should extend its scope to the partner states and allow for the supply of military equipment; |
| --- | --- |

AR.

whereas the question of financing the CSDP is crucial for the continuation of the policy, and whereas the European Development Fund through the African Peace Facility (APF), and, in the future, through the European Peace Facility (EPF) provides support to the African Union, financing, among other things, the operational cost of military peacekeeping operations in Africa, in particular of AMISOM in Somalia; whereas the EPF will replace the Athena mechanism for the financing of the common costs of CSDP military operations, and the APF will endow the EU with a new tool to deploy military operations more flexibly and significantly enhance options for security assistance to partners; whereas the ultimate impact of the EPF as an instrument to sustainably address violent conflict and insecurity will depend on the extent to which it is complemented by the necessary safeguards and monitoring systems to avoid potential misuse of the aid provided, and to ensure that questions of accountability, human rights and the respect of humanitarian law are duly taken into account; whereas the future EPF that is due to take over from the APF in 2021 should extend its scope to the partner states and allow for the supply of military equipment;

| AS. | whereas it is imperative that the EU support its partners in the Sahel-Saharan and Horn of Africa regions which are facing increased challenges in their struggle against armed terrorist groups, including jihadists; whereas the European Union can respond appropriately by providing the countries in the region concerned through the EPF with the necessary assistance, including arms and ammunitions; whereas the EPF should be approved without delay in order to allow for the military assistance needed; |
| --- | --- |

AS.

whereas it is imperative that the EU support its partners in the Sahel-Saharan and Horn of Africa regions which are facing increased challenges in their struggle against armed terrorist groups, including jihadists; whereas the European Union can respond appropriately by providing the countries in the region concerned through the EPF with the necessary assistance, including arms and ammunitions; whereas the EPF should be approved without delay in order to allow for the military assistance needed;

| AT. | whereas temperatures are rising 1,5 times faster in the Sahel region than in the rest of the world, and whereas, according to the United Nations, around 80 % of agricultural land in the region is degraded, with some 50 million people who depend on livestock farming in conflict over the land; whereas, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), this situation is plunging people into food insecurity and they are struggling to cope and face difficult choices; |
| --- | --- |

AT.

whereas temperatures are rising 1,5 times faster in the Sahel region than in the rest of the world, and whereas, according to the United Nations, around 80 % of agricultural land in the region is degraded, with some 50 million people who depend on livestock farming in conflict over the land; whereas, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), this situation is plunging people into food insecurity and they are struggling to cope and face difficult choices;

| AU. | whereas climate change effects are a risk factor for destabilisation, violence and conflict; |
| --- | --- |

AU.

whereas climate change effects are a risk factor for destabilisation, violence and conflict;

| AV. | whereas the surge in violent attacks on public schools, murders, kidnappings, beatings and death threats against teachers and students has led to the closure of more than 9 000 schools in Central and West Africa, according to UNICEF, leaving nearly two million children without a proper education; |
| --- | --- |

AV.

whereas the surge in violent attacks on public schools, murders, kidnappings, beatings and death threats against teachers and students has led to the closure of more than 9 000 schools in Central and West Africa, according to UNICEF, leaving nearly two million children without a proper education;

| AW. | whereas the EU remains seriously concerned at the increased number of children that are recruited as child soldiers by extremist groups; |
| --- | --- |

AW.

whereas the EU remains seriously concerned at the increased number of children that are recruited as child soldiers by extremist groups;

| AX. | whereas the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has highlighted worrying new trends regarding drug trafficking in the region, with damaging effects on governance, security, economic growth and public health; whereas, according to the Office, West, Central and North Africa account for 87 % of all pharmaceutical opioids seized worldwide, and whereas UNODC recognises a close link between drug trafficking and the financing of armed groups; |
| --- | --- |

AX.

whereas the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has highlighted worrying new trends regarding drug trafficking in the region, with damaging effects on governance, security, economic growth and public health; whereas, according to the Office, West, Central and North Africa account for 87 % of all pharmaceutical opioids seized worldwide, and whereas UNODC recognises a close link between drug trafficking and the financing of armed groups;

| AY. | whereas the EU Strategic Approach to Women, Peace and Security stresses the need for the integration of a gender perspective into all fields and activities in the domain of peace and security in order to ensure the effectiveness of the EU’s policies; |
| --- | --- |

AY.

whereas the EU Strategic Approach to Women, Peace and Security stresses the need for the integration of a gender perspective into all fields and activities in the domain of peace and security in order to ensure the effectiveness of the EU’s policies;

| AZ. | whereas attacks by extremist groups and escalating inter-communal violence over resources are affecting access to education and healthcare, with a large number of girls being most exposed to different types of abuse, physical and sexual; |
| --- | --- |

AZ.

whereas attacks by extremist groups and escalating inter-communal violence over resources are affecting access to education and healthcare, with a large number of girls being most exposed to different types of abuse, physical and sexual;

| BA. | whereas the European Union should strategically increase its economic presence to an even greater extent in view of the growing presence of other foreign powers; |
| --- | --- |

BA.

whereas the European Union should strategically increase its economic presence to an even greater extent in view of the growing presence of other foreign powers;

| BB. | whereas the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement proposed re-allocating, accelerating and prioritising EUR 3,25 billion from existing programmes to respond to coronavirus-related needs in Africa, including EUR 2,06 billion for sub-Saharan Africa; |
| --- | --- |

BB.

whereas the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement proposed re-allocating, accelerating and prioritising EUR 3,25 billion from existing programmes to respond to coronavirus-related needs in Africa, including EUR 2,06 billion for sub-Saharan Africa;

| BC. | whereas the EU should strengthen its cooperation with national parliaments, including security and defence committees, to improve critical oversight functions over national and external security interventions; |
| --- | --- |

BC.

whereas the EU should strengthen its cooperation with national parliaments, including security and defence committees, to improve critical oversight functions over national and external security interventions;

The action taken by the European Union and its Member States

| 1. | Considers that the Commission, the Council and the Vice President / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) must coordinate the development, humanitarian and security strategies in which they are involved as part of an integrated strategy leading to independent African ownership in security and defence affairs; considers that the African Union and African states from the region are key partners with which the EU is meaningfully engaged in order to jointly achieve sustainable development and human security; supports the plans of the African Union to send 3 000 soldiers in support of the G5 Sahel; strongly believes that the EU and its Member States must strengthen the capacity of partners, reviewing the security and defence engagements in the regions of the Sahel, West Africa and the Horn of Africa, including through the provision of military equipment while respecting the ‘do no harm’ principle; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Recalls that the fight against terrorism depends in particular on the ability of the states concerned to maintain strong and reliable institutions, well-established basic services, including internal security capacities and a justice system in which citizens have confidence, in particular on criminal matters; considers that a security strategy for the Sahel, West Africa and Horn of Africa regions must first and foremost lie in addressing the root causes of the conflicts in the region, as poverty eradication is key to a sustainable peace; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Calls for the promotion of a renewed relationship between the EU and the African continent based on solidarity, mutual respect and mutual benefit, adhering always to the principles of respect for international law, national sovereignty and equality between parties; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Considers that in the European Union’s CFSP all missions, operations and other actions must be coordinated by the VP/HR under the authority of the Council in accordance with Article 43(2) TEU, and that the Joint Support Coordination Cell should provide more advice to the Commission and the VP/HR, with an enhanced coordination role and should propose the establishment of a centralised civilian-military doctrine centre that would reinforce the capacities of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability and the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability missions and projects; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Strongly believes that the EU should invest to the maximum in processes aimed at conflict prevention by triggering a multitude of very concrete mediation, dialogue and reconciliation processes and projects in parallel to other security measures; underlines the need also to pursue non-state centric approaches aimed at fostering stability and security, in particular as regards inter-community tensions; strongly believes that only security assistance which puts human security at its centre will be effective in the medium and long term; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Underlines the urgent need to strengthen CDSP missions and operations, as well as the EU’s overall strategic planning and communication policy, in order to increase the visibility of the EU’s actions; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Welcomes the global commitment of the EU to the Sahel region, West Africa and the Horn of Africa, and appreciates the contribution made by CSDP missions and operations to peace, security and international stability; underlines, however, the need to adapt the financial and administrative rules and the political decision-making process in order to increase the speed and effectiveness of the response to crises; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Repeats its call for a white paper on European defence, which would design and outline very specific scenarios for possible EU military interventions and their underlying doctrines in compliance with the military tasks of Article 43(1) TEU; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Commends the staff of the EU missions who, in spite of very challenging conditions, have performed exceptionally and have demonstrated dedication and professionalism; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Stresses that in the light of the grave and profound degradation in the security conditions in the region, and in order to fill any gaps in EU missions and projects, partners’ capacity building in the security sector must be strengthened in order to more adequately respond to the profound challenges and serious security conditions in the region, including by supporting third countries in combating terrorism in their territories; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Supports the Joint Communication of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 28 April 2015 entitled ‘Capacity building in support of security and development — Enabling partners to prevent and manage crises’ (11); |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Welcomes the Commission proposal and the ongoing interinstitutional negotiations aimed at establishing a regulation on the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) comprising all of the tasks of the current Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP); |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Welcomes the proposal from the VP/HR, with the support of the Commission, for the establishment under the Union’s CFSP of an EPF for the financing of military and defence-related cooperation with third countries and international organisations, including equipment under the EU common military list, which will fill an important gap in EU support and together with the NDICI give the EU the ability to respond more quickly and effectively to security challenges and calls for their swift adoption; recalls that the EPF aims to incorporate the APF and establish a capacity building component which would allow the provision of military equipment to partner countries, including arms and ammunitions, with full respect for the common position, human rights and humanitarian law, and with effective transparency provisions as enumerated in its recommendation of 28 March 2019 on the establishment of the European Peace Facility to ensure that any military equipment is not given to recipients that are committing abuses, atrocities and other harms against civilian populations; notes that since June 2018 the Member States have been working on a Council decision establishing the EPF, to be created in January 2021 at the latest; in this regard, and in view of the current situation in Africa, calls on the Council to approve this proposal adopting the necessary decision without delay, establishing this new instrument to support military capabilities in African armed forces, and:






  (a) | for the EPF budget to be large enough to effectively address the current challenges relating to training, operations, missions, projects and military equipment, including weapons, munitions and transport; |
| --- | --- | --- |

13.

(a)

for the EPF budget to be large enough to effectively address the current challenges relating to training, operations, missions, projects and military equipment, including weapons, munitions and transport;

| (b) | to ensure that the EPF overcomes the current limitations under the APF and the Union’s budget on the acquisition of arms and munitions; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

to ensure that the EPF overcomes the current limitations under the APF and the Union’s budget on the acquisition of arms and munitions;

| (c) | calls for funding from the EU budget to be provided for the administrative expenditure arising from the Council decision, including for personnel; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

calls for funding from the EU budget to be provided for the administrative expenditure arising from the Council decision, including for personnel;

| (d) | calls on the Council to charge the Member States for the operational expenditure arising from its implementation, including equipment and training; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

calls on the Council to charge the Member States for the operational expenditure arising from its implementation, including equipment and training;

| (e) | takes note that the Member States which do not participate in the funding of a specific action or part of it could abstain from the vote in the Council; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

takes note that the Member States which do not participate in the funding of a specific action or part of it could abstain from the vote in the Council;

| (f) | calls for the establishment in the European External Action Service (EEAS) of a new dedicated division in charge of managing this new instrument, to oversee the supply and use of equipment and training, including proper safeguards and risk mitigation measures; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

calls for the establishment in the European External Action Service (EEAS) of a new dedicated division in charge of managing this new instrument, to oversee the supply and use of equipment and training, including proper safeguards and risk mitigation measures;

| (g) | is of the opinion that the supply and use of such equipment and training should be monitored by experts seconded by the Member States to this division to inform the VP/HR, and be subject to scrutiny by Parliament and audited by the European Court of Auditors; |
| --- | --- |

(g)

is of the opinion that the supply and use of such equipment and training should be monitored by experts seconded by the Member States to this division to inform the VP/HR, and be subject to scrutiny by Parliament and audited by the European Court of Auditors;

| 14. | Considers that the sustainability, effectiveness and visibility of EU civilian and military missions in Africa, in spite of the high degree of dedication and professionalism of their staff, have also been particularly hampered by the lack of local ownership, sustainability plans and basic equipment in the countries affected, as well as in their ability to strengthen the capacity of partners; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Calls on the Commission and the Council to ensure that the use of all funding instruments is explored with a view to addressing the underlying causes of the conflicts and supporting the development of security capabilities in the affected African countries, as per Articles 209 and 212 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and in the light of the very serious security crises in the Sahel-Saharan region and East Africa; |
| --- | --- |

15.

| 16. | Welcomes the proposal to strengthen the principle of partnership in African-EU relations laid down in the Joint Communication ‘Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa’ (JOIN(2020)0004); calls on the Commission, especially the VP/HR, to launch tailor-made bilateral partnerships for transformation covering a broad set of areas with security and defence as a priority; calls on the VP/HR to pay tribute to advanced countries in the area of consolidating democracy and human security and to invite them to join bilateral partnerships under the ‘more for more’ principle; going beyond bilateral partnerships, calls on the VP/HR to assist in consolidating the security functions of sub-regional organisations, such as ECOWAS, the East African Community or the Southern African Development Community (SADC); |
| --- | --- |

16.

| 17. | Recommends that the EU considers contributing to the operational and logistical costs of the operations against terrorism conducted by the national armed forces of Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad, within the framework of peacekeeping operations in the Sahel-Saharan area and by taking a similar approach to the one it takes to financing the G5 Sahel Joint Forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISON), and notes that the EPF should be the appropriate instrument to do so; |
| --- | --- |

17.

| 18. | Encourages a discussion on whether it is advisable to apply to existing training programmes the same facilities for the procurement of military equipment, including weapons, as those currently provided for the deployment and training of the G5 Sahel force, including financial support if needed; |
| --- | --- |

18.

| 19. | Recommends that any financing of capacity-building operations for African countries be conditional on the recipient country presenting a commonly agreed support plan which includes training on security sector reform, human rights, international humanitarian law and the rule of law, with reasonable deadlines and to be achieved with EU monitoring with the possibility of further adjustments depending on the evolution of the situation; |
| --- | --- |

19.

| 20. | Is deeply concerned about the high number of cases of very serious human rights abuses committed by Malian security forces, as investigated and reported by the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA); |
| --- | --- |

20.

| 21. | Recognises the important role that Mali plays for the stability of the Sahel and shares the profound concerns of ECOWAS regarding the coup d’état in Mali on 18 August 2020; underlines that continued cooperation with and support from the international community, in particular the EU and UN, can only be successfully pursued if a number of important steps are taken, namely the setting up of a well-prepared, viable, transparent and enduring electoral system which ensures credible, free and fair elections and a genuine level playing field for political parties; endorses the need for an inclusive transitional government, which must include all political and social groups and seek to safeguard the constitutional rights and freedoms of every citizen, while never losing sight of today’s pressing social, security and economic challenges, which require urgent action to respond to the people’s legitimate demands for an inclusive and constructive dialogue on the future pathway of their country; supports the EEAS’s efforts to help reach a peaceful and democratic solution that will ultimately restore lasting stability and the confidence of Malian citizens in their institutions and public administration, which should be truly inclusive, free from corruption and serve all citizens in their aspirations for prosperity, peace, development, stability and safety; |
| --- | --- |

21.

| 22. | Notes the UN Evaluation Reports on Enforcement and Remedial Assistance Efforts for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by the United Nations and Related Personnel in Peacekeeping Operations; is deeply shocked by the alarming scope of these crimes and the failure to hold perpetrators to account; is equally shocked by child sexual abuse allegations against European and UN troops, in particular in the Central African Republic in 2016, and calls for justice; urges the UN, EU Member States and the EU’s CSDP organs to investigate, prosecute and sentence any UN, national and EU personnel who have committed acts of sexual violence without delay and with firmest resolve; stresses the urgent need to reform the relevant structures in such a way as to end impunity of UN and EU personnel and by establishing functioning and transparent oversight and accountability mechanisms; finds it unacceptable that currently, legal actions regarding alleged abuses remain purely voluntary and dependent on the troop-contributing country; is convinced that such grave crimes could be reduced and prevented also via training and education; strongly recalls the urgency of preventing such crimes in the future, also in order to restore the trust of the local population in international peacekeeping; |
| --- | --- |

22.

| 23. | Calls for the format of the EUTM Mali, EUTM CAR and EUTM Somalia training missions to be redefined to better adapt them to the real needs of the armed forces and to those of the populations of the beneficiary countries by:






  (a) | harmonising training methods and rules of procedure and engagement and ensuring they are unique and tailored to the identified needs in the country and to incorporate training on gender equality and women’s rights, including the Women, Peace and Security agenda; |
| --- | --- | --- |

23.

(a)

harmonising training methods and rules of procedure and engagement and ensuring they are unique and tailored to the identified needs in the country and to incorporate training on gender equality and women’s rights, including the Women, Peace and Security agenda;

| (b) | developing and applying an overarching security sector reform policy which has human security at its centre and puts the security needs of the entire population at the heart of all components; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

developing and applying an overarching security sector reform policy which has human security at its centre and puts the security needs of the entire population at the heart of all components;

| (c) | ensuring that EU instructors are mandated, in coordination with the local military authorities, to select soldiers from among those proposed by the local governments, to train them to enhance their skills, including through knowledge of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and to supervise and accompany them on the ground once they have finished their training, in order to assess them and prevent units from disbanding and soldiers from dispersing; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

ensuring that EU instructors are mandated, in coordination with the local military authorities, to select soldiers from among those proposed by the local governments, to train them to enhance their skills, including through knowledge of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and to supervise and accompany them on the ground once they have finished their training, in order to assess them and prevent units from disbanding and soldiers from dispersing;

| (d) | supplying the training centres with both shared and individual military equipment (if the country concerned does not provide them), to make sure that appropriate training can be given after the EU has put safeguards in place which guarantee compliance with the eight criteria of Common Position 944 when transferring arms to third countries, guaranteeing post-shipment and end-use control to prevent diversion to armed groups, including terrorists; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

supplying the training centres with both shared and individual military equipment (if the country concerned does not provide them), to make sure that appropriate training can be given after the EU has put safeguards in place which guarantee compliance with the eight criteria of Common Position 944 when transferring arms to third countries, guaranteeing post-shipment and end-use control to prevent diversion to armed groups, including terrorists;

| (e) | improving the occupancy rate of staff posts in the missions in order to manage recurrent problems; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

improving the occupancy rate of staff posts in the missions in order to manage recurrent problems;

| (f) | ensuring that training corresponds to the operational reality, i.e. it should include mobility and command and control capacities; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

ensuring that training corresponds to the operational reality, i.e. it should include mobility and command and control capacities;

| (g) | benefiting from the secondment of the required military expertise, notably in the field of strategic advice; |
| --- | --- |

(g)

benefiting from the secondment of the required military expertise, notably in the field of strategic advice;

| (h) | putting in place a human rights monitoring and protection mechanism in order to prevent human rights violations; |
| --- | --- |

(h)

putting in place a human rights monitoring and protection mechanism in order to prevent human rights violations;

| 24. | Believes that strengthening the advisory component of certain missions (EUTM Somalia) in the command structures of the local forces would allow for significant influence to be exercised on how operations are carried out and within the multilateral military assistance framework; |
| --- | --- |

24.

| 25. | Believes that the EU should put in place proper oversight and continue conducting effective periodic assessments and strategic reviews of the EUCAP Sahel Mali, EUCAP Sahel Niger, EUCAP Somalia and EUAM CAR civilian missions, reviewing their mandate, budget and human resources, and continue using the monitoring systems under the missions implementation plan and benchmarking as a comprehensive steering tool; is convinced that the missions would be better adapted to the evolving security and political situations if they were adapted to local needs and if cooperation with local partners were intensified, and that this would make them even more operational and effective, and integrate them into a wider security sector reform effort at the service of the local population’s security; calls on the VP/HR and the EEAS to come back to Parliament regarding the CSDP annual report 2019 (12) and Parliament’s evaluation of missions in Africa; repeats its criticism of the lack of ‘suitable indicators to monitor the outcome of the EUCAP Niger and EUCAP Mali missions, and that the monitoring and assessment of the mission activities were inadequate and not geared to take account of their implications’; calls on the VP/HR and the EEAS to come back to Parliament’s evaluation of the force generation of EUTM Somalia; |
| --- | --- |

25.

| 26. | Notes that the security situation in Somalia is very worrying and is a destabilising factor throughout the Horn of Africa and even beyond; considers that the Federal Government of Somalia cannot assume all its duties and that the Somali national army, despite recent progress, remains unable to counter al-Shabaab’s terrorist activities on its own; recalls that the Somali army was supposed to take over from AMISOM in December 2021; underlines that the achievement of that objective requires a new and comprehensive assistance programme, and calls for the EU to agree with the African Union and the Somali Government a position on the mechanism to be put in place once AMISOM is over; |
| --- | --- |

26.

| 27. | Believes that the Gulf Crisis is having serious ramifications in Somalia, whereby the UAE continues to support overt actions that directly undermine the security and political gains made so far in Somalia, creating national disunity between the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States (FMSs) on security, national elections and developmental issues, and calls for such actions to cease forthwith; |
| --- | --- |

27.

| 28. | Requires the Malian signatories to the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, resulting from the Algiers Process to abide by and implement them without further delay; |
| --- | --- |

28.

| 29. | Believes that the European Union should continue its financial support to AMISOM during the transition period via the APF, maintain the presence of the three but revised EU military or civilian missions and operations (ATALANTA, EUTM Somalia and EUCAP Somalia), support democratic institutions, continue the training of the national army and the establishment of transparent, accountable and democratically controlled security sectors; |
| --- | --- |

29.

| 30. | Calls for the Member States and the EU to help the joint forces of the G5 Sahel to become operational through the provision of financial assistance, as well as the provision of military equipment and training, while including adequate safeguards and mitigating measures, and advice in the field of doctrine, planned capacities and management; highlights the need for a strong and credible police component in this regard; calls on the partners who made pledges at the Brussels Donors’ Conference on 22 February 2018 to implement them expeditiously; |
| --- | --- |

30.

| 31. | Believes that the African states have to take responsibility for fulfilling their sovereign duties to stabilise all areas liberated from jihadi terrorist, criminal and armed groups, traffickers and bandits, to safeguard citizens and by providing basic services (administration, water and power supply, health, justice, education); whereas the army or security forces should provide a proper security environment and the basic services temporarily until the civil administration takes over, calls for the European Union to step up its efforts in supporting African states to provide basic services; |
| --- | --- |

31.

| 32. | Supports the African Union request to the United Nations to have access to UN-assessed contributions for African-led missions mandated by the United Nations Security Council; |
| --- | --- |

32.

| 33. | Stresses that coordination with the countries of North Africa is needed as well as an effective contribution to peace and reconciliation in Libya in order to prevent it from becoming a hotspot for the spread of jihadism, terrorist, criminal and armed groups, arms and human trafficking; encourages, therefore, the 5+5 peace talks and calls on all countries to abide by the spirit of the Berlin Conference; expresses the hope that the recent signals for a ceasefire and peace in Libya will materialise; welcomes, in this regard, the recent initiatives by the EEAS and by the VP/HR, notably his visit to Libya on 1 September 2020, and underlines that the EU should play a leading role in the mediation process; |
| --- | --- |

33.

| 34. | Calls for the EU to address the consistent and growing threats to the protection and preservation of cultural heritage and clamp down on the smuggling of cultural artefacts, especially in conflict zones; |
| --- | --- |

34.

| 35. | Considers that cooperation with the countries of North Africa should be envisaged mainly in terms of information and intelligence exchange, military training and the fight against radicalisation, taking into account the proven experience of some of them; |
| --- | --- |

35.

| 36. | Believes that a comprehensive and medium- to long-term security policy for these regions should also focus on fostering resilience; |
| --- | --- |

36.

| 37. | Welcomes and supports the Mauritanian comprehensive approach, which includes a strategy built on social and development aspects, to its military and security response; expresses its solidarity with Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, countries that are deeply affected by terrorism; compliments the efforts and sacrifices of the international community, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, the Multinational Joint Task Force, the G5 and the French Armed Forces (Operation Barkhane), the EU Regional Advisory Coordination Cell (RACC), EUCAP Sahel Mali and Niger, EUTM Mali, the GAR-SI Sahel and the Chadian Army, which is the essential force in the central and east sectors of the G5 requiring special support for its battalions; calls on the countries of the G5 Sahel to pursue domestic reforms and fully implement human rights, good governance and democratic accountability, respecting human rights and democratic norms; |
| --- | --- |

37.

| 38. | Welcomes the joint declaration of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of Islamic Republic of Mauritania, President-in-office of the G5 Sahel, Mohamed Cheikh el Ghazouani of 28 April 2020, in which they renewed and increased commitment to the security, stability and development of the Sahel in close cooperation with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Chair of the African Union Commission and the current Chair of ECOWAS; |
| --- | --- |

38.

| 39. | Encourages the Member States to support and cooperate with the Barkhane and Takuba operations, and the Gazelle and New Nero missions; stresses the important human and military investment of the Member States which are already part of them; insists on the need for stronger European involvement, but that this cannot replace the obligation by countries to pursue the necessary domestic reforms aimed at ensuring sustainable development and security sectors; |
| --- | --- |

39.

| 40. | Calls for the EU to pay particular attention to the spread of armed terrorist groups, in particular Islamist terrorism and violent Wahhabism extremism, in the regions of Sahel, West Africa and the Horn of Africa and persist in its global efforts to combat jihadism; in the light of the strategic impact of these regions on the stability and security of southern neighbourhood countries, on maritime security and the certainty of pressure on European external borders, calls for the upgrade of security cooperation and aid programmes with the countries concerned; |
| --- | --- |

40.

| 41. | Urges the EU to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the JAES and the Joint Communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive strategy with Africa’ of 9 March 2020, and to promote the implementation of the Council conclusions of 20 April 2015 on the Sahel Regional Action Plan 2015-2020, of 16 March 2015 on the EU-Gulf of Guinea Action Plan 2015-2020, of 25 June 2018 on the Horn of Africa/Red Sea and the Sahel/Mali, and of the Pau Declaration; |
| --- | --- |

41.

| 42. | Requires further protection and support for the education authorities, communities and organisations operating on the ground that try to find alternative learning opportunities in community centres and involve thousands of West African and Sahelian children in education and skills learning programmes; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Good governance and sustainable development

| 43. | States that there can be no security strategy without joint sustainable development and humanitarian action; recalls the diverse root causes of terrorism and armed conflict; calls for the fostering of human capital and human development, for the needs of the most vulnerable communities to be met and for the building of people’s resilience capacities; |
| --- | --- |

43.

| 44. | Believes that the European Union should ensure that sustainable development plans are context-based and multi-sectoral and provide a global solution to the challenges of the region concerned; stresses that an integrated approach to peace, security and sustainable development requires the meaningful involvement of local civil society actors, and especially of women and young people, while recalling the role of the elders and traditional leaders in Sahel-Saharan societies; is of the opinion that these plans must be in line with the principles of aid effectiveness reaffirmed in the European Consensus on Development, be adopted by the administration in agreement with the local beneficiary communities and implemented with the participation of local civil society and humanitarian organisations to ensure effective coordination, transparency and ownership; |
| --- | --- |

44.

| 45. | Stresses the importance of partnership with the UN, cooperation with other international institutions, notably the African Union, and dialogue with other regional and sub-regional organisations; |
| --- | --- |

45.

| 46. | Considers that meaningful security cooperation between the EU and Africa must be built on sustainable development, and especially focus on:






  (a) | consolidating democracy by ensuring responsible democratic systems of governance through effective parliamentary scrutiny, as well as democratic institutions and the rule of law, guaranteeing all civil society liberties; |
| --- | --- | --- |

46.

(a)

consolidating democracy by ensuring responsible democratic systems of governance through effective parliamentary scrutiny, as well as democratic institutions and the rule of law, guaranteeing all civil society liberties;

| (b) | ending conflicts and preventing their recurrence while addressing their root causes in order to achieve long-lasting peace and security; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

ending conflicts and preventing their recurrence while addressing their root causes in order to achieve long-lasting peace and security;

| (c) | developing policies to promote economic development and job creation that focus on young people; highlighting the need to involve young people in the political, economic and peace processes; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

developing policies to promote economic development and job creation that focus on young people; highlighting the need to involve young people in the political, economic and peace processes;

| (d) | supporting preventive stabilisation action plans; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

supporting preventive stabilisation action plans;

| (e) | empowering women by recognising them as agents of change in African communities, enhancing their educational and economic opportunities, promoting their participation in local and national institutions and decision-making, and fostering their role in peace-building, conflict prevention and mediation, and combating sexual violence against women and girls; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

empowering women by recognising them as agents of change in African communities, enhancing their educational and economic opportunities, promoting their participation in local and national institutions and decision-making, and fostering their role in peace-building, conflict prevention and mediation, and combating sexual violence against women and girls;

| (f) | providing basic services such as health, food security, water, sanitation and hygiene, social protection, housing and safety nets, mental health support and protection, education and support for the displaced population to increase people’s confidence in the state; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

providing basic services such as health, food security, water, sanitation and hygiene, social protection, housing and safety nets, mental health support and protection, education and support for the displaced population to increase people’s confidence in the state;

| (g) | ensuring security, administrative and legal stability; |
| --- | --- |

(g)

ensuring security, administrative and legal stability;

| (h) | eradicating poverty, impunity, and corruption; |
| --- | --- |

(h)

eradicating poverty, impunity, and corruption;

| (i) | tackling the effects of climate change by taking climate change mitigation and adaptation measures into account in order to ensure that livelihoods become sustainably resilient to environmental threats; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

tackling the effects of climate change by taking climate change mitigation and adaptation measures into account in order to ensure that livelihoods become sustainably resilient to environmental threats;

| (j) | respecting the rule of law and promoting sustainable development and human rights without discrimination on any grounds, freedom of expression, media freedom, freedom of association and strengthening structural support for civil society and independent media; |
| --- | --- |

(j)

respecting the rule of law and promoting sustainable development and human rights without discrimination on any grounds, freedom of expression, media freedom, freedom of association and strengthening structural support for civil society and independent media;

| (k) | promoting sustainable agricultural practices such as agro-ecology, supporting small-scale producers and farmers and implementing a nutritional nexus to address all forms of malnutrition in all contexts and continue funding for activities bridging humanitarian and development interventions to tackle the root causes; |
| --- | --- |

(k)

promoting sustainable agricultural practices such as agro-ecology, supporting small-scale producers and farmers and implementing a nutritional nexus to address all forms of malnutrition in all contexts and continue funding for activities bridging humanitarian and development interventions to tackle the root causes;

| 47. | Expresses its deep concern that the current security challenges in Africa, added to persistent inequalities, lack of opportunities for young people and weak governance, could encourage migration and lead to a significant displacement of people, undermining North African states and affecting Europe, and resulting in a widespread humanitarian crisis; recognises the impact of conflicts, poverty, inequalities and climate change on forced displacements, and calls for the European Union to facilitate regular, safe and dignified migration; stresses, therefore, the importance of increasing cooperation between, in particular, the EU and the Sahel region to address this important issue while recalling the accepted practice of refraining from applying conditionality to humanitarian aid linked to actions in the field of migration in the region; |
| --- | --- |

47.

| 48. | Welcomes the EU strategy for the Horn of Africa, encompassing as it does not only security and humanitarian policy, but also longer-term development policy and the Millennium Development Goal objectives; underlines the importance of this longer-term vision of development policy, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to coordinate their policies in this respect and to employ joint programming for the various countries and the region as soon as possible; |
| --- | --- |

48.

| 49. | Calls for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution on youth, peace and security in EU-African security cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

49.

| 50. | Calls for the EU to promote the effective implementation of the UN Women, Peace and Security Agenda in all areas of the EU’s external action, including a gender perspective on key policy areas of the EU-African Union strategic partnership on security; |
| --- | --- |

50.

| 51. | Believes that the EU should strengthen its collaboration with national parliaments, including security and defence committees, in order to improve critical oversight functions pertaining to national and external security interventions; |
| --- | --- |

51.

| 52. | Urges all military actors in the Sahel to respect international humanitarian law and to implement a comprehensive response focusing on alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable sections of the population, in particular by considering the protection of civilians as a key indicator of the success of any integrated security strategy; stresses the importance of ensuring that the implementation of all security operations does not worsen the humanitarian situation; calls on all security actors to monitor the impact of their military operations and security measures on access to services — including food and nutrition, and forced displacement — with the aim of minimising their adverse effects on humanitarian needs; |
| --- | --- |

52.

| 53. | Considers it essential to provide extraordinary and holistic assistance to the regions concerned in view of the extraordinary challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, to preserve business continuity for CSDP missions and operations by supporting local armed forces with advice on how to handle this epidemic, to strengthen the development action of the EU in these regions, which can play an important role in reducing the impact of the health crisis, and to provide essential humanitarian aid, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to the situation; welcomes the decision adopted unanimously by the G20 to suspend debt service payments to the poorest countries; |
| --- | --- |

53.

| 54. | Recommends that the EU, together with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the African Development Bank, intervene on a financial level to help control debt and the payment of interest; calls for all possibilities to be explored, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and its financial consequences, for debt relief, debt suspension and debt sustainability for African countries; |
| --- | --- |

54.

| 55. | Recommends that the countries concerned fully assume their international legal responsibility and adopt all necessary measures to ensure accountability under international humanitarian law for all violations committed by all parties, that they allow free access to humanitarian aid and basic services for people in need, including those living in territories outside government control, to avoid any risk of diversion of humanitarian aid, and that they allow negotiations on humanitarian access with all parties to the conflict, and stresses the importance of the delivery of humanitarian aid being perceived as neutral and impartial, and of ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers; |
| --- | --- |

55.

| 56. | Welcomes the proposal to strengthen the principle of multilateralism in the African — EU relations laid down in the Joint Communication entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa’; considers that communist China and authoritarian Russia have followed different approaches in dealing with African countries and in opposing EU efforts; calls on the Commission to improve public diplomacy efforts and the dialogue with the African Union, governments, parliaments, and civil societies in order to explain EU security support in Africa more effectively as a contribution to the African development strategy 2063; |
| --- | --- |

56.

o

o o

| 57. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

57.

---

(1)  OJ L 54 I, 26.2.2020, p. 9.

(2)  OJ C 440, 30.12.2015, p. 38.

(3)  OJ C 86, 6.3.2018, p. 33.

(4)  OJ C 118, 8.4.2020, p. 113.

(5)  OJ L 130, 19.5.2017, p. 1.

(6)  OJ C 99 E, 3.4.2012, p. 56.

(7)  OJ C 419, 16.12.2015, p. 153.

(8)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0158.

(9)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0009.

(10)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0008.

(11)  JOIN(2015)0017.

(12)  European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the implementation of the common security and defence policy — annual report (Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0009).

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/39 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/39

---

P9_TA(2020)0217

Non-objection to an implementing measure: amendments to International Financial Reporting Standard 16

European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the draft Commission regulation amending Commission Regulation (EC) No 1126/2008 adopting certain international accounting standards in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards International Financial Reporting Standard 16 (D067917/01 — 2020/2712(RPS))

(2021/C 385/04)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Commission regulation (D067917/01, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Commission regulation (D067917/01,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 July 2002 on the application of international accounting standards (1), and in particular Article 3(1) thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 July 2002 on the application of international accounting standards (1), and in particular Article 3(1) thereof,

| — | having regard to the Commission’s letter of 8 July 2020 asking Parliament to declare that it will raise no objections to the draft regulation, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s letter of 8 July 2020 asking Parliament to declare that it will raise no objections to the draft regulation,

| — | having regard to the letter from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs to the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs of 2 September 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs to the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs of 2 September 2020,

| — | having regard to Article 5a of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 5a of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (2),

| — | having regard to Rule 112(4)(d) and Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 112(4)(d) and Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs,

| A. | whereas the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued COVID-19 related rent concessions (amendments to International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 16 — Leases) on 28 May 2020; whereas the amendments to IFRS 16 provide optional, temporary, COVID-19 related operational relief for lessees benefiting from lease payments holidays without undermining the relevance and usefulness of financial information reported by companies; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued COVID-19 related rent concessions (amendments to International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 16 — Leases) on 28 May 2020; whereas the amendments to IFRS 16 provide optional, temporary, COVID-19 related operational relief for lessees benefiting from lease payments holidays without undermining the relevance and usefulness of financial information reported by companies;

| B. | whereas the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) provided the Commission with a positive endorsement advice of amendments to IFRS 16 on 2 June 2020; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) provided the Commission with a positive endorsement advice of amendments to IFRS 16 on 2 June 2020;

| C. | whereas the Commission concluded that the amendments to IFRS 16 meet the technical criteria for adoption as required by Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the Commission concluded that the amendments to IFRS 16 meet the technical criteria for adoption as required by Article 3(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002;

| D. | whereas the Accounting Regulatory Committee issued a positive opinion on the amendments to IFRS 16 on 2 July 2020; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the Accounting Regulatory Committee issued a positive opinion on the amendments to IFRS 16 on 2 July 2020;

| E. | whereas the IASB set 1 June 2020 as the effective date of the amendments to IFRS 16 with earlier application permitted; whereas the provisions of the amending Regulation should apply retroactively to ensure legal certainty for the issuers concerned and consistency with other accounting standards as laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1126/2008 of 3 November 2008 adopting certain international accounting standards in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3); whereas the consultations undertaken by EFRAG and the services of the Commission have highlighted a strong interest in the early application of the semi-annual financial statements for the periods ending on 30 June 2020; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the IASB set 1 June 2020 as the effective date of the amendments to IFRS 16 with earlier application permitted; whereas the provisions of the amending Regulation should apply retroactively to ensure legal certainty for the issuers concerned and consistency with other accounting standards as laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1126/2008 of 3 November 2008 adopting certain international accounting standards in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3); whereas the consultations undertaken by EFRAG and the services of the Commission have highlighted a strong interest in the early application of the semi-annual financial statements for the periods ending on 30 June 2020;

| 1. | Declares that it has no objections to the draft Commission regulation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Commission, and, for information, to the Council. |
| --- | --- |

2.

---

(1)  OJ L 243, 11.9.2002, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

(3)  OJ L 320, 29.11.2008, p. 1.

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| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/40 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/40

---

P9_TA(2020)0221

Implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia

European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2020 on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia (2019/2200(INI))

(2021/C 385/05)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Article 8 and to Title V, notably Articles 21, 22, 36 and 37, of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), as well as to Part Five of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 8 and to Title V, notably Articles 21, 22, 36 and 37, of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), as well as to Part Five of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part, which fully entered into force on 1 July 2016, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part, which fully entered into force on 1 July 2016,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions of 14 November 2018 on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia (1), of 14 June 2018 on Georgian occupied territories 10 years after the Russian invasion (2), of 14 March 2018 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council providing further macro-financial assistance to Georgia (3), of 21 January 2016 on Association Agreements/Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine (4), and of 18 December 2014 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions of 14 November 2018 on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia (1), of 14 June 2018 on Georgian occupied territories 10 years after the Russian invasion (2), of 14 March 2018 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council providing further macro-financial assistance to Georgia (3), of 21 January 2016 on Association Agreements/Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine (4), and of 18 December 2014 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part (5),

| — | having regard to the outcome of the fifth Association Council meeting between the EU and Georgia of 5 March 2019, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the outcome of the fifth Association Council meeting between the EU and Georgia of 5 March 2019,

| — | having regard to the final statement and recommendations of the eighth meeting of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee held on 27 and 28 March 2019, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the final statement and recommendations of the eighth meeting of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee held on 27 and 28 March 2019,

| — | having regard to the joint declarations of the Eastern Partnership summits, the most recent being the summit of 24 November 2017 held in Brussels, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint declarations of the Eastern Partnership summits, the most recent being the summit of 24 November 2017 held in Brussels,

| — | having regard to the joint declaration of the sixth meeting of the EU-Georgia Civil Society Platform of 20 February 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint declaration of the sixth meeting of the EU-Georgia Civil Society Platform of 20 February 2020,

| — | having regard to the outcome of the third high-level EU-Georgia Strategic Security Dialogue of 25 October 2019, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the outcome of the third high-level EU-Georgia Strategic Security Dialogue of 25 October 2019,

| — | having regard to the joint staff working document of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 6 February 2020 on the Association Implementation Report on Georgia (SWD(2020)0030), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint staff working document of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 6 February 2020 on the Association Implementation Report on Georgia (SWD(2020)0030),

| — | having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding and Joint Statement, signed by the ruling and opposition parties of Georgia on 8 March 2020, regarding the 2020 parliamentary elections, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding and Joint Statement, signed by the ruling and opposition parties of Georgia on 8 March 2020, regarding the 2020 parliamentary elections,

| — | having regard to the opinion of the Venice Commission of 19 June 2017 on the draft revised Constitution of Georgia, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the Venice Commission of 19 June 2017 on the draft revised Constitution of Georgia,

| — | having regard to the final opinion of the Venice Commission of 19 March 2018 on Georgia’s constitutional reform, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the final opinion of the Venice Commission of 19 March 2018 on Georgia’s constitutional reform,

| — | having regard to the final report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Election Observation Mission of 28 February 2019 on the presidential election in Georgia, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the final report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Election Observation Mission of 28 February 2019 on the presidential election in Georgia,

| — | having regard to the urgent opinion of the Venice Commission of 16 April 2019 on the selection and appointment of Supreme Court judges in Georgia and the ODIHR second report of 9 January 2020 on the nomination and appointment of Supreme Court judges in Georgia, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the urgent opinion of the Venice Commission of 16 April 2019 on the selection and appointment of Supreme Court judges in Georgia and the ODIHR second report of 9 January 2020 on the nomination and appointment of Supreme Court judges in Georgia,

| — | having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure, as well as Article 1(1)(e) of, and Annex 3 to, the decision of the Conference of Presidents of 12 December 2002 on the procedure for granting authorisation to draw up own-initiative reports, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure, as well as Article 1(1)(e) of, and Annex 3 to, the decision of the Conference of Presidents of 12 December 2002 on the procedure for granting authorisation to draw up own-initiative reports,

| — | having regard to the letter of the Committee on International Trade, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on International Trade,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A9-0136/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A9-0136/2020),

| A. | whereas Georgia and the EU, as associated partners, are committed to promoting political association and economic integration based on common values and principles such as democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and good governance; whereas Georgian society continues to show strong support for the country’s European aspirations and rapprochement with the EU; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Georgia and the EU, as associated partners, are committed to promoting political association and economic integration based on common values and principles such as democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and good governance; whereas Georgian society continues to show strong support for the country’s European aspirations and rapprochement with the EU;

| B. | whereas pursuant to Article 49 TEU and in line with the Rome Declaration of 25 March 2017, any European state may apply to become a member of the EU, provided that it upholds the Copenhagen criteria; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas pursuant to Article 49 TEU and in line with the Rome Declaration of 25 March 2017, any European state may apply to become a member of the EU, provided that it upholds the Copenhagen criteria;

| C. | whereas the entry into force of its revised Constitution in December 2018 concluded Georgia’s transition to a full parliamentarian system; whereas progress has been made in the implementation of the Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia (AA), including the move to a fully proportional electoral system as of 2024; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the entry into force of its revised Constitution in December 2018 concluded Georgia’s transition to a full parliamentarian system; whereas progress has been made in the implementation of the Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia (AA), including the move to a fully proportional electoral system as of 2024;

| D. | whereas Georgia has remained committed to the implementation of the AA and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) and is continuing its alignment with the EU acquis and EU standards, which is bringing increasing benefits; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Georgia has remained committed to the implementation of the AA and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) and is continuing its alignment with the EU acquis and EU standards, which is bringing increasing benefits;

| E. | whereas attempts to destabilise Georgia are continuing, inter alia via the implementation of so-called ‘treaties’ between the Russian Federation and the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, the closure of crossing points near the Administrative Boundary Line in Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia since August 2019, increased ‘borderisation’ along the Administrative Boundary Line, and the holding of so-called ‘presidential elections’ in Abkhazia in March 2020; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas attempts to destabilise Georgia are continuing, inter alia via the implementation of so-called ‘treaties’ between the Russian Federation and the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, the closure of crossing points near the Administrative Boundary Line in Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia since August 2019, increased ‘borderisation’ along the Administrative Boundary Line, and the holding of so-called ‘presidential elections’ in Abkhazia in March 2020;

| F. | whereas the recent EU/US-facilitated dialogue between the ruling and opposition parties yielded a Memorandum of Understanding and a Joint Statement, signed by all major parties on 8 March 2020, which represents a crucial step towards depolarising and normalising the political environment in Georgia in the run-up to the parliamentary elections in October 2020; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the recent EU/US-facilitated dialogue between the ruling and opposition parties yielded a Memorandum of Understanding and a Joint Statement, signed by all major parties on 8 March 2020, which represents a crucial step towards depolarising and normalising the political environment in Georgia in the run-up to the parliamentary elections in October 2020;

| G. | whereas reforms of the justice sector remain modest and whereas the recent appointment of 14 Supreme Court judges for life demonstrated a lack of transparency, deviating from objective, merit-based criteria and revealing the influence of partisan politics; whereas the plenary vote on the judicial appointments was taken amidst a political crisis, a boycott by the opposition, widespread calls for postponement and serious disruptions during the committee and plenary stages; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas reforms of the justice sector remain modest and whereas the recent appointment of 14 Supreme Court judges for life demonstrated a lack of transparency, deviating from objective, merit-based criteria and revealing the influence of partisan politics; whereas the plenary vote on the judicial appointments was taken amidst a political crisis, a boycott by the opposition, widespread calls for postponement and serious disruptions during the committee and plenary stages;

| 1. | Welcomes the continuous deepening of EU-Georgia relations and the firm support that Georgia’s chosen path of European and Euro-Atlantic integration enjoys across the political spectrum and in society; acknowledges the progress in implementing comprehensive reforms, which has made Georgia a key partner of the EU in the region, and reiterates the need to continue implementing and monitoring reforms under the AA and DCFTA; recalls that enhanced cooperation and EU assistance are based on the ‘more for more’ principle and conditional on continued reform progress on, in particular, democracy and the rule of law, including checks and balances in the institutions, independence of the judiciary and electoral reform; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Reiterates its full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and reaffirms its commitment to continue to contribute to the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict, including through the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, co-chairmanship of the Geneva International Discussions, the activities of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) and the policy of non-recognition and engagement; strongly condemns the illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia by the Russian Federation and the ongoing illegal installation of barbed wire fences and other artificial obstacles (‘borderisation’) along the Administrative Boundary Line by Russian and de facto South Ossetian security actors and stresses that these violations of international law need to be stopped; demands that the de facto authorities in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia reopen closed crossing points without delay and desist from limiting freedom of movement in those regions; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Member States to denounce this process; emphasises that the AA covers the entire territory of Georgia, including its occupied regions, and aims to benefit its whole population; calls on the Russian Federation to fulfil its obligations under the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008, notably to withdraw all its military forces from Georgia’s occupied territories and allow the EUMM unhindered access to the whole territory of Georgia; calls on the European External Action Service (EEAS), in this regard, to communicate clearly the provisions which have still not been fulfilled by the Russian Federation; asks the Commission and the EEAS to enhance their efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully by using all diplomatic instruments, including through the EUMM and the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, and to continue to support the Georgian Parliament’s ‘A Step for a Better Future’ package and foster people-to-people contact and confidence-building measures; welcomes Georgia’s efforts to promote good neighbourly relations and constructive cooperation among the South Caucasus countries; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Commends the internationally-acclaimed response of the Georgian people and public authorities to the COVID-19 outbreak and highlights the effective preventive measures taken by medical workers and governmental authorities, which helped to reduce the burden on Georgia’s healthcare system and mitigate the negative effects on the economy; congratulates the citizens of Georgia for having abided by these measures in the face of economic and social hardship; encourages the generation of investment to improve the quality of and ensure equal access to healthcare; welcomes the fact that the EU has lined up EUR 183 million in grants for Georgia to respond to COVID-19 and EUR 150 million in loans for the purposes of enhancing its macroeconomic stability and enabling resources to be channelled towards protecting the citizens, mitigating the extremely severe socio-economic consequences of the pandemic and increasing cooperation with the EU on public health resilience, including the exchange of best practices and work with civil society on establishing epidemic strategies focusing on the most vulnerable groups; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Welcomes the fact that Georgian citizens have made 900 000 visa-free visits to Schengen and Schengen-associated countries since March 2017; takes note of the increasing number of unfounded asylum requests by Georgian citizens and calls on all the Member States to recognise Georgia as a safe country of origin in order to speed up the processing of such requests and readmission; stresses the importance of continuous implementation of the visa liberalisation benchmarks by Georgia and of increased cooperation between the Georgian judicial authorities and enforcement agencies and the Member States for reducing cross-border crime, particularly human trafficking and the trafficking of illegal drugs; welcomes strengthened international law enforcement cooperation between Georgia and Europol; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Underlines Georgia’s role as a reliable partner of the EU and a significant contributor to the missions and operations of the common security and defence policy (CSDP) and NATO; calls on the Council and the EEAS to further engage with Georgia on the CSDP, particularly in view of Georgia’s interest in discussing the possibility of participating in PESCO projects and in developing cooperation with the relevant EU agencies, when it is of mutual interest for both the EU and Georgia; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Political dialogue and parliamentary elections

| 6. | Commends all major political parties for signing the internationally-mediated Memorandum of Understanding and Joint Statement of 8 March 2020, which established the key features of the electoral system based on 120 proportional and 30 majoritarian seats and a fair composition of electoral districts in line with the Venice Commission recommendations, and enabled this system to be used for the October 2020 parliamentary elections; welcomes the outcome of the cross-party dialogue as a clear sign of willingness to find a common solution and underlines the importance of continuing to rebuild trust between political parties and to continue cross-party dialogue in the run-up to the October 2020 parliamentary elections and as a basis for political stability; welcomes the implementation of the 8 March 2020 agreement and President Zourabichvili’s decision of 15 May 2020 to pardon two imprisoned opposition leaders — an important step towards easing tensions; calls on all parties, in this regard, to honour both the letter and spirit of the agreement and to fully implement all aspects of it, namely to ensure that all elements of electoral reform are translated into the Constitution and the law and implemented, and that all outstanding cases of politicised judicial processes are resolved without delay; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Welcomes the fact that the Parliament of Georgia started to deliberate on the reforms to the electoral system as soon as the state of emergency was lifted and successfully adopted the amendments to the Constitution and electoral code; congratulates Georgia for the steps it has taken towards establishing a more representative parliament and depolarising the political environment; calls on all political parties and parliamentarians to continue to work towards the advancement of Georgia’s democracy in good faith; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Notes that the upcoming parliamentary elections will be pivotal in confirming Georgia’s democratic credentials and expresses the hope, therefore, for an electoral campaign marked by fair competition; calls on the Georgian authorities to swiftly implement and fully address the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and review relevant legislation to address the identified shortcomings and challenges, including the misuse of public resources for political campaigning and other improper campaign financing methods, impunity for violence, the dissemination of hate speech and xenophobia, vote-buying, opposition representation in the Election Administration, and the ability of voters, especially civil servants, ‘to vote free from pressure and fear of retribution’ (6); calls on the authorities to safeguard the work of civil society organisations and election observers so that they may carry out their activities without any intimidation or interference; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Encourages the Georgian authorities and the Election Administration of Georgia to ensure a safe environment for the October 2020 parliamentary elections by providing personal protective equipment for election personnel, adapting the voting facilities to guarantee the health and safety of the citizens taking part, and ensuring that the election observers may carry out their work undisturbed; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Reaffirms its support for Georgia’s vibrant civil society and emphasises the crucial role it plays in providing democratic oversight and monitoring the implementation of the AA and DCFTA; calls on the Georgian Government and Parliament to establish formal mechanisms for the participation of civil society in the political process; calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide political, technical and financial support for the activities of civil society; calls on the Georgian authorities to launch national support programmes for civil society in addition to those provided by the EU and the international donor community; |
| --- | --- |

10.

The rule of law, good governance and media freedom

| 11. | Acknowledges Georgia’s progress with its reforms, which strengthen democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular the constitutional reforms carried out in 2018; encourages the Georgian Government to consolidate the rule of law and to continue to pursue justice reform, the fight against corruption and state capture, public administration reform, decentralisation, good governance, the implementation of anti-discrimination legislation and the provision of labour rights in order to enhance further integration between Georgia and the EU; |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Expresses its concern about recent court cases against opposition politicians, which have undermined trust between the ruling party and the opposition, may adversely affect AA/DCFTA-related reforms and run counter to the letter and spirit of the AA; welcomes the presidential pardon of convicted opposition politicians, which paves the way for the depolarisation of politics and society; calls on the Georgian authorities to refrain from pursuing any politically-motivated judicial cases and calls on the EU Delegation to monitor all such trials; calls on Georgia to respect the highest standards of the rule of law, in particular judicial independence and the right to a fair trial, and human rights as committed to under the AA; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Calls for a revision of the selection procedures for judges to be carried out to ensure that the recommendations of the Venice Commission are fully implemented before any new appointments are made; regrets the fact that the recent selection procedure of Supreme Court judges was not entirely in line with these recommendations and marred by serious shortcomings; emphasises the importance of a depoliticised judiciary free from political interference and of respect for transparency, meritocracy and accountability in the appointment of judges for the Supreme Court of Georgia and other judicial institutions; encourages the Georgian Government, therefore, to continue and consolidate its reforms of the judicial system, including the Prosecutors’ Office, while fostering an open dialogue with all political actors and civil society and ensuring that international standards are adhered to; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Emphasises the importance of full and continued cooperation with the International Criminal Court in order to ensure comprehensive accountability for the cases it pursues; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Calls for an investigation into all incidents of excessive use of force by Georgian law enforcement authorities against peaceful protesters and journalists, including during the June 2019 protests; stresses the need to avoid impunity and ensure that perpetrators are held to account; urges the Georgian Government to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, in line with the commitments under the AA, including by attenuating disproportionate sanctions for protesters; |
| --- | --- |

15.

| 16. | Acknowledges that the media landscape in Georgia is dynamic and pluralistic, but also polarised; underlines the importance of media freedom, which should entail equal access for all political parties to the media, editorial independence and pluralistic, independent, impartial and non-discriminatory coverage of political views in programming by private and in particular public broadcasters during the upcoming electoral campaign; stresses the need for clear provisions regulating free and paid advertisements and for improved transparency of media ownership through strengthened media monitoring; urges the authorities to refrain from interfering in media freedom or pursuing politically motivated judicial cases against media owners or representatives; urges the Georgian Government to take steps to prevent disinformation campaigns by foreign or domestic actors against the country or any political party; urges social media platforms to ensure that they are not misused for the purpose of undermining the integrity of the electoral process; |
| --- | --- |

16.

| 17. | Strongly condemns the cyber-attacks against Georgian institutions and media outlets widely attributed to Russian actors; underlines the need to investigate effectively and fight foreign disinformation campaigns and propaganda, which is undermining Georgian institutions and fomenting the polarisation of society; calls on the Council and the EEAS, therefore, to step up cooperation on cyber security in order to strengthen Georgia’s resilience in this sphere, on the Commission to support reforms on media and information literacy, and on the Georgian Government to cooperate with EU institutions on best practices against disinformation; calls, furthermore, on all political actors in Georgia to refrain from using social media to attack people, organisations and institutions and spread deliberate misinformation; notes the recent action taken by social media platforms against accounts and pages which have engaged in coordinated inauthentic behaviour and attacks against the opposition, the media and civil society; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms

| 18. | Deplores the constant violations by the Russian Federation, which exercises effective control over the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, of the fundamental rights of the people in these occupied regions, who are being deprived of the freedom of movement and residence, the right to property and the right of access to education in their native language, and reiterates its full support for the safe and dignified return home of internally displaced persons and refugees; expresses its concern that the continuous and illegal ‘borderisation’ process has particularly detrimental effects in the context of the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, because the restriction of freedom of movement is depriving people of access to the necessary medical services and endangering their lives; welcomes the resumption of participation in the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs) in Ergneti on 30 July 2020 and encourages all parties to resume regular dialogue in this format in order to improve the safety and humanitarian situation of the conflict-affected population; |
| --- | --- |

18.

| 19. | Underlines that gender equality is a key precondition to sustainable and inclusive development; commends the work of the Georgian Parliament’s Gender Equality Council and its efforts to identify and raise awareness about sexual harassment as a form of discrimination; urges the Georgian Government and authorities to further improve women’s representation and equal treatment at all levels of political and societal life; requests that the Commission mainstream gender equality into all its policies, programmes and activities in relation to Georgia; calls for the full implementation of the Istanbul Convention; |
| --- | --- |

19.

| 20. | Welcomes the work of the Human Rights Department of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs and insists that the existing human rights and anti-discrimination legislation must be thoroughly and efficiently implemented; calls for further efforts to address discrimination against women, LGBT persons, Roma people and religious minorities in the social, economic, labour and health areas and to step up the investigation and prosecution of hate speech and violent crimes against all minorities and vulnerable groups; calls on all the religious communities, including the Georgian Orthodox Church, and civil society to work to engender a climate of tolerance; |
| --- | --- |

20.

| 21. | Underlines the importance of further strengthening the child protection system, including by preventing violence and the sexual exploitation of minors; calls for awareness to be raised regarding digital risks and for access to education to be guaranteed for all, including children with disabilities; underlines the Georgian Government’s responsibility to monitor the situation of children in orphanages; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Institutional provisions

| 22. | Underlines the importance of reducing antagonism and the polarisation of politics and of ensuring constructive cooperation in the country’s democratic institutions, in particular the Parliament of Georgia; emphasises the need, therefore, to improve the political climate and build trust among all political and institutional actors, as well as between them and the Georgian people; |
| --- | --- |

22.

| 23. | Calls on the Parliament of Georgia to make full use of the opportunities available to Georgia as a priority country for the European Parliament’s democracy support activities and to engage in a dialogue to identify its needs; |
| --- | --- |

23.

| 24. | Calls on the Parliament of Georgia to strengthen its capacities to exercise parliamentary control mechanisms, particularly control over the security system; encourages a greater role for the opposition in the parliamentary oversight process, simplified procedures for summoning members of the government and other accountable officials, and the establishment of a centralised recording system to provide timely and complete information on parliamentary control to all interested stakeholders; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Economic and trade relations

| 25. | Notes with satisfaction that the EU is Georgia’s main trading partner, accounting for 27 % of its total trade; welcomes the continued approximation of Georgia’s legislation in trade-related areas; emphasises the need to increase and diversify Georgian exports to the EU beyond agricultural commodities and raw materials and to attract investments from the EU in Georgia in order to provide more jobs and improve Georgia’s trade balance with the EU and macro-financial stability, first and foremost by strengthening the rule of law, by fighting corruption, money laundering and tax evasion and by supporting approximation to EU standards; stresses the importance of supporting a favourable business environment for regional and small and medium-sized enterprises in order to enhance Georgia’s ability to innovate further in different economic sectors; calls on the Commission to explore increased sectoral cooperation in the digital economy, education, research and innovation, to enhance the ICT sector, digitalisation and green technologies, and to share know-how and best practices; emphasises the importance of targeted youth programmes to create fair job opportunities; |
| --- | --- |

25.

| 26. | Recalls that the EU-Georgia AA/DCFTA aims to gradually integrate Georgia into the single market; calls on the Commission to be more vocal in setting a target of securing single market access for Georgia and to step up initiatives aimed at deeper sectoral integration with a view to achieving more policy convergence with the EU and making the deliverables of bilateral cooperation more visible and tangible for both sides; |
| --- | --- |

26.

| 27. | Underlines the importance of transparency and encourages the Georgian authorities to further inform local entrepreneurs and mass media about the implementation of the DCFTA; |
| --- | --- |

27.

| 28. | Calls on the Commission to support the full implementation of the DCFTA through coordinated assistance, with a focus on sustainable economic development in line with the European Green Deal and on support for SMEs and structural reforms in cooperation with business and civil society, including a major reform of the banking and financial sector aimed at combating money laundering and tax evasion; |
| --- | --- |

28.

| 29. | Underlines the importance of structural reforms to further improve the investment climate in Georgia, including for attracting foreign direct investment and ensuring transparency thereof; encourages the Georgian authorities to bolster the capacities of the responsible institutions and increase political support and unity for infrastructure projects of strategic importance; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Sectoral cooperation

| 30. | Encourages the Georgian Government to continue its comprehensive reform of labour legislation so as to ensure better regulation of working conditions, including continued improvements in labour inspections and social dialogue; highlights in particular the need to amend the Labour Safety Law in order to set up a fully-fledged inspection system and a proper anti-discrimination mechanism to explicitly monitor full respect of labour rights and systematically verify any workplace hazards, to include a modern anti-corruption mechanism and to ratify all the relevant ILO conventions; encourages the involvement of civil society organisations and trade unions in these reforms in the light of their importance for workers’ and social rights in Georgia; |
| --- | --- |

30.

| 31. | Recalls that DCFTAs must always include robust, binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters that fully respect international commitments, in particular the Paris Agreement, and must be compliant with WTO rules; encourages the speeding up of the implementation of the third National Environment Action Programme and the approximation of Georgian legislation with the EU acquis relating to the environment, in line with the AA requirements on environmental protection; calls on Georgia to further enhance its engagement in the fight against climate change and calls on the Commission to facilitate Georgia’s participation in the European Green Deal and to ensure that the DCFTA does not contradict the environmental objectives and initiatives set out therein; |
| --- | --- |

31.

| 32. | Welcomes what has been achieved under the Single Support Framework and encourages a swift and effective implementation of the new assistance programmes, which focus on energy efficiency, solid waste management and water supply and sanitation; |
| --- | --- |

32.

| 33. | Welcomes the allocation by the Commission of EUR 3,4 billion for 18 priority projects in Georgia under the indicative trans-European transport network (TEN-T) investment action plan; calls on Georgia to improve its energy sector and connectivity, while ensuring environmental sustainability, in particular the preservation of biodiversity and protected sites, and taking into account local communities during the implementation process; |
| --- | --- |

33.

| 34. | Welcomes Georgia’s new education programme, the review of the 2017-2021 strategy for education and science, the new Vocational Education and Training Law, and the progress made in aligning its education quality assurance mechanism with the AA; welcomes Georgia’s successful participation in Erasmus+, which has seen almost 7 500 students and academic staff partake in exchanges between Georgia and the EU, as well as the Eastern Partnership European School and the first European School established by the EU and the Georgian Government; |
| --- | --- |

34.

| 35. | Recommends that the Commission continues its efforts to enable the participation of Georgia in EU-supported programmes and agencies that are open to non-EU countries, under a legally appropriate status; |
| --- | --- |

35.

o

o o

| 36. | 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, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government and Parliament of Georgia. |
| --- | --- |

36.

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(1)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0457.

(2)  OJ C 28, 27.1.2020, p. 97.

(3)  OJ C 162, 10.5.2019, p. 138.

(4)  OJ C 11, 12.1.2018, p. 82.

(5)  OJ C 294, 12.8.2016, p. 111.

(6)  Final report of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission of 28 February 2019 on the presidential election in Georgia, p. 30.

---

Thursday 17 September 2020

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/47 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/47

---

P9_TA(2020)0224

Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on Arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (2020/2003(INI))

(2021/C 385/06)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the principles enshrined in Article 346(1)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) on the production of or trade in arms, in Article 42(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) on ‘defining a European capabilities and armaments policy’, and in Article 21 TEU, notably the promotion of democracy and the rule of law, the preservation of peace, the prevention of conflicts and the strengthening of international security, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the principles enshrined in Article 346(1)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) on the production of or trade in arms, in Article 42(3) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) on ‘defining a European capabilities and armaments policy’, and in Article 21 TEU, notably the promotion of democracy and the rule of law, the preservation of peace, the prevention of conflicts and the strengthening of international security,

| — | having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1560 of 16 September 2019 amending Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (‘the Common Position’) defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment (1), and to the Council conclusions of 16 September 2019 setting out the Council’s review of the Common Position, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1560 of 16 September 2019 amending Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (‘the Common Position’) defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment (1), and to the Council conclusions of 16 September 2019 setting out the Council’s review of the Common Position,

| — | having regard to the Twentieth Annual Report drawn up in accordance with Article 8(2) of the Common Position (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Twentieth Annual Report drawn up in accordance with Article 8(2) of the Common Position (2),

| — | having regard to the Twenty-First Annual Report drawn up in accordance with Article 8(2) of the Common Position (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Twenty-First Annual Report drawn up in accordance with Article 8(2) of the Common Position (3),

| — | having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/101 of 22 January 2018 on the promotion of effective arms export controls (4) and Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/915 of 29 May 2017 on Union outreach activities in support of the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/101 of 22 January 2018 on the promotion of effective arms export controls (4) and Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/915 of 29 May 2017 on Union outreach activities in support of the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (5),

| — | having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/2191 of 19 December 2019 in support of a global reporting mechanism on illicit conventional arms and their ammunition to reduce the risk of their diversion and illicit transfer (iTrace IV) (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/2191 of 19 December 2019 in support of a global reporting mechanism on illicit conventional arms and their ammunition to reduce the risk of their diversion and illicit transfer (iTrace IV) (6),

| — | having regard to the updated Common Military List of the European Union, adopted by the Council on 17 February 2020 (7) , |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the updated Common Military List of the European Union, adopted by the Council on 17 February 2020 (7) ,

| — | having regard to the User’s Guide to the Common Position, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the User’s Guide to the Common Position,

| — | having regard to the Wassenaar Arrangement of 12 May 1996 on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies, together with the lists, updated in December 2019, of those goods and technologies and munitions, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Wassenaar Arrangement of 12 May 1996 on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies, together with the lists, updated in December 2019, of those goods and technologies and munitions,

| — | having regard to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) adopted by the UN General Assembly on 2 April 2013 (8), which entered into force on 24 December 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) adopted by the UN General Assembly on 2 April 2013 (8), which entered into force on 24 December 2014,

| — | having regard to Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 May 2009 simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community (9), and to Directive 2009/81/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on the coordination of procedures for the award of certain works contracts, supply contracts and service contracts by contracting authorities or entities in the fields of defence and security, and amending Directives 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2009/43/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 May 2009 simplifying terms and conditions of transfers of defence-related products within the Community (9), and to Directive 2009/81/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on the coordination of procedures for the award of certain works contracts, supply contracts and service contracts by contracting authorities or entities in the fields of defence and security, and amending Directives 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC (10),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 of 5 May 2009 setting up a Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items (11), as amended by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1969 of 12 September 2016 (12), and to the list of dual-use goods and technology in Annex I thereto (‘the Dual-Use Regulation’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 of 5 May 2009 setting up a Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items (11), as amended by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1969 of 12 September 2016 (12), and to the list of dual-use goods and technology in Annex I thereto (‘the Dual-Use Regulation’),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1092 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 establishing the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) aiming at supporting the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the Union’s defence industry (13), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1092 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 establishing the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) aiming at supporting the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the Union’s defence industry (13),

| — | having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2018 establishing the European Defence Fund (EDF) (COM(2018)0476), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2018 establishing the European Defence Fund (EDF) (COM(2018)0476),

| — | having regard to the proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with the support of the Commission, to the Council for a Council Decision establishing a European Peace Facility (EPF) (HR(2018)94), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with the support of the Commission, to the Council for a Council Decision establishing a European Peace Facility (EPF) (HR(2018)94),

| — | having regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goal 16 promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goal 16 promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,

| — | having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015) on an arms embargo on Yemen, and to Report A/HRC/39/43 of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the situation of human rights in Yemen, including violations and abuses since September 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015) on an arms embargo on Yemen, and to Report A/HRC/39/43 of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the situation of human rights in Yemen, including violations and abuses since September 2014,

| — | having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/472 of 31 March 2020 on a European Union military operation in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) (14), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/472 of 31 March 2020 on a European Union military operation in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) (14),

| — | having regard to UN Security Council resolution 2473 (2019), adopted on 10 June 2019, which renewed measures designed to implement the arms embargo against Libya, and to the statement of 25 January 2020 of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on continued violations of the arms embargo in Libya, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to UN Security Council resolution 2473 (2019), adopted on 10 June 2019, which renewed measures designed to implement the arms embargo against Libya, and to the statement of 25 January 2020 of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on continued violations of the arms embargo in Libya,

| — | having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 1970 (2011) imposing the arms embargo on Libya and to all subsequent Security Council resolutions on the matter, as well as to Resolutions 2292 (2016), 2357 (2017), 2420 (2018) and 2473 (2019) on the strict implementation of the arms embargo, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 1970 (2011) imposing the arms embargo on Libya and to all subsequent Security Council resolutions on the matter, as well as to Resolutions 2292 (2016), 2357 (2017), 2420 (2018) and 2473 (2019) on the strict implementation of the arms embargo,

| — | having regard to the UN publication of 2018 ‘Securing our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN publication of 2018 ‘Securing our Common Future: An Agenda for Disarmament’,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/125 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 January 2019 concerning trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (15), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/125 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 January 2019 concerning trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (15),

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the European Council of 16 October 2019 on Turkey, which endorsed the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council of 14 October 2019 on its illegal actions in northern Syria and the eastern Mediterranean, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the European Council of 16 October 2019 on Turkey, which endorsed the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council of 14 October 2019 on its illegal actions in northern Syria and the eastern Mediterranean,

| — | having regard to UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, aiming at the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development (16) |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, aiming at the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development (16)

| — | having regard to the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for the Human Rights Council on the impact of arms transfers on the enjoyment of human rights (17), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for the Human Rights Council on the impact of arms transfers on the enjoyment of human rights (17),

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on arms exports and the implementation of the Common Position, in particular those of 14 November 2018 (18), 13 September 2017 (19) and 17 December 2015 (20), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on arms exports and the implementation of the Common Position, in particular those of 14 November 2018 (18), 13 September 2017 (19) and 17 December 2015 (20),

| — | having regard to its recommendation of 28 March 2019 to the Council and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy concerning the proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with the support of the Commission, to the Council for a Council Decision establishing a European Peace Facility (21), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its recommendation of 28 March 2019 to the Council and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy concerning the proposal of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with the support of the Commission, to the Council for a Council Decision establishing a European Peace Facility (21),

| — | having regard to its resolutions on the humanitarian situation in Yemen of 25 February 2016 (22), 15 June 2017 (23) and 30 November 2017 (24), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions on the humanitarian situation in Yemen of 25 February 2016 (22), 15 June 2017 (23) and 30 November 2017 (24),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 27 February 2014 on the use of armed drones (25), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 27 February 2014 on the use of armed drones (25),

| — | having regard to the workshop entitled ‘The implementation of the EU arms export control system’ held at the meeting of its Subcommittee on Security and Defence on 12 April 2017, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the workshop entitled ‘The implementation of the EU arms export control system’ held at the meeting of its Subcommittee on Security and Defence on 12 April 2017,

| — | having regard to the study entitled ‘Recommendations for a transparent and detailed reporting system on arms exports within the EU and to third countries’ commissioned by its Subcommittee on Security and Defence, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the study entitled ‘Recommendations for a transparent and detailed reporting system on arms exports within the EU and to third countries’ commissioned by its Subcommittee on Security and Defence,

| — | having regard to the Treaty between the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on Franco-German Cooperation and Integration of 22 January 2019 (Franco-German Treaty of Aachen), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty between the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on Franco-German Cooperation and Integration of 22 January 2019 (Franco-German Treaty of Aachen),

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the EU Foreign Affairs Council of 21 August 2013 on Egypt, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the EU Foreign Affairs Council of 21 August 2013 on Egypt,

| — | having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure, |
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—

having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A9-0137/2020), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A9-0137/2020),

| A. | whereas the latest SIPRI figures (26) show that arms exports from the EU-28 amounted to some 26 % of the global total over the period 2015 to 2019, making the EU-28 collectively the second largest arms supplier in the world, after the US (36 %) and followed by Russia (21 %); whereas under Article 346 TEU the production of or trade in arms remain with Member States; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the latest SIPRI figures (26) show that arms exports from the EU-28 amounted to some 26 % of the global total over the period 2015 to 2019, making the EU-28 collectively the second largest arms supplier in the world, after the US (36 %) and followed by Russia (21 %); whereas under Article 346 TEU the production of or trade in arms remain with Member States;

| B. | whereas the latest SIPRI figures show that the EU-28 is the second arms exporter to both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE); whereas according to the UN Group of Regional and International Eminent Experts, parties to the armed conflict in Yemen have perpetrated, and continue to perpetrate, crimes in violation of international law; |
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B.

whereas the latest SIPRI figures show that the EU-28 is the second arms exporter to both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE); whereas according to the UN Group of Regional and International Eminent Experts, parties to the armed conflict in Yemen have perpetrated, and continue to perpetrate, crimes in violation of international law;

| C. | whereas exports of arms, weapons and equipment enhance the defence industry’s ability to efficiently research and develop defensive technologies, and therefore secure the ability of the EU Member States to defend themselves and protect their citizens; |
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C.

whereas exports of arms, weapons and equipment enhance the defence industry’s ability to efficiently research and develop defensive technologies, and therefore secure the ability of the EU Member States to defend themselves and protect their citizens;

| D. | whereas a new arms race in the world is growing and the major military powers no longer rely on arms control and disarmament to reduce international tensions and improve the global security environment; |
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D.

whereas a new arms race in the world is growing and the major military powers no longer rely on arms control and disarmament to reduce international tensions and improve the global security environment;

| E. | whereas the Council’s common position of 8 December 2008 is an essential instrument for enhanced cooperation and the closer alignment of Member States’ export policies; |
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E.

whereas the Council’s common position of 8 December 2008 is an essential instrument for enhanced cooperation and the closer alignment of Member States’ export policies;

| F. | whereas Member States recognise the special responsibility that may derive from exporting military technology and equipment to third states in influencing or exacerbating existing tensions and conflicts; |
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F.

whereas Member States recognise the special responsibility that may derive from exporting military technology and equipment to third states in influencing or exacerbating existing tensions and conflicts;

| G. | whereas the global crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic could have significant geostrategic repercussions and further points up the need to build a genuine European strategic autonomy; |
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G.

whereas the global crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic could have significant geostrategic repercussions and further points up the need to build a genuine European strategic autonomy;

| H. | whereas the EU Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of 21 August 2013 stated that ‘Member States also agreed to suspend export licenses to Egypt of any equipment which might be used for internal repression and to reassess export licenses of equipment covered by Common Position 2008/944/CFSP and review their security assistance with Egypt’; whereas companies based in several EU Member States have continued to export arms, surveillance technology and other security equipment to Egypt, thus facilitating hacking and malware as well as other forms of attacks on human rights defenders and civil society activists, both physically and online; whereas this activity has led to the repression of freedom of expression online; |
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H.

whereas the EU Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of 21 August 2013 stated that ‘Member States also agreed to suspend export licenses to Egypt of any equipment which might be used for internal repression and to reassess export licenses of equipment covered by Common Position 2008/944/CFSP and review their security assistance with Egypt’; whereas companies based in several EU Member States have continued to export arms, surveillance technology and other security equipment to Egypt, thus facilitating hacking and malware as well as other forms of attacks on human rights defenders and civil society activists, both physically and online; whereas this activity has led to the repression of freedom of expression online;

| I. | whereas in an increasingly unstable multipolar world in which nationalist, xenophobic and anti-democratic forces are on the rise, it is vital for the European Union to become an influential player on the world stage and to keep its leading role as a global ‘soft power’, committed to disarmament as regards both conventional and nuclear weapons, and investing in conflict prevention, crisis management and mediation before military options are considered; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas in an increasingly unstable multipolar world in which nationalist, xenophobic and anti-democratic forces are on the rise, it is vital for the European Union to become an influential player on the world stage and to keep its leading role as a global ‘soft power’, committed to disarmament as regards both conventional and nuclear weapons, and investing in conflict prevention, crisis management and mediation before military options are considered;

| J. | whereas arms exports are essential when it comes to strengthening the industrial and technological base of the European defence industry, which is primarily committed to ensuring the protection and security of the EU Member States while contributing to CFSP implementation; |
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J.

whereas arms exports are essential when it comes to strengthening the industrial and technological base of the European defence industry, which is primarily committed to ensuring the protection and security of the EU Member States while contributing to CFSP implementation;

| K. | whereas divergence in Member States’ arms export behaviour is sometimes weakening the EU’s ability to achieve its foreign policy objectives, as well as undermining its credibility as an actor speaking with one voice in the international arena; |
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K.

whereas divergence in Member States’ arms export behaviour is sometimes weakening the EU’s ability to achieve its foreign policy objectives, as well as undermining its credibility as an actor speaking with one voice in the international arena;

| L. | whereas both the global and the regional security environment have dramatically changed, especially with regard to the Union’s southern and eastern neighbourhood; |
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L.

whereas both the global and the regional security environment have dramatically changed, especially with regard to the Union’s southern and eastern neighbourhood;

| M. | whereas military transparency measures such as reporting on arms exports contribute to cross-border trust-building; |
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M.

whereas military transparency measures such as reporting on arms exports contribute to cross-border trust-building;

The 20th and 21st EU annual reports on arms exports

| 1. | Underlines that maintaining a defence industry serves as part of the self-defence of the Union and is a component of its strategic autonomy; notes that this is only possible if Member States give priority to European products in their equipment programmes; stresses that a viable European market would reduce dependency on arms exports to third countries; |
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1.

| 2. | Notes that the common position provides for a transparency procedure involving the publication of annual EU reports on arms exports; welcomes the publication of the 20th and 21st reports, in line with Article 8(2) of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, compiled by the Council Working Party on Conventional Arms Exports (COARM) and published in the Official Journal, albeit with delay; believes that the publication of both reports represents a step forward towards a common EU position in the field of arms exports, in the framework of an ever more challenging international context marked by increasing volumes of exports and decreasing levels of transparency; considers both reports to be valuable complements to the UN reports on global and regional arms export transparency; |
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2.

| 3. | Notes Member States’ efforts to comply with Article 346(1)(b) TFEU on the production of or trade in arms; |
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3.

| 4. | Notes that 19 Member States made full submissions for the 20th annual report, and 19 for the 21st; urges all Member States to comply fully with their obligations, as set out in the Common Position at a time of decreasing global transparency in the arms trade, especially on the part of several major arms-exporting countries; underlines that full submission means to submit the total quantity and value of both the licenses granted and actual exports, broken down by country of destination and Military List category; notes that for the 20th annual report 27 Member States, with the exception of Greece, made at least partial submissions, and for the 21th annual report all 28 Member States submitted data, while around one third were incomplete in their submissions; welcomes, however, the additional information provided by the governments via national reports; reiterates its request that all Member States which have not made full submissions provide additional information regarding their past exports with a view to the next annual report; |
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4.

| 5. | Is concerned that Member States use very different information in order to generate data on the value of licenses, complicating the ability to use consistent and comparative data effectively; stresses the importance of reporting actual arms exports, including their total value and quantity, under global and general licenses broken down by Military List categories and by country of destination; |
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5.

| 6. | Calls on the Member States to increase their coordination and to define common best practices for collecting and processing information and data, in order to produce more harmonised annual reports and thus improve the transparency and usability of the reports; |
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6.

| 7. | Notes that the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, a region where there are several armed conflicts, remain the foremost regional destination for exports according to the last two annual reports; notes that these regions face significant and continuing security challenges and that all exports have to be assessed on a case-by-case basis against the eight criteria of the Common Position; |
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7.

| 8. | Supports the Council's commitment to strengthening the control of exports of military technology and equipment; notes the willingness of Member States to reinforce cooperation and promote convergence in this field within the framework of the CFSP; welcomes these efforts because they are in line with the overall objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) set out in Article 21 TEU and of the regional priorities set in the EU Global Strategy (2016); in this regard, calls on the Member States to develop, implement and uphold common standards of management of transfers of military technology and equipment; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Recalls that the EU has been implementing a number of arms embargos, including all UN embargoes, in line with the objectives of the CFSP, on countries such as Belarus, the Central African Republic, China, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, North Korea, the Russian Federation, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen and Zimbabwe; notes that whereas these embargos could deprive a country of military resources, in some cases they contribute to regional peace and stability; notes that such embargos ensure that the EU does not contribute to humanitarian crises, human rights abuses and atrocities; calls on the EU to help strengthen Member States’ capacities for implementing robust procedures for monitoring the compliance of all Member States with EU arms embargoes, and to make the relevant findings public (27); |
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9.

| 10. | Recalls its resolution on the situation in Yemen of 4 October 2018; urges all EU Member States, in this context, to refrain from selling arms and any military equipment to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and any member of the international coalition, as well as to the Yemeni Government and other parties to the conflict; |
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10.

| 11. | Welcomes the decisions of the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands adopting restrictions on their arms exports to countries which are members of the Saudi-led coalition involved in the war in Yemen; notes that in some cases, as reported by NGOs, the arms exported to those countries have been used in Yemen, where 22 million people find themselves in need of humanitarian aid and protection; recalls that such exports clearly violate the Common Position; notes the renewed extension of the moratorium on arms exports to Saudi Arabia by Germany up to the end of 2020, as well as the decisions by several Member States to enforce full restrictions; recalls that between 25 February 2016 and 14 February 2019 Parliament, via plenary resolutions, called at least ten times on the VP/HR to launch a process leading to an EU arms embargo on Saudi Arabia, including in 2018 also regarding other members of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen; reiterates this call once again; |
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11.

| 12. | Calls on the Member States to follow the example of Germany, Finland and Denmark, which, after the killing of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi, adopted restrictions on their arms exports to Saudi Arabia; |
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12.

| 13. | Reiterates its calls on the Member States to follow up on the Council conclusions on Egypt of 21 August 2013 by announcing the suspension of export licences for any equipment which might be used for internal repression, in line with Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, and condemns the persistent non-compliance of Member States with these commitments; calls on the Member States, therefore, to halt exports to Egypt of arms, surveillance technology and other security equipment that can facilitate attacks on human rights defenders and civil society activists, including on social media, as well as any other kind of internal repression; calls on the VP/HR to report on the current state of military and security cooperation of Member States with Egypt; calls for the EU to implement in full its export controls vis-à-vis Egypt with regard to goods that could be used for repression, torture or capital punishment; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Reiterates its recent calls for an end to exports of surveillance technology and other equipment that can facilitate internal repression, to several countries including Egypt, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Vietnam; |
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14.

| 15. | Notes that the EU undertakes missions in the framework of the CSDP, including a mission enforcing an arms embargo in Libya, with the aim of strengthening regional peace and stability; deeply regrets the continued blatant violations of the arms embargo in Libya, even after the commitments made in this regard by concerned countries during the International Conference on Libya held in Berlin on 19 January 2020; calls on all Member States to halt all transfers of weapons, surveillance and intelligence equipment and material to all the parties involved in the Libyan conflict; |
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15.

| 16. | Welcomes Operation IRINI’s objective of the strict implementation of the UN arms embargo through the use of aerial, satellite and maritime assets by carrying out inspections of vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya that are suspected to be carrying arms or related material to and from Libya, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 2292 (2016), 2357 (2017), 2420 (2018) and 2473 (2019); |
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16.

| 17. | Strongly condemns the signature of the two Memoranda of Understanding between Turkey and Libya on the delimitation of maritime zones and on comprehensive security and military cooperation, which are interconnected and are in clear violation of both international law and the UN Security Council resolution imposing an arms embargo on Libya; recalls the decision taken by some Member States to halt arms export licensing to Turkey; recalls that Member States committed to strong national positions regarding their arms export policy to Turkey on the basis of the provisions of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP, including the strict application of criterion 4 on regional stability; calls on the VP / HR, for as long as Turkey continues with its current illegal, unilateral actions in the Eastern Mediterranean that run counter to the sovereignty of any EU Member State (notably Greece and Cyprus) and international law, and does not engage in dialogue based on international law, to introduce an initiative in the Council for all EU Member States to halt arms export licensing to Turkey in accordance with the Common Position; calls on the appropriate forums within NATO, and especially the High-Level Task Force on Conventional Arms Control, to discuss arms control in the Eastern Mediterranean as a matter of urgency; |
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17.

| 18. | Calls on the Member States, with regard to export controls, to pay greater attention to goods which may be used for both civilian and military purposes; |
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18.

| 19. | Notes there are no sanction mechanisms in place should a Member State engage in exports that are clearly not compatible with the eight criteria; |
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19.

The Council’s review of the Common Position

| 20. | Welcomes the Council’s intention to increase convergence and transparency, as being the main objectives of its last review of the Common Position, as well as the Council conclusions on the review of the Common Position and their statement that ‘the strengthening of a European defence technological and industrial base should be accompanied by closer cooperation and convergence in the field of export control of military technology and equipment’ (28); |
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20.

| 21. | Welcomes Member States’ renewed commitment to the legally binding Common Position as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1560, and stresses the importance of thoroughly assessing export licence applications for military technology and equipment according to the criteria stipulated therein; points out that Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/1560 and the relevant conclusions of 16 September 2019 reflect a growing awareness among Member States of the need for greater national and EU-wide transparency and convergence in the area of arms exports and of the need to strengthen public oversight in this sensitive national security domain; stresses that these decisions have the potential to ensure that national oversight bodies, parliaments and EU citizens are supplied with better information about the strategic choices made by their governments, in an area which directly affects their security and their countries’ adherence to values and norms; |
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21.

| 22. | Is worried about the increasing arms race in the world; recalls the EU’s ambition to be a global actor for peace; therefore calls on the EU to play an active role in the areas of non-proliferation of arms and global disarmament; welcomes the fact that the update of the Common Position takes into account relevant developments in this respect, such as the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), to which all Member States are party; welcomes the EU’s activities aiming at supporting the universalisation of the ATT, in particular the assistance to third countries in improving and implementing effective arms control systems in line with the Common Position; calls on the major arms- exporting countries, such as the US, China and Russia, to sign and ratify the ATT; |
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22.

| 23. | Supports the Council’s reaffirmation that military equipment and technology should be traded in a responsible and accountable way; welcomes the Council’s renewed commitment to further promoting cooperation and convergence in Member States’ policies in order to prevent the exporting of military technology and equipment that might be used for internal repression or international aggression, or contribute to regional instability; |
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23.

| 24. | Notes with concern that divergences between the arms export policies and practices of the Member States slow down the convergence of EU rules in this area; notes the need to introduce new instruments in this respect; notes that future European Defence Fund-funded actions will contribute to developing new military technologies and equipment; |
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24.

| 25. | Notes with satisfaction that the Council acknowledges the importance of a consistent export control policy regarding defence-related materials and dual-use goods; believes that the EU should establish clear criteria and guidelines regarding the export of such goods; |
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25.

| 26. | Welcomes the introduction of concrete measures intended to facilitate the correct, coherent and timely reporting of Member States’ arms exports; supports in particular the Council’s decision to introduce a clear reporting deadline for national submissions, clear standards for the report’s format, and further guidelines on the substance and process of reporting; encourages the Member States to submit their data as soon as possible and no later than May after the reporting year in order to allow a timely public debate; welcomes the steps taken towards the online approach and encourages its further development; also welcomes the Council’s support for clear guidelines on information sharing and exchange between Member States on their arms export policies; welcomes the steps taken towards the digital approach with the COARM Online System, and encourages its further expansion; |
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26.

The increasing cooperation between Member States in arms production

| 27. | Notes that since the adoption of the legally binding Common Position in 2008, the Member States have stepped up their arms exports monitoring; also notes that an increasing number of weapon systems produced in Europe are made up of components from multiple EU Member States and involve bilateral or multilateral cooperation for technological, industrial and political reasons; underlines the positive role of this type of cooperation in promoting confidence-building among Member States and third countries; |
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27.

| 28. | Stresses that the ambition to increase the competitiveness of the European defence sector must not undermine the application of the Common Position’s eight criteria, as they take precedence over any economic social, commercial or industrial interests of Member States; |
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28.

| 29. | Notes an increase in the transfer of knowledge and technology, which allows third countries to undertake licensed production of European military technology; believes that this process should not limit the EU’s capacity to control weapons, arms and military equipment production, but should, rather, foster the convergence of public oversight and transparency standards in defence production and accelerate the creation of internationally recognised and respected rules on arms production and exports; |
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29.

| 30. | Notes that a growing number of components in weapon systems are of civilian origin or of dual-use character; therefore considers it necessary to establish a coherent transfer control system for these components between all Member States; |
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30.

| 31. | Notes that Member States have not outlined a common policy regulating the transfer of weapons components to another Member State which would ensure that any export to third countries from the Member State of assembly is consistent with the export policy of the Member State providing the components; notes that some of the Member States continue to consider intra-EU transfers of arms and defence-related products as similar to exports operations to third countries; regards this as particularly challenging in the context of the increasing divergences between licensing practices across the EU; observes that Directive 2009/43/EC on intra-Community transfers, in its current form, is not designed to achieve highest common standards for arms export controls to third countries while facilitating transfers in the European armaments market; |
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31.

| 32. | Notes that a first attempt to regulate intra-European transfers was the Schmidt-Debré harmonisation agreement between France and Germany with the ‘de minimis’ rule; notes in this regard the Franco-German Agreement on defence export controls; |
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32.

| 33. | Observes that the arms export policies of each Member State may hamper cooperation projects; notes that such divergence might give rise to bilateral and specific agreements on weapon systems that, in some cases, allow for exports to third countries based on the least restrictive standards, rather than a joint, EU-wide approach; recalls that the purpose of the Council Common Position on arms exports was and is to prevent such divergences and to establish a coherent common arms export policy; notes a link between divergences in export policies and difficulties of intra-UE cooperation, a persistent fragmentation of the internal market for defence-related products, and the existence of industrial duplications; calls, therefore, on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to provide an adequate level of funding to enable the reduction of market fragmentation and industrial consolidation while ensuring that the EU and its Member States will have the military capabilities they need; calls on the Commission to ensure the effective implementation of Directives 2009/81/EC and 2009/43/EC, including enforcement actions as regards procurement; |
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33.

| 34. | Notes that bilateral cooperation on industrial defence-related projects between Member States leads to export control agreements which can provide a baseline for the EU as a whole; |
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34.

| 35. | Stresses that bilateral and multilateral agreements should pave the way towards improved convergence and harmonisation of export policies at EU level because the lack of convergence and transparency in decisions on exports to third countries may have a negative impact on the ability of the EU to speak with one voice and be influential in the international arena, with regard to the promotion of human rights, international law and regional peace and stability; notes concerns that this divergence has the potential to generate market distortions and hinder industrial strategic planning, economies of scale and a level playing field; |
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35.

The growing importance of the EU level in arms production

| 36. | Stresses that the development of suitable equipment is an important means of underpinning the industrial and technological foundations of the European defence sector; notes that EU initiatives such as the Preparatory Action on Defence Research (PADR), the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) and the European Defence Fund (EDF), as well as the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) and the European Peace Facility (EPF), legislation such as the intra-Community transfers and defence procurement directives of 2009, and the creation of administrative capacities such as the Commission Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) are helping to enhance cooperation for the purposes of arms production and capability development at European level; believes that the strengthening of the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base should be accompanied by closer cooperation and convergence in the control of exports of military technology and equipment, with the aim of improving the effectiveness of the CFSP and the CSDP in particular; |
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36.

| 37. | Calls on the Member States to overcome the current lack of efficiency in defence spending due to duplication, fragmentation and lack of interoperability, and to aim for the EU to become a security provider also by better controlling arms exports; |
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37.

| 38. | Notes that several Member States have expressed their intention to jointly develop main weapon systems such as battle tanks, fighter jets and armed drones; |
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38.

| 39. | Underlines the fact that the provisional interinstitutional agreement on the establishment of the EDF authorises the Commission to assess whether the transfer of ownership or the granting of an exclusive licence of EDF-cofunded military technology contravenes the security and defence interests of the EU and its Member States and the objectives of the fund as set out in Article 3 of the proposed regulation; notes that this new legislation establishes, among other things, a civilian oversight task for the Commission with regard to a specific category of exports of military technology to third countries, thereby further enhancing transparency and minimising the risk of misuse of EU funds, however without prejudice to the competence of the Member States’ export control authorities to grant the export licenses; |
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39.

| 40. | Notes that the international commitments made by European partners extend to the supply of information regarding their national control schemes and arms transfers; notes that under the EPF, Member States and the European External Action Service (EEAS) have the possibility to militarily equip third countries, which will require EU-level monitoring; stresses that in the context of the EPF a new EU-level instrument would potentially deliver joint risk assessment prior to any decision to transfer arms and ammunition to third countries in the context of the military capacity-building pillar of the EPF, assess individual measures against the eight criteria of the Common Position, and establish safeguards and possible sanctions with regard to the end-user; |
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40.

| 41. | Calls on the Commission to keep Parliament properly informed about the use of EU funds for all research and development projects associated with the construction of drones; urges the VP/HR to ban the development, production and use of fully autonomous weapons which enable strikes to be carried out without human intervention; |
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41.

| 42. | Points out that research and development regarding weapons, arms and defence equipment is important for securing means for the Member States to defend themselves and for defence industries to achieve technological advancement; |
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42.

Implementing the Common Position in the light of the growing importance of the EU level in arms production

| 43. | Notes the lack of convergence of national arms export policies and decision-making in the context of the growing importance of the EU level in arms production and the stated ambitions and plans to develop it further; notes that the lack of convergence of national arms exports risks creating additional market distortions and related obstacles to the strategic planning of relevant companies and armed forces, and will require a progressive convergence of national arms export policies and decision-making; recalls the importance of the involvement of Member States in such a process; regrets the current divergences between the national arms export policies and decision-making processes of the Member States; calls on the Council to continue its efforts in favour of the convergence of arms export policies and decision-making; |
| --- | --- |

43.

| 44. | Suggests that exports of products financed under the EDIDP and/or the European Defence Fund (EDF) should be listed separately in the data submitted to COARM, in order to ensure the close monitoring of those products which have been financed from the European budget and the strict application of the criteria of the Common Position to the products financed under the EDIDP and EDF; |
| --- | --- |

44.

| 45. | Welcomes the strengthening of EU defence cooperation in the framework of the CSDP; believes that the growing importance of the EU level in arms production needs to go hand in hand with increased transparency; believes that there is still room for improvement in this area, particularly as regards the quality and uniformity of the data submitted by Member States; takes the view that the definition of a ‘European capabilities and armaments policy’ as foreseen in Article 42(3) TEU needs to be in line with Common Position 2008/944/CFSP; believes that increased convergence of common rules and standards of transparency of arms exports and technology fosters confidence-building among Member States and third-country partners; welcomes the efforts of COARM, in particular the guide to implementation of the Common Position by the Member States in terms of cooperation, coordination and convergence; notes that the COARM information exchange system and the guide to the implementation of the Common Position are useful day-to-day tools for control authorities; underlines the efforts of Member States to support the work of COARM in promoting exchanges of best practice; recommends to COARM:






  (a) | to add the following additional categories in a revised reporting template, in line with internationally recognised standards, in order to implement the September 2019 Council conclusions: the exact type of weapon and the quantity exported, denomination of the munitions, the lot size and the specific end-user, revoked licences, and the value and duration of contracts regarding post-delivery services such as training and maintenance; to align the EU definition of small arms with the broader UN definition; |
| --- | --- | --- |

45.

(a)

to add the following additional categories in a revised reporting template, in line with internationally recognised standards, in order to implement the September 2019 Council conclusions: the exact type of weapon and the quantity exported, denomination of the munitions, the lot size and the specific end-user, revoked licences, and the value and duration of contracts regarding post-delivery services such as training and maintenance; to align the EU definition of small arms with the broader UN definition;

| (b) | to develop EU- and internationally recognised definitions such as licensed value and actual exports, so as to facilitate the comparability of data between Member States; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

to develop EU- and internationally recognised definitions such as licensed value and actual exports, so as to facilitate the comparability of data between Member States;

| 46. | Welcomes the decision to transform the annual report into an interactive, reliable and searchable online database, and expects it to be up and running before publication of the export data for 2019; calls on the EEAS to inform Parliament of the precise date on which this database will go online; urges COARM to apply a solution that is user-friendly and easily accessible by European citizens and civil society, and that enables data to be exported in a safe and structured format; |
| --- | --- |

46.

| 47. | Calls on COARM to persevere with its efforts to introduce a notification and exchange hub for Member States to share policy information regarding exports to third countries and their decisions to reject applications for the necessary licenses; further calls on COARM, as stated in Article 7 of the Common Position, to work towards improved exchange of ‘relevant information, including information on denial notifications and arms export policies’ and other ‘measures to further increase convergence’; proposes to this end to exchange national assessments and work towards an EU-joined assessment of country situations or potential export recipients, in the light of the principles and criteria of the Common Position within the framework of the CFSP and in consultation with external stakeholders, including Parliament; calls for the regular updating of the list of third countries complying with the criteria as laid down in the Common Position; |
| --- | --- |

47.

| 48. | Believes that the EU institutions should propose peer reviews with a view to encouraging national authorities to share best practices on the collection and processing of data, fostering a better understanding of different national approaches, identifying differences as regards the interpretation of the eight criteria, and discussing ways and means to improve harmonisation, consistency and convergence among Member States; |
| --- | --- |

48.

| 49. | Strongly believes that a more consistent implementation of the EU Common Position is essential for the EU’s credibility as a value-based global actor, and that a higher level of convergence as regards the full application of the criteria will more effectively ensure respect for human rights and international law by all parties involved in the arms trade, contribute to the promotion of peace and stability, and bolster the EU’s strategic security interests and strategic autonomy; believes that this will strengthen the implementation of the CFSP; |
| --- | --- |

49.

| 50. | Considers that licenses for production in third countries should no longer be granted if this would allow the eight criteria of the Common Position or other EU arms export directives to be circumvented; |
| --- | --- |

50.

| 51. | Stresses that effective end-use controls result in a more responsible export policy and could lower the risk of diversion in particular; welcomes the EU-funded iTrace project in this respect and supports its continuation, and recommends using a similar tool to trace legal arms exports from EU Member States to third countries; calls on the Council, the Member States, and the EEAS to set up a comprehensive training and capacity-building programme for national and EU officials on arms export controls with a strong focus on building mutual understanding of the eight criteria, joint risk assessments, setting-up of safeguards, and pre- and post-licensing verification; encourages Member State governments to take steps to ensure better compliance with their end-use regulations, including the implementation of post-shipment controls; stresses the need to provide sufficient EU funding to ensure that the necessary staff resources are available at national and EU levels and at delegations and embassies in importing countries for the purposes of implementing viable risk assessments, end-use controls and post-shipment verifications; calls on the EEAS and COARM to report on iTrace any identified diversion of EU-origin goods, as part of the annual report; |
| --- | --- |

51.

| 52. | Believes that the growing importance of the EU level in arms production, the recent Council conclusions on convergence in arms exports and the establishment of the EPF should be complemented by a mechanism for EU-level monitoring and control based on full compliance with the eight criteria; recalls the definition of a ‘European capabilities and armaments policy’ as foreseen in Article 42(3) TEU; believes that ‘pooling and sharing’ and more cooperation in arms policy and procurement policy are only possible if robust export controls, mutual information arrangements and regular parliamentary scrutiny are put in place, and if robust sanction mechanisms in the event of non-compliance with common rules are enforceable as regards EU-funded projects; further demands that the European Parliament — alongside the national parliaments — be able to guarantee parliamentary control over the EU's common security and defence policy and its budget; |
| --- | --- |

52.

| 53. | Calls on COARM to examine the issue of transparency in arms exports alongside that of transparency in dual-use export licensing, and to consider the pursuit of common approaches to transparency across both instruments; believes that the increasing control over the trade in dual-use goods by the Commission in the context of the application of a revised EU Dual-Use Regulation should be balanced by an enhanced participation and overview role for Parliament in order to ensure accountability; |
| --- | --- |

53.

| 54. | Stresses the detrimental effect that the uncontrolled export of cybersurveillance technologies by EU companies can have on the security of the EU’s digital infrastructure and on human rights; expresses its concern about the ever-increasing use of certain cybersurveillance dual-use technologies against politicians, activists and journalists; strongly condemns the increasing number of human rights defenders facing digital threats, including compromised data, through confiscation of equipment, remote surveillance and data leakages; stresses, in this regard, the importance of a rapid, effective and comprehensive update of the EU’s Dual-Use Regulation; reiterates Parliament’s position on the recasting of the Dual-Use Regulation, which aims to prevent the export, sale, update and maintenance of cybersecurity equipment which can be used for internal repression, including internet surveillance; welcomes, in this regard, the EU institutions’ ongoing efforts in the context of ongoing interinstitutional negotiations aimed at updating the EU’s dual-use export control regulation; |
| --- | --- |

54.

| 55. | Considers that regular consultations with the European Parliament, national parliaments, arms export control authorities, industry associations and civil society are conducive to meaningful transparency; calls on national parliaments to exchange best reporting and oversight practices in order to enhance the scrutinising role of all national parliaments in decisions on arms control exports; calls on COARM to continue its dialogue with civil society and the relevant industries, as well as its consultations with Parliament and arms export control authorities; encourages civil society and academia to increase their engagement and dialogue with COARM and to exercise independent scrutiny of exports of defence technology and equipment; calls on the Member States and the EEAS to support such activities, including via greater financial resources; |
| --- | --- |

55.

| 56. | Stresses the need, in the spirit of the 16 September 2019 Council conclusions, for meaningful parliamentary oversight, and to respond to the annual report of COARM annually with a European Parliament report in order to ensure a minimum of parliamentary scrutiny; |
| --- | --- |

56.

| 57. | Encourages Member States to help third countries in the creation, improvement and application of arms checking systems in compliance with the Common Position; |
| --- | --- |

57.

o

o o

| 58. | 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 Member States, the Secretary-General of NATO, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. |
| --- | --- |

58.

---

(1)  OJ L 239, 17.9.2019, p. 16.

(2)  OJ C 453, 14.12.2018, p. 1.

(3)  OJ C 437, 30.12.2019, p. 1.

(4)  OJ L 17, 23.1.2018, p. 40.

(5)  OJ L 139, 30.5.2017, p. 38.

(6)  OJ L 330, 20.12.2019, p. 53.

(7)  OJ C 85, 13.3.2020, p. 1.

(8)  Arms Trade Treaty, UN, 13-27217.

(9)  OJ L 146, 10.6.2009, p. 1.

(10)  OJ L 216, 20.8.2009, p. 76.

(11)  OJ L 134, 29.5.2009, p. 1.

(12)  OJ L 307, 15.11.2016, p. 1.

(13)  OJ L 200, 7.8.2018, p. 30.

(14)  OJ L 101, 1.4.2020, p. 4.

(15)  OJ L 30, 31.1.2019, p. 1.

(16)  https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg16

(17)  A/HRC/35/8.

(18)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0451.

(19)  OJ C 337, 20.9.2018, p. 63.

(20)  OJ C 399, 24.11.2017, p. 178.

(21)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0330.

(22)  OJ C 35, 31.1.2018, p. 142.

(23)  OJ C 331, 18.9.2018, p. 146.

(24)  OJ C 356, 4.10.2018, p. 104.

(25)  OJ C 285, 29.8.2017, p. 110.

(26)  Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), fact sheet of March 2020 entitled ‘Trends in international arms transfers, 2019’.

(27)  https://www.sanctionsmap.eu/#/main?checked=

(28)  Conclusion 11 of the Council conclusions on the review of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008 on the control of arms exports, as adopted by the Council (General Affairs), Council of the European Union, 12195/19, COARM 154, Brussels, 16 September 2019.

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| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/59 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/59

---

P9_TA(2020)0226

Strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on a strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment (2019/2816(RSP))

(2021/C 385/07)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and in particular Articles 11, 168 and 191(2) thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and in particular Articles 11, 168 and 191(2) thereof,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on veterinary medicinal products (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on veterinary medicinal products (1),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/4 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of medicated feed (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/4 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of medicated feed (2),

| — | having regard to Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement (3),

| — | having regard to Directive 2013/39/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 August 2013 as regards priority substances in the field of water policy (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2013/39/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 August 2013 as regards priority substances in the field of water policy (4),

| — | having regard to Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use (5),

| — | having regard to Directive 2000/60/EC of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2000/60/EC of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (6),

| — | having regard to Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (7),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC (the ‘REACH Regulation’) (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC (the ‘REACH Regulation’) (8),

| — | having regard to Decision No 1386/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020 ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’ (the ‘7th EAP’) (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Decision No 1386/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 on a General Union Environment Action Programme to 2020 ‘Living well, within the limits of our planet’ (the ‘7th EAP’) (9),

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast) (COM(2017)0753), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast) (COM(2017)0753),

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal for a regulation on minimum requirements for water reuse (COM(2018)0337), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal for a regulation on minimum requirements for water reuse (COM(2018)0337),

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 25 June 2019 on the next steps towards making the EU a best practice region in combating antimicrobial resistance, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 25 June 2019 on the next steps towards making the EU a best practice region in combating antimicrobial resistance,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 26 June 2019 entitled ‘Towards a Sustainable Chemicals Policy Strategy of the Union’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 26 June 2019 entitled ‘Towards a Sustainable Chemicals Policy Strategy of the Union’,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 11 March 2019 entitled ‘European Union Strategic Approach to Pharmaceuticals in the Environment’ (COM(2019)0128), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 11 March 2019 entitled ‘European Union Strategic Approach to Pharmaceuticals in the Environment’ (COM(2019)0128),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 7 November 2018 entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive European Union framework on endocrine disruptors’ (COM(2018)0734), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 7 November 2018 entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive European Union framework on endocrine disruptors’ (COM(2018)0734),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 29 June 2017 entitled ‘A European One Health Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance’ (COM(2017)0339), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 29 June 2017 entitled ‘A European One Health Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance’ (COM(2017)0339),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 15 November 2011 entitled ‘Action plan against the rising threats from Antimicrobial Resistance’ (COM(2011)0748), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 15 November 2011 entitled ‘Action plan against the rising threats from Antimicrobial Resistance’ (COM(2011)0748),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 10 December 2008 entitled ‘Safe, Innovative and Accessible Medicines: a Renewed Vision for the Pharmaceutical Sector’ (COM(2008)0666), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 10 December 2008 entitled ‘Safe, Innovative and Accessible Medicines: a Renewed Vision for the Pharmaceutical Sector’ (COM(2008)0666),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 entitled ‘The European Green Deal’ (COM(2019)0640), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 entitled ‘The European Green Deal’ (COM(2019)0640),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 September 2018 on a European One Health Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 September 2018 on a European One Health Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) (10),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (11),

| — | having regard to several Member States’ programmes to reduce pharmaceutical residues in water, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to several Member States’ programmes to reduce pharmaceutical residues in water,

| — | having regard to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Joint Scientific Opinion of 1 December 2016 on measures to reduce the need to use antimicrobial agents in animal husbandry in the European Union, and the resulting impacts on food safety (RONAFA opinion), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Joint Scientific Opinion of 1 December 2016 on measures to reduce the need to use antimicrobial agents in animal husbandry in the European Union, and the resulting impacts on food safety (RONAFA opinion),

| — | having regard to the successive annual European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) reports (since 2011), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the successive annual European Surveillance of Veterinary Antimicrobial Consumption (ESVAC) reports (since 2011),

| — | having regard to the Commission publication Science for Environment Policy — Future Brief of May 2015 (Issue 11) entitled ‘Sustainable Aquaculture’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission publication Science for Environment Policy — Future Brief of May 2015 (Issue 11) entitled ‘Sustainable Aquaculture’,

| — | having regard to the Commission reflection paper of 30 January 2019 entitled ‘Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030’ (COM(2019)0022), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission reflection paper of 30 January 2019 entitled ‘Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030’ (COM(2019)0022),

| — | having regard to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) study of 13 November 2019 entitled ‘Pharmaceutical Residues in Freshwater — Hazards and Policy Responses’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) study of 13 November 2019 entitled ‘Pharmaceutical Residues in Freshwater — Hazards and Policy Responses’,

| — | having regard to the political declaration of the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly of 22 September 2016 on antimicrobial resistance, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the political declaration of the high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly of 22 September 2016 on antimicrobial resistance,

| — | having regard to the UN Drinking Water Parameter Cooperation Project, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Drinking Water Parameter Cooperation Project,

| — | having regard to the World Bank report of March 2017 entitled ‘Drug-resistant infections: a threat to our economic future’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the World Bank report of March 2017 entitled ‘Drug-resistant infections: a threat to our economic future’,

| — | having regard to the Commission report of July 2018 on options for a strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission report of July 2018 on options for a strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment,

| — | having regard to the report of the Executive Agency for Health and Consumers of 12 December 2013 on the environmental risks of medicinal products, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Executive Agency for Health and Consumers of 12 December 2013 on the environmental risks of medicinal products,

| — | having regard to the questions to the Council and the Commission on a strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment (O-000040/2020 — B9-0015/2020 and O-000041/2020 — B9-0016/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the questions to the Council and the Commission on a strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment (O-000040/2020 — B9-0015/2020 and O-000041/2020 — B9-0016/2020),

| — | having regard to Rules 136(5) and 132(2) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 136(5) and 132(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety,

| A. | whereas pharmaceuticals play an essential role in ensuring a high level of human and animal health; whereas there are currently more than 3 000 active pharmaceutical ingredients on the European market; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas pharmaceuticals play an essential role in ensuring a high level of human and animal health; whereas there are currently more than 3 000 active pharmaceutical ingredients on the European market;

| B. | whereas the wide use of pharmaceuticals in human and veterinary medicines, including antimicrobial agents, has increased their concentrations in many environmental reservoirs such as soils, sediments and waterbodies in the past 20 years; whereas environmental concentrations are likely to increase further as the population grows and ages; whereas climate change will furthermore affect both the quantity and the quality of water resources, as at times of drought concentrations will be higher, which also has a knock-on effect on water treatment; whereas there is a need for widespread gathering of data to measure this problem around the world; whereas the largest source of pharmaceuticals entering the environment is their use and disposal; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the wide use of pharmaceuticals in human and veterinary medicines, including antimicrobial agents, has increased their concentrations in many environmental reservoirs such as soils, sediments and waterbodies in the past 20 years; whereas environmental concentrations are likely to increase further as the population grows and ages; whereas climate change will furthermore affect both the quantity and the quality of water resources, as at times of drought concentrations will be higher, which also has a knock-on effect on water treatment; whereas there is a need for widespread gathering of data to measure this problem around the world; whereas the largest source of pharmaceuticals entering the environment is their use and disposal;

| C. | whereas pharmaceuticals reach the environment through the discharge of effluent from urban wastewater treatment plants, the spreading of animal manure and aquaculture, discharge of effluent from manufacturing plants, the spreading of sewage sludge, grazing livestock, the treatment of pets, and the improper disposal into landfill of unused pharmaceuticals and contaminated waste; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas pharmaceuticals reach the environment through the discharge of effluent from urban wastewater treatment plants, the spreading of animal manure and aquaculture, discharge of effluent from manufacturing plants, the spreading of sewage sludge, grazing livestock, the treatment of pets, and the improper disposal into landfill of unused pharmaceuticals and contaminated waste;

| D. | whereas the inappropriate use of antibiotics, particularly in livestock farming, and poor practices in both human and veterinary medicine more generally, have progressively rendered antimicrobial resistance a massive threat to human and animal health; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the inappropriate use of antibiotics, particularly in livestock farming, and poor practices in both human and veterinary medicine more generally, have progressively rendered antimicrobial resistance a massive threat to human and animal health;

| E. | whereas the OECD in its latest report on pharmaceutical residues in freshwater found that ‘current policy approaches to manage pharmaceutical residues are inadequate for the protection of water quality and freshwater ecosystems upon which healthy lives depend’; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the OECD in its latest report on pharmaceutical residues in freshwater found that ‘current policy approaches to manage pharmaceutical residues are inadequate for the protection of water quality and freshwater ecosystems upon which healthy lives depend’;

| F. | whereas the chemical and/or metabolic stability of certain pharmaceuticals means that up to 90 % of their active substances are released into the environment in their original form after use; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the chemical and/or metabolic stability of certain pharmaceuticals means that up to 90 % of their active substances are released into the environment in their original form after use;

| G. | whereas pharmaceuticals authorised for human use and put on the market before 2006 were not subject to an environmental risk assessment as part of the authorisation process and might therefore still lack such an assessment; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas pharmaceuticals authorised for human use and put on the market before 2006 were not subject to an environmental risk assessment as part of the authorisation process and might therefore still lack such an assessment;

| H. | whereas an environmental risk assessment is taken into account in the benefit-risk assessment for veterinary medicinal products but not for human medicinal products; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas an environmental risk assessment is taken into account in the benefit-risk assessment for veterinary medicinal products but not for human medicinal products;

| I. | whereas, in its communication of 11 March 2019, the Commission itself acknowledges the knowledge gaps in terms of concentrations of certain pharmaceuticals in the environment and the resulting levels of risk; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas, in its communication of 11 March 2019, the Commission itself acknowledges the knowledge gaps in terms of concentrations of certain pharmaceuticals in the environment and the resulting levels of risk;

| J. | whereas there is sufficient evidence that action should be taken to reduce the environmental impact from pharmaceutical substances, which can pose a risk to the environment, especially for the protection of waters used for the abstraction of drinking water; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas there is sufficient evidence that action should be taken to reduce the environmental impact from pharmaceutical substances, which can pose a risk to the environment, especially for the protection of waters used for the abstraction of drinking water;

| K. | whereas the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals has been recognised as an issue of concern by a large number of international organisations, third countries, European institutions, industry associations and non-governmental organisations; whereas some EU Member States such as the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden have already taken action to address the growing presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals has been recognised as an issue of concern by a large number of international organisations, third countries, European institutions, industry associations and non-governmental organisations; whereas some EU Member States such as the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden have already taken action to address the growing presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment;

| L. | whereas the Commission had committed in 2008 to propose measures to reduce the potentially harmful impacts of pharmaceuticals on the environment (12); |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the Commission had committed in 2008 to propose measures to reduce the potentially harmful impacts of pharmaceuticals on the environment (12);

| M. | whereas in accordance with Article 8c of Directive 2013/39/EU, the Commission was obliged to develop a strategic approach to pollution of water by pharmaceutical substances by 13 September 2015 and to propose measures by 14 September 2017; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas in accordance with Article 8c of Directive 2013/39/EU, the Commission was obliged to develop a strategic approach to pollution of water by pharmaceutical substances by 13 September 2015 and to propose measures by 14 September 2017;

| N. | whereas in its conclusions of June 2019, the Council called on the Commission ‘to assess and define the most effective measures, including legislative measures, to mitigate the effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment and to combat the development of antimicrobial resistance and to reinforce the link with the health sector in this regard’; whereas the Council acknowledged that further research is required to better understand the extent of the emerging human health and environmental impact of pharmaceuticals and their residues; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas in its conclusions of June 2019, the Council called on the Commission ‘to assess and define the most effective measures, including legislative measures, to mitigate the effects of pharmaceuticals in the environment and to combat the development of antimicrobial resistance and to reinforce the link with the health sector in this regard’; whereas the Council acknowledged that further research is required to better understand the extent of the emerging human health and environmental impact of pharmaceuticals and their residues;

| O. | whereas the AMR Industry Alliance has developed industry-driven principles under the Common Antibiotic Manufacturing Framework and determined targets for antibiotic discharge concentration in order to protect ecological resources and lower the potential risk of AMR development in the environment; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the AMR Industry Alliance has developed industry-driven principles under the Common Antibiotic Manufacturing Framework and determined targets for antibiotic discharge concentration in order to protect ecological resources and lower the potential risk of AMR development in the environment;

| P. | whereas human and animal health players and professionals, patients, industry, waste management and water treatment operators, etc., have a role to play in reducing the impact of pharmaceutical products on the environment; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas human and animal health players and professionals, patients, industry, waste management and water treatment operators, etc., have a role to play in reducing the impact of pharmaceutical products on the environment;

| Q. | whereas the OECD advocates four proactive strategies with a focus on preventive options early in a pharmaceutical product’s life cycle to cost-effectively manage pharmaceuticals in the environment and to deliver the most long-term and large-scale environmental benefits; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the OECD advocates four proactive strategies with a focus on preventive options early in a pharmaceutical product’s life cycle to cost-effectively manage pharmaceuticals in the environment and to deliver the most long-term and large-scale environmental benefits;

| R. | whereas a campaign was launched by several stakeholders to raise awareness on how to dispose of unused or expired medicines appropriately in Europe as part of the MedsDisposal initiative; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas a campaign was launched by several stakeholders to raise awareness on how to dispose of unused or expired medicines appropriately in Europe as part of the MedsDisposal initiative;

| S. | whereas any measure regarding the environmental impact of drugs must consider as the prevailing principle the right of patients to swift access to drugs deemed safe and effective with respect to the current risk-benefit assessment criteria; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas any measure regarding the environmental impact of drugs must consider as the prevailing principle the right of patients to swift access to drugs deemed safe and effective with respect to the current risk-benefit assessment criteria;

General considerations

| 1. | Welcomes the fact that the Commission finally adopted its communication of 11 March 2019; considers it regrettable that there has been a serious delay in presenting the strategic approach and the proposed actions; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Agrees with the four main objectives of the strategic approach as presented by the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Notes with concern, however, the soft nature of the measures included in the communication; considers that effective measures are needed to mitigate the negative impacts of pharmaceuticals in the environment; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Recalls that any future initiatives in the field of the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals should be science and target driven, as well as technology neutral, making sure that safety and efficacy still remain key priorities for patients’ access to pharmaceutical treatments; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Considers that a holistic approach, including all stakeholders concerned, is needed to tackle pharmaceutical pollution, taking into account the entire life cycle of drugs; stresses that, in order to ensure the effectiveness of regulatory actions, it is crucial that they are taken in line with the precautionary principle and the principle that environmental damage should as a priority be rectified at source; highlights that the polluter pays principle should apply, primarily covering the manufacturing process, but also incentivising better prescription practices and responsible consumer behaviour; notes with concern the role that pharmaceuticals play in contributing to antimicrobial resistance when released into the environment via the discharge of animal manure, water pollution or improper disposal; calls on the Commission to consider the use of extended producer responsibility to decrease the negative impacts of pharmaceuticals on the environment; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Considers it necessary to organise, in collaboration with the Member States, campaigns to inform and educate the public about the dangers of over-consumption of non-prescribed medicines; draws attention to the increase in the number of supermarket and online sales of medicines without medical recommendation, and to the danger of media advertising for such points of sale outside of pharmacies or suitably accredited establishments; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Highlights the fact that the discharge of pharmaceuticals into the environment may not only harm ecosystems and wildlife, but may also undermine the effectiveness of these same pharmaceuticals, especially in the case of antibiotics, as they can cause the emergence of antibiotic resistance; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Recalls that pharmaceuticals have diverse impacts on aquatic and marine ecosystems but also wildlife, including behavioural changes, fecundity reduction, size modification or development of sexual and reproductive abnormalities; calls on the Commission, therefore, to integrate concrete measures taking into account the cumulative effects of pharmaceutical products’ contamination on aquatic and marine species; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Recalls that studies have shown that pharmaceutical products and residues are especially present in waterbodies, and that they are not completely removed by conventional wastewater treatment plants, which currently cannot effectively filter out all pharmaceutical products; highlights that contamination of freshwater and river basins leads to contamination of the oceans; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Notes that due to generally low concentrations, risks to human health are more related to possible cumulative effects of long-term low-dose exposure than to acute or immediate health effects; is particularly concerned by the endocrine disrupting properties of certain pharmaceuticals ending up in the environment; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Points to the need to regulate the level of pharmaceutical residues under water legislation; |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Asks for a special focus to be put on discharge hotspots, such as pharmaceutical production plants, hospitals and wastewater treatment plants; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Calls on the Commission to also consider the impact of pharmaceuticals in the context of the zero-pollution action plan for air, water and soil announced by the Commission for 2021; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Calls on the Commission to facilitate the exchange of existing best practices among Member States and stakeholders with a view to reducing the environmental impacts of the manufacture, use and disposal of pharmaceuticals; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Believes that existing and self-regulated initiatives should be analysed and, where appropriate, considered in future EU initiatives on pharmaceuticals in the environment; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Increasing awareness and promoting prevention measures and prudent use of pharmaceuticals

| 16. | Calls on the Member States to share best practices in the preventive use of antibiotics and to fully implement and, if necessary, reinforce the ‘One Health Action Plan Against Antimicrobial Resistance’; reaffirms the positions expressed in its resolution of 13 September 2018 on a European One Health Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance; |
| --- | --- |

16.

| 17. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission to promote training for healthcare professionals, including veterinarians, physicians and pharmacists, and awareness-raising campaigns for patients, on the prudent use of pharmaceuticals, such as antimicrobials, antidepressants and contrast fluids; calls on actors in the pharmaceutical supply chain to contribute to providing patients and stockbreeders with clear and sufficient information on how medicines, when disposed of incorrectly, may negatively impact the environment; calls for on-pack labelling in the form of an appropriate pictogram to inform consumers how to properly dispose of unused medicines; |
| --- | --- |

17.

| 18. | Stresses that health professionals must be kept continuously up to date regarding the latest developments in research and good practices when it comes to preventing the spread of AMR; |
| --- | --- |

18.

| 19. | Calls on the Member States to include the issue of pharmaceuticals in the environment in their cross-border cooperation in river basins, and to coordinate measures where they are deemed useful; |
| --- | --- |

19.

| 20. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote vaccination as a disease prevention measure, so as to minimise the need for pharmaceuticals; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Supporting the development of pharmaceuticals that are intrinsically less harmful for the environment and promoting greener manufacturing

| 21. | Highlights the importance of faster, more ambitious and targeted action to reduce the environmental risks posed by pharmaceuticals, while acknowledging the need for further research for a better understanding of the extent of the current impact of pharmaceuticals on human health and the environment, and that the price of pharmaceutical products should not increase as a result; |
| --- | --- |

21.

| 22. | Notes that, in relation to the healthcare sector, addressing any excessive workforce pressures on physicians is a necessary condition for healthcare professionals to ensure that antimicrobials are prescribed appropriately; further notes that healthcare professionals could be further assisted via the provision of clear, evidence-based prescribing guidance that provides consistent advice across different clinical indications; |
| --- | --- |

22.

| 23. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission to support research, development and innovation in the field of pharmaceuticals that are equally effective for patients and intrinsically less harmful for the environment, given that ‘greener pharmaceuticals’ are not toxic for the environment, do not bioaccumulate, and degrade more readily, into harmless substances, in wastewater treatment plants and the environment, while taking into account that greater biodegradability could potentially impair the efficacy; |
| --- | --- |

23.

| 24. | Calls on the Member States and all stakeholders concerned to make use of EU programmes to invest in technology aimed at improving the effectiveness of the disposal of pharmaceutical products and antimicrobial-resistant genes while ensuring that such products are just as effective in terms of meeting patients’ needs; |
| --- | --- |

24.

| 25. | Considers that the environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals should be included in the benefit-risk assessment of human medicines, as is already the case for veterinary medicines, provided that marketing authorisations are not delayed nor refused solely on the grounds of adverse environmental impacts; |
| --- | --- |

25.

| 26. | Considers that the environmental assessment of pharmaceuticals should encompass their degradation products and metabolites; |
| --- | --- |

26.

| 27. | Calls on the Commission to take into account, where appropriate, ongoing efforts by stakeholders to develop future initiatives to reduce environmental risks, and to promote environmentally responsible practices and appropriate use and return of pharmaceuticals; |
| --- | --- |

27.

| 28. | Calls for monitoring data from the Water Framework Directive to be used for post-market evaluation; |
| --- | --- |

28.

| 29. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that the discharge of pharmaceuticals into water is considered as a possible Key Environmental Issue when reviewing Best Available Techniques Reference Documents under the Industrial Emissions Directive for relevant sectors; |
| --- | --- |

29.

| 30. | Points to the important role of procurement policy in promoting greener pharmaceuticals; calls on the Commission to develop clear guidance on this issue; |
| --- | --- |

30.

| 31. | Calls on the Commission to take all necessary action to ensure that the production of imported medicines meets the same high environmental standards as those applicable to medicines produced in the Union; |
| --- | --- |

31.

| 32. | Calls on the European Medicines Agency (EMA)to facilitate joint inspections of manufacturing discharges at overseas pharmaceutical factories supplying the EU; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Improving environmental risk assessment and its review

| 33. | Considers that a clear road map for completing environmental risk assessments is needed, where they are not available; |
| --- | --- |

33.

| 34. | Calls on the Member States and the EMA to make sure that applicants submit a completed assessment by the time of the authorisation for marketing human medicinal products, so that adequate risk management measures can be established and published; |
| --- | --- |

34.

| 35. | Considers it appropriate that pharmaceutical companies submit a joint environmental risk assessment per active substance so as to have coherent information, avoid duplication of work and reduce animal testing; |
| --- | --- |

35.

| 36. | Points to the need to implement in full the regulations on veterinary medicines and medicated feed with a view to reducing the use of antibiotics, including by evaluating the feasibility of setting up an EU-wide active substance-based review system by 28 January 2022 and other potential alternatives for the environmental risk assessment; |
| --- | --- |

36.

| 37. | Calls on the Commission to support research on the assessment of mixture effects, chronic low-dose exposure and antimicrobial resistance development, especially in relation to vulnerable groups; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Reducing wastage and improving the management of waste

| 38. | Stresses that measures must be based on scientific evidence and calls on all relevant stakeholders to ensure that no action taken jeopardises access to safe and effective pharmaceutical treatments for human patients and animals; in this regard, supports the Commission’s intention to reduce waste by allowing medicines to be dispensed in quantities better matching patients’ needs, while ensuring compliance with current traceability legislation, including by optimising package sizes, and to explore the possibility of extending expiry dates for medicines so that medicines that can still be used safely are not unnecessarily thrown away; |
| --- | --- |

38.

| 39. | Calls for an update of the requirements with regard to the environmental risk assessment to ensure a proper assessment of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances and of mixture effects, and to take into account the risk of antimicrobial resistance developing in the environment; |
| --- | --- |

39.

| 40. | Considers that overall per capita drug consumption should be reduced, without causing difficulties in access to medicines and without reducing the effectiveness of treatments; is of the opinion that overall per animal consumption of veterinary medicines should also decrease, without compromising animal health and welfare, and that better alternatives should be found; |
| --- | --- |

40.

| 41. | Considers that a review of Directive 86/278/EEC on sewage sludge is long overdue; calls on the Commission to present a legislative proposal to review and update Directive 86/278/EEC by no later than the end of 2021, in order to update quality standards in accordance with the latest scientific evidence and to promote a circular economy which does not harm human health and the environment; |
| --- | --- |

41.

| 42. | Considers that pharmaceutical production plants should pre-treat their wastewater using the best techniques available; |
| --- | --- |

42.

| 43. | Calls on the Member States to establish, widely promote and fully enforce provisions for take-back schemes for unused medicines; |
| --- | --- |

43.

| 44. | Calls on the Commission to coordinate cooperation on schemes aimed at avoiding improper disposal of pharmaceuticals; |
| --- | --- |

44.

| 45. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support research, innovation and development vis-à-vis more advanced wastewater treatment technologies that can detect and improve the removal of pharmaceutical residues; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Expanding environmental monitoring

| 46. | Is concerned that monitoring of pharmaceuticals in the environment, including in soil, is still very limited; stresses the need to strengthen post-marketing surveillance mechanisms, also with regard to environmental effects, so as to adequately and systematically cover the environmental data deficit; |
| --- | --- |

46.

| 47. | Calls on the Commission to address the possible impact of pharmaceuticals on the watch list under the Water Framework Directive and to assess whether the list should be updated; |
| --- | --- |

47.

| 48. | Calls on the Commission to include pharmaceuticals that pose a significant risk to the environment in the list of priority substances under the Water Framework Directive and to set environmental quality standards and concentration limits under the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) Directive; |
| --- | --- |

48.

| 49. | Highlights the fact that comprehensive monitoring of antibiotics has been developed in farming; calls on the Commission to also develop a monitoring system for human antibiotics; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Filling other knowledge gaps

| 50. | Emphasises the need to support further research, particularly under the next multiannual financial framework, on the direct impact of exposure to pharmaceuticals and their residues in the environment on human health and ecology and on better understanding how pharmaceuticals enter and persist in the environment, including in aquatic and marine ecosystems; |
| --- | --- |

50.

| 51. | Considers that the methods of analysis to quantify the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment and their development should be improved, and that analytical detection methods should be made publicly available; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Increasing transparency

| 52. | Recalls that pharmaceutical environmental information such as the impact on water, environmental behaviour, degradability and possible cocktail effects plays a key role in risk management and that this type of information should be transparent and made available to relevant stakeholders; therefore calls on the Commission and the relevant authorities to set up a secure, centralised database enabling all stakeholders concerned to have access to the results of the environmental risk assessments of products; |
| --- | --- |

52.

| 53. | Believes that a strong legislative framework should be established to increase transparency throughout the entire supply chain, as this would allow proper scrutiny and ensure that companies are held to account for the environmental release of pharmaceuticals; |
| --- | --- |

53.

| 54. | Calls on the pharmaceutical industry to provide more transparency in supply chains by disclosing the origin of drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) at raw material production stage, to ensure total traceability of all pharmaceutical products; |
| --- | --- |

54.

o

o o

| 55. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

55.

---

(1)  OJ L 4, 7.1.2019, p. 43.

(2)  OJ L 4, 7.1.2019, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65.

(4)  OJ L 226, 24.8.2013, p. 1.

(5)  OJ L 311, 28.11.2001, p. 67.

(6)  OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1.

(7)  OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19.

(8)  OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(9)  OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 171.

(10)  OJ C 433, 23.12.2019, p. 153.

(11)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0005.

(12)  Commission communication of 10 December 2008 entitled ‘Safe, Innovative and Accessible Medicines: a Renewed Vision for the Pharmaceutical Sector’ (COM(2008)0666).

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| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/68 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/68

---

P9_TA(2020)0227

Maximising the energy efficiency potential of the EU building stock

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on maximising the energy efficiency potential of the EU building stock (2020/2070(INI))

(2021/C 385/08)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and in particular to Article 194 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and in particular to Article 194 thereof,

| — | having regard to the European Pillar of Social Rights proclaimed by Parliament, the Council and the Commission at the Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth in Gothenburg on 17 November 2017, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Pillar of Social Rights proclaimed by Parliament, the Council and the Commission at the Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth in Gothenburg on 17 November 2017,

| — | having regard to the Agreement adopted at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris on 12 December 2015 (the Paris Agreement), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Agreement adopted at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) in Paris on 12 December 2015 (the Paris Agreement),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM(2019)0640), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM(2019)0640),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 28 November 2018 entitled ‘A Clean Planet for all — A European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy’ (COM(2018)0773), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 28 November 2018 entitled ‘A Clean Planet for all — A European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy’ (COM(2018)0773),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 10 March 2020 entitled ‘A New Industrial Strategy for Europe’ (COM(2020)0102), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 10 March 2020 entitled ‘A New Industrial Strategy for Europe’ (COM(2020)0102),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 11 March 2020 entitled ‘A new Circular Economy Action Plan — For a cleaner and more competitive Europe’ (COM(2020)0098), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 11 March 2020 entitled ‘A new Circular Economy Action Plan — For a cleaner and more competitive Europe’ (COM(2020)0098),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 20 September 2011 entitled ‘Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe’ (COM(2011)0571) and the environmental footprint for products announced therein, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 20 September 2011 entitled ‘Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe’ (COM(2011)0571) and the environmental footprint for products announced therein,

| — | having regard to the European Court of Auditors Special Report 11/2020 of 28 April 2020 entitled ‘Energy efficiency in buildings: greater focus on cost-effectiveness still needed’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Court of Auditors Special Report 11/2020 of 28 April 2020 entitled ‘Energy efficiency in buildings: greater focus on cost-effectiveness still needed’,

| — | having regard to the European Council conclusions of 12 December 2019, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Council conclusions of 12 December 2019,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 25 June 2019 on the future of energy systems in the Energy Union to ensure the energy transition and the achievement of energy and climate objectives towards 2030 and beyond, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 25 June 2019 on the future of energy systems in the Energy Union to ensure the energy transition and the achievement of energy and climate objectives towards 2030 and beyond,

| — | having regard to the ‘Pact of Amsterdam — The Urban Agenda for the EU’ agreed at the informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for urban matters on 30 May 2016, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ‘Pact of Amsterdam — The Urban Agenda for the EU’ agreed at the informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for urban matters on 30 May 2016,

| — | having regard to the Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities adopted at the informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for urban development on 24 and 25 May 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities adopted at the informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for urban development on 24 and 25 May 2007,

| — | having regard to Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 amending Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 amending Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency (1),

| — | having regard to Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the energy performance of buildings, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/844 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings and Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the energy performance of buildings, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/844 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings and Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency (2),

| — | having regard to Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (3),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4),

| — | having regard to Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (5),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the internal market for electricity (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the internal market for electricity (6),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC (7),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2003/96/EC of 27 October 2003 restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2003/96/EC of 27 October 2003 restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity (8),

| — | having regard to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (9),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (10),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (11),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 28 November 2019 on the climate and environment emergency (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 28 November 2019 on the climate and environment emergency (12),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2019 on climate change — a European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy in accordance with the Paris Agreement (13), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2019 on climate change — a European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy in accordance with the Paris Agreement (13),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2018 on the deployment of infrastructure for alternative fuels in the European Union: time to act! (14), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2018 on the deployment of infrastructure for alternative fuels in the European Union: time to act! (14),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 6 February 2018 on accelerating clean energy innovation (15), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 6 February 2018 on accelerating clean energy innovation (15),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 September 2016 on Towards a New Energy Market Design (16), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 September 2016 on Towards a New Energy Market Design (16),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 September 2016 on an EU Strategy on Heating and Cooling (17), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 September 2016 on an EU Strategy on Heating and Cooling (17),

| — | having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the opinion of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A9-0134/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A9-0134/2020),

| A. | whereas buildings are responsible for approximately 40 % of energy consumption and 36 % of CO2 emissions in the EU and, therefore, their deep, including staged deep, renovation is crucial to achieve the EU’s 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions objective; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas buildings are responsible for approximately 40 % of energy consumption and 36 % of CO2 emissions in the EU and, therefore, their deep, including staged deep, renovation is crucial to achieve the EU’s 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions objective;

| B. | whereas the building sector is the single largest energy consumer in the EU, and 97 % of the EU building stock is not energy efficient, with only 0,2 % of the EU’s residential buildings subject to deep, including staged deep renovations, each year, and whereas over 94 % of today’s buildings will still be standing in 2050, and most of the homes, schools and offices that we will be occupying then have already been built; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the building sector is the single largest energy consumer in the EU, and 97 % of the EU building stock is not energy efficient, with only 0,2 % of the EU’s residential buildings subject to deep, including staged deep renovations, each year, and whereas over 94 % of today’s buildings will still be standing in 2050, and most of the homes, schools and offices that we will be occupying then have already been built;

| C. | whereas space and water heating accounts for approximately 80 % of household energy consumption, as half of the EU’s buildings have individual boilers that were installed before 1992, with an efficiency of 60 % or less, and whereas 22 % of individual gas boilers, 34 % of direct electric heaters, 47 % of oil boilers and 58 % of coal boilers are older than their technical lifetime; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas space and water heating accounts for approximately 80 % of household energy consumption, as half of the EU’s buildings have individual boilers that were installed before 1992, with an efficiency of 60 % or less, and whereas 22 % of individual gas boilers, 34 % of direct electric heaters, 47 % of oil boilers and 58 % of coal boilers are older than their technical lifetime;

| D. | whereas increasing renovation rates to almost 3 % and renovating 210 million existing buildings could create up to 2 million jobs (18) in the construction sector, which accounts for about 9 % of the Union’s GDP and is an important part of the recovery strategy after the COVID-19 crisis, and could contribute to a clean economy as part of the European Green Deal; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas increasing renovation rates to almost 3 % and renovating 210 million existing buildings could create up to 2 million jobs (18) in the construction sector, which accounts for about 9 % of the Union’s GDP and is an important part of the recovery strategy after the COVID-19 crisis, and could contribute to a clean economy as part of the European Green Deal;

| E. | whereas the EU Building Stock Observatory (BSO) plays a key role in monitoring and improving the overall energy performance of buildings in the EU through data that is reliable, consistent and easy to compare; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the EU Building Stock Observatory (BSO) plays a key role in monitoring and improving the overall energy performance of buildings in the EU through data that is reliable, consistent and easy to compare;

| F. | whereas the quality of life of all citizens can be improved by taking measures to improve the energy efficiency of the EU’s building stock, and therefore the main challenge is to alleviate the burden on the estimated 50 million households in the European Union experiencing energy poverty, reduce energy bills and deliver comfortable, affordable and energy-efficient housing for all; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the quality of life of all citizens can be improved by taking measures to improve the energy efficiency of the EU’s building stock, and therefore the main challenge is to alleviate the burden on the estimated 50 million households in the European Union experiencing energy poverty, reduce energy bills and deliver comfortable, affordable and energy-efficient housing for all;

| G. | whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that people spend approximately 90 % of their time indoors in residential and non-residential buildings and that over half a million Europeans die prematurely every year because of poor indoor air quality (19), and whereas proper ventilation by opening up windows improves the air quality in people’s homes, as well as providing natural daylight, making them more healthy, which has become central, especially during the current COVID-19 crisis; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that people spend approximately 90 % of their time indoors in residential and non-residential buildings and that over half a million Europeans die prematurely every year because of poor indoor air quality (19), and whereas proper ventilation by opening up windows improves the air quality in people’s homes, as well as providing natural daylight, making them more healthy, which has become central, especially during the current COVID-19 crisis;

| H. | whereas it has called ‘for the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and Energy Efficiency of Buildings Directive (EEBD) to be revised in line with the EU’s increased climate ambition, and for their implementation to be reinforced, through binding national targets’ (20); |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas it has called ‘for the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and Energy Efficiency of Buildings Directive (EEBD) to be revised in line with the EU’s increased climate ambition, and for their implementation to be reinforced, through binding national targets’ (20);

| I. | whereas upwards of EUR 282 billion by way of investment in the renovation of the European building stock, as well as a smart combination of rigorous implementation of existing policies, new policy initiatives to phase out the worst energy performing buildings, further and adequate financing mechanisms, and investments in innovative solutions are necessary to achieve an energy-efficient building stock, as well as the Union’s 2030 energy efficiency target; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas upwards of EUR 282 billion by way of investment in the renovation of the European building stock, as well as a smart combination of rigorous implementation of existing policies, new policy initiatives to phase out the worst energy performing buildings, further and adequate financing mechanisms, and investments in innovative solutions are necessary to achieve an energy-efficient building stock, as well as the Union’s 2030 energy efficiency target;

| J. | whereas integrated renovation programmes (IRPs) aim to be holistic, putting energy efficiency first, and focus on the broader neighbourhood ecosystems, comprising high energy reduction targets for individual buildings, are based on best practice and understood to consist of three main pillars:






  (a) | construction typology and building materials, requiring in-depth knowledge of the age, use and construction method of buildings, and of the energy savings potential they represent, as well as a description of the types of materials to be used throughout the course of a renovation, including their life-cycle impact; |
| --- | --- | --- |

J.

whereas integrated renovation programmes (IRPs) aim to be holistic, putting energy efficiency first, and focus on the broader neighbourhood ecosystems, comprising high energy reduction targets for individual buildings, are based on best practice and understood to consist of three main pillars:

(a)

construction typology and building materials, requiring in-depth knowledge of the age, use and construction method of buildings, and of the energy savings potential they represent, as well as a description of the types of materials to be used throughout the course of a renovation, including their life-cycle impact;

| (b) | provision of and access to sustainable energy sources, namely on-site and nearby renewables, including district heating or cooling systems, or using the thermal storage capacity of buildings, vehicle-to-X services and other flexibility options enabling sector integration; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

provision of and access to sustainable energy sources, namely on-site and nearby renewables, including district heating or cooling systems, or using the thermal storage capacity of buildings, vehicle-to-X services and other flexibility options enabling sector integration;

| (c) | community/societal benefits, namely the integration of local communities into all energy renovation projects and programmes in order to tackle issues such as energy poverty, a lack of technical and/or financial resources and information gaps; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

community/societal benefits, namely the integration of local communities into all energy renovation projects and programmes in order to tackle issues such as energy poverty, a lack of technical and/or financial resources and information gaps;

| K. | whereas the implementation of this three-pillar approach ensures that IRPs are devised and implemented in a way that focuses on the wider benefits that can be provided through energy renovations to people and communities, such as energy efficiency, climate change resilience, industrial competitiveness, sustainability, social inclusion and accessibility; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the implementation of this three-pillar approach ensures that IRPs are devised and implemented in a way that focuses on the wider benefits that can be provided through energy renovations to people and communities, such as energy efficiency, climate change resilience, industrial competitiveness, sustainability, social inclusion and accessibility;

Neighbourhoods and communities

| 1. | Highlights the role of neighbourhoods and communities, as well as other actors such as local and regional authorities and SMEs, in IRPs, as a holistic approach to renovation, in order to achieve a highly energy-efficient and climate-neutral building sector by 2050 in line with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD); |
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1.

| 2. | Demands that building and renovation policies be holistic and inclusive, contribute to EU climate goals, include IRPs that integrate local value chains, social services and affordability, smart readiness, an adequate, healthy indoor climate and environmental quality, mobility, technical, industrial and energy-efficient functions of buildings, and enable on-site or nearby renewables production and exchange, and demand-side flexibility, as well as using excess heat and cold from nearby industrial facilities, local transport systems, or waterways where this is a sustainable option; |
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2.

| 3. | Highlights the important role that citizens play in the renovation of the residential buildings stock and the importance of creating efficient tools, best practices and making all possible information and knowledge available at local level, including opportunities related to technologies (i.e. smart meters); recognises, furthermore, the impetus given by energy communities through bringing citizens together, informing and engaging them in starting their own renovations and/or generation of renewable energy, and calls for a comprehensive package of policy measures to scale up these approaches; |
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3.

| 4. | Calls on the Commission to assess the impact of the gentrification and ‘renoviction’ of neighbourhoods, as well as gender disparities and the situation of vulnerable citizens; considers that a community approach, in addition to safeguards at regulatory level, could preserve existing communities, as well as create incentives that are essential to maximise energy efficiency and to leverage the necessary private and public investments; stresses the need to support the most vulnerable citizens by enabling their access to dignified living conditions, comfort and health, and highlights the important role of social housing; |
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4.

| 5. | Underlines the fact that the ownership of buildings, tenancy laws and the number of homeowners and tenants, as well investment opportunities and housing support schemes, weather conditions and energy systems, vary across Member States; believes that a ‘renovation wave’ strategy must take the different circumstances relevant to each Member State into account, also in accordance with the integrated national energy and climate plans (NECPs); underlines in particular that renovations should not lead to an unbearable rental cost burden for tenants; |
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5.

| 6. | Underscores the extent of energy poverty across the Union, which is estimated to affect up to 50 million households (21); believes that the renovation wave and the upcoming related initiatives should have as one of their core objectives ending energy poverty and ensuring healthy and safe living conditions for all; welcomes the Commission’s intention to pay particular attention to the renovation of energy-poor households and underlines the importance of adopting energy-saving measures, promoting energy-efficient consumption habits and behavioural change; stresses that the public sector must be a leader in this field; |
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6.

| 7. | Highlights the immediate success of ‘one-stop-shops’, for the energy renovation of buildings as transparent and accessible advisory tools from the client perspective, fostering the aggregation of projects and replicable models, the provision of information about third-party financing, coordinating and accompanying renovations, as well as providing capacity building for municipalities, and the active involvement of local actors such as energy communities, consumer organisations, local business associations, including from the construction industry, and housing cooperatives throughout the process; |
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7.

| 8. | Recalls that both public and private efforts are required to achieve concrete results in the field of energy efficiency for the current building stock; underlines the necessity of not only creating, but also sustaining one-stop-shop advisory services in order to continuously feed the market with a pipeline of projects, including smaller-scale projects; believes that the creation of a one-stop-shop at a regional or local level will provide better access to financing mechanisms; |
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8.

| 9. | Welcomes the European Green Deal proposal on open platforms; stresses that they must be transparent, multi-level and inclusive, encompassing a broad range of stakeholders and allowing fragmentation in the building sector to be bridged; recalls that the platforms must serve the objective of achieving a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050, and believes that they should be the tool to address the barriers to renovation and to engage citizens in the pursuit of consensus on the basis of community needs; |
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9.

| 10. | Underlines that regional platforms should set measurable targets, work towards roadmaps and hold regular exchanges with the existing EED, EPBD and Renewable Energy Directive (RED) (22) Concerted Action platforms, as well as existing agencies and bodies in the Member States to maximise their impact; is convinced that the platforms are an important tool for the implementation of integrated building renovation programmes and to support Member States in the execution of their long-term renovation strategies; |
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10.

| 11. | Takes note of the New Leipzig Charter to be adopted during the German Presidency and shares the view that cities play a key role in dramatically reducing GHG emissions and enhancing energy efficiency; considers that the renovation of buildings will contribute largely to these objectives, while promoting just, green and productive cities through resilient neighbourhoods; calls on the German Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Commission and the Member States to ensure that cities are equipped with the necessary and directly accessible funding resources for renovation measures, especially in the light of the need for economic recovery; |
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11.

| 12. | Calls on the Commission to adopt a policy facilitating IRPs at community and regional level in the Member States providing for deep renovations, including staged deep renovations, and taking buildings’ needs into account in an inclusive and interactive manner; stresses the opportunity to secure more on-site and nearby renewable energy solutions or to demand response mechanisms through IRPs; calls on the Commission to step up work on the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy and the EU City Facility; further highlights, in this context, the major importance of the urban agenda and the urban partnership; |
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12.

| 13. | Calls on the Member States to empower their local administrations with a view to rolling out IRPs at neighbourhood and community level, while putting citizens at the centre and adequately reconciling renovations with the preservation of the European tangible historical heritage (monuments and buildings), requiring local authorities to provide feedback on the results achieved, as well as on best practices for future policy design at national level; |
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13.

| 14. | Calls on the Member States to create a framework for overcoming split incentives, for example through the provision of accurate information, appropriate incentives and effective enforcement (23), and to give adequate consideration to families and communities living in energy poverty through a regulatory framework to avoid renovictions, for example, by requiring an appropriate share of deeply renovated building floor area to be reserved for them, or through prioritising buildings with higher energy consumption or energy waste when designing IRPs, and through limits on rent increases, provided this does not restrict the capacity to undertake energy efficiency renovations; |
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14.

| 15. | Calls on the Commission to set up a support service for citizen-led renovation projects, as well as to issue implementing guidelines to Member States regarding the concepts of an enabling framework and level playing field for energy communities introduced by the Electricity Market Directive (24) and the RED, so as to ensure successful implementation and fully recognise the benefits of citizen-led energy projects; |
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15.

| 16. | Calls on the Commission to immediately launch platforms, as indicated in its communication on the European Green Deal, and include these platforms as a key priority in the IRPs; stresses that the IRPs should be accompanied by EU initiatives circulating best practices on the replicability of programmes, the dissemination of capacities, sector integration, and safeguards for communities in energy poverty, in line with the commitments of the EPBD; |
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16.

Finance

| 17. | Highlights that initial investment costs, complex finance schemes, split incentives (tenant-owner dilemma), medium/long-term payback times, regulatory and administrative barriers, including for buildings with multiple owners, the design of existing support and a lack of a predictable long-term policy framework act as significant barriers to investments; |
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17.

| 18. | Emphasises that, in the context of the COVID-19 recovery and its impact on public and private finances, financing schemes should incentivise and prioritise deep, including staged deep, renovations aiming to achieve the 2050 climate neutrality targets, with adequate incentives, as well as targets, to achieve a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock; believes this is a precondition for considering building renovations as sustainable long-term investments; underlines the role of cost effectiveness indicators including co-benefits in this respect; |
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18.

| 19. | Highlights that the Member States should provide clear guidelines and outline measurable, targeted actions, as well as promote equal access to financing, including for the worst performing segments of the national building stock, energy-poor consumers, social housing, and households subject to split-incentive dilemmas, while taking affordability into account; |
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19.

| 20. | Stresses that homeowners, in particular low-income and energy-poor homeowners, housing associations and cooperatives, public housing providers and local authorities, should be supported in making their building stock and the built environment climate resilient, for example through grants or financial instruments based on the additionality of multiannual financial framework (MFF) funding, national budgets and private sector sources; |
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20.

| 21. | Considers that prioritisation of funding for energy efficiency renovations in each relevant European fund is required, as well as strong coordination to find synergies, facilitate blending, aggregate projects and build up project pipelines, in order to ensure the timely absorption of funds; calls on financial institutions to dedicate significant resources to capacity building and technical assistance; underlines that at least EUR 75 billion a year in EU incentives, in addition to continuous and stable financing at European, national and regional level, as well as private investment, is required to ensure deep renovations towards a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050; calls on the co-legislators to ensure the necessary funding within the European economic recovery plan, not least to help those in society who would most benefit from renovations; |
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21.

| 22. | Welcomes the findings demonstrating that there is a price premium for highly energy-efficient buildings (25), which ensures building owners have a return on investment, but recognises the need to reduce the cost of housing, construction and renovation in general; |
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22.

| 23. | Highlights the need to ensure adequate and simple access to credit and finance to help SMEs, communities and families to undertake the renovations needed to the existing building stock; |
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23.

| 24. | Welcomes the available financing possibilities for building renovations such as green subsidies, tax and loan incentives; acknowledges the role of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds) in the financing of energy efficiency projects and in defining energy efficiency as a specific objective for regional development in the period 2021-2027; underlines the role of the European Investment Bank Group in providing loans, guarantees and financial instruments, such as the Private Finance for Energy Efficiency (PF4EE), the Smart Finance for Smart Buildings guarantee facility, and the InvestEU Fund, also allowing the financing of social housing renovation projects; |
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24.

| 25. | Draws attention to Member States’ good practices such as using the EU emissions trading system (ETS) revenues, blending, ensuring the needs of low income households are recognised and using EU regional funds as guarantees and revolving funds; stresses that there is the possibility to finance training in the domains of renewable energy, as well as in energy and resources efficiency, under the Just Transition Fund; |
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25.

| 26. | Underlines the need to increase absorption rates of funds by removing barriers, especially through technical assistance, less complex criteria and simplification of blending with other funds; regrets the fact that the size of projects under the European Local Energy Assistance (ELENA) facility remains large, and that smaller projects and projects dealing with communities need further support and aggregation; considers the EU City Facility as a potentially very powerful support mechanism for cities to develop IRPs, which should be continued and also provide support to smaller projects; |
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26.

| 27. | Recognises the important role of grants for research and innovation; considers it necessary to provide continuous and stable financing for IRPs, both from European and national sources, without interruptions caused by different budget planning measures; |
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27.

| 28. | Considers that the Member States must ensure that all IRPs set aside funds to tackle energy poverty, accessibility and technical and infrastructure barriers for vulnerable and low income households, allowing them to benefit from adequate, healthy and energy-efficient housing and be part of neighbourhood renovation programmes; asks for the development and sharing of best practices with innovative finance instruments such as on-built financing and schemes, including energy efficient mortgages, EuroPACE loans and RenOnBill loans; |
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28.

| 29. | Notes the role of both regional authorities and the European Investment Bank in providing financial support through public sector loans that will incentivise commercial banks, pension funds and the private sector, especially SMEs, to further invest in building renovation, for example through public credit guarantees and innovative financing methods; |
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29.

| 30. | Acknowledges the role that new business models such as energy performance contracting, citizen-led renovations, energy communities and energy service companies can play in renovations and, in particular, off-balance sheet financing for social housing, housing corporations and business parks; underlines the need to link the funding intensity to the energy efficiency level achieved, as required by the EPBD, and suggests adding a premium on energy plus buildings; urges the Commission to issue implementing guidelines on the relevant provisions within the ‘clean energy for all Europeans’ package, in particular to create an enabling framework by requiring regular consultations to understand market needs, and encourage the blending of private and public funds, the use of clear templates for contracts and specific procurement procedures with further clarifications on correctly accounting for building efficiency-related public investments; |
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30.

| 31. | Calls on the Commission to revise energy efficiency targets upwards, as required by the EED, starting by increasing the headline target for 2030 based on a proper impact assessment and in a predictable manner, and to propose minimum annual renovation rates for buildings and policy measures ensuring deep, including staged deep renovations creating financial triggers and investment stability; |
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31.

| 32. | Calls for the European institutions to ensure that the respective funds of the new MFF prioritise dedicated amounts for energy efficiency and building renovations, with clear conditions and timeframes, including technical assistance, to ensure adequate absorption rates; highlights the importance of EU guarantees for investments, the blending of funding sources, as well as grant components, to trigger residential energy efficiency renovations; acknowledges the role and the successful model of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (to be replaced by InvestEU); calls for a prioritisation of funding for the energy efficiency of buildings within the InvestEU sustainable infrastructure window and for the reservation of dedicated amounts for energy efficiency as a specific objective for regional development that must be reflected in the respective Member State Partnership Agreements signed with the Commission; |
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32.

| 33. | Calls on the Commission to lift the financial and non-financial barriers to higher absorption rates of the regional funds set aside for integrated building renovation by 2021; |
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33.

| 34. | Calls for stepping up the capability of the ELENA facility and the European Investment Bank to give tailored and direct financial and technical assistance to local authorities, as well as specific guidance to Member States in the context of the COVID-19 recovery plans; |
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34.

| 35. | Calls on the Commission to study the feasibility of channelling ETS revenues into energy efficiency actions such as for building renovations, including safeguarding mechanisms against fluctuations, and the feasibility of earmarking a portion of the auctioning revenue at EU level; calls on the European Investment Bank and national financial institutions to provide support for project developers throughout the project cycle and to set a fixed grant proportion to make renovations attractive and affordable for citizens; |
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35.

| 36. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to create flexible models for the synergies of different financial programmes and instruments for financing energy efficiency in buildings; requests, furthermore, in line with the European Court of Auditors report (26), to adopt a cost effectiveness approach for energy efficiency renovations of buildings; encourages a thorough monitoring of the cost efficiency of operational programmes based on the costs per saved unit of CO2; further believes that the Commission should ensure that national administrations respect the principles of cost effectiveness and effectiveness for the purpose of energy saving when granting EU money to renovation projects; |
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36.

| 37. | Calls on the Commission to further facilitate the use of public private partnerships (PPPs), such as PF4EE, relating to smart and sustainable financing, and identifying possible local investment concepts; |
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37.

| 38. | Calls on the Commission to revise EU State aid rules, including for investments by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in order to create an enabling framework for energy efficiency measures and foster IRPs, including the installation or refurbishment of district heating systems through simplified procedures and adequate thresholds, as well as scrapping schemes for fossil fuel heating devices and inefficient appliances when replaced by individual or collective renewables-based heating, or excess heating; underlines, however, that any revision of EU State aid rules must primarily contribute to equal treatment and increased competition; |
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38.

Construction technologies and building materials

| 39. | Highlights the need to decrease costs, speed up duration, effectivity, reliability and integration to increase IRPs through creating open and competitive renovation markets, industrially produced, sustainable prefabricated elements, as well as recognising the potential of existing technologies in integrating renewables into building materials, which can be used as multifunctional cladding elements for the refurbishment of existing building stock, and to engage in serial and district renovations; underlines the role of the off-site prefabrication of components in acceleration, scale and cost effectiveness; notes that best practices on building renovations in different buildings’ segments exist in Member States that now need to be replicated and to be scaled up in order to achieve results; stresses the benefit of increased research efforts in this area; |
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39.

| 40. | Emphasises the importance of flexibility in the choice of technologies used for renovation and construction; believes that all available technologies should be applied in an objective-driven approach to speed up the decarbonisation of the building stock; underlines that the use of renewable energy plays a crucial role in such decarbonisation; stresses the importance of decarbonised district heating and cooling with integrated storage for more connected and integrated communities; calls, therefore, on the Commission and the Member States to actively promote and incentivise the full integration of renewable energies into the building sector; |
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40.

| 41. | Calls on the Commission to support research and development (R&D) programmes for efficient construction materials and, taking into account the social situation, calls for a low-cost renewable energy-based heating system to be implemented in rural and remote areas; points to the Danish best practice concerning heat decarbonisation through community-owned district heating networks powered by solar heat, heat pumps and biomass; |
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41.

| 42. | Highlights the need to inform consumers and incentivise them to replace old, inefficient heating and cooling technologies with modern, highly-efficient and renewable solutions, particularly when deciding on replacements, while recognising that fossil fuels, especially natural gas, currently play a role in heating systems for buildings; calls on the Commission and Member States to propose scrapping schemes in accordance with the circular economy and to use efficiency labelling and advice during routine check-ups to accelerate replacements; calls on Member States to establish a roadmap to phase out fossil fuel-based heating and cooling technologies as part of their NECPs; |
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42.

| 43. | Points out Europe’s leadership in building integrated photovoltaics; suggests that renewable energy technologies in general be recognised as a key strategic value chain and further suggests a European solar rooftop programme for the upcoming renovation wave; |
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43.

| 44. | Underlines the importance of the energy efficiency first principle being streamlined into all policies and measures, also in reducing the energy needs for heating, cooling and hot water and energy uses for lighting and ventilation, while bringing about the electrification of the residual demand through renewable energy combined with heat pumps or efficient district heating and cooling systems using renewable energy, as well as in load management and flexibility; |
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44.

| 45. | Points out the need to remove barriers, improving access to the grid, including, inter alia, the need for harmonisation and simplification of permits for SMEs, and underlines the need to plan IRPs in order to achieve synergies, for example, in building accessibility, seismic and fire safety, electro-mobility (including pre-cabling and charging points for electric vehicles), improving buildings’ climate resilience, including through creating green spaces, roofs and walls, which improve water management and help increase urban biodiversity; |
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45.

| 46. | Recalls that fire safety aspects should be considered during the design, selection of materials, construction, renovation and operation of buildings in order to improve prevention, detection, early suppression, evacuation, compartmentation, structural resistance and fire-fighting, as well as the relevant competencies of professionals involved during design, construction and renovation; |
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46.

| 47. | Considers that energy-efficient buildings should be healthy, affordable, safe and sustainable; underlines the importance of embodied energy, sustainability in buildings, resource efficiency, thermal comfort, improved air quality, a heathy indoor climate, as well as life-cycle approaches in line with the circular economy, and the need for the strategy for a sustainable built environment to take a holistic and integrated approach; highlights, in this context, the importance of including passive and natural elements in building design and the huge potential of exploiting building skin surfaces, turning the built environment into a decentralised renewable energy producer, while saving land and landscape areas; |
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47.

| 48. | Stresses the need for the adequate management and reduction of construction and demolition waste; notes that collection and take-back schemes and sorting facilities should be created to ensure the appropriate and safe handling of all construction waste, as well as for the recycling or reuse of building materials, for the safe handling, removal and substitution of hazardous substances in waste streams in order to protect the health of occupants and workers, as well as the environment; believes that a circular economy labelling system, based on environmental standards and criteria for materials linked to their potential for easy and low-energy reintroduction into the value chain, especially taking into account the role of secondary raw materials, should be established; notes that the existing Environmental Product Declaration approach must be widened and that it should be used as input for building assessment such as the Level(s) framework; calls on the Commission to propose concrete measures on these issues as part of the circular economy action plan and the strategy for a sustainable built environment; |
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48.

| 49. | Highlights that cities will be increasingly subject to higher temperatures in summer due to climate change; highlights further the multiple benefits of green infrastructure solutions in improving air quality, comfort and climate resilience, in substantially reducing energy needs, helping to restore the water cycle and support urban biodiversity, while contributing to circularity principles; calls on the Commission and the Member States to incentivise the use of natural and low-carbon building materials, the deployment of green rooftops and walls, cool surfaces and other passive techniques during major building renovations and the construction of new buildings; calls on the Commission to take these considerations into account and promote green infrastructure solutions and biodiversity features in the renovation wave initiative; |
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49.

| 50. | Recalls that sustainable building materials such as certified wood are essential for achieving low-carbon and long-lasting building stock, and that construction opens up an opportunity to store carbon in bio-based building products within the limits of sustainable availability; |
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50.

| 51. | Highlights the importance of reviewing the existing harmonised standards in order to cover the sustainability performance of construction products that should be coherent with the common European approach for life-cycle calculation and existing European standards, i.e. EN 15978 for buildings and EN 15804 for construction products; stresses that, when designing renovations, the energy and climate impact of the entire lifecycle of the building should be optimised in line with the circular economy objectives, taking into account the effects of the manufacture, use and design on recyclability, the recycling of construction products and waste and the equipment needed for repairs; calls on the Commission to address these in the circular economy strategy and to revise, by 2021, Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 on harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products (27) to allow the good functioning of the internal market for these products and reward technological research and innovation aimed at supporting the renovation and construction of highly energy-efficient buildings; |
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51.

| 52. | Calls on the Commission to further identify best practices for IRPs to also include historic and heritage buildings; acknowledges the specificity and the fragility of heritage buildings, and believes that, in the vast majority of cases, the protection of buildings and increased energy performance can be reconciled, while underlining that the renovation of heritage buildings should always be carried out in compliance with the national rules on conservation, the 1964 Venice Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites, and the original architecture; |
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52.

| 53. | Underlines the need to ensure real energy savings through verification by certified experts and monitoring of energy performance after renovation, as this will ensure high quality renovations, improved investment opportunities and higher cost effectiveness (28); |
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53.

| 54. | Calls on the Member States to maximise and promote the reuse, recycling, and recuperation of materials, including in their procurement strategies and publicly financed renovation and construction projects, for example by reviewing green public procurement (GPP) (29) targets and through streamlining energy efficiency, environmental and social criteria for building renovations, while ensuring a level playing field in public tenders; recalls the importance of locally sourced building materials in order to preserve building traditions, ensure materials best suited to each region’s climate conditions and to cut emissions and transportation costs; |
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54.

Standards, skills and healthy buildings

| 55. | Underlines the importance of co-benefits with renovation requirements at trigger points, as such requirements not only lead to energy savings, but also increase the property’s value and provide support to overcome barriers such as split incentives; believes that deep, including staged deep, renovation of the worst performing buildings should be prioritised, notably by setting minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), which are essential for investment in renovation and should apply horizontally, while being based on the existing national energy labels; considers that such measures benefit occupants and could help to lift citizens out of energy poverty (30); observes the low levels of deep renovations at an expected rate of 0,2 %; suggests the examination and introduction of minimum renovation rates in order to meet the 2050 climate neutrality targets; |
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55.

| 56. | Underlines that progressively tightened MEPS help to operationalise long-term renovation strategies, when correctly planned and phased in, and create investment security for the market, especially if accompanied by capacity building, tailored advice, technical assistance and financial support; |
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56.

| 57. | Calls for a stronger evidence-based approach which will, by using reliable and strengthened data, allow energy efficiency in buildings and cost-effective measures to be estimated accurately, fostering a level-playing field for ‘best practices’ in cost-effective solutions in the EU; |
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57.

| 58. | Is convinced that the introduction of a building renovation passport to foster, coordinate and track continued improvements and to monitor renovation depth and energy performance benefits house owners, building operators and tenants, who should have access to the renovation passport; stresses that this renovation passport should be a common EU tool adapted to national and regional particularities in order to address the challenges posed by building stock heterogeneity and aligned to the existing energy performance certification of buildings; |
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58.

| 59. | Stresses the importance of consolidating building information into a single digital tool; considers that this should include materials’ circularity potential, the evaluation of indoor air quality factors, including from a health and safety perspective, and robust indicators based on existing environmental tools and standards; |
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59.

| 60. | Stresses the importance and potential of the Just Transition Fund within the context of the recovery plan after the COVID-19 crisis for the training and qualification of workers in the construction and renovation sectors, and to upskill and re-skill workers in affected regions, including the digitalisation of companies for the transition to a carbon-neutral economy; |
| --- | --- |

60.

| 61. | Highlights that building renovation projects should always lead to healthy, mould-free buildings, taking into account indoor environmental quality (IEQ); emphasises that the revision of standards for air quality, thermal conditions and other indoor-related health and comfort aspects, including sufficient daylight and mechanical ventilation, contributes to the health and productivity of building users and enhances their work or learning performance, as well as ensuring significant welfare savings, thereby reducing Member States’ public expenses and benefiting the EU’s economy and its citizens as a whole; |
| --- | --- |

61.

| 62. | Stresses the need to ensure an adequate level of know-how of building maintenance and use by professionals and building occupiers, including behavioural change, to fully reap the benefits associated with increased energy performance; |
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62.

| 63. | Calls on the Commission to launch an EU skills and information initiative in the renovation and building sector, which includes a gender dimension, in order to engage with stakeholders in retraining, upskilling and capacity building, with a focus on employment, in particular to attract young people to work in the renovation sector; underlines that ensuring quality, compliance and safety requires the professionals involved during the design and construction/renovation phases to be in possession of adequate competencies and skills, and that this includes intermediaries, such as installers, architects or contractors; calls on Member States to develop a national strategy for improving skills in the construction sector, focusing on energy efficiency, material sustainability and circularity, passive techniques and renewables integration, including self-consumption and digital solutions, and to provide specific support to workers in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises; |
| --- | --- |

63.

| 64. | Calls on the Commission to support skills and innovation for IRPs through the Just Transition Fund, targeted Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions and the Erasmus+ programme, and to establish a Horizon Europe mission on the renovation of communities and neighbourhoods, as well as the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) to promote and implement a strategic skills alliance for the construction sector, aimed at designing and delivering common training content to tackle existing skill gaps; calls equally on individuals, enterprises and organisations to make use of the Skills & Education Guarantee Pilot and similar schemes for training, upgrading skills and education in the renovation sectors; |
| --- | --- |

64.

| 65. | Calls on the Commission to release in-depth impact assessments of building, occupier and tenure typologies by 2022, and to develop a legislative framework for the introduction of MEPS for existing buildings that are to be progressively tightened over time in line with the 2050 objective; underlines that such standards would help operationalise the pathway to a highly energy-efficient and decarbonised building stock by 2050 at the latest, and can give visibility and security to the market regarding the transformation of the existing building stock; stresses that MEPS at national level should be accompanied by a comprehensive package of policy measures, including at least information and the provision of tailored advice to citizens and appropriate financing support; |
| --- | --- |

65.

| 66. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to introduce expedited digital building renovation passports by 2025, including a section providing information on improved indoor air quality and healthy buildings; |
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66.

| 67. | Calls on the Commission to develop an ‘EU climate calculator’ (ECC) as part of its ‘renovation wave’ that will ensure accurate and easy understandable labelling for building materials, products and services related to the renovation of the EU building stock in the run-up to 2050; stresses that the ECC should ensure a level playing field for the key actors that are a part of, or related to, the IRPs’ GHG footprint within the EU building stock and that such a ‘holistic approach’ would pave the way for positive behavioural effects by EU citizens, industries and SMEs; stresses that the concept must be based on the principles of the circular and lifecycle economy in order to drive demand for climate-friendly goods ‘made in Europe’, strengthening the competitiveness of the EU building sector; suggests to the Commission that it use already known scientific methods when estimating GHG emissions, for example by taking inspiration from its ‘product environmental footprint’; |
| --- | --- |

67.

| 68. | Calls for the upcoming revision of the EED to include an increased level of ambition in Articles 3, 5 and 18, and to develop a new approach to defining the building standards which comply with EU energy and climate targets when revising the EPBD; |
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68.

| 69. | Calls on the Commission to review the impact of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) across Member States and to strengthen existing provisions; notes that the reliability, consistency and comparability of EPCs across the EU should be improved so that EPCs become a trusted market tool to assess the performance and quality of buildings, especially for the financial sector; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Digitalisation and reliable data

| 70. | Considers digitalisation as an enabler for the active participation of citizens in the energy system through distributed generation, storage, flexibility and sector integration and coupling; underlines the role of digitalisation and data in the acceleration of the planning, implementation, control and monitoring of the renovation plans’ results, as well as for a more efficient planning and management of energy; |
| --- | --- |

70.

| 71. | Calls on the Commission to look into the reliability and the lack of building-related data and take into account how the further use of digitalisation can contribute positively in order to ensure a strong evidence-based approach when adopting policies related to energy efficiency and renovations; recognises the need to digitalise national EPC databases, building data and other construction information to be available when applying for a digital building passport and other smart building applications; |
| --- | --- |

71.

| 72. | Considers the ‘Internet of Things’ as a means to measure the real impact of renovation on the energy performance of buildings and an enabler of large-scale cost-effective renovation strategies; highlights the potential role that integrated artificial intelligence could play in data analysis and in the monitoring, management and adjustment of energy consumption in buildings; |
| --- | --- |

72.

| 73. | Considers that the digitalisation of buildings and construction technologies are key drivers for greater energy efficiency; invites all local, regional, national and European actors involved to play a proactive part in the promotion of digitalisation; |
| --- | --- |

73.

| 74. | Highlights the benefits of very high capacity networks for communications infrastructure in fostering smart homes, which are understood as those integrated into a wider digital energy eco-system that enable buildings to benefit from and provide smart functionalities and allow energy integration and savings in various sectors of the economy, including demand-side response and optimisation of energy use inside the building such as smart appliances, home automation appliances, electric heat pumps, battery storage, charging points for electric vehicles and smart meters among other digital technologies; welcomes the aim of the revised EPBD to further promote smart buildings technologies, through a smart readiness indicator (SRI) as a support tool in rating the smart readiness of buildings and raising awareness among building owners and occupants about the value of building automation and control systems (BACSs) for the overall performance of buildings, whose applications under Articles 14 and 15 should be widened; |
| --- | --- |

74.

| 75. | Highlights the importance of smart grids as enablers for the efficient integration of renewables into electricity grids and encourages the search for new opportunities with interfaces with transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution system operators (DSOs) for better energy efficiency and electricity services; stresses that smart buildings connected to nano- or micro-grids can ensure improved stability of electrical supply and availability of heating/cooling systems; |
| --- | --- |

75.

| 76. | Underlines that housing and consumer rights require social safeguards, data protection, respect for privacy and consent in line with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); stresses that the digital solutions provided during renovations should be intuitive, simple and interoperable, while their installation must be accompanied by the necessary training, information and support to occupants; underlines the potential of non-intrusive digital technologies in this respect; |
| --- | --- |

76.

| 77. | Calls on the Commission to evaluate the need to review the charging infrastructure requirements in the EPBD; stresses that smart charging infrastructure is a precondition for an increase in clean electro-mobility; |
| --- | --- |

77.

Renovation wave

| 78. | Views the renovation wave as an opportunity to achieve an energy-efficient and climate-neutral building stock by 2050 through an action plan for IRPs with a focus on communities, especially for those in energy poverty, and to provide healthy, decent, affordable and energy efficient buildings where people can reach their full potential in line with the European Green Deal and the net-zero emissions target for 2050, that can be implemented in full synergy also with the new industrial strategy for Europe, the SME strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe, the circular economy strategy, the Just Transition Mechanism and the recovery instruments, as well as the strategies on making Europe fit for the digital age; |
| --- | --- |

78.

| 79. | Is convinced that the renovation wave can mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, by stimulating national and local economies, and, for example, fostering high-quality and essential jobs in the construction and renewable energy industries and supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) workers who make up 97 % of the sector, and ultimately triggering multiple opportunities and various benefits that could be obtained through improved energy efficiency in the European building stock, including social and environmental co-benefits; emphasises that the renovation wave can play an important role in a sustainable recovery and can be central to any post-COVID-19 recovery plans; stresses, therefore, that the Commission should not delay this proposal and should be in charge of providing an overview of all available funding options; |
| --- | --- |

79.

| 80. | Requires an ambitious implementation of the Clean Energy Package; underlines the role of NECPs in maximising opportunities in the building sector; confirms its dedication to closely following the implementation of this and all other provisions, and calls on the Commission to ensure the enforcement of the measures included in the revised EPBD; |
| --- | --- |

80.

| 81. | Calls on the Commission to make the energy efficiency first principle central to the process of the renovation of the EU building stock in line with the Energy Union Governance Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

81.

| 82. | Welcomes the Member States’ long-term renovation strategies (LTRSs) in setting out 2030 and 2040 milestones towards the climate neutrality objective; expresses its concern at the significant delays on the part of many Member States in submitting their LTRS; invites these Member States to seize the opportunity to comply with their legal obligations under the EPBD and submit the delayed LTRSs; encourages governments to implement innovative policies to actively involve citizens in energy efficiency programmes; considers that LTRSs should be recognised as a key instrument for planning, measuring progress and the achievement of energy efficiency objectives; |
| --- | --- |

82.

| 83. | Highlights that a highly energy-efficient decarbonised building stock should be achieved through significantly reducing energy consumption with the implementation of strong and enabling energy efficiency policies, while covering residual needs with renewable energy; underlines that building renovations should be integrated with wider efforts to decarbonise the energy system and go hand in hand with investments in, for example. efficient district energy networks and heat pumps by taking a system/district approach that integrates all potential efficiency measures such as excess heat recovery; stresses the need to define concrete actions to realise identified potentials for high-efficiency co-generation and district heating; underlines that this systemic approach is needed in order to achieve the transition to a highly energy efficient, fully renewables-based economy and ensure alignment with the objective of limiting global warming to under 1,5 oC; |
| --- | --- |

83.

| 84. | Welcomes the announcement made by the Commission to promote renovations in schools, hospitals and housing for those in need, in particular the public building stock, which is often in the worst condition; yet highlights the challenge of addressing the large residential building stock representing 75 % of the built floor space in the EU; |
| --- | --- |

84.

| 85. | Concurs with the analysis that there are a large number of benefits that accompany energy efficiency renovations in buildings such as better learning, faster recuperation, and lifting people out of energy poverty; points to improved indoor and outdoor air quality, emission reductions, energy efficiency increases, improved thermal comfort and the reduction of dependency on imports; calls for the systematic inclusion of these benefits in IRPs; |
| --- | --- |

85.

| 86. | Calls on the Member States to launch cross-sectoral, country-specific and tailored communication campaigns on the multiple opportunities and various benefits obtained through improved energy efficiency of the building stock, as well as to provide information about one-stop-shops and financing opportunities available, including from EU level; |
| --- | --- |

86.

| 87. | Calls on the Commission to enshrine the renovation wave’s measures into new and revised EU legislation and review the 2030 climate and energy targets while fully respecting the principle of subsidiarity and cost-efficiency, to enable synergies between different pieces of legislation and to put them on a trajectory towards climate neutrality, while ensuring that energy efficiency measures, including the renovation of buildings, is integrated as a key policy to fill the gap in the 2030 targets; underlines the need for financial support to ensure the affordability of housing for owners and tenants; |
| --- | --- |

87.

| 88. | Calls on the Commission to assess the LTRSs and issue recommendations to the Member States highlighting both existing gaps and best practices; calls on the Member States to monitor implementation and revise their LTRSs every 5 years in line with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) stock-taking cycle and its ratchet-up architecture, to make sure that the objective of a highly energy-efficient and climate-neutral building stock is met; calls on the Member States to embrace LTRSs as a tool for setting out an economic stimulus and recovery path, requiring their ambitious, detailed and urgent finalisation; calls on those Member States which have not yet done so to submit their LTRSs as a matter of urgency; |
| --- | --- |

88.

| 89. | Calls for the inclusion of the building and renovation sectors, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, in recovery packages; calls for the prioritisation of investments in building renovations towards a highly energy-efficient and renewable-based building stock in the economic stimulus plan; |
| --- | --- |

89.

o

o o

| 90. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to all EU institutions and the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

90.

---

(1)  OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 210.

(2)  OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 75.

(3)  OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82.

(4)  OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1.

(5)  OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125.

(6)  OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 54.

(7)  OJ L 88, 4.4.2011, p. 5.

(8)  OJ L 283, 31.10.2003, p. 51.

(9)  OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1.

(10)  OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

(11)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0005.

(12)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0078.

(13)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0217.

(14)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0438.

(15)  OJ C 463, 21.12.2018, p. 10.

(16)  OJ C 204, 13.6.2018, p. 23.

(17)  OJ C 204, 13.6.2018, p. 35.

(18)  Ürge-Vorsatz, Diana, Tirado-Herrero, Sergio, Fegyverneky, Sándor, Arena, Daniele, Butcher, Andrew and Telegdy, Almos, Employment Impacts of a Large-Scale Deep Building Energy Retrofit Programme in Hungary, 2010; Janssen, Rod and Staniaszek, Dan, How Many Jobs?
  A Survey of the Employment Effects of Investment in Energy Efficiency of Buildings, The Energy Efficiency Industrial Forum, 2012.

(19)  World Health Organization: Over half a million premature deaths annually in the European Region attributable to household and ambient air pollution, 2018.

(20)  European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal, Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0005.

(21)  Commission communication of 11 December 2019 on The European Green Deal (COM(2019)0640).

(22)  Directive (EU) 2018/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 amending Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 210); Directive (EU) 2018/844 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings and Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 75); Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82).

(23)  Castellazzi, L., Bertoldi, P., Economidou, M., Overcoming the split incentive barrier in the building sectors: unlocking the energy efficiency potential in the rental & multifamily sectors, Luxembourg, Publications Office of the European Union, 2017, https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC101251/ldna28058enn.pdf

(24)  Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125).

(25)  Hyland, Marie, Lyons, Ronan, Lyons, Sean, The value of domestic building energy efficiency — evidence from Ireland, Energy Economics, Vol. 40, 2012; Mangold, Mikael, Österbring, Magnus, Wallbaum, Holger, Thuvander, Liane, Femenias, Paula, Socio-economic impact of renovation and retrofitting of the Gothenburg building stock, Energy and Buildings, Vol. 123, 2016.

(26)  European Court of Auditors Special Report 11/2020 of 28 April 2020 entitled ‘Energy efficiency in buildings: greater focus on cost-effectiveness still needed’, https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/Pages/DocItem.aspx?did=53483

(27)  Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC (OJ L 88, 4.4.2011, p. 5).

(28)  European Court of Auditors, op. cit.

(29)  Commission communication of 16 July 2008 entitled ‘Public procurement for a better environment’ (COM(2008)0400).

(30)  Commission Staff Working Document — Impact Assessment accompanying the document Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings (SWD(2016)0414).

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| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/83 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/83

---

P9_TA(2020)0228

Shortage of medicines — how to address an emerging problem

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the shortage of medicines — how to address an emerging problem (2020/2071(INI))

(2021/C 385/09)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU),

| — | having regard to Article 6(1) TEU and Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union on the right to preventive healthcare for all European citizens, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 6(1) TEU and Article 35 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union on the right to preventive healthcare for all European citizens,

| — | having regard to Article 14 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Article 36 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 14 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and Article 36 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Articles 101 and 102 TFEU and the Protocol (No 27) on the internal market and competition, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 101 and 102 TFEU and the Protocol (No 27) on the internal market and competition,

| — | having regard to the provisions of Articles 107 and 108 TFEU regarding State aid, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the provisions of Articles 107 and 108 TFEU regarding State aid,

| — | having regard to Article 168 TFEU, which states that a high level of human health protection must be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 168 TFEU, which states that a high level of human health protection must be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities,

| — | having regard to Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use (1), and the obligations set out in Article 81 thereof concerning an appropriate and uninterrupted supply of medicinal products, and Article 23a thereof on notifying the competent authority if a product ceases to be placed on the market on a temporary or permanent basis, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use (1), and the obligations set out in Article 81 thereof concerning an appropriate and uninterrupted supply of medicinal products, and Article 23a thereof on notifying the competent authority if a product ceases to be placed on the market on a temporary or permanent basis,

| — | having regard to the assessment report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council in accordance with Article 59(4) of Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use (COM(2017)0135), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the assessment report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council in accordance with Article 59(4) of Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use (COM(2017)0135),

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 8 June 2010 on ‘Equity and Health in All Policies: Solidarity in Health’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 8 June 2010 on ‘Equity and Health in All Policies: Solidarity in Health’,

| — | having regard to Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC (2),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 536/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use, and repealing Directive 2001/20/EC (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 536/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on clinical trials on medicinal products for human use, and repealing Directive 2001/20/EC (3),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1589 of 13 July 2015 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1589 of 13 July 2015 laying down detailed rules for the application of Article 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (4),

| — | having regard to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/161 of 2 October 2015 supplementing Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council by laying down detailed rules for the safety features appearing on the packaging of medicinal products for human use (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/161 of 2 October 2015 supplementing Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council by laying down detailed rules for the safety features appearing on the packaging of medicinal products for human use (5),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/745 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2017 on medical devices, amending Directive 2001/83/EC, Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 and Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and repealing Council Directives 90/385/EEC and 93/42/EEC (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/745 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2017 on medical devices, amending Directive 2001/83/EC, Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 and Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and repealing Council Directives 90/385/EEC and 93/42/EEC (6),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2020/561 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2020 amending Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices, as regards the dates of application of certain of its provisions (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2020/561 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2020 amending Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices, as regards the dates of application of certain of its provisions (7),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/5 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 amending Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 laying down Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a European Medicines Agency, Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006 on medicinal products for paediatric use and Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/5 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 amending Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 laying down Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a European Medicines Agency, Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006 on medicinal products for paediatric use and Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use (8),

| — | having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on health technology assessment and amending Directive 2011/24/EU (COM(2018)0051), and to Parliament’s position at first reading of 14 February 2019 on that proposal, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on health technology assessment and amending Directive 2011/24/EU (COM(2018)0051), and to Parliament’s position at first reading of 14 February 2019 on that proposal,

| — | 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, |
| --- | --- |

—

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,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 8 April 2020 entitled ‘Guidelines on the optimal and rational supply of medicines to avoid shortages during the COVID-19 outbreak’ (C(2020)2272), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 8 April 2020 entitled ‘Guidelines on the optimal and rational supply of medicines to avoid shortages during the COVID-19 outbreak’ (C(2020)2272),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 27 May 2020 on ‘Europe's moment: Repair and Prepare for the Next Generation’ (COM(2020)0456), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 27 May 2020 on ‘Europe's moment: Repair and Prepare for the Next Generation’ (COM(2020)0456),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 27 May 2020 on ‘The EU budget powering the recovery plan for Europe’ (COM(2020)0442), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 27 May 2020 on ‘The EU budget powering the recovery plan for Europe’ (COM(2020)0442),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 10 March 2020 entitled ‘A New Industrial Strategy for Europe’ (COM(2020)0102), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 10 March 2020 entitled ‘A New Industrial Strategy for Europe’ (COM(2020)0102),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 20 May 2020 on the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (COM(2020)0380), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 20 May 2020 on the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (COM(2020)0380),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2020 on EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2020 on EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences (9),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 18 December 2019 on enabling the digital transformation of health and care in the Digital Single Market: empowering citizens and building a healthier society (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 18 December 2019 on enabling the digital transformation of health and care in the Digital Single Market: empowering citizens and building a healthier society (10),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 2 March 2017 on EU options for improving access to medicines (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 2 March 2017 on EU options for improving access to medicines (11),

| — | having regard to the guidelines of the Task Force on the availability of authorised medicinal products for human and veterinary use, bringing together the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA), in particular those of 1 July 2019 entitled ‘Guidance on detection and notification of shortages of medicinal products for Marketing Authorisation Holders (MAHs) in the Union (EEA)’ (EMA/674304/2018) and those of 4 July 2019 on ‘Good practice guidance for communication to the public on medicines: availability issues’ (EMA/632473/2018), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the guidelines of the Task Force on the availability of authorised medicinal products for human and veterinary use, bringing together the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA), in particular those of 1 July 2019 entitled ‘Guidance on detection and notification of shortages of medicinal products for Marketing Authorisation Holders (MAHs) in the Union (EEA)’ (EMA/674304/2018) and those of 4 July 2019 on ‘Good practice guidance for communication to the public on medicines: availability issues’ (EMA/632473/2018),

| — | having regard to the newly created platforms in the light of the current COVID-19 crisis, such as EMA’s Industry Single Point of Contact (I-SPOC) system, which is streamlining the process of reporting potential medicine shortages in order to prevent them and to flag these shortages as early as possible; having regard to the fact that these platforms have enabled and facilitated a dialogue on shortages between stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain and regulators, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the newly created platforms in the light of the current COVID-19 crisis, such as EMA’s Industry Single Point of Contact (I-SPOC) system, which is streamlining the process of reporting potential medicine shortages in order to prevent them and to flag these shortages as early as possible; having regard to the fact that these platforms have enabled and facilitated a dialogue on shortages between stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain and regulators,

| — | having regard to the report of the World Health Organization (WHO) entitled ‘The selection of essential medicines. Report of a WHO Expert Committee [meeting in Geneva from 17 to 21 October 1977]’ (WHO Technical Report Series, No 615), the report by the WHO Secretariat of 7 December 2001 entitled ‘WHO medicines strategy: revised procedure for updating WHO’s Model List of Essential Drugs’ (EB109/8), the WHO report of March 2015 entitled ‘Access to new medicines in Europe’, and the WHO report of 9 July 2013 entitled ‘Priority Medicines for Europe and the World’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the World Health Organization (WHO) entitled ‘The selection of essential medicines. Report of a WHO Expert Committee [meeting in Geneva from 17 to 21 October 1977]’ (WHO Technical Report Series, No 615), the report by the WHO Secretariat of 7 December 2001 entitled ‘WHO medicines strategy: revised procedure for updating WHO’s Model List of Essential Drugs’ (EB109/8), the WHO report of March 2015 entitled ‘Access to new medicines in Europe’, and the WHO report of 9 July 2013 entitled ‘Priority Medicines for Europe and the World’,

| — | having regard to the WHO’s ‘One World, One Health’ philosophy, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the WHO’s ‘One World, One Health’ philosophy,

| — | having regard to UN Sustainable Development Goal No 3, ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to UN Sustainable Development Goal No 3, ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages’,

| — | having regard to Report No 737 of the French Senate of 27 September 2018 on shortages of medicines and vaccines — focusing more closely on public health issues in the medicine supply chain, drawn up by Jean-Pierre Decool on behalf of the Senate’s fact-finding mission on the shortage of medicines and vaccines, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Report No 737 of the French Senate of 27 September 2018 on shortages of medicines and vaccines — focusing more closely on public health issues in the medicine supply chain, drawn up by Jean-Pierre Decool on behalf of the Senate’s fact-finding mission on the shortage of medicines and vaccines,

| — | having regard to the Commission Guidance concerning foreign direct investment and free movement of capital from third countries, and the protection of Europe’s strategic assets in the context of the COVID-19 emergency, ahead of the application of Regulation (EU) 2019/452 (the FDI Screening Regulation), which will be fully operational as from 11 October 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Guidance concerning foreign direct investment and free movement of capital from third countries, and the protection of Europe’s strategic assets in the context of the COVID-19 emergency, ahead of the application of Regulation (EU) 2019/452 (the FDI Screening Regulation), which will be fully operational as from 11 October 2020,

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Policy Council of 9 and 10 December 2019, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Policy Council of 9 and 10 December 2019,

| — | having regard to the 2016 Report of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines entitled ‘Promoting innovation and access to health technologies’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2016 Report of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Access to Medicines entitled ‘Promoting innovation and access to health technologies’,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM(2019)0640), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal (COM(2019)0640),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (12),

| — | having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, the Committee on Development, the Committee on International Trade, the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the Committee on Legal Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, the Committee on Development, the Committee on International Trade, the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the Committee on Legal Affairs,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A9-0142/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A9-0142/2020),

| A. | whereas the longstanding problem of shortages of medicines within the EU has worsened exponentially in recent years; whereas the increase in global demand, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, have further aggravated shortages of medicines, undermining health services in the Member States and entailing considerable risks for the health and care of patients, including disease progression and/or worsening of symptoms, increased delays or interruption in care or therapy, longer hospitalisations, increased exposure to falsified medicines, medication errors or adverse events occurring when the missing medicine is substituted by another, avoidable transmission of infectious diseases, significant psychological distress, and increased expenditure for the healthcare system; whereas the Member States have a duty to find swift and effective solutions, including through common European coordination and action; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the longstanding problem of shortages of medicines within the EU has worsened exponentially in recent years; whereas the increase in global demand, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, have further aggravated shortages of medicines, undermining health services in the Member States and entailing considerable risks for the health and care of patients, including disease progression and/or worsening of symptoms, increased delays or interruption in care or therapy, longer hospitalisations, increased exposure to falsified medicines, medication errors or adverse events occurring when the missing medicine is substituted by another, avoidable transmission of infectious diseases, significant psychological distress, and increased expenditure for the healthcare system; whereas the Member States have a duty to find swift and effective solutions, including through common European coordination and action;

| B. | whereas the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union state that everyone shall have access to preventive healthcare and the right to benefit from medical treatment under the conditions established by national laws and practices; whereas this right should be enforced for all citizens, including those living in the smaller Member States and in the most peripheral areas of the Union; whereas shortage of medicines is a growing public health threat with a serious impact on healthcare systems and the right of every patient in the EU to access appropriate medical treatment; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union state that everyone shall have access to preventive healthcare and the right to benefit from medical treatment under the conditions established by national laws and practices; whereas this right should be enforced for all citizens, including those living in the smaller Member States and in the most peripheral areas of the Union; whereas shortage of medicines is a growing public health threat with a serious impact on healthcare systems and the right of every patient in the EU to access appropriate medical treatment;

| C. | whereas ensuring patient access to essential medicines is one of the core objectives of the EU and the WHO, and of Sustainable Development Goal 3; whereas universal access to medicines depends on their timely availability and their affordability for everyone, without any geographical discrimination; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas ensuring patient access to essential medicines is one of the core objectives of the EU and the WHO, and of Sustainable Development Goal 3; whereas universal access to medicines depends on their timely availability and their affordability for everyone, without any geographical discrimination;

| D. | whereas patients should have access to the healthcare and treatment options of their choice and preference; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas patients should have access to the healthcare and treatment options of their choice and preference;

| E. | whereas access to suitable and affordable diagnostic tests and vaccines is as vital as access to safe, effective and affordable medicines; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas access to suitable and affordable diagnostic tests and vaccines is as vital as access to safe, effective and affordable medicines;

| F. | whereas medicine shortages have multifactorial and complex root causes; whereas some decision-making by the pharmaceutical industry, such as discontinuations of products and withdrawals from less profitable Member States’ markets, is also often a reason for medicine shortages; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas medicine shortages have multifactorial and complex root causes; whereas some decision-making by the pharmaceutical industry, such as discontinuations of products and withdrawals from less profitable Member States’ markets, is also often a reason for medicine shortages;

| G. | whereas it is imperative to prevent medicine shortages and to mitigate their effects should they occur; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas it is imperative to prevent medicine shortages and to mitigate their effects should they occur;

| H. | whereas an efficient strategy should cover measures to mitigate medicine shortages, but also to prevent them from happening, looking at the multiple root causes of shortages; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas an efficient strategy should cover measures to mitigate medicine shortages, but also to prevent them from happening, looking at the multiple root causes of shortages;

| I. | whereas there are no harmonised definitions between Member States of ‘shortage’, ‘tensions’, ‘supply disruptions’, ‘stock-out’ and ‘overstocking’; whereas a distinction should be made between ‘medicinal products of major therapeutic interest’ (MITMs) and ‘medicines of health and strategic interest’ (MISSs); |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas there are no harmonised definitions between Member States of ‘shortage’, ‘tensions’, ‘supply disruptions’, ‘stock-out’ and ‘overstocking’; whereas a distinction should be made between ‘medicinal products of major therapeutic interest’ (MITMs) and ‘medicines of health and strategic interest’ (MISSs);

| J. | whereas medicine shortages impose significant costs on both public and private health stakeholders; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas medicine shortages impose significant costs on both public and private health stakeholders;

| K. | whereas pharmaceuticals are one of the pillars of healthcare, and whereas insufficient access to essential medicinal products and high prices of innovative medicines pose a serious threat to the population’s health and to the sustainability of national healthcare systems; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas pharmaceuticals are one of the pillars of healthcare, and whereas insufficient access to essential medicinal products and high prices of innovative medicines pose a serious threat to the population’s health and to the sustainability of national healthcare systems;

| L. | whereas in many cases the prices of new medicines, notably cancer treatments, have increased during the past few decades to the point of being unaffordable for many EU citizens; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas in many cases the prices of new medicines, notably cancer treatments, have increased during the past few decades to the point of being unaffordable for many EU citizens;

| M. | whereas the generic and biosimilar medicines industry supplies the majority of medicines to EU patients (almost 70 % of dispensed pharmaceuticals); |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the generic and biosimilar medicines industry supplies the majority of medicines to EU patients (almost 70 % of dispensed pharmaceuticals);

| N. | whereas the entry of generics and biosimilars into the market is an important mechanism for increasing competition, reducing prices and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare systems; whereas their market entry should not be delayed; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the entry of generics and biosimilars into the market is an important mechanism for increasing competition, reducing prices and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare systems; whereas their market entry should not be delayed;

| O. | whereas the EU-based manufacturers of generics have an important role to play in satisfying the growth in demand for affordable medicines in the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the EU-based manufacturers of generics have an important role to play in satisfying the growth in demand for affordable medicines in the Member States;

| P. | whereas medicines to treat cancer, diabetes, infections and disorders of the nervous system account for more than half of those in short supply; whereas injectable specialities appear to be the most vulnerable to the risk of shortage due to the complexity of their manufacturing process; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas medicines to treat cancer, diabetes, infections and disorders of the nervous system account for more than half of those in short supply; whereas injectable specialities appear to be the most vulnerable to the risk of shortage due to the complexity of their manufacturing process;

| Q. | whereas medicine shortages could pose a risk to the success of Union and Member State health initiatives, such as Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas medicine shortages could pose a risk to the success of Union and Member State health initiatives, such as Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan;

| R. | whereas in Member States with small markets the medicines to treat rare diseases are often not available or are available only at substantially higher prices than in larger markets; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas in Member States with small markets the medicines to treat rare diseases are often not available or are available only at substantially higher prices than in larger markets;

| S. | whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of a well-functioning internal market and robust supply chains for medicines and medical equipment; whereas a European dialogue on how to ensure this is needed; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of a well-functioning internal market and robust supply chains for medicines and medical equipment; whereas a European dialogue on how to ensure this is needed;

| T. | whereas uncoordinated initiatives at national level, such as stockpiling and penalties, are not the right solution and could lead to an increased risk of medicine shortages; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas uncoordinated initiatives at national level, such as stockpiling and penalties, are not the right solution and could lead to an increased risk of medicine shortages;

| U. | whereas the loss of European independence in the health sector is linked to the relocation of production, with 40 % of medicinal end products marketed in the EU now originating in third countries; whereas while Europe has a strong manufacturing footprint, the supply chain still relies heavily on subcontractors to produce pharmaceutical raw materials outside the EU, where labour costs and environmental standards are often lower, with the result that 60 % to 80 % of chemical active ingredients are manufactured outside the EU, mainly in China and India; whereas this proportion was 20 % 30 years ago; whereas those two countries reportedly produce 60 % of the world’s paracetamol, 90 % of its penicillin and 50 % of its ibuprofen; whereas, to date, no label or labelling visible to patients and customers is required for medicinal products and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) concerning their origin and country of manufacturing; whereas limited access to APIs required for the production of generic medicines poses a particular challenge; whereas the disruption of the global supply chain ensuing from the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted even more the EU’s dependency on third countries in the health sector; whereas the novel coronavirus pandemic has also revealed shortages of medical devices, medical products and protective equipment; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas the loss of European independence in the health sector is linked to the relocation of production, with 40 % of medicinal end products marketed in the EU now originating in third countries; whereas while Europe has a strong manufacturing footprint, the supply chain still relies heavily on subcontractors to produce pharmaceutical raw materials outside the EU, where labour costs and environmental standards are often lower, with the result that 60 % to 80 % of chemical active ingredients are manufactured outside the EU, mainly in China and India; whereas this proportion was 20 % 30 years ago; whereas those two countries reportedly produce 60 % of the world’s paracetamol, 90 % of its penicillin and 50 % of its ibuprofen; whereas, to date, no label or labelling visible to patients and customers is required for medicinal products and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) concerning their origin and country of manufacturing; whereas limited access to APIs required for the production of generic medicines poses a particular challenge; whereas the disruption of the global supply chain ensuing from the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted even more the EU’s dependency on third countries in the health sector; whereas the novel coronavirus pandemic has also revealed shortages of medical devices, medical products and protective equipment;

| V. | whereas the EU continues to have a strong pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, particularly in the innovative sector, and is the world’s largest exporter of pharmaceutical products, as part of a global trade in pharmaceuticals; whereas the supply of generic medicines at a lower cost involving manufacturing outside the EU enables the affordability of medicines, impacting Member States’ healthcare budgets and patients’ access; |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas the EU continues to have a strong pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, particularly in the innovative sector, and is the world’s largest exporter of pharmaceutical products, as part of a global trade in pharmaceuticals; whereas the supply of generic medicines at a lower cost involving manufacturing outside the EU enables the affordability of medicines, impacting Member States’ healthcare budgets and patients’ access;

| W. | whereas as a consequence of the COVID-19 health crisis, the EU will be facing an economic crisis that will impact on shortages of medicines and the competitiveness of its pharmaceutical industry; |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas as a consequence of the COVID-19 health crisis, the EU will be facing an economic crisis that will impact on shortages of medicines and the competitiveness of its pharmaceutical industry;

| X. | whereas it is equally important to protect and foster the existing production sites in the EU and strengthen the European research landscape; |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas it is equally important to protect and foster the existing production sites in the EU and strengthen the European research landscape;

| Y. | whereas the consequences of growing demand coupled with price pressure include the concentration of supply of APIs, a reduction in the number of chemicals manufacturers and a lack of alternative solutions should problems arise, as shown in the case of the current COVID-19 crisis; |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas the consequences of growing demand coupled with price pressure include the concentration of supply of APIs, a reduction in the number of chemicals manufacturers and a lack of alternative solutions should problems arise, as shown in the case of the current COVID-19 crisis;

| Z. | whereas stocks of medicinal products of major therapeutic interest and of health and strategic importance are insufficient, APIs are cheap and easy to produce, and mature medicines, which are essential for public health, are in particularly short supply; whereas pharmaceutical firms operate according to the just-in-time method, which can leave manufacturers vulnerable to supply shocks where there are unanticipated production and supply chain interruptions and fluctuations in market demand; |
| --- | --- |

Z.

whereas stocks of medicinal products of major therapeutic interest and of health and strategic importance are insufficient, APIs are cheap and easy to produce, and mature medicines, which are essential for public health, are in particularly short supply; whereas pharmaceutical firms operate according to the just-in-time method, which can leave manufacturers vulnerable to supply shocks where there are unanticipated production and supply chain interruptions and fluctuations in market demand;

| AA. | whereas differential pricing between Member States facilitates ‘parallel exports’ to countries where the medicine in question is more expensive; whereas parallel exports can in some cases have the unintended consequence of creating disruptions in supply across Member States, thereby contributing to market imbalances; whereas in its resolution of 2 March 2017 Parliament called on the Commission and the Council to assess the impact of the parallel trade and supply quotas; |
| --- | --- |

AA.

whereas differential pricing between Member States facilitates ‘parallel exports’ to countries where the medicine in question is more expensive; whereas parallel exports can in some cases have the unintended consequence of creating disruptions in supply across Member States, thereby contributing to market imbalances; whereas in its resolution of 2 March 2017 Parliament called on the Commission and the Council to assess the impact of the parallel trade and supply quotas;

| AB. | whereas in the absence of effective coordination at EU level, inappropriate stockpiling in some Member States is leading to a market imbalance, exacerbating medicine shortages and reducing access to treatment for patients across the EU; |
| --- | --- |

AB.

whereas in the absence of effective coordination at EU level, inappropriate stockpiling in some Member States is leading to a market imbalance, exacerbating medicine shortages and reducing access to treatment for patients across the EU;

| AC. | whereas uncoordinated measures at national level have proven to be ineffective in fighting the COVID-19 crisis, while pan-European coordination and dialogue are needed; |
| --- | --- |

AC.

whereas uncoordinated measures at national level have proven to be ineffective in fighting the COVID-19 crisis, while pan-European coordination and dialogue are needed;

| AD. | whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how coordination among EU institutions, regulators and pharmaceutical supply chain experts is vital to respond to health crises and to supply disruptions such as shortages of medicines; whereas it has also demonstrated the importance of coordination between EU policies and services in order to react promptly and efficiently to emergencies as well as to prevent medicine shortages, and to mitigate them should they occur; |
| --- | --- |

AD.

whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how coordination among EU institutions, regulators and pharmaceutical supply chain experts is vital to respond to health crises and to supply disruptions such as shortages of medicines; whereas it has also demonstrated the importance of coordination between EU policies and services in order to react promptly and efficiently to emergencies as well as to prevent medicine shortages, and to mitigate them should they occur;

| AE. | whereas an increasing number of Member States are seeking to establish national stockpiles of medical supplies, and the subsequent increase in demand as a result of this would exceed current demand forecasts based on epidemiological need; whereas sudden large spikes in demand can place considerable strain on suppliers and, as a result, lead to challenges in meeting demand in other countries; |
| --- | --- |

AE.

whereas an increasing number of Member States are seeking to establish national stockpiles of medical supplies, and the subsequent increase in demand as a result of this would exceed current demand forecasts based on epidemiological need; whereas sudden large spikes in demand can place considerable strain on suppliers and, as a result, lead to challenges in meeting demand in other countries;

| AF. | whereas the 2009 financial crisis forced European countries to introduce unsustainable cost containment measures such as clawbacks and inefficient procurement mechanisms in order to reduce pharmaceutical expenditure, which has led to withdrawals of products and companies from the market; |
| --- | --- |

AF.

whereas the 2009 financial crisis forced European countries to introduce unsustainable cost containment measures such as clawbacks and inefficient procurement mechanisms in order to reduce pharmaceutical expenditure, which has led to withdrawals of products and companies from the market;

| AG. | whereas the movement of medicines within the single market is being hampered by the lack of harmonised rules between Member States; |
| --- | --- |

AG.

whereas the movement of medicines within the single market is being hampered by the lack of harmonised rules between Member States;

| AH. | whereas the COVID-19 emergency has highlighted the increased risk of attempts to acquire healthcare capacities via foreign direct investment and the need to preserve and enhance the sharing of such precious capacities within the single market; |
| --- | --- |

AH.

whereas the COVID-19 emergency has highlighted the increased risk of attempts to acquire healthcare capacities via foreign direct investment and the need to preserve and enhance the sharing of such precious capacities within the single market;

| AI. | whereas a strong, innovative and competitive pharmaceutical industry in Europe is in the vital interest of the EU and its Member States; |
| --- | --- |

AI.

whereas a strong, innovative and competitive pharmaceutical industry in Europe is in the vital interest of the EU and its Member States;

| AJ. | whereas the pharmaceutical industry needs the right legal framework to undertake research, development and production for pharmaceuticals within the EU; |
| --- | --- |

AJ.

whereas the pharmaceutical industry needs the right legal framework to undertake research, development and production for pharmaceuticals within the EU;

| AK. | whereas patent protection creates a legal framework, which is important for pharmaceutical innovation as it provides companies with financial incentives to cover the research and development (R&D) costs of new medicines; |
| --- | --- |

AK.

whereas patent protection creates a legal framework, which is important for pharmaceutical innovation as it provides companies with financial incentives to cover the research and development (R&D) costs of new medicines;

| AL. | whereas Member States are free to determine further grounds for granting compulsory licences, and to determine what constitutes a national emergency; |
| --- | --- |

AL.

whereas Member States are free to determine further grounds for granting compulsory licences, and to determine what constitutes a national emergency;

| AM. | whereas medicine shortage notification mechanisms for supply chain operators and pharmacists in particular are currently very fragmented in the Member States; whereas this could prevent adequate monitoring and communication between Member State authorities regarding medicine shortages; |
| --- | --- |

AM.

whereas medicine shortage notification mechanisms for supply chain operators and pharmacists in particular are currently very fragmented in the Member States; whereas this could prevent adequate monitoring and communication between Member State authorities regarding medicine shortages;

| AN. | whereas Article 81 of Directive 2001/83/EC calls for measures to prevent shortages of medicinal products or distributional issues regarding them in Member States; whereas the Commission has issued guidelines for an optimal and rational supply of medicines in order to avoid shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic; whereas in these guidelines the Commission recognises that no country is self-sufficient in raw materials, APIs or intermediate products, or in finished medicines that are needed for the proper functioning of the health system; |
| --- | --- |

AN.

whereas Article 81 of Directive 2001/83/EC calls for measures to prevent shortages of medicinal products or distributional issues regarding them in Member States; whereas the Commission has issued guidelines for an optimal and rational supply of medicines in order to avoid shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic; whereas in these guidelines the Commission recognises that no country is self-sufficient in raw materials, APIs or intermediate products, or in finished medicines that are needed for the proper functioning of the health system;

| AO. | whereas, as stated by the Commission, Member States’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has required a significant increase in the production of both APIs and medicinal products in the EU, necessitating a reorganisation of supply chains and production lines; whereas in her statements during a meeting of 22 April 2020 with the members of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), Commissioner Stella Kyriakides highlighted the need to increase the production of medicines and the level of innovation within the EU; whereas all small and medium-sized pharmaceutical laboratories constitute an asset to be preserved and a breeding ground for research and discoveries that is to be supported, as they can participate in the prevention of drug shortages; |
| --- | --- |

AO.

whereas, as stated by the Commission, Member States’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has required a significant increase in the production of both APIs and medicinal products in the EU, necessitating a reorganisation of supply chains and production lines; whereas in her statements during a meeting of 22 April 2020 with the members of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), Commissioner Stella Kyriakides highlighted the need to increase the production of medicines and the level of innovation within the EU; whereas all small and medium-sized pharmaceutical laboratories constitute an asset to be preserved and a breeding ground for research and discoveries that is to be supported, as they can participate in the prevention of drug shortages;

| AP. | whereas Parliament, in its resolution of 8 March 2011 (13), and the Council, in its conclusions of 13 September 2010, both stressed the need to introduce a common procedure for the joint procurement of medical countermeasures, and in particular of pandemic vaccines; whereas Decision No 1082/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (14) encourages Member States to take advantage of joint procurement procedures provided that such procedures are preceded by a Joint Procurement Agreement of participating Member States; |
| --- | --- |

AP.

whereas Parliament, in its resolution of 8 March 2011 (13), and the Council, in its conclusions of 13 September 2010, both stressed the need to introduce a common procedure for the joint procurement of medical countermeasures, and in particular of pandemic vaccines; whereas Decision No 1082/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (14) encourages Member States to take advantage of joint procurement procedures provided that such procedures are preceded by a Joint Procurement Agreement of participating Member States;

| AQ. | whereas the Commission has announced its intention to publish, by the end of 2020, recommendations for a future EU pharmaceutical strategy; |
| --- | --- |

AQ.

whereas the Commission has announced its intention to publish, by the end of 2020, recommendations for a future EU pharmaceutical strategy;

| AR. | whereas transport and logistics management are of crucial importance for the supply of medicines, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, personal protective equipment, other medical supplies and raw materials, not least given the increasing degree of complexity of the transport chain; whereas it is important to have efficient ‘green lane’ border crossings with fast-track lanes in order to ensure the unobstructed flow of medicines, reducing administrative barriers and easing access to transport services; |
| --- | --- |

AR.

whereas transport and logistics management are of crucial importance for the supply of medicines, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, personal protective equipment, other medical supplies and raw materials, not least given the increasing degree of complexity of the transport chain; whereas it is important to have efficient ‘green lane’ border crossings with fast-track lanes in order to ensure the unobstructed flow of medicines, reducing administrative barriers and easing access to transport services;

| AS. | whereas high safety standards and the preservation of decent working conditions for workers should be guaranteed; whereas pharmaceutical regulation should ensure the quality, quantity, safety and efficiency of the supply of medicines between Member States; |
| --- | --- |

AS.

whereas high safety standards and the preservation of decent working conditions for workers should be guaranteed; whereas pharmaceutical regulation should ensure the quality, quantity, safety and efficiency of the supply of medicines between Member States;

| AT. | whereas patients rely on equitable and efficient access to medicines based on a sustainable, competitive, multi-source and well-functioning single market, which includes the Single European Transport Area; |
| --- | --- |

AT.

whereas patients rely on equitable and efficient access to medicines based on a sustainable, competitive, multi-source and well-functioning single market, which includes the Single European Transport Area;

| AU. | whereas the COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the fact that the intra-EU and extra-EU circulation of medicines is key to overcoming existing constraints and prioritising the circulation of essential goods; |
| --- | --- |

AU.

whereas the COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the fact that the intra-EU and extra-EU circulation of medicines is key to overcoming existing constraints and prioritising the circulation of essential goods;

| AV. | whereas it is necessary to prevent the COVID-19 outbreak from worsening the socio-economic situation and living conditions of vulnerable citizens; |
| --- | --- |

AV.

whereas it is necessary to prevent the COVID-19 outbreak from worsening the socio-economic situation and living conditions of vulnerable citizens;

| AW. | whereas the greater number, geographical spread and impact of epidemics is partly attributable to climate change, in combination with globalisation, urbanisation and increased travel; whereas European surveillance has been strengthened on vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika and the West Nile virus; |
| --- | --- |

AW.

whereas the greater number, geographical spread and impact of epidemics is partly attributable to climate change, in combination with globalisation, urbanisation and increased travel; whereas European surveillance has been strengthened on vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika and the West Nile virus;

| AX. | whereas there is an increased correlation between the destruction of biodiversity, the illegal trade in wildlife, the proliferation of human-made habitats and damage to natural areas densely populated by humans, as well as unsustainable food production methods and zoonosis propagation, i.e. the transmission to humans and rapid spread of animal pathogens; whereas biodiversity is an important source for existing medicines and potential future drug development; |
| --- | --- |

AX.

whereas there is an increased correlation between the destruction of biodiversity, the illegal trade in wildlife, the proliferation of human-made habitats and damage to natural areas densely populated by humans, as well as unsustainable food production methods and zoonosis propagation, i.e. the transmission to humans and rapid spread of animal pathogens; whereas biodiversity is an important source for existing medicines and potential future drug development;

| 1. | Stresses the geostrategic imperative for the Union to regain its independence with regard to healthcare, to secure rapidly and efficiently its supply of affordable medicines, medical equipment, medical devices, active substances, diagnostic tools and vaccines, and to prevent shortages thereof, prioritising the interest and safety of patients; stresses the importance of ensuring that all Member States have fair access to the supply chain; highlights, to that end, the need for the Union’s pharmaceutical industry to have a diversified supply chain and a medicine shortage risk mitigation plan to cope with any vulnerabilities and risks to their supply chain; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Points out that while the Member States are responsible for the definition and organisation of their health policies, the Union is responsible for the pharmaceutical legislation as well as various public health policies and it is incumbent on the EU to coordinate and complement national measures to guarantee access to affordable and high-quality health services for all EU citizens and residents; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Stresses the importance of always putting the interests and safety of patients at the heart of health policies without allowing any discrimination in the access to medicines and treatments, and the need for closer cooperation and coordination between Member States and to facilitate the exchange of good practices; highlights the potential harm to patients from shortages of medicines and medical devices; calls on the Commission and the Member States to coordinate closely to protect the resilience and sustainability of the healthcare supply chain and ensure the continuous availability of medicines; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Stresses that the shortage of medicines is a serious threat to the right to essential medical treatment for patients in the EU, generating inequalities between patients depending on their country of residence and creating a possible disruption of the single market; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Stresses the importance of a harmonised definition at EU level of ‘shortage’, ‘tension’, ‘supply disruptions’, ‘stock-out’ and ‘overstocking’; calls on the Commission to work towards these harmonised definitions in close cooperation with the Member States and all the relevant stakeholders, including patient organisations; calls on the Commission, in particular, to reinforce the definition of ‘shortage’ proposed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) joint Task Force in 2019; calls on the Commission to draw a distinction between ‘medicinal products of major therapeutic interest’ (MITMs), i.e. medicines for which an interruption of treatment is likely to jeopardise the vital prognosis of patients in the short or medium term or significantly diminishes the patient’s chances with regard to the progressive potential of the disease, or for which there are no suitable therapeutic alternatives available in sufficient quantity, and ‘medicinal products of health and strategic importance’ (MISSs), for which the interruption of treatment causes an immediate threat to the patient’s life; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Deems it essential that the multifactorial root causes of medicine shortages be assessed and addressed; welcomes, in that context, the call for tender launched by the Commission for a study on the causes of shortage of medicines in the Union and calls for the study to be published by the end of the year; calls, however, for another study to be carried out on the impacts of medicine shortages on patient care, treatment and health; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Calls on the Commission to propose ambitious and concrete actions to address these issues in its planned pharmaceutical strategy; calls on the Commission to incorporate measures for the pharmaceutical sector into the 2021 due diligence law proposal for companies; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a new European health programme (EU4Health) and the fact that one of its stated objectives is to promote the availability and accessibility of medicines and medical equipment; calls for a joint action on the prevention of shortage of medicines, to be funded by the future health programme, |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Recalls that the shortage of medicines is a global challenge; stresses that developing countries, such as a number of African countries, are the most affected by these shortages; urges that access to medicines in developing countries be tackled in a wider context in the WHO framework; calls on the Commission and the Member States to increase their support to developing countries, in particular through the RescEU strategic reserve; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Underlines the fundamental right of all persons to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and of their families, as enshrined in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; recalls in this regard that the EU is committed to ensuring a high level of protection of human health in all its policies and activities, in accordance with Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the principle of Policy Coherence for Development, in full compliance with international commitments, notably Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goal 3 ‘Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages’; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Securing supplies in the interests of patients, ensuring access to medical treatment for all patients, and restoring the EU’s health independence

| 11. | Recalls that medicine shortages have a direct impact on patients’ health and safety and the continuation of their treatment; stresses that for patients, the consequences of drug shortages include: progression of the disease and/or worsening of symptoms due to a delay in treatment, avoidable transmission of infectious diseases, increased risk of exposure to falsified medicines, and significant psychological distress for patients and their families; recalls that no Member State is self-sufficient with regard to the raw materials, intermediates, APIs and finished medicines necessary to guarantee the proper functioning of its health system; |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Notes that the risks are particularly high among vulnerable people such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, patients with chronic diseases or cancer, or those in an intensive care unit (ICU); |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Recalls the shortages of female hormonal drugs used for contraception and hormone replacement therapy (HRT); notes with concern the threats posed by such shortages to women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights; stresses the importance of enhancing the control and management of the manufacturing, stockpiling and marketing of those medicines to ensure continuity in supply chains, fair pricing and availability for women; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Underlines that in several Member States, a higher price of the substitute medicine proposed to the patient, a lower reimbursement rate or lack of reimbursement constitute major obstacles to access to medicines for people on low incomes or those with chronic conditions; calls on the Member States to guarantee access to a substitute medicine at an equivalent price or subject to a similar reimbursement in the event of a supply shortage; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Calls on the Commission to include in the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) data on self-reported unmet needs regarding access to medicines, as access to medicines in not measured in the EU-SILC at present; |
| --- | --- |

15.

| 16. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take the rapid necessary action to ensure security of supply of medical products, reduce the EU’s dependence on third countries and support local pharmaceutical manufacturing, for medicines of major therapeutic interest, giving priority to medicinal products of health and strategic importance in close cooperation with the Member States; calls on the Commission and the Member States to draw up, with the help of the relevant stakeholders, a map of EU production sites in third countries and an evolving map, to be used as a reference, of the existing and potential production sites in the EU, in order to be able to sustain, modernise and strengthen their capacities, where necessary, possible and viable; stresses the importance for the pharmaceutical industry to have the capacity to address sudden increases in demand in critical situations; |
| --- | --- |

16.

| 17. | Calls on the Commission to address in its upcoming pharmaceutical and industrial strategies issues relating to the availability, accessibility and affordability of medicines, to cooperation between national regulatory authorities, and to the EU’s dependence on third countries for manufacturing capacity, the supply of APIs and starting materials; believes that these strategies must include regulatory measures and encourage the production of essential APIs and medicines in Europe with the aim of making medicines available, affordable, sustainable and equally accessible; |
| --- | --- |

17.

| 18. | Calls on the Commission to make the shortage of medicines one of the pillars of the upcoming pharmaceutical strategy and to create a pharmaceutical forum, supervised by EMA, bringing together policymakers, regulators, payers, patient and consumer organisations, industry representatives and other relevant stakeholders in the healthcare supply chain in order to prevent shortages, address pharmaceutical sustainability issues and ensure the competitiveness of the European pharmaceutical industry; calls in particular on the Commission to further strengthen dialogue with the relevant stakeholders and with international actors to assess new treatments and vaccines and with EMA in order to find ways to rapidly align scientific assessments between national agencies, including on collaboration in the pre-assessment phase prior to the availability of critical clinical data, on the alignment of post-approval data generation, and on flexible approaches to upscaling manufacturing of treatments and vaccines; |
| --- | --- |

18.

| 19. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that its pharmaceutical strategy is guaranteed to combat inadmissible business practices anywhere on the medicines circuit that might undermine transparency and balanced relations between the various public and private entities directly or indirectly involved in fulfilling the essential public service of ensuring access to medicines; |
| --- | --- |

19.

| 20. | Urges the Commission and the Member States, if needed for the public interest, to consider the introduction of measures as well as financial incentives in line with State aid rules and sustainable policies in return for commitments, to protect Europe’s strong pharmaceutical industrial base and to encourage the industry to locate its operations in the EU, from the production of APIs to medicine manufacturing, packaging and distribution; urges the Member States to secure existing operations, for example by rewarding investments in the quality of medicines and in the security of supply; emphasises the strategic significance of this sector and the importance of investing in European companies in order to diversify resources and encourage the development of innovative production technologies capable of enhancing the responsiveness of entire production lines; recalls that all public funding must be made conditional on the full transparency and traceability of investments, on supply obligations on the European market, and on facilitating the best outcome for patients, including in terms of accessibility and affordability of manufactured medicines; |
| --- | --- |

20.

| 21. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to put the right economic framework in place to secure and modernise existing manufacturing capabilities of medicines, technology and APIs in Europe, for example by rewarding investments in the quality of medicines and in the security of supply; |
| --- | --- |

21.

| 22. | Stresses that the pharmaceutical sector remains an important industrial pillar as well as a driving force in terms of job creation; |
| --- | --- |

22.

| 23. | Considers that the European Green Deal constitutes a major opportunity to encourage pharmaceutical manufacturers to participate in the green recovery plan by producing in compliance with environmental and ecological standards; |
| --- | --- |

23.

| 24. | Underlines that a complete repatriation of medical supply chains might not be feasible in a global economy; calls on the Commission, the Member States and the EU’s multilateral partners, in particular the WHO and WTO, to establish an international framework to ensure the quality and integrity of global supply chains in order to limit the use of damaging protectionist measures, while upholding the highest labour and environmental standards in production worldwide; calls on the Commission, in that context, to include measures in the new pharmaceutical strategy to cope with any disruption in the global supply chains; calls on the Commission to address the issues relating to the supply of medicines, including in the context of the forthcoming trade policy review; |
| --- | --- |

24.

| 25. | Notes that for certain biological medicinal products such as those derived from blood and plasma, enabling Europe to increase its capacity to collect blood and plasma will be key to reducing its dependence on plasma imports from third countries; calls on the Commission to accelerate the revision of the blood, tissues and cells legislation (Directive 2002/98/EC (15) and Directive 2004/23/EC (16)) in order to reduce the risk of shortages of these essential life-saving medicinal products; |
| --- | --- |

25.

| 26. | Recalls that Articles 81 and 23a of Directive 2001/83/EC have laid down general obligations for the supply of medicinal products to be borne by marketing authorisation holders (MAHs) and distributors, as well as a notification obligation in the event of a temporary or permanent supply interruption; regrets, however, the disparities observed by the Commission in the transposition of these obligations into national legislations; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that MAHs and wholesale distributors comply with the requirements of Directive 2001/83/EC in order to ensure appropriate and continued supplies of medicines; calls on the Commission to further clarify the obligations for MAHs under Directive 2001/83/EC and highlights the need to ensure that they report medicine shortages within the established timeframes; stresses the need to apply dissuasive and proportionate sanctions in the event of non-compliance with these legal obligations in line with the existing legislative framework; |
| --- | --- |

26.

| 27. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to consider the establishment of harmonised shortage prevention and management plans requiring producers to identify medicines of major therapeutic interest for which preventive and corrective measures should be taken in order to avoid or alleviate any disruption in supplies; points out that such plans should include solutions for the strategic storage of medicines in order to ensure supply for a reasonable period of time and transparent and permanent communication mechanisms through which patients and healthcare professionals can report and anticipate shortages; urges the Commission to develop guidance to ensure that national initiatives on stockpiling are proportionate to need and do not create unintended consequences in other Member States; |
| --- | --- |

27.

| 28. | Notes that security of supply is an essential factor in combating shortages and must be used as a qualitative criterion in connection with the award of public pharmacy contracts and calls for tender for the supply of medicines, as recommended by Article 67 of Directive 2014/24/EU; emphasises the importance of diversified supplies and procurement practices for pharmaceuticals; urges the Commission, in the context of Directive 2014/24/EU, to swiftly propose guidelines for the Member States, notably on how to best implement the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) criteria, looking beyond the lowest price criteria only; proposes that investments in the manufacture of active ingredients and medicinal end products in the EU should also be retained as a criterion, as well as the number and location of production sites, the reliability of supply, the reinvestment of profits into R&D and the application of social, environmental, ethical and quality standards; |
| --- | --- |

28.

| 29. | Notes that procurement procedures with only one successful tenderer and/or only one production site of the basic substance may exacerbate vulnerability should supplies be disrupted; calls on the Commission and the Member States to consider introducing procurement procedures under which contracts may be awarded to a number of successful tenderers, including joint tenderers, by focusing on production in the EU and guaranteeing at least two different sources for the basic substance, in order to maintain market competition and reduce the risk of shortages, while guaranteeing high-quality and affordable treatment for patients; asks the Commission, to that end, to examine the possibility of creating a legislative framework encouraging and enabling healthcare systems to carry out tenders that reward pharmaceutical companies that guarantee the supply of pharmaceuticals in difficult circumstances; |
| --- | --- |

29.

| 30. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to examine the possibility of creating one or more European non-profit pharmaceutical undertakings which operate in the public interest to manufacture medicinal products of health and strategic importance for healthcare, in the absence of existing industrial production, in order to complete and guarantee security of supply and prevent possible shortages of medicines in cases of emergency; recalls the essential role that new technologies, digitalisation and artificial intelligence can play in enabling researchers from European laboratories to work in a network and share their objectives and their results, while fully respecting the European Data Protection Framework; |
| --- | --- |

30.

| 31. | Calls on the Commission to carefully evaluate the positive contribution that artificial intelligence could make to the fast and reliable delivery of medical supplies; |
| --- | --- |

31.

| 32. | Stresses the importance of public-private partnerships such as the European Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), in the framework of programmes for research and innovation; believes that the Commission should also consider the creation of a European model of the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority; |
| --- | --- |

32.

| 33. | Stresses that the urgent need for medicines and medical equipment must not mean compromising the quality, safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of medicines for human use and health products; |
| --- | --- |

33.

| 34. | Calls on the Commission to take action against the spread of falsified medicines from unauthorised websites and vendors, which are presently raising concerns; considers that this practice can cause serious harm and lead to severe health problems or worsen the health conditions of EU citizens; stresses that EU coordination in mapping and combatting counterfeit medicines is essential; |
| --- | --- |

34.

| 35. | Calls for an enhanced dialogue between the pharmaceutical industry and other production sectors, such as agriculture, horticulture and forestry, in a bid to develop the production of active ingredients in the EU; calls for efforts to counter over-specialisation in certain sectors and for substantial investment in research, the bioeconomy and biotechnology, for the purposes of resource diversification; considers that Europe’s industrial recovery needs to prioritise the twin digital and ecological transformation of our societies and the building of resilience to external shocks; |
| --- | --- |

35.

| 36. | Stresses the importance of high-quality medical research and innovation, including the off-patent segment; calls for the establishment of a genuine European network to support therapeutic and medical research and underlines that the price of relocation must not lead to a deterioration in the quality of medical research; emphasises that a stable research and development system can have a positive impact on production capacities and stability of supply; |
| --- | --- |

36.

| 37. | Acknowledges that the research-based pharmaceutical industry is an essential sector and contributor to ensuring quality manufacturing and supply of medicines, to ensuring future innovation to address outstanding, unmet needs, and to supporting the resilience, responsiveness and readiness of healthcare systems to address future challenges including pandemics; |
| --- | --- |

37.

| 38. | Calls on the Commission to provide an environment where the research-based pharmaceutical industry is incentivised to develop affordable solutions for unmet medical needs, such as the fight against antimicrobial resistance; calls on the Commission to maintain a robust European intellectual property system under the forthcoming pharmaceutical strategy, in order to encourage R&D and manufacturing in Europe and ensure that Europe remains an innovator and world leader, and, ultimately, to protect and strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in the field of public health; |
| --- | --- |

38.

| 39. | Urges the Commission to propose measures to incentivise the greater inclusion of EU small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the medicine supply chain, given their key role in research and innovation and their inherent ability to quickly adapt their production focus with a view to coping better with unexpected shocks; |
| --- | --- |

39.

| 40. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide an environment that ensures that Europe continues to be an attractive location for R&D investment, in order to preserve an active and competitive research-based pharmaceutical industry underpinned by more investment in R&D capabilities and infrastructure, including universities, taking into account the fact that the EU remains by far the leading region in the world for the manufacture of active ingredients for patent medicines; calls on the Commission to provide adequate financial resources, under Horizon Europe and other EU programmes, to strengthen the Union’s research and investment (R&I) activities supporting manufacturing in key industrial sectors including the pharmaceutical industry, while ensuring geographical balance and the participation of low-R&I-performing Member States in collaborative EU projects and programmes while upholding the principle of excellence; |
| --- | --- |

40.

| 41. | Highlights the fact that Horizon 2020 has already financed a significant number of health-related research and innovation activities; underlines that the funding of coronavirus-related research should not affect other health priorities of Horizon 2020; calls for more funding to be provided through Horizon Europe to create and support medicine-focused research and innovation ecosystems that are medically oriented, including public-private partnerships and support for public research in high added value and innovative sectors; stresses that a leading medical research ecosystem requires skills, networks and academic connections, health data infrastructure, a functioning regulatory framework, and intellectual property policies that foster innovation; calls for a review of the incentives put in place to encourage research on ‘orphan medicines’ in order to determine whether they are successful, and calls for new incentives should this not be the case; underlines that Horizon Europe and other EU programmes need to support rare diseases and that research, best practices, clinical trials and medication pertaining to rare diseases must be made accessible to the benefit of citizens of all Member States; recalls the importance that non-exclusive licensing can have in mitigating shortages and in stabilising prices of medicines, especially in times of health emergency; |
| --- | --- |

41.

| 42. | Calls on the Commission to take stock of the impact of the coronavirus on industry and SMEs, and to present a renewed EU industrial strategy which would prioritise the twin digital and ecological transformation of our societies and the building of resilience to external shocks; urges the Commission to enable the Member States to make every necessary effort to ensure that small and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies continue or resume their research activities and help ensure the diversity of our production and the maintenance of the jobs that go with it, while also stressing the importance of sustainable, ethical and quality manufacturing for jobs, growth and competitiveness; |
| --- | --- |

42.

| 43. | Stresses that patient associations should be more involved in defining research strategies for public and private clinical trials in order to ensure that they satisfy the unmet needs of European patients; |
| --- | --- |

43.

| 44. | Calls on the Commission to promote transparency of public investments for the R&D costs of medicines in order to reflect these investments in the availability and price setting for the general public; recalls its position on Directive 89/105/EC (17) and asks the Commission to take appropriate measures in the upcoming pharmaceutical strategy in that regard, including considering a revision of the directive; |
| --- | --- |

44.

| 45. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to screen foreign direct investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, which are part of Europe’s critical health infrastructure; |
| --- | --- |

45.

| 46. | Stresses the need to ensure that health professionals and the general public have access to safe, effective and good-quality medicines and health products by monitoring and regulating continued compliance with good clinical practice regarding the authorisation of clinical trials and the conduct thereof, in line with the highest health protection standards; |
| --- | --- |

46.

| 47. | Calls for the market for European medicines to be strengthened in order to speed up patients’ access to medicines, make care more affordable, maximise savings in national health budgets and avoid administrative burdens for pharmaceutical companies; |
| --- | --- |

47.

| 48. | Points out that generic and biosimilar medicines enable increased competition, reduced prices and savings for healthcare systems, thus helping to improve access to medicines for patients; |
| --- | --- |

48.

| 49. | Stresses that the added value and economic impact of biosimilar medicines on the sustainability of healthcare systems should be analysed, their market entry should not be delayed, and, where necessary, measures to support their introduction to the market should be examined; |
| --- | --- |

49.

| 50. | Deplores the litigation cases aimed at delaying generic entry; calls on the Commission to ensure that the end of the innovator’s period of commercial exclusivity is respected; |
| --- | --- |

50.

| 51. | Is concerned about the possible negative impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU on the supply of medicines, particularly for Ireland; calls for the inclusion in the future relationship agreement with the UK of targeted provisions, such as mutual recognition agreements, allowing both sides to respond to emerging health threats and ensuring continued and rapid access to safe medicines and medical devices for patients and for contingency plans in the case of ‘no deal’; |
| --- | --- |

51.

More vigorous action at European level to better coordinate and supplement Member States’ health policies

| 52. | Recommends that the Commission, the Member States and the industry, under the leadership of EMA, work together to introduce greater transparency in the production and distribution chain of medicines and to create a European unit for preventing and managing shortages; |
| --- | --- |

52.

| 53. | Calls on the Member States, in close collaboration with the Commission and other affected stakeholders, to simultaneously explore alternative approaches to ensuring adequate stocks, such as the effective enforcement of existing regulatory requirements on all actors in the supply chain at national level, along with measures to increase transparency within the supply chain; |
| --- | --- |

53.

| 54. | Calls on the Commission to develop European health strategies on the basis of a common basket of drugs for the treatment of cancer, infections, rare diseases and other areas particularly affected by shortages to ensure that patients have access to treatment, taking into account the differences in clinical approaches across the Member States; calls on the Commission to also examine the possibility of harmonised pricing criteria to make these medicines affordable in a bid to counter recurrent shortages, taking into account purchasing power parity in all Member States; |
| --- | --- |

54.

| 55. | Calls on the Commission to place the issue of the shortage of cancer medicines at the centre of the treatment part of the forthcoming Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan; |
| --- | --- |

55.

| 56. | Calls for the introduction of a specific statute for certain mature medicines which would be accompanied by incentives for manufacturers to maintain their marketing on the European market and ensure diversification of European production; |
| --- | --- |

56.

| 57. | Calls on the Commission to create a European contingency reserve for medicinal products of health and strategic importance (MISSs) that are at high risk of shortage, along the lines of the ‘RescEU’ mechanism, in order to alleviate recurrent shortages and create an emergency European pharmacy; insists that this reserve must be proportionate to its objective and should be used in a manner that is transparent, accountable and fair for all Member States; emphasises that such a mechanism should be managed carefully with particular regard to shelf life and avoiding waste; |
| --- | --- |

57.

| 58. | Calls for a European regulatory authority to be designated to carry out, together with the Commission, the task of setting a mechanism for a fair allocation of medicines from the European contingency reserve to those Member States affected by disruptions or shortages of supply; calls on this designated European regulatory authority to plan independent and transparent reviews to make sure that all Member States are treated equally; |
| --- | --- |

58.

| 59. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop innovative and coordinated strategies and to step up exchanges of good practice in the area of stock management; considers EMA the best suited body to be designated as the regulatory authority tasked with preventing shortages of medicines at EU level during emergencies and beyond, for which it should be given a broader mandate and increased resources; calls on the Commission, therefore, to amend existing legislation in order to strengthen EMA’s capacities; underlines that in the long term, EMA should be able to deliver marketing authorisations subject to the fulfilment of supply and accessibility requirements on the part of manufacturers, without such requirements leading to a shortage of medicines; hopes that the reinforcement of EMA’s resources will enable it to maintain the current system of inspecting production sites established in third countries via coordination of the national inspectors; |
| --- | --- |

59.

| 60. | Calls for Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 on orphan medicinal products (18) to be revised in order to reverse the burden of proof for the 10-year market exclusivity clause so that the holder of the market authorisation has to prove that the product is not sufficiently profitable to cover R&D costs; |
| --- | --- |

60.

| 61. | Calls on the Commission to study and establish a fund for orphan medicines that would be financed by the Member States in order to procure collectively on behalf of the Member States the orphan medicines for all of the EU; |
| --- | --- |

61.

| 62. | Calls for further EU joint procurement procedures to be launched at European level in an effort to counter shortages, especially in times of health crises, as has been done following the onset of the COVID-19 virus, with simplified and transparent procedures in the interests of improved response times; calls, in particular, for the establishment of EU joint procurement for medicines to treat rare diseases in order to ensure that these medicines are available in all Member States; calls on the Commission to conduct an urgent evaluation and possible revision by regulation of Decision No 1082/2013/EU on cross-border threats to health, which establishes the Joint Procurement Mechanism, in line with the Treaties; |
| --- | --- |

62.

| 63. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to revisit the idea of transparency of net pricing and reimbursement of different treatments in order to put Member States on an equal footing when negotiating with pharmaceutical companies for treatments that are not jointly procured; |
| --- | --- |

63.

| 64. | Calls on the Commission to increase its involvement in supporting critical health infrastructure protection in Member States and to start applying the European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection to the health infrastructure sector; |
| --- | --- |

64.

| 65. | Calls for the full and rapid application of Regulation (EU) No 536/2014 on clinical trials for medicinal products for human use; considers that this regulation would facilitate the launch of large clinical trials carried out in a harmonised and coordinated manner at EU level; |
| --- | --- |

65.

| 66. | Calls on the Commission and EMA to work with industry to ensure that medicines made available in one Member State are available in all other Member States, in particular smaller Member States; |
| --- | --- |

66.

| 67. | Calls on the Commission to assess the impact of parallel trade on shortage of medicines in the Member States and to tackle problems adequately by taking the necessary action to ensure that medicines reach all patients in the EU in a timely manner; stresses the need, in this regard, to include the experiences of patients, consumer groups and health professionals; |
| --- | --- |

67.

| 68. | Underlines the importance of patient empowerment and a patient-centred approach; urges the Commission and the Member States to improve patient representation and input in the decision-making process around addressing potential supply issues affecting their medicines; |
| --- | --- |

68.

| 69. | Calls on the Member States to adopt a common position and start negotiations on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on health technology assessment and amending Directive 2011/24/EU; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Closer cooperation between Member States

| 70. | Calls on the Commission to set up an innovative, user-friendly, transparent and centralised digital platform for reporting and notifying harmonised information provided by national agencies and all stakeholders, including manufacturers, wholesalers and pharmacists, regarding available stocks and shortages of medicines and medical equipment, and for avoiding duplications; welcomes the work of the joint EMA-HMA Task Force on the availability of medicines and the introduction by EMA of the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) and Industry Single Point of Contact (i-SPOC) systems; calls for existing information systems to be evaluated and improved so as to provide a clear overview of difficulties, shortages and requirements in each Member State with a view to preventing overstocking; encourages the Commission, in this context, to make use of and implement the digital and telematics tools at pan-European level, and to consider amending the Variations Regulation (19) and the Variations Classification Guidelines; calls on the Commission and the Member States to set up an early warning system both at national and European level in order to reinforce the obligation to notify pharmaceutical companies of any interruption or tension in the supply of medicines; |
| --- | --- |

70.

| 71. | Considers it essential to improve early communication with healthcare professionals and patients on the availability of medicines through the use of innovative digital tools providing real-time and up-to-date data on the availability, location, quantity and price of a given medicine, in compliance with data protection legislation; recalls that healthcare professionals must have access to up-to-date information to be able to adequately respond to arising and existing shortages; stresses that early awareness of a supply problem and early identification of potential therapeutic alternatives may strengthen patient safety; recommends, therefore, the inclusion of information for healthcare professionals on available alternatives; |
| --- | --- |

71.

| 72. | Considers that the Member States should share with all the actors involved information such as epidemiological forecasts to help them plan their activities better in the face of rising demand and respond better to needs at times of shortage; |
| --- | --- |

72.

| 73. | Recalls that misinformation can lead to the inappropriate use of medicines and the creation of unnecessary stockpiling; |
| --- | --- |

73.

| 74. | Notes in that vein that people are stockpiling medicines for fear of running out of supplies; calls on governments to counter these fears through education and reassurance in order to put an end to the excessive consumption of resources; |
| --- | --- |

74.

| 75. | Calls for the paper information notice to be supplemented by an electronic product information leaflet notice, to be drawn up in all languages for all the countries where the medicine is marketed in order to facilitate the moving and sales of medicines within the single market and thus mitigate shortages; calls on the Commission to assess the possibility to allow manufacturers, on a voluntary basis and at no additional burden for them, to introduce a system of labelling — which should be visible and identifiable by patients and customers — concerning the origin and place of production of medicinal products and active ingredients; |
| --- | --- |

75.

| 76. | Stresses the importance of ensuring the smooth functioning of the single market in order to eliminate barriers to access to medicines, medical devices and protective equipment for all citizens, especially those living in Member States that, due to their small size or remote location, rely heavily on imports and do not have easy access to the supply chain; |
| --- | --- |

76.

| 77. | Recommends the development of a catalogue of shortages in all Member States, which would allow EMA to easily update its public catalogue of shortages assessed by its Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) and/or its Committee on Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment (PRAC); |
| --- | --- |

77.

| 78. | Highlights the importance of the Commission adopting all measures necessary to combat speculation, fraud and price abuses in the trade in essential medical substances; |
| --- | --- |

78.

| 79. | Condemns the exploitation of shortages for criminal purposes; recalls that the counterfeiting or falsification of medicines and medical products exacerbates supply tensions; calls for the strengthening of measures to combat these practices by controlling online platforms that offer drugs, strengthening cooperation between the relevant EU and national agencies, and ensuring that victims’ rights are respected; |
| --- | --- |

79.

Preventing and responding to shortages in the event of health crises

| 80. | Highlights with concern the shortages of some medicines that have occurred during the COVID-19 crisis, including shortages of medicines used in intensive care; underlines the importance of maintaining the production, supply, distribution, development and equal access to high-quality medicines, coordinated by EMA; notes with concern the export bans placed on some medicines globally and welcomes the Commission’s commitment to securing the supply of medicines; underlines that the experimental use of medicines to treat COVID-19 must not lead to shortages for patients with other conditions, who depend on these medicines; |
| --- | --- |

80.

| 81. | Calls on the Commission, in close collaboration with the Member States, to adopt a European pandemic preparedness plan in order to ensure a coordinated and effective response; welcomes, in that regard, the creation by the Commission of a clearing house for medical equipment on COVID-19; reiterates the call it made in its resolution of 17 April 2020 for the creation of a European health response mechanism to respond to all types of health crises; |
| --- | --- |

81.

| 82. | Emphasises that a European pandemic preparedness plan should include the coordination of information about the distribution and consumption of medicinal products in the Member States and the adequate definition of regulatory flexibilities to address supply tensions; considers that such a plan should also include the widespread use of cooperative EU-level crisis mechanisms targeting serious cross-border threats to health, such as RescEU and the Joint Procurement Agreement, in order to support the Member States’ response capabilities effectively; |
| --- | --- |

82.

| 83. | Emphasises that the implementation of an open, free, fair, transparent and enforceable rules-based multilateral trading system is fundamental to ensuring the global availability of medical products and limiting our vulnerability in future emergencies; |
| --- | --- |

83.

| 84. | Welcomes, following the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, the introduction of more flexible rules in a bid to mitigate shortages and facilitate the circulation of medicines between Member States, including the acceptance of different packaging formats, a reuse procedure to enable marketing authorisation holders to obtain approval in another Member State, extending the validity of good manufacturing practices certificates, longer expiry periods, and the use of veterinary medicinal products, etc.; calls on the Commission to monitor strictly the use of these arrangements, to ensure that patient safety is not compromised and to keep them available in the event of difficulties or shortages; welcomes, in this regard, the temporary extension of the date of application of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices; calls, to this end, for a specific approach for orphan medicinal products; |
| --- | --- |

84.

| 85. | Notes that patent protection is a key incentive for companies to invest in innovation and produce new medicines; notes, at the same time, that the exclusionary effect of patents may lead to limited market supply and reduced access to medicines as well as pharmaceutical products; stresses that a balance should be struck between encouraging innovation through the exclusionary effect of patents and ensuring access to medicines and protecting public health; recalls that a company that markets a medicine can enjoy data exclusivity for a period of eight years as of the first marketing authorisation pursuant to Article 14(11) of Regulation (EC) No 726/2004; calls on the Commission to propose a revision of that regulation to provide for the possibility to temporarily authorise the granting of compulsory licenses in the event of a health crisis in order to allow the production of generic versions of life-saving medicines; recalls that this is one of the public health flexibilities in the field of patent protection already included in the WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), as further reaffirmed by the 2001 Doha Declaration; calls on the Commission to ensure that the implementation of the EU free trade agreements (FTAs) does not interfere with the possibilities of invoking flexibilities provided by the TRIPS Agreement and to provide guidance to Member States in order to encourage voluntary licencing over immediate compulsory licencing; |
| --- | --- |

85.

| 86. | Recalls that Regulation (EC) No 816/2006 (20) harmonises the procedure for granting compulsory licences in relation to patents and supplementary protection certificates concerning the manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical products, when such products are intended for export to eligible importing countries in need of such products in order to address public health problems; calls on the Commission to consider, in the context of its upcoming pharmaceutical strategy, the possibility for harmonised rules on granting compulsory licensing of medicinal products, such as vaccines, which would allow Member States to respond faster and more effectively to future European public health crises; |
| --- | --- |

86.

| 87. | Stresses that compulsory licensing schemes need to be part of wider EU action to address the issue of access to medicines; calls on the Commission to propose a European action plan in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

87.

| 88. | Emphasises that patent protection and enforcement should have due regard for the interests of society, namely the safeguarding of human rights and public health priorities; recalls, in the same vein, that patent protection should not interfere with the right to health and should not serve to widen the gap between wealthier and poorer citizens when it comes to access to medicines; considers that the Union’s approach to this question should ensure harmonisation and coherence among the different measures at the disposal of the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

88.

| 89. | Emphasises that a broad network of fair and well-implemented FTAs with balanced intellectual property and regulatory cooperation provisions together with a fully functioning multilateral trading system, with the WTO and an operational Appellate Body at its core, constitute the best way of guaranteeing that multiple sources of manufacturing for essential medicines are available, and that regulatory standards converge globally, ensuring a strong global innovation framework complementing European production; emphasises the importance of having options to ensure the adequate availability of needed pharmaceuticals, including by readiness, if such a need arises, to authorise the import of medicines produced abroad under compulsory licenses; recalls that differences in regulatory frameworks and standards for medicinal products can create an unnecessary obstacle to trade; emphasises the importance of European quality and safety standards; encourages the adoption of international standards, and urges the Commission to ensure that all final or intermediate medicinal products destined for the European market fulfil applicable European quality and safety standards, and are not counterfeit; notes that another way to ensure the EU’s strategic autonomy in health is by including the pharmaceutical production of certain products in the IPCEI programme (Important Projects of Common European Interest); |
| --- | --- |

89.

| 90. | Strongly encourages all countries to join the WTO’s Pharmaceutical Tariff Elimination Agreement; urges for its scope to be extended to all pharmaceutical and medicinal products while respecting all countries’ policy space and ensuring their citizens’ access to medicines; stresses that medical products and medicines, including in their intermediate forms, should at all times be exempted from retaliation in trade disputes, and be easily accessible; urges, furthermore, the immediate, unilateral and temporary elimination of tariffs on medical and pharmaceutical products to facilitate imports of these goods; stresses that the development of medical products has to be in line with international human rights standards, in compliance with the Paris Agreement, and that labour rights must comply with the ILO Core Conventions; takes note of the Commission’s work on due diligence legislation; |
| --- | --- |

90.

| 91. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the swift and full implementation — and, if needed, revision — of the FDI Screening Regulation, in which healthcare should be included as a strategic sector; |
| --- | --- |

91.

| 92. | Recalls that the COVID-19 crisis has tested the resilience of public health systems; takes the view that the introduction of stress tests to assess the resilience of public health systems in emergencies could help to identify structural risk factors and would provide an effective means of countering shortages in the event of pandemics; calls on the Commission and the Council, on the basis of the results of these tests, to draw up recommendations addressed to the Member States, in order to strengthen their health systems and to cover any essential needs that could arise in the event of a health emergency; |
| --- | --- |

92.

| 93. | Believes that EU healthcare systems need more common standards and better interoperability in order to avoid medicine shortages and provide quality healthcare for all in society; calls on the Commission, therefore, to propose a directive setting minimum standards for quality healthcare systems, based on the findings of stress tests; |
| --- | --- |

93.

| 94. | Considers that in the event of a health crisis, the closure of borders and customs controls cannot constitute an obstacle to the cross-border movement of medicinal products of major interest within the Union; calls on the Commission and the Member States to set up secure and rapid procedures for checking products at the border during a health crisis in compliance with EU law; |
| --- | --- |

94.

| 95. | Notes that the COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the importance of cooperation and solidarity between the Member States and of the timely delivery of medicines in urgent and exceptional circumstances, which could occur again in the future; stresses, furthermore, that a new industrial and transport policy and R&D investments are key to ensuring that the pharmaceutical industry can respond to tomorrow’s needs; |
| --- | --- |

95.

| 96. | Emphasises the need for a more efficient and sustainable transport and logistics network and a reduction in the length of transport routes, which would lead to a reduction in emissions, mitigating the impact on the environment and on the climate, improving the functioning of the internal market and reducing administrative barriers; |
| --- | --- |

96.

| 97. | Calls on the Member States to implement the ‘green lanes’ proposed by the Commission in its guidelines for border management measures to protect health and ensure the availability of goods and essential services in order to allow the smooth running of the transport not only of medicines but also of raw materials, intermediate products and related materials, including packaging; stress the need to maintain open borders via green lanes so they can be used to address future unexpected events; |
| --- | --- |

97.

| 98. | Deems it necessary to remove bottlenecks and to tackle existing obstacles to a fully integrated and well-functioning Single European Transport Area for all modes of transport; stresses the need to boost intermodality — while favouring the shift to rail — finance the main hubs and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of various types of goods, including dangerous goods crucial for the production of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry; calls on the Member States to ensure that medical facilities and medical staff are reinforced in preparation for increasing traffic volumes resulting from the lifting of restrictions; |
| --- | --- |

98.

| 99. | Highlights the importance of IT systems in facilitating the traceability, supervision and timely delivery of medicines and the exchange of information between the various actors involved in the transport logistics chain, including customs authorities; |
| --- | --- |

99.

| 100. | Calls on the Commission to develop, in coordination with the Member States, mechanisms to ensure fast and safe transport and better oversight of transport and the stockpiling of medicines, namely the introduction of a contingency plan that ensures the unobstructed transport of medicines when the transport sector is disrupted, and unconventional distribution plans e.g. time-sensitive medicine deliveries via scheduled mixed traffic; |
| --- | --- |

100.

| 101. | Notes the importance of guaranteeing non-discriminatory and high safety standards for both transport infrastructure and transport workers, making it possible to manage significant volumes in the supply chain without disruptions while allowing the competent authorities to take proportionate and adapted measures to minimise the risks to health; underlines the importance of preserving good working conditions for drivers; |
| --- | --- |

101.

| 102. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that healthcare workers are authorised to cross internal borders if they work in a neighbouring country; |
| --- | --- |

102.

| 103. | Notes the importance of the careful management of ambient and cold-chain warehouse capacity in inbound and outbound transport infrastructure; |
| --- | --- |

103.

| 104. | Stresses the need to eliminate barriers to access to medicines, medical devices and protective equipment for all citizens, especially those living in Member States that, due to their small size or remote location, rely heavily on imports and do not have easy access to the supply chain; |
| --- | --- |

104.

| 105. | Stresses the importance of catering to specific transport needs at local and regional levels, particularly in peripheral, rural, mountain, sparsely populated and insular areas and outermost regions that are more difficult to access and involve higher delivery costs; believes that strategic plans to upgrade infrastructure in the Member States should include concrete actions for these regions; notes the importance of ensuring the digital transition reaches these areas and the need to accelerate the uptake of new solutions adapted to their needs, improving connectivity, accessibility and affordability; stresses that access to medicines in these areas should not be hampered in any way; |
| --- | --- |

105.

| 106. | Calls on the Commission to provide organisational and financial support, including through the work programmes adopted within the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework, to the Member States and to transport operators during emergency events, such as pandemics, and to give priority to and ensure reserved space in all cargo shipments for essential goods, such as medicines, APIs and medical equipment; |
| --- | --- |

106.

| 107. | Calls for the implementation of fast-track and innovative solutions to mitigate the medicine shortage in a timely manner and to enable the safe transport of temperature-sensitive drugs, tracing the products through constant remote monitoring; calls on the Commission to extend the competences of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in the area of public health and to promote the exchange of best practices; |
| --- | --- |

107.

| 108. | Calls on the ECDC to release modelling data about the likely progression of the COVID-19 pandemic in each Member State as well as patient need data and hospital capacity data in the Member States in order to better anticipate demand and supply medicines where needed; considers that EMA should work in conjunction with ECDC to better prevent shortages of medicines and commonly used drugs in the light of possible future epidemics and pandemics; |
| --- | --- |

108.

| 109. | Calls on the Commission, EMA and the national regulatory authorities to capitalise on all the pragmatic efforts made during the COVID-19 crisis and continue to allow regulatory flexibilities for MAHs, by for example covering procedures for changes in the suppliers of APIs, the designation of new manufacturing sites and faster import authorisations, with a view to better mitigating the shortage of medicines; |
| --- | --- |

109.

| 110. | Acknowledges that supply quotas applied by MAHs on healthcare product distribution are set according to several parameters, including estimates of national patient needs; calls on the Commission to reflect, together with stakeholders from the pharmaceutical industry, on the volumes of stock of medicines available; recalls in this respect that the quotas of stock volumes put in place by distributors are often tight and cause slowdowns and shortages, and that a lack of stock transparency has been noticed in certain parts of the distribution chain; |
| --- | --- |

110.

| 111. | Emphasises that pharmaceutical pricing policies that solely contain expenditure do not allow for price adjustments to reflect changes in cost of goods, manufacturing, regulatory procedures and distribution, and have a negative effect on supply reliability; notes with concern that increased product demand during medicine shortages could increase the risk of unfair pricing practices occurring in regions affected by the shortage, as well as in cases where alternative pharmaceutical products could replace those affected by the shortage; |
| --- | --- |

111.

| 112. | Points to examples of shortages associated with the time needed to fulfil the regulatory requirements, including regulatory time lag and national requirements, but in the meantime stresses that the need for medicines and medical equipment cannot be at the expense of the quality, safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of medicines for human use and health products, including medical devices; recalls that compliance with the rules applicable to the authorisation of clinical trials of medicines, as well as the control of observance of good clinical practices in their performance, must continue to be regulated and supervised in accordance with the highest standards of public health protection; also recalls that priority should be given to optimising regulatory processes while maintaining high scientific standards, in order to enable simplified administrative tasks associated with maintaining medicinal products on the market by amending the existing Variations Regulation, improved access to information for patients and healthcare professionals, and simplified flow of medicines from one Member State to another in case of a shortage; encourages the Commission to make the best use of information technology for regulatory processes, including digital and telematics tools, in order to improve regulatory efficiency throughout the EU while upholding data privacy standards as set out in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (the General Data Protection Regulation / GDPR) (21); |
| --- | --- |

112.

| 113. | Urges the Commission, having regard to the European Strategy for Data and the digital transformation of healthcare and considering the vast potential that health data has for improving healthcare quality and patient outcomes, to encourage implementation of interoperable technologies in the Member States’ health sectors which will facilitate delivery of innovative health solutions to patients; encourages the creation of a fully cooperative and operational European Health Data Space with a governance framework which fosters the creation of an innovative data-driven ecosystem, based on a secured and controlled exchange of information and critical data, among Member States; asks the Commission to promote next-generation standards, tools and infrastructure in order to store and process data suitable for research and the development of innovative products and services; underlines that personal health data may only be collected and processed on the legal grounds provided for in Article 6(1) of the GDPR, coupled with the conditions provided for in Article 9 of the GDPR; considers that in this context further processing of personal health data should be prohibited; reminds data controllers of the data protection principle of transparency and their obligations stemming therefrom towards patients and other data subjects; |
| --- | --- |

113.

| 114. | Stresses the importance of ensuring universal access to vaccines and medical treatment, especially in emergencies and for new diseases for which no treatment exists, as in the case of COVID-19; urges close collaboration between the WHO and the WTO to ensure the supply of the vaccine once it is found; calls on the Commission, at the same time, to strengthen its mechanisms for the joint procurement of medicines in order to guarantee universal access to treatment for all citizens regardless of their place of residence; |
| --- | --- |

114.

| 115. | Insists that in preparation for the development and authorisation of a safe and efficacious vaccine or treatment against COVID-19, all steps must be taken to ensure that rapid production and distribution is possible in Europe and worldwide, ensuring fair and equal access to the vaccine or treatment; |
| --- | --- |

115.

| 116. | Recognises that the COVID-19 epidemic has exacerbated the persisting problem of the shortage of medicines and protective equipment in the EU, while stressing that access to medicines and protective equipment is a matter of global concern which also has serious consequences in developing countries where poverty-related diseases are spreading and the availability of medicines is low; stresses the need for the EU to ensure coherence in its policies, particularly in the areas of development, trade, health, research and innovation, in order to help to safeguard the continuous access to essential medicines in the poorest countries and, in particular, in the least developed countries (LDCs); |
| --- | --- |

116.

| 117. | Notes that the lack of access to medicines has severely affected the most vulnerable and marginalised groups, including women and children, people living with HIV and other chronic diseases, migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons, the elderly and persons with disabilities; |
| --- | --- |

117.

| 118. | Calls on the Commission to exercise global leadership to ensure that developing countries have guaranteed access to and supply of essential medicines, especially in emergencies; |
| --- | --- |

118.

| 119. | Highlights that the COVID-19 epidemic demonstrates the need to shorten existing supply chains as much as possible, notably to avoid reliance on long and fragile global supply chains for critical medical equipment and pharmaceuticals; urges the EU to help the developing world build local manufacturing, production and distribution capacity through technical support, critical knowledge and information, by incentivising technology transfer and fostering consistency in regulatory guidance, monitoring systems and the training of health professionals; underlines the need to create stronger health systems and well-operated supply chains; highlights the fact that developing countries, especially LDCs, are heavily reliant on international supply chains, which can lead to serious shortages when global demand rises and supply is limited; |
| --- | --- |

119.

| 120. | Calls for a global collective response and welcomes the outcome of the Coronavirus Global Pledging event on 4 May 2020, where EUR 7,4 billion was pledged by donors from around the world to accelerate work on diagnostics, treatment and vaccine development; stresses that COVID-19 medical tools should be affordable, safe, effective, easy to administer and universally available to everyone everywhere and be considered ‘global public goods’; considers, therefore, that access and affordability should be an integral part of the entire R&D and manufacturing process; to this end, believes that strict conditions should be attached to public funding, notably in terms of collective governance, transparency, sharing of technology, technical know-how and clinical results, etc.; stresses that these conditions must be made public, as public finance cannot consist of blank cheques; |
| --- | --- |

120.

| 121. | Stresses that the sharing of pathogen samples and sequence information is crucial for the rapid development of diagnostics, therapies and vaccines; recalls the binding international obligations of fair and equitable benefit-sharing of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol with regard to genetic material; |
| --- | --- |

121.

o

o o

| 122. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

122.

---

(1)  OJ L 311, 28.11.2001, p. 67.

(2)  OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 65.

(3)  OJ L 158, 27.5.2014, p. 1.

(4)  OJ L 248, 24.9.2015, p. 9.

(5)  OJ L 32, 9.2.2016, p. 1.

(6)  OJ L 117, 5.5.2017, p. 1.

(7)  OJ L 130, 24.4.2020, p. 18.

(8)  OJ L 4, 7.1.2019, p. 24.

(9)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0054.

(10)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0105.

(11)  OJ C 263, 25.7.2018, p. 4.

(12)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0005.

(13)  European Parliament resolution of 8 March 2011 on evaluation of the management of H1N1 influenza in 2009-2010 in the EU (OJ C 199 E, 7.7.2012, p. 7).

(14)  Decision No 1082/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2013 on serious cross-border threats to health and repealing Decision No 2119/98/EC (OJ L 293, 5.11.2013, p. 1).

(15)  Directive 2002/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 setting standards of quality and safety for the collection, testing, processing, storage and distribution of human blood and blood components and amending Directive 2001/83/EC (OJ L 33, 8.2.2003, p. 30).

(16)  Directive 2004/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on setting standards of quality and safety for the donation, procurement, testing, processing, preservation, storage and distribution of human tissues and cells (OJ L 102, 7.4.2004, p. 48).

(17)  European Parliament position of 6 February 2013 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council relating to the transparency of measures regulating the prices of medicinal products for human use and their inclusion in the scope of public health insurance systems (Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0039).

(18)  Regulation (EC) No 141/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 1999 on orphan medicinal products (OJ L 18, 22.1.2000, p. 1).

(19)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 1234/2008 of 24 November 2008 concerning the examination of variations to the terms of marketing authorisations for medicinal products for human use and veterinary medicinal products (OJ L 334, 12.12.2008, p. 7).

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

(21)  Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1).

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| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/104 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/104

---

P9_TA(2020)0229

Implementation of National Roma Integration Strategies: combating negative attitudes towards people with Romani background in Europe

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the implementation of National Roma Integration Strategies: combating negative attitudes towards people with Romani background in Europe (2020/2011(INI))

(2021/C 385/10)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

| — | having regard to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the European Social Charter, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, as well as reports and recommendations by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and other Council of Europe mechanisms, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the European Social Charter, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, as well as reports and recommendations by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and other Council of Europe mechanisms,

| — | having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and United Nations human rights treaties including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and United Nations human rights treaties including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child,

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (1),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (2),

| — | having regard to Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law (3),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1367/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 September 2006 on the application of the provisions of the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters to Community institutions and bodies (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1367/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 September 2006 on the application of the provisions of the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters to Community institutions and bodies (4),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 5 April 2011 entitled ‘An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020’ (COM(2011)0173) and to the subsequent implementation and evaluation reports, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 5 April 2011 entitled ‘An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020’ (COM(2011)0173) and to the subsequent implementation and evaluation reports,

| — | having regard to the Council recommendation of 9 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States (5), and to the Council conclusions of 8 December 2016 on accelerating the process of Roma integration and of 13 October 2016 on the European Court of Auditors Special Report No 14/2016, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council recommendation of 9 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States (5), and to the Council conclusions of 8 December 2016 on accelerating the process of Roma integration and of 13 October 2016 on the European Court of Auditors Special Report No 14/2016,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament reports from 2010 on The EU Strategy on Roma inclusion and the Report on the gender aspects of the European Framework of National Roma Inclusion Strategies from 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Parliament reports from 2010 on The EU Strategy on Roma inclusion and the Report on the gender aspects of the European Framework of National Roma Inclusion Strategies from 2013,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 April 2015 on the occasion of International Roma Day — anti-Gypsyism in Europe and EU recognition of the memorial day of the Roma genocide during World War II (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 April 2015 on the occasion of International Roma Day — anti-Gypsyism in Europe and EU recognition of the memorial day of the Roma genocide during World War II (6),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2017 on fundamental rights aspects in Roma integration in the EU: fighting anti-Gypsyism (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2017 on fundamental rights aspects in Roma integration in the EU: fighting anti-Gypsyism (7),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2019 on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union in 2017 (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2019 on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union in 2017 (8),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 February 2019 on the need for a strengthened post-2020 Strategic EU Framework for National Roma Inclusion Strategies and stepping up the fight against anti-Gypsyism (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 February 2019 on the need for a strengthened post-2020 Strategic EU Framework for National Roma Inclusion Strategies and stepping up the fight against anti-Gypsyism (9),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 7 February 2018 on Fighting discrimination of EU citizens belonging to minorities in the EU Member States (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 7 February 2018 on Fighting discrimination of EU citizens belonging to minorities in the EU Member States (10),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2018 on lagging regions in the EU (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2018 on lagging regions in the EU (11),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2018 on the rise of neo-fascist violence in Europe (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2018 on the rise of neo-fascist violence in Europe (12),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 November 2018 on minimum standards for minorities in the EU (13), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 November 2018 on minimum standards for minorities in the EU (13),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 5 September 2019 entitled ‘Report on the implementation of National Roma Integration Strategies’ (COM(2019)0406) (14), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 5 September 2019 entitled ‘Report on the implementation of National Roma Integration Strategies’ (COM(2019)0406) (14),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 4 December 2018 entitled ‘Report on the evaluation of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020’ (COM(2018)0785) (15), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 4 December 2018 entitled ‘Report on the evaluation of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020’ (COM(2018)0785) (15),

| — | having regard to the infringement proceedings titled Non-conformity with Directive 2000/43/EC on Racial Equality — Discrimination of Roma children in education (infringement numbers 20142174, 20152025 and 20152206), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the infringement proceedings titled Non-conformity with Directive 2000/43/EC on Racial Equality — Discrimination of Roma children in education (infringement numbers 20142174, 20152025 and 20152206),

| — | having regard to The European Pillar of Social Rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to The European Pillar of Social Rights,

| — | having regard the European Economic and Social Committee opinion on the situation of Roma women (SOC/585-EESC-2018), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard the European Economic and Social Committee opinion on the situation of Roma women (SOC/585-EESC-2018),

| — | having regard to the Poznan Declaration of Western Balkans Partners on Roma Integration within the EU Enlargement Process, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Poznan Declaration of Western Balkans Partners on Roma Integration within the EU Enlargement Process,

| — | having regard to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey (EU-MIDIS II), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey (EU-MIDIS II),

| — | having regard to the General Policy Recommendation No. 13 of the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the General Policy Recommendation No. 13 of the European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI),

| — | having regard to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,

| — | having regard to the World Bank Poverty Map from 2016 clearly identifying the most back logged regions of Europe, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the World Bank Poverty Map from 2016 clearly identifying the most back logged regions of Europe,

| — | having regard to the relevant reports and recommendations of research institutions and Romani and pro-Romani civil society organisations, including Romani grassroots NGOs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the relevant reports and recommendations of research institutions and Romani and pro-Romani civil society organisations, including Romani grassroots NGOs,

| — | having regard to the European Citizens Initiatives on ‘Minority SafePack Initiative’ and on ‘Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Citizens Initiatives on ‘Minority SafePack Initiative’ and on ‘Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures’,

| — | having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure, as well as Article 1(1)(e) of, and Annex 3 to, the decision of the Conference of Presidents of 12 December 2002 on the procedure for granting authorisation to draw up own-initiative reports, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure, as well as Article 1(1)(e) of, and Annex 3 to, the decision of the Conference of Presidents of 12 December 2002 on the procedure for granting authorisation to draw up own-initiative reports,

| — | having regard to the opinions of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Culture and Education and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinions of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Culture and Education and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A9-0147/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A9-0147/2020),

| A. | whereas Romani people represent Europe’s largest ethnic minority; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Romani people represent Europe’s largest ethnic minority;

| B. | whereas the current Framework highlighted diversity under the broad umbrella term of ‘Roma’; whereas it failed to recognise the diversity within the population of Romani people; whereas the term Roma or the double term Sinti & Roma was used in an era when decision makers decided on Roma policies without real involvement of the Romani communities and therefore those communities feel alienated by it and whereas this definition used in EU policies and discussion does not reflect the heterogeneity of Romani community and therefore often criticized by them; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the current Framework highlighted diversity under the broad umbrella term of ‘Roma’; whereas it failed to recognise the diversity within the population of Romani people; whereas the term Roma or the double term Sinti & Roma was used in an era when decision makers decided on Roma policies without real involvement of the Romani communities and therefore those communities feel alienated by it and whereas this definition used in EU policies and discussion does not reflect the heterogeneity of Romani community and therefore often criticized by them;

| C. | whereas the diversity among Romani people shall be far better reflected in the post-2020 legislative proposal for the Equality, Inclusion and Participation of Romani people; whereas the term ‘Romani people’ encompasses people with Roma, Kalè, Manouches, Lovara, Rissende, Boyash, Domare, Kalderash, Romanichild and Sinti background; whereas the new definition, Romani people, better includes even those stigmatised as gypsies without having a corresponding ethnic background, such as Egyptians, Ashkali, or Travellers; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the diversity among Romani people shall be far better reflected in the post-2020 legislative proposal for the Equality, Inclusion and Participation of Romani people; whereas the term ‘Romani people’ encompasses people with Roma, Kalè, Manouches, Lovara, Rissende, Boyash, Domare, Kalderash, Romanichild and Sinti background; whereas the new definition, Romani people, better includes even those stigmatised as gypsies without having a corresponding ethnic background, such as Egyptians, Ashkali, or Travellers;

| D. | whereas a significant part of Romani people in Europe live in extremely precarious conditions in both rural and urban areas, and in very poor socio-economic circumstances (16); whereas most Romani people are deprived of their fundamental human rights in all areas of life; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas a significant part of Romani people in Europe live in extremely precarious conditions in both rural and urban areas, and in very poor socio-economic circumstances (16); whereas most Romani people are deprived of their fundamental human rights in all areas of life;

| E. | whereas according to EU MIDIS II, 61 % of EU citizens believe that discrimination against the Romani people is widespread in their country; whereas deeply rooted, persistent and structural and often institutional and governmental antygypsyism continues to exist at all levels of European society and manifests itself on a daily basis acknowledged as major barrier in achieving the full potential of Romani people as EU citizens enjoying fully fundamental rights, social inclusion and equality, in all spheres of life, including housing, education, healthcare and employment; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas according to EU MIDIS II, 61 % of EU citizens believe that discrimination against the Romani people is widespread in their country; whereas deeply rooted, persistent and structural and often institutional and governmental antygypsyism continues to exist at all levels of European society and manifests itself on a daily basis acknowledged as major barrier in achieving the full potential of Romani people as EU citizens enjoying fully fundamental rights, social inclusion and equality, in all spheres of life, including housing, education, healthcare and employment;

| F. | whereas Romani people continue to suffer from increased level of hate speech; notably in public, in social media and by public figures, politicians and officials; whereas they also suffer police violence, including collective punishment, racial profiling, residential and school segregation; whereas specific measures are needed in order to combat this phenomenon; whereas deficiencies in the rule of law, in the field of criminal justice lead to insufficient level of protection and access to justice for victims of police violence, and victims are often persecuted by the state authorities; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas Romani people continue to suffer from increased level of hate speech; notably in public, in social media and by public figures, politicians and officials; whereas they also suffer police violence, including collective punishment, racial profiling, residential and school segregation; whereas specific measures are needed in order to combat this phenomenon; whereas deficiencies in the rule of law, in the field of criminal justice lead to insufficient level of protection and access to justice for victims of police violence, and victims are often persecuted by the state authorities;

| G. | whereas combating antigypsyism through the existing anti-discrimination legislation is not sufficient; whereas EU Member States should show determination to break the vicious circle of antigypsyism, in particular in Romani people’s dealings with local, regional and national administrative authorities, to safeguard equality and non-discrimination for their Romani citizens, and to grant the full enjoyment of their fundamental human rights; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas combating antigypsyism through the existing anti-discrimination legislation is not sufficient; whereas EU Member States should show determination to break the vicious circle of antigypsyism, in particular in Romani people’s dealings with local, regional and national administrative authorities, to safeguard equality and non-discrimination for their Romani citizens, and to grant the full enjoyment of their fundamental human rights;

| H. | whereas racism against Romani people has led to violence and killing; whereas hate-motivated harassment and hate crimes remain significantly high against Romani people and the majority of hate-motivated incidents are not reported; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas racism against Romani people has led to violence and killing; whereas hate-motivated harassment and hate crimes remain significantly high against Romani people and the majority of hate-motivated incidents are not reported;

| I. | whereas, according to EU MIDIS II in 2016, some 80 % of Romani people in nine EU Member States with the largest Romani populations live below their country’s poverty threshold; whereas poverty is both an outcome and a driver of antigypsyism, exclusion in education, employment, health and housing; whereas a key target of the EU 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth was to lift 20 million people, including Romani people, out of risk of poverty; whereas the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion fell by 3,1 million between 2008 and 2017, the EU remains far from its Europe 2020 target of reducing this number by 20 million by 2020; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas, according to EU MIDIS II in 2016, some 80 % of Romani people in nine EU Member States with the largest Romani populations live below their country’s poverty threshold; whereas poverty is both an outcome and a driver of antigypsyism, exclusion in education, employment, health and housing; whereas a key target of the EU 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth was to lift 20 million people, including Romani people, out of risk of poverty; whereas the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion fell by 3,1 million between 2008 and 2017, the EU remains far from its Europe 2020 target of reducing this number by 20 million by 2020;

| J. | whereas every third person with Romani background lives in housing without tap water and one in 10 in housing without electricity; whereas just over half have an indoor flush toilet or shower, and 78 % of Romani live in overcrowded housing; whereas a large number of Romani people still live in informal, unhygienic and irregular settlements in miserable living conditions; whereas many do not possess identification documents and lack medical insurance (17); |
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J.

whereas every third person with Romani background lives in housing without tap water and one in 10 in housing without electricity; whereas just over half have an indoor flush toilet or shower, and 78 % of Romani live in overcrowded housing; whereas a large number of Romani people still live in informal, unhygienic and irregular settlements in miserable living conditions; whereas many do not possess identification documents and lack medical insurance (17);

| K. | whereas 43 % of Romani people are discriminated against when trying to buy or rent housing and are not sufficiently aware of their rights in terms of equality; whereas regularisation of property rights where possible, in particular in informal settings, should be reinforced; whereas abolishment of informal settings (evictions) should be accompanied by adequate accompanying measures, including offering an alternative housing; whereas no legal or political measures have been taken against Member States to end residential segregation, forced evictions and to ensure access to quality housing; whereas poor access to housing and public utilities, such as clean water and sanitation, has a negative impact on education, employment and health outcomes and adversely affects social inclusion overall; |
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K.

whereas 43 % of Romani people are discriminated against when trying to buy or rent housing and are not sufficiently aware of their rights in terms of equality; whereas regularisation of property rights where possible, in particular in informal settings, should be reinforced; whereas abolishment of informal settings (evictions) should be accompanied by adequate accompanying measures, including offering an alternative housing; whereas no legal or political measures have been taken against Member States to end residential segregation, forced evictions and to ensure access to quality housing; whereas poor access to housing and public utilities, such as clean water and sanitation, has a negative impact on education, employment and health outcomes and adversely affects social inclusion overall;

| L. | whereas the life expectancy and health status of Romani people remain significantly lower than for non-Romani in all European countries; whereas the life expectancy at birth in the EU is 76 years for men and 82 years for women, and whereas for Romani people, it is estimated to be 10 years less; whereas the infant mortality rate in the EU is 4,3 per one thousand live births, and whereas there is evidence that the rate is much higher among Roma communities; |
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L.

whereas the life expectancy and health status of Romani people remain significantly lower than for non-Romani in all European countries; whereas the life expectancy at birth in the EU is 76 years for men and 82 years for women, and whereas for Romani people, it is estimated to be 10 years less; whereas the infant mortality rate in the EU is 4,3 per one thousand live births, and whereas there is evidence that the rate is much higher among Roma communities;

| M. | whereas many Romani people suffer of extremely high rates of illiteracy and early school leaving; whereas only one out of two Romani children attend pre-school or kindergarten, and a very small proportion continue school after compulsory education; whereas 50 % of Romani people between the ages of six and 24 are not in education; whereas only 21 % of Romani women and 25 % of Romani men aged 16–24 have completed secondary education (ISCED3) or higher; whereas in 2019, 68 % of Romani children left education early despite the 10 % target of the previous Roma Framework and the EU2020 strategy; whereas only 18 % of Romani children transited to higher levels of education and the absenteeism and early-school-leaving rates among the Romani pupils were significantly higher than for other categories of pupils; whereas the discriminatory misdiagnosis of many Romani children as having special educational needs is leading to a disproportionate number of Romani children attending schools for children with disabilities, separating them from the mainstream school system and often receiving lower quality education; whereas direct and indirect segregation of Romani children is a phenomenon still practiced by Member States; |
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M.

whereas many Romani people suffer of extremely high rates of illiteracy and early school leaving; whereas only one out of two Romani children attend pre-school or kindergarten, and a very small proportion continue school after compulsory education; whereas 50 % of Romani people between the ages of six and 24 are not in education; whereas only 21 % of Romani women and 25 % of Romani men aged 16–24 have completed secondary education (ISCED3) or higher; whereas in 2019, 68 % of Romani children left education early despite the 10 % target of the previous Roma Framework and the EU2020 strategy; whereas only 18 % of Romani children transited to higher levels of education and the absenteeism and early-school-leaving rates among the Romani pupils were significantly higher than for other categories of pupils; whereas the discriminatory misdiagnosis of many Romani children as having special educational needs is leading to a disproportionate number of Romani children attending schools for children with disabilities, separating them from the mainstream school system and often receiving lower quality education; whereas direct and indirect segregation of Romani children is a phenomenon still practiced by Member States;

| N. | whereas Romani people face discrimination in accessing employment initiatives such as the Youth Guarantee, whereas Public Employment Services often lack capacity to reach them, or apply indirect discrimination practices; whereas paid work rates for Romani people aged 20-64 years with 43 % was well below the EU average of 70 % in 2015, whereas the situation of young people is substantially worse with 63 % of Romani aged 16-24 not in employment, education or training (NEET), compared with the 12 % EU average, whereas the results show a considerable gender gap, with 72 % of young women of Romani background not in employment, education or training, compared with 55 % of young Romani men; whereas 43 % of Romani men and 22 % Romani women are in some form of paid work; whereas the adoption of the European Pillar of Social Rights has brought to the fore the fundamental right of everyone to engage in work and the reinforcement of social rights leading to a positive impact on the lives of people belonging to marginalised groups, such as the Romani people; whereas many Romani people living at the limits of extreme poverty are forced by this situation to accept jobs with salary way beyond the minimum wage, others are forced to survive from informal activities such as collecting metal scrap or plastic bottles, which massively increases the chances of exploitation of these people; |
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N.

whereas Romani people face discrimination in accessing employment initiatives such as the Youth Guarantee, whereas Public Employment Services often lack capacity to reach them, or apply indirect discrimination practices; whereas paid work rates for Romani people aged 20-64 years with 43 % was well below the EU average of 70 % in 2015, whereas the situation of young people is substantially worse with 63 % of Romani aged 16-24 not in employment, education or training (NEET), compared with the 12 % EU average, whereas the results show a considerable gender gap, with 72 % of young women of Romani background not in employment, education or training, compared with 55 % of young Romani men; whereas 43 % of Romani men and 22 % Romani women are in some form of paid work; whereas the adoption of the European Pillar of Social Rights has brought to the fore the fundamental right of everyone to engage in work and the reinforcement of social rights leading to a positive impact on the lives of people belonging to marginalised groups, such as the Romani people; whereas many Romani people living at the limits of extreme poverty are forced by this situation to accept jobs with salary way beyond the minimum wage, others are forced to survive from informal activities such as collecting metal scrap or plastic bottles, which massively increases the chances of exploitation of these people;

| O. | whereas expert reports and the European Commission’s 2019 report on the implementation of national Roma integration strategies recognise that success factors encompass intersectional, cross-sectoral and integrated approaches to tackle discrimination and multi-dimensional exclusion and that Romani women, Romani LGBT, Romani people with disabilities face intersectional discrimination; whereas the reports mention amongst the priorities the need to support the access of Romani people to justice with a focus on victims of intersectional discrimination, and reinforcing the capacity of equality bodies to deal with discrimination against Romani people; |
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O.

whereas expert reports and the European Commission’s 2019 report on the implementation of national Roma integration strategies recognise that success factors encompass intersectional, cross-sectoral and integrated approaches to tackle discrimination and multi-dimensional exclusion and that Romani women, Romani LGBT, Romani people with disabilities face intersectional discrimination; whereas the reports mention amongst the priorities the need to support the access of Romani people to justice with a focus on victims of intersectional discrimination, and reinforcing the capacity of equality bodies to deal with discrimination against Romani people;

| P. | whereas Romani women are particularly affected as regards women’s rights and often face exacerbated forms of verbal, physical, psychological, racial harassment and ethnic segregation in maternal health care facilities; whereas Romani women are placed in segregated rooms with segregated bathrooms and eating facilities; whereas in some Member States, Romani women have been subjected to systematic practices of forced and coercive sterilization and have been unable to obtain adequate reparations, including compensation, for the resulting violations of their human rights; |
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P.

whereas Romani women are particularly affected as regards women’s rights and often face exacerbated forms of verbal, physical, psychological, racial harassment and ethnic segregation in maternal health care facilities; whereas Romani women are placed in segregated rooms with segregated bathrooms and eating facilities; whereas in some Member States, Romani women have been subjected to systematic practices of forced and coercive sterilization and have been unable to obtain adequate reparations, including compensation, for the resulting violations of their human rights;

| Q. | whereas environmental injustices are regularly related to health risks and negative consequences for Romani people and whereas they are disproportionately affected by environmental burdens, have less access to environmental resources and services, and are discriminated against in their right to information, to participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters; |
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Q.

whereas environmental injustices are regularly related to health risks and negative consequences for Romani people and whereas they are disproportionately affected by environmental burdens, have less access to environmental resources and services, and are discriminated against in their right to information, to participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters;

| R. | whereas the creation of the first European Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies put the necessity to improve the situation of Romani people on the European policy agenda, created vital institutional structures and networks and put pressure on Member States to develop National Strategies to address their shortcomings; whereas while building on the results of the evaluation of the current EU Framework it is essential that the National Inclusion Strategies for Romani people, guided by a post 2020 proposal, are continued and improved, asking for a strengthened compliance of the Member States, promoting the use of more binding targets to increase the commitment and accountability; whereas better implementation of national strategies, requires that such strategies are mainstreamed into national, regional and local sectoral policies, as well as a more efficient use of EU financing, especially for long-term integration projects; |
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R.

whereas the creation of the first European Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies put the necessity to improve the situation of Romani people on the European policy agenda, created vital institutional structures and networks and put pressure on Member States to develop National Strategies to address their shortcomings; whereas while building on the results of the evaluation of the current EU Framework it is essential that the National Inclusion Strategies for Romani people, guided by a post 2020 proposal, are continued and improved, asking for a strengthened compliance of the Member States, promoting the use of more binding targets to increase the commitment and accountability; whereas better implementation of national strategies, requires that such strategies are mainstreamed into national, regional and local sectoral policies, as well as a more efficient use of EU financing, especially for long-term integration projects;

| S. | whereas a legislative proposal for the Equality, Inclusion, Participation of Romani people and Combating Antigypsyism, is needed and should be developed on the basis of more realistic quantitative and qualitative disaggregated data collected with the support of Romani Civil Society Organisations (AM 87), including those from local level; |
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S.

whereas a legislative proposal for the Equality, Inclusion, Participation of Romani people and Combating Antigypsyism, is needed and should be developed on the basis of more realistic quantitative and qualitative disaggregated data collected with the support of Romani Civil Society Organisations (AM 87), including those from local level;

| T. | whereas Romani culture is part of Europe’s culture and values and Romani have contributed to the cultural richness, diversity, economy and common history of the EU (AM 89); whereas the protection and strengthening of cultural heritage related to national minorities in the Member States plays a crucial role in social cohesion; |
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T.

whereas Romani culture is part of Europe’s culture and values and Romani have contributed to the cultural richness, diversity, economy and common history of the EU (AM 89); whereas the protection and strengthening of cultural heritage related to national minorities in the Member States plays a crucial role in social cohesion;

| U. | whereas Member States are responsible for the development and effective implementation of the National Inclusion Romani Strategies in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity; whereas adequate funding should be allocated for the implementation of post-2020 National Inclusion Strategies for People with Romani Background from the local, regional and national budgets of the Member States and complemented by EU Funding; whereas efficient and strengthened monitoring oversight and sanctioning mechanisms should be developed; whereas the EU and the Member States must ensure that the funds are allocated for objectives and projects that have the biggest potential long-term impact on the situation of Romani people properly spent and not misused; |
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U.

whereas Member States are responsible for the development and effective implementation of the National Inclusion Romani Strategies in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity; whereas adequate funding should be allocated for the implementation of post-2020 National Inclusion Strategies for People with Romani Background from the local, regional and national budgets of the Member States and complemented by EU Funding; whereas efficient and strengthened monitoring oversight and sanctioning mechanisms should be developed; whereas the EU and the Member States must ensure that the funds are allocated for objectives and projects that have the biggest potential long-term impact on the situation of Romani people properly spent and not misused;

| V. | whereas approximately half of the Romani people in Europe live outside the European Union; whereas their situation remains particularly problematic in most of the candidate, potential candidate and neighbourhood countries; whereas the European Union can have a strong impact on their situation through the accession negotiations as well as through the provision of financial assistance; |
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V.

whereas approximately half of the Romani people in Europe live outside the European Union; whereas their situation remains particularly problematic in most of the candidate, potential candidate and neighbourhood countries; whereas the European Union can have a strong impact on their situation through the accession negotiations as well as through the provision of financial assistance;

| W. | whereas the equal participation and empowerment of Romani people in policymaking, from all levels, should be better ensured: local, regional, national and European stakeholders (NGOs, activists, experts, community members, etc.) should be significantly involved in the development, implementation and monitoring of public policies towards people with Romani background, in the post-2020 context; |
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W.

whereas the equal participation and empowerment of Romani people in policymaking, from all levels, should be better ensured: local, regional, national and European stakeholders (NGOs, activists, experts, community members, etc.) should be significantly involved in the development, implementation and monitoring of public policies towards people with Romani background, in the post-2020 context;

| X. | whereas most of the disadvantaged communities of Romani people are often left behind and excluded from the benefits of the national inclusion programs due to limits in mapping methodologies used when identifying the communities most in need; whereas when designing programme intervention, the analyses should target the exact geographic area and the number of families, persons who face socio-economic exclusion; |
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X.

whereas most of the disadvantaged communities of Romani people are often left behind and excluded from the benefits of the national inclusion programs due to limits in mapping methodologies used when identifying the communities most in need; whereas when designing programme intervention, the analyses should target the exact geographic area and the number of families, persons who face socio-economic exclusion;

| Y. | whereas Romani inclusion objectives should be aligned with the horizontal objectives of the European Union, and particularly with the Recovery Plan, the new Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027, the European Green Deal, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Semester, the UN2030 Sustainable Development Goals, , the new Common Agricultural Policy, the Just Transition Fund, the New Skills Agenda for Europe, the European Digital Strategy, the SME Strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe; whereas political support, is a key point for the inclusion of Romani people; whereas major mobilisation of key stakeholders at all levels, including in the Council, is needed to ensure political commitment and accountability of Member States, |
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Y.

whereas Romani inclusion objectives should be aligned with the horizontal objectives of the European Union, and particularly with the Recovery Plan, the new Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027, the European Green Deal, the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Semester, the UN2030 Sustainable Development Goals, , the new Common Agricultural Policy, the Just Transition Fund, the New Skills Agenda for Europe, the European Digital Strategy, the SME Strategy for a sustainable and digital Europe; whereas political support, is a key point for the inclusion of Romani people; whereas major mobilisation of key stakeholders at all levels, including in the Council, is needed to ensure political commitment and accountability of Member States,

| Z. | whereas antigypsyism exists in our societies since centuries and it took its most cruel form during the Holocaust, in which an estimated number of 500 000 Romani people were exterminated; whereas antigypsyism took the form of almost 500 years of slavery for Romani people on the territory of present Romania; whereas due to centuries of discrimination and social exclusion, Romani people could not efficiently and significantly benefit from the continuous socio-economic development of our societies; whereas they were left behind and consequently the disparities between Romani people and the general population have increased; |
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Z.

whereas antigypsyism exists in our societies since centuries and it took its most cruel form during the Holocaust, in which an estimated number of 500 000 Romani people were exterminated; whereas antigypsyism took the form of almost 500 years of slavery for Romani people on the territory of present Romania; whereas due to centuries of discrimination and social exclusion, Romani people could not efficiently and significantly benefit from the continuous socio-economic development of our societies; whereas they were left behind and consequently the disparities between Romani people and the general population have increased;

| AA. | whereas the COVID-19 crisis has seen that the situation of marginalised communities of Romani people in overcrowded compounds and settlements has worsened, that racism, discriminations, exclusion, police violence against Romani people and antigypsyist attitudes targeting Romani people as spreading the virus have been exacerbated and that because having limited access to adequate healthcare, drinking water, sanitation and food, Romani people are more at risk of contracting COVID-19; whereas the COVID-19 crisis situation has therefore highlighted, more than clear, the urgent need for the EU and its Members States to address the inclusion of Romani people; whereas the Member States should deliver emergency support and medical care in order to limit the spread of the virus whereas the economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 crisis threaten to affect the Romani population the hardest and deepen the existing inequalities in all priority areas of Romani inclusion; |
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AA.

whereas the COVID-19 crisis has seen that the situation of marginalised communities of Romani people in overcrowded compounds and settlements has worsened, that racism, discriminations, exclusion, police violence against Romani people and antigypsyist attitudes targeting Romani people as spreading the virus have been exacerbated and that because having limited access to adequate healthcare, drinking water, sanitation and food, Romani people are more at risk of contracting COVID-19; whereas the COVID-19 crisis situation has therefore highlighted, more than clear, the urgent need for the EU and its Members States to address the inclusion of Romani people; whereas the Member States should deliver emergency support and medical care in order to limit the spread of the virus whereas the economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 crisis threaten to affect the Romani population the hardest and deepen the existing inequalities in all priority areas of Romani inclusion;

EU legislative proposal for Equality, Inclusion Participation of Romani people and Combating Antigypsysim; post-2020 EU strategic proposal, priorities and adequate funding

| 1. | Notes that Romani people are subject to persistent antigypsyism — a specific form of racism — leading to the highest rates of poverty and social exclusion; notes with regret that despite continuous socio-economic development in the EU and efforts to ensure Romani inclusion both at EU and national level, the overall situation of the Romani people in the EU did not improve; often due to persistent antigypsyism and to the lack of political will; therefore calls on the Commission to lead by example and introduce a ‘Romani mainstreaming policy’ in order to integrate the perspective of the Romani people at all stages and levels of mainstream policies, programmes and projects, but without excluding the targeted approach, and to prevent discrimination in the EU policy in general and facilitate affirmative action and active outreach to Romani people; calls on the Member States also to follow this path and create policies which help the active inclusion of Romani people into our societies; |
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1.

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to submit a legislative proposal for the Equality, Inclusion, Participation of Romani people and Combating Antigypsysim, on the basis of a thorough impact assessment and in systemic consultations with Romani people, (pro-) Romani experts and NGOs from national, regional and especially from grassroots level as well as other interested stakeholders such as the Council of Europe and FRA; considers that this proposal could be based on Article 19 (2) of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union as appropriate action to combat discrimination based on ethnic origin of Romani people; is of the opinion that the previously used Council recommendation is not a sufficient form of act, as it was not legally binding and has failed to make a significant positive impact on the Romani people; calls on the Commission to take into account the internal heterogeneity of the community in the priority domains of the post 2020 proposal, ensuring that nobody is left behind, and strongly encourages to use the designation ‘Romani people’ when referring to Romani groups in post 2020 EU policies and discussions; notes that equal participation in all domains of public life, political participation, and the language, arts, culture and history of Romani people should be explicitly mentioned in the post-2020 EU proposal for Romani people, as additional measures to the four main priority areas of education, employment, housing and healthcare; |
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2.

| 3. | Is of the opinion that the proposal shall give priority to achieving a significant positive impact; it should combine the socio-economic aspects with a rights-based approach, including a plan to eliminate, housing, health, employment and education inequalities; it should include specific, comparable, achievable, binding and time-bound objectives to protect and improve the inclusion of Romani people, including those belonging to groups facing multiple discrimination, such as youth, women and girls, LGBTI persons and people with disabilities, to promote inclusive education, early childhood development and to combat discrimination and segregation; it should give priority to a justice approach, given the collective and the structural nature of discrimination against Romani people; stresses that the European Commission’s post-2020 proposal should focus on fighting against poverty and antigypsyism, improving living and health conditions and combining targeted and mainstream approach; |
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3.

| 4. | Notes that to make the future EU Romani inclusion process successful and credible, a fundamental change in approach is needed, moving from the paternalistic approach to the non-paternalistic one when developing policies towards Romani people.; emphasises that national efforts towards Romani inclusion should be accelerated in all EU Member States; stresses however that the emphasis should be placed on those with a large Romani population where an ineffective process of Romani inclusion poses macroeconomic challenges, deepens regional disparities and thus hampers EU social cohesion; underlines that the EU support to those countries should be measured up to the challenges, and greater attention should be devoted to the effectiveness of policies and measures in these countries, is of the opinion that the post-2020 proposal should also include an external component concerning accession candidate and potential candidate countries as well as neighbourhood countries, through which the EU could support these countries in developing comprehensive long-term strategies for Romani inclusion and to offer financial support in the areas such as education, health, housing and employment; |
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4.

| 5. | Calls on the Commission to strengthen the link between EU mainstream financial and policy instruments and objectives related to the socio-economic development and inclusion of Romani people set out by the Commission’s legally binding proposal; calls on the Commission to mobilise funding for Romani equality, inclusion and participation under the Multi-Annual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and EU Recovery Plan; insists in this respect that entities that engage in discriminatory practices against Romani people, or take decisions or implement measures to this effect, should not be eligible for funding from the Union's budget; calls upon the Commission, Member States and enlargement countries to adjust the existing mainstream financial mechanisms and make them flexible for blended use of funds in Romani communities by enabling access to information, outreach, capacity building, delivery of technical assistance and guarantees during the funding application process; is of the opinion that funds are often most effectively spent at local level by local governments and NGOs, therefore calls on the Commission to increase the funds distributed directly to them, and involve local Romani representatives in the implementation; takes the view that in order to support Romani and pro-Romani civil society organisations, more flexible co-financing requirements should be taken into account, as many NGOs, especially from local level cannot afford own financial contributions, this being a barrier in accessing EU funds for the grassroots NGOs; calls on the Commission to effectively respond to the concern about the increasingly shrinking space for independent civil society in some Member States; is concerned that the coronavirus outbreak might lead to cuts in relation to the Rights and Values programmes for the MFF 2021-2027, negatively affecting CSOs advocating for Romani communities and thus affecting outreach to Romani communities; calls on the Commission and the Member States to effectively address this risk; |
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5.

| 6. | Calls on the Member States to complement the EU financial support in order to improve the situation of Romani people; calls on the Member States to indicate what level of funding would be needed to carry out the proposed measures for inclusion of Romani people and to state the amount of money available for such measures from the national and from the EU budgets; |
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6.

| 7. | Calls on the Member States to integrate better mapping methodologies for marginalized Romani communities and strengthened funding mechanisms into their regional and local development structures that allow more targeted investments in marginalized Romani communities and a better inclusion of Romani communities into the implementation of funds to ensure that the funds allocated reach Romani people and are properly spent and not misused; |
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7.

Collection of disaggregated data

| 8. | Highlights the need for systematic collection of robust ethnic and gender disaggregated data to inform needs and context analysis, help in setting targets and impact indicators in order to ensure the best outcome in terms of matching needs with planning and budgeting, both at national and EU level; emphasises the importance of counterfactual impact evaluation methods in order to reduce the gap between policy frameworks and implementation on the ground; reminds that a critical limitation for some interventions is the gap between the ambition and the capacity of the structure in place to achieve results, due to the lack of data based planning, insufficient budgeting, and emergence of new unforeseen needs; |
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8.

| 9. | Recalls that the ECA has concluded in 2016 that the monitoring and assessing the progress of the NRIS was a significant challenge for all visited Member States; calls on the Commission to build innovative, impact-oriented and data-based approaches as direct input to the next generation of programmes; |
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9.

| 10. | Calls on the Commission to work with the Member States on a common methodology to collect and publish equality data disaggregated by ethnic origin as defined by the EU Racial Equality Directive that is voluntary, anonymous and ensures the protection of personal data, self-identification and consultation with relevant communities, in order to obtain reliable, comparable data in accordance with the relevant national legal frameworks and EU data protection legislation to support evidence based policies, to improve the effectiveness of strategies and measures taken and to identify structural problems; |
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10.

| 11. | Calls on the Member States to use all available data to establish benchmarks and guide policy programme development; emphasises that it is vital to develop a more accurate profile of the Romani population and their needs, including in the candidate countries; underlines that the Fundamental Rights Agency’s guidelines would be key in this regard; |
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11.

Equal participation of Romani people in decision-making processes, National inclusion Strategies

| 12. | Calls on the Commission to establish an inclusive mechanism to ensure the equal participation of Romani and pro-Romani civil society organisations, experts and community members from all levels, moving from a paternalistic approach to a non-paternalistic approach, including those active at local and regional level, taking into account a gender perspective in the policy debate and decision-making; calls on the Member States to promote Romani voter education and turnout; |
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12.

| 13. | Calls on the Commission to develop a Romani Task Force at EU level to facilitate Romani inclusion into different policy fields and Empowering Romani people by supporting the capacity-building of all actors involved in the management and implementation of the EU and national Romani policies, in a substantive, dignified, impartial, inclusive, and transparent manner; calls on the Member States to do the same when creating their own post-2020 National Inclusion Strategies for Romani people; stresses that local and regional stakeholders, including NGOs, activists, local experts, regional experts, community members, the people affected by antigypsyism must be significantly involved in the development, implementation and monitoring of the National Inclusion Strategies and other public policies towards Romani people, making Romani participation a binding common quality standard for the future framework and National Inclusion Strategies; |
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13.

| 14. | Calls on the Member States to develop post-2020 National Strategies for the Inclusion of Romani people, accompanied by a comprehensive joint assessment framework and with an adequate pre-defined budget, incorporated into the national, regional and local budgets subject to a periodic review and evaluation and which reflects the scale of the social inclusion needs of Romani people; emphasises that when local, regional, and national budgets are developed, the inclusion of Romani people must be among the priorities; calls on the Member States to include the fight against antigypsyism in a horizontal approach in their National Inclusion Strategies, in all domains of public life; calls on the Commission to include in the Country Specific recommendations an assessment of the progress in achieving the objectives from the National Inclusion Strategies; |
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14.

Antigypsyism and intersectional discrimination

| 15. | Reiterates its position and recommendations put forward in its resolution of 25 October 2017 on fundamental rights aspects in Roma integration in the EU: fighting antigypsyism; since limited action has been taken so far, calls on the Commission to integrate those recommendations into its post-2020 EU proposal for the Equality, Inclusion Participation of Romani people and Combating Antigypsyism, particularly the recommendations relating to antigypsyism and truth and reconciliation as these are the cornerstone of building a strong and inclusive society; strongly rejects the political narrative and populism to build government policy on inciting antigypsyism, exercising scapegoating of Romani people and promoting discrimination or segregation both directly and indirectly; is of the opinion that such political actions are against not only the national constitutions but the fundamental rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties; therefore calls on the Commission to take immediate action by opening infringement procedures when there is a risk of breach of EU law; |
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15.

| 16. | Calls on the Member States to officially recognise antigypsyism as a specific form of racism against Romani people; |
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16.

| 17. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to tackle antigypsyism across the key areas of the post-2020 proposal towards Romani people and demands effective European and national legislative and policy measures to tackle this phenomenon both in Member States and enlargement countries; considers that the fight against antigypsyism is a horizontal issue and that it should be taken into account in all areas of Union policy, including the new technologies; calls on the Members States to ensure that new technologies designed and used by law enforcement authorities do not create risks of discrimination for racial and ethnic minorities; calls on the Commission to further integrate the work of National Equality Bodies (NEBs) into the development and implementation of the future policy framework; further asks the Commission to develop stronger synergies between the National Equality Bodies NEBs and national Romani Contact Points (NRCP) to fight against antigypsyism; calls on the Member States to guarantee the effective independence, the mandate and the necessary resources of the equality bodies for enabling them to carry out their tasks in the promotion and protection of fundamental rights also of Romani people; is of the opinion that equality bodies are the right institutions to collect data and draw trends on antigypsyism and to channel it to the European level; |
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17.

| 18. | Calls on the Member States to secure equal access to justice and equality before the law for Romani people; calls on the Member States to protect Romani people from threats by far-right groups, investigate incidents of police abuse and ensure Romani participation in law enforcement and security forces; |
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18.

| 19. | Encourages the Member States to adopt Guidelines and develop trainings to the police forces against disproportionate criminalisation of Romani people, ethnic profiling, excessive stop-and-search procedures, uncalled-for raids on Romani settlements, arbitrary seizure and destruction of property, excessive use of force during arrests, assaults, threats, humiliating treatment, physical abuse, and the denial of rights during police interrogation and custody and in under-policing of crimes committed against Romani people, providing little or no assistance, protection (such as in cases of trafficking and for victims of domestic violence) or investigation in cases of crimes reported by Romani people (hate crimes in particular); calls on the Member States to ensure that full investigation of such cases is undertaken by the competent authorities; calls on the Member States to provide appropriate remedies; |
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19.

| 20. | Welcomes the Council of Europe statements that the phenomenon of online hate speech requires further analysis and action with a view to regulating and finding new ways of combating rhetoric of this kind such as alternative narrative and fact checking technologies; |
| --- | --- |

20.

| 21. | Calls on the Member States to ensure the effective practical implementation and enforcement of the Racial Equality Directive and to ensure effective enforcement of the Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia to combat persisting antigypsyism; reiterates its call on the Council to unblock negotiations on the horizontal anti-discrimination directive as it is a prerequisite to achieve equality in the EU; |
| --- | --- |

21.

| 22. | Further calls on the Member States to reinforce their efforts to combat discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes within national and EU anti-discrimination legislation, particularly with regard to monitoring the situation of affected Romani victims and providing judicial assistance; |
| --- | --- |

22.

| 23. | Recalls Member States’ obligation under the Racial Equality Directive to designate a specialised body for the promotion of equal treatment of all persons without discrimination on grounds of racial and ethnic origin; |
| --- | --- |

23.

| 24. | Takes the view that EU and Member States should take action regarding the situation and the rights of individuals at the intersections of discrimination grounds in the EU, in particular women, LGBTI people, people with disabilities; |
| --- | --- |

24.

| 25. | Recalls the critical role of media in decreasing antigypsyist attitudes through non-discriminatory coverage of minorities; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Health

| 26. | Calls on the Member States to develop measures to improve access to good quality and affordable preventive and curative healthcare for Romani people, including sexual and reproductive healthcare, and in particular for women, children, older people and persons with disabilities; reiterates that a key element in that regard is improving access to health services — both physical access and removing the intangible barriers of prejudice and racism; |
| --- | --- |

26.

| 27. | Calls on the Member States to allocate sufficient funding for improving the general health condition of Romani communities through health and sex-education, through mobile health screening activities in segregated areas, through health educational campaigns on prevention, and through training of health and social workers on diversity, which contributes to adapting EU health systems to diversity; |
| --- | --- |

27.

| 28. | Strongly condemns Romani women ethnic segregation in maternal health care facilities; calls on Member States to immediately prohibit all forms of ethnic segregation in health facilities, including maternal health care settings; |
| --- | --- |

28.

| 29. | Calls on Member States to ensure effective and timely remedies to all survivors of forced and coercive sterilization, including through the establishment of effective compensation schemes; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Equal and equitable access to education, Romani arts, language and culture

| 30. | Calls on the Commission to design new funding tools or sub-programmes that should be complementary to the measures of the Member States for targeted and tailored support in quality education for Romani pupils from 3 years on, who are contending with extreme poverty and do not have access to existing and future EU educational and social inclusion funding initiatives, such as Erasmus Plus, the Child Guarantee or the European Social Fund Plus; |
| --- | --- |

30.

| 31. | Notes that in some Member States only limited progress has been achieved over previous years in the education of socially disadvantaged Romani children due, in particular, to the lack of political will and antigypsyism, which cause the gap between Romani and non-Romani pupils and students in terms of educational outcomes to remain high; recalls that providing Romani children with an equal start in life is essential to break the cycle of intergenerational transmission of poverty; urges Member States to adopt a holistic approach across all policy areas and to place the education of Romani children high on governments’ agendas; |
| --- | --- |

31.

| 32. | Recommends that the education of vulnerable Romani pupils should start as early as possible, taking into account the specific conditions in each Member State, by including them into equal, affordable, accessible and inclusive early childhood and childcare services; urges Member States to develop and implement strategies and programmes aimed at facilitating the access of Romani to childcare facilities, schools and universities, which is a precondition for personal and career development, and recalls that extra-curricular activities, such as sports or artistic activities, are excellent means of inclusion; |
| --- | --- |

32.

| 33. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure adequate funding to NGOs which provide such activities as these activities are crucial to create an environment and conditions where children from all backgrounds have equal opportunities; considers that the exchange of good practices between Member States is also crucial in this field; |
| --- | --- |

33.

| 34. | Is particularly concerned by the high level of segregation of Romani children in schools and the discriminatory practice of placing Romani children in schools for children with mental disabilities, which persist in some Member States; urges the Member States concerned to put an end to such practices in accordance with applicable anti-discrimination legislation; calls on the Member States to prioritise measures to eliminate any form of school or class segregation of Romani pupils in line with the 2013 Council Recommendation, by implementing a wide range of measures actively involving local stakeholders, particularly Romani parents and children, as well as community organisations and by developing awareness raising actions; |
| --- | --- |

34.

| 35. | Calls on the Member States to ensure that all schools and inspectorates actually fulfil their legal obligation to desegregate school and also to commit to annually collect and publish the situation of school segregation at all levels, including by sanctioning those who fail to comply; calls on the Members States to exchange good practices such as establishing, capacitating and resourcing a desegregation ministerial commission in order to support schools who want to desegregate and sanction those who do not comply (AM 251); reminds that the Commission opened 3 infringement procedures on segregation of Romani children; is of the opinion that the last years have shown no improvement despite the Commission's efforts; therefore calls on the Commission to take further steps and refer these cases to the European Court of Justice if necessary; |
| --- | --- |

35.

| 36. | Recalls the pressing need to involve Romani parents in each stage of their children’s schooling; urges Member States to develop programmes aimed at the inclusion of Romani parents in the process of their children’s schooling and educational and personal development; stresses that the ability of Member States to ensure the involvement of Romani parents is highly dependent on multiple factors, both societal and economic, and asks for special support — in terms of health integrity, school food and clothing supply — for Romani families facing economic, social, medical or housing difficulties; believes that for children who have abandoned school and/or are illiterate and lack basic skills, new opportunities should be designed to continue their education; calls on Member States to make full use of the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

36.

| 37. | Calls on EU Member States to ensure equal access of Romani children to high quality education including through community service learning and life-long learning opportunities; calls on the Member States to structurally address respect for diversity, intercultural understanding and human rights in regular school curricula and media; and to include human rights, leadership and democratic citizenship training as well as Romani history in their school curricula and to disseminate and expand Romani university programs at European level; |
| --- | --- |

37.

| 38. | Calls on the Member States to design laws and policy measures aiming to ensure remedies for all Romani children misdiagnosed and placed in special schools or Romani-only classes and schools based on ethnic origins and consequently having been denied fundamental rights and opportunities for quality education and good jobs; |
| --- | --- |

38.

| 39. | Is of the opinion that COVID-19 made necessary the active use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and methods; stresses however that the pandemic revealed insufficient preparedness in digital transformation as many families with Romani background and their schools are not equipped with adequate ICT tools and skills and are often unable to afford electricity and digital connectedness, considers that the possession of an ICT device is the turnkey point into digital education, therefore urges the Commission to create a pool of ICT tools and distribute it among the most vulnerable families and children to provide them with the basic tools for distant learning and prepare them for the digital age; considers that access to internet and ICT skills are a cornerstone of the forthcoming digital age for every citizen and as such it is essential for the empowerment of Romani people as well; therefore calls on the Commission to introduce the provisions related to internet access into the post-2020 proposal; calls on the Member States to add ICT skills into their curriculum from an early age and to invest in digital literacy programmes that can support Romani children; |
| --- | --- |

39.

| 40. | Calls on the Member States to promote Romani language, culture and history, in school curricula, museums and other forms of cultural and historical expression, and recognize the contribution of Romani culture as part of the European Heritage; calls on the Member States to develop coherent and consistent measures, with appropriate budgets to stimulate, support and promote the Romani arts and culture, to research and conserve the material and intangible heritage of the traditional Romani culture and to revive and promote Romani traditional crafts; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Quality and affordable housing, environmental justice

| 41. | Stresses that housing is not a commodity, but a necessity, without which people cannot fully participate in society and access fundamental rights; calls on the Commission and the Member States to integrate in their polices the recommendations of the Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Report, ‘ECSR The Right to affordable housing, Europe's neglected duty’, with particular reference to ensuring that all Member States promptly accept to be bound by Article 31 of the revised European Social Charter dealing with the right to housing, and step up investing in social and affordable housing to eradicate the housing cost overburden, particularly among marginalised groups; |
| --- | --- |

41.

| 42. | Strongly encourages the Member States to ensure that Romani people are duly registered with ID papers and birth certificates, and that their properties (land and house) are equally registered and to ensure more flexible legal and administrative procedures for the future; |
| --- | --- |

42.

| 43. | Calls on the Member States to minimise the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in overcrowded and inhuman housing conditions lived in by Romani people, legalising their informal settlements, by investing in infrastructure and housing improvement for newly legalised informal settlements; |
| --- | --- |

43.

| 44. | Calls on the Member States to adopt a comprehensive mechanism to ensure that discrimination and abuse against Romani people in the field of housing is prevented and sanctioned, to address the issue of homelessness and to provide sufficient and appropriate halting sites for non-sedentary Romani people; calls on the Member States to prevent further forced evictions of Romani people by ensuring that such practices always take place in full compliance with International, European and national law calls on the Members States to ensure that the persons concerned are provided with reasonable notice and adequate information and points out that no evictions should take place without the provision of substitute standard, affordable and quality housing in a desegregated setting, which has access to public services; emphasises the urgent need for public investments in order to overcome segregation; calls on the Member States to promote spatial desegregation points out that geographical isolation and housing segregation keeps members of ethnic minorities away from decent jobs, regardless of their level of qualification; notes that finding solutions to evictions by engaging with different institutions is key, while actions addressing Romani housing should be integrated into broader national activities and legislative initiatives that focus on social housing or assistance programmes; |
| --- | --- |

44.

| 45. | Recalls that the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak are being felt mostly by the most deprived, including the Romani communities, across the EU and deplores that Romani communities are being further discriminated and marginalised due to the coronavirus pandemic; calls on the Member States to adopt under the COVID-19 crisis urgent measures to address the lack of water, adequate sanitation, electricity and needed infrastructure in poor Romani communities; calls on the Member States to fully include Romani settlements in disinfection measures, to prohibit the cancellation of basic utility services during the pandemic, to consider subsidizing consumption costs for the most vulnerable and those who have lost incomes, or freezing payments until the end of the recovery plan period, to provide financial support for lone parents/single mothers for childcare, rent payments and other household expenses to alleviate the financial hardship, especially in light of the job losses; |
| --- | --- |

45.

| 46. | Calls for the EU-wide implementation of the Aarhus Convention that links environmental rights and human rights; recommends that environmental injustices are integrated in the post 2020 proposal and call on the Commission to address the different forms of environmental discrimination; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Romani women and girls

| 47. | Stresses the need to give priority to a gender perspective and gender-sensitive policies and fight violence (including human trafficking); urges all Member States who have not yet ratified the Istanbul Convention to do so urgently; notes that future policies shall acknowledge these differences and address them by providing Romani women with specific interventions and particular forms of support; stresses that being often subjected to multiple discrimination, specific measures for the empowerment of Romani women and girls should be envisaged; |
| --- | --- |

47.

| 48. | Calls on Member State governments, local authorities and, where relevant, EU institutions to involve Romani women, through women’s organisations, and relevant stakeholders, in the preparation, implementation, evaluation and monitoring of the NRIS and to create links between gender equality bodies, women’s rights organisations and social inclusion strategies so as to build trust with communities and ensure sensitivity to local contexts; |
| --- | --- |

48.

| 49. | Calls on the Member States to ensure that a specific chapter on women’s rights and gender equality is included in their National Inclusion Strategies, and that gender mainstreaming measures aimed at promoting women’s rights and the gender equality perspective are applied in each section thereof, in particular in the allocation of funds, in line with the Council conclusions on an EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies which stresses that a gender perspective needs to be applied in all policies and actions for advancing Romani inclusion’; calls on the Commission and the Member States to assess whether policies are achieving the desired improvements for Romani women and girls, and to take action if there is a lack of progress; |
| --- | --- |

49.

| 50. | Calls on the Member States to design measures to support Romani women to fully fulfil their potential and possibilities of acting as independent, self-confident and emancipated active citizens; calls on the Member States to expand the Romani health and school mediation systems, mandatory, to all Romani communities, to ensure a mediator for each 500 people and to properly finance and support the systems, giving the mediators a more pivotal role in the inclusion process; |
| --- | --- |

50.

| 51. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to include Romani girls and women more explicitly with active labour market policies, including the Youth Guarantee; |
| --- | --- |

51.

| 52. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure that the fundamental rights of Romani women and children are respected, and that — also by means of awareness-raising campaigns — Romani women and girls are aware of their rights under existing national legislation on gender equality and discrimination, and to further combat patriarchal and sexist traditions; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Quality employment services

| 53. | Calls on the Member States to ensure quality employment services for Romani youth, including those not in employment, education and training and who are contending with extreme poverty; |
| --- | --- |

53.

| 54. | Calls on the Commission to present a communication on guidelines and standards for discrimination-free recruitment policies for Member States and employers, including recommendations for the adoption of equality plans at company level and in sectoral collective agreements and the implementation of diversity taskforces in the workplace, including tackling stereotypes, prejudice and negative attitudes, preventing discrimination in recruitment, promotion, pay and access to training; highlights the fact that these equality action plans should be also used to promote ethnic and cultural diversity at the workplace, to develop internal regulations against racism and racism-related discrimination and harassment in the workplace, to monitor and review recruitment, progression and retention of workforce by equality strand in order to identify direct or indirect discriminatory practices and to adopt corrective measures to reduce inequality in each of these areas and, to this effect, collect equality data in respect of privacy and fundamental rights standards; |
| --- | --- |

54.

| 55. | Highlights that the most critical points to address in the area of Romani employment are the effective transition from education to the open labour market; highlights the importance of tackling diverse forms of undeclared employment, discrimination by employers, of matching labour demand with labour supply; |
| --- | --- |

55.

| 56. | Calls on the Commission to fulfil its commitment to adopting an action plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights and to incorporate Romani inclusion as an indicator in the social scoreboard; urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure, access to decent jobs, fair wages and working conditions for Romani people and to guarantee that social protection systems and social services are adequate, accessible and used by all potential beneficiaries, and include universal health coverage without discrimination, as well as minimum income schemes and pension rights; |
| --- | --- |

56.

o

o o

| 57. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and candidate countries, the subnational parliaments and councils of the Member States and candidate countries, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the European Committee of the Regions, the Council of Europe and the United Nations. |
| --- | --- |

57.

---

(1)  OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22.

(2)  OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 16.

(3)  OJ L 328, 6.12.2008, p. 55.

(4)  OJ L 264, 25.9.2006, p. 13.

(5)  OJ C 378, 24.12.2013, p. 1.

(6)  OJ C 328, 6.9.2016, p. 4.

(7)  OJ C 346, 27.9.2018, p. 171.

(8)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0032.

(9)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0075.

(10)  OJ C 463, 21.12.2018, p. 21.

(11)  OJ C 162, 10.5.2019, p. 24.

(12)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0428.

(13)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0447.

(14)  European Commission, Report on the implementation of national Roma integration strategies — 2019.

(15)  European Commission, Mid-term evaluation of the EU framework for NRIS.

(16)  FRA, Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey, Roma — Selected findings, 2016.

(17)  FRA, Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey, Roma — Selected findings, 2016.

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| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/117 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/117

---

P9_TA(2020)0230

Preparation of the Special European Council, focusing on the dangerous escalation and the role of Turkey in the Eastern-Mediterranean

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the preparation of the special European Council summit focusing on the dangerous escalation and the role of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean (2020/2774(RSP))

(2021/C 385/11)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Turkey, in particular those of 24 November 2016 on EU-Turkey relations (1), of 27 October 2016 on the situation of journalists in Turkey (2), of 8 February 2018 on the current human rights situation in Turkey (3), of 13 March 2019 on the 2018 Commission Report on Turkey (4), of 19 September 2019 on situation in Turkey, notably the removal of elected mayors (5), and of 13 November 2014 on Turkish actions creating tensions in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Turkey, in particular those of 24 November 2016 on EU-Turkey relations (1), of 27 October 2016 on the situation of journalists in Turkey (2), of 8 February 2018 on the current human rights situation in Turkey (3), of 13 March 2019 on the 2018 Commission Report on Turkey (4), of 19 September 2019 on situation in Turkey, notably the removal of elected mayors (5), and of 13 November 2014 on Turkish actions creating tensions in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus (6),

| — | having regard to its debate of 9 July 2020 on stability and security in Eastern Mediterranean and the negative role of Turkey, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its debate of 9 July 2020 on stability and security in Eastern Mediterranean and the negative role of Turkey,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 29 May 2019 on EU enlargement policy (COM(2019)0260), and its accompanying staff working document (SWD(2019)0220), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 29 May 2019 on EU enlargement policy (COM(2019)0260), and its accompanying staff working document (SWD(2019)0220),

| — | having regard to previous statements by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) on the drilling activities of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, in particular to that of 16 August 2020 on renewed drilling activities by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean; having regard to the remarks made at the press conference following his meeting with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Çavuşoğlu on 6 July 2020, the remarks made after his meeting with Greek Minister of Defence Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos on 25 June 2020 and the remarks made after his meeting with Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Christodoulides on 26 June 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to previous statements by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) on the drilling activities of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, in particular to that of 16 August 2020 on renewed drilling activities by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean; having regard to the remarks made at the press conference following his meeting with the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlut Çavuşoğlu on 6 July 2020, the remarks made after his meeting with Greek Minister of Defence Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos on 25 June 2020 and the remarks made after his meeting with Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Christodoulides on 26 June 2020,

| — | having regard to the relevant Council and European Council conclusions on Turkey, and in particular to the to the European Council conclusions of 19 August 2020 on the Eastern Mediterranean, to the Council conclusions of 27 February 2020 on Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, and to the Council conclusions of 17-18 October 2019 concerning Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the relevant Council and European Council conclusions on Turkey, and in particular to the to the European Council conclusions of 19 August 2020 on the Eastern Mediterranean, to the Council conclusions of 27 February 2020 on Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, and to the Council conclusions of 17-18 October 2019 concerning Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone,

| — | having regard to the statements of the EU foreign affairs ministers of 15 May 2020 and 14 August 2020 on the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statements of the EU foreign affairs ministers of 15 May 2020 and 14 August 2020 on the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean,

| — | having regard to the outcome of the informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers (Gymnich) of 28 August 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the outcome of the informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers (Gymnich) of 28 August 2020,

| — | having regard to the NATO Treaty of 1949 and to the statement by the NATO Secretary General on 3 September 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the NATO Treaty of 1949 and to the statement by the NATO Secretary General on 3 September 2020,

| — | having regard to the Ajaccio declaration after the seventh Summit of the Southern countries of the Union (MED7) of 10 September 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Ajaccio declaration after the seventh Summit of the Southern countries of the Union (MED7) of 10 September 2020,

| — | having regard to relevant customary international law and to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to which Greece and Cyprus, as well as the European Union, are parties, and to the UN Charter, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to relevant customary international law and to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to which Greece and Cyprus, as well as the European Union, are parties, and to the UN Charter,

| — | having regard to the Rome Statute and the founding documents of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and to the precedents set by its jurisprudence, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Rome Statute and the founding documents of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and to the precedents set by its jurisprudence,

| — | having regard to Rule 132(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 132(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the Eastern Mediterranean, an area of strategic importance for the EU and a key area for the peace and stability of the entire Mediterranean and Middle East regions, is blighted by a long-standing, multi-layered set of disputes of political, economic and geostrategic natures; whereas escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean are fuelled by unilateral steps by Turkey, including military action, the lack of inclusive diplomatic dialogue and the regrettable failure of efforts to mediate the conflict; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Eastern Mediterranean, an area of strategic importance for the EU and a key area for the peace and stability of the entire Mediterranean and Middle East regions, is blighted by a long-standing, multi-layered set of disputes of political, economic and geostrategic natures; whereas escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean are fuelled by unilateral steps by Turkey, including military action, the lack of inclusive diplomatic dialogue and the regrettable failure of efforts to mediate the conflict;

| B. | whereas since the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves in the early 2000s, Turkey has challenged its neighbours with regard to international law and the delimitation of their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs); whereas the discoveries of significant gas reserves in the Mediterranean, including the discovery of the Leviathan field in 2010, followed by the Zohr gas field, the largest ever natural gas discovery in the Mediterranean Sea, off Egypt in 2015, sparked interest in the region and led to further exploration and drilling in 2018 and 2019; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas since the discovery of offshore natural gas reserves in the early 2000s, Turkey has challenged its neighbours with regard to international law and the delimitation of their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs); whereas the discoveries of significant gas reserves in the Mediterranean, including the discovery of the Leviathan field in 2010, followed by the Zohr gas field, the largest ever natural gas discovery in the Mediterranean Sea, off Egypt in 2015, sparked interest in the region and led to further exploration and drilling in 2018 and 2019;

| C. | whereas Turkey has not signed the UNCLOS to which Greece and Cyprus are parties, due to the ongoing maritime dispute over the delimitation of an ΕΕΖ; whereas the developing Law of the Sea, inherently complex, is interpreted differently by Greece and Turkey; whereas there are mutual claims that the interpretation of maritime law by the other side is against international law and that the activities of the other side are illegal; whereas the above mentioned dispute over the delimitation of EEZs and continental shelf between Turkey on the one side and Greece on the other side has remained unresolved since November 1973; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas Turkey has not signed the UNCLOS to which Greece and Cyprus are parties, due to the ongoing maritime dispute over the delimitation of an ΕΕΖ; whereas the developing Law of the Sea, inherently complex, is interpreted differently by Greece and Turkey; whereas there are mutual claims that the interpretation of maritime law by the other side is against international law and that the activities of the other side are illegal; whereas the above mentioned dispute over the delimitation of EEZs and continental shelf between Turkey on the one side and Greece on the other side has remained unresolved since November 1973;

| D. | whereas Turkey is a candidate country and an important partner of the EU and is expected, as a candidate country, to uphold the highest standards of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, including in its compliance with international conventions; whereas the EU is clear and determined in defending the European Union’s interests, demonstrating its unwavering support and solidarity with Greece and Cyprus and upholding international law; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Turkey is a candidate country and an important partner of the EU and is expected, as a candidate country, to uphold the highest standards of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, including in its compliance with international conventions; whereas the EU is clear and determined in defending the European Union’s interests, demonstrating its unwavering support and solidarity with Greece and Cyprus and upholding international law;

| E. | whereas the illegal exploration and drilling activities by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean are resulting in an intense and dangerous militarisation of the Eastern Mediterranean, thus posing a serious threat to peace and security of the whole region; whereas to support Greece and Cyprus, France deployed two naval vessels and fighter jets on 12 August 2020 in the area, and took part in military exercises together with Greece, Cyprus and Italy on 26 August 2020; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the illegal exploration and drilling activities by Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean are resulting in an intense and dangerous militarisation of the Eastern Mediterranean, thus posing a serious threat to peace and security of the whole region; whereas to support Greece and Cyprus, France deployed two naval vessels and fighter jets on 12 August 2020 in the area, and took part in military exercises together with Greece, Cyprus and Italy on 26 August 2020;

| F. | whereas on 10 June 2020 a French naval vessel was met with an extremely hostile reaction by Turkish warships when it was, in the framework of the Sea Guardian NATO mission, requesting to inspect a Turkish vessel suspected of violating the UN arms embargo on Libya; whereas Greece has recorded over 600 violations of its air space by the Turkish Air Force since January 2020; whereas these activities by Turkey are accompanied by increasingly hostile rhetoric against both Greece and Cyprus, other EU Member States and the EU itself; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas on 10 June 2020 a French naval vessel was met with an extremely hostile reaction by Turkish warships when it was, in the framework of the Sea Guardian NATO mission, requesting to inspect a Turkish vessel suspected of violating the UN arms embargo on Libya; whereas Greece has recorded over 600 violations of its air space by the Turkish Air Force since January 2020; whereas these activities by Turkey are accompanied by increasingly hostile rhetoric against both Greece and Cyprus, other EU Member States and the EU itself;

| G. | whereas exploratory talks between Greece and Turkey have been stalled since March 2016; whereas a positive push for bilateral relations was given by both the Greek Prime Minister and the Turkish President after their meeting in September 2019 at the UN General Assembly, and in December to resume political dialogue, following which high officials met in Ankara in January 2020, and confidence building measures were discussed in Athens in February 2020; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas exploratory talks between Greece and Turkey have been stalled since March 2016; whereas a positive push for bilateral relations was given by both the Greek Prime Minister and the Turkish President after their meeting in September 2019 at the UN General Assembly, and in December to resume political dialogue, following which high officials met in Ankara in January 2020, and confidence building measures were discussed in Athens in February 2020;

| H. | whereas in January 2019, the governments of Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority established the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum, a multinational body tasked with developing a regional gas market and a mechanism for resource development; whereas this has been criticised by Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which claims that it seeks to exclude Ankara from regional cooperation and coordination on the gas market; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas in January 2019, the governments of Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority established the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum, a multinational body tasked with developing a regional gas market and a mechanism for resource development; whereas this has been criticised by Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which claims that it seeks to exclude Ankara from regional cooperation and coordination on the gas market;

| I. | whereas Turkey and the Libyan Government of National Accord signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2019 determining a new maritime delimitation between the two countries, despite having no adjacent or opposite coasts; whereas the Turkey-Libya MoU on the delimitation of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea infringes the sovereign rights of third countries, does not comply with the Law of the Sea and cannot produce any legal consequences for third countries; whereas, if applied, this MoU would effectively draw a dividing line between the eastern and the western parts of the Mediterranean and thus threaten maritime security; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas Turkey and the Libyan Government of National Accord signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2019 determining a new maritime delimitation between the two countries, despite having no adjacent or opposite coasts; whereas the Turkey-Libya MoU on the delimitation of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea infringes the sovereign rights of third countries, does not comply with the Law of the Sea and cannot produce any legal consequences for third countries; whereas, if applied, this MoU would effectively draw a dividing line between the eastern and the western parts of the Mediterranean and thus threaten maritime security;

| J. | whereas οn 20 April 2020, Turkey sent the drill ship Yavuz, accompanied by a Turkish navy vessel, into Cyprus’s EEZ; whereas on 30 July 2020, Turkey sent the seismic research vessel Barbaros, accompanied by a Turkish warship and a second support ship, into Cyprus’s EEZ; whereas on 10 August 2020, Turkey sent the Oruç Reis research vessel accompanied by 17 naval vessels into Greek waters to map out sea territory for possible oil and gas drilling in an area where Turkey also claims jurisdiction; whereas Greece responded by dispatching its own warships to track the Turkish vessels, one of which collided with a Greek ship; whereas on 31 August 2020 Turkey again extended its exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean by the Oruç Reis until 12 September 2020; whereas Turkey’s naval alert (Navtex) concerns an area that is within Greece’s continental shelf; whereas these activities by Turkey have led to a significant deterioration in relations between Greece and Turkey; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas οn 20 April 2020, Turkey sent the drill ship Yavuz, accompanied by a Turkish navy vessel, into Cyprus’s EEZ; whereas on 30 July 2020, Turkey sent the seismic research vessel Barbaros, accompanied by a Turkish warship and a second support ship, into Cyprus’s EEZ; whereas on 10 August 2020, Turkey sent the Oruç Reis research vessel accompanied by 17 naval vessels into Greek waters to map out sea territory for possible oil and gas drilling in an area where Turkey also claims jurisdiction; whereas Greece responded by dispatching its own warships to track the Turkish vessels, one of which collided with a Greek ship; whereas on 31 August 2020 Turkey again extended its exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean by the Oruç Reis until 12 September 2020; whereas Turkey’s naval alert (Navtex) concerns an area that is within Greece’s continental shelf; whereas these activities by Turkey have led to a significant deterioration in relations between Greece and Turkey;

| K. | whereas, after the expiry of the Navtex for the waters between Turkey, Cyprus, and Crete, issued on 10 August 2020, Turkey’s seismic research vessel Oruç Reis returned on 13 September 2020 to waters near the southern province of Antalya following multiple negotiation efforts, a move that could contribute to easing tensions between Ankara and Athens; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas, after the expiry of the Navtex for the waters between Turkey, Cyprus, and Crete, issued on 10 August 2020, Turkey’s seismic research vessel Oruç Reis returned on 13 September 2020 to waters near the southern province of Antalya following multiple negotiation efforts, a move that could contribute to easing tensions between Ankara and Athens;

| L. | whereas a framework for restrictive measures in response to Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean was set up in November 2019 after the Council had repeatedly expressed its concerns and strongly condemned the drilling activities in various sets of conclusions, including the European Council conclusions of 22 March 2018 and 20 June 2019; whereas on 27 February 2020 the Council put two executives of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) on the EU sanctions list, imposing a travel ban and an asset freeze, following Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean; whereas on 28 August 2020 the informal Council (Gymnich) meeting called for further targeted sanctions against Turkey in the event that it does not de-escalate tensions in the region; whereas these restrictive measures would be discussed at the special European Council summit on 24 and 25 September 2020; whereas on 10 September 2020, national leaders at the Med7 Summit of Mediterranean states expressed full support for and solidarity with Greece and expressed regret that Turkey had not responded to the EU’s repeated calls to end its unilateral and illegal actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas a framework for restrictive measures in response to Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean was set up in November 2019 after the Council had repeatedly expressed its concerns and strongly condemned the drilling activities in various sets of conclusions, including the European Council conclusions of 22 March 2018 and 20 June 2019; whereas on 27 February 2020 the Council put two executives of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) on the EU sanctions list, imposing a travel ban and an asset freeze, following Turkey’s illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean; whereas on 28 August 2020 the informal Council (Gymnich) meeting called for further targeted sanctions against Turkey in the event that it does not de-escalate tensions in the region; whereas these restrictive measures would be discussed at the special European Council summit on 24 and 25 September 2020; whereas on 10 September 2020, national leaders at the Med7 Summit of Mediterranean states expressed full support for and solidarity with Greece and expressed regret that Turkey had not responded to the EU’s repeated calls to end its unilateral and illegal actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean;

| M. | whereas the VP/HR Borrell, who has deployed an intense activity in the region, together with the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union, has been looking for solutions through dialogue between Turkey, Greece and Cyprus; whereas in order to allow the dialogue to advance, Turkey has to refrain from unilateral actions; whereas mediation attempts led by the German Council Presidency over the months of July and August regrettably failed; whereas, while negotiations were ongoing, Egypt and Greece concluded a bilateral maritime agreement on 6 August 2020, demarcating an EEZ for oil and gas drilling rights, following 15 years of negotiations with Turkey and Cyprus on the matter; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the VP/HR Borrell, who has deployed an intense activity in the region, together with the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union, has been looking for solutions through dialogue between Turkey, Greece and Cyprus; whereas in order to allow the dialogue to advance, Turkey has to refrain from unilateral actions; whereas mediation attempts led by the German Council Presidency over the months of July and August regrettably failed; whereas, while negotiations were ongoing, Egypt and Greece concluded a bilateral maritime agreement on 6 August 2020, demarcating an EEZ for oil and gas drilling rights, following 15 years of negotiations with Turkey and Cyprus on the matter;

| N. | whereas NATO has also proposed various initiatives for dialogue between Greece and Turkey and brokered talks between them; whereas Article 1 of the NATO Treaty provides that the parties thereto undertake to settle any international disputes in which they may be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered, and to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas NATO has also proposed various initiatives for dialogue between Greece and Turkey and brokered talks between them; whereas Article 1 of the NATO Treaty provides that the parties thereto undertake to settle any international disputes in which they may be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered, and to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations;

| O. | whereas the UN Charter provides that states must undertake to settle any international disputes in which they may be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered, and to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the UN Charter provides that states must undertake to settle any international disputes in which they may be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security and justice are not endangered, and to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations;

| 1. | Is highly concerned by the ongoing dispute and related risk of further military escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean between EU Member States and an EU candidate country; is firmly convinced that a sustainable conflict resolution can only be found through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiations in a spirit of good will and in line with international law; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Condemns Turkey’s illegal activities in the continental shelf/EEZ of Greece and Cyprus, which violate the sovereign rights of EU Member States and expresses its full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes and to refrain from any unilateral and illegal action or threat, as that could have a negative impact on good neighbourly relations; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Welcomes Turkey’s decision on 12 September 2020 to withdraw its seismic research vessel Oruç Reis, thus taking a first step to easing the tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean; condemns Turkey’s decision of 15 September 2020 to issue a new Navtex to extend the term of duty of the Yavuz drilling ship until 12 October 2020; urges Turkey to show restraint, and to proactively contribute to de-escalating the situation, including by respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all of its neighbours, by immediately ending any further illegal exploration and drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, by refraining from violating Greek airspace and Greek and Cypriot territorial waters and by distancing itself from nationalistic warmongering rhetoric; rejects the use of threats and abusive language towards Member States and the EU as unacceptable and unseemly for an EU candidate country; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Expresses the need to find a solution by diplomatic means, mediation and international law and strongly supports the return to the dialogue between the parties; calls on all actors involved, especially Turkey, to commit to an urgent de-escalation by withdrawing their military presence in the region in order to enable dialogue and effective cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Calls on Turkey, as an EU candidate country, to fully respect the law of the sea and the sovereignty of the EU Member States Greece and Cyprus over their territorial seas, as well as all their sovereign rights in their maritime zones; reiterates its call on the Turkish Government to sign and ratify the UNCLOS and recalls that even though Turkey is not a signatory, customary law provides for EEZs even for uninhabited islands; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Deplores the fact that the increasing escalation of tension undermines prospects for the resumption of direct talks on the comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus issue, while this remains the most effective path with regard to prospects for the delimitation of the EEZs between Cyprus and Turkey; urges all parties concerned to actively support the negotiations for a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue within the UN framework, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, in accordance with international law, the EU acquis and on the basis of respect for the principles on which the Union is founded; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Welcomes the invitation from the Governments of Cyprus and Greece to Turkey to negotiate in good faith the maritime delimitation between their respective coasts; urges the parties to bring the relevant disputes to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague or to resort to international arbitration in the event a settlement cannot be reached through mediation; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Welcomes the efforts made by the EU, most notably by VP/HR Borrell and the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and other international institutions such as NATO, to contribute to finding a solution through dialogue and diplomacy; calls on all sides in a genuine collective engagement to negotiate the delimitation of EEZs and the continental shelf in good faith, fully respecting international law and the principle of good relations between neighbours; supports the proposal for a multilateral conference on the Eastern Mediterranean with the participation of all actors involved, to provide a platform to settle disputes through dialogue; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Calls on the Commission and all Member States to pursue a broader, inclusive dialogue with Turkey and a comprehensive and strategic security architecture and energy cooperation for the Mediterranean; calls on the Commission and the Member States to remain firmly committed in this dialogue to the fundamental values and principles of the Union, including respect for human rights, democracy, the rule of law and the principle of solidarity; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Urgently calls for a comprehensive environmental risk assessment of any drilling activity, considering the multitude of risks associated with offshore gas exploration for the environment, the workforce and local populations; calls upon all parties involved to invest in renewable energy and a sustainable climate friendly future, and calls on the EU to support the development of such a Green Deal for the Mediterranean, which would include plans for investment in renewable energy in the wider region in order to avoid disputes over limited fossil resources that are harmful to our climate and environment; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Expresses serious concerns about the current state of EU-Turkey relations, mainly regarding the dire human rights situation in Turkey and the erosion of democracy and the rule of law; underlines the past and present negative impacts of Turkey’s unilateral foreign policy initiatives in the wider region and that Turkey’s illegal exploration and drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean further add to the deterioration of EU-Turkey relations in general; calls for Turkey and the EU Member States to come together in supporting the peaceful resolution of the conflict and the political dialogue in Libya and to adhere to the arms embargo imposed by the UN Security Council; deplores the negative impact that current Turkish foreign policy and other actions in the Mediterranean have on the stability of the region; reiterates its position as expressed in its resolution of 24 October 2019 on the Turkish military operation in northeast Syria and its consequences (7); |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Calls on the appropriate forums within NATO, and especially the High-Level Task Force on Conventional Arms Control, to discuss arms control in the Eastern Mediterranean as a matter of urgency; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Reiterates that the parliamentary dialogue between the EU and Turkey is an important element of the dialogue and de-escalation efforts; deeply deplores the continuous refusal of the Turkish Grand Assembly to reinstate bilateral meetings of the EU-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC); calls for the immediate continuation of these sessions; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Insists that further sanctions can only be avoided through dialogue, sincere cooperation and concrete progress on the ground; calls on the Council to stand ready to develop a list of further restrictive measures in the absence of any significant progress in engaging with Turkey; proposes that such measures should be sectoral and targeted; takes the firm stance that these sanctions should not have an adverse impact on the people of Turkey, on our support to Turkey’s independent civil society, or on the refugees residing within Turkey; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | 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 Parliamentary Assembly and the Secretary General of NATO, the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Turkey, and the EU Member States. |
| --- | --- |

15.

---

(1)  OJ C 224, 27.6.2018, p. 93.

(2)  OJ C 215, 19.6.2018, p. 199.

(3)  OJ C 463, 21.12.2018, p. 56.

(4)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0200.

(5)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0017.

(6)  OJ C 285, 5.8.2016, p. 11.

(7)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0049.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/122 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/122

---

P9_TA(2020)0231

Situation in Belarus

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the situation in Belarus (2020/2779(RSP))

(2021/C 385/12)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Belarus, in particular those of 4 October 2018 on the deterioration of media freedom in Belarus, notably the case of Charter 97 (1), of 19 April 2018 on Belarus (2), of 6 April 2017 on the situation in Belarus (3), of 24 November 2016 on the situation in Belarus (4) and of 8 October 2015 on the death penalty in Belarus (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Belarus, in particular those of 4 October 2018 on the deterioration of media freedom in Belarus, notably the case of Charter 97 (1), of 19 April 2018 on Belarus (2), of 6 April 2017 on the situation in Belarus (3), of 24 November 2016 on the situation in Belarus (4) and of 8 October 2015 on the death penalty in Belarus (5),

| — | having regard to the launch of the Eastern Partnership in Prague on 7 May 2009 as a common endeavour of the EU and its six Eastern European Partners Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the launch of the Eastern Partnership in Prague on 7 May 2009 as a common endeavour of the EU and its six Eastern European Partners Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine,

| — | having regard to the Joint Declarations of the Eastern Partnership Summits of 2009 in Prague, 2011 in Warsaw, 2013 in Vilnius, 2015 in Riga and 2017 in Brussels, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Declarations of the Eastern Partnership Summits of 2009 in Prague, 2011 in Warsaw, 2013 in Vilnius, 2015 in Riga and 2017 in Brussels,

| — | having regard to the presidential elections held in Belarus on 9 August 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the presidential elections held in Belarus on 9 August 2020,

| — | having regard to the declarations by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the European Union on the presidential elections, notably those of 11 August 2020 and 17 August 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the declarations by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the European Union on the presidential elections, notably those of 11 August 2020 and 17 August 2020,

| — | having regard to the statements by the High Representative/Vice-President, in particular those of 7 August 2020 ahead of the presidential elections and of 14 July 2020 on the non-registration of presidential candidates, to the joint statement by the High Representative/Vice-President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada of 26 August 2020 as well as to the joint statement by the High Representative/Vice-President and the Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner of 10 August 2020 on the presidential elections, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statements by the High Representative/Vice-President, in particular those of 7 August 2020 ahead of the presidential elections and of 14 July 2020 on the non-registration of presidential candidates, to the joint statement by the High Representative/Vice-President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada of 26 August 2020 as well as to the joint statement by the High Representative/Vice-President and the Neighbourhood and Enlargement Commissioner of 10 August 2020 on the presidential elections,

| — | having regard to the statement of the President of the European Parliament of 13 August 2020 and that of the leaders of the five political groups of 17 August 2020 on the situation in Belarus following the so-called presidential elections of 9 August 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of the President of the European Parliament of 13 August 2020 and that of the leaders of the five political groups of 17 August 2020 on the situation in Belarus following the so-called presidential elections of 9 August 2020,

| — | having regard to the main outcome of the extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of 14 August 2020 and the conclusions of the President by the European Council on 19 August 2020 on the situation in Belarus following the presidential elections of 9 August 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the main outcome of the extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of 14 August 2020 and the conclusions of the President by the European Council on 19 August 2020 on the situation in Belarus following the presidential elections of 9 August 2020,

| — | having regard to the statements by the VP/HR of 7 September 2020 on arbitrary and unexplained arrests and detentions on political grounds, and of 11 September 2020 on the escalation of violence and intimidation against members of the Coordination Council, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statements by the VP/HR of 7 September 2020 on arbitrary and unexplained arrests and detentions on political grounds, and of 11 September 2020 on the escalation of violence and intimidation against members of the Coordination Council,

| — | having regard to the EU Global Strategy and the revised European Neighbourhood Policy, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Global Strategy and the revised European Neighbourhood Policy,

| — | having regard to the statements by the EEAS Spokesperson, in particular those of 19 June 2020 on recent developments ahead of the presidential elections and of 18 November 2019 on parliamentary elections in Belarus, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statements by the EEAS Spokesperson, in particular those of 19 June 2020 on recent developments ahead of the presidential elections and of 18 November 2019 on parliamentary elections in Belarus,

| — | having regard to the Council decision of 17 February 2020 to prolong the 2004 EU embargo on arms and on equipment that could be used for internal repression regarding Belarus (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council decision of 17 February 2020 to prolong the 2004 EU embargo on arms and on equipment that could be used for internal repression regarding Belarus (6),

| — | having regard to the ODIHR statement of 15 July 2020 on not deploying an election observation mission to Belarus due to the lack of an invitation, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ODIHR statement of 15 July 2020 on not deploying an election observation mission to Belarus due to the lack of an invitation,

| — | having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to all human rights conventions to which Belarus is a party, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to all human rights conventions to which Belarus is a party,

| — | having regard to the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus of 10 July 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus of 10 July 2020,

| — | having regard to the statement of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of 17 July 2020 and to the OSCE ODIHR’s previous reports on elections in Belarus, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of 17 July 2020 and to the OSCE ODIHR’s previous reports on elections in Belarus,

| — | having regard to the statements of the UN Secretary-General of 10 and 14 August 2020 on the post-election developments in Belarus, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statements of the UN Secretary-General of 10 and 14 August 2020 on the post-election developments in Belarus,

| — | having regard to Rule 132(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 132(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas no new political party has been registered in Belarus since 2000, despite repeated attempts; whereas the Belarusian Central Electoral Commission denied registration as candidates in the 2020 presidential elections to regime-critical politicians, who had reportedly collected more than 100 000 signatures, as prescribed by the national legislation, underlining the disproportionate and unreasonable barriers to candidacy, contrary to OSCE commitments and other international standards; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas no new political party has been registered in Belarus since 2000, despite repeated attempts; whereas the Belarusian Central Electoral Commission denied registration as candidates in the 2020 presidential elections to regime-critical politicians, who had reportedly collected more than 100 000 signatures, as prescribed by the national legislation, underlining the disproportionate and unreasonable barriers to candidacy, contrary to OSCE commitments and other international standards;

| B. | whereas the presidential campaign was already marked since early May 2020 by a nationwide crackdown on peaceful protesters, civil society activists, bloggers and journalists, as well as by severe intimidation of political activists, their families and supporters; whereas more than 650 peaceful protesters, journalists and civic activists have been detained across the country for protesting against the regime; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the presidential campaign was already marked since early May 2020 by a nationwide crackdown on peaceful protesters, civil society activists, bloggers and journalists, as well as by severe intimidation of political activists, their families and supporters; whereas more than 650 peaceful protesters, journalists and civic activists have been detained across the country for protesting against the regime;

| C. | whereas the Belarusian electoral processes fell short of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) guidelines that call for respect for fundamental freedoms, equality, universality, political pluralism, confidence, transparency and accountability, despite Belarus being an OSCE participating state; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the Belarusian electoral processes fell short of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) guidelines that call for respect for fundamental freedoms, equality, universality, political pluralism, confidence, transparency and accountability, despite Belarus being an OSCE participating state;

| D. | whereas the electoral process could not be observed by an OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission due to the Belarusian authorities’ deliberate failure to issue a timely invitation; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the electoral process could not be observed by an OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission due to the Belarusian authorities’ deliberate failure to issue a timely invitation;

| E. | whereas systematic irregularities and violations of international electoral standards were reported during polling, including intimidation of voters, denial of their right to vote and falsification of protocols from the precincts on a massive scale; whereas independent domestic observers, including those who monitored early voting in the Belarusian presidential elections, have been detained across the country after documenting numerous violations of electoral law; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas systematic irregularities and violations of international electoral standards were reported during polling, including intimidation of voters, denial of their right to vote and falsification of protocols from the precincts on a massive scale; whereas independent domestic observers, including those who monitored early voting in the Belarusian presidential elections, have been detained across the country after documenting numerous violations of electoral law;

| F. | whereas the Central Election Commission of Belarus announced incumbent President Aliaksandr Lukashenka as the winner of the so-called elections; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the Central Election Commission of Belarus announced incumbent President Aliaksandr Lukashenka as the winner of the so-called elections;

| G. | whereas credible nationwide reports and grassroots social media initiatives demonstrate large-scale electoral fraud in favour of the incumbent Aliaksandr Lukashenka, and many Belarusians consider Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to be the winner; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas credible nationwide reports and grassroots social media initiatives demonstrate large-scale electoral fraud in favour of the incumbent Aliaksandr Lukashenka, and many Belarusians consider Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to be the winner;

| H. | whereas unprecedented peaceful protests expressing a desire for democratic change and respect of fundamental freedoms and human rights started immediately after the announcement of the so-called election results and continue until today, as hundreds of thousands gather on the streets of Belarus with peaks during weekends in Unity Marches, demonstrating the level of discontent and mobilisation of Belarusian society; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas unprecedented peaceful protests expressing a desire for democratic change and respect of fundamental freedoms and human rights started immediately after the announcement of the so-called election results and continue until today, as hundreds of thousands gather on the streets of Belarus with peaks during weekends in Unity Marches, demonstrating the level of discontent and mobilisation of Belarusian society;

| I. | whereas protests have been accompanied by widespread strikes in industrial plants, including major state-owned enterprises in various economic sectors, companies, schools, universities, cities, towns and villages, all over the country; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas protests have been accompanied by widespread strikes in industrial plants, including major state-owned enterprises in various economic sectors, companies, schools, universities, cities, towns and villages, all over the country;

| J. | whereas the European Union and its Member States did not recognise the results of the presidential elections due to substantial doubts about the fairness of the election and widespread reports of falsification; whereas incumbent President Lukashenka’s current term ends on 5 November 2020; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the European Union and its Member States did not recognise the results of the presidential elections due to substantial doubts about the fairness of the election and widespread reports of falsification; whereas incumbent President Lukashenka’s current term ends on 5 November 2020;

| K. | whereas the Belarusian protests are of a scale previously unseen, and are nationwide and intergenerational, with the visible leadership of women; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the Belarusian protests are of a scale previously unseen, and are nationwide and intergenerational, with the visible leadership of women;

| L. | whereas the Belarusian authorities reacted to the legitimate and peaceful protests with disproportionate violence; whereas the response of the security forces to peaceful protests has been very harsh, with frequent use of excessive, unnecessary and indiscriminate force, such as the heavy use of tear gas, batons, flash grenades and water cannons; whereas the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reports that close to 6 700 persons were detained in recent weeks while exercising their right to freedom of peaceful assembly; whereas experts have received reports of at least 450 cases of torture, sexual violence, rape and ill-treatment of people deprived of their liberty, while several people are missing and have been found dead, including Alyaksandr Taraykouski, Konstantin Shishmakov, Alexander Vikhor and Gennady Shutov, since 9 August 2020; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the Belarusian authorities reacted to the legitimate and peaceful protests with disproportionate violence; whereas the response of the security forces to peaceful protests has been very harsh, with frequent use of excessive, unnecessary and indiscriminate force, such as the heavy use of tear gas, batons, flash grenades and water cannons; whereas the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reports that close to 6 700 persons were detained in recent weeks while exercising their right to freedom of peaceful assembly; whereas experts have received reports of at least 450 cases of torture, sexual violence, rape and ill-treatment of people deprived of their liberty, while several people are missing and have been found dead, including Alyaksandr Taraykouski, Konstantin Shishmakov, Alexander Vikhor and Gennady Shutov, since 9 August 2020;

| M. | whereas a Coordination Council was established to provide a temporary institutional partner for a national dialogue process aimed at organising new elections that would be held according to international standards and under ODIHR election observation; whereas several thousand people have since expressed their support to its calls for new elections, and all leading members of the Coordination Council have been harassed, interrogated or arrested (Liliya Ulasava, Maksim Znak, Siarhei Dyleuski, Maria Kalesnikava); whereas ongoing harassment and threats have led leading members of the opposition, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Veranika Tsapkala, Pavel Latushka and Volha Kovalkova to seek refuge in the European Union; whereas another leader, Maria Kalesnikava, was abducted on 7 September 2020 by masked men in an unmarked van in the middle of the day from a street in Minsk; whereas Nobel Prize laureate, Sviatlana Aleksijevic, is the only member of the Presidium of the Coordination Council who remains free in Belarus; whereas serious concerns regarding her safety persist despite the exceptional support she has received from European diplomats; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas a Coordination Council was established to provide a temporary institutional partner for a national dialogue process aimed at organising new elections that would be held according to international standards and under ODIHR election observation; whereas several thousand people have since expressed their support to its calls for new elections, and all leading members of the Coordination Council have been harassed, interrogated or arrested (Liliya Ulasava, Maksim Znak, Siarhei Dyleuski, Maria Kalesnikava); whereas ongoing harassment and threats have led leading members of the opposition, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Veranika Tsapkala, Pavel Latushka and Volha Kovalkova to seek refuge in the European Union; whereas another leader, Maria Kalesnikava, was abducted on 7 September 2020 by masked men in an unmarked van in the middle of the day from a street in Minsk; whereas Nobel Prize laureate, Sviatlana Aleksijevic, is the only member of the Presidium of the Coordination Council who remains free in Belarus; whereas serious concerns regarding her safety persist despite the exceptional support she has received from European diplomats;

| N. | whereas the European Council of 19 August 2020 decided to impose sanctions against a substantial number of individuals responsible for violence, repression and the falsification of the election results in Belarus, prohibiting them from entering the EU and freezing their financial assets in the EU; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the European Council of 19 August 2020 decided to impose sanctions against a substantial number of individuals responsible for violence, repression and the falsification of the election results in Belarus, prohibiting them from entering the EU and freezing their financial assets in the EU;

| O. | whereas the electoral campaign and presidential elections took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of which were consistently denied by the Belarusian political leadership and authorities, leading to journalists, medical staff and ordinary people stepping in to share crucial information about the pandemic and necessary precautionary measures, thereby demonstrating people’s societal engagement and the vitality of the Belarusian civil society; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the electoral campaign and presidential elections took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of which were consistently denied by the Belarusian political leadership and authorities, leading to journalists, medical staff and ordinary people stepping in to share crucial information about the pandemic and necessary precautionary measures, thereby demonstrating people’s societal engagement and the vitality of the Belarusian civil society;

| P. | whereas on 27 August 2020 the President of the Russian Federation stated his support for the Belarusian authorities in their repression of legitimate civic discontent by offering the deployment of special police forces; whereas on 21 August 2020 Mr Lukashenka announced the replacement of striking and resigned journalists working in state media with so-called Russian media specialists; whereas Russia, China, and Turkey were among the first states to congratulate Mr Lukashenka on his fraudulent election victory; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas on 27 August 2020 the President of the Russian Federation stated his support for the Belarusian authorities in their repression of legitimate civic discontent by offering the deployment of special police forces; whereas on 21 August 2020 Mr Lukashenka announced the replacement of striking and resigned journalists working in state media with so-called Russian media specialists; whereas Russia, China, and Turkey were among the first states to congratulate Mr Lukashenka on his fraudulent election victory;

| Q. | whereas the Belarusian authorities continue their violent crackdown on independent Belarusian reporters and citizen journalists and engage in deliberate attempts to hamper objective reporting in order to quell domestic and international concern and condemnation, including through the withdrawal of the press accreditation of more than a dozen international reporters on 29 August 2020; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the Belarusian authorities continue their violent crackdown on independent Belarusian reporters and citizen journalists and engage in deliberate attempts to hamper objective reporting in order to quell domestic and international concern and condemnation, including through the withdrawal of the press accreditation of more than a dozen international reporters on 29 August 2020;

| R. | whereas the human rights situation in Belarus continued to deteriorate during the election campaign and after the elections; whereas the environment for the work of human rights defenders has continuously deteriorated, with human rights defenders being systematically subjected to intimidation, harassment and restrictions to fundamental freedoms; whereas Belarus is the only country in Europe to still carry out capital punishment; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas the human rights situation in Belarus continued to deteriorate during the election campaign and after the elections; whereas the environment for the work of human rights defenders has continuously deteriorated, with human rights defenders being systematically subjected to intimidation, harassment and restrictions to fundamental freedoms; whereas Belarus is the only country in Europe to still carry out capital punishment;

| 1. | Underlines that the European Parliament, in line with the position of the European Council, rejects the results of the so-called presidential elections that took place in Belarus on 9 August 2020, as they were conducted in flagrant violation of all internationally recognised standards; will not recognise Aliaksandr Lukashenka as president of Belarus once his current term of office expires; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the Belarusian authorities for their violent repression of peaceful protests for justice, freedom and democracy in the wake of the fraudulent 9 August 2020 presidential elections; calls for an immediate halt to the violence, for the immediate and unconditional release and dropping of all charges against all persons detained for political reasons, before and after the so-called 9 August 2020 elections, including all persons detained for their participation in protests against the election results or against the violence used by the authorities or for their expressions of support to these protests; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Condemns the ongoing intimidation, persecution and disproportionate use of force towards participants in strikes, members of the Coordination Council and other opposition figures, civil society activists, independent journalists and bloggers; demands the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained before and after the falsified 9 August 2020 elections, including Pavel Sevyarynets, Mikalaj Statkievich, Maria Kalesnikava, Andrei Yahorau, Anton Radniankou and Ivan Krautsou; demands that all prosecutions on political grounds be stopped; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Welcomes the Coordination Council as an interim representation of the people demanding democratic change in Belarus that is open to all political and social stakeholders; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Supports a peaceful and democratic transition of power as a result of an inclusive national dialogue in full respect of the Belarusian people’s democratic and fundamental rights; reiterates, in this respect, the calls by the Belarusian people for the organisation of new, free and fair elections to take place as soon as possible under international supervision, led by the OSCE/ODIHR and in accordance with internationally recognised standards; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Expresses its unequivocal support for the people of Belarus in their legitimate demands and aspirations for free and fair elections, fundamental freedoms and human rights, democratic representation, political participation, dignity and the right to choose their own destiny; acknowledges that the current protest movement in Belarus is based on the general and broad demand for the democratisation of Belarus whose people must enjoy the same fundamental rights of democracy and freedom as all other citizens on the European continent; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Calls on the Commission, the VP/HR and the Council to provide assistance to Belarus’ democratic opposition, including the Coordination Council led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Expresses its appreciation for the important contribution made by the brave women of Belarus, led by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Veranika Tsapkala and Maria Kalesnikava, and their supporters in voicing and representing the legitimate demands of the Belarusian people; notes that many Belarusians consider Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to be the winner of the presidential elections and Belarus’ president-elect; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Demands the immediate release of the arrested members of the Coordination Council, Liliya Ulasava, Maksim Znak, Siarhei Dyleuski and Maria Kalesnikava; insists that any national dialogue must take place with the full and unhampered participation of the Coordination Council; welcomes the protection extended to Sviatlana Aleksijevic by representatives of EU Member States and other like-minded countries; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Deplores in the strongest possible terms the appalling acts of violence against and cruel repression and torture of peaceful protesters and detainees; calls for an independent and effective investigation into the protest-related deaths of Alyaksandr Taraykouski, Alexander Vikhor, Artsyom Parukou, Gennady Shutov and Konstantin Shishmakov; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Calls for a stop to all ill-treatment and torture, for the introduction of a specific definition of torture into Belarus’s Criminal Code in line with international human rights standards, and for legislative changes to criminalise enforced disappearance; |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Insists on the need to ensure citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly, association, expression and opinion, as well as media freedom, and thus lift all restrictions in law and practice that impede these freedoms; strongly condemns the ongoing application of the death penalty and calls for its immediate and permanent abolition and, pending this, an effective right to appeal against death penalty sentences; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Fully supports Belarusian workers and independent trade unions and calls on the Belarusian authorities and employers to respect the fundamental rights of Belarusian workers to strike without risk of dismissal, arrest or other reprisal, in line with ILO Conventions 87 and 98; supports the call by the International Trade Union Confederation addressed to the International Labour Organisation for urgent intervention against the arrests and sentencing of leaders of strike committees and independent trade union activists to protect their freedom of assembly and association; expresses its support for the coordinating role played by the Belarusian Congress of Democratic Trade Unions; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Strongly supports EU sanctions against individuals responsible for the falsification of the election results and the repression in Belarus, including Aliaksandr Lukashenka; calls on the Council to implement without delay, and in close coordination with international partners, broad and effective sanctions against all Belarusian perpetrators of election fraud, violence and repression in Belarus; calls on the Council to follow the example of the Baltic States, which included Lukashenka in their sanctions list, in enlarging the initially proposed group of persons targeted by sanctions to include a substantial number of both high and middle-ranking officials as well as entrepreneurs known for supporting the regime or dismissing their employees for participation in strikes; calls on the VP/HR and the Council to explore the possibility of including Russian citizens who are directly involved in supporting the Lukashenka regime in Belarus; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Strongly welcomes the proposal by the OSCE Chairperson-in-office in coordination with his successor to assist Belarus in organising a dialogue process; insists that the Belarusian authorities accept the offer extended to them by the current and incoming OSCE Chairpersons-in-office; |
| --- | --- |

15.

| 16. | Urges the EEAS and the Commission to prepare a comprehensive review of EU policy towards Belarus, aiming to support the people of Belarus and their democratic aspirations, as well as civil society, human rights defenders, independent unions and independent media; calls for an increase in EU funding to the Belarusian civil society, while freezing any EU fund transfers to the current Belarusian Government and state-controlled projects and stopping EIB, EBRD and other loans to the current regime; urges the EU to organise a donors’ conference for democratic Belarus, bringing together international financial institutions, G-7 countries, EU Member States and institutions, and others willing to pledge a multi-billion Euro financial package to support future reform efforts and the restructuring of the economy; |
| --- | --- |

16.

| 17. | Calls on the EEAS to suspend negotiations on the EU-Belarus Partnership Priorities until free and fair presidential elections have taken place; |
| --- | --- |

17.

| 18. | Urges the government to strengthen the healthcare system and to provide Belarusian citizens with all relevant and life-saving information about the pandemic in a transparent and inclusive manner; emphasises the need to improve the access, availability and quality of healthcare in places of detention, in particular given the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the working conditions of medical staff, given reports of police preventing help for injured protesters and arresting medical workers; |
| --- | --- |

18.

| 19. | Encourages EU Member States to facilitate and accelerate the establishment of a humanitarian corridor and the procedure for obtaining visas for those fleeing Belarus for political reasons or for those who require medical treatment as a result of violence perpetrated against them, and to offer them and their families all necessary support and assistance; calls on the Commission to proceed swiftly with the effective implementation of EU financial assistance to support civil society and victims of repression and to mobilise greater resources for their physical, psychological and material support; |
| --- | --- |

19.

| 20. | Calls on the EU to further enhance people-to-people contacts by supporting Belarusian independent NGOs, CSOs, human rights defenders, media representatives and independent journalists, by creating additional opportunities for young Belarusians to study in the EU and by continuing support for the European Humanities University; asks the Commission to urgently set up a scholarship programme for students and scholars exmatriculated from Belarusian universities for their pro-democratic stance; |
| --- | --- |

20.

| 21. | Underlines the need for a comprehensive investigation into the crimes committed by the regime against the people of Belarus and emphasises its resolve to contribute to such investigations; |
| --- | --- |

21.

| 22. | Condemns the suppression of the media and the internet, as well as the intimidation of journalists and bloggers in order to stop the flow of information on the situation in the country; underscores the right of the people of Belarus to have unhindered access to information; calls on the EU to use the European Endowment for Democracy and other instruments in order to support these outlets and journalists who are subject to repression by the regime; |
| --- | --- |

22.

| 23. | Calls on the Commission, the Member States and the EEAS to provide full support to the efforts of the UN Human Rights Council and the OSCE Moscow Mechanism to ensure documentation and reporting by international organisations of human rights violations and subsequent accountability and justice for victims; |
| --- | --- |

23.

| 24. | Underlines the importance of countering the spread of disinformation in Belarus concerning the EU, its Member States and institutions, as well as disinformation on the situation in Belarus within the EU, as well as other forms of hybrid threats undertaken by third parties; warns the regime against any attempts to use national, religious, ethnic and other minorities as a proxy target, diverting the attention of society from the electoral fraud and the subsequent massive protests and repression; condemns the refusal to allow the return to the country of the head of the Catholic Church of Belarus, Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz; |
| --- | --- |

24.

| 25. | Condemns the hybrid interference of the Russian Federation in Belarus, notably delegating so-called media experts to the Belarusian state media and advisors to the military and law enforcement agencies, and calls on the Government of the Russian Federation to halt any covert or overt interference in the internal processes of Belarus; urges the Russian Federation to respect international law and the sovereignty of Belarus; warns that Aliaksandr Lukashenka has no political or moral mandate to enter into any further contractual relations on behalf of Belarus, including with Russian authorities, which could threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belarus; |
| --- | --- |

25.

| 26. | Underlines the importance of keeping the developments in Belarus a priority for the EU; recalls the need for the EU to be united and persistent in its response to the situation in Belarus; |
| --- | --- |

26.

| 27. | Deplores the fact that Belarus has already loaded nuclear fuel into the first reactor of the Astravyets nuclear power plant and is planning to start producing energy in November 2020, without fully implementing the stress test recommendations, which is even more concerning in these times of high political instability; |
| --- | --- |

27.

| 28. | Calls on the national ice hockey federations of the EU Member States and all other democratic countries to urge the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to withdraw its decision to hold the 2021 World Ice Hockey Championship partially in Belarus until the situation and, in particular, the state of human rights in the country have improved; |
| --- | --- |

28.

| 29. | Reiterates its call on the EU Council to establish a comprehensive, effective and timely EU-wide restrictive measures mechanism (the so-called Magnitsky list) that would allow for the targeting of any individual, state and non-state actors, and other entities responsible for or involved in grave human rights violations and abuses, without any further delay; |
| --- | --- |

29.

| 30. | 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, and the authorities of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation. |
| --- | --- |

30.

---

(1)  OJ C 11, 13.1.2020, p. 18.

(2)  OJ C 390, 18.11.2019, p. 100.

(3)  OJ C 298, 23.8.2018, p. 60.

(4)  OJ C 224, 27.6.2018, p. 135.

(5)  OJ C 349, 17.10.2017, p. 41.

(6)  OJ L 45, 18.2.2020, p. 3.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/128 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/128

---

P9_TA(2020)0232

Situation in Russia, the poisoning of Alexei Navalny

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the situation in Russia: the poisoning of Alexei Navalny (2020/2777(RSP))

(2021/C 385/13)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Russia, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Russia,

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

—

having regard to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,

| — | having regard to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, in particular Chapter 2, and specifically Article 29, which protects freedom of speech, and to the international human rights obligations to which Russia has committed itself as a member of the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the UN, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, in particular Chapter 2, and specifically Article 29, which protects freedom of speech, and to the international human rights obligations to which Russia has committed itself as a member of the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the UN,

| — | having regard to the declaration of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the EU of 3 September 2020 on the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the declaration of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the EU of 3 September 2020 on the poisoning of Alexei Navalny,

| — | having regard to the statements by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) of 24 August and 2 September 2020 on the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statements by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) of 24 August and 2 September 2020 on the poisoning of Alexei Navalny,

| — | having regard to the statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet of 8 September 2020 calling for an independent investigation into the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet of 8 September 2020 calling for an independent investigation into the poisoning of Alexei Navalny,

| — | having regard to the statement by the G7 foreign ministers of 8 September 2020 on the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement by the G7 foreign ministers of 8 September 2020 on the poisoning of Alexei Navalny,

| — | having regard to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (the Chemical Weapons Convention), which prohibits the use, development, production, stockpiling and transfer of chemical weapons, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (the Chemical Weapons Convention), which prohibits the use, development, production, stockpiling and transfer of chemical weapons,

| — | having regard to the unanimous adoption of decisions C-24/DEC.4 and C-24/DEC.5 by the 24th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention of 27 November 2019, adding Novichok organophosphorus nerve agents to Schedule 1 of the Annex on Chemicals to the Convention, and the entry into force of these decisions on 7 June 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the unanimous adoption of decisions C-24/DEC.4 and C-24/DEC.5 by the 24th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention of 27 November 2019, adding Novichok organophosphorus nerve agents to Schedule 1 of the Annex on Chemicals to the Convention, and the entry into force of these decisions on 7 June 2020,

| — | having regard to the statement of the Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin hospital of 24 August 2020 stating that Alexei Navalny was the victim of a poisoning with a chemical nerve agent, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of the Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin hospital of 24 August 2020 stating that Alexei Navalny was the victim of a poisoning with a chemical nerve agent,

| — | having regard to the declaration of the German Federal Government of 2 September 2020 urgently calling on the Russian Government to make a statement on the incident and condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the declaration of the German Federal Government of 2 September 2020 urgently calling on the Russian Government to make a statement on the incident and condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms,

| — | having regard to the statement from the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) of 3 September 2020 on allegations of chemical weapons use against Alexei Navalny, underlining that ‘under the Chemical Weapons Convention, any poisoning of an individual through the use of a nerve agent is considered a use of chemical weapons’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement from the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) of 3 September 2020 on allegations of chemical weapons use against Alexei Navalny, underlining that ‘under the Chemical Weapons Convention, any poisoning of an individual through the use of a nerve agent is considered a use of chemical weapons’,

| — | having regard to Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which provide that no one is to be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and to which the Russian Federation is a party, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which provide that no one is to be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and to which the Russian Federation is a party,

| — | having regard to the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms adopted by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms adopted by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998,

| — | having regard to Rule 132(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 132(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas Alexei Navalny, a leading Russian opposition politician, lawyer, blogger and anti-corruption activist, has uncovered numerous corruption affairs involving business enterprises and Russian politicians, led several public protests all over Russia and become one of the few effective leaders of the Russian opposition; whereas he had been detained, arrested and sentenced previously, in attempts to stop his political and public activities; whereas the European Court of Human Rights has declared a number of those procedures abusive and contrary to the principle of a fair trial; whereas Alexei Navalny had been physically attacked in 2017 by a medical disinfectant which left him almost blind, and by means of an alleged poisoning during his detention in 2019; whereas in neither of these cases were the perpetrators brought to justice; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Alexei Navalny, a leading Russian opposition politician, lawyer, blogger and anti-corruption activist, has uncovered numerous corruption affairs involving business enterprises and Russian politicians, led several public protests all over Russia and become one of the few effective leaders of the Russian opposition; whereas he had been detained, arrested and sentenced previously, in attempts to stop his political and public activities; whereas the European Court of Human Rights has declared a number of those procedures abusive and contrary to the principle of a fair trial; whereas Alexei Navalny had been physically attacked in 2017 by a medical disinfectant which left him almost blind, and by means of an alleged poisoning during his detention in 2019; whereas in neither of these cases were the perpetrators brought to justice;

| B. | whereas Alexei Navalny is reported to have fallen into a coma on 20 August 2020 on board a domestic Russian flight, was transported to a hospital in the Russian city of Omsk and, at the request of his family, has been receiving medical treatment at the Charité hospital in Berlin since 22 August 2020; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas Alexei Navalny is reported to have fallen into a coma on 20 August 2020 on board a domestic Russian flight, was transported to a hospital in the Russian city of Omsk and, at the request of his family, has been receiving medical treatment at the Charité hospital in Berlin since 22 August 2020;

| C. | whereas the attempted assassination of Alexei Navalny took place in the run-up to Russia’s local and regional elections on 13 September 2020, where he and his team had been actively engaged in introducing a ‘smart voting’ strategy to defeat the candidates of the Putin regime; whereas this casts a particularly worrying light on the state of democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights in the country; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the attempted assassination of Alexei Navalny took place in the run-up to Russia’s local and regional elections on 13 September 2020, where he and his team had been actively engaged in introducing a ‘smart voting’ strategy to defeat the candidates of the Putin regime; whereas this casts a particularly worrying light on the state of democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights in the country;

| D. | whereas just before his attempted poisoning, Alexei Navalny was in Novosibirsk and Tomsk, where he was investigating cases of corruption among the local governors; whereas through his anti-corruption activities in the regions, Alexei Navalny increased the awareness of such cases among the local public and as a result increased turn-out in regional elections, mobilising the opposition vote; whereas Alexei Navalny has established a system of 40 regional offices around the country, which scrutinise the local authorities on a permanent basis, but are also subject to intimidation and persecution from the Russian authorities; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas just before his attempted poisoning, Alexei Navalny was in Novosibirsk and Tomsk, where he was investigating cases of corruption among the local governors; whereas through his anti-corruption activities in the regions, Alexei Navalny increased the awareness of such cases among the local public and as a result increased turn-out in regional elections, mobilising the opposition vote; whereas Alexei Navalny has established a system of 40 regional offices around the country, which scrutinise the local authorities on a permanent basis, but are also subject to intimidation and persecution from the Russian authorities;

| E. | whereas Alexei Navalny expressed his strong support for the protesters in Khabarovsk and Belarus and regarded the changes in Belarus as inspiration for the people of Russia; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas Alexei Navalny expressed his strong support for the protesters in Khabarovsk and Belarus and regarded the changes in Belarus as inspiration for the people of Russia;

| F. | whereas political assassinations and poisonings in Russia are systemic instruments of the regime deliberately targeting the opposition; whereas this is further exacerbated by the unwillingness of the authorities to thoroughly investigate the politically motivated or attempted murders of Anna Politkovskaya, Boris Nemtsov, Sergei Protazanov, Vladimir Kara-Murza and others; whereas representatives of the opposition are systematically subjected to verbal attacks, ad hominem campaigns and dehumanisation by the government or pro-government media; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas political assassinations and poisonings in Russia are systemic instruments of the regime deliberately targeting the opposition; whereas this is further exacerbated by the unwillingness of the authorities to thoroughly investigate the politically motivated or attempted murders of Anna Politkovskaya, Boris Nemtsov, Sergei Protazanov, Vladimir Kara-Murza and others; whereas representatives of the opposition are systematically subjected to verbal attacks, ad hominem campaigns and dehumanisation by the government or pro-government media;

| G. | whereas this most recent assassination attempt is just the latest example of very serious backsliding on the protection of human rights and respect for commonly agreed democratic principles and the rule of law in the Russian Federation; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas this most recent assassination attempt is just the latest example of very serious backsliding on the protection of human rights and respect for commonly agreed democratic principles and the rule of law in the Russian Federation;

| H. | whereas the ongoing repression of social dissent is reinforced by the impunity of police and security forces as well as the unwillingness of the courts to prosecute the real perpetrators of those crimes, which not only go unpunished but are even rewarded by the Kremlin; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the ongoing repression of social dissent is reinforced by the impunity of police and security forces as well as the unwillingness of the courts to prosecute the real perpetrators of those crimes, which not only go unpunished but are even rewarded by the Kremlin;

| I. | whereas according to the renowned Russian human rights society Memorial, there are over 300 political and religious prisoners in the Russian Federation; whereas the EU shows solidarity with all dissidents and the Russian people, who, despite the threat to their freedom and their lives and the pressure from the Kremlin and the Russian authorities, continue to fight for freedom, human rights and democracy; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas according to the renowned Russian human rights society Memorial, there are over 300 political and religious prisoners in the Russian Federation; whereas the EU shows solidarity with all dissidents and the Russian people, who, despite the threat to their freedom and their lives and the pressure from the Kremlin and the Russian authorities, continue to fight for freedom, human rights and democracy;

| J. | whereas politically motivated murders and attempted murders by the Russian secret service have a direct impact on EU internal security; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas politically motivated murders and attempted murders by the Russian secret service have a direct impact on EU internal security;

| K. | whereas the Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin hospital has concluded that Alexei Navalny was poisoned with a nerve agent from the Novichok group, which is a military grade of nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation; whereas this finding has been confirmed by a specialised laboratory of the German armed forces and multiple laboratories working independently; whereas the Novichok nerve agent was recently used in March 2018 on the territory of the EU in an attack on the former Russian intelligence operative Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, United Kingdom, which also resulted in the accidental death of Amesbury resident Dawn Sturgess; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin hospital has concluded that Alexei Navalny was poisoned with a nerve agent from the Novichok group, which is a military grade of nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation; whereas this finding has been confirmed by a specialised laboratory of the German armed forces and multiple laboratories working independently; whereas the Novichok nerve agent was recently used in March 2018 on the territory of the EU in an attack on the former Russian intelligence operative Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, United Kingdom, which also resulted in the accidental death of Amesbury resident Dawn Sturgess;

| L. | whereas Russian doctors were the first to treat Alexei Navalny for poisoning and later claimed that there were no traces of poison in his body and tried to prevent him from being transported out of the country, and whereas the Russian authorities deny any connection to the incident; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas Russian doctors were the first to treat Alexei Navalny for poisoning and later claimed that there were no traces of poison in his body and tried to prevent him from being transported out of the country, and whereas the Russian authorities deny any connection to the incident;

| M. | whereas the Novichok nerve agent is an instrument that is developed for and only available to military structures and secret services in Russia; whereas such substances are regulated by Russian law; whereas the Novichok nerve agent is a chemical weapon that can be developed only in state-owned military laboratories and cannot be acquired by private individuals; whereas should that however be the case, it is a breach of Russia’s international legal commitments; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the Novichok nerve agent is an instrument that is developed for and only available to military structures and secret services in Russia; whereas such substances are regulated by Russian law; whereas the Novichok nerve agent is a chemical weapon that can be developed only in state-owned military laboratories and cannot be acquired by private individuals; whereas should that however be the case, it is a breach of Russia’s international legal commitments;

| N. | whereas the Council has called on the Russian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the attempted assassination of Alexei Navalny, has called for a joint international response and has reserved its right to take appropriate actions, including restrictive measures; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the Council has called on the Russian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the attempted assassination of Alexei Navalny, has called for a joint international response and has reserved its right to take appropriate actions, including restrictive measures;

| O. | whereas under the Chemical Weapons Convention, any poisoning of an individual through the use of a nerve agent is considered a use of chemical weapons and whereas the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances constitutes a serious breach of international law and international human rights standards; whereas following the unanimous adoption of two proposals to that effect, including one put forward by the Russian Federation, Novichok was added to the list of controlled substances of the Chemical Weapons Convention and is therefore subject to the most stringent control guidelines under the Convention; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas under the Chemical Weapons Convention, any poisoning of an individual through the use of a nerve agent is considered a use of chemical weapons and whereas the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances constitutes a serious breach of international law and international human rights standards; whereas following the unanimous adoption of two proposals to that effect, including one put forward by the Russian Federation, Novichok was added to the list of controlled substances of the Chemical Weapons Convention and is therefore subject to the most stringent control guidelines under the Convention;

| P. | whereas the rights to freedom of thought and speech, association, and peaceful assembly are enshrined in the constitution of the Russian Federation; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the rights to freedom of thought and speech, association, and peaceful assembly are enshrined in the constitution of the Russian Federation;

| Q. | whereas Russian state-controlled information outlets are attempting to negate the responsibility of the Russian authorities in the attempted assassination of Alexei Navalny by spreading disinformation and diverting the focus from the continuous violations of democracy, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and human rights in the Russian Federation; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas Russian state-controlled information outlets are attempting to negate the responsibility of the Russian authorities in the attempted assassination of Alexei Navalny by spreading disinformation and diverting the focus from the continuous violations of democracy, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and human rights in the Russian Federation;

| R. | whereas the 13 September 2020 regional elections in Russia resulted in a record number of complaints about the falsification of results; whereas in cities where Alexei Navalny was present before his attempted poisoning (Novosibirsk and Tomsk), his smart voting system proved to be effective and helped to defeat Putin’s candidates; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas the 13 September 2020 regional elections in Russia resulted in a record number of complaints about the falsification of results; whereas in cities where Alexei Navalny was present before his attempted poisoning (Novosibirsk and Tomsk), his smart voting system proved to be effective and helped to defeat Putin’s candidates;

| S. | whereas the European Parliament has officially come to the conclusion that Russia can no longer be considered a ‘strategic partner’, also in the light of its antagonistic foreign policy, including military interventions and illegal occupations in third countries; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas the European Parliament has officially come to the conclusion that Russia can no longer be considered a ‘strategic partner’, also in the light of its antagonistic foreign policy, including military interventions and illegal occupations in third countries;

| 1. | Strongly condemns the attempted assassination of Alexei Navalny and expresses its utmost concern about the repeated use of chemical nerve agents against Russian citizens; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Recalls that the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances constitutes a reprehensible crime under international law, in particular under the Chemical Weapons Convention; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Underlines that the attempted assassination of Alexei Navalny was part of a systemic effort to silence him and other dissident voices, and to deter him and those voices from further exposing serious corruption in the regime and deter political opposition in the country in general, in particular with a view to influencing Russia’s local and regional by-elections of 11-13 September 2020; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Reiterates that the case of Alexei Navalny is one element of a wider Russian policy focusing on oppressive internal policies and aggressive actions worldwide, spreading instability and chaos, restabilising its sphere of influence and dominance, and undermining the rules-based international order; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Asks for the immediate launch of an international investigation (with the involvement of the EU, the UN, the Council of Europe, their allies and the OPCW) and emphasises its resolve to contribute to such an investigation; calls on the OPCW to establish a detailed investigation into breaches of Russia’s international commitments in the area of chemical weapons; calls on the Russian authorities to fully cooperate with the OPCW to ensure an impartial international investigation and to hold to account those responsible for the crime committed against Alexei Navalny; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Calls on the Foreign Affairs Council to take an active stance on this matter at its meeting on 21 September 2020; demands that the EU establishes as soon as possible a list of ambitious restrictive measures vis-à-vis Russia and strengthens its existing sanctions against Russia; urges the deployment of such sanctions mechanisms as would allow for the collection and freezing of the European assets of corrupt individuals in accordance with the findings of Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Calls on the Russian authorities to put an end to the harassment, intimidation, violence and repression of their political opponents by ending the prevailing climate of impunity, which has already led to the loss of lives of many journalists, human rights defenders and opposition politicians; underlines the need to ensure that such individuals are able to carry out their legitimate and useful activities without any interference and without fearing for their lives or for those of their family members and friends; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Calls for the EU to continuously demand that Russia repeal or amend all laws incompatible with international standards, including the illegally enacted recent changes to the Russian Constitution and its legal framework for elections and the legislation on foreign agents and undesirable organisations in order to facilitate pluralism and free and fair elections and create a level playing field for opposition candidates; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Expresses its solidarity with the democratic forces in Russia, which are committed to an open and free society, and its support for all individuals and organisations who are the targets of attacks and repression; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Underlines the duty of the Russian Federation, as a member of the UN Security Council, to respect international law and the relevant agreements and conventions, and to comply fully with its international commitments, including cooperation with the OPCW in investigating any breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Urges the Russian Federation to address the questions raised by the international community urgently and to provide immediate, full and complete disclosure of its Novichok programme to the OPCW; |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Stresses that the Russian Federation, as a member of the Council of Europe and the OSCE, has committed to respecting fundamental freedoms, human rights and the rule of law as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Calls on the VP/HR and the European External Action Service to ensure that the cases of all persons prosecuted for political reasons are raised in EU-Russia human rights consultations, when resumed, and to formally request that Russia’s representatives in these consultations respond in every case; calls on the Presidents of the Council and the Commission, and the VP/HR, to continue to follow such cases closely, to raise these issues in different formats and meetings with Russia, and to report back to Parliament on exchanges with the Russian authorities; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Calls on the Member States to coordinate their positions vis-à-vis Russia and to speak with one unified voice in bilateral and multilateral forums with Russian authorities; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Reiterates that it is of the utmost urgency to launch a thorough and strategic reassessment of the EU’s relations with Russia, which would include the following principles:






  (a) | to call on the VP/HR to review EU policy vis-à-vis Russia and the five guiding principles for the EU’s relations with Russia and to develop a new comprehensive strategy, which will be conditional on further developments in the area of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights by the Russian leadership and authorities; |
| --- | --- | --- |

15.

(a)

to call on the VP/HR to review EU policy vis-à-vis Russia and the five guiding principles for the EU’s relations with Russia and to develop a new comprehensive strategy, which will be conditional on further developments in the area of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights by the Russian leadership and authorities;

| (b) | to call on the Member States to continue to isolate Russia in international forums (such as the G7 and other formats) and to critically review the EU’s cooperation with Russia through various foreign policy platforms; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

to call on the Member States to continue to isolate Russia in international forums (such as the G7 and other formats) and to critically review the EU’s cooperation with Russia through various foreign policy platforms;

| (c) | to call on the Council to prioritise the approval of the EU Magnitsky-style human rights sanctions mechanism and its implementation in the near future, which will include a list of individuals and could also include sectoral sanctions aimed at the Russian regime; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

to call on the Council to prioritise the approval of the EU Magnitsky-style human rights sanctions mechanism and its implementation in the near future, which will include a list of individuals and could also include sectoral sanctions aimed at the Russian regime;

| (d) | in the light of the Navalny case reiterates its previous position to halt the Nord Stream 2 project; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

in the light of the Navalny case reiterates its previous position to halt the Nord Stream 2 project;

| (e) | to call on the Council to adopt an EU strategy to support Russian dissidents, non-governmental organisations and civil society organisations, and independent media/reporters, making full use of human rights defender mechanisms, creating additional opportunities for young Russians to study in the EU, and assisting with the launch of a Russian university in exile in one of the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

to call on the Council to adopt an EU strategy to support Russian dissidents, non-governmental organisations and civil society organisations, and independent media/reporters, making full use of human rights defender mechanisms, creating additional opportunities for young Russians to study in the EU, and assisting with the launch of a Russian university in exile in one of the Member States;

| (f) | to call on the Council to immediately start preparations and adopt an EU strategy for future relations with a democratic Russia, including a broad offer of incentives and conditions to strengthen domestic tendencies towards freedom and democracy; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

to call on the Council to immediately start preparations and adopt an EU strategy for future relations with a democratic Russia, including a broad offer of incentives and conditions to strengthen domestic tendencies towards freedom and democracy;

| 16. | 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 Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the President, Government and Parliament of the Russian Federation. |
| --- | --- |

16.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/133 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/133

---

P9_TA(2020)0233

The situation in the Philippines, including the case of Maria Ressa

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the situation in the Philippines, including the case of Maria Ressa (2020/2782(RSP))

(2021/C 385/14)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in the Philippines, in particular those of 15 September 2016 (1), of 16 March 2017 (2) and of 19 April 2018 (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on the situation in the Philippines, in particular those of 15 September 2016 (1), of 16 March 2017 (2) and of 19 April 2018 (3),

| — | having regard to the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the EU (at the time the European Economic Community (EEC)) established on 12 May 1964, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the EU (at the time the European Economic Community (EEC)) established on 12 May 1964,

| — | having regard to the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of the Philippines, of the other part, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of the Philippines, of the other part,

| — | having regard to the status of the Philippines as a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the status of the Philippines as a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),

| — | having regard to the Joint Staff Working Document on the EU Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance (GSP+) assessment of the Philippines covering the period 2018-2019, of 10 February 2020 (SWD(2020)0024), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Staff Working Document on the EU Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance (GSP+) assessment of the Philippines covering the period 2018-2019, of 10 February 2020 (SWD(2020)0024),

| — | having regard to the Statement by the EEAS Spokesperson of 16 June 2020 on the conviction of Maria Ressa and Reynaldo Santos, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Statement by the EEAS Spokesperson of 16 June 2020 on the conviction of Maria Ressa and Reynaldo Santos,

| — | having regard to the EU guidelines on human rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU guidelines on human rights,

| — | having regard to the Resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on 11 July 2019 on the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on 11 July 2019 on the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines,

| — | having regard to the Report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet of 30 June 2020 on the situation of human rights in the Philippines, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet of 30 June 2020 on the situation of human rights in the Philippines,

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

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948,

| — | 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 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court,

| — | having regard to the Philippines Republic Act. no.11479 of 3 July 2020, also known as the Anti-Terrorism Act, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Philippines Republic Act. no.11479 of 3 July 2020, also known as the Anti-Terrorism Act,

| — | having regard to Rules 144(5) and 132(4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 144(5) and 132(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the Philippines and the EU have long-standing diplomatic, economic, cultural and political relations; whereas through ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the European Union and the Philippines have reaffirmed their joint commitment to the principles of good governance, democracy, the rule of law, human rights, the promotion of social and economic development, and to peace and security in the region; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Philippines and the EU have long-standing diplomatic, economic, cultural and political relations; whereas through ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the European Union and the Philippines have reaffirmed their joint commitment to the principles of good governance, democracy, the rule of law, human rights, the promotion of social and economic development, and to peace and security in the region;

| B. | whereas the report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the Philippines of 30 June 2020 found that the killings related to the government’s anti-drug campaign were ‘widespread and systematic,’ and that at least 8 663 people had been killed according to government data; whereas there are estimates of up to triple that number; whereas President Duterte has explicitly encouraged the police to commit extrajudicial executions, and promised them immunity, while police officers involved in such practices have received promotions; whereas President Duterte has vowed to continue his anti-drug campaign until the end of his current presidential term in 2022; whereas a majority of victims are from poor and marginalised communities; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the Philippines of 30 June 2020 found that the killings related to the government’s anti-drug campaign were ‘widespread and systematic,’ and that at least 8 663 people had been killed according to government data; whereas there are estimates of up to triple that number; whereas President Duterte has explicitly encouraged the police to commit extrajudicial executions, and promised them immunity, while police officers involved in such practices have received promotions; whereas President Duterte has vowed to continue his anti-drug campaign until the end of his current presidential term in 2022; whereas a majority of victims are from poor and marginalised communities;

| C. | whereas the space for civil society is shrinking to an increasing extent; whereas human rights defenders, journalists and activists routinely face threats, harassment, intimidation and violence for seeking to expose allegations of extra-judicial killings and other human rights abuses in the country; whereas according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) ‘human rights advocacy is routinely equated with insurgency’; whereas according to the OHCHR, at least 208 human rights defenders, journalists and trade unionists, including 30 women, were killed between January 2015 and December 2019; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the space for civil society is shrinking to an increasing extent; whereas human rights defenders, journalists and activists routinely face threats, harassment, intimidation and violence for seeking to expose allegations of extra-judicial killings and other human rights abuses in the country; whereas according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) ‘human rights advocacy is routinely equated with insurgency’; whereas according to the OHCHR, at least 208 human rights defenders, journalists and trade unionists, including 30 women, were killed between January 2015 and December 2019;

| D. | whereas Maria Ressa, a Filipino journalist and co-founder and CEO of the news website Rappler, has long been targeted for her criticism of the government’s ‘war on drugs’ and for Rappler’s critical reporting on extrajudicial killings; whereas Maria Ressa and Reynaldo Santos Jr, a Rappler researcher, were charged with ‘cyber libel’, convicted on 15 June 2020 by a Manila Regional Trial Court to an undetermined sentence, with the possibility of facing up to six years in prison; whereas Ms Ressa and Rappler are facing at least six other charges; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Maria Ressa, a Filipino journalist and co-founder and CEO of the news website Rappler, has long been targeted for her criticism of the government’s ‘war on drugs’ and for Rappler’s critical reporting on extrajudicial killings; whereas Maria Ressa and Reynaldo Santos Jr, a Rappler researcher, were charged with ‘cyber libel’, convicted on 15 June 2020 by a Manila Regional Trial Court to an undetermined sentence, with the possibility of facing up to six years in prison; whereas Ms Ressa and Rappler are facing at least six other charges;

| E. | whereas in early July 2020, the Philippine Congress voted to deny the renewal of the broadcast franchise of ABS-CBN, the country’s largest TV and radio network; whereas the refusal to renew its broadcasting licence by President Duterte is seen as an act of retaliation for the media’s coverage of the anti-drugs campaign and serious human rights abuses; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas in early July 2020, the Philippine Congress voted to deny the renewal of the broadcast franchise of ABS-CBN, the country’s largest TV and radio network; whereas the refusal to renew its broadcasting licence by President Duterte is seen as an act of retaliation for the media’s coverage of the anti-drugs campaign and serious human rights abuses;

| F. | whereas Senator Leila de Lima, one of the main opponents of President Duterte’s anti-drugs campaign, was removed from her position as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights on 19 September 2016, and has remained in detention awaiting trial since her arrest on 24 February 2017; whereas there are serious concerns that the offences Senator de Lima has been charged with are fabricated and politically motivated; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas Senator Leila de Lima, one of the main opponents of President Duterte’s anti-drugs campaign, was removed from her position as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights on 19 September 2016, and has remained in detention awaiting trial since her arrest on 24 February 2017; whereas there are serious concerns that the offences Senator de Lima has been charged with are fabricated and politically motivated;

| G. | whereas according to Global Witness at least 43 land rights defenders were killed in 2019; whereas most of them were community leaders and active participants in campaigns against mining projects and agribusiness; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas according to Global Witness at least 43 land rights defenders were killed in 2019; whereas most of them were community leaders and active participants in campaigns against mining projects and agribusiness;

| H. | whereas indigenous people in the Philippines account for 10-20 % of the entire population; whereas in 2018 the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples identified the Philippines as a country among those with the highest worldwide incidence of criminalisation and attacks against indigenous human rights defenders; whereas the UN has warned that the militarisation of indigenous territories and restrictions on the freedom of assembly and expression are increasing, and that these developments are closely linked to business interests; whereas the persistent lack of security and economic development on the island of Mindanao, as well as the reported violations of international humanitarian law and the lack of progress in transitional justice and reconciliation, remain serious concerns; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas indigenous people in the Philippines account for 10-20 % of the entire population; whereas in 2018 the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples identified the Philippines as a country among those with the highest worldwide incidence of criminalisation and attacks against indigenous human rights defenders; whereas the UN has warned that the militarisation of indigenous territories and restrictions on the freedom of assembly and expression are increasing, and that these developments are closely linked to business interests; whereas the persistent lack of security and economic development on the island of Mindanao, as well as the reported violations of international humanitarian law and the lack of progress in transitional justice and reconciliation, remain serious concerns;

| I. | whereas Zara Alvarez, a legal worker for the human rights group Karapatan, was shot dead on 17 August 2020; whereas Ms Alvarez had received repeated threats, was subjected to harassment because of her human rights work, and was the 13th member of her organisation killed since mid-2016; whereas Randall ‘Randy’ Echanis, a peace advocate, land rights activist and member of Karapatan, was tortured and killed on 10 August 2020; whereas according to the OHCHR, both Mr Echanis and Ms Alvarez had been repeatedly ‘red-tagged’ (labelled as terrorists or communists), and their names figured on the list of at least 600 people the Philippine Department of Justice asked a court to declare ‘terrorists’ in 2018; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas Zara Alvarez, a legal worker for the human rights group Karapatan, was shot dead on 17 August 2020; whereas Ms Alvarez had received repeated threats, was subjected to harassment because of her human rights work, and was the 13th member of her organisation killed since mid-2016; whereas Randall ‘Randy’ Echanis, a peace advocate, land rights activist and member of Karapatan, was tortured and killed on 10 August 2020; whereas according to the OHCHR, both Mr Echanis and Ms Alvarez had been repeatedly ‘red-tagged’ (labelled as terrorists or communists), and their names figured on the list of at least 600 people the Philippine Department of Justice asked a court to declare ‘terrorists’ in 2018;

| J. | whereas the OHCHR and UN special rapporteurs have raised concerns about what appears to be ‘a pattern of intimidation’ of independent news sources; whereas in 2020 Philippines ranked 136 out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Ranking published annually by Reporters Without Borders; whereas 16 journalists have been assassinated since Mr. Duterte has been in power; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the OHCHR and UN special rapporteurs have raised concerns about what appears to be ‘a pattern of intimidation’ of independent news sources; whereas in 2020 Philippines ranked 136 out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Ranking published annually by Reporters Without Borders; whereas 16 journalists have been assassinated since Mr. Duterte has been in power;

| K. | whereas in March 2018, the Philippines withdrew from the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the ICC started its ‘preliminary examination’ of the complaint filed against Mr Duterte in connection with the high number of killings under the anti-drug campaign; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas in March 2018, the Philippines withdrew from the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the ICC started its ‘preliminary examination’ of the complaint filed against Mr Duterte in connection with the high number of killings under the anti-drug campaign;

| L. | whereas in 2017, the House of Representatives of the Philippines approved a bill to reinstate the death penalty; whereas this bill requires prior approval of the Senate before President Duterte — who is actively campaigning for its reinstatement — can enact it into law; whereas reintroduction of the death penalty would be in clear violation of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the Philippines is party; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas in 2017, the House of Representatives of the Philippines approved a bill to reinstate the death penalty; whereas this bill requires prior approval of the Senate before President Duterte — who is actively campaigning for its reinstatement — can enact it into law; whereas reintroduction of the death penalty would be in clear violation of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which the Philippines is party;

| M. | whereas the Philippines authorities adopted the new Anti-Terrorism Act on 3 July 2020; whereas according to local civil society groups, the law weakens human rights safeguards to an alarming degree, broadens the definition of terrorism, and expands the period of detention without a warrant from 3 to 14 days, thereby blurring important distinctions between criticism, criminality and terrorism, which raises issues of legality and further increases the risks of human rights violations; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the Philippines authorities adopted the new Anti-Terrorism Act on 3 July 2020; whereas according to local civil society groups, the law weakens human rights safeguards to an alarming degree, broadens the definition of terrorism, and expands the period of detention without a warrant from 3 to 14 days, thereby blurring important distinctions between criticism, criminality and terrorism, which raises issues of legality and further increases the risks of human rights violations;

| N. | whereas, President Duterte has repeatedly engaged in sexist and misogynistic speech and behaviour; whereas according to local NGOs, cases of violence and sexual abuse against women, including women human rights defenders, have increased during the Duterte administration; whereas women human rights defenders face degrading and sexually charged comments, rape threats and attacks; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas, President Duterte has repeatedly engaged in sexist and misogynistic speech and behaviour; whereas according to local NGOs, cases of violence and sexual abuse against women, including women human rights defenders, have increased during the Duterte administration; whereas women human rights defenders face degrading and sexually charged comments, rape threats and attacks;

| O. | whereas in the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Report of 2020, the Philippines is included in the top 10 most dangerous countries in the world for workers; whereas the Philippine trade union movement has complained about the repression of workers’ rights, including through ‘red-tagging’, disappearances and killings of labour leaders and trade unionists; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas in the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Report of 2020, the Philippines is included in the top 10 most dangerous countries in the world for workers; whereas the Philippine trade union movement has complained about the repression of workers’ rights, including through ‘red-tagging’, disappearances and killings of labour leaders and trade unionists;

| P. | whereas the LGBTQI community faces continuous harassment; whereas President Duterte has repeatedly referred to political opponents’ sexual orientation as a smear against them, and publicly made statements in May 2019 implying that homosexuality is a disease; whereas in June 2020 the police cracked down on a LGBTQI pride event and reportedly arrested 20 people; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the LGBTQI community faces continuous harassment; whereas President Duterte has repeatedly referred to political opponents’ sexual orientation as a smear against them, and publicly made statements in May 2019 implying that homosexuality is a disease; whereas in June 2020 the police cracked down on a LGBTQI pride event and reportedly arrested 20 people;

| Q. | whereas there are an estimated 60 000 to 100 000 children in the Philippines involved in prostitution rings; whereas an undetermined number of children are forced to work under exploitative labour conditions; whereas UNICEF has expressed serious concern about the lowering of the age of criminal responsibility; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas there are an estimated 60 000 to 100 000 children in the Philippines involved in prostitution rings; whereas an undetermined number of children are forced to work under exploitative labour conditions; whereas UNICEF has expressed serious concern about the lowering of the age of criminal responsibility;

| R. | whereas in 2019 Philippines ranked 113 out of 180 countries in the Corruption Ranking published annually by Transparency International; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas in 2019 Philippines ranked 113 out of 180 countries in the Corruption Ranking published annually by Transparency International;

| S. | whereas since 25 December 2014 the Philippines has enjoyed enhanced trade preferences under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+); whereas this status is dependent upon its ratification and implementation of 27 international conventions on human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, and good governance; whereas in 2019, 25 % of total Philippine exports to the EU (almost EUR 2 billion) received preferential treatment under this scheme; whereas despite noting major backsliding in the country’s human rights record, the EU has so far not triggered the mechanism that could lead to the suspension of these trade benefits; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas since 25 December 2014 the Philippines has enjoyed enhanced trade preferences under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+); whereas this status is dependent upon its ratification and implementation of 27 international conventions on human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, and good governance; whereas in 2019, 25 % of total Philippine exports to the EU (almost EUR 2 billion) received preferential treatment under this scheme; whereas despite noting major backsliding in the country’s human rights record, the EU has so far not triggered the mechanism that could lead to the suspension of these trade benefits;

| 1. | Expresses its deepest concern at the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines under President Duterte; acknowledges the publication of the report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights of June 2020, and calls on the Government of the Philippines to adopt and implement all the recommendations listed therein; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Strongly condemns the thousands of extrajudicial killings and other serious human rights violations related to the so-called ‘war on drugs’; calls on the Government of the Philippines to put an immediate end to all violence targeting suspected drug offenders, and to disband private and state-backed paramilitary groups; insists that the fight against illicit drugs must be pursued in full compliance with due process of law, in accordance with national and international law, and with emphasis on public health; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Condemns all threats, harassment, intimidation, rape and violence against those who seek to expose allegations of extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations in the country, including human rights and environmental activists, trade unionists and journalists; denounces the misuse of the law and judiciary systems as a means of silencing critical voices; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Calls on the authorities of the Philippines to immediately carry out impartial, transparent, independent and meaningful investigations into all extrajudicial killings, including the deaths of Jory Porquia, Randall ‘Randy’ Echanis and Zara Alvarez, as well as into other alleged violations; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Is alarmed about the deteriorating level of press freedom in the Philippines; condemns all threats, harassment, intimidation, unfair prosecutions, and violence against journalists, including the case of Maria Ressa; calls for all politically motivated charges against her and her colleagues to be dropped; recalls that press freedom and freedom of expression are fundamental components of democracy; calls on the Philippine authorities to renew the broadcast licence of the main audio-visual group, ABS-CBN; calls on the EU Delegation and EU Member States’ representations in Manila to closely monitor the cases against Maria Ressa and Reynaldo Santos Jr, and to provide all necessary assistance; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Reiterates its call on the authorities of the Philippines to drop all politically motivated charges against Senator Leila de Lima, to release her while she awaits trial, to allow her to freely exercise her rights and duties as an elected representative, and to provide her with adequate security and sanitary conditions while in detention; calls on the EU to continue closely monitoring her case; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Recalls its strong support for all human rights and environmental defenders in the Philippines and their work; calls on the EU delegation and Member States’ representations in the country to strengthen their support for civil society in their engagement with Philippine authorities, and to use all available instruments to increase their support for human rights and environmental defenders’ work, and, where appropriate, to facilitate the issuing of emergency visas, and provide temporary shelter in the EU Member States; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Urges the Philippine authorities to recognise that human rights defenders play a legitimate role in guaranteeing peace, justice and democracy; invites the Philippine authorities to guarantee, in all circumstances, the physical and psychological integrity of all human rights defenders and journalists in the country, and to ensure that they can carry out their work in an enabling environment and without fear of reprisals; welcomes the unanimous adoption by the Philippines House of Representatives of the Human Rights Defender Protection Law, and calls on the Senate and the President to urgently enact it; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Expresses serious concern at the recent adoption of the Anti-Terrorism Act, and recalls that in no circumstance can advocacy, protest, dissent, strikes and other similar exercise of civil and political rights be considered terrorist acts; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Urges the EU and its Member States to support the adoption of a resolution at the ongoing 45th session of the UN Human Rights Council to establish an independent international investigation into human rights violations committed in the Philippines since 2016; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Deeply regrets the decision of the Government of the Philippines to withdraw from the Rome Statute; calls on the Government to reverse this decision; encourages the ICC to continue its inquiry into the allegations of crimes against humanity in the context of the killings during the ‘war on drugs’; calls on the Government of the Philippines to cooperate fully with the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC in its preliminary examination of the situation in the Philippines; |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Calls again on the authorities of the Philippines to immediately halt ongoing procedures to reinstate the death penalty; recalls that the EU considers capital punishment to be a cruel and inhuman punishment which fails to act as a deterrent to criminal behaviour; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Urges the Philippines to respect its obligations under international law to protect the human rights of indigenous peoples, including in the context of armed conflict; calls on the Government to uphold their rights, empower them, and adopt effective policy to improve their living conditions; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Condemns all forms of violence against women, and recalls that such violence constitutes a serious violation of the human rights and dignity of women and girls; strongly condemns President Duterte’s repeated misogynist statements; calls on the President to treat women with respect, and to refrain from inciting violence against women; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Condemns all forms of violence against LGBTQI people, and recalls that such violence constitutes a serious violation of the human rights and dignity of a person; strongly condemns President Duterte’s demeaning and sexist statements about people who identify as belonging to the LGBTQI community; |
| --- | --- |

15.

| 16. | Is alarmed about increasing levels of corruption under the current Philippine administration; calls on the Philippine authorities to step up efforts to tackle corruption effectively; underscores the importance of respecting fundamental principles of democracy and rule of law in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

16.

| 17. | Recalls that measures adopted by governments in response to the pandemic should protect and not undermine the human rights of citizens; stresses that these measures should be necessary, proportionate and non-discriminatory, should comply with international human rights obligations and national laws, and should be kept in place only as long as they are strictly required, and not be used as a pretext to limit democratic and civic space, fundamental freedoms, and the respect of the rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

17.

| 18. | Is appalled by the practice of trafficking, military recruitment and involvement of children in conflicts in the country, and urges the Philippine Government to stop such practices; encourages the Government to increase its efforts to protect all children from abuse, and to uphold their rights, including the right to education of indigenous children; strongly opposes any proposal to further lower the age of criminal responsibility; |
| --- | --- |

18.

| 19. | Denounces the threats, intimidation and personal attacks directed against UN Special Procedure mandate holders; urges the authorities of the Philippines to cooperate with the OHCHR and all UN human rights mechanisms, including by facilitating country visits and refraining from acts of intimidation or retaliation against them; |
| --- | --- |

19.

| 20. | Given the seriousness of the human rights violations in the country, calls on the European Commission, in the absence of any substantial improvement and willingness to cooperate on the part of the Philippine authorities, to immediately initiate the procedure which could lead to the temporary withdrawal of GSP+ preferences; |
| --- | --- |

20.

| 21. | Calls on the Philippine authorities to support the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), and to ensure effective human rights due diligence processes for investment, development and business projects, especially with regard to large scale agribusiness acquisitions, extractive industries, infrastructure projects and cooperation involving the security sector; calls on companies based in or operating within the EU to strictly comply with the UNGPs and both international and national human rights law, as well as to conduct a meticulous and comprehensive due diligence process in relation to all their business operations and relationships within the country; |
| --- | --- |

21.

| 22. | Calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to closely monitor the situation in the Philippines, and to regularly report to the European Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

22.

| 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 governments of the Member States, the President, the Government and Congress of the Philippines, the governments of the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). |
| --- | --- |

23.

---

(1)  OJ C 204, 13.6.2018, p. 123.

(2)  OJ C 263, 25.7.2018, p. 113.

(3)  OJ C 390, 18.11.2019, p. 104.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/138 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/138

---

P9_TA(2020)0234

The case of Dr Denis Mukwege in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the case of Dr Denis Mukwege in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2020/2783(RSP))

(2021/C 385/15)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), notably that of 18 January 2018 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), notably that of 18 January 2018 (1),

| — | having regard to the declaration of 20 May 2020 by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative (VP/HR) on behalf of the EU on the security situation in Ituri, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the declaration of 20 May 2020 by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative (VP/HR) on behalf of the EU on the security situation in Ituri,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 9 December 2019 on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 9 December 2019 on the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

| — | having regard to UN Security Council resolutions, notably Resolution 2528 of 25 June 2020 on the situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Resolution 2463 of 29 March 2019 on the extension of the of the mandate of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO); |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to UN Security Council resolutions, notably Resolution 2528 of 25 June 2020 on the situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Resolution 2463 of 29 March 2019 on the extension of the of the mandate of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO);

| — | having regard to the measures laid down in UN Security Council Resolution 2528, which renewed until July 2021 a series of sanctions such as an arms embargo on armed groups in the DRC, a travel ban on individuals and an asset freeze on individuals and entities designated by the Sanctions Committee, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the measures laid down in UN Security Council Resolution 2528, which renewed until July 2021 a series of sanctions such as an arms embargo on armed groups in the DRC, a travel ban on individuals and an asset freeze on individuals and entities designated by the Sanctions Committee,

| — | having regard to the UN Report of August 2010 of the Mapping Exercise documenting the most serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed within the territory of the DRC between March 1993 and June 2003, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Report of August 2010 of the Mapping Exercise documenting the most serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed within the territory of the DRC between March 1993 and June 2003,

| — | having regard to the award of the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Dr Denis Mukwege in 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the award of the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Dr Denis Mukwege in 2014,

| — | having regard to the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Dr Denis Mukwege in 2018, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Dr Denis Mukwege in 2018,

| — | having regard to the statement made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, of 28 August 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, of 28 August 2020,

| — | having regard to the joint statement of VP/HR Josep Borrell and UN Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten of 18 June 2020 on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflicts, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint statement of VP/HR Josep Borrell and UN Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten of 18 June 2020 on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflicts,

| — | having regard to the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 laying down supply chain due diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 laying down supply chain due diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum and tungsten, their ores, and gold originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas (2),

| — | having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the Members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part (the Cotonou Agreement), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the Members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part (the Cotonou Agreement),

| — | having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which was adopted on 27 June 1981 and entered into force on 21 October 1986, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which was adopted on 27 June 1981 and entered into force on 21 October 1986,

| — | having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which was adopted unanimously on 31 October 2000, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which was adopted unanimously on 31 October 2000,

| — | having regard to the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo, adopted on 18 February 2006, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo, adopted on 18 February 2006,

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

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

| — | having regard to the Charter of the United Nations, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of the United Nations,

| — | having regard to Rule 144(5) and 132(4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 144(5) and 132(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the DRC continues to suffer violence, attacks, killings and widespread human rights violations perpetrated by domestic and foreign armed groups, notably in the east of the country; whereas these attacks have been multiplying in recent weeks, in particular on the border between Ituri and North Kivu; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the DRC continues to suffer violence, attacks, killings and widespread human rights violations perpetrated by domestic and foreign armed groups, notably in the east of the country; whereas these attacks have been multiplying in recent weeks, in particular on the border between Ituri and North Kivu;

| B. | whereas Dr Denis Mukwege, renown DRC gynaecologist, has dedicated most of his life to putting an end to the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict; whereas in 1999, Dr Mukwege founded the Panzi hospital in Bukavu to treat victims of sexual and gender-based violence in eastern DRC; whereas nearly 55 000 survivors have been treated in the Panzi hospital from the date it was founded up until August 2018; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas Dr Denis Mukwege, renown DRC gynaecologist, has dedicated most of his life to putting an end to the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict; whereas in 1999, Dr Mukwege founded the Panzi hospital in Bukavu to treat victims of sexual and gender-based violence in eastern DRC; whereas nearly 55 000 survivors have been treated in the Panzi hospital from the date it was founded up until August 2018;

| C. | whereas Dr Mukwege has long been outspoken in the defence of human rights, on the need for accountability, and on the implementation of recommendations of the UN human rights report mapping abuses in the region between 1993 and 2003; whereas Dr Mukwege narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in October 2012, when gunmen in civilian clothes attacked his home in Bukavu, during which his bodyguard lost his life; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas Dr Mukwege has long been outspoken in the defence of human rights, on the need for accountability, and on the implementation of recommendations of the UN human rights report mapping abuses in the region between 1993 and 2003; whereas Dr Mukwege narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in October 2012, when gunmen in civilian clothes attacked his home in Bukavu, during which his bodyguard lost his life;

| D. | whereas Dr Mukwege has received serious and sustained threats, including death threats against himself, his family and the medical staff in the Panzi hospital; whereas the number of these threats have been increasing in recent months in response to Dr Mukwege’s repeated calls in July 2020 to bring an end to impunity for perpetrators of sexual crimes and massacres in Kipupu, Sange and in Ituri province; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Dr Mukwege has received serious and sustained threats, including death threats against himself, his family and the medical staff in the Panzi hospital; whereas the number of these threats have been increasing in recent months in response to Dr Mukwege’s repeated calls in July 2020 to bring an end to impunity for perpetrators of sexual crimes and massacres in Kipupu, Sange and in Ituri province;

| E. | whereas Dr Mukwege was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 and the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2014 for dedicating his life to providing care for victims of sexual violence in the DRC; whereas as a Sakharov laureate, Dr Mukwege is entitled to the European Parliament’s full support; whereas Dr Mukwege has become a prominent public figure and an international symbol through his achievements and international recognitions, and warrants special protection against threats; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas Dr Mukwege was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 and the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2014 for dedicating his life to providing care for victims of sexual violence in the DRC; whereas as a Sakharov laureate, Dr Mukwege is entitled to the European Parliament’s full support; whereas Dr Mukwege has become a prominent public figure and an international symbol through his achievements and international recognitions, and warrants special protection against threats;

| F. | whereas in August 2020, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Tshisekedi, condemned the death threats and pledged to take measures to ensure the safety of Dr Mukwege; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas in August 2020, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Félix Tshisekedi, condemned the death threats and pledged to take measures to ensure the safety of Dr Mukwege;

| G. | whereas security protection for Dr Mukwege and the Panzi hospital has been provided by the UN through MONUSCO; whereas this protection was withdrawn in May 2020 but was reinstated on 9 September 2020 following international outcry concerning Dr Mukwege’s safety, which included calls from the European Parliament; whereas Dr Mukwege’s long-term protection remains unclear and must be ensured; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas security protection for Dr Mukwege and the Panzi hospital has been provided by the UN through MONUSCO; whereas this protection was withdrawn in May 2020 but was reinstated on 9 September 2020 following international outcry concerning Dr Mukwege’s safety, which included calls from the European Parliament; whereas Dr Mukwege’s long-term protection remains unclear and must be ensured;

| H. | whereas protesters have taken to the streets of Kinshasa, the DRC capital, to express support for Dr Denis Mukwege, calling for his protection; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas protesters have taken to the streets of Kinshasa, the DRC capital, to express support for Dr Denis Mukwege, calling for his protection;

| I. | whereas on 12 March 2017, armed men executed two UN investigators — Zaida Catalán, a Swede, and Michael Sharp, an American — while they were documenting human rights abuses in the central Kasai region of the DRC; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas on 12 March 2017, armed men executed two UN investigators — Zaida Catalán, a Swede, and Michael Sharp, an American — while they were documenting human rights abuses in the central Kasai region of the DRC;

| J. | whereas on 22 July 2020, several human rights defenders and members of citizens’ movement Lutte pour le Changement (LUCHA) were arbitrarily arrested in Kalehe (South Kivu) for denouncing the theft of the public street lighting that had been installed to improve safety; whereas human rights defender and LUCHA member Lucien Byamungu Munganga was arbitrarily arrested in Kalehe while he was peacefully protesting for their release, and is currently in detention at Kalehe central prison; whereas concern has been expressed for human rights defender Josué Aruna — Bukavu-based provincial president of Société Civile Environnementale et Agro-Rurale du Congo; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas on 22 July 2020, several human rights defenders and members of citizens’ movement Lutte pour le Changement (LUCHA) were arbitrarily arrested in Kalehe (South Kivu) for denouncing the theft of the public street lighting that had been installed to improve safety; whereas human rights defender and LUCHA member Lucien Byamungu Munganga was arbitrarily arrested in Kalehe while he was peacefully protesting for their release, and is currently in detention at Kalehe central prison; whereas concern has been expressed for human rights defender Josué Aruna — Bukavu-based provincial president of Société Civile Environnementale et Agro-Rurale du Congo;

| K. | whereas the DRC has been a signatory of the Maputo Protocol since March 2018; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the DRC has been a signatory of the Maputo Protocol since March 2018;

| L. | whereas on 3 September 2020, 20 DRC soldiers and police officers received prison sentences of between 5 and 20 years for rape in the east of the DRC; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas on 3 September 2020, 20 DRC soldiers and police officers received prison sentences of between 5 and 20 years for rape in the east of the DRC;

| M. | whereas the European Parliament on 12 August 2020, the VP/HR on 20 August 2020, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 28 August 2020, as well as a number of national and international institutions and organisations on a number of other occasions publicly called on the DRC authorities to undertake criminal investigations concerning the ongoing threats targeting Dr Mukwege and to reinstate UN peacekeepers protection; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the European Parliament on 12 August 2020, the VP/HR on 20 August 2020, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 28 August 2020, as well as a number of national and international institutions and organisations on a number of other occasions publicly called on the DRC authorities to undertake criminal investigations concerning the ongoing threats targeting Dr Mukwege and to reinstate UN peacekeepers protection;

| N. | whereas the United Nations expressed its commitment to continue training DRC counterparts in order to enable a stable and long-term security solution; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the United Nations expressed its commitment to continue training DRC counterparts in order to enable a stable and long-term security solution;

| 1. | Is deeply concerned by the grave danger experienced by Dr Mukwege; condemns the threats to his life and the threats against his family and staff; expresses its full solidarity with and support for Dr Mukwege; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Commends Dr Mukwege for his courage and his life-long commitment to fighting the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict; stresses the importance of Dr Mukwege’s public stance, which he has maintained for several decades, on denouncing human rights violations and abuses committed in the DRC; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Welcomes the decision by the UN to reinstate MONUSCO security protection for Dr Mukwege; reiterates that his personal protection is paramount and urgent; urges the UN to ensure his stable and sustained protection, particularly in the light of the serious threats made to his life; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Urges the DRC Government undertake without delay a comprehensive investigation into the threats made through social media, phone calls and direct messages targeting not only Dr Mukwege, but also his family and the Panzi Hospital staff, as promised by President Félix Tshisekedi; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Stresses that the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is not just an award, it is a commitment made by the Members of the European Parliament to promote human rights together with the Sakharov Prize laureates and to make every effort to ensure that the laureate may freely and safely continue to act in defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Welcomes Dr Mukwege’s outspoken commitment to the work undertaken in the 2010 UN report of the mapping exercise; condemns the lack of progress made by the international community in implementing its recommendations; calls on the DRC authorities to reinforce efforts to prevent further human rights violations in the eastern DRC, and to take steps to establish mechanisms that will ensure victims of future conflicts their rights to justice and reparation; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Supports, therefore, the proposals for setting up specialised mixed chambers in DRC courts to allow the DRC judiciary and the international community to cooperate and prosecute human rights abuses; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Urges the DRC Government to review the work of its previous Truth and Reconciliation Commission; fully supports the request that President Tshisekedi’s made to his government to set up a transitional justice mechanism that would judge the most serious crimes and strongly hopes for the timely adoption of the two draft decrees by the Council of Ministers, which have been under consideration for several months; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Calls on the member states of the UN Security Council to call for the establishment of an international criminal tribunal that would take forward the documented cases of human rights abuses dating back prior to 2002; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Strongly condemns the arbitrary arrests of Lucien Byamungu Munganga and fellow LUCHA members and calls for their unconditional and immediate release; underlines the importance of protecting human rights defenders, such as Josué Aruna; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Considers it a positive step forward that, on 3 September 2020, soldiers guilty of rape in the eastern part of the DRC were convicted; considers it necessary to step up the fight against the impunity of militias and armed forces in the country in order to ensure peace and security for the populations concerned; |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Praises all human rights defenders in the DRC, who still carry out their work in spite of the challenges they are faced with, and welcomes the open condemnation of the events by several national and international organisations; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Calls on the VP/HR, the EU delegation to and EU missions in the DRC to increase their visible support to human rights defenders at risk in the DRC, using all available tools (i.e. political, diplomatic and financial) as a protective measure to provide recognition to their human rights work and acknowledge their important role as human rights defenders in fighting for stability and peace in the region; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Calls on the EU to maintain sanctions against perpetrators of violence and human rights abuses in the DRC and calls for the extension of these sanctions to the perpetrators cited in the UN report of the mapping exercise; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Condemns the use of sexual violence against women in conflicts and calls on the international community to accelerate its efforts to eliminate the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflicts and wars, to protect victims, to put an end impunity for the perpetrators, and to guarantee access to justice, reparations and redress for survivors; |
| --- | --- |

15.

| 16. | Welcomes the progress made through the ratification of the Maputo Protocol for women’s rights; underlines the importance of the implementation of this Protocol; |
| --- | --- |

16.

| 17. | Recalls that the violence in eastern DRC is perpetuated by armed domestic and foreign rebel groups, which are financed by and vying for access to the mineral trade; emphasises that any business, individual or state or state-related actor contributing to the perpetration of such crimes must be brought to justice; welcomes the scheduled entry into force of the Conflict Minerals Regulation in the EU in January 2021, which is the first of many steps needed by the international community to address this deep-rooted problem; stresses the urgent need for further action on mandatory due diligence and responsible business conduct by businesses operating in conflict zones; |
| --- | --- |

17.

| 18. | Strongly urges cross-border cooperation in the African Great Lakes region and the establishment of a regional strategy by neighbouring countries to address the violence and human rights abuses in the DRC; |
| --- | --- |

18.

| 19. | Deplores the sine die postponement of the Goma mini-summit, which was initially scheduled for 13 September 2020, following the invitation from the DRC, in an effort to convene the five Heads of State of the African Great Lakes region to discuss ways to bring peace to the region; strongly hopes that this summit can be rescheduled at the earliest opportunity and can lead to the easing of tensions between bordering countries; |
| --- | --- |

19.

| 20. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, the ACP-EU Council of Ministers and Joint Parliamentary Assembly, the Norwegian Nobel Committee, the President, Prime Minister and Parliament of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the African Union and its institutions. |
| --- | --- |

20.

---

(1)  OJ C 458, 19.12.2018, p. 52.

(2)  OJ L 130, 19.5.2017, p. 1.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/142 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/142

---

P9_TA(2020)0235

The humanitarian situation in Mozambique

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the humanitarian situation in Mozambique (2020/2784(RSP))

(2021/C 385/16)

The European Parliament,

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

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948,

| — | having regard to the international conventions and protocols against terrorism, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the international conventions and protocols against terrorism,

| — | 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 UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

| — | having regard to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Mozambique Situation Report of 10 September 2020 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Mozambique Situation Report of 10 September 2020 (1),

| — | having regard to the OCHA Mozambique Situation Report of 29 June 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the OCHA Mozambique Situation Report of 29 June 2020,

| — | having regard to the opinion on Mozambique adopted at the 87th session of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) on 1 May 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion on Mozambique adopted at the 87th session of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) on 1 May 2020,

| — | having regard to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reports on Mozambique, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reports on Mozambique,

| — | having regard to the report of the UN Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of 12 April 2016, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the UN Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of 12 April 2016,

| — | having regard to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1984, and to the Optional Protocol thereto, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 18 December 2002, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1984, and to the Optional Protocol thereto, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 18 December 2002,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions on Mozambique of 22 April 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions on Mozambique of 22 April 2020,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 9 March 2020 entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa’ (JOIN(2020)0004), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 9 March 2020 entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa’ (JOIN(2020)0004),

| — | having regard to the EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2019: Mozambique, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2019: Mozambique,

| — | having regard to the EU’s National Indicative Programme Mozambique and the 11th European Development Fund 2014-2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU’s National Indicative Programme Mozambique and the 11th European Development Fund 2014-2020,

| — | having regard to the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Mozambique Final Report on the General and Provincial Assembly Elections of 15 October 2019, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Mozambique Final Report on the General and Provincial Assembly Elections of 15 October 2019,

| — | having regard to the Cotonou Agreement, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Cotonou Agreement,

| — | having regard to the 28th Political Dialogue between the EU and Mozambique of 5 June 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 28th Political Dialogue between the EU and Mozambique of 5 June 2020,

| — | having regard to the Economic Partnership Agreement between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the EU, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Economic Partnership Agreement between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the EU,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Mozambique and the SADC region, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Mozambique and the SADC region,

| — | having regard to the statement of 29 June 2020 by the Co-President of ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of 29 June 2020 by the Co-President of ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly,

| — | having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,

| — | having regard to the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance,

| — | having regard to the Organization of African Unity Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Organization of African Unity Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism,

| — | having regard to the founding principles of the SADC, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the founding principles of the SADC,

| — | having regard to the SADC conclusions of 17 August 2020 on Mozambique, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the SADC conclusions of 17 August 2020 on Mozambique,

| — | having regard to the Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement of 2019, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement of 2019,

| — | having regard to Rules 144(5) and 132(4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 144(5) and 132(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas since October 2017 the so-called Al-Shabaab terrorist group, allegedly affiliated with the armed group calling itself Islamic State of Central Africa Province, has launched over 500 violent attacks in the northern Cabo Delgado province, terrorising the local population, claiming over 1 500 lives and leading to the displacement of over 250 000 people and over 700 000 people requiring assistance; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas since October 2017 the so-called Al-Shabaab terrorist group, allegedly affiliated with the armed group calling itself Islamic State of Central Africa Province, has launched over 500 violent attacks in the northern Cabo Delgado province, terrorising the local population, claiming over 1 500 lives and leading to the displacement of over 250 000 people and over 700 000 people requiring assistance;

| B. | whereas the terrorist attacks have become more and more violent, and numerous villages have been attacked, with over 1 000 homes burned or destroyed; whereas there have been reports that militants have begun kidnapping women and girls; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the terrorist attacks have become more and more violent, and numerous villages have been attacked, with over 1 000 homes burned or destroyed; whereas there have been reports that militants have begun kidnapping women and girls;

| C. | whereas in August jihadist groups captured the strategic port city of Mocimboa da Praia, which is a crucial port for the facilitation of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exploitation; whereas Al-Shabaab’s continued hold on the city suggests that the terrorist group is becoming stronger and more sophisticated; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas in August jihadist groups captured the strategic port city of Mocimboa da Praia, which is a crucial port for the facilitation of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exploitation; whereas Al-Shabaab’s continued hold on the city suggests that the terrorist group is becoming stronger and more sophisticated;

| D. | whereas the Islamist insurgents are increasingly resorting to the illegal drug trade as a source of financing; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the Islamist insurgents are increasingly resorting to the illegal drug trade as a source of financing;

| E. | whereas Mozambique has no history of Islamist militancy; whereas about 30 per cent of Mozambique’s 31 million people are Roman Catholics, while 18 per cent are Muslim and only two provinces — Cabo Delgado and Niassa — have a Muslim majority; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas Mozambique has no history of Islamist militancy; whereas about 30 per cent of Mozambique’s 31 million people are Roman Catholics, while 18 per cent are Muslim and only two provinces — Cabo Delgado and Niassa — have a Muslim majority;

| F. | whereas the military actions by the Mozambican authorities have not been able to stop the attacks and allow this humanitarian emergency, which has been deteriorating at an alarming rate, to be tackled; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the military actions by the Mozambican authorities have not been able to stop the attacks and allow this humanitarian emergency, which has been deteriorating at an alarming rate, to be tackled;

| G. | whereas Mozambican government security forces have responded with disproportionate violence, at times in contravention of international human rights commitments; whereas the Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi had admitted to ‘involuntary violations’ of human rights by the authorities in Cabo Delgado; whereas incidents of crackdowns on freedom of expression, as well as harassment of journalists, have been reported; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas Mozambican government security forces have responded with disproportionate violence, at times in contravention of international human rights commitments; whereas the Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi had admitted to ‘involuntary violations’ of human rights by the authorities in Cabo Delgado; whereas incidents of crackdowns on freedom of expression, as well as harassment of journalists, have been reported;

| H. | whereas the Mozambican army is ill-equipped to deal with the surge in terrorism in the region; whereas legitimate fears persist that the insurgency will spread to neighbouring countries and destabilise the region; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the Mozambican army is ill-equipped to deal with the surge in terrorism in the region; whereas legitimate fears persist that the insurgency will spread to neighbouring countries and destabilise the region;

| I. | whereas more than half of the people affected by violence in Cabo Delgado are children; whereas there have been complaints regarding the recruitment of children into armed groups, kidnappings and sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls; whereas the population is often taken hostage in the fighting between armed groups and state military forces; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas more than half of the people affected by violence in Cabo Delgado are children; whereas there have been complaints regarding the recruitment of children into armed groups, kidnappings and sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls; whereas the population is often taken hostage in the fighting between armed groups and state military forces;

| J. | whereas Mozambique has an obligation to uphold fundamental human rights standards through the international conventions which it has ratified, particularly in its detention facilities; whereas the barbaric actions attributed to Al-Shabaab should not be met by further violations of human rights by the security forces of Mozambique; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas Mozambique has an obligation to uphold fundamental human rights standards through the international conventions which it has ratified, particularly in its detention facilities; whereas the barbaric actions attributed to Al-Shabaab should not be met by further violations of human rights by the security forces of Mozambique;

| K. | whereas the Agency for the Integrated Development of the North, ADIN (Agencia de desenvolvimento integrado do norte), was launched in March 2020 with the specific aim of addressing the north’s socio-economic shortcomings; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the Agency for the Integrated Development of the North, ADIN (Agencia de desenvolvimento integrado do norte), was launched in March 2020 with the specific aim of addressing the north’s socio-economic shortcomings;

| L. | whereas in August 2019 a Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement was signed with the aim of bringing peace to the country, ending violence, achieving democratic inclusion and improving the human and civil rights situation; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas in August 2019 a Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement was signed with the aim of bringing peace to the country, ending violence, achieving democratic inclusion and improving the human and civil rights situation;

| M. | whereas Mozambique remains in a very fragile situation and is struggling to cope with numerous security, economic and social challenges; whereas Mozambique is among the poorest and least developed countries, ranking 180th out of 189 on the Human Development Index, with the average life expectancy at birth standing at only 58 years; whereas more than 10 million Mozambicans live in extreme poverty and food insecurity; whereas this situation particularly affects women and vulnerable groups, who experience the greatest difficulties; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas Mozambique remains in a very fragile situation and is struggling to cope with numerous security, economic and social challenges; whereas Mozambique is among the poorest and least developed countries, ranking 180th out of 189 on the Human Development Index, with the average life expectancy at birth standing at only 58 years; whereas more than 10 million Mozambicans live in extreme poverty and food insecurity; whereas this situation particularly affects women and vulnerable groups, who experience the greatest difficulties;

| N. | whereas COVID-19 has further exposed the fragilities of the regional economy, which, in the absence of adequate social protection, has left millions of people employed in the informal economy and those who have lost their jobs facing hunger and destitution, and exposed to vulnerabilities, including in some cases basic human rights abuses; whereas Mozambique has registered a total of over 4 500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the 11 provinces of the country and 27 deaths, as of 9 September 2020; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas COVID-19 has further exposed the fragilities of the regional economy, which, in the absence of adequate social protection, has left millions of people employed in the informal economy and those who have lost their jobs facing hunger and destitution, and exposed to vulnerabilities, including in some cases basic human rights abuses; whereas Mozambique has registered a total of over 4 500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the 11 provinces of the country and 27 deaths, as of 9 September 2020;

| O. | whereas Mozambique has experienced devastating climate-related natural disasters in recent years, including two major cyclones in 2019, which have compounded already high poverty levels and insecurity; whereas such disasters have led to widespread food insecurity and chronic malnutrition in parts of the country, with over 43 per cent of children under the age of five stunted; whereas a total of 7,9 million people are estimated to be in need of urgent humanitarian assistance in 2020; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas Mozambique has experienced devastating climate-related natural disasters in recent years, including two major cyclones in 2019, which have compounded already high poverty levels and insecurity; whereas such disasters have led to widespread food insecurity and chronic malnutrition in parts of the country, with over 43 per cent of children under the age of five stunted; whereas a total of 7,9 million people are estimated to be in need of urgent humanitarian assistance in 2020;

| P. | whereas solidarity within Mozambique has been growing, with the plight of the people in Cabo Delgado attracting particular attention, which has led young people in Mozambique in particular to launch a National Solidarity Campaign for Cabo Delgado under the hashtag #CaboDelgadoTambénÉMocambique (Cabo Delgado is also Mozambique) in order to raise awareness of the tragic situation in the region; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas solidarity within Mozambique has been growing, with the plight of the people in Cabo Delgado attracting particular attention, which has led young people in Mozambique in particular to launch a National Solidarity Campaign for Cabo Delgado under the hashtag #CaboDelgadoTambénÉMocambique (Cabo Delgado is also Mozambique) in order to raise awareness of the tragic situation in the region;

| Q. | whereas in 2010 and 2013, immense gas reserves were discovered in Mozambique: whereas these reserves comprise approximately 5 000 billion cubic meters, the 9th largest gas reserves in the world; whereas this potentially places Mozambique among the four largest producers of LNG in the world; whereas it is expected that at least USD 60 billion will be invested over the next few years to exploit these reserves, the largest investments ever made in sub-Saharan Africa; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas in 2010 and 2013, immense gas reserves were discovered in Mozambique: whereas these reserves comprise approximately 5 000 billion cubic meters, the 9th largest gas reserves in the world; whereas this potentially places Mozambique among the four largest producers of LNG in the world; whereas it is expected that at least USD 60 billion will be invested over the next few years to exploit these reserves, the largest investments ever made in sub-Saharan Africa;

| R. | whereas European and all other foreign industrial and economic interests in Mozambique should be conducted with the UN`s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights at their roots; whereas the Commission is exploring mandatory due diligence commitments to ensure that EU investors and those involved in the extraction industries act responsibly and contribute to local development in countries such as Mozambique; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas European and all other foreign industrial and economic interests in Mozambique should be conducted with the UN`s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights at their roots; whereas the Commission is exploring mandatory due diligence commitments to ensure that EU investors and those involved in the extraction industries act responsibly and contribute to local development in countries such as Mozambique;

| S. | whereas Mozambique and, in particular, the Cabo Delgado region, while demonstrating Mozambique’s highest rates of illiteracy, inequality and child malnutrition, is rich in natural resources and raw materials, something which has attracted investment by numerous international and EU companies which are competing for market access of natural resources; whereas, according to some reports, the revenues from natural resources have been unevenly distributed in Mozambique; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas Mozambique and, in particular, the Cabo Delgado region, while demonstrating Mozambique’s highest rates of illiteracy, inequality and child malnutrition, is rich in natural resources and raw materials, something which has attracted investment by numerous international and EU companies which are competing for market access of natural resources; whereas, according to some reports, the revenues from natural resources have been unevenly distributed in Mozambique;

| T. | whereas on 13 April 2020, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved immediate debt service relief to 25 member countries, including some USD 309 million to Mozambique under the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT) to help address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas on 13 April 2020, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved immediate debt service relief to 25 member countries, including some USD 309 million to Mozambique under the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT) to help address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;

| U. | whereas on 4 June 2020, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Mozambique, Myrta Kaulard, called on the international community to scale up its support to Mozambique; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas on 4 June 2020, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Mozambique, Myrta Kaulard, called on the international community to scale up its support to Mozambique;

| V. | whereas the European Union has pledged EUR 200 million in recovery support for Mozambique in the wake of the 2019 cyclones, followed by EUR 110 million in European Union COVID-19 support; |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas the European Union has pledged EUR 200 million in recovery support for Mozambique in the wake of the 2019 cyclones, followed by EUR 110 million in European Union COVID-19 support;

| W. | whereas the SADC’s 2015 regional counter-terrorism strategy, which was developed in line with the UN global counter-terrorism strategy, provides for assistance in preventing youth radicalisation, border security, humanitarian aid and tackling the root causes of terrorism; |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas the SADC’s 2015 regional counter-terrorism strategy, which was developed in line with the UN global counter-terrorism strategy, provides for assistance in preventing youth radicalisation, border security, humanitarian aid and tackling the root causes of terrorism;

| X. | whereas Mozambique currently holds the rotating presidency of the SADC; whereas during its 40th Summit on 17 August 2020, the regional organisation ‘commended the country for its continued efforts towards combating terrorism and violent attacks’ and ‘expressed SADC solidarity and commitment to support Mozambique in addressing the terrorism and violent attacks, and condemned all acts of terrorism and armed attacks’; |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas Mozambique currently holds the rotating presidency of the SADC; whereas during its 40th Summit on 17 August 2020, the regional organisation ‘commended the country for its continued efforts towards combating terrorism and violent attacks’ and ‘expressed SADC solidarity and commitment to support Mozambique in addressing the terrorism and violent attacks, and condemned all acts of terrorism and armed attacks’;

| Y. | whereas in April 2020, both the EU Delegation in Mozambique and the Council raised serious concerns regarding the attacks in Cabo Delgado and the escalation of violence against civilians; |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas in April 2020, both the EU Delegation in Mozambique and the Council raised serious concerns regarding the attacks in Cabo Delgado and the escalation of violence against civilians;

| Z. | whereas in spite of its brutality and the horrible loss of life, the situation in Cabo Delgado failed to attract international attention, which meant that precious time to effectively tackle the issue at an earlier stage was lost; |
| --- | --- |

Z.

whereas in spite of its brutality and the horrible loss of life, the situation in Cabo Delgado failed to attract international attention, which meant that precious time to effectively tackle the issue at an earlier stage was lost;

| 1. | Declares its grave concern about the deteriorating security situation in northern Mozambique, in particular the Cabo Delgado Province, and expresses its condolences to the victims of the violence, who number over 1 500; expresses its solidarity and support to its people, especially to the more than 250 000 people who had to flee their homes; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Underlines that the current security problems further aggravate an already extremely fragile humanitarian situation deriving from high levels of underdevelopment, climate shocks and conflicts; |
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2.

| 3. | Calls on the Mozambican authorities to take effective and decisive action in countering the Islamist insurgence and to protect all citizens of Cabo Delgado; expresses serious concern that the insurgency is gaining increasing support among regional and international terrorist organisations; points, in this context, to the unfortunate similarities with other regions, such as the Sahel and Horn of Africa; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Underlines that if not stopped, the insurgency will potentially grow and spill over into neighbouring countries, threatening regional stability; underlines, in this context, the need for an effective and sustainable policy by both the national government and regional and international actors; |
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4.

| 5. | Reminds the Government of Mozambique of its responsibility to bring all those suspected of terrorist activity to justice through fair trials; calls on the Government of Mozambique to launch an independent and impartial investigation into torture and other grave violations allegedly committed by its security forces in Cabo Delgado; recalls that Mozambique is a party to the ICCPR, to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and to the UN Convention against Torture, which prohibit torture and other ill-treatment and arbitrary deprivation of life; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Underlines the importance of protecting the rights of journalists, human rights defenders, activists and all those simply exercising their human rights and expressing their views on issues of public concern; calls on the Mozambican authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into all suspected cases of vandalism of news outlets, suppression of freedom of speech and accusations pertaining to the harassment and intimidation of journalists; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Calls on the Mozambican authorities to ensure the promotion of democracy, human rights, effective local governance and the effective restoration of the rule of law in northern Mozambique; recalls that compliance with international humanitarian law and respect for democratic liberties are also crucial for the success of the definitive Peace Agreement signed in 2019 between the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) and the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo); |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Underlines the importance of pursuing the necessary reforms in order to adequately respond to the needs of the Mozambican people, preventing them from being vulnerable targets of radicalisation; underlines in particular the urgent need to create jobs and opportunities for the people in Cabo Delgado, in particular young people; stresses further the need to work towards the elimination of some of the root causes of terrorism such as insecurity, poverty, human rights violations, inequality, exclusion, unemployment, environmental degradation, corruption and misuse of public funds, impunity, thereby contributing immensely to the eradication of terrorist organisations; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Stresses the need to ensure that all military intervention in the region protects, respects and promotes human rights, encourages Mozambique’s authorities to support and work with regional and international organisations, as well as civil society organisations and community-based groups to introduce platforms for peace-building initiatives that encourage peaceful engagement, dialogue, reconciliation and co-existence among all the stakeholders; deplores the use of private security forces in this conflict, which further inflate the monetary cost to the country and operate without any international oversight; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Notes with concern the deteriorating situation of internally displaced people (IDP) in Mozambique; calls for the EU and its Member States to work closely with the SADC and its member states to resolve the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region and to devise an effective plan of action; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Calls on the Mozambican Government to openly cooperate with international institutions such as the UN Special Rapporteurs, and to allow independent human rights investigators and monitors into the country, and to correctly analyse the humanitarian needs of the population in Cabo Delgado in order to provide them with the necessary help; believes, furthermore, that the victims of violence must be protected by means of a relief plan in order for them to be able to continue with their lives; |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Believes that a more coordinated regional and international effort is needed in order to respond to the imminent security and humanitarian crises in Cabo Delgado, including the need to address cross-border threats such as terrorist insurgence, food security, IDP and smuggling; calls, therefore, on the European External Action Service (EEAS) to extend additional support to the SADC and the African Union (AU), in order to reach a long-lasting and peaceful solution; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Points out that the SADC’s Organ for Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (OPDS), with its multinational fighting unit for tackling serious counter-insurgency situations, should be an important active actor for managing this conflict and should condemn it in the short term, while encouraging and supporting the Mozambican authorities in the long term in implementing further reforms aimed at promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, which represent a prerequisite for stability, peace and development; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Reiterates that the EU is ready to engage in a dialogue with Mozambique to determine effective options for implementing EU assistance, taking into account the complex and regional character of the situation, and invites the Government of Mozambique to be more responsive in this dialogue and cooperation with the EU and with the SADC; encourages, in this regard, cooperation between the Mozambican authorities and all levels of civil society in an effort to find an inclusive solution and to urgently address the needs of the most vulnerable; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), Josep Borrell, and the EU Member States to continue to closely follow the situation and to scale up their support to the national and regional authorities; welcomes, in this light, the Council Conclusions of 22 June 2020, but insists that further diplomatic action should be put in place, particularly from those Member States that share historical and friendly links with the country, in order to stress the need for urgent action on this issue with its regional security and humanitarian dimensions and draw the government’s attention to the geopolitical consequences that will result from the lack of a coordinated regional and international response; |
| --- | --- |

15.

| 16. | Expresses its hope that the EU’s new Africa Strategy, once effectively in place, will help intensify EU-Africa cooperation based on a partnership of equals throughout the continent, and that both will work together towards improving the economic, social, security and human rights situation in countries such as Mozambique; |
| --- | --- |

16.

| 17. | Considers that the current developments in Mozambique and its social and economic consequences will be duly addressed in the EU’s policy towards Africa in the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2021; underlines that, when it is often devastated by floods and other natural disasters, the population of Mozambique should receive all available support and humanitarian aid; |
| --- | --- |

17.

| 18. | Believes that the upcoming EU Africa Summit is as an excellent opportunity to better address the issue of this humanitarian tragedy and for the EU to scale up its support to regional and continental organisations; |
| --- | --- |

18.

| 19. | Recalls the international aid commitments made the International Donors Pledging Conference held in Beira, on 30 May and 1 June 2019, at which the European Union pledged EUR 200 million in recovery support; calls for the EU and its Member States to deliver on these commitments in full; points out that long-term recovery can only be achieved through sustainable and inclusive economic development; calls, therefore, for EU assistance to support Mozambique’s efforts to stabilise its economy, create jobs and foster rural competitiveness, while ensuring inclusiveness and preservation of the environment; |
| --- | --- |

19.

| 20. | Welcomes the IMF CCRT as a step in the right direction in assisting Mozambique in combating the economic fallout from COVID-19; calls for the EU and its Member States to provide further donations to the IMF, and for the IMF to explore further alternatives to boost the resources available to the CCRT, such as using its own existing reserves; recalls that contributions to the fund must in no way function as a substitute for official development assistance (ODA); |
| --- | --- |

20.

| 21. | Considers it of the utmost importance that the local population, in particular in the poorest provinces of the country, benefit from the exploitation of their natural resources; calls on the government to fairly allocate incomes from exploitation projects to local development projects while respecting high environmental and social standards; |
| --- | --- |

21.

| 22. | Recalls that the people of Mozambique, both of the Christian and the Muslim faiths, have been living in peaceful coexistence for a long time, and expresses its conviction that this model of tolerance and solidarity will prevail despite the attacks by Islamist terrorists; |
| --- | --- |

22.

| 23. | Stresses the need to prioritise education and foster rural development to tackle radicalisation, in particular among young people in rural areas; |
| --- | --- |

23.

| 24. | 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 Parliament of Mozambique, and to the members and leadership of the South African Development Community and the African Union. |
| --- | --- |

24.

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(1)  https://reliefweb.int/report/mozambique/mozambique-situation-report-10-september-2020

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| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/148 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/148

---

P9_TA(2020)0238

Objection to an implementing act: Maximum residue levels for several substances including flonicamid, haloxyfop and mandestrobin

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the draft Commission regulation amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for cycloxydim, flonicamid, haloxyfop, mandestrobin, mepiquat, Metschnikowia fructicola strain NRRL Y-27328 and prohexadione in or on certain products (D063880/06 — 2020/2734(RPS))

(2021/C 385/17)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Commission regulation amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for cycloxydim, flonicamid, haloxyfop, mandestrobin, mepiquat, Metschnikowia fructicola strain NRRL Y-27328 and prohexadione in or on certain products (D063880/06, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Commission regulation amending Annexes II, III and IV to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for cycloxydim, flonicamid, haloxyfop, mandestrobin, mepiquat, Metschnikowia fructicola strain NRRL Y-27328 and prohexadione in or on certain products (D063880/06,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC (1), and in particular Article 5(1) and Article 14(1)(a) thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC (1), and in particular Article 5(1) and Article 14(1)(a) thereof,

| — | having regard to the opinion delivered on 17-18 February 2020 by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion delivered on 17-18 February 2020 by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,

| — | having regard to Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides (2),

| — | having regard to the reasoned opinion adopted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on 27 May 2019, and published on 2 August 2019 (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the reasoned opinion adopted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on 27 May 2019, and published on 2 August 2019 (3),

| — | having regard to the conclusion adopted by EFSA on 18 December 2009, and published on 7 May 2010 (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusion adopted by EFSA on 18 December 2009, and published on 7 May 2010 (4),

| — | having regard to the reasoned opinion adopted by EFSA on 18 October 2018, and published on 2 November 2018 (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the reasoned opinion adopted by EFSA on 18 October 2018, and published on 2 November 2018 (5),

| — | having regard to Article 5a(3)(b) and Article 5a(5) of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 5a(3)(b) and Article 5a(5) of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (6),

| — | having regard to Rule 112(2) and (3), and (4)(c) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 112(2) and (3), and (4)(c) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety,

| A. | whereas flonicamid is a selective insecticide used on, inter alia, potatoes, wheat, apples, pears, peaches and peppers; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas flonicamid is a selective insecticide used on, inter alia, potatoes, wheat, apples, pears, peaches and peppers;

| B. | whereas the approval period of flonicamid as an active substance has been extended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2069 (7); |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the approval period of flonicamid as an active substance has been extended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2069 (7);

| C. | whereas in the opinion of 5 June 2013 (8) of the Committee for Risk Assessment of the European Chemicals Agency (‘ECHA’), which proposed harmonised classification and labelling of flonicamid, the Danish Member State Competent Authority observes ‘clear effects on visceral malformations occurring at non-maternally toxic levels in the rabbit’; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas in the opinion of 5 June 2013 (8) of the Committee for Risk Assessment of the European Chemicals Agency (‘ECHA’), which proposed harmonised classification and labelling of flonicamid, the Danish Member State Competent Authority observes ‘clear effects on visceral malformations occurring at non-maternally toxic levels in the rabbit’;

| D. | whereas flonicamid is under scrutiny in the United States for potentially posing a higher risk to pollinators than previously understood, since new studies submitted by the flonicamid manufacturer ISK Biosciences show that flonicamid exposes bees to up to 51 times the amount of flonicamid that would cause them substantial harm (9); |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas flonicamid is under scrutiny in the United States for potentially posing a higher risk to pollinators than previously understood, since new studies submitted by the flonicamid manufacturer ISK Biosciences show that flonicamid exposes bees to up to 51 times the amount of flonicamid that would cause them substantial harm (9);

| E. | whereas haloxyfop-P is a herbicide used on, inter alia, carrots, fodder legumes, rapeseed, soyabean and sugarbeet; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas haloxyfop-P is a herbicide used on, inter alia, carrots, fodder legumes, rapeseed, soyabean and sugarbeet;

| F. | whereas haloxyfop-P is harmful if swallowed and is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects based on the ECHA classification; whereas haloxyfop-P has shown effects of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats following exposure to haloxyfop-P-methyl (10); |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas haloxyfop-P is harmful if swallowed and is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects based on the ECHA classification; whereas haloxyfop-P has shown effects of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats following exposure to haloxyfop-P-methyl (10);

| G. | whereas the manufacture, distribution and use of haloxyfop-P is banned in France for all agricultural and non-agricultural purposes since 4 September 2007 (11); whereas haloxyfop-P had been banned for four years throughout the Union under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1376/2007 (12); |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the manufacture, distribution and use of haloxyfop-P is banned in France for all agricultural and non-agricultural purposes since 4 September 2007 (11); whereas haloxyfop-P had been banned for four years throughout the Union under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1376/2007 (12);

| H. | whereas haloxyfop-P has been approved as an active substance in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 (13), with a very restricted use (14) and strict requirements for Member States with regard to groundwater protection, the protection of aquatic organisms and the safety of operators; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas haloxyfop-P has been approved as an active substance in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 (13), with a very restricted use (14) and strict requirements for Member States with regard to groundwater protection, the protection of aquatic organisms and the safety of operators;

| I. | whereas, in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2233 (15), the Commission concluded as regards the use of haloxyfop-P as an active substance that ‘further confirmatory information required has not fully been provided and that an unacceptable risk for groundwater cannot be excluded except by imposing further restrictions’; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas, in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2233 (15), the Commission concluded as regards the use of haloxyfop-P as an active substance that ‘further confirmatory information required has not fully been provided and that an unacceptable risk for groundwater cannot be excluded except by imposing further restrictions’;

| J. | whereas, in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2233, the Commission also concluded that it was ‘appropriate to amend the conditions of use of this active substance, in particular by setting limits to the rates and frequency of its application’; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas, in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2233, the Commission also concluded that it was ‘appropriate to amend the conditions of use of this active substance, in particular by setting limits to the rates and frequency of its application’;

| K. | whereas the Commission decided on 30 April 2018 to extend the approval period of haloxyfop-P as an active substance until 31 December 2023 (16); |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the Commission decided on 30 April 2018 to extend the approval period of haloxyfop-P as an active substance until 31 December 2023 (16);

| L. | whereas Article 191(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) sets out the precautionary principle as one of the fundamental principles of the Union; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas Article 191(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) sets out the precautionary principle as one of the fundamental principles of the Union;

| M. | whereas Article 168(1) TFEU states that ‘a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities’; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas Article 168(1) TFEU states that ‘a high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities’;

| N. | whereas Directive 2009/128/EC aims to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides in the Union by reducing the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human and animal health and the environment and by promoting the use of integrated pest management and of alternative approaches or techniques, such as non-chemical alternatives to pesticides; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas Directive 2009/128/EC aims to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides in the Union by reducing the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human and animal health and the environment and by promoting the use of integrated pest management and of alternative approaches or techniques, such as non-chemical alternatives to pesticides;

| O. | whereas when setting maximum residue levels (MRLs), cumulative and synergistic effects need to be taken into account, and it is of the utmost importance to develop urgently appropriate methods for this assessment; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas when setting maximum residue levels (MRLs), cumulative and synergistic effects need to be taken into account, and it is of the utmost importance to develop urgently appropriate methods for this assessment;

| P. | whereas the MRL increases for haloxyfop-P on linseeds and for mandestrobin on strawberries and grapes are based on requests for normative alignment from third countries; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the MRL increases for haloxyfop-P on linseeds and for mandestrobin on strawberries and grapes are based on requests for normative alignment from third countries;

| Q. | whereas the applicants claim that the authorised use of haloxyfop-P and mandestrobin on such crops in Australia and Canada lead to residues exceeding the MRLs contained in Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 and that higher MRLs are necessary to avoid trade barriers for the importation of those crops; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the applicants claim that the authorised use of haloxyfop-P and mandestrobin on such crops in Australia and Canada lead to residues exceeding the MRLs contained in Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 and that higher MRLs are necessary to avoid trade barriers for the importation of those crops;

| 1. | Opposes adoption of the draft Commission regulation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Considers that the draft Commission regulation is not compatible with the aim and content of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Considers that the Union and the Commission should respect the principle of environmental responsibility, and should not encourage the use in third countries of products that some Member States ban on their territory and of which the Union is trying to restrain the use; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Considers that free trade rules should never lead to a lowering of the Union’s protective standards; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Acknowledges that EFSA is working on methods to assess cumulative risks, but also notes that the problem of the assessment of cumulative effects of pesticides and residues has been known for decades; therefore requests EFSA and the Commission to address the problem as a matter of absolute urgency; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Notes that under the draft regulation, the MRLs for flonicamid would increase from 0,03 to 0,5 mg/kg for strawberries, from 0,03 to 1 mg/kg for blackberries and raspberries, from 0,03 to 0,7 mg/kg for other small fruits and berries, from 0,03 to 0,3 mg/kg for other root and tuber vegetables generally, but from 0,03 to 0,6 mg/kg for radishes, from 0,03 to 0,07 mg/kg for lettuces and salad plants, and from 0,03 to 0,8 mg/kg for pulses; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Suggests that the MRL for flonicamid should remain at 0,03 mg/kg; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Notes that under the draft regulation, the MRL for haloxyfop-P would increase from 0,01 to 0,05 mg/kg for linseeds; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Suggests that the MRL for haloxyfop-P should remain at 0,01 mg/kg; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Notes that under the draft regulation, the MRLs for mandestrobin would increase from 0,01 to 5 mg/kg for grapes, and from 0,01 to 3 mg/kg for strawberries; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Suggests that the MRL for mandestrobin should remain at 0,01 mg/kg; |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Calls on the Commission to withdraw the draft regulation and submit a new one to the committee; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

13.

---

(1)  OJ L 70, 16.3.2005, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 71.

(3)  EFSA reasoned opinion on modification of the existing maximum residue levels for flonicamid in strawberries and other berries, EFSA Journal 2019; 17(7):5745, https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/5745

(4)  EFSA conclusion on the peer review of the pesticide risk assessment of the active substance flonicamid, EFSA Journal 2010; 8(5):1445, https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1445

(5)  EFSA reasoned opinion on setting of import tolerances for haloxyfop-P in linseed and rapeseed, EFSA Journal 2018; 16(11):5470, https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/5470

(6)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

(7)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2069 of 13 November 2017 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 as regards the extension of the approval periods of the active substances flonicamid (IKI-220), metalaxyl, penoxsulam and proquinazid (OJ L 295, 14.11.2017, p. 51).

(8)  Opinion of 5 June 2013 of the Committee for Risk Assessment proposing harmonised classification and labelling at EU level of flonicamid, https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/0916c5b3-fa52-9cdf-4603-2cc40356ed95

(9)  https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-becerra-warns-against-expanded-use-pesticide-found-harm-bees

(10)  Olayinka, E.T, and Ore, A., ‘Hepatotoxicity, Nephrotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rat Testis Following Exposure to Haloxyfop-p-methyl Ester, an Aryloxyphenoxypropionate Herbicide’, Toxics., December 2015, 3(4), pp. 373–389, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5606644/

(11)  https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid=235653D01B24A4B694A6C342E7323D6F.tplgfr38s_1?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000464899&dateTexte=&oldAction=rechJO&categorieLien=id&idJO=JORFCONT000000005119

(12)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 1376/2007 of 23 November 2007 amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 304/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the export and import of dangerous chemicals (OJ L 307, 24.11.2007, p. 14).

(13)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 of 25 May 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the list of approved active substances (OJ L 153, 11.6.2011, p. 1).

(14)  Only uses as herbicide may be authorised at rates not exceeding 0,052 kg active substance per hectare per application, and only one application may be authorised every 3 years.

(15)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2233 of 2 December 2015 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 as regards the conditions of approval of the active substance haloxyfop-P (OJ L 317, 3.12.2015, p. 26).

(16)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/670 of 30 April 2018 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 as regards the extension of the approval periods of the active substances bromuconazole, buprofezin, haloxyfop-P and napropamide (OJ L 113, 3.5.2018, p. 1).

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/152 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/152

---

P9_TA(2020)0239

Cultural recovery of Europe

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the cultural recovery of Europe (2020/2708(RSP))

(2021/C 385/18)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Preamble and to Articles 2, 3 and 4 of the Treaty on European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Preamble and to Articles 2, 3 and 4 of the Treaty on European Union,

| — | having regard to Articles 6 and 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 6 and 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union,

| — | having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and in particular Article 19 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and in particular Article 19 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Article 22 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Article 22 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 22 May 2018 on ‘Building a Stronger Europe: the role of youth, education and culture policies’ (COM(2018)0268), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 22 May 2018 on ‘Building a Stronger Europe: the role of youth, education and culture policies’ (COM(2018)0268),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 22 May 2018 entitled ‘A New European Agenda for Culture’ (COM(2018)0267), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 22 May 2018 entitled ‘A New European Agenda for Culture’ (COM(2018)0267),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 14 November 2017 on ‘Strengthening European Identity through Education and Culture’ (COM(2017)0673), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 14 November 2017 on ‘Strengthening European Identity through Education and Culture’ (COM(2017)0673),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 December 2016 on a coherent EU policy for cultural and creative industries (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 December 2016 on a coherent EU policy for cultural and creative industries (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2020 on EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2020 on EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 19 June 2020 on transport and tourism in 2020 and beyond (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 19 June 2020 on transport and tourism in 2020 and beyond (3),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing the Creative Europe Programme (2014 to 2020) and repealing Decisions No 1718/2006/EC, No 1855/2006/EC and No 1041/2009/EC (4) (‘the Regulation’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing the Creative Europe Programme (2014 to 2020) and repealing Decisions No 1718/2006/EC, No 1855/2006/EC and No 1041/2009/EC (4) (‘the Regulation’),

| — | having regard to the European Council conclusions of 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 July 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Council conclusions of 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 July 2020,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 15 November 2018 on the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022 (2018/C 460/10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 15 November 2018 on the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022 (2018/C 460/10),

| — | having regard to the Commission staff working document ‘Identifying Europe’s recovery needs’ accompanying the Commission communication of 27 May 2020 on ‘Europe’s moment: Repair and Prepare for the Next Generation’ (COM(2020)0456), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission staff working document ‘Identifying Europe’s recovery needs’ accompanying the Commission communication of 27 May 2020 on ‘Europe’s moment: Repair and Prepare for the Next Generation’ (COM(2020)0456),

| — | having regard to the 2015 report on ‘Cultural Heritage Counts for Europe’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2015 report on ‘Cultural Heritage Counts for Europe’,

| — | having regard to Rule 132(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 132(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas culture is a strategic sector for the European Union, not only constituting an important part of our economy, but also contributing to democratic, sustainable, free and inclusive societies, and reflecting our European diversity, values, history, freedoms and way of life; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas culture is a strategic sector for the European Union, not only constituting an important part of our economy, but also contributing to democratic, sustainable, free and inclusive societies, and reflecting our European diversity, values, history, freedoms and way of life;

| B. | whereas culture and the freedom of the arts contribute significantly to the vibrancy of a society and enable all segments of society to express their identities, contributing to social cohesion and intercultural dialogue paving the way to an ever closer European Union; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas culture and the freedom of the arts contribute significantly to the vibrancy of a society and enable all segments of society to express their identities, contributing to social cohesion and intercultural dialogue paving the way to an ever closer European Union;

| C. | whereas culture has an intrinsic value as an expression of humanity, democracy and civic engagement that can be key to advancing sustainable development; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas culture has an intrinsic value as an expression of humanity, democracy and civic engagement that can be key to advancing sustainable development;

| D. | whereas culture strengthens the social capital of societies, facilitates democratic citizenship, fosters creativity, well-being and critical thinking, encourages integration and cohesion and promotes diversity, equality and pluralism; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas culture strengthens the social capital of societies, facilitates democratic citizenship, fosters creativity, well-being and critical thinking, encourages integration and cohesion and promotes diversity, equality and pluralism;

| E. | whereas cultural participation has been recognised as one of the main accelerators of social change and of the construction of inclusive, resilient societies; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas cultural participation has been recognised as one of the main accelerators of social change and of the construction of inclusive, resilient societies;

| F. | whereas culture and the cultural and creative sectors and industries are an important vehicle in the fight against all forms of discrimination, including racism and xenophobia, and are a platform for freedom of expression; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas culture and the cultural and creative sectors and industries are an important vehicle in the fight against all forms of discrimination, including racism and xenophobia, and are a platform for freedom of expression;

| G. | whereas the pandemic has revealed the true social value for European society as well as the economic weight of the cultural and creative sectors and industries; whereas the economic part of culture is a strategic sector for the European Union and its economy, ensuring meaningful jobs for millions of Europeans and sustainable financing for European diversity, while reflecting our European values, history and freedoms; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the pandemic has revealed the true social value for European society as well as the economic weight of the cultural and creative sectors and industries; whereas the economic part of culture is a strategic sector for the European Union and its economy, ensuring meaningful jobs for millions of Europeans and sustainable financing for European diversity, while reflecting our European values, history and freedoms;

| H. | whereas European cultural and creative actors preserve and promote cultural and linguistic diversity in Europe, and participate in the strengthening of a European identity at all levels; whereas these actors represent an invaluable force for social cohesion and sustainable development and economic growth in the European Union and its Member States, and are an important source of global competitiveness; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas European cultural and creative actors preserve and promote cultural and linguistic diversity in Europe, and participate in the strengthening of a European identity at all levels; whereas these actors represent an invaluable force for social cohesion and sustainable development and economic growth in the European Union and its Member States, and are an important source of global competitiveness;

| I. | whereas the European cultural and creative sectors and industries account for around 4 % of the European gross domestic product, a similar level to ICT and accommodation and food services; whereas, in 2019, there were 7,4 million people in cultural employment across the EU-27, accounting for 3,7 % of total employment across the EU-27; whereas, in 2019, the proportion of people who were self-employed in the field of culture in the EU-27 was more than double the average observed for the economy as a whole (5); |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the European cultural and creative sectors and industries account for around 4 % of the European gross domestic product, a similar level to ICT and accommodation and food services; whereas, in 2019, there were 7,4 million people in cultural employment across the EU-27, accounting for 3,7 % of total employment across the EU-27; whereas, in 2019, the proportion of people who were self-employed in the field of culture in the EU-27 was more than double the average observed for the economy as a whole (5);

| J. | whereas according to the Commission’s own estimates, the cultural and creative sectors and industries — which account for EUR 509 billion in value added to GDP — are likely to have lost 80 % of their turnover in the second quarter of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the containment measures; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas according to the Commission’s own estimates, the cultural and creative sectors and industries — which account for EUR 509 billion in value added to GDP — are likely to have lost 80 % of their turnover in the second quarter of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the containment measures;

| K. | whereas over 300 000 people in Europe are employed in the cultural heritage sector, while 7,8 million jobs in Europe are indirectly linked to it; whereas the European creative workforce in the cultural and creative sectors and industries is currently underrepresented by statistical systems; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas over 300 000 people in Europe are employed in the cultural heritage sector, while 7,8 million jobs in Europe are indirectly linked to it; whereas the European creative workforce in the cultural and creative sectors and industries is currently underrepresented by statistical systems;

| L. | whereas the cultural and creative sectors and industries are closely interconnected and have been proven to benefit other sectors, such as tourism and transport; whereas according to the World Tourism Organization, four out of ten tourists choose their destination based on its cultural offering, and two-thirds of Europeans believe that the presence of cultural heritage has an influence on their choice of holiday destination; whereas Europe remains the most popular cultural tourism destination in the world; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the cultural and creative sectors and industries are closely interconnected and have been proven to benefit other sectors, such as tourism and transport; whereas according to the World Tourism Organization, four out of ten tourists choose their destination based on its cultural offering, and two-thirds of Europeans believe that the presence of cultural heritage has an influence on their choice of holiday destination; whereas Europe remains the most popular cultural tourism destination in the world;

| M. | whereas Europe’s diverse cultural landscape is suffering severely from the COVID-19 pandemic and many actors in the cultural and creative sectors and industries are facing ruin, without public investment and aid; whereas the shutdown of this sector has had a spill-over effect on other sectors such as transport and tourism and education; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas Europe’s diverse cultural landscape is suffering severely from the COVID-19 pandemic and many actors in the cultural and creative sectors and industries are facing ruin, without public investment and aid; whereas the shutdown of this sector has had a spill-over effect on other sectors such as transport and tourism and education;

| N. | whereas the cultural and creative sectors and industries are an atypical sector, based on their specific economic model, needs and sizes, but are mainly composed of small structures (SMEs, micro-organisations and the self-employed) with no or little access to financial markets and often with irregular and mixed incomes coming from different sources, such as public subsidies, private sponsoring, audience-based revenue or copyright; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the cultural and creative sectors and industries are an atypical sector, based on their specific economic model, needs and sizes, but are mainly composed of small structures (SMEs, micro-organisations and the self-employed) with no or little access to financial markets and often with irregular and mixed incomes coming from different sources, such as public subsidies, private sponsoring, audience-based revenue or copyright;

| O. | whereas the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has also highlighted the pre-existing vulnerabilities of the cultural and creative sectors and industries, including the precarious livelihoods of artists and cultural workers, as well as the tight budgets of many cultural institutions; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has also highlighted the pre-existing vulnerabilities of the cultural and creative sectors and industries, including the precarious livelihoods of artists and cultural workers, as well as the tight budgets of many cultural institutions;

| P. | whereas the full consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cultural and creative sectors and industries are just becoming apparent, with the overall medium and long-term impact still unknown; whereas this affects the social rights of artists and cultural professionals, who have the right to be fairly financially compensated for their work, and the protection of a diversity of cultural expressions; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the full consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cultural and creative sectors and industries are just becoming apparent, with the overall medium and long-term impact still unknown; whereas this affects the social rights of artists and cultural professionals, who have the right to be fairly financially compensated for their work, and the protection of a diversity of cultural expressions;

| Q. | whereas the COVID-19 crisis has already and will continue to have a lasting negative effect on cultural and creative production, diffusion and income, and therefore on European cultural diversity; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the COVID-19 crisis has already and will continue to have a lasting negative effect on cultural and creative production, diffusion and income, and therefore on European cultural diversity;

| R. | whereas theatres, opera houses, cinemas, concert halls, museums, heritage sites and other artistic venues were among the first to close due to containment measures, and are among the last to reopen; whereas many cultural and artistic events such as fairs, festivals, concerts and performances have been cancelled or postponed for a long time; whereas the health and safety measures imposed to prevent a new outbreak do not allow venues to operate at full capacity for the foreseeable future; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas theatres, opera houses, cinemas, concert halls, museums, heritage sites and other artistic venues were among the first to close due to containment measures, and are among the last to reopen; whereas many cultural and artistic events such as fairs, festivals, concerts and performances have been cancelled or postponed for a long time; whereas the health and safety measures imposed to prevent a new outbreak do not allow venues to operate at full capacity for the foreseeable future;

| S. | whereas, during the pandemic, as many Europeans found themselves in a situation of confinement, the sharing of cultural and creative content became a support for many citizens; whereas the opportunities to access online cultural content have multiplied and made cultural content more accessible, and often free of charge thanks to the authors, artist, performers and other creators; whereas this further reduces the creators incomes; whereas the availability of cultural content online did not translate into increased income for rights holders and performers; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas, during the pandemic, as many Europeans found themselves in a situation of confinement, the sharing of cultural and creative content became a support for many citizens; whereas the opportunities to access online cultural content have multiplied and made cultural content more accessible, and often free of charge thanks to the authors, artist, performers and other creators; whereas this further reduces the creators incomes; whereas the availability of cultural content online did not translate into increased income for rights holders and performers;

| T. | whereas inequalities in access to digital infrastructures have curtailed the fundamental rights of access to culture, the right of participating in culture and the right to express art; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas inequalities in access to digital infrastructures have curtailed the fundamental rights of access to culture, the right of participating in culture and the right to express art;

| U. | whereas the successive budget proposals for the Creative Europe programme under the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) even prior to the COVID-19 crisis clearly live up to neither the sector’s nor Parliament’s expectations, and the latter has called for the level of funding to be doubled compared to that allocated in the 2014-2020 MFF; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas the successive budget proposals for the Creative Europe programme under the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) even prior to the COVID-19 crisis clearly live up to neither the sector’s nor Parliament’s expectations, and the latter has called for the level of funding to be doubled compared to that allocated in the 2014-2020 MFF;

| V. | whereas the Commission’s revised MFF proposal presents a 20 % cut to the European Solidarity Corps, a 13 % cut to Creative Europe and a 7 % cut to Erasmus+, compared with the Commission’s 2018 MFF proposal; whereas the European Council position as formulated on 17 July 2020 only matches the Commission’s 2018 proposal; whereas Creative Europe is the only EU programme that provides direct support to the cultural and creative sectors and industries across Europe; whereas neither the initiatives that Creative Europe is supposed to cover nor its budget provide the support required by an already oversubscribed and underfunded programme; |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas the Commission’s revised MFF proposal presents a 20 % cut to the European Solidarity Corps, a 13 % cut to Creative Europe and a 7 % cut to Erasmus+, compared with the Commission’s 2018 MFF proposal; whereas the European Council position as formulated on 17 July 2020 only matches the Commission’s 2018 proposal; whereas Creative Europe is the only EU programme that provides direct support to the cultural and creative sectors and industries across Europe; whereas neither the initiatives that Creative Europe is supposed to cover nor its budget provide the support required by an already oversubscribed and underfunded programme;

| W. | whereas the pandemic represents an opportunity to rethink the future of culture, and whereas the creation of a more resilient cultural ecosystem requires a broader reflection on the future of the planet and the urgency of responding to the climate crisis; |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas the pandemic represents an opportunity to rethink the future of culture, and whereas the creation of a more resilient cultural ecosystem requires a broader reflection on the future of the planet and the urgency of responding to the climate crisis;

| X. | whereas the cultural and creative sectors and industries are vital in achieving environmental sustainability; whereas they will need to remain properly funded and identified as a safe investment in order to be ready for the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy, in line with the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals; |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas the cultural and creative sectors and industries are vital in achieving environmental sustainability; whereas they will need to remain properly funded and identified as a safe investment in order to be ready for the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy, in line with the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals;

| 1. | Expresses its sincere solidarity with performers, artists, creators, authors, publishers, their companies and all other cultural creators and workers, including amateur creators, who all have been severely affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and pays tribute to their actions and solidarity during the difficult times experienced by millions of Europeans; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Underlines that the post-pandemic recovery and revitalisation of European cultural policy are strictly connected to the other challenges that the European Union and the world are facing, starting with the climate crisis; is convinced that the future culture policy has to be deeply interconnected with social challenges as well as with the Green and digital transitions; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Considers it fundamental to earmark for the cultural and creative sectors and industries a significant part of the economic recovery measures planned by the European institutions and to combine this with wide-ranging and swift actions in favour of Europe’s cultural and creative forces, enabling them to continue their work in the upcoming months and to survive these times of crisis, and creating resilience in the sector; calls on the Member States and the Commission to coordinate their action in their support for the cultural and creative sectors and industries; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Welcomes the efforts of the Commission and the European Council in drawing up the ‘Next Generation EU’ recovery plan; is alarmed, however, by the fact that no specific amount has been clearly earmarked to directly benefit the cultural and creative sectors and industries; insists, in this context, that cultural and creative actors should be a clear focus of the Member States’ targeted actions and should benefit widely and quickly from all recovery funds; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to earmark for the cultural and creative sectors and industries, according to their specific needs, at least 2 % of the Recovery and Resilience Facility dedicated to the recovery; highlights that this percentage should reflect the importance of the cultural and creative sectors and industries to the EU’s GDP, considering that they account for 7,8 million jobs and 4 % of GDP; reiterates the need for precise programming and financial plans designed to ensure business continuity in the cultural and creative sectors and industries and to offer predictability to the people active in the field; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Welcomes the creation of REACT-EU as a direct action plan with the aim of providing additional funding to much affected regions and economic sectors; welcomes the fact that culture has been identified as an important and affected sector; is worried, however, that no measures were taken to ensure that the cultural and creative sectors and industries benefit from this initiative; urges the Member States to consider the cultural and creative sectors and industries as strategic sectors and a priority under the EU’s Recovery Plan and to identify a clear budget associated with swift and concrete actions dedicated to the recovery of these actors, which should benefit all stakeholders, including independent artists, and aimed not only at their economic recovery but also at the improvement of the working conditions of the people working in the cultural and creative sectors and industries; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Criticises the fact that Creative Europe did not receive any additional funding from the Next Generation EU fund and calls for the overall budget of Creative EU to be increased to EUR 2,8 billion; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Asks the Member States to ensure that specific domestic social, fiscal and economic rules usually applied to cultural and creative players can be extended during and after the crisis; requests that the Member States include SMES operating in the cultural and creative sectors and industries in the specific SME recovery plans that they have already implemented; requests that the Member States consider offering financial support to cultural venues and events as they implement new health and safety measures; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Calls for more coordination in order to identify best practices and concrete solutions that can support the cultural and creative sectors and industries during the current situation and any future relaunch; welcomes the sector’s #saveEUculture and #double4culture campaigns, as well as the Commission’s effort to promote the cultural and creative sectors and industries with the #CreativeEuropeAtHome campaign; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Notes with concern that social safety nets were often inaccessible to creative professionals in non-standard forms of employment; calls on the Member States to ensure access to social benefits for all creative professionals, including those in non-standard forms of employment; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Calls on the Commission to introduce a European framework for working conditions in the cultural and creative sectors and industries at EU level, which would reflect the specificities of the sector and would introduce guidelines and principles with a view to improving working conditions, paying particular attention to transnational employment; |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Notes that travel restrictions continue to hinder European cultural cooperation and have seriously impacted international mobility and touring, which represents a major source of revenue for cultural actors; notes that funding for international cooperation, touring and co-production has often been cut and diverted towards hardship funds related to the pandemic; is concerned by the detrimental effect of these measures on European cultural collaboration; calls on the Member States to limit unwarranted Schengen restrictions, and calls on the Commission to develop guidelines for Member States for safe cross-border touring, live cultural events and cultural activities; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Calls on the Commission to support artists’ mobility so that they can exchange practices and techniques, and to significantly promote their integration into the labour market; strongly supports the concomitant mutual recognition of artistic competences; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Welcomes the creation of the EU’s instrument for temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (SURE), which is intended to support the short-time working measures put in place by the Member States, in particular those concerning SMEs and the self-employed; considers that this instrument, by covering as many cultural actors as possible, including freelance authors, performers, artists and other creators, might enable cultural and creative actors to remain in their field of activity while compensating for their loss of income and ensuring that expertise is not lost; calls, in this context, on the Member States to provide adequate guarantees so that SURE can be rapidly operational and available for all legal entities, including non-formal entities in the cultural and creative sectors and industries; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Is of the opinion that the current pandemic and its impact on our economies should not be used as an argument to further decrease national or European public spending on culture; stresses the crucial role of the Creative Europe programme and its MEDIA, Culture and cross-sectoral strands in ensuring European cooperation and a fair degree of stability in the sector through access to European funding by enabling projects to develop long-term partnerships; calls on the Commission to mainstream the cultural and creative sectors and industries throughout the MFF; recalls, in this context, that Parliament has asked for a necessary doubling of the budget allocated to the Creative Europe programme for the next MFF and strongly reaffirms its position in supporting the cultural and creative sectors and industries and their workers; considers it of the utmost importance that the programmes are finalised and adopted as soon as possible in order to ensure a smooth transition from their predecessors; stresses that, if the start of the new financing period is delayed, the Commission must ensure a transition to bridge the gap between the current Creative Europe programme and the new one; |
| --- | --- |

15.

| 16. | Calls on the Commission to identify and communicate clearly on a wide range of mixed funding sources that can benefit the cultural and creative sectors and industries; insists that the future Knowledge and Innovation Community dedicated to the cultural and creative industries within the European Institute of Innovation and Technology should play a leading role in this context; calls on the Commission to include Horizon Europe funding for cultural and creative actors active in cultural experimentation, innovation and artistic research; reiterates the need for growing synergies at European level while at the same time promoting new innovative and digital solutions that can help the sector in the current times and beyond; |
| --- | --- |

16.

| 17. | Recognises the importance of digitalisation in the creation, production, dissemination and accessibility of cultural and creative works and calls on the Commission to further identify funding for the digitalisation of European cultural works and to facilitate the access of SMEs and organisations to digital skills and infrastructure; |
| --- | --- |

17.

| 18. | Notes that the majority of support measures designed so far have been debt-based, an option that is not sustainable for all stakeholders in the cultural ecosystems; calls for sizeable and primary grant-based support for cultural and creative sectors and industries in order ensure the livelihoods of local communities; |
| --- | --- |

18.

| 19. | Welcomes the new support measures under the Cultural and Creative Sectors Guarantee Facility (CCS GF), which set out to improve access to affordable debt financing for SMEs in the cultural and creative sectors and industries; underlines the need for it to be made available more widely, seeking to cover all Member States and regions and SMEs of all sizes; calls for the enforced deployment of the CCS GF under InvestEU, offering more flexibility for the cultural and creative sectors and industries; |
| --- | --- |

19.

| 20. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that cultural and creative SMEs will benefit from increased support in terms of debt financing via the future guarantee facility instruments under the 2021-2027 InvestEU Programme; |
| --- | --- |

20.

| 21. | Regrets that no further development occurred to enable access to financial resources for NGOs and smaller organisations; asks the Member States and the Commission therefore to review their current criteria and policies in terms of guarantee, especially for those SMEs that have higher risk profiles with low or no access to financial markets and that generate intangible assets; |
| --- | --- |

21.

| 22. | Calls on the Commission to take action to mitigate the ever-increasing impact of the crisis on the cultural and creative sectors and industries, at a time when the continued cancellation of festivals and cultural events is having disastrous financial consequences, particularly for the music and performing arts sector and for independent artists; believes that European digital platforms dedicated to performing arts should be established in order to share as much European cultural content and creative products as possible; asks that such platforms be designed with the fair remuneration of artists, creators and companies in mind; asks to be more strongly involved in identifying together with relevant actors solutions for supporting the activities and especially the artists and creators affected by the cancellation of major festivals and cultural events; |
| --- | --- |

22.

| 23. | Calls on the Commission to identify whether the national financial distribution methods for cultural funding are accessible to all creators, and whether the allocation is independent, free and fair; calls on the Commission to work on better quantitative and qualitative indicators in order to provide a reliable and steady flow of data relating to the cultural and creative sectors and industries; |
| --- | --- |

23.

| 24. | Reminds the Member States that other measures can be used to help the cultural and creative sectors and industries recover from the crisis, such as reduced VAT rates for all cultural goods and services, better valuation of intangible assets and tax credits for cultural production; |
| --- | --- |

24.

| 25. | Points out that tourism accounts for 10,3 % of the European Union’s GDP, more 40 % of which is linked to the cultural offer; considers that the gradual recovery of tourism is an opportunity to actively promote European culture and heritage while laying the foundations for sustainable European tourism; calls, in this regard, for the launch of an annual European cultural and heritage value creation programme that reflects European cultural diversity; asks that the structural funds include, as much as possible, cultural preservation and artistic creation in the projects they support; underlines the important added value of historical and cultural tourism; calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish an integrated policy in order to support the revival of this sector; |
| --- | --- |

25.

| 26. | Considers that we should seize this opportunity to promote European cultural content worldwide by encouraging European production and developing European broadcasting networks; calls on the Commission to cooperate with the Member States so that the relevant legislation can be transposed as smoothly as possible, such as the revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (6), the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market (7) and the Satellite and Cable Directive (8); underlines the potential of the film and video industry and calls for a pan-European partnership designed to support European creators in the field; stresses that the implementation of those directives and forthcoming legislative proposals must preserve and promote collective mechanisms to ensure adequate protection of individual creators; |
| --- | --- |

26.

| 27. | Acknowledges the weakened state of the media ecosystem and the dire state of local and regional news media as well as those operating in smaller markets; considers that as free, independent and sufficiently funded media is also an antidote to the spread and effectiveness of disinformation, the Commission should present medium- and long-term strategies in this regard, including specific initiatives to support local and regional media and those operating in small markets; believes that consideration should be given to the establishment of a news media fund based on an arm’s length principle; supports the Commission’s forthcoming proposals for a Digital Services Act package, especially its new and revised rules on online platforms and online advertising; is of the view that attention should be paid to the concentration of media ownership, which often reduces the plurality and diversity of news and can also have a negative impact on the information market; supports the planned Media and Audiovisual Action Plan and its stated objectives of increasing competitiveness and helping the sector’s digital transformation; |
| --- | --- |

27.

| 28. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support and promote freedom of artistic expression, which is vital for cultivating democracy and a healthy recovery of societies from the unprecedented crisis; underlines the importance of European funding for the promotion and maintenance of cultural and media freedoms and diversity; considers that the cultural and creative sectors and industries are among the most dynamic sectors of the economy, that they should promote gender equality and that they could act as a strong catalyst for sustainable development and just transition; |
| --- | --- |

28.

| 29. | Underlines the potential of cultural diversity in the global outreach of European cultural and creative sectors and industries, and calls for a balanced approach integrating a wide range of actors from different regions and of different sizes; calls in this regard on the Commission for a proper evaluation of existing programmes and EU actions such as the European Heritage Label, and for it to integrate a financial evaluation to enable better communication on heritage and cultural routes, so that citizens may have access to a better understanding of EU actions; further calls on the Commission to propose an ambitious and inclusive communication and promotion policy for culture in Europe, which would enable European cultural content, events and venues to enjoy a truly European and global reach; |
| --- | --- |

29.

| 30. | Is of the opinion that the measures taken by the Member States and the Commission to assist cultural and creative actors in Europe should support players and initiatives that reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of Europe, including minority languages and small languages; |
| --- | --- |

30.

| 31. | Calls on the Commission to work together with the European Capitals of Culture in identifying practical solutions and to help them to limit, as much as possible, the disruption caused by the pandemic, in particular with those cities holding the title in 2020 and 2021, through an in-depth dialogue with the organisers; highlights the importance of more support mechanisms and financial solutions made available to them; reiterates the fact that due to current circumstances changes have been made to the calendar of European Capitals of Culture, and calls on decision makers to evaluate the possibility of prolonging the period for the upcoming organising cities; |
| --- | --- |

31.

| 32. | Calls for increased efforts to build on the momentum of the European Year of Cultural Heritage in order to develop it into a durable policy legacy; urges the Commission to adopt a more integrated approach to cultural heritage, treating tangible, intangible, natural and digital heritage as interconnected and inseparable; stresses the need to establish a permanent platform, with organised civil society at its core, for cooperation and coordination on cultural heritage policies at EU level; calls also for a comprehensive framework for digital cultural heritage, focusing in particular on digitising efforts of existing heritage and widespread accessibility of digitised cultural material; notes in this regard the importance of interoperability and standards; calls for a thorough revision of the Commission Recommendation of 27 October 2011 on the digitisation and online accessibility of cultural material and digital preservation (9); |
| --- | --- |

32.

| 33. | Underlines that during the lockdown many cultural heritage sites were left without supervision and without proper maintenance, thus leading to damage to these sites, which are already vulnerable to environmental degradation, natural disasters and climate change, as well as being illegally excavated or illicitly trafficked; stresses the need to protect employment in the cultural heritage sector, to support restoration professionals and heritage experts, and to give them the tools they need to protect European heritage sites; |
| --- | --- |

33.

| 34. | Considers that the cultural dimension needs to form part of the dialogue with citizens, in particular during the upcoming Conference on the Future of Europe; |
| --- | --- |

34.

| 35. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

35.

---

(1)  OJ C 238, 6.7.2018, p. 28.

(2)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0054.

(3)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0169.

(4)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 221.

(5)  https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Culture_statistics_-_cultural_employment#Self-employment

(6)  OJ L 303, 28.11.2018, p. 69.

(7)  OJ L 130, 17.5.2019, p. 92.

(8)  OJ L 248, 6.10.1993, p. 15.

(9)  OJ L 283, 29.10.2011, p. 39.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/159 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/159

---

P9_TA(2020)0240

COVID-19: EU coordination of health assessments and risk classification and the consequences for Schengen and the single market

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on COVID-19: EU coordination of health assessments and risk classification, and the consequences for Schengen and the single market (2020/2780(RSP))

(2021/C 385/19)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union,

| — | having regard to Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), as well as to Articles 4, 6, 9, 21, 67, 114, 153, 169 and 191 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), as well as to Articles 4, 6, 9, 21, 67, 114, 153, 169 and 191 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Articles 35 and 45 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Articles 35 and 45 thereof,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (1) (Schengen Borders Code), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (1) (Schengen Borders Code),

| — | having regard to Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States (2) (the Free Movement Directive), and the principle of non-discrimination enshrined therein, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States (2) (the Free Movement Directive), and the principle of non-discrimination enshrined therein,

| — | having regard to the Commission guidelines for border management measures to protect health and ensure the availability of goods and essential services (3) and concerning the exercise of the free movement of workers during the COVID-19 outbreak (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission guidelines for border management measures to protect health and ensure the availability of goods and essential services (3) and concerning the exercise of the free movement of workers during the COVID-19 outbreak (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2020 on EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2020 on EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences (5),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 13 May 2020 towards a phased and coordinated approach for restoring freedom of movement and lifting internal border controls — COVID-19 (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 13 May 2020 towards a phased and coordinated approach for restoring freedom of movement and lifting internal border controls — COVID-19 (6),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 11 June 2020 on the third assessment of the application of the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU (COM(2020)0399), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 11 June 2020 on the third assessment of the application of the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU (COM(2020)0399),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 19 June 2020 on the situation in the Schengen area following the COVID-19 outbreak (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 19 June 2020 on the situation in the Schengen area following the COVID-19 outbreak (7),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 10 July 2020 on the EU’s public health strategy post-COVID-19 (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 10 July 2020 on the EU’s public health strategy post-COVID-19 (8),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 15 July 2020 on the short-term EU health preparedness for COVID-19 outbreaks (COM(2020)0318), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 15 July 2020 on the short-term EU health preparedness for COVID-19 outbreaks (COM(2020)0318),

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal of 4 September 2020 for a Council recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (COM(2020)0499), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal of 4 September 2020 for a Council recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (COM(2020)0499),

| — | having regard to the most recent communicable disease threats report (CDTR) of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and to the ECDC’s public health guidelines and reporting protocols on COVID-19, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the most recent communicable disease threats report (CDTR) of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and to the ECDC’s public health guidelines and reporting protocols on COVID-19,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights, and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 295/91 (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights, and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 295/91 (9),

| — | having regard to Rule 132(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 132(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has moved from an acute to a chronic risk management phase; whereas it seems likely that the virus will stay active until an effective and safe vaccine has been found and supplied in large enough quantities to ensure proper protection in a very large part of the global population; whereas this means that we will continue to live in difficult circumstances for at least several months to come; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has moved from an acute to a chronic risk management phase; whereas it seems likely that the virus will stay active until an effective and safe vaccine has been found and supplied in large enough quantities to ensure proper protection in a very large part of the global population; whereas this means that we will continue to live in difficult circumstances for at least several months to come;

| B. | whereas the prevalence, circulation intensity and circulation duration of COVID-19 differs greatly from one Member State to another and from one region to another within the same Member State; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the prevalence, circulation intensity and circulation duration of COVID-19 differs greatly from one Member State to another and from one region to another within the same Member State;

| C. | whereas several vaccines are in advanced stages of testing, but as yet no vaccine has completed the EU marketing authorisation procedure; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas several vaccines are in advanced stages of testing, but as yet no vaccine has completed the EU marketing authorisation procedure;

| D. | whereas the regular influenza season will most likely increase the number of people with mild symptoms who should be tested; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the regular influenza season will most likely increase the number of people with mild symptoms who should be tested;

| E. | whereas the testing capacity in some Member States is still not sufficient; whereas people sometimes need to wait for days to get the results of their COVID-19 tests; whereas this greatly affects their ability to work and travel; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the testing capacity in some Member States is still not sufficient; whereas people sometimes need to wait for days to get the results of their COVID-19 tests; whereas this greatly affects their ability to work and travel;

| F. | whereas some Member States are refusing to recognise COVID-19 tests that have been performed in another Member State; whereas such mistrust is greatly complicating the lives of people; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas some Member States are refusing to recognise COVID-19 tests that have been performed in another Member State; whereas such mistrust is greatly complicating the lives of people;

| G. | whereas differing approaches to the collection of data relating to COVID-19 across the EU make it difficult to compare data; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas differing approaches to the collection of data relating to COVID-19 across the EU make it difficult to compare data;

| H. | whereas there is still no harmonised methodology for the collection and evaluation of the number of infected people nor the harmonised methodology regarding the COVID-19 ‘semaphores’; whereas due to this lack of harmonisation, the data on infected people is often interpreted very differently across the Member States, which may lead to citizens from other Member States being unduly discriminated against; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas there is still no harmonised methodology for the collection and evaluation of the number of infected people nor the harmonised methodology regarding the COVID-19 ‘semaphores’; whereas due to this lack of harmonisation, the data on infected people is often interpreted very differently across the Member States, which may lead to citizens from other Member States being unduly discriminated against;

| I. | whereas the EU response to the COVID-19 pandemic has so far demonstrated a lack of coordination between Member States among themselves and with the EU institutions in terms of coordination of public health measures, including restrictions on the movement of people within and across borders; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the EU response to the COVID-19 pandemic has so far demonstrated a lack of coordination between Member States among themselves and with the EU institutions in terms of coordination of public health measures, including restrictions on the movement of people within and across borders;

| J. | whereas with the recent increase of new cases of COVID-19 across the EU, Member States have yet again taken different and uncoordinated measures on free movement for people travelling from other EU countries, and in some cases have closed their borders; whereas each Member State has deployed its own national measures without coordination at EU level, including compulsory or recommended quarantine (with differing periods of quarantine being required), negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on arrival with different maximum validity periods, the use of different national traveller locator forms, the different use of criteria for defining risk areas and different requirements with regard to the use of masks; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas with the recent increase of new cases of COVID-19 across the EU, Member States have yet again taken different and uncoordinated measures on free movement for people travelling from other EU countries, and in some cases have closed their borders; whereas each Member State has deployed its own national measures without coordination at EU level, including compulsory or recommended quarantine (with differing periods of quarantine being required), negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests on arrival with different maximum validity periods, the use of different national traveller locator forms, the different use of criteria for defining risk areas and different requirements with regard to the use of masks;

| K. | whereas many Europeans have been made subject to different rules depending not only on their nationality or place of residence, but also on where they have travelled to; whereas this lack of coordination during the summer period led to disorganised controls and measures at borders, as well as within airports and train stations; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas many Europeans have been made subject to different rules depending not only on their nationality or place of residence, but also on where they have travelled to; whereas this lack of coordination during the summer period led to disorganised controls and measures at borders, as well as within airports and train stations;

| L. | whereas the COVID-19 crisis has had major health impacts and, in many cases, very significant negative consequences on fundamental rights and on economic, scientific, social, tourist and cultural exchanges; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the COVID-19 crisis has had major health impacts and, in many cases, very significant negative consequences on fundamental rights and on economic, scientific, social, tourist and cultural exchanges;

| M. | whereas the provision of healthcare is above all a national competence, but public health is a competence shared between the Member States and the Union; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the provision of healthcare is above all a national competence, but public health is a competence shared between the Member States and the Union;

| N. | whereas there is still scope for the European Union to better deliver on public health policy within the existing parameters of the Treaties; whereas public health provisions under the Treaties are still largely underutilised in terms of the commitments they could be used to fulfil; whereas Parliament’s call for the creation of a European Health Union, as expressed in its resolution of 10 July 2020, bears reiterating in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas there is still scope for the European Union to better deliver on public health policy within the existing parameters of the Treaties; whereas public health provisions under the Treaties are still largely underutilised in terms of the commitments they could be used to fulfil; whereas Parliament’s call for the creation of a European Health Union, as expressed in its resolution of 10 July 2020, bears reiterating in this regard;

| O. | whereas cross-border threats can only be addressed together and thus require cooperation and solidarity within the Union and a common European approach; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas cross-border threats can only be addressed together and thus require cooperation and solidarity within the Union and a common European approach;

| P. | whereas since the start of the wider spread of COVID-19 in the EU, Parliament has been repeatedly calling on the Commission and the Member States to adopt coordinated measures on the free movement of people, goods and services within the internal market; whereas the free movement of people, goods and services are three of the essential pillars of the four freedoms, on which the proper functioning of the internal market is based; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas since the start of the wider spread of COVID-19 in the EU, Parliament has been repeatedly calling on the Commission and the Member States to adopt coordinated measures on the free movement of people, goods and services within the internal market; whereas the free movement of people, goods and services are three of the essential pillars of the four freedoms, on which the proper functioning of the internal market is based;

| Q. | whereas the measures taken by the Member States, including the reintroduction of internal border controls, affect the rights and freedoms of people as enshrined in Union law; whereas measures taken by the Member States or the Union should always respect fundamental rights; whereas these measures should be necessary, proportional, temporary and limited in scope; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the measures taken by the Member States, including the reintroduction of internal border controls, affect the rights and freedoms of people as enshrined in Union law; whereas measures taken by the Member States or the Union should always respect fundamental rights; whereas these measures should be necessary, proportional, temporary and limited in scope;

| R. | whereas solidarity between Member States is not an option but a Treaty obligation and part of our European values; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas solidarity between Member States is not an option but a Treaty obligation and part of our European values;

| S. | whereas uncoordinated restrictions to the freedom of movement of people within the EU are strongly fragmenting the internal market; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas uncoordinated restrictions to the freedom of movement of people within the EU are strongly fragmenting the internal market;

| T. | whereas the Commission has already taken various initiatives to improve coordination, such as adopting guidelines, communications, administrative letters and a proposal for a Council recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas the Commission has already taken various initiatives to improve coordination, such as adopting guidelines, communications, administrative letters and a proposal for a Council recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;

| U. | whereas the Council should support this recommendation and establish the necessary measures to ensure that the Member States coordinate their decisions and actions in an effort to stop or limit the spread of the virus; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas the Council should support this recommendation and establish the necessary measures to ensure that the Member States coordinate their decisions and actions in an effort to stop or limit the spread of the virus;

| V. | whereas a return to a fully functional Schengen area is of the utmost importance to safeguard the principle of freedom of movement and the functioning of the internal market as two of the main achievements of European integration, and a key prerequisite for the EU’s economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic; |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas a return to a fully functional Schengen area is of the utmost importance to safeguard the principle of freedom of movement and the functioning of the internal market as two of the main achievements of European integration, and a key prerequisite for the EU’s economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic;

| W. | whereas the diverging travel restrictions have led to many citizens having their flights cancelled, for which they have still not been refunded; |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas the diverging travel restrictions have led to many citizens having their flights cancelled, for which they have still not been refunded;

| X. | whereas Parliament, as co-legislator and the only institution directly elected by EU citizens, must be included as an integral and essential part of all discussions on EU coordination to tackle this health crisis; |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas Parliament, as co-legislator and the only institution directly elected by EU citizens, must be included as an integral and essential part of all discussions on EU coordination to tackle this health crisis;

| Y. | whereas the Member States seem not to have learned the lessons from the beginning of the crisis; whereas there is no common European health policy, only a multitude of national policies; |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas the Member States seem not to have learned the lessons from the beginning of the crisis; whereas there is no common European health policy, only a multitude of national policies;

| Z. | whereas the EU needs to plan ahead to face the possible continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic and/or other possible crises similar in nature; |
| --- | --- |

Z.

whereas the EU needs to plan ahead to face the possible continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic and/or other possible crises similar in nature;

| 1. | Expresses its concern about the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak and its long-term consequences on the well-being of people around the world, notably the most vulnerable groups and people in vulnerable situations, such as elderly people and those already suffering from poor health; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Expresses its concern about the increase of COVID-19 cases in several Member States since June and strongly emphasises the need for shared and coordinated health management to fight this pandemic effectively; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Points to the importance of reassuring citizens about the consistency of measures taken from one Member State to another, which will help to persuade citizens to adhere to these measures; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Recalls that freedom of movement for Union citizens is a fundamental right enshrined in the EU Treaties and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Underlines that this right can be restricted only for specific and limited reasons of public interest, namely the protection of public policy and public security; insists that such restrictions be applied in compliance with the Schengen Borders Code and the general principles of EU law, in particular proportionality and non-discrimination; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Points out that controls at internal borders are a measure of last resort and recalls that Member States should check whether other measures may be equally or better suited to achieving the same objective; urges the Member States to recognise the option of imposing minimum health checks and/or proportionate police checks as a better alternative to introducing internal border controls and to adopt only measures which are strictly necessary, coordinated and proportionate; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Considers it essential to keep internal EU borders open for goods and services within the EU and the European Economic Area, as the closure of internal borders could have detrimental effects on the internal market; points out that a commitment to the adoption of common measures that will rebuild trust between Member States in order to resume the free movement of goods and services within the internal market is essential; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Reiterates its urgent appeal to the Commission and Member States to pursue dedicated, structured and effective cooperation in this context, in order to define and anticipate the need for common measures; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Points out that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) continues to highlight disparities in data collection and data reporting by Member States; deplores the fact that this lack of harmonisation prevents us from having a clear and complete picture of the spread of the virus in Europe at any one time; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Emphasises that the ECDC is doing invaluable work and should be given more resources immediately, including more permanent staff, to continue its work on COVID-19 while being able to continue and recommence its work on other diseases; calls on the Commission to propose a revised mandate for the ECDC to significantly increase its long term budget, staffing and competences, so that it can provide world-class public health protection at all times, including during epidemics; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Notes that each Member State has been following the recommendations of its own scientific council with only limited coordination with the other Member States or the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Considers that the ECDC should be able to evaluate adequately and effectively the risk of the virus spreading and to publish a weekly updated risk map based on a common colour code, established according to the information collected and provided by the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Supports the colour code proposed by the Commission in its recent proposal for a Council recommendation; considers that the categorisation suggested (green, orange, red and grey) will facilitate movement within the EU and will give citizens more transparent information; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Therefore urges the Council to swiftly adopt and implement the Commission’s proposal for a Council recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; insists that such a common framework is crucial to avoid any disruption in the internal market, not least by establishing clear rules for travellers who perform essential functions, such as transport workers, providers of cross-border services such as health and elderly care, and seasonal workers; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Underlines that the common methodology and criteria adopted and the maps developed by the ECDC should facilitate a coordinated approach to Member States’ own decision-making processes, and ensure that any decisions taken by the Member States are consistent and well-coordinated; |
| --- | --- |

15.

| 16. | Acknowledges the importance of cumulative incidence rates and test positivity rates in evaluating the spread of the virus, but considers that other criteria such as hospitalisation rates and intensive care unit occupancy rates should also be taken into account; |
| --- | --- |

16.

| 17. | Calls on the Commission to promote a common methodology for collecting health data and for counting and reporting the number of deaths; |
| --- | --- |

17.

| 18. | Urges the Member States to adopt the same definition for a positive case of COVID-19, for a death by COVID-19 and for recovery from infection; |
| --- | --- |

18.

| 19. | Underlines that common definitions, health criteria and methodologies will allow the Member States and the Commission to conduct a common analysis of the epidemiological risk at EU level; |
| --- | --- |

19.

| 20. | Strongly welcomes the regional approach suggested by the Commission; considers that the risk mapping of the ECDC should be done at regional level and not only at national level; calls on the Member States therefore to transmit to the ECDC data collected by regional public authorities; |
| --- | --- |

20.

| 21. | Recalls that the ECDC has recommended that the Member States follow minimum baseline measures to avoid the spread of the virus, such as hygiene measures, physical distancing and limiting gatherings, using face masks in specific settings, teleworking arrangements, extensive testing, isolation of cases, quarantine of close contacts and protection of vulnerable populations; |
| --- | --- |

21.

| 22. | Calls on the Member States to follow the ECDC’s abovementioned recommendations and to define a common framework of health measures that public authorities in affected areas should adopt in order to halt the spread of the pandemic; |
| --- | --- |

22.

| 23. | Acknowledges that additional measures should be considered and shared by public authorities if the rate of transmission increases, including interventions limiting population movement, reducing the number of contacts per person and banning mass gatherings, paying particular attention to high-risk areas; |
| --- | --- |

23.

| 24. | Considers that such a framework would strengthen mutual trust between the Member States and between the affected areas, and avoid restrictive measures in response; |
| --- | --- |

24.

| 25. | Points out that the economy and the day-to-day lives of people living in cross-border regions have been negatively affected by border closures and that several Member States have introduced specific exemptions and adaptions of the rules for these regions; calls on the Member States therefore to pay particular attention to the specificities of cross-border regions, where cross-border commuting is common, and to insist on the need to cooperate at local and regional level in such areas, to jointly establish health mechanisms for the coordination and exchange of information in real time and to introduce so-called green lanes for essential workers; |
| --- | --- |

25.

| 26. | Calls for the adoption and implementation of a common testing strategy under which test results would be recognised in all Member States and adequate testing capacities would be provided to ensure that everyone who needs to take a test can do so without any disproportionate waiting times; considers that testing for travel purposes, where necessary, should preferably be carried out in the country of origin; further considers that the Member States and the Commission should draw up a list of the authorities permitted to provide a test certificate for these purposes, in order to safeguard this process from abuse; |
| --- | --- |

26.

| 27. | Calls on the Commission and the ECDC to evaluate the possibility of using reliable, but inexpensive, 15-minute tests; |
| --- | --- |

27.

| 28. | Recalls that most Member States have developed COVID-19 tracing apps using the same decentralised architecture; expects the interoperability of these apps to be achieved at EU level by October so as to allow for EU-wide COVID-19 tracing; encourages the Commission and the Member States to further encourage citizens’ use of these apps, and to do so in full compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

28.

| 29. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission, while considering the opinion of the ECDC, to agree on a common quarantine period with regard to essential and non-essential intra-EU travel, and essential and non-essential travel into the EU from third countries; |
| --- | --- |

29.

| 30. | Calls on the Member States to adopt a common protocol for monitoring asymptomatic patients, measures regarding the isolation of patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and isolation measures for the contacts of those patients; |
| --- | --- |

30.

| 31. | Welcomes the use by citizens of passenger locator forms; considers that a harmonised version of the passenger locator information form in digital format should be used as a priority to simplify processing and that it should be provided in an analogue format to ensure access for all Europeans; calls on the Commission to develop a harmonised passenger locator form with the aim of generating trust in an EU-wide monitoring system; |
| --- | --- |

31.

| 32. | Insists that any measures limiting our privacy and data protection must be lawful, effective to deal with the risk to life and public health, strictly proportionate and used only for public health purposes, and subject to strict time limits; stresses that emergency initiatives must not lead to mass surveillance after the crisis and calls for guarantees in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

32.

| 33. | Insists that the passenger locator form and its use need to be fully consistent with data protection rules, in particular integrity and confidentiality; insists that the data recorded should only be used for COVID-19 contact tracing and not for any other purpose, in line with the principle of purpose limitation; urges the Member States to update their relevant legislation accordingly; |
| --- | --- |

33.

| 34. | Reiterates its call on the Commission from its resolution on the EU’s public health strategy post-COVID-19 to propose the creation of a European Health Response Mechanism (EHRM) to respond to all types of health crises, to strengthen operational coordination at EU level, and to monitor the constitution and the triggering of the strategic reserve of medicines and medical equipment and ensure its proper functioning; considers that the EHRM should formalise the working methods established during the COVID-19 health crisis, building on the measures provided for in the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, the Cross-Border Health Threats Decision (10) and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism; |
| --- | --- |

34.

| 35. | Calls for the establishment of a COVID-19 task force led by the Commission in the framework of the EHRM; considers that each Member State should be represented in this task force and should designate a point of contact from their national executives; proposes that the main objective of this task force should be to regularly disseminate recommendations relayed at European and national level; considers that Parliament should have a permanent evaluation mandate to assess the work of this taskforce; |
| --- | --- |

35.

| 36. | Recalls that giving the public clear, timely and comprehensive information is crucial to limiting the impacts of any restrictions on free movement put in place, and to ensure predictability, legal certainty and compliance by citizens; |
| --- | --- |

36.

| 37. | Emphasises the importance of clear, accessible and understandable information about the European, national, regional and local numbers of infections, healthcare systems, measures in place and travel restrictions; stresses that this crucial information needs to be available in all official languages and in languages used by significant parts of the population to include people with a migrant background; |
| --- | --- |

37.

| 38. | Stresses that all information must be made easily understandable for the entire population, including people with low levels of literacy, by using clear, harmonised colours and understandable symbols in public information, and stresses that this information should also be provided in analogue format in appropriate places to include people with no or limited access to the internet; |
| --- | --- |

38.

| 39. | Calls on airline companies to refund passengers who have had their flights cancelled due to the pandemic as soon as possible and to meet their obligations as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 261/2004; asks the Commission to investigate infringements of passenger rights during this pandemic; |
| --- | --- |

39.

| 40. | Recalls that during the COVID-19 pandemic, several critical sectors, such as the food, pharmaceutical and health sectors and their supply chains, have experienced massive disruptions; |
| --- | --- |

40.

| 41. | Underlines the need to ensure an effective, resilient and future-proof internal market in which essential products and services for citizens continue to be delivered across the EU and are available to all citizens; |
| --- | --- |

41.

| 42. | Calls for the Commission to conduct, together with the Member States, a comprehensive and cross-sectoral analysis of the economies within the EU in order to understand the depth of the impacts felt during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to assess the extent of the disruptions to cross-border value chains; considers this to constitute an essential evidence base in order for the Commission to issue updated recommendations and determine the key policies that will act to strengthen a collective long-term recovery within the single market that will leave no one behind; |
| --- | --- |

42.

| 43. | Reiterates that it is crucial for people’s everyday lives that essential goods such as food or medical devices or protective equipment keep being delivered across the EU at all times; calls on the Commission to come forward with a proposal for an upgraded critical infrastructure directive to ensure continued free movement of essential goods and services within the internal market in times of crisis such as a pandemic; |
| --- | --- |

43.

| 44. | Considers that a comprehensive strategy should be developed in this respect in order to ensure the free circulation of goods at all times and to avoid unilateral restrictive measures, while taking into account public security and public health measures, and to encourage economic recovery in order to strengthen the resilience of the internal market and prepare for a new crisis; |
| --- | --- |

44.

| 45. | Strongly supports the Commission’s call on the Member States to refrain from taking national measures banning intra-EU exports of personal protective equipment or other important medical instruments or pharmaceuticals; |
| --- | --- |

45.

| 46. | Emphasises the importance of Member States being able to pool resources, including manufacturing capacities, to ensure that the increased demand for PPE, ventilators and other medical equipment, laboratory supplies and sanitising products, can be met within the EU, which would also help bolster the reserves of the strategic rescEU stockpile; |
| --- | --- |

46.

| 47. | Calls on the Member States to make use of the current public procurement legislation framework in order to maximise the potential of the existing flexibility provisions for simpler, faster and more flexible procurement, and outlines the importance of the joint procurement of medicine, medical equipment and personal protective equipment in ensuring their availability in all regions, including rural areas and peripheral and outermost regions; |
| --- | --- |

47.

| 48. | Recalls that the COVID-19 crisis has shown weaknesses in the protection of consumers due to the proliferation of scams and unsafe products, particularly online; stresses the need to address these weaknesses and to ensure that the digital single market is fair and safe for everyone through the upcoming Digital Services Act by forcing online platforms to take appropriate action against such products; |
| --- | --- |

48.

| 49. | Stresses that consumers need to be well informed about their rights and about the options they have when they purchase goods or services, especially in times of crisis; urges the Commission and the Member States to take action to provide reliable and adequate information in a way that is easily accessible to consumers across the Union; |
| --- | --- |

49.

| 50. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission to fully implement the Next Generation EU measures as quickly as possible by making the necessary national procedures as simple and non-bureaucratic as possible to ensure the EU economic recovery is effective in dealing with the deepest crisis that the EU has dealt with in recent times; underlines that the COVID-19 crisis should not be used as an excuse to postpone, weaken or abolish the implementation of various product and industry standards, including those designed to promote sustainability, but that it should rather be taken as an opportunity to improve the single market in a way that promotes sustainable production and consumption; |
| --- | --- |

50.

| 51. | Considers that a swift return to a fully functional Schengen area is of the utmost importance, and calls urgently on the Member States to discuss, together with Parliament, the Council and the Commission, a Recovery Plan for Schengen, including the ways and means to return to a fully functioning Schengen area without internal border controls and contingency plans as quickly as possible, in order to prevent temporary internal border controls from becoming semi-permanent in the medium term; |
| --- | --- |

51.

| 52. | Calls on the Member States to step up their efforts to achieve the completion of Schengen integration with all EU Member States, and for coordinated and harmonised measures to apply equally across the Union and to the equal benefit of all citizens residing within it; |
| --- | --- |

52.

| 53. | Recalls that temporary travel restrictions applying to all non-essential travel from third countries to the Schengen Area have been introduced; underlines that all decisions on refusal of entry at external borders need to be consistent with the provisions of the Schengen Borders Code, including the respect of fundamental rights in particular, as laid down in Article 4 thereof; |
| --- | --- |

53.

| 54. | Invites the Commission and national authorities to proactively monitor the market during and after the crisis in order to prevent consumer harm related to the COVID-19 situation and help consumers to exercise their rights stemming from EU law; |
| --- | --- |

54.

| 55. | Underlines that any restrictive measures imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic by national authorities should be, by definition, limited in duration, as their sole justification is to tackle the pandemic; expects the Commission to carefully guard against temporary measures becoming unjustified lasting barriers to the free movement of goods, services and persons within the internal market; |
| --- | --- |

55.

| 56. | Calls on the Commission to develop a strategy for a ‘resilient Europe’, consisting of a risk assessment map and options to address sound management and investments in healthcare systems and pandemic responses at EU level, including resilient supply chains in the EU, thereby ensuring the production of key products, such as pharmaceutical ingredients, medicines and medical equipment; |
| --- | --- |

56.

| 57. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

57.

---

(1)  OJ L 77, 23.3.2016, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 77.

(3)  OJ C 86 I, 16.3.2020, p. 1.

(4)  OJ C 102 I, 30.3.2020, p. 12.

(5)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0054.

(6)  OJ C 169, 15.5.2020, p. 30.

(7)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0175.

(8)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0205.

(9)  OJ L 46, 17.2.2004, p. 1.

(10)  OJ L 293, 5.11.2013, p. 1.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/167 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/167

---

P9_TA(2020)0241

The importance of urban and green infrastructure — European Year of Greener Cities 2022

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the European Year of Greener Cities 2022 (2019/2805(RSP))

(2021/C 385/20)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (1),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (2),

| — | having regard to Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 December 2013 on Green Infrastructure — Enhancing Europe’s Natural Capital (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 December 2013 on Green Infrastructure — Enhancing Europe’s Natural Capital (4),

| — | having regard to the 7th Environmental Action Programme, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 7th Environmental Action Programme,

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions entitled ‘Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020’ (COM(2011)0244), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions entitled ‘Our life insurance, our natural capital: an EU biodiversity strategy to 2020’ (COM(2011)0244),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 20 May 2020 entitled ‘EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives’ (COM(2020)0380), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 20 May 2020 entitled ‘EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives’ (COM(2020)0380),

| — | having regard to the EU Strategy on Green Infrastructure (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Strategy on Green Infrastructure (5),

| — | having regard to the report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 24 May 2019 on the review of progress on implementation of the EU green infrastructure strategy (COM(2019)0236), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 24 May 2019 on the review of progress on implementation of the EU green infrastructure strategy (COM(2019)0236),

| — | 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 6 May 2013 on Green Infrastructure (GI) — Enhancing Europe’s Natural Capital (COM(2013)0249), |
| --- | --- |

—

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 6 May 2013 on Green Infrastructure (GI) — Enhancing Europe’s Natural Capital (COM(2013)0249),

| — | having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 8 October 2013 on the Commission communication on Green Infrastructure (GI) — Enhancing Europe’s Natural Capital (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 8 October 2013 on the Commission communication on Green Infrastructure (GI) — Enhancing Europe’s Natural Capital (6),

| — | having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 16 October 2013 on the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Green Infrastructure (GI) — Enhancing Europe’s Natural Capital (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 16 October 2013 on the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Green Infrastructure (GI) — Enhancing Europe’s Natural Capital (7),

| — | having regard to the question to the Commission of 19 September 2013 on the development of an EU Green Infrastructure (GI) policy (O-000094/2013 — B7-0525/2013), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the question to the Commission of 19 September 2013 on the development of an EU Green Infrastructure (GI) policy (O-000094/2013 — B7-0525/2013),

| — | having regard to the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters,

| — | having regard to the European Green Capital award (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Green Capital award (8),

| — | having regard to the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (9),

| — | having regard to the question to the Commission on the importance of urban and green infrastructure — European Year of Greener Cities 2022 (O-000039/2020 — B9-0014/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the question to the Commission on the importance of urban and green infrastructure — European Year of Greener Cities 2022 (O-000039/2020 — B9-0014/2020),

| — | having regard to Rules 136(5) and 132(2) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 136(5) and 132(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas green infrastructure is understood to be a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas, including environmental features designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services, and incorporating green spaces (or blue, if aquatic ecosystems are concerned) and other physical features in terrestrial (including coastal) and marine areas in both rural and urban settings; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas green infrastructure is understood to be a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas, including environmental features designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services, and incorporating green spaces (or blue, if aquatic ecosystems are concerned) and other physical features in terrestrial (including coastal) and marine areas in both rural and urban settings;

| B. | whereas 72 % of people in the EU live in cities, towns and suburbs, and the share of the urban population is continuing to grow and could reach 80 % in 2020 (10); whereas these figures show that green cities are more important than ever in tackling the major challenges that our planet is facing and that they have growing potential as essential hubs for both the implementation of global agendas and for engaging citizens in policy decisions; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas 72 % of people in the EU live in cities, towns and suburbs, and the share of the urban population is continuing to grow and could reach 80 % in 2020 (10); whereas these figures show that green cities are more important than ever in tackling the major challenges that our planet is facing and that they have growing potential as essential hubs for both the implementation of global agendas and for engaging citizens in policy decisions;

| C. | whereas cities face an array of challenges, ranging from the impact of climate change on their residents’ health to environmental concerns, and whereas green infrastructure has great potential to offer nature-based ecological, economic and social solutions to many of these problems, which are generally low-cost and sustainable and create jobs; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas cities face an array of challenges, ranging from the impact of climate change on their residents’ health to environmental concerns, and whereas green infrastructure has great potential to offer nature-based ecological, economic and social solutions to many of these problems, which are generally low-cost and sustainable and create jobs;

| D. | whereas it is important to increase awareness of green infrastructure and the many positive impacts it has on ecosystems and the services they provide to populations, in order to better promote nature-based solutions in land and spatial planning and the creation and regeneration of green spaces, to accelerate the change from a grey to a green infrastructure standard in urban planning and territorial development and to enable cities to better adapt to the adverse effects of climate change; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas it is important to increase awareness of green infrastructure and the many positive impacts it has on ecosystems and the services they provide to populations, in order to better promote nature-based solutions in land and spatial planning and the creation and regeneration of green spaces, to accelerate the change from a grey to a green infrastructure standard in urban planning and territorial development and to enable cities to better adapt to the adverse effects of climate change;

| E. | whereas green infrastructure provides ecosystem services that are crucial to our wellbeing, the production of urban food, water circulation and retention, increase infiltration and reduce pollution through natural processes, regulate ambient temperatures, support biodiversity (including pollinators), improve nutrient cycles, make residential areas look nicer, make it easier for residents to exercise, and improve the wellbeing of residents; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas green infrastructure provides ecosystem services that are crucial to our wellbeing, the production of urban food, water circulation and retention, increase infiltration and reduce pollution through natural processes, regulate ambient temperatures, support biodiversity (including pollinators), improve nutrient cycles, make residential areas look nicer, make it easier for residents to exercise, and improve the wellbeing of residents;

| F. | whereas green infrastructure contributes to the development of Natura 2000 networks in urban areas, improving connectivity between ecological green and blue corridors, enhancing the conservation of species and habitats that are essential to the ecosystem, and helping to maintain the provision of ecosystem services in urban areas; whereas the annual benefits of ecosystem services provided by the Natura 2000 network have been estimated to be worth EUR 300 billion across the EU, with the benefits of green infrastructure being worth far more; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas green infrastructure contributes to the development of Natura 2000 networks in urban areas, improving connectivity between ecological green and blue corridors, enhancing the conservation of species and habitats that are essential to the ecosystem, and helping to maintain the provision of ecosystem services in urban areas; whereas the annual benefits of ecosystem services provided by the Natura 2000 network have been estimated to be worth EUR 300 billion across the EU, with the benefits of green infrastructure being worth far more;

| G. | whereas greening cities involves more than just implementing initiatives to make cities more verdant given the importance of clean air, water, soil and a cityscape that promotes biodiversity for ensuring the sustainability of verdant spaces; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas greening cities involves more than just implementing initiatives to make cities more verdant given the importance of clean air, water, soil and a cityscape that promotes biodiversity for ensuring the sustainability of verdant spaces;

| H. | whereas green infrastructure is a crucial part of the 2020 Biodiversity Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas green infrastructure is a crucial part of the 2020 Biodiversity Strategy and the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030;

| I. | whereas green infrastructure contributes to climate mitigation as it strengthens the resilience of ecosystems to climate change and helps to reduce the volume of atmospheric CO2 through direct carbon sequestration, especially in peatlands, oceans and forests; whereas it also helps to reduce water and wastewater pumping and treatment and the associated energy demands and to reduce building energy use and emissions thanks to ‘smart buildings’ that have green elements such as roofs and walls and include new materials that increase resource efficiency; whereas green infrastructure also helps to reduce energy demand and transport-related pollution by making it easier to adopt alternative, clean transport modes such as cycling, walking and clean public transport, including water transport; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas green infrastructure contributes to climate mitigation as it strengthens the resilience of ecosystems to climate change and helps to reduce the volume of atmospheric CO2 through direct carbon sequestration, especially in peatlands, oceans and forests; whereas it also helps to reduce water and wastewater pumping and treatment and the associated energy demands and to reduce building energy use and emissions thanks to ‘smart buildings’ that have green elements such as roofs and walls and include new materials that increase resource efficiency; whereas green infrastructure also helps to reduce energy demand and transport-related pollution by making it easier to adopt alternative, clean transport modes such as cycling, walking and clean public transport, including water transport;

| J. | whereas green infrastructure contributes to climate adaptation via the protection of natural capital, the conservation of natural habitats and species, an improvement in ecological status, the management of water bodies and food safety; whereas its development is among the most effective climate change adaptation measures that can be taken in cities, as it mitigates the negative impacts of climate change and increasingly frequent extreme weather phenomena, such as heatwaves, forest fires, extreme rainfall, flooding and drought, evens out extreme temperatures, and improves the quality of life of EU residents living in urban areas; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas green infrastructure contributes to climate adaptation via the protection of natural capital, the conservation of natural habitats and species, an improvement in ecological status, the management of water bodies and food safety; whereas its development is among the most effective climate change adaptation measures that can be taken in cities, as it mitigates the negative impacts of climate change and increasingly frequent extreme weather phenomena, such as heatwaves, forest fires, extreme rainfall, flooding and drought, evens out extreme temperatures, and improves the quality of life of EU residents living in urban areas;

| K. | whereas more than 22 % of European species are now threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; whereas greening cities helps to promote biodiversity and can play an important role in mitigating the biodiversity crisis; whereas promoting biodiversity in cities can bring co-benefits by way of increasing the resilience of ecosystems and carbon sequestration potential; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas more than 22 % of European species are now threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; whereas greening cities helps to promote biodiversity and can play an important role in mitigating the biodiversity crisis; whereas promoting biodiversity in cities can bring co-benefits by way of increasing the resilience of ecosystems and carbon sequestration potential;

| L. | whereas good urban planning, planted soil and permeable pavements are better at increasing water retention, managing seepage, preventing soil erosion and combatting urban run-off than asphalt and concrete; whereas high-quality green infrastructure reduces the risk of flooding; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas good urban planning, planted soil and permeable pavements are better at increasing water retention, managing seepage, preventing soil erosion and combatting urban run-off than asphalt and concrete; whereas high-quality green infrastructure reduces the risk of flooding;

| M. | whereas well-designed green infrastructure is one of the best ways to increase the number of ecological green and blue corridors, and thereby protect biodiversity; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas well-designed green infrastructure is one of the best ways to increase the number of ecological green and blue corridors, and thereby protect biodiversity;

| N. | whereas plants purify the air by filtering out small particles and producing oxygen; whereas the quality of air in our cities has become one of the biggest health challenges facing the EU today; whereas cleaner air would improve the quality of life of millions of people, including asthma and airway disease sufferers; whereas every year, 430 000 people die prematurely as a result of breathing polluted air in the EU; whereas improving air quality must be a priority for the EU, the Member States, regions and municipalities, in order to protect people and ecosystems from the impacts of air pollution; whereas an improvement in air quality could significantly reduce the number of premature deaths; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas plants purify the air by filtering out small particles and producing oxygen; whereas the quality of air in our cities has become one of the biggest health challenges facing the EU today; whereas cleaner air would improve the quality of life of millions of people, including asthma and airway disease sufferers; whereas every year, 430 000 people die prematurely as a result of breathing polluted air in the EU; whereas improving air quality must be a priority for the EU, the Member States, regions and municipalities, in order to protect people and ecosystems from the impacts of air pollution; whereas an improvement in air quality could significantly reduce the number of premature deaths;

| O. | whereas the use of trees and vegetation can reduce noise pollution in urban areas; whereas noise is the second largest environmental cause of health problems, after air quality; whereas the EU-funded research project HOSANNA found that natural plant sound shields are better at shielding residents from traffic noise than the straight-sided sound barriers commonly used; whereas biodiversity and nature are negatively impacted by noise pollution and efforts to green cities should include initiatives to reduce noise pollution; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the use of trees and vegetation can reduce noise pollution in urban areas; whereas noise is the second largest environmental cause of health problems, after air quality; whereas the EU-funded research project HOSANNA found that natural plant sound shields are better at shielding residents from traffic noise than the straight-sided sound barriers commonly used; whereas biodiversity and nature are negatively impacted by noise pollution and efforts to green cities should include initiatives to reduce noise pollution;

| P. | whereas green infrastructure should also be promoted in coastal cities, which are usually adjacent to wetlands, in order to preserve marine and coastal biodiversity and ecosystems and to enhance the sustainable development of the coastal economy, tourism and landscape, positive developments that in turn improve resilience to climate change impacts in these vulnerable areas, which are particularly affected by the rise in sea level; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas green infrastructure should also be promoted in coastal cities, which are usually adjacent to wetlands, in order to preserve marine and coastal biodiversity and ecosystems and to enhance the sustainable development of the coastal economy, tourism and landscape, positive developments that in turn improve resilience to climate change impacts in these vulnerable areas, which are particularly affected by the rise in sea level;

| Q. | whereas green infrastructure should be promoted in port areas as they are an important part of coastal cities and usually cover vast land areas that are also part of the Natura 2000 network; whereas doing so will better address environmental issues such as pollution and biodiversity loss and help to promote the development of new infrastructure projects, such as the electrification of ports; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas green infrastructure should be promoted in port areas as they are an important part of coastal cities and usually cover vast land areas that are also part of the Natura 2000 network; whereas doing so will better address environmental issues such as pollution and biodiversity loss and help to promote the development of new infrastructure projects, such as the electrification of ports;

| R. | whereas green infrastructure offers access to nature for those who might otherwise have little contact with it — such as children, older persons and persons with disabilities — and contributes to their education on and awareness of nature and ecological challenges; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas green infrastructure offers access to nature for those who might otherwise have little contact with it — such as children, older persons and persons with disabilities — and contributes to their education on and awareness of nature and ecological challenges;

| S. | whereas greener cities can provide significant health benefits as they improve air quality, encourage residents to move and exercise more, help to prevent and cure depression, improve the immune system, and ultimately increase happiness and well-being (11); |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas greener cities can provide significant health benefits as they improve air quality, encourage residents to move and exercise more, help to prevent and cure depression, improve the immune system, and ultimately increase happiness and well-being (11);

| T. | whereas a higher number of urban parks and gardens, greener streets, green roofs on buildings, bus stops covered in vegetation and greener playgrounds, among other things, increase the attractiveness and comfort of neighbourhoods and cities; whereas they also increase social contacts between residents, encourage positive behavioural changes and create a stronger sense of community; whereas publicly owned green spaces can bring incalculable benefits to inhabitants of cities; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas a higher number of urban parks and gardens, greener streets, green roofs on buildings, bus stops covered in vegetation and greener playgrounds, among other things, increase the attractiveness and comfort of neighbourhoods and cities; whereas they also increase social contacts between residents, encourage positive behavioural changes and create a stronger sense of community; whereas publicly owned green spaces can bring incalculable benefits to inhabitants of cities;

| U. | whereas greener neighbourhoods have been shown to increase the economic value of properties, as they make areas more desirable to prospective buyers, making it essential to take measures to mitigate gentrification and ensure equitable access to greener neighbourhoods; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas greener neighbourhoods have been shown to increase the economic value of properties, as they make areas more desirable to prospective buyers, making it essential to take measures to mitigate gentrification and ensure equitable access to greener neighbourhoods;

| V. | whereas the greening of cities can facilitate more sustainable small-scale food production and reduce the footprint of food by reinforcing short supply chains, thereby enabling new micro businesses to emerge and encouraging residents to become active in this field and understand the food chain better, especially organic and environmentally sustainable farming; |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas the greening of cities can facilitate more sustainable small-scale food production and reduce the footprint of food by reinforcing short supply chains, thereby enabling new micro businesses to emerge and encouraging residents to become active in this field and understand the food chain better, especially organic and environmentally sustainable farming;

| W. | whereas 80 % of the waste found at sea comes from cities, including upstream waste from river basins; whereas it is important to improve waste management systems in urban areas, especially the management of diffuse pollution, litter and macro waste, for example by strengthening filtration in wastewater treatment plants in order to make cities greener and tackle ocean pollution; |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas 80 % of the waste found at sea comes from cities, including upstream waste from river basins; whereas it is important to improve waste management systems in urban areas, especially the management of diffuse pollution, litter and macro waste, for example by strengthening filtration in wastewater treatment plants in order to make cities greener and tackle ocean pollution;

| X. | whereas citizens need to be engaged in and feel empowered to provide input on urban planning and the design of green infrastructure, taking into account local environmental, social, economic and technological features; |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas citizens need to be engaged in and feel empowered to provide input on urban planning and the design of green infrastructure, taking into account local environmental, social, economic and technological features;

| Y. | whereas the development of green infrastructure goes hand in hand with its sustainable management, especially with regard to water resources; whereas it is important to link green and blue infrastructure in an environmentally responsible manner, including by reusing water and rainwater and managing water effectively; |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas the development of green infrastructure goes hand in hand with its sustainable management, especially with regard to water resources; whereas it is important to link green and blue infrastructure in an environmentally responsible manner, including by reusing water and rainwater and managing water effectively;

| Z. | whereas the ecosystem services provided by trees become far more important the older they get; whereas the healthy and integrated management and planning of urban areas is essential in order to maximise their development potential and enable citizens to take full advantage of the potential and of the services provided by green infrastructure; |
| --- | --- |

Z.

whereas the ecosystem services provided by trees become far more important the older they get; whereas the healthy and integrated management and planning of urban areas is essential in order to maximise their development potential and enable citizens to take full advantage of the potential and of the services provided by green infrastructure;

| 1. | Acknowledges the contribution that greener cities can make to achieving the goals set out in the Paris agreement and strengthening the EU’s resilience and ability to adapt to climate change; underlines the important role greener cities can play in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling the commitments of the New Urban Agenda, particularly when it comes to improving the use of water resources and improving biodiversity in the urban environment; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to devise a new EU strategy for greener cities and green infrastructure to help cities play their part in climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as improving the wellbeing of people living in cities; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Calls on the Commission to put forward measures under the European Green Deal to specifically address the role of cities and to promote investment in green infrastructure; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Stresses the importance of effectively mainstreaming climate and environmental perspectives into local, regional, national and global urban policymaking; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Stresses the need to adopt an adaptation strategy for cities exposed to the consequences of climate change based on a new innovative ecosystem approach to risk prevention and management, in particular by identifying areas where water will retreat, areas where flooding will be absorbed, areas with natural protection and, in cases where it is essential, areas that require artificial protection; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Calls on the Member States, local and regional authorities to devise action plans and actively engage in activities designed to promote and maintain green urban areas in cooperation with relevant stakeholders, including civil society; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Acknowledges the great importance of public green spaces for the physical and mental wellbeing of urban dwellers, particularly in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic; calls for local, regional and national authorities to protect and promote urban green spaces, improve their quality, and ensure that their residents have easy access to public green spaces in their localities; |
| --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Insists that the potential of cities to help protect biodiversity and ecosystem services is underestimated; recalls that enhancing biodiversity, ecosystem services and urban green infrastructure in cities and peri-urban areas improves human health; recalls that developing and implementing nature-based solutions for preserving biodiversity and incorporating and further integrating biodiversity and ecosystem functions in urban design, policy and planning can play an important role in mitigating and adapting to climate change in cities, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote these practices; |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Welcomes the fact that the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, as part of the European Green Deal, includes a strong focus on greening urban and peri-urban areas and increasing biodiversity in urban spaces; welcomes in particular the new Urban Greening Plans and calls on the Commission to ensure that European cities are highly ambitious in creating these plans and that they are effectively implemented; calls on the Member States to also promote greening in urban areas with populations of less than 20 000; |
| --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Proposes that the year 2022 be designated a European Year of Greener Cities; |
| --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Proposes that the aims of the European Year of Greener Cities 2022 are to:






  a. | raise awareness of the benefits of green spaces in a built environment; introduce initiatives to increase the provision of green spaces, including near residential areas; |
| --- | --- | --- |

11.

a.

raise awareness of the benefits of green spaces in a built environment; introduce initiatives to increase the provision of green spaces, including near residential areas;

| b. | increase the quantity and quality of research and the development of new innovations in various fields of expertise, creating greener added value and enhancing quality of life in cities; provide targeted support for sustainable digitalisation in the EU and thus for start-ups and digital innovations; enhance the upscaling of green infrastructure projects; |
| --- | --- |

b.

increase the quantity and quality of research and the development of new innovations in various fields of expertise, creating greener added value and enhancing quality of life in cities; provide targeted support for sustainable digitalisation in the EU and thus for start-ups and digital innovations; enhance the upscaling of green infrastructure projects;

| c. | encourage local authorities and citizens to take action and improve their neighbourhoods and environment, bringing them together as a community to increase their resilience and to reshape the future of their cities; increase the involvement of citizens in other actions and decision-making on the environment and the overall life of the city; |
| --- | --- |

c.

encourage local authorities and citizens to take action and improve their neighbourhoods and environment, bringing them together as a community to increase their resilience and to reshape the future of their cities; increase the involvement of citizens in other actions and decision-making on the environment and the overall life of the city;

| d. | create a culture of appreciation of green spaces and blue-green infrastructure; encourage urban development that respects the need for green spaces as an important aspect of quality of life in cities; |
| --- | --- |

d.

create a culture of appreciation of green spaces and blue-green infrastructure; encourage urban development that respects the need for green spaces as an important aspect of quality of life in cities;

| e. | promote the use of climate-friendly materials and services through public procurement; |
| --- | --- |

e.

promote the use of climate-friendly materials and services through public procurement;

| f. | increase the number of green infrastructure projects; continue and add resources to the EU Strategy on Green Infrastructure; |
| --- | --- |

f.

increase the number of green infrastructure projects; continue and add resources to the EU Strategy on Green Infrastructure;

| g. | connect existing initiatives and share best practices across the Member States, as provided for in numerous initiatives and strategies, inter alia on urban planning, sustainable urbanism and infrastructure, nature-based solutions, green architecture, cleaner energy, pedestrian and cyclist mobility, efficient water resource management and sustainable and circular waste management on the basis of the waste hierarchy, which aims to achieve the target of zero waste or to reduce waste to a minimum through maximum use of recycling; |
| --- | --- |

g.

connect existing initiatives and share best practices across the Member States, as provided for in numerous initiatives and strategies, inter alia on urban planning, sustainable urbanism and infrastructure, nature-based solutions, green architecture, cleaner energy, pedestrian and cyclist mobility, efficient water resource management and sustainable and circular waste management on the basis of the waste hierarchy, which aims to achieve the target of zero waste or to reduce waste to a minimum through maximum use of recycling;

| h. | create a roadmap for greening EU cities and maintaining green spaces by 2030, conveying the principle of ecological urbanism as a means to encourage harmonious links between rural and urban environments and to acknowledge their interdependence and the need for a bidirectional relationship; |
| --- | --- |

h.

create a roadmap for greening EU cities and maintaining green spaces by 2030, conveying the principle of ecological urbanism as a means to encourage harmonious links between rural and urban environments and to acknowledge their interdependence and the need for a bidirectional relationship;

| i. | undertake educational activities aimed at various audiences with content tailored to the target group, in particular children; |
| --- | --- |

i.

undertake educational activities aimed at various audiences with content tailored to the target group, in particular children;

| j. | encourage initiatives to reduce urban traffic, and promote and invest in public transport; |
| --- | --- |

j.

encourage initiatives to reduce urban traffic, and promote and invest in public transport;

| k. | phase out the use of pesticides and herbicides in urban areas to protect residents and urban biodiversity; |
| --- | --- |

k.

phase out the use of pesticides and herbicides in urban areas to protect residents and urban biodiversity;

| l. | ensure the broadest possible participation of environmental NGOs in environmental protection and education activities; |
| --- | --- |

l.

ensure the broadest possible participation of environmental NGOs in environmental protection and education activities;

| m. | significantly increase urban roofing and facade greening to improve the urban climate, air quality and insulation; |
| --- | --- |

m.

significantly increase urban roofing and facade greening to improve the urban climate, air quality and insulation;

| n. | support urban gardening and the safeguarding and development of allotment areas as well as urban school gardening facilities throughout the EU, as these are an important pillar of environmental education for children; |
| --- | --- |

n.

support urban gardening and the safeguarding and development of allotment areas as well as urban school gardening facilities throughout the EU, as these are an important pillar of environmental education for children;

| 12. | Calls on the Commission to take swift action to improve air quality in cities, particularly by reducing emissions through new urban mobility solutions that favour more efficient and environmentally sustainable public transport options; |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Highlights the importance of promoting and enabling citizen participation in the greening of urban areas and the maintenance of green areas through their involvement in sustainable spatial planning and implementation phases as appropriate, in order to achieve sustainable urban planning solutions, create ownership of relevant actions and have socially inclusive, resilient and low-emission cities that are attractive to their citizens; considers it important to ensure that members of the public are aware of how they can contribute to greening their cities, maintain green spaces and transform them into healthier environments; encourages municipalities and regions to support green initiatives submitted by citizens to the greatest extent possible and develop sponsorship projects for open spaces; urges municipalities and regions to adopt and implement ambitious initiatives for green cities; |
| --- | --- |

13.

| 14. | Urges the Commission to continue supporting ambitious measures to improve energy and resource efficiency; urges the Commission to help secure adequate funding for actions that contribute to sustainable urban development and green infrastructure, such as innovation partnerships and joint procurement schemes between EU cities; urges the Commission to help enhance the collective power of cities in order to quickly scale up efficient solutions; urges the Commission to support private sector participation via public-private partnerships, a more ambitious European Investment Bank programme and incentives for SMEs, which can play a crucial role in developing innovative sustainable solutions; |
| --- | --- |

14.

| 15. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and to the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

15.

---

(1)  OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7.

(2)  OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

(3)  OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, p. 27.

(4)  OJ C 468, 15.12.2016, p. 190.

(5)  As outlined in the Commission’s EU Strategy on Green Infrastructure: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/strategy/index_en.htm.

(6)  OJ C 356, 5.12.2013, p. 43.

(7)  OJ C 67, 6.3.2014, p. 153.

(8)  https://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/index_en.htm

(9)  https://www.covenantofmayors.eu/en/

(10)  European Environment Agency, Analysing and managing urban growth, European Environment Agency, Copenhagen, 2019, https://www.eea.europa.eu/articles/analysing-and-managing-urban-growth.

(11)  European Commission, Urban Green Spaces Increase Happiness, European Commission, Brussels, http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/space-increase-happiness/.

---

III Preparatory acts

European Parliament

Tuesday 15 September 2020

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/173 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/173

---

P9_TA(2020)0207

Appointment of the Chair of the CCP Supervisory Committee

European Parliament decision of 15 September 2020 on the proposal for the appointment of the Chair of the CCP Supervisory Committee of the European Securities and Markets Authority (N9-0041/2020 — C9-0276/2020 — 2020/0906(NLE))

(Approval)

(2021/C 385/21)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal of the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority of 27 August 2020 (C9-0276/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal of the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority of 27 August 2020 (C9-0276/2020),

| — | having regard to Article 41 of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Securities and Markets Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/77/EC (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 41 of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Securities and Markets Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/77/EC (1),

| — | having regard to Article 24a(5) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 24a(5) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2019 on gender balance in EU economic and monetary affairs nominations (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2019 on gender balance in EU economic and monetary affairs nominations (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2020 on institutions and bodies of the Economic and Monetary Union: preventing post-public employment conflicts of interest (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2020 on institutions and bodies of the Economic and Monetary Union: preventing post-public employment conflicts of interest (4),

| — | having regard to Rule 131 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 131 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A9-0152/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A9-0152/2020),

| A. | whereas, on 27 August 2020, the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority, following an open selection procedure, proposed to appoint Klaus Löber as Chair of the CCP Supervisory Committee, in accordance with Article 24a(5) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, on 27 August 2020, the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority, following an open selection procedure, proposed to appoint Klaus Löber as Chair of the CCP Supervisory Committee, in accordance with Article 24a(5) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012;

| B. | whereas, on 2 September 2020, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs held a hearing with Klaus Löber, at which he made an opening statement and then responded to questions from the members of the Committee; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, on 2 September 2020, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs held a hearing with Klaus Löber, at which he made an opening statement and then responded to questions from the members of the Committee;

| 1. | Approves the appointment of Klaus Löber as the Chair of the CCP Supervisory Committee of the European Securities and Markets Authority; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council, the Commission, the European Securities and Markets Authority and the governments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

2.

---

(1)  OJ L 331, 15.12.2010, p. 84.

(2)  OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1.

(3)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0211.

(4)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0017.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/174 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/174

---

P9_TA(2020)0208

Appointment of an Independent Member of the CCP Supervisory Committee

European Parliament decision of 15 September 2020 on the proposal for the appointment of an independent member of the CCP Supervisory Committee of the European Securities and Markets Authority (N9-0042/2020 — C9-0277/2020 — 2020/0907(NLE))

(Approval)

(2021/C 385/22)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal of the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority of 27 August 2020 (C9-0277/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal of the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority of 27 August 2020 (C9-0277/2020),

| — | having regard to Article 41 of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Securities and Markets Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/77/EC (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 41 of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Securities and Markets Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/77/EC (1),

| — | having regard to Article 24a(5) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 24a(5) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2019 on gender balance in EU economic and monetary affairs nominations (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2019 on gender balance in EU economic and monetary affairs nominations (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2020 on institutions and bodies of the Economic and Monetary Union: preventing post-public employment conflicts of interest (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2020 on institutions and bodies of the Economic and Monetary Union: preventing post-public employment conflicts of interest (4),

| — | having regard to Rule 131 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 131 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A9-0151/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A9-0151/2020),

| A. | whereas, on 27 August 2020, the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority, following an open selection procedure, proposed to appoint Nicoletta Giusto as independent member of the CCP Supervisory Committee, in accordance with Article 24a(5) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, on 27 August 2020, the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority, following an open selection procedure, proposed to appoint Nicoletta Giusto as independent member of the CCP Supervisory Committee, in accordance with Article 24a(5) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012;

| B. | whereas, on 2 September 2020, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs held a hearing with Nicoletta Giusto, at which she made an opening statement and then responded to questions from the members of the Committee; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, on 2 September 2020, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs held a hearing with Nicoletta Giusto, at which she made an opening statement and then responded to questions from the members of the Committee;

| 1. | Approves the appointment of Nicoletta Giusto as independent member of the CCP Supervisory Committee of the European Securities and Markets Authority; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council, the Commission, the European Securities and Markets Authority and the governments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

2.

---

(1)  OJ L 331, 15.12.2010, p. 84.

(2)  OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1.

(3)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0211.

(4)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0017.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/175 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/175

---

P9_TA(2020)0209

Appointment of an Independent Member of the CCP Supervisory Committee

European Parliament decision of 15 September 2020 on the proposal for the appointment of an independent member of the CCP Supervisory Committee of the European Securities and Markets Authority (N9-0042/2020 — C9-0278/2020 — 2020/0908(NLE))

(Approval)

(2021/C 385/23)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal of the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority of 27 August 2020 (C9-0278/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal of the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority of 27 August 2020 (C9-0278/2020),

| — | having regard to Article 41 of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Securities and Markets Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/77/EC (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 41 of Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Securities and Markets Authority), amending Decision No 716/2009/EC and repealing Commission Decision 2009/77/EC (1),

| — | having regard to Article 24a(5) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 24a(5) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2019 on gender balance in EU economic and monetary affairs nominations (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2019 on gender balance in EU economic and monetary affairs nominations (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2020 on institutions and bodies of the Economic and Monetary Union: preventing post-public employment conflicts of interest (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2020 on institutions and bodies of the Economic and Monetary Union: preventing post-public employment conflicts of interest (4),

| — | having regard to Rule 131 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 131 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A9-0153/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A9-0153/2020),

| A. | whereas, on 27 August 2020, the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority, following an open selection procedure, proposed to appoint Froukelien Wendt as independent member of the CCP Supervisory Committee, in accordance with Article 24a(5) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, on 27 August 2020, the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority, following an open selection procedure, proposed to appoint Froukelien Wendt as independent member of the CCP Supervisory Committee, in accordance with Article 24a(5) of Regulation (EU) No 648/2012;

| B. | whereas, on 2 September 2020, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs held a hearing with Froukelien Wendt, at which she made an opening statement and then responded to questions from the members of the Committee; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, on 2 September 2020, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs held a hearing with Froukelien Wendt, at which she made an opening statement and then responded to questions from the members of the Committee;

| 1. | Approves the appointment of Froukelien Wendt as independent member of the CCP Supervisory Committee of the European Securities and Markets Authority; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council, the Commission, the European Securities and Markets Authority and the governments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

2.

---

(1)  OJ L 331, 15.12.2010, p. 84.

(2)  OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1.

(3)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0211.

(4)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0017.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/176 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/176

---

P9_TA(2020)0210

Reduced rate of excise duty on certain alcoholic products produced in the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores *

European Parliament legislative resolution of 15 September 2020 on the proposal for a Council decision authorising Portugal to apply a reduced rate of excise duty on certain alcoholic products produced in the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores (COM(2020)0240 — C9-0190/2020 — 2020/0118(CNS))

(Special legislative procedure — consultation)

(2021/C 385/24)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2020)0240), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2020)0240),

| — | having regard to Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C9-0190/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C9-0190/2020),

| — | having regard to Rule 82 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 82 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Regional Development (A9-0140/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Regional Development (A9-0140/2020),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

4.

---

Wednesday 16 September 2020

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/177 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/177

---

P9_TA(2020)0214

Non-objection to a delegated act: fees charged by ESMA to third country CCPs

European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the Commission delegated regulation of 14 July 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to fees charged by the European Securities and Markets Authority to central counterparties established in third countries (C(2020)4891 — 2020/2720(DEA))

(2021/C 385/25)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission delegated regulation (C(2020)4891), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission delegated regulation (C(2020)4891),

| — | having regard to the Commission’s letter of 14 July 2020 asking Parliament to declare that it will raise no objections to the delegated regulation, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s letter of 14 July 2020 asking Parliament to declare that it will raise no objections to the delegated regulation,

| — | having regard to the letter from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs to the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs of 2 September 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs to the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs of 2 September 2020,

| — | having regard to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (1), and in particular Articles 25d(3) and 82(6) thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (1), and in particular Articles 25d(3) and 82(6) thereof,

| — | having regard to Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the recommendation for a decision of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation for a decision of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs,

| — | having regard to the fact that no objections have been raised within the period laid down in the third and fourth indents of Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, which expired on 15 September 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the fact that no objections have been raised within the period laid down in the third and fourth indents of Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, which expired on 15 September 2020,

| A. | whereas several delegated acts to be adopted under the recently amended Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (EMIR) specify how EMIR rules will apply to third-country central counterparties (CCPs) that provide services to Union firms; whereas those delegated acts will give effect to the enhanced powers of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA); whereas third-country CCPs that are considered to be systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or any of its Member States should be subject to specific requirements and enhanced supervision by ESMA in order to ensure a level playing field with Union CCPs and to safeguard the stability of the Union’s financial system; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas several delegated acts to be adopted under the recently amended Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (EMIR) specify how EMIR rules will apply to third-country central counterparties (CCPs) that provide services to Union firms; whereas those delegated acts will give effect to the enhanced powers of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA); whereas third-country CCPs that are considered to be systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or any of its Member States should be subject to specific requirements and enhanced supervision by ESMA in order to ensure a level playing field with Union CCPs and to safeguard the stability of the Union’s financial system;

| B. | whereas Article 25d empowers the Commission to adopt a delegated act in order to specify further details regarding the fees that ESMA should charge to third-country CCPs in order to cover all costs incurred for the recognition and the performance of its tasks in relation to third-country CCPs; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas Article 25d empowers the Commission to adopt a delegated act in order to specify further details regarding the fees that ESMA should charge to third-country CCPs in order to cover all costs incurred for the recognition and the performance of its tasks in relation to third-country CCPs;

| C. | whereas this delegated regulation should enter into force as a matter of urgency to ensure that third-country CCPs contribute adequately to ESMA’s funding in a timely and appropriate manner; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas this delegated regulation should enter into force as a matter of urgency to ensure that third-country CCPs contribute adequately to ESMA’s funding in a timely and appropriate manner;

| 1. | Declares that it has no objections to the delegated regulation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

2.

---

(1)  OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/178 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/178

---

P9_TA(2020)0215

Non-objection to a delegated act: criteria for determining third-country CCP's systemic importance

European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the Commission delegated regulation of 14 July 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the criteria that ESMA should take into account to determine whether a central counterparty established in a third-country is systemically important or likely to become systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or of one or more of its Member States (C(2020)4892 — 2020/2726(DEA))

(2021/C 385/26)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission delegated regulation (C(2020)4892), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission delegated regulation (C(2020)4892),

| — | having regard to the Commission’s letter of 14 July 2020 asking Parliament to declare that it will raise no objections to the delegated regulation, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s letter of 14 July 2020 asking Parliament to declare that it will raise no objections to the delegated regulation,

| — | having regard to the letter from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs to the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs of 2 September 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs to the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs of 2 September 2020,

| — | having regard to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (1), and in particular Articles 25(2a) and 82(6) thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (1), and in particular Articles 25(2a) and 82(6) thereof,

| — | having regard to Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the recommendation for a decision of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation for a decision of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs,

| — | having regard to the fact that no objections have been raised within the period laid down in the third and fourth indents of Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, which expired on 15 September 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the fact that no objections have been raised within the period laid down in the third and fourth indents of Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, which expired on 15 September 2020,

| A. | whereas several delegated acts to be adopted under the recently amended Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (EMIR) specify how EMIR rules will apply to third-country central counterparties (CCPs) that provide services to Union firms; whereas those delegated acts will give effect to the enhanced powers of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA); whereas third-country CCPs that are considered to be systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or any of its Member States should be subject to specific requirements and enhanced supervision by ESMA in order to ensure a level playing field with Union CCPs and safeguard the stability of the Union’s financial system; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas several delegated acts to be adopted under the recently amended Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (EMIR) specify how EMIR rules will apply to third-country central counterparties (CCPs) that provide services to Union firms; whereas those delegated acts will give effect to the enhanced powers of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA); whereas third-country CCPs that are considered to be systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or any of its Member States should be subject to specific requirements and enhanced supervision by ESMA in order to ensure a level playing field with Union CCPs and safeguard the stability of the Union’s financial system;

| B. | whereas Article 25(2a) empowers the Commission to adopt a delegated act specifying further the criteria to be applied by ESMA when determining whether a third-country CCP is systemically important or likely to become systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or of one or more of its Member States; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas Article 25(2a) empowers the Commission to adopt a delegated act specifying further the criteria to be applied by ESMA when determining whether a third-country CCP is systemically important or likely to become systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or of one or more of its Member States;

| C. | whereas this delegated regulation should enter into force as a matter of urgency to ensure the Union’s preparedness when Union law ceases to apply in the United Kingdom after the expiry of the transitional period; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas this delegated regulation should enter into force as a matter of urgency to ensure the Union’s preparedness when Union law ceases to apply in the United Kingdom after the expiry of the transitional period;

| 1. | Declares that it has no objections to the delegated regulation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

2.

---

(1)  OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/179 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/179

---

P9_TA(2020)0216

Non-objection to a delegated act: minimum elements for assessing third country CCP's comparable compliance and modalities

European Parliament decision to raise no objections to the Commission delegated regulation of 14 July 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the minimum elements to be assessed by ESMA when assessing third-country CCPs’ requests for comparable compliance and the modalities and conditions of that assessment (C(2020)4895 — 2020/2729(DEA))

(2021/C 385/27)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission delegated regulation (C(2020)4895), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission delegated regulation (C(2020)4895),

| — | having regard to the Commission’s letter of 14 July 2020 asking Parliament to declare that it will raise no objections to the delegated regulation, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s letter of 14 July 2020 asking Parliament to declare that it will raise no objections to the delegated regulation,

| — | having regard to the letter from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs to the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs of 2 September 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs to the Chair of the Conference of Committee Chairs of 2 September 2020,

| — | having regard to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (1), and in particular Articles 25a(3) and 82(6) thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (1), and in particular Articles 25a(3) and 82(6) thereof,

| — | having regard to Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the recommendation for a decision of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation for a decision of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs,

| — | having regard to the fact that no objections have been raised within the period laid down in the third and fourth indents of Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, which expired on 15 September 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the fact that no objections have been raised within the period laid down in the third and fourth indents of Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, which expired on 15 September 2020,

| A. | whereas several delegated acts to be adopted under the recently amended Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (EMIR) specify how EMIR rules will apply to third-country central counterparties (CCPs) that provide services to Union firms; whereas those delegated acts will give effect to the enhanced powers of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA); whereas third-country CCPs that are considered to be systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or any of its Member States should be subject to specific requirements and enhanced supervision by ESMA in order to ensure a level playing field with Union CCPs and to safeguard the stability of the Union’s financial system; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas several delegated acts to be adopted under the recently amended Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (EMIR) specify how EMIR rules will apply to third-country central counterparties (CCPs) that provide services to Union firms; whereas those delegated acts will give effect to the enhanced powers of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA); whereas third-country CCPs that are considered to be systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or any of its Member States should be subject to specific requirements and enhanced supervision by ESMA in order to ensure a level playing field with Union CCPs and to safeguard the stability of the Union’s financial system;

| B. | whereas Article 25a provides that a third-country CCP that is considered to be systemically important or likely to become systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or of one or more of its Member States (Tier 2 CCP) may request that ESMA assesses its comparable compliance, that is whether compliance with the applicable third-country framework can be deemed to satisfy compliance with the relevant requirements set out in EMIR; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas Article 25a provides that a third-country CCP that is considered to be systemically important or likely to become systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or of one or more of its Member States (Tier 2 CCP) may request that ESMA assesses its comparable compliance, that is whether compliance with the applicable third-country framework can be deemed to satisfy compliance with the relevant requirements set out in EMIR;

| C. | whereas this delegated regulation should enter into force as a matter of urgency to ensure the Union’s preparedness when Union law ceases to apply in the United Kingdom after the expiry of the transitional period; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas this delegated regulation should enter into force as a matter of urgency to ensure the Union’s preparedness when Union law ceases to apply in the United Kingdom after the expiry of the transitional period;

| 1. | Declares that it has no objections to the delegated regulation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

2.

---

(1)  OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/180 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/180

---

P9_TA(2020)0218

Amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism ***I

Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 16 September 2020 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (COM(2020)0220 — C9-0160/2020 — 2020/0097(COD)) (1)

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

(2021/C 385/28)

Amendment 1

Proposal for a decision

Citation 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 196
  and Article 322(1)(a)
  thereof, | Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 196 thereof, |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 196
  and Article 322(1)(a)
  thereof,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 196 thereof,

Amendment 2

Proposal for a decision

Recital 1 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (1a) | Climate change is leading to an increase in the frequency, intensity and complexity of natural disasters worldwide, and developing countries, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing states, are particularly vulnerable due, on the one hand, to their underdeveloped capacity to adapt to, and mitigate, the consequences of climate change, and to respond to climate-related disasters, and, on the other hand, to their geographical exposure to floods, droughts and forest fires. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1a)

Climate change is leading to an increase in the frequency, intensity and complexity of natural disasters worldwide, and developing countries, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing states, are particularly vulnerable due, on the one hand, to their underdeveloped capacity to adapt to, and mitigate, the consequences of climate change, and to respond to climate-related disasters, and, on the other hand, to their geographical exposure to floods, droughts and forest fires.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a decision

Recital 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (2) | Whilst
  recognising
  the primary responsibility
  of Member States
  for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters, the Union Mechanism promotes solidarity between Member States in accordance with Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2)

Whilst
  recognising
  the primary responsibility
  of Member States
  for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters, the Union Mechanism promotes solidarity between Member States in accordance with Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union.

| (2) | Whilst the primary responsibility for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters
  remains with the Member States
  , the Union Mechanism
  , and in particular rescEU,
  promotes solidarity between Member States in accordance with Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union
  by complementing existing capacities of Member States, enabling more effective preparedness and response, where capacities at national level are not sufficient
  . |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Whilst the primary responsibility for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters
  remains with the Member States
  , the Union Mechanism
  , and in particular rescEU,
  promotes solidarity between Member States in accordance with Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union
  by complementing existing capacities of Member States, enabling more effective preparedness and response, where capacities at national level are not sufficient
  .

Amendment 4

Proposal for a decision

Recital 2 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (2a) | Forest fires threaten lives, livelihoods and biodiversity, cause the release of high amounts of carbon emissions, and decrease the carbon absorption capacity of the planet, which further exacerbates climate change. Of particular concern are situations where primary forest or radioactively contaminated areas are destroyed by fire. The increase in climate-related disasters, including forest fires, requires a strengthening of the operations of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism outside the Union, including the activities focusing on prevention and disaster preparedness. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2a)

Forest fires threaten lives, livelihoods and biodiversity, cause the release of high amounts of carbon emissions, and decrease the carbon absorption capacity of the planet, which further exacerbates climate change. Of particular concern are situations where primary forest or radioactively contaminated areas are destroyed by fire. The increase in climate-related disasters, including forest fires, requires a strengthening of the operations of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism outside the Union, including the activities focusing on prevention and disaster preparedness.

Amendment 5

Proposal for a decision

Recital 3

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (3) | The unprecedented experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the Union effectiveness in managing a crisis is limited by the scope of its governance framework, but also by the degree of Union preparedness in case of disasters impacting a majority of Member States. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)

The unprecedented experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the Union effectiveness in managing a crisis is limited by the scope of its governance framework, but also by the degree of Union preparedness in case of disasters impacting a majority of Member States.

| (3) | The unprecedented experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the Union effectiveness in managing a crisis is limited by the scope of its governance framework, but also by the degree of Union preparedness in case of disasters impacting a majority of Member States.
  Moreover, it is clear that the Union and Member States are insufficiently prepared for more extreme and complex disasters with far-reaching, longer-term global consequences, such as a large-scale pandemic. Therefore, it is essential that Member States' civil protection actions be better coordinated and that rescEU be reinforced. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The unprecedented experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the Union effectiveness in managing a crisis is limited by the scope of its governance framework, but also by the degree of Union preparedness in case of disasters impacting a majority of Member States.
  Moreover, it is clear that the Union and Member States are insufficiently prepared for more extreme and complex disasters with far-reaching, longer-term global consequences, such as a large-scale pandemic. Therefore, it is essential that Member States' civil protection actions be better coordinated and that rescEU be reinforced.

Amendment 6

Proposal for a decision

Recital 3 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (3a) | The experience of the COVID-19 crisis has shown that the Union and Member States are not adequately prepared to respond to large-scale emergencies and that the existing legal framework is not sufficiently fit for purpose. The COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted how the consequences of catastrophes for human health, the environment, society and the economy can take on unprecedented proportions. In view of the need to strengthen the Union’s ability and actions as regards health and civil protection, it is essential that rescEU be reinforced and made more flexible, faster and that it be better coordinated with national civil protection authorities. It is also essential that sufficient information be provided by Member States on their prevention and preparedness with respect to emergencies. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3a)

The experience of the COVID-19 crisis has shown that the Union and Member States are not adequately prepared to respond to large-scale emergencies and that the existing legal framework is not sufficiently fit for purpose. The COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted how the consequences of catastrophes for human health, the environment, society and the economy can take on unprecedented proportions. In view of the need to strengthen the Union’s ability and actions as regards health and civil protection, it is essential that rescEU be reinforced and made more flexible, faster and that it be better coordinated with national civil protection authorities. It is also essential that sufficient information be provided by Member States on their prevention and preparedness with respect to emergencies.

Amendment 7

Proposal for a decision

Recital 3 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (3b) | In order to maximise transparency and accountability for Union citizens, the Commission should bring forward guidance on how to measure the proportion of spending carried out through the Union Civil Protection mechanism that should qualify as Official Development Aid (ODA). |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3b)

In order to maximise transparency and accountability for Union citizens, the Commission should bring forward guidance on how to measure the proportion of spending carried out through the Union Civil Protection mechanism that should qualify as Official Development Aid (ODA).

Amendment 8

Proposal for a decision

Recital 3 c (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (3c) | Given the experience of the COVID-19 outbreak and considering the need to enhance the Union's response capability in the fields of health and civil protection, rescEU should be significantly reinforced to improve its performance in each of the three pillars of the Union Mechanism: prevention, preparedness and response. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3c)

Given the experience of the COVID-19 outbreak and considering the need to enhance the Union's response capability in the fields of health and civil protection, rescEU should be significantly reinforced to improve its performance in each of the three pillars of the Union Mechanism: prevention, preparedness and response.

Amendment 9

Proposal for a decision

Recital 5

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (5) | In order to be better prepared when confronted with such events in the future, urgent action is required for reinforcing the Union Mechanism. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5)

In order to be better prepared when confronted with such events in the future, urgent action is required for reinforcing the Union Mechanism.

| (5) | In order to be better prepared when confronted with such events in the future, urgent action is required for reinforcing the Union Mechanism.
  The reinforcement of the Union Mechanism should complement Union policies and funds and should not be a substitute for the mainstreaming of the principle of disaster resilience into those policies and funds. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

In order to be better prepared when confronted with such events in the future, urgent action is required for reinforcing the Union Mechanism.
  The reinforcement of the Union Mechanism should complement Union policies and funds and should not be a substitute for the mainstreaming of the principle of disaster resilience into those policies and funds.

Amendment 88

Proposal for a decision

Recital 6

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (6) | To improve planning in prevention and preparedness, the Union should
  continue advocating for
  investment in prevention of disasters across sectors, and
  for
  comprehensive risk management approaches that underpin prevention and preparedness, taking into account a multi-hazard approach, an ecosystem-based approach and the likely impacts of climate change, in close cooperation with the relevant scientific communities
  and
  key economic operators. To that effect, cross-sectoral and all-hazard approaches should be put at the forefront and be based on Union wide resilience goals feeding into a baseline definition of capacities and preparedness. The Commission is to work together with Member States when defining Union wide resilience goals. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6)

To improve planning in prevention and preparedness, the Union should
  continue advocating for
  investment in prevention of disasters across sectors, and
  for
  comprehensive risk management approaches that underpin prevention and preparedness, taking into account a multi-hazard approach, an ecosystem-based approach and the likely impacts of climate change, in close cooperation with the relevant scientific communities
  and
  key economic operators. To that effect, cross-sectoral and all-hazard approaches should be put at the forefront and be based on Union wide resilience goals feeding into a baseline definition of capacities and preparedness. The Commission is to work together with Member States when defining Union wide resilience goals.

| (6) | To improve
  resilience and
  planning in prevention and preparedness, the Union should
  reinforce
  investment in prevention of disasters across
  borders and across
  sectors,
  including those that arise due to seismic activity, such as earthquakes, or due to floods or due to hydrogeological instability, such as landslides,
  and comprehensive risk management approaches that underpin prevention and preparedness, taking into account a multi-hazard approach, an ecosystem-based approach and the likely impacts of climate change, in close cooperation with the relevant scientific communities, key economic operators
  and regional and local authorities, which are key players in the disaster management cycle, as well as the third sector and voluntary organisations operating in the field and must not jeopardise the established Union coordination mechanisms
  . To that effect, cross-sectoral
  , cross-border
  and all-hazard approaches should be put at the forefront and be based on Union wide resilience goals feeding into a baseline definition of capacities and preparedness. The Commission is to work together with Member States
  and the European Parliament
  when defining Union wide resilience goals
  and to take into account any operational emergency response plans that already exist at national, regional or local level
  . |
| --- | --- |

(6)

To improve
  resilience and
  planning in prevention and preparedness, the Union should
  reinforce
  investment in prevention of disasters across
  borders and across
  sectors,
  including those that arise due to seismic activity, such as earthquakes, or due to floods or due to hydrogeological instability, such as landslides,
  and comprehensive risk management approaches that underpin prevention and preparedness, taking into account a multi-hazard approach, an ecosystem-based approach and the likely impacts of climate change, in close cooperation with the relevant scientific communities, key economic operators
  and regional and local authorities, which are key players in the disaster management cycle, as well as the third sector and voluntary organisations operating in the field and must not jeopardise the established Union coordination mechanisms
  . To that effect, cross-sectoral
  , cross-border
  and all-hazard approaches should be put at the forefront and be based on Union wide resilience goals feeding into a baseline definition of capacities and preparedness. The Commission is to work together with Member States
  and the European Parliament
  when defining Union wide resilience goals
  and to take into account any operational emergency response plans that already exist at national, regional or local level
  .

Amendment 11

Proposal for a decision

Recital 6 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6a) | In order to ensure that disaster prevention is efficient, stress tests and a process for certification of the response capacities should be considered key elements. Regular risk assessments at regional and local level are necessary for national authorities to be able to take measures to reinforce resilience where necessary, including by using the existing Union funds. Such risk assessments should focus on features that are specific to each region, such as seismic activity, frequent floods or forest fires. Those assessments should also include the level of cross-border cooperation, in order for the Union Mechanism to have detailed information on locally available capacities so that intervention can become more targeted. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6a)

In order to ensure that disaster prevention is efficient, stress tests and a process for certification of the response capacities should be considered key elements. Regular risk assessments at regional and local level are necessary for national authorities to be able to take measures to reinforce resilience where necessary, including by using the existing Union funds. Such risk assessments should focus on features that are specific to each region, such as seismic activity, frequent floods or forest fires. Those assessments should also include the level of cross-border cooperation, in order for the Union Mechanism to have detailed information on locally available capacities so that intervention can become more targeted.

Amendment 12

Proposal for a decision

Recital 6 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6b) | The development of Union disaster resilience goals to support prevention and preparedness actions should involve an accurate assessment of and take into account the long-term social consequences observed in the first post-emergency stage that are managed by civil protection agencies, with particular attention being given to the most vulnerable people. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6b)

The development of Union disaster resilience goals to support prevention and preparedness actions should involve an accurate assessment of and take into account the long-term social consequences observed in the first post-emergency stage that are managed by civil protection agencies, with particular attention being given to the most vulnerable people.

Amendment 89

Proposal for a decision

Recital 6 c (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6c) | The role of regional and local authorities in disaster prevention and management is of great importance, and their response capacities need to be appropriately involved in any coordination and deployment activities carried out under this Decision, in accordance with Member States' institutional and legal frameworks, with a view to minimising overlaps and to fostering interoperability. Such authorities can play an important preventive role and they are also the first to react in the aftermath of a disaster, together with their volunteers' capacities. Therefore, there is a need for on-going cooperation at local, regional and cross-border level with a view to establishing common alert systems for rapid intervention prior to the mobilisation of rescEU as well as regular public information campaigns on initial response measures. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6c)

The role of regional and local authorities in disaster prevention and management is of great importance, and their response capacities need to be appropriately involved in any coordination and deployment activities carried out under this Decision, in accordance with Member States' institutional and legal frameworks, with a view to minimising overlaps and to fostering interoperability. Such authorities can play an important preventive role and they are also the first to react in the aftermath of a disaster, together with their volunteers' capacities. Therefore, there is a need for on-going cooperation at local, regional and cross-border level with a view to establishing common alert systems for rapid intervention prior to the mobilisation of rescEU as well as regular public information campaigns on initial response measures.

Amendment 13

Proposal for a decision

Recital 8 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (8a) | The creation of a pool of resources brings together a series of rescue teams, experts and equipment that Member States always keep in standby mode for Union Civil Protection missions. It is essential that those teams meet demanding criteria of quality and reliability to ensure their interoperability. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8a)

The creation of a pool of resources brings together a series of rescue teams, experts and equipment that Member States always keep in standby mode for Union Civil Protection missions. It is essential that those teams meet demanding criteria of quality and reliability to ensure their interoperability.

Amendment 14

Proposal for a decision

Recital 9

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (9) | The Union Mechanism should make use of Union space infrastructures such as the European Earth Observation Programme (Copernicus), Galileo, Space Situational Awareness and GOVSATCOM, which provide important Union level tools to respond to internal and external emergencies. Copernicus Emergency Management Systems are providing support to the ERCC in the various emergency phases from early warning and prevention to disaster and recovery. GOVSATCOM is to provide secure satellite communication capability specifically tailored to the needs of governmental users in emergency management. Galileo is the first global satellite navigation and positioning infrastructure specifically designed for civilian purposes in Europe and worldwide, and can be used in other areas such as emergency management, including early warning activities. Galileo's relevant services will include an emergency service, which broadcasts, through emitting signals, warnings regarding natural disasters or other emergencies in particular areas.
  The
  Member States should be
  able
  to use this service. Where they decide to use it, in order to validate the system, they should identify and notify to the Commission the national authorities competent to use that emergency service. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9)

The Union Mechanism should make use of Union space infrastructures such as the European Earth Observation Programme (Copernicus), Galileo, Space Situational Awareness and GOVSATCOM, which provide important Union level tools to respond to internal and external emergencies. Copernicus Emergency Management Systems are providing support to the ERCC in the various emergency phases from early warning and prevention to disaster and recovery. GOVSATCOM is to provide secure satellite communication capability specifically tailored to the needs of governmental users in emergency management. Galileo is the first global satellite navigation and positioning infrastructure specifically designed for civilian purposes in Europe and worldwide, and can be used in other areas such as emergency management, including early warning activities. Galileo's relevant services will include an emergency service, which broadcasts, through emitting signals, warnings regarding natural disasters or other emergencies in particular areas.
  The
  Member States should be
  able
  to use this service. Where they decide to use it, in order to validate the system, they should identify and notify to the Commission the national authorities competent to use that emergency service.

| (9) | The Union Mechanism should make use of Union space infrastructures such as the European Earth Observation Programme (Copernicus), Galileo, Space Situational Awareness and GOVSATCOM, which provide important Union level tools to respond to internal and external emergencies. Copernicus Emergency Management Systems are providing support to the ERCC in the various emergency phases from early warning and prevention to disaster and recovery. GOVSATCOM is to provide secure satellite communication capability specifically tailored to the needs of governmental users in emergency management. Galileo is the first global satellite navigation and positioning infrastructure specifically designed for civilian purposes in Europe and worldwide, and can be used in other areas such as emergency management, including early warning activities. Galileo's relevant services will include an emergency service, which broadcasts, through emitting signals, warnings regarding natural disasters or other emergencies in particular areas. 
  Given its potential for saving lives and facilitating the coordination of emergency actions,
  Member States should be 
  encouraged
  to use this service. Where they decide to use it, in order to validate the system, they should identify and notify to the Commission the national authorities competent to use that emergency service. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

The Union Mechanism should make use of Union space infrastructures such as the European Earth Observation Programme (Copernicus), Galileo, Space Situational Awareness and GOVSATCOM, which provide important Union level tools to respond to internal and external emergencies. Copernicus Emergency Management Systems are providing support to the ERCC in the various emergency phases from early warning and prevention to disaster and recovery. GOVSATCOM is to provide secure satellite communication capability specifically tailored to the needs of governmental users in emergency management. Galileo is the first global satellite navigation and positioning infrastructure specifically designed for civilian purposes in Europe and worldwide, and can be used in other areas such as emergency management, including early warning activities. Galileo's relevant services will include an emergency service, which broadcasts, through emitting signals, warnings regarding natural disasters or other emergencies in particular areas. 
  Given its potential for saving lives and facilitating the coordination of emergency actions,
  Member States should be 
  encouraged
  to use this service. Where they decide to use it, in order to validate the system, they should identify and notify to the Commission the national authorities competent to use that emergency service.

Amendment 15

Proposal for a decision

Recital 9 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (9a) | The Union Mechanism and rescEU should be developed in a way that enables the Union to effectively respond to a wide range of emergencies. Climate change is leading to an increase in the frequency, intensity and complexity of natural disasters within the Union and worldwide, requiring a high degree of solidarity among countries. Every year, many Member States are ravaged by forest fires that destroy thousands of hectares and claim numerous lives. This situation was particularly apparent during the 2017 forest fire season in Portugal, which led to the Commission’s rescEU proposal of November 2017. The prevention and response capability of Member States, including those most affected by forest fires, is often insufficient. It is therefore essential that prevention of, preparedness for and response to disasters is strengthened and that the Union Mechanism comprise sufficient capacities, including during the rescEU transition period, to act when forest fires and other natural disasters occur. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9a)

The Union Mechanism and rescEU should be developed in a way that enables the Union to effectively respond to a wide range of emergencies. Climate change is leading to an increase in the frequency, intensity and complexity of natural disasters within the Union and worldwide, requiring a high degree of solidarity among countries. Every year, many Member States are ravaged by forest fires that destroy thousands of hectares and claim numerous lives. This situation was particularly apparent during the 2017 forest fire season in Portugal, which led to the Commission’s rescEU proposal of November 2017. The prevention and response capability of Member States, including those most affected by forest fires, is often insufficient. It is therefore essential that prevention of, preparedness for and response to disasters is strengthened and that the Union Mechanism comprise sufficient capacities, including during the rescEU transition period, to act when forest fires and other natural disasters occur.

Amendment 16

Proposal for a decision

Recital 9 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (9b) | During the COVID-19 pandemic, building on the existing provisions of Decision No 1313/2013/EU, the Commission was able to include in rescEU medical stockpiling, consisting of medical countermeasures such as intensive care medical equipment, personal protective equipment, laboratory supplies, vaccines and therapeutics, for the purpose of preparedness and response to a serious cross-border threat to health. From this medical stockpiling, personal protective equipment was delivered to Member States and candidate countries. Nevertheless, because only Member States may acquire, rent or lease rescEU capacities, more than one month passed between the adoption of the implementing act for the establishment of the above-mentioned stockpiling and the first deployment of the medical equipment and supplies concerned. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9b)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, building on the existing provisions of Decision No 1313/2013/EU, the Commission was able to include in rescEU medical stockpiling, consisting of medical countermeasures such as intensive care medical equipment, personal protective equipment, laboratory supplies, vaccines and therapeutics, for the purpose of preparedness and response to a serious cross-border threat to health. From this medical stockpiling, personal protective equipment was delivered to Member States and candidate countries. Nevertheless, because only Member States may acquire, rent or lease rescEU capacities, more than one month passed between the adoption of the implementing act for the establishment of the above-mentioned stockpiling and the first deployment of the medical equipment and supplies concerned.

Amendment 17

Proposal for a decision

Recital 10

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (10) | In order to have the operational capacity to respond swiftly to
  a
  large-scale
  emergency
  or to a low probability
  event
  with a high impact such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union should have the possibility of acquiring, renting, leasing or contracting rescEU capacities to be able to assist Member States overwhelmed by large-scale emergencies, in line with the supporting competence in the area of civil protection
  and with a particular attention to vulnerable people
  . Those capacities are to be pre-positioned in logistical hubs inside the Union
  or, for strategic reasons, via trusted networks of hubs such as the UN Humanitarian Response Depots. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10)

In order to have the operational capacity to respond swiftly to
  a
  large-scale
  emergency
  or to a low probability
  event
  with a high impact such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union should have the possibility of acquiring, renting, leasing or contracting rescEU capacities to be able to assist Member States overwhelmed by large-scale emergencies, in line with the supporting competence in the area of civil protection
  and with a particular attention to vulnerable people
  . Those capacities are to be pre-positioned in logistical hubs inside the Union
  or, for strategic reasons, via trusted networks of hubs such as the UN Humanitarian Response Depots.

| (10) | In order to have the operational capacity to respond swiftly
  and effectively
  to large-scale
  emergencies
  or to low probability
  events
  with a high impact such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union should have the possibility of
  autonomously
  acquiring, renting, leasing or contracting rescEU capacities to be able to assist Member States overwhelmed by large-scale
  as well as cross-border
  emergencies, in line with the supporting competence in the area of civil protection. Those capacities are to be pre-positioned in logistical hubs inside the Union.
  EMA and ECDC should where necessary be consulted in the definition, management and distribution of capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

In order to have the operational capacity to respond swiftly
  and effectively
  to large-scale
  emergencies
  or to low probability
  events
  with a high impact such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union should have the possibility of
  autonomously
  acquiring, renting, leasing or contracting rescEU capacities to be able to assist Member States overwhelmed by large-scale
  as well as cross-border
  emergencies, in line with the supporting competence in the area of civil protection. Those capacities are to be pre-positioned in logistical hubs inside the Union.
  EMA and ECDC should where necessary be consulted in the definition, management and distribution of capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies.

Amendment 18

Proposal for a decision

Recital 10 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (10a) | In carrying out the activities of the Union Mechanism, particular attention should be paid to the protection of vulnerable people. In addition, and in order to prevent gender-based violence, including domestic violence during times of crisis, the Commission should develop, together with Member States, guidance based on best practices to support victims of gender-based violence within the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10a)

In carrying out the activities of the Union Mechanism, particular attention should be paid to the protection of vulnerable people. In addition, and in order to prevent gender-based violence, including domestic violence during times of crisis, the Commission should develop, together with Member States, guidance based on best practices to support victims of gender-based violence within the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Amendment 19

Proposal for a decision

Recital 10 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (10b) | On the basis of the principles of solidarity and universal coverage of quality health services and the central role of the Union in accelerating progress on global health challenges, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism should, in a manner that achieves synergy and complementarity with other relevant Union programmes, in particular EU4Health, create a better prevention, preparedness and response capacity in respect of medical emergencies. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10b)

On the basis of the principles of solidarity and universal coverage of quality health services and the central role of the Union in accelerating progress on global health challenges, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism should, in a manner that achieves synergy and complementarity with other relevant Union programmes, in particular EU4Health, create a better prevention, preparedness and response capacity in respect of medical emergencies.

Amendment 20

Proposal for a decision

Recital 11

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (11) | rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States could be used for national purposes, but only when not used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11)

rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States could be used for national purposes, but only when not used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism.

| (11) | rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States
  or the Commission
  could be used for national purposes
  by the Member States hosting those capacities
  , but only when not used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism
  and with priority given to the fight against cross-border emergencies
  . |
| --- | --- |

(11)

rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States
  or the Commission
  could be used for national purposes
  by the Member States hosting those capacities
  , but only when not used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism
  and with priority given to the fight against cross-border emergencies
  .

Amendment 21

Proposal for a decision

Recital 12

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (12) | Where needed, the Union has an interest in responding to emergencies in third countries. Whilst primarily established for use as a safety net within the Union, in duly justified cases and taking into account the humanitarian principles, rescEU capacities could be deployed outside the Union. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(12)

Where needed, the Union has an interest in responding to emergencies in third countries. Whilst primarily established for use as a safety net within the Union, in duly justified cases and taking into account the humanitarian principles, rescEU capacities could be deployed outside the Union.

| (12) | Where needed, the Union has an interest in responding to emergencies in third countries. Whilst primarily established for use as a safety net within the Union, in duly justified cases
  , in consultation with humanitarian actors prior to the interventions,
  and taking into account the humanitarian principles rescEU capacities could be deployed outside the Union. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Where needed, the Union has an interest in responding to emergencies in third countries. Whilst primarily established for use as a safety net within the Union, in duly justified cases
  , in consultation with humanitarian actors prior to the interventions,
  and taking into account the humanitarian principles rescEU capacities could be deployed outside the Union.

Amendment 22

Proposal for a decision

Recital 13

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (13) | In order to support Member States to deliver the assistance, the European Civil Protection Pool should be further reinforced by co-financing the operational costs of the committed capacities
  when
  deployed outside the Union. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13)

In order to support Member States to deliver the assistance, the European Civil Protection Pool should be further reinforced by co-financing the operational costs of the committed capacities
  when
  deployed outside the Union.

| (13) | In order to support Member States to deliver the assistance
  also outside the Union
  , the European Civil Protection Pool should be further reinforced by co-financing the operational costs of the committed capacities
  at the same level, irrespective of whether they are
  deployed
  inside or
  outside the Union. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

In order to support Member States to deliver the assistance
  also outside the Union
  , the European Civil Protection Pool should be further reinforced by co-financing the operational costs of the committed capacities
  at the same level, irrespective of whether they are
  deployed
  inside or
  outside the Union.

Amendment 23

Proposal for a decision

Recital 14 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (14a) | To strengthen cooperation in aerial forest firefighting and in response to other disasters, administrative processes should be streamlined where possible in order to ensure prompt intervention. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14a)

To strengthen cooperation in aerial forest firefighting and in response to other disasters, administrative processes should be streamlined where possible in order to ensure prompt intervention.

Amendment 24

Proposal for a decision

Recital 16

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (16) | Given that the deployment of rescEU capacities for response operations under the Union Mechanism provides significant Union added value by ensuring an effective and fast response to people in emergencies, further visibility obligations should be made to provide Union prominence. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(16)

Given that the deployment of rescEU capacities for response operations under the Union Mechanism provides significant Union added value by ensuring an effective and fast response to people in emergencies, further visibility obligations should be made to provide Union prominence.

| (16) | Given that the deployment of rescEU capacities for response operations under the Union Mechanism provides significant Union added value by ensuring an effective and fast response to people in emergencies, further visibility obligations should be made to provide
  information to Union citizens and media and also to provide
  Union prominence.
  National authorities should receive communication guidelines from the Commission for each particular intervention to ensure that the Union's role is appropriately publicised. |
| --- | --- |

(16)

Given that the deployment of rescEU capacities for response operations under the Union Mechanism provides significant Union added value by ensuring an effective and fast response to people in emergencies, further visibility obligations should be made to provide
  information to Union citizens and media and also to provide
  Union prominence.
  National authorities should receive communication guidelines from the Commission for each particular intervention to ensure that the Union's role is appropriately publicised.

Amendment 25

Proposal for a decision

Recital 17

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (17) | In order to increase flexibility as well as achieve optimal budget
  execution
  , indirect management
  should be included
  as a method of budget
  implementation
  . |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17)

In order to increase flexibility as well as achieve optimal budget
  execution
  , indirect management
  should be included
  as a method of budget
  implementation
  .

| (17) | In order to increase flexibility as well as
  to
  achieve optimal budget
  implementation
  ,
  this Decision should provide for
  indirect management as a method of budget
  execution, to be used where justified by the nature and content of the action concerned
  . |
| --- | --- |

(17)

In order to increase flexibility as well as
  to
  achieve optimal budget
  implementation
  ,
  this Decision should provide for
  indirect management as a method of budget
  execution, to be used where justified by the nature and content of the action concerned
  .

Amendment 26

Proposal for a decision

Recital 17 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (17a) | In accordance with Article 155 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (1a)

  (‘the Financial Regulation’), the entities listed in Article 62(1)(c) of that Regulation and in Article 25(2) of this Decision should annually fulfil their reporting obligations. The reporting requirements for those entities are laid down in the verification agreement referred to in Article 130(3) of the Financial Regulation. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17a)

In accordance with Article 155 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (1a)

  (‘the Financial Regulation’), the entities listed in Article 62(1)(c) of that Regulation and in Article 25(2) of this Decision should annually fulfil their reporting obligations. The reporting requirements for those entities are laid down in the verification agreement referred to in Article 130(3) of the Financial Regulation.

Amendment 27

Proposal for a decision

Recital 18

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (18) | In order to promote predictability and long-term effectiveness, when implementing Decision No 1313/2013/EU, the Commission should adopt annual or multi-annual work programmes indicating the planned allocations. This should help the Union to have more flexibility in budget execution and thereby enhance prevention and preparedness actions. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18)

In order to promote predictability and long-term effectiveness, when implementing Decision No 1313/2013/EU, the Commission should adopt annual or multi-annual work programmes indicating the planned allocations. This should help the Union to have more flexibility in budget execution and thereby enhance prevention and preparedness actions.

deleted

Amendment 28

Proposal for a decision

Recital 18 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (18a) | Delegated acts should define strengthened competences of leading Union Agencies to manage the rescEU capacities, lead the procurement process and to provide recommendations on specific quantities and products to be placed in geographically dispersed logistical hubs. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18a)

Delegated acts should define strengthened competences of leading Union Agencies to manage the rescEU capacities, lead the procurement process and to provide recommendations on specific quantities and products to be placed in geographically dispersed logistical hubs.

Amendment 29

Proposal for a decision

Recital 18 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (18b) | The establishment, management and distribution of strategic Union reserves and stockpiles of capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies under the EU4Health programme should complement the reserves of rescEU. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18b)

The establishment, management and distribution of strategic Union reserves and stockpiles of capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies under the EU4Health programme should complement the reserves of rescEU.

Amendment 30

Proposal for a decision

Recital 22 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (22a) | The Union Mechanism should also allow for the possibility of additional, voluntary contributions by Member States. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(22a)

The Union Mechanism should also allow for the possibility of additional, voluntary contributions by Member States.

Amendment 31

Proposal for a decision

Recital 23

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (23) | While prevention and preparedness measures are essential to enhance the robustness of the Union in facing natural and man-made disasters, the occurrence, timing and magnitude of disasters is by its nature unpredictable. As shown in the recent COVID-19 crisis, financial resources requested to ensure an adequate response may significantly vary from year to year and should be made available immediately. Reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes. Consequently, it is appropriate to authorise carry-over of unused appropriations, limited to the following year and
  solely
  devoted to response
  action
  , in addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(23)

While prevention and preparedness measures are essential to enhance the robustness of the Union in facing natural and man-made disasters, the occurrence, timing and magnitude of disasters is by its nature unpredictable. As shown in the recent COVID-19 crisis, financial resources requested to ensure an adequate response may significantly vary from year to year and should be made available immediately. Reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes. Consequently, it is appropriate to authorise carry-over of unused appropriations, limited to the following year and
  solely
  devoted to response
  action
  , in addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation.

| (23) | While prevention and preparedness measures are essential to enhance the robustness of the Union in facing natural and man-made disasters, the occurrence, timing and magnitude of disasters is by its nature unpredictable. As shown in the recent COVID-19 crisis, financial resources requested to ensure an adequate response may significantly vary from year to year and should be made available immediately. Reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes. Consequently, it is appropriate to authorise carry-over of unused appropriations, limited to the following year and devoted to
  prevention, preparedness and
  response
  actions
  , in addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(23)

While prevention and preparedness measures are essential to enhance the robustness of the Union in facing natural and man-made disasters, the occurrence, timing and magnitude of disasters is by its nature unpredictable. As shown in the recent COVID-19 crisis, financial resources requested to ensure an adequate response may significantly vary from year to year and should be made available immediately. Reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes. Consequently, it is appropriate to authorise carry-over of unused appropriations, limited to the following year and devoted to
  prevention, preparedness and
  response
  actions
  , in addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation.

Amendment 32

Proposal for a decision

Recital 25

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (25) | Annex I to Decision No 1313/2013/EU is not flexible enough to allow the Union to properly adjust investments in prevention, preparedness and response and thus it is deleted. Investment levels to be allocated to the different phases of the disaster risk management cycle need to be determined in advance. This absence of flexibility prevents the Union from being able to react to the unpredictable nature of disasters. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25)

Annex I to Decision No 1313/2013/EU is not flexible enough to allow the Union to properly adjust investments in prevention, preparedness and response and thus it is deleted. Investment levels to be allocated to the different phases of the disaster risk management cycle need to be determined in advance. This absence of flexibility prevents the Union from being able to react to the unpredictable nature of disasters.

deleted

Amendment 33

Proposal for a decision

Recital 25 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (25a) | During the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to have functioning rescEU capacities and for the Union Mechanism to effectively respond to the needs of Union citizens, additional financial appropriations have been made available to finance actions under the Union Mechanism. It is important to give the Union the necessary flexibility to be able to react effectively to the unpredictable nature of disasters, while at the same time maintaining a certain predictability in the fulfilment of the objectives set out in this Decision. It is important to achieve the necessary balance in the fulfilment of those objectives. In order to update the percentages set out in Annex I, according to the priorities of the reformed Union Mechanism, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25a)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to have functioning rescEU capacities and for the Union Mechanism to effectively respond to the needs of Union citizens, additional financial appropriations have been made available to finance actions under the Union Mechanism. It is important to give the Union the necessary flexibility to be able to react effectively to the unpredictable nature of disasters, while at the same time maintaining a certain predictability in the fulfilment of the objectives set out in this Decision. It is important to achieve the necessary balance in the fulfilment of those objectives. In order to update the percentages set out in Annex I, according to the priorities of the reformed Union Mechanism, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission.

Amendment 34

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point - 1 (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 1 — paragraph 2

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (-1) | In Article 1, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: |

Present text

Amendment

(-1)

2.   The protection to be ensured by the Union Mechanism shall cover primarily people, but also the environment and property, including cultural heritage, against all kinds of natural and man-made disasters, including the consequences of acts of terrorism, technological, radiological or environmental disasters, marine pollution, and acute health emergencies, occurring inside or outside the Union. In the case of the consequences of acts of terrorism or radiological disasters, the Union Mechanism may cover only preparedness and response actions.

‘2.   The protection to be ensured by the Union Mechanism shall cover primarily people, but also the environment and property, including cultural heritage, against all kinds of natural and man-made disasters, including the consequences of acts of terrorism, technological, radiological or environmental disasters, marine pollution,
  hydrogeological instability
  and acute health emergencies, occurring inside or outside the Union. In the case of the consequences of acts of terrorism or radiological disasters, the Union Mechanism may cover only preparedness and response actions.’

Amendment 35

Amendment 35

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point - 1 a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point - 1 a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 1 — paragraph 3

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (-1a) | In Article 1, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(-1a)

(-1a)

In Article 1, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:

3.   The Union Mechanism shall promote solidarity between the Member States through practical cooperation and coordination, without prejudice to the Member States' primary responsibility to protect people, the environment, and property, including cultural heritage, on their territory against disasters and to provide their disaster-management systems with sufficient capabilities to enable them to cope adequately and in a consistent manner with disasters of a nature and magnitude that can reasonably be expected and prepared for.

‘3.   The Union Mechanism shall promote solidarity between the Member States through practical cooperation and coordination, without prejudice to the Member States' primary responsibility to protect people, the environment,
  land
  and property, including cultural heritage, on their territory against disasters and to provide their disaster-management systems with sufficient capabilities to enable them to
  prevent, and
  cope adequately and in a consistent manner with, disasters of a nature and magnitude that can reasonably be expected and prepared for.’

Amendment 36

Amendment 36

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point - 1 b (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point - 1 b (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 3 — paragraph 1 — point c

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (-1b) | In Article 3(1), point (c) is replaced by the following: |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(-1b)

(-1b)

In Article 3(1), point (c) is replaced by the following:

| (c) | to facilitate rapid and efficient response in the event of disasters or imminent disasters, including by
  taking measures to mitigate the immediate consequences of disasters; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

to facilitate rapid and efficient response in the event of disasters or imminent disasters, including by
  taking measures to mitigate the immediate consequences of disasters;

taking measures to mitigate the immediate consequences of disasters;

| ‘(c) | to facilitate rapid and efficient response in the event of disasters or imminent disasters, including by
  removing any obstacles of a bureaucratic nature.’ |
| --- | --- |

‘(c)

to facilitate rapid and efficient response in the event of disasters or imminent disasters, including by
  removing any obstacles of a bureaucratic nature.’

removing any obstacles of a bureaucratic nature.’

Amendment 37

Amendment 37

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 1 a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 1 a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 4 — paragraph 1 — point 4 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (1a) | In Article 4, the following point is inserted: |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(1a)

(1a)

In Article 4, the following point is inserted:

‘4a.
     
  “Union disaster resilience goals” means objectives established to support prevention and preparedness actions for the purposes of improving the capacity of the Union and its Member States to withstand the effects of a disaster which causes or is capable of causing transboundary effects, to provide a common baseline regarding the preservation, in spite of the effects of such a disaster, of critical societal functions, and to ensure that the internal market functions properly in such a context;’

Amendment 38

Amendment 38

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 1 b (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 1 b (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point c

| Present Text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (1b) | In Article 5(1), point (c) is replaced by the following: |

Present Text

Present Text

Amendment

Amendment

(1b)

(1b)

In Article 5(1), point (c) is replaced by the following:

| (c) | establish and regularly update a cross-sectoral overview and map of natural and man-made disaster risks the Union may face, by taking a coherent approach across different policy areas that may address or affect disaster prevention and taking due account of the likely impacts of climate change; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

establish and regularly update a cross-sectoral overview and map of natural and man-made disaster risks the Union may face, by taking a coherent approach across different policy areas that may address or affect disaster prevention and taking due account of the likely impacts of climate change;

| ‘(c) | establish and regularly update a cross-sectoral overview and map of natural and man-made disaster risks,
  including disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects,
  the Union may face, by taking a coherent approach across different policy areas that may address or affect disaster prevention and taking due account of the likely impacts of climate change;’ |
| --- | --- |

‘(c)

establish and regularly update a cross-sectoral overview and map of natural and man-made disaster risks,
  including disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects,
  the Union may face, by taking a coherent approach across different policy areas that may address or affect disaster prevention and taking due account of the likely impacts of climate change;’

including disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects,

Amendment 39

Amendment 39

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 1 c (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 1 c (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point h

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (1c) | In Article 5(1), point (h) is replaced by the following: |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(1c)

(1c)

In Article 5(1), point (h) is replaced by the following:

| (h) | promote the use of
  various
  Union funds which may support sustainable disaster prevention and encourage the Member States and regions to exploit those funding opportunities; |
| --- | --- |

(h)

promote the use of
  various
  Union funds which may support sustainable disaster prevention and encourage the Member States and regions to exploit those funding opportunities;

various

| ‘(h) | promote the use of Union funds which may support sustainable disaster prevention
  , including prevention of disasters caused by hydrogeological instability,
  and encourage the Member States and regions to exploit those funding opportunities;’ |
| --- | --- |

‘(h)

promote the use of Union funds which may support sustainable disaster prevention
  , including prevention of disasters caused by hydrogeological instability,
  and encourage the Member States and regions to exploit those funding opportunities;’

, including prevention of disasters caused by hydrogeological instability,

Amendment 40

Amendment 40

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 2 — point -a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 2 — point -a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 6 — paragraph 1 — point c

| Present Text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (-a) | In paragraph 1, point (c) is replaced by the following: |

Present Text

Present Text

Amendment

Amendment

(-a)

(-a)

In paragraph 1, point (c) is replaced by the following:

| (c) | further develop and refine disaster risk management planning at national or appropriate sub- national level; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

further develop and refine disaster risk management planning at national or appropriate sub- national level;

| | ‘(c) | further develop and refine disaster risk management planning at national or appropriate sub-national level
  , including as regards cross-border collaboration, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5) and the risks related to disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects
  ;’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

‘(c)

further develop and refine disaster risk management planning at national or appropriate sub-national level
  , including as regards cross-border collaboration, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5) and the risks related to disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects
  ;’

, including as regards cross-border collaboration, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5) and the risks related to disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects

Amendment 41

Amendment 41

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 2 — point -a a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 2 — point -a a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 6 — paragraph 1 — point d

| Present Text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (-aa) | In paragraph 1, point (d) is replaced by the following: |

Present Text

Present Text

Amendment

Amendment

(-aa)

(-aa)

In paragraph 1, point (d) is replaced by the following:

In paragraph 1, point (d) is replaced by the following:

| (d) | make available to the Commission a summary of the relevant elements of the assessments referred to in points (a) and (b), focusing on key risks. For key risks having cross-border impacts as well as, where appropriate, for low probability risks with a high impact, Member States shall describe priority prevention and preparedness measures. The summary shall be provided to the Commission by 31 December 2020 and every three years thereafter and whenever there are important changes; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

make available to the Commission a summary of the relevant elements of the assessments referred to in points (a) and (b), focusing on key risks. For key risks having cross-border impacts as well as, where appropriate, for low probability risks with a high impact, Member States shall describe priority prevention and preparedness measures. The summary shall be provided to the Commission by 31 December 2020 and every three years thereafter and whenever there are important changes;

| | ‘(d) | make available to the Commission a summary of the relevant elements of the assessments referred to in points (a) and (b), focusing on key risks. For key risks having cross-border impacts
  and risks related to disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects
  , as well as, where appropriate, for low probability risks with a high impact Member States shall describe priority prevention and preparedness measures. The summary shall be provided to the Commission by 31 December 2020 and every three years thereafter and whenever there are important changes;’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

‘(d)

make available to the Commission a summary of the relevant elements of the assessments referred to in points (a) and (b), focusing on key risks. For key risks having cross-border impacts
  and risks related to disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects
  , as well as, where appropriate, for low probability risks with a high impact Member States shall describe priority prevention and preparedness measures. The summary shall be provided to the Commission by 31 December 2020 and every three years thereafter and whenever there are important changes;’

and risks related to disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects

Amendment 42

Amendment 42

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 2 — point b

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 2 — point b

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 6 — paragraph 1 — point f

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | improve disaster loss data collection at the national or appropriate sub-national level to ensure evidence-based scenario building as referred to in Article 10(1).; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(f)

improve disaster loss data collection at the national or appropriate sub-national level to ensure evidence-based scenario building as referred to in Article 10(1).;

| (f) | improve disaster loss data collection at the national or appropriate sub-national level to ensure evidence-based scenario building as referred to in Article 10(1)
  , especially when it comes to identifying gaps in cross-border disaster-response capacities
  . |
| --- | --- |

(f)

improve disaster loss data collection at the national or appropriate sub-national level to ensure evidence-based scenario building as referred to in Article 10(1)
  , especially when it comes to identifying gaps in cross-border disaster-response capacities
  .

, especially when it comes to identifying gaps in cross-border disaster-response capacities

Amendment 43

Amendment 43

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 2 — point c

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 2 — point c

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 6 — paragraph 5

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 5.   The Commission shall
  define
  Union disaster resilience goals to support prevention and preparedness actions. Disaster resilience goals shall ensure a common baseline for maintaining critical societal functions in the face of cascading effects of a high impact disaster and for ensuring the functioning of the internal market. The goals shall be based on forward looking scenarios, including the impacts of climate change on disaster risk, data on past events and cross-sectoral impact analysis with a particular attention to vulnerable people. | 5.   
  By ... [18 months from the date of entry into force of this amending decision],
  the Commission shall
  adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 in order to supplement this Decision by establishing
  Union disaster resilience goals to support prevention and preparedness actions. Disaster resilience goals shall ensure a common baseline for maintaining critical societal functions in the face of cascading effects of a high impact disaster and for ensuring the functioning of the internal market.
  Those
  goals shall be based on forward looking scenarios, including the impacts of climate change
  and biodiversity loss
  on disaster risk, data on past events and cross-sectoral impact analysis
  and analysis of the long-term social impact on the regions affected,
  with a particular attention to vulnerable people.
  In the drafting of disaster resilience goals, the Commission shall specifically focus on recurrent disasters that hit Member States' regions and suggest that national authorities take concrete measures, including those to be implemented with the use of Union funds, to strengthen the resilience to crises. |
| The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, where necessary, delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 to define Union disaster resilience goals. | |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

5.   The Commission shall
  define
  Union disaster resilience goals to support prevention and preparedness actions. Disaster resilience goals shall ensure a common baseline for maintaining critical societal functions in the face of cascading effects of a high impact disaster and for ensuring the functioning of the internal market. The goals shall be based on forward looking scenarios, including the impacts of climate change on disaster risk, data on past events and cross-sectoral impact analysis with a particular attention to vulnerable people.

5.   
  By ... [18 months from the date of entry into force of this amending decision],
  the Commission shall
  adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 in order to supplement this Decision by establishing
  Union disaster resilience goals to support prevention and preparedness actions. Disaster resilience goals shall ensure a common baseline for maintaining critical societal functions in the face of cascading effects of a high impact disaster and for ensuring the functioning of the internal market.
  Those
  goals shall be based on forward looking scenarios, including the impacts of climate change
  and biodiversity loss
  on disaster risk, data on past events and cross-sectoral impact analysis
  and analysis of the long-term social impact on the regions affected,
  with a particular attention to vulnerable people.
  In the drafting of disaster resilience goals, the Commission shall specifically focus on recurrent disasters that hit Member States' regions and suggest that national authorities take concrete measures, including those to be implemented with the use of Union funds, to strengthen the resilience to crises.

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, where necessary, delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 to define Union disaster resilience goals.

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, where necessary, delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 to define Union disaster resilience goals.

Amendment 44

Amendment 44

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 3

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 3

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| The ERCC shall in particular coordinate, monitor and support in real-time the response to emergencies at Union level. The ERCC shall work in close contact with national crisis systems, civil protection authorities and relevant Union bodies. | The ERCC shall in particular coordinate, monitor and support in real-time the response to emergencies at Union level. The ERCC shall work in close contact with national crisis systems, civil protection authorities
  , community-level voluntary groups
  and relevant Union bodies. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

The ERCC shall in particular coordinate, monitor and support in real-time the response to emergencies at Union level. The ERCC shall work in close contact with national crisis systems, civil protection authorities and relevant Union bodies.

The ERCC shall in particular coordinate, monitor and support in real-time the response to emergencies at Union level. The ERCC shall work in close contact with national crisis systems, civil protection authorities
  , community-level voluntary groups
  and relevant Union bodies.

, community-level voluntary groups

Amendment 45

Amendment 45

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 4 — point a

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 4 — point a

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 8 — point c — indent 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| — | to develop transnational detection and warning systems of Union interest; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

—

to develop transnational detection and warning systems of Union interest;

| — | to develop transnational detection and
  early
  warning systems of Union interest
  in order to mitigate the immediate effects of disasters or pandemics on human lives
  ; |
| --- | --- |

—

to develop transnational detection and
  early
  warning systems of Union interest
  in order to mitigate the immediate effects of disasters or pandemics on human lives
  ;

early

in order to mitigate the immediate effects of disasters or pandemics on human lives

Amendment 46

Amendment 46

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 4 — point a

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 4 — point a

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 8 — point c — indent 3 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | — | to provide technical training assistance to local communities for the purpose of enhancing their capacities as regards their first unassisted reaction to a crisis; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

—

to provide technical training assistance to local communities for the purpose of enhancing their capacities as regards their first unassisted reaction to a crisis;

to provide technical training assistance to local communities for the purpose of enhancing their capacities as regards their first unassisted reaction to a crisis;

Amendment 47

Amendment 47

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 5 a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 5 a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 9 — paragraph 10 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (5a) | In Article 9, the following paragraph is added:




  ‘10a.
     
  Member States shall take appropriate actions in order to ensure that the first responders are properly equipped and prepared to respond to any kind of disaster as referred to in Article 1.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(5a)

(5a)

In Article 9, the following paragraph is added:

‘10a.
     
  Member States shall take appropriate actions in order to ensure that the first responders are properly equipped and prepared to respond to any kind of disaster as referred to in Article 1.’

Amendment 48

Amendment 48

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 6

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 6

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 10 — paragraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 1.   The Commission and the Member States shall work together to improve cross-sectorial resilience planning, both for natural and man-made disasters likely to have a trans-boundary effect, including the adverse effects of climate change. The resilience planning shall include scenario-building at Union level for disaster prevention and response based on the risk assessments referred to in point (a) of Article 6(1) and the overview of risks referred to in point (c) of Article 5(1), disaster risk management planning referred to in point (c) of Article 6(1), disaster loss data referred to in point (f) of Article 6(1), asset mapping and the development of plans for the deployment of response capacities, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to Article 6(5). | 1.   The Commission and the Member States shall work together to improve cross-sectorial, resilience planning, both for natural and man-made disasters likely to have a trans-boundary effect, including the adverse effects of climate change
  and the increasing incidence of cross-border wildfires
  . The resilience planning shall include scenario-building at Union level for disaster prevention and response based on the risk assessments referred to in point (a) of Article 6(1) and the overview of risks referred to in point (c) of Article 5(1), disaster risk management planning referred to in point (c) of Article 6(1), disaster loss data referred to in point (f) of Article 6(1), asset mapping and the development of plans for the deployment of response capacities, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to Article 6(5). |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

1.   The Commission and the Member States shall work together to improve cross-sectorial resilience planning, both for natural and man-made disasters likely to have a trans-boundary effect, including the adverse effects of climate change. The resilience planning shall include scenario-building at Union level for disaster prevention and response based on the risk assessments referred to in point (a) of Article 6(1) and the overview of risks referred to in point (c) of Article 5(1), disaster risk management planning referred to in point (c) of Article 6(1), disaster loss data referred to in point (f) of Article 6(1), asset mapping and the development of plans for the deployment of response capacities, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to Article 6(5).

1.   The Commission and the Member States shall work together to improve cross-sectorial, resilience planning, both for natural and man-made disasters likely to have a trans-boundary effect, including the adverse effects of climate change
  and the increasing incidence of cross-border wildfires
  . The resilience planning shall include scenario-building at Union level for disaster prevention and response based on the risk assessments referred to in point (a) of Article 6(1) and the overview of risks referred to in point (c) of Article 5(1), disaster risk management planning referred to in point (c) of Article 6(1), disaster loss data referred to in point (f) of Article 6(1), asset mapping and the development of plans for the deployment of response capacities, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to Article 6(5).

Amendment 49

Amendment 49

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 6

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 6

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 10 — paragraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   The Commission and the Member States shall identify and promote synergies between civil protection assistance and humanitarian aid funding provided by the Union and Member States in disaster resilience planning of response operations for humanitarian crises outside the Union. | 2.   The Commission and the Member States shall identify and promote synergies between civil protection assistance and humanitarian aid funding provided by the Union and Member States in disaster resilience planning of response operations for humanitarian crises outside the Union
  , in consultation with humanitarian actors including local ones and local authorities whenever possible
  . |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

2.   The Commission and the Member States shall identify and promote synergies between civil protection assistance and humanitarian aid funding provided by the Union and Member States in disaster resilience planning of response operations for humanitarian crises outside the Union.

2.   The Commission and the Member States shall identify and promote synergies between civil protection assistance and humanitarian aid funding provided by the Union and Member States in disaster resilience planning of response operations for humanitarian crises outside the Union
  , in consultation with humanitarian actors including local ones and local authorities whenever possible
  .

Amendment 50

Amendment 50

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 7

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 7

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 11 — paragraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   On the basis of identified risks, resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5), scenario-building referred to in Article 10(1)
  and overall capacities and gaps
  , the Commission shall
  define
  , by means of implementing acts
  in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2),
  the types and the number of key response capacities required for the European Civil Protection Pool (‘capacity goals’). | 2.   On the basis of identified risks,
  overall capacities, gaps and any existing Union disaster
  resilience goals
  as
  referred to in Article 6(5)
  and any existing
  scenario-building
  as
  referred to in Article 10(1), the Commission shall, by means of implementing acts
  , define
  the types and
  specify
  the number of key response capacities required for the European Civil Protection Pool (‘capacity goals’).
  Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

2.   On the basis of identified risks, resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5), scenario-building referred to in Article 10(1)
  and overall capacities and gaps
  , the Commission shall
  define
  , by means of implementing acts
  in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2),
  the types and the number of key response capacities required for the European Civil Protection Pool (‘capacity goals’).

2.   On the basis of identified risks,
  overall capacities, gaps and any existing Union disaster
  resilience goals
  as
  referred to in Article 6(5)
  and any existing
  scenario-building
  as
  referred to in Article 10(1), the Commission shall, by means of implementing acts
  , define
  the types and
  specify
  the number of key response capacities required for the European Civil Protection Pool (‘capacity goals’).
  Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2).

Amendment 51

Amendment 51

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 — point a

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 — point a

Directive No 1313/2013/EU

Article 12 — paragraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   The Commission shall
  define
  , by means of implementing acts
  adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2)
  , the capacities rescEU shall consist of, based on
  the
  resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5), scenario-building as referred to in Article 10(1), taking into account identified and emerging risks and overall capacities and gaps at Union level, in particular in the areas of aerial forest fire fighting, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, and emergency medical response. | 2.   
  The Commission shall establish, within logistical hubs, European reserves of medical countermeasures and equipment which would include the medical countermeasures that respond to high impact low probability events.
  The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts,
  define
  the capacities rescEU shall consist of, based
  inter alia
  on
  any existing Union disaster
  resilience goals as referred to in Article 6(5)
  and any existing
  scenario-building as referred to in Article 10(1), taking into account identified and emerging risks and overall capacities and gaps at Union level, in particular in the areas of aerial forest fire fighting,
  earthquake and flood rescues,
  chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, and emergency medical response.
  Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). The Commission shall regularly update the information on the number and classification of rescEU capacities and make that information directly available to other Union institutions. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

2.   The Commission shall
  define
  , by means of implementing acts
  adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2)
  , the capacities rescEU shall consist of, based on
  the
  resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5), scenario-building as referred to in Article 10(1), taking into account identified and emerging risks and overall capacities and gaps at Union level, in particular in the areas of aerial forest fire fighting, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, and emergency medical response.

2.   
  The Commission shall establish, within logistical hubs, European reserves of medical countermeasures and equipment which would include the medical countermeasures that respond to high impact low probability events.
  The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts,
  define
  the capacities rescEU shall consist of, based
  inter alia
  on
  any existing Union disaster
  resilience goals as referred to in Article 6(5)
  and any existing
  scenario-building as referred to in Article 10(1), taking into account identified and emerging risks and overall capacities and gaps at Union level, in particular in the areas of aerial forest fire fighting,
  earthquake and flood rescues,
  chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, and emergency medical response.
  Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). The Commission shall regularly update the information on the number and classification of rescEU capacities and make that information directly available to other Union institutions.

Amendment 52

Amendment 52

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 — point a

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 — point a

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 12 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | For capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies, such as a strategic stockpile, emergency medical teams and any other relevant capacities, the Commission shall ensure that effective coordination and synergies are achieved with other Union programmes and funds and in particular with the EU4Health Programme

   (1a)

  and with relevant Union and international actors. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

For capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies, such as a strategic stockpile, emergency medical teams and any other relevant capacities, the Commission shall ensure that effective coordination and synergies are achieved with other Union programmes and funds and in particular with the EU4Health Programme

   (1a)

  and with relevant Union and international actors.

For capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies, such as a strategic stockpile, emergency medical teams and any other relevant capacities, the Commission shall ensure that effective coordination and synergies are achieved with other Union programmes and funds and in particular with the EU4Health Programme

1a

and with relevant Union and international actors.

Amendment 53

Amendment 53

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 — point a

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 — point a

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 12 — paragraph 3 — subparagraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| rescEU capacities shall be acquired, rented, leased, and/or otherwise contracted by the Commission or Member States. The Commission may acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract rescEU capacities to stock and distribute supplies or to provide services to Member States, through procurement procedures in accordance with the Union's financial rules. Where rescEU capacities are acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States, direct grants may be awarded by the Commission to Member States without a call for proposals. | rescEU capacities shall be acquired, rented, leased, and/or otherwise contracted by the Commission or Member States. The Commission may acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract rescEU capacities to stock and distribute
  high-quality
  supplies or to provide services to Member States, through procurement procedures in accordance with the Union's financial rules.
  Where the Commission acquires rescEU capacities, it shall retain the ownership of such capacities even when they are distributed to Member States. Where rescEU capacities are rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission, the Commission shall retain full control of such capacities. Where the Commission acquires non-reusable capacities, it may transfer ownership of such capacities to the requesting Member State.
  Where rescEU capacities are acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States, direct grants may be awarded by the Commission to Member States without a call for proposals. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

rescEU capacities shall be acquired, rented, leased, and/or otherwise contracted by the Commission or Member States. The Commission may acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract rescEU capacities to stock and distribute supplies or to provide services to Member States, through procurement procedures in accordance with the Union's financial rules. Where rescEU capacities are acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States, direct grants may be awarded by the Commission to Member States without a call for proposals.

rescEU capacities shall be acquired, rented, leased, and/or otherwise contracted by the Commission or Member States. The Commission may acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract rescEU capacities to stock and distribute
  high-quality
  supplies or to provide services to Member States, through procurement procedures in accordance with the Union's financial rules.
  Where the Commission acquires rescEU capacities, it shall retain the ownership of such capacities even when they are distributed to Member States. Where rescEU capacities are rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission, the Commission shall retain full control of such capacities. Where the Commission acquires non-reusable capacities, it may transfer ownership of such capacities to the requesting Member State.
  Where rescEU capacities are acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States, direct grants may be awarded by the Commission to Member States without a call for proposals.

high-quality

Where the Commission acquires rescEU capacities, it shall retain the ownership of such capacities even when they are distributed to Member States. Where rescEU capacities are rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission, the Commission shall retain full control of such capacities. Where the Commission acquires non-reusable capacities, it may transfer ownership of such capacities to the requesting Member State.

Amendment 54

Amendment 54

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 — point a

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 — point a

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 12 — paragraph 3 — subparagraph 3

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| rescEU capacities shall be hosted by the Member States that acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract those capacities. As a way to enhance Union resilience, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission are to be strategically pre-positioned inside the Union.
  In consultation with Member States, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission could also be located in third countries via trusted networks managed by relevant international organisations. | rescEU capacities shall be hosted by the Member States that acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract those capacities. As a way to enhance Union resilience, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission are to be strategically pre-positioned inside the Union. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

rescEU capacities shall be hosted by the Member States that acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract those capacities. As a way to enhance Union resilience, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission are to be strategically pre-positioned inside the Union.
  In consultation with Member States, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission could also be located in third countries via trusted networks managed by relevant international organisations.

In consultation with Member States, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission could also be located in third countries via trusted networks managed by relevant international organisations.

rescEU capacities shall be hosted by the Member States that acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract those capacities. As a way to enhance Union resilience, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission are to be strategically pre-positioned inside the Union.

Amendment 55

Amendment 55

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 — point a a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 — point a a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 12 — paragraph 5

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (aa) | Paragraph 5 is replaced by the following: |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(aa)

(aa)

Paragraph 5 is replaced by the following:

Paragraph 5 is replaced by the following:

5.   
  A
  Member State
  that owns, rents or leases
  rescEU capacities shall ensure the registration of those capacities in CECIS, and the availability and deployability of those capacities for Union Mechanism operations.

‘5.   
  The Commission or the
  Member State
  owning, renting, leasing or otherwise contracting
  rescEU capacities shall ensure the registration of those capacities in CECIS, and the availability and deployability of those capacities for Union Mechanism operations.

rescEU capacities may only be used for national purposes, as referred to in Article 23(4a), when not being used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism.

rescEU capacities may only be used for national purposes, as referred to in Article 23(4a), when not being used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism.

rescEU capacities shall be used in accordance with implementing acts adopted under point (g) of Article 32(1) and with operational contracts between the Commission and the Member State owning, renting or leasing such capacities, which further specify the terms and conditions of deployment of rescEU capacities, including participating personnel.

rescEU capacities shall be used in accordance with implementing acts adopted under point (g) of Article 32(1) and with operational contracts between the Commission and the Member State owning, renting or leasing such capacities, which further specify the terms and conditions of deployment of rescEU capacities, including participating personnel.

The terms and conditions specified in the operational contracts shall also ensure that rescEU capacities are used in compliance with this Decision, notably with the requirement to make rescEU capacities available as laid down in paragraph 6 of this Article and with the general objectives as laid down in Article 1. Those terms and conditions shall also specify the measures to be taken in cases of non-compliance in order to safeguard the appropriate use of Union funding.’

The terms and conditions specified in the operational contracts shall also ensure that rescEU capacities are used in compliance with this Decision, notably with the requirement to make rescEU capacities available as laid down in paragraph 6 of this Article and with the general objectives as laid down in Article 1. Those terms and conditions shall also specify the measures to be taken in cases of non-compliance in order to safeguard the appropriate use of Union funding.’

Amendment 56

Amendment 56

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 — point b

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 — point b

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 12 — paragraph 10 — subparagraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| rescEU capacities may be deployed outside the Union in accordance with paragraphs 6 to 9 of this Article. | rescEU capacities may be deployed outside the Union in accordance with paragraphs 6 to 9 of this Article.
  Specific provisions shall be put in place by the Commission to guarantee accountability and the correct use of rescEU capacities in third countries, including providing for access by Union controlling officers. Visibility of the Union Mechanism in third countries shall be ensured in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 20a of this Decision. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

rescEU capacities may be deployed outside the Union in accordance with paragraphs 6 to 9 of this Article.

rescEU capacities may be deployed outside the Union in accordance with paragraphs 6 to 9 of this Article.
  Specific provisions shall be put in place by the Commission to guarantee accountability and the correct use of rescEU capacities in third countries, including providing for access by Union controlling officers. Visibility of the Union Mechanism in third countries shall be ensured in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 20a of this Decision.

Specific provisions shall be put in place by the Commission to guarantee accountability and the correct use of rescEU capacities in third countries, including providing for access by Union controlling officers. Visibility of the Union Mechanism in third countries shall be ensured in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 20a of this Decision.

Amendment 57

Amendment 57

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 8 a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 13 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 2 — point f a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (8a) | In the second subparagraph of Article 13(1), the following point is added:









  ‘(fa) | create capabilities of specific response expertise which can be used in the case of disasters affecting cultural heritage.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(8a)

(8a)

In the second subparagraph of Article 13(1), the following point is added:

‘(fa)

‘(fa)

create capabilities of specific response expertise which can be used in the case of disasters affecting cultural heritage.’

Amendment 58

Amendment 58

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 9

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 9

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 15 — paragraph 3 — point b

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | collect and analyse validated information on the situation, in conjunction with the affected Member State, with the goal of generating common
  situational
  awareness, and disseminate it to the Member States; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(b)

collect and analyse validated information on the situation, in conjunction with the affected Member State, with the goal of generating common
  situational
  awareness, and disseminate it to the Member States;

situational

| (b) | collect and analyse validated information on the situation, in conjunction with the affected Member State, with the goal of generating common awareness
  of the situation and the response to the situation
  , and disseminate it
  directly
  to the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

collect and analyse validated information on the situation, in conjunction with the affected Member State, with the goal of generating common awareness
  of the situation and the response to the situation
  , and disseminate it
  directly
  to the Member States;

of the situation and the response to the situation

directly

Amendment 59

Amendment 59

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 9 a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 9 a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 16 — paragraph 2

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (9a) | In Article 16, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(9a)

(9a)

In Article 16, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

2.   Interventions under this Article may be conducted either as an autonomous assistance intervention or as a contribution to an intervention led by an international organisation. The Union coordination shall be fully integrated with the overall coordination provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and shall respect its leading role. In the case of man-made disasters or complex emergencies, the Commission shall ensure consistency with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, and respect for humanitarian principles.

| | ‘2.   Interventions under this Article may be conducted either as an autonomous assistance intervention or as a contribution to an intervention led by an international organisation. The Union coordination shall be fully integrated with the overall coordination provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and shall respect its leading role. In the case of man-made disasters or complex emergencies, the Commission shall
  , whenever possible, consult humanitarian actors including local ones and
  ensure consistency with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, and respect for humanitarian principles.’ |
| --- | --- |

‘2.   Interventions under this Article may be conducted either as an autonomous assistance intervention or as a contribution to an intervention led by an international organisation. The Union coordination shall be fully integrated with the overall coordination provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and shall respect its leading role. In the case of man-made disasters or complex emergencies, the Commission shall
  , whenever possible, consult humanitarian actors including local ones and
  ensure consistency with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, and respect for humanitarian principles.’

Amendment 60

Amendment 60

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 10

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 10

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 17 — paragraph 1 — point a

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | upon request for prevention expertise in accordance with Article 5(2); |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(a)

upon request for prevention expertise in accordance with Article 5(2);

| (a) | upon request for prevention expertise in accordance with Article 5(2)
  , particularly in the event of a pandemic
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

upon request for prevention expertise in accordance with Article 5(2)
  , particularly in the event of a pandemic
  ;

, particularly in the event of a pandemic

Amendment 61

Amendment 61

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 10

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 10

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 17 — paragraph 1 — point b

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | upon request for preparedness expertise in accordance with Article 13(3); |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(b)

upon request for preparedness expertise in accordance with Article 13(3);

| (b) | upon request for preparedness expertise in accordance with Article 13(3)
  , particularly in the event of a pandemic
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

upon request for preparedness expertise in accordance with Article 13(3)
  , particularly in the event of a pandemic
  ;

, particularly in the event of a pandemic

Amendment 62

Amendment 62

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 11

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 11

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 18 — paragraph 1 — point a a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (aa) | developing cartographical material for the swift deployment and mobilization of resources, especially bearing in mind the specificities of cross-border regions for the purpose of trans-boundary risks such as wildfires; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(aa)

(aa)

developing cartographical material for the swift deployment and mobilization of resources, especially bearing in mind the specificities of cross-border regions for the purpose of trans-boundary risks such as wildfires;

developing cartographical material for the swift deployment and mobilization of resources, especially bearing in mind the specificities of cross-border regions for the purpose of trans-boundary risks such as wildfires;

Amendment 63

Amendment 63

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point b a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point b a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 19 — paragraph 3 — subparagraph 1

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (ba) | in paragraph 3, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following: |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(ba)

(ba)

in paragraph 3, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following:

in paragraph 3, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following:

The financial allocation referred to in
  paragraph 1
  may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, which are required for the management of the Union Mechanism and the achievement of its objectives.

paragraph 1

| | ‘The financial allocation referred to in
  paragraphs 1 and 1a of this Article and in Article 19a
  may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, which are required for the management of the Union Mechanism and the achievement of its objectives.’ |
| --- | --- |

‘The financial allocation referred to in
  paragraphs 1 and 1a of this Article and in Article 19a
  may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, which are required for the management of the Union Mechanism and the achievement of its objectives.’

Amendment 64

Amendment 64

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point b b (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point b b (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 19 — paragraph 3 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (bb) | the following paragraph is inserted:





  ‘3a.
     
  The financial envelope referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a of this Article and in Article 19a shall be allocated to cover actions on preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(bb)

(bb)

the following paragraph is inserted:

the following paragraph is inserted:

‘3a.
     
  The financial envelope referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a of this Article and in Article 19a shall be allocated to cover actions on preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters.’

Amendment 65

Amendment 65

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point c

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point c

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 19 — paragraph 4

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(c)

(c)

paragraph 4 is replaced by the following:

paragraph 4 is replaced by the following:

deleted

deleted

| | ‘4.
     
  The financial envelope referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a shall be allocated to cover actions on preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters.’; |
| --- | --- |

‘4.
     
  The financial envelope referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a shall be allocated to cover actions on preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters.’;

Amendment 66

Amendment 66

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point c a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point c a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 19 — paragraph 4

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (ca) | Paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(ca)

(ca)

Paragraph 4 is replaced by the following:

Paragraph 4 is replaced by the following:

4.   The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated, over the period 2014-2020, according to the percentages
  and
  principles set out in Annex
  I.

| | ‘4.   The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated, over the period 2014-2020, according to the percentages
  set out in point 1 of Annex 1 and the
  principles set out in
  point 3 of that
  Annex.’; |
| --- | --- |

‘4.   The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated, over the period 2014-2020, according to the percentages
  set out in point 1 of Annex 1 and the
  principles set out in
  point 3 of that
  Annex.’;

Amendment 67

Amendment 67

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point c b (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point c b (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 19 — paragraph 4 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (cb) | the following paragraph is inserted:





  ‘4a.
     
  The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1a of this Article and in Article 19a shall be allocated, over the period 2021-2027, according to the percentages set out in point 2 of Annex 1 and the principles set out in point 3 of that Annex.’; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(cb)

(cb)

the following paragraph is inserted:

the following paragraph is inserted:

‘4a.
     
  The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1a of this Article and in Article 19a shall be allocated, over the period 2021-2027, according to the percentages set out in point 2 of Annex 1 and the principles set out in point 3 of that Annex.’;

Amendment 68

Amendment 68

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point d

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point d

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 19 — paragraphs 5 and 6

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | paragraphs 5 and 6 are deleted. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(d)

(d)

paragraphs 5 and 6 are deleted.

paragraphs 5 and 6 are deleted.

deleted

deleted

Amendment 69

Amendment 69

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point d a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point d a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 19 — paragraph 5

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (da) | paragraph 5 is replaced by the following: |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(da)

(da)

paragraph 5 is replaced by the following:

paragraph 5 is replaced by the following:

5.   The Commission shall review the breakdown set out in Annex I in
  the
  light of the outcome of the
  interim
  evaluation referred
  to in point (a) of
  Article
  34(2)
  . The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, where necessary in light of
  the results of that evaluation
  , delegated acts in accordance with Article 30, to adjust each of the figures in Annex I by more than
  8 percentage points and up to 16
  percentage points.
  Those delegated acts shall be adopted by 30 June 2017.

| | ‘5.   The Commission shall review the breakdown set out in Annex I in light of the outcome of the evaluation referred
  in
  Article
  34(3)
  . The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, where necessary in light of
  unexpected events affecting the execution of the budget or in light of the establishment of rescEU capacities
  , delegated acts in accordance with Article 30
  in order to amend Annex I so as
  to adjust each of the figures in
  points 1 and 2 of
  Annex I by more than
  10
  percentage points.’; |
| --- | --- |

‘5.   The Commission shall review the breakdown set out in Annex I in light of the outcome of the evaluation referred
  in
  Article
  34(3)
  . The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, where necessary in light of
  unexpected events affecting the execution of the budget or in light of the establishment of rescEU capacities
  , delegated acts in accordance with Article 30
  in order to amend Annex I so as
  to adjust each of the figures in
  points 1 and 2 of
  Annex I by more than
  10
  percentage points.’;

Amendment 70

Amendment 70

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point d b (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point d b (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 19 — paragraph 6

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (db) | paragraph 6 is replaced by the following |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(db)

(db)

paragraph 6 is replaced by the following

paragraph 6 is replaced by the following

6.   Where, in case of a necessary revision of the budgetary resources available for response actions, imperative grounds of urgency so require, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts to adjust each of the figures in Annex I by more than
  8 percentage points and up to 16
  percentage points, within the available budgetary allocations
  and
  in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 31.

| | ‘6.   Where, in case of a necessary revision of the budgetary resources available for response actions, imperative grounds of urgency so require, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts
  in accordance with Article 30 in order to amend Annex I so as
  to adjust each of the figures in
  points 1 and 2 of
  Annex I by more than
  10
  percentage points, within the available budgetary allocations in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 31.’; |
| --- | --- |

‘6.   Where, in case of a necessary revision of the budgetary resources available for response actions, imperative grounds of urgency so require, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts
  in accordance with Article 30 in order to amend Annex I so as
  to adjust each of the figures in
  points 1 and 2 of
  Annex I by more than
  10
  percentage points, within the available budgetary allocations in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 31.’;

Amendment 71

Amendment 71

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point d c (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 12 — point d c (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 19 — paragraph 6 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (dc) | In Article 19, the following paragraph is added:





  ‘6a.
     
  The European Parliament and the Council shall authorise the available annual appropriations without prejudice to the provisions of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No ... /... laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021-2027 and the Interinstitutional Agreement of ... 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on cooperation in budgetary matters and sound financial management.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(dc)

(dc)

In Article 19, the following paragraph is added:

In Article 19, the following paragraph is added:

‘6a.
     
  The European Parliament and the Council shall authorise the available annual appropriations without prejudice to the provisions of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No ... /... laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021-2027 and the Interinstitutional Agreement of ... 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on cooperation in budgetary matters and sound financial management.’

Amendment 72

Amendment 72

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 13

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 13

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 19a — paragraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Measures referred to in Article 2 of Regulation [ERI] shall be implemented under this Decision
  through amounts
  referred to in point (iv) of Article 3(2)(a) of that Regulation, subject to its Article 4(4) and (8). | Measures referred to in Article 2 of Regulation [ERI] shall be implemented under this Decision
  with an amount of EUR 2 187 620 000 in current prices as
  referred to in point (iv) of Article 3(2)(a) of that Regulation, subject to its Article 4(4) and (8). |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

Measures referred to in Article 2 of Regulation [ERI] shall be implemented under this Decision
  through amounts
  referred to in point (iv) of Article 3(2)(a) of that Regulation, subject to its Article 4(4) and (8).

through amounts

Measures referred to in Article 2 of Regulation [ERI] shall be implemented under this Decision
  with an amount of EUR 2 187 620 000 in current prices as
  referred to in point (iv) of Article 3(2)(a) of that Regulation, subject to its Article 4(4) and (8).

with an amount of EUR 2 187 620 000 in current prices as

Amendment 73

Amendment 73

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 14

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 14

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 20a — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Any assistance or funding provided under this Decision shall be given appropriate visibility. In particular, Member States shall ensure that public communication for operations funded under the Union Mechanism: | Any assistance or funding provided under this Decision shall be given appropriate visibility
  in line with the specific guidelines issued by the Commission for specific interventions
  . In particular, Member States shall ensure that public communication for operations funded under the Union Mechanism: |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

Any assistance or funding provided under this Decision shall be given appropriate visibility. In particular, Member States shall ensure that public communication for operations funded under the Union Mechanism:

Any assistance or funding provided under this Decision shall be given appropriate visibility
  in line with the specific guidelines issued by the Commission for specific interventions
  . In particular, Member States shall ensure that public communication for operations funded under the Union Mechanism:

in line with the specific guidelines issued by the Commission for specific interventions

Amendment 74

Amendment 74

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 14

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 14

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 20a — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 2 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Where RescEU capacities are used for national purposes as referred to in Article 12(5), Member States shall, by the same means as referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph, acknowledge the origin of those capacities and ensure the visibility of the Union funding used to acquire those capacities. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

Where RescEU capacities are used for national purposes as referred to in Article 12(5), Member States shall, by the same means as referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph, acknowledge the origin of those capacities and ensure the visibility of the Union funding used to acquire those capacities.

Where RescEU capacities are used for national purposes as referred to in Article 12(5), Member States shall, by the same means as referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph, acknowledge the origin of those capacities and ensure the visibility of the Union funding used to acquire those capacities.

Amendment 75

Amendment 75

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 15 — point a a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 15 — point a a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 21 — paragraph 1 — point h

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (aa) | In Article 21(1), point (h) is replaced by the following: |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(aa)

(aa)

In Article 21(1), point (h) is replaced by the following:

In Article 21(1), point (h) is replaced by the following:

| (h) | supporting the preparedness activities described in Article 13; |
| --- | --- |

(h)

supporting the preparedness activities described in Article 13;

| | ‘(h) | supporting the preparedness activities described in Article 13
  , particularly through the reinforcement of existing training networks, the synergies between them, and fostering the creation of new networks with a focus on innovative solutions and new risks and challenges
  ;’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

‘(h)

supporting the preparedness activities described in Article 13
  , particularly through the reinforcement of existing training networks, the synergies between them, and fostering the creation of new networks with a focus on innovative solutions and new risks and challenges
  ;’

, particularly through the reinforcement of existing training networks, the synergies between them, and fostering the creation of new networks with a focus on innovative solutions and new risks and challenges

Amendment 76

Amendment 76

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 15 — point b

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 15 — point b

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 21 — paragraph 3 — subparagraph 3

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| The financial assistance referred to in this paragraph may be implemented by multi-annual work programmes. For actions extending beyond one year, budgetary commitments may be broken down into annual instalments. | deleted |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

The financial assistance referred to in this paragraph may be implemented by multi-annual work programmes. For actions extending beyond one year, budgetary commitments may be broken down into annual instalments.

The financial assistance referred to in this paragraph may be implemented by multi-annual work programmes. For actions extending beyond one year, budgetary commitments may be broken down into annual instalments.

deleted

deleted

Amendment 77

Amendment 77

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 18

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 18

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 25 — paragraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   The Commission shall implement the Union's financial support
  in accordance with the Financial Regulation
  in direct management or in indirect management with bodies referred to in Article
  62(1)(c) of the Financial
  Regulation. | 2.   The Commission shall implement the Union's financial support in direct management
  in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046
  or in indirect management with
  the
  bodies referred to in
  point (c) of
  Article
  62(1) of that
  Regulation.
  When choosing the mode of implementation of financial support, priority shall be given to direct management. Where justified by the nature and content of the action concerned, the Commission may use indirect management. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 in order to supplement this Decision by setting out actions carried out under the Union Mechanism, which may be implemented by indirect management. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

2.   The Commission shall implement the Union's financial support
  in accordance with the Financial Regulation
  in direct management or in indirect management with bodies referred to in Article
  62(1)(c) of the Financial
  Regulation.

2.   The Commission shall implement the Union's financial support in direct management
  in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046
  or in indirect management with
  the
  bodies referred to in
  point (c) of
  Article
  62(1) of that
  Regulation.
  When choosing the mode of implementation of financial support, priority shall be given to direct management. Where justified by the nature and content of the action concerned, the Commission may use indirect management. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 in order to supplement this Decision by setting out actions carried out under the Union Mechanism, which may be implemented by indirect management.

Amendment 78

Amendment 78

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 18

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 18

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 25 — paragraph 4 — subparagraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| In order to implement this Decision, the Commission shall adopt annual
  or multi-annual
  work programmes, by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). The annual
  or multi-annual
  work programmes shall set out the objectives pursued, the expected results, the method of implementation and their total amount. They shall also contain a description of actions to be financed, an indication of the amount allocated to each action and an indicative implementation timetable. With regard to the financial support referred to in Article 28(2), the annual
  or multi-annual
  work programmes shall describe the actions foreseen for countries referred to therein. | In order to implement this Decision, the Commission shall adopt annual work programmes, by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). The annual work programmes shall set out the objectives pursued, the expected results, the method of implementation and their total amount. They shall also contain a description of actions to be financed, an indication of the amount allocated to each action and an indicative implementation timetable. With regard to the financial support referred to in Article 28(2), the annual work programmes shall describe the actions foreseen for countries referred to therein. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

In order to implement this Decision, the Commission shall adopt annual
  or multi-annual
  work programmes, by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). The annual
  or multi-annual
  work programmes shall set out the objectives pursued, the expected results, the method of implementation and their total amount. They shall also contain a description of actions to be financed, an indication of the amount allocated to each action and an indicative implementation timetable. With regard to the financial support referred to in Article 28(2), the annual
  or multi-annual
  work programmes shall describe the actions foreseen for countries referred to therein.

or multi-annual

or multi-annual

or multi-annual

In order to implement this Decision, the Commission shall adopt annual work programmes, by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). The annual work programmes shall set out the objectives pursued, the expected results, the method of implementation and their total amount. They shall also contain a description of actions to be financed, an indication of the amount allocated to each action and an indicative implementation timetable. With regard to the financial support referred to in Article 28(2), the annual work programmes shall describe the actions foreseen for countries referred to therein.

Amendment 79

Amendment 79

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 18

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 18

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 25 — paragraph 4 — subparagraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| However no annual
  or multi-annual
  work programme
  s
  shall be required for actions falling under the disaster response laid down in Chapter IV, which cannot be provided for in advance. | However no annual work programme shall be required for actions falling under the disaster response laid down in Chapter IV, which cannot be provided for in advance. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

However no annual
  or multi-annual
  work programme
  s
  shall be required for actions falling under the disaster response laid down in Chapter IV, which cannot be provided for in advance.

or multi-annual

s

However no annual work programme shall be required for actions falling under the disaster response laid down in Chapter IV, which cannot be provided for in advance.

Amendment 80

Amendment 80

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 18

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 18

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 25 — paragraph 5

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 5.   In addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation, commitment and payment appropriations, which have not been used by the end of the financial year for which they were entered in the annual budget shall be automatically carried over and may be committed and paid up to 31 December of the following year. The carried-over appropriations shall be used
  solely
  for response actions. The carried-over appropriations shall be used first in the following financial year. | 5.   In addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation, commitment and payment appropriations, which have not been used by the end of the financial year for which they were entered in the annual budget shall be automatically carried over and may be committed and paid up to 31 December of the following year. The carried-over appropriations shall be used for
  prevention, preparedness and
  response actions. The carried-over appropriations shall be used first in the following financial year. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

5.   In addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation, commitment and payment appropriations, which have not been used by the end of the financial year for which they were entered in the annual budget shall be automatically carried over and may be committed and paid up to 31 December of the following year. The carried-over appropriations shall be used
  solely
  for response actions. The carried-over appropriations shall be used first in the following financial year.

5.   In addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation, commitment and payment appropriations, which have not been used by the end of the financial year for which they were entered in the annual budget shall be automatically carried over and may be committed and paid up to 31 December of the following year. The carried-over appropriations shall be used for
  prevention, preparedness and
  response actions. The carried-over appropriations shall be used first in the following financial year.

Amendment 81

Amendment 81

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 20 — point a

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 20 — point a

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 30 — paragraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(5)
  and in
  the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027. | 2.   The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(5)
  , Article 19(5) and (6),
  the second subparagraph of Article 21(3)
  and Article 25(2)
  shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

2.   The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(5)
  and in
  the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027.

2.   The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(5)
  , Article 19(5) and (6),
  the second subparagraph of Article 21(3)
  and Article 25(2)
  shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027.

Amendment 82

Amendment 82

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 20 — point a a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 20 — point a a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 30 — paragraph 3

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (aa) | paragraph 3 is deleted; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(aa)

(aa)

paragraph 3 is deleted;

paragraph 3 is deleted;

Amendment 83

Amendment 83

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 20 — point b

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 20 — point b

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 30 — paragraph 4

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 4.   The delegation of power referred to in Article 6(5)
  and
  in the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. | 4.   The delegation of power referred to in Article 6(5)
  , in Article 19(5) and (6),
  in the second subparagraph of Article 21(3)
  and in Article 25(2)
  may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

4.   The delegation of power referred to in Article 6(5)
  and
  in the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

4.   The delegation of power referred to in Article 6(5)
  , in Article 19(5) and (6),
  in the second subparagraph of Article 21(3)
  and in Article 25(2)
  may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force

Amendment 84

Amendment 84

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 20 — point c

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 20 — point c

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 30 — paragraph 7

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 7.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6(5)
  or
  the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council. | 7.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6(5)
  , Article 19(5) and (6),
  the second subparagraph of Article 21(3)
  or Article 25(2)
  shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

7.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6(5)
  or
  the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

7.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6(5)
  , Article 19(5) and (6),
  the second subparagraph of Article 21(3)
  or Article 25(2)
  shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council

Amendment 85

Amendment 85

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 22 a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 22 a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Article 34 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (22a) | in Article 34(2), the following subparagraph is added:



  ‘By ... [24 months from the date of entry into force of this amending decision], the Commission shall evaluate the functioning of the Union Mechanism as well as the coordination and synergies achieved with the EU4Health Programme and other Union health legislation, with a view to presenting a legislative proposal that would include the creation of a specific European Health Response Mechanism.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(22a)

(22a)

in Article 34(2), the following subparagraph is added:

‘By ... [24 months from the date of entry into force of this amending decision], the Commission shall evaluate the functioning of the Union Mechanism as well as the coordination and synergies achieved with the EU4Health Programme and other Union health legislation, with a view to presenting a legislative proposal that would include the creation of a specific European Health Response Mechanism.’

‘By ... [24 months from the date of entry into force of this amending decision], the Commission shall evaluate the functioning of the Union Mechanism as well as the coordination and synergies achieved with the EU4Health Programme and other Union health legislation, with a view to presenting a legislative proposal that would include the creation of a specific European Health Response Mechanism.’

Amendment 86

Amendment 86

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 23

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 23

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Annex I

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (23) | Annex I is deleted. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(23)

(23)

Annex I is deleted.

deleted

deleted

Amendment 87

Amendment 87

Proposal for a decision

Proposal for a decision

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 23 a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 23 a (new)

Decision No 1313/2013/EU

Annex I

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (23a) | Annex I is amended as follows: |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(23a)

(23a)

Annex I is amended as follows:

Annex I

‘Annex I

Percentages and principles for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1) and (1a) and Article 19a

Percentages and principles for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1) and (1a) and Article 19a

Percentages for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1)

| 1. | Percentages for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1)
  for the period 2014 to 2020 |
| --- | --- |

1.

1.

Percentages for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1)
  for the period 2014 to 2020

for the period 2014 to 2020

Prevention:
  20 % +/- 8
  percentage points

20 % +/- 8

Prevention:
  10 % +/- 10
  percentage points

10 % +/- 10

Preparedness:
  50 % +/- 8
  percentage points

50 % +/- 8

Preparedness:
  65 % +/- 10
  percentage points

65 % +/- 10

Response:
  30 % +/- 8
  percentage points

30 % +/- 8

Response:
  25 % +/- 10
  percentage points

25 % +/- 10

| 2. | Percentages for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1a) and Article 19a for the period 2021 to 2027 |
| --- | --- |

2.

2.

Percentages for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1a) and Article 19a for the period 2021 to 2027

Prevention: 8 % +/- 10 percentage points

Prevention: 8 % +/- 10 percentage points

Preparedness: 80 % +/- 10 percentage points

Preparedness: 80 % +/- 10 percentage points

Response: 12 % +/- 10 percentage points

Response: 12 % +/- 10 percentage points

Principles

Principles

| 3. | Principles |
| --- | --- |

3.

3.

Principles

When implementing this Decision, the Commission shall give priority to actions for which this Decision sets a deadline within the period leading to the expiry of that deadline, with the objective of meeting the deadline in question.

When implementing this Decision, the Commission shall give priority to actions for which this Decision sets a deadline within the period leading to the expiry of that deadline, with the objective of meeting the deadline in question.’

---

(1)  The matter was referred back for interinstitutional negotiations to the committee responsible, pursuant to Rule 59(4), fourth subparagraph (A9-0148/2020).

1

(1a)  
  Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1).

1a

Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1).

(1a)  
  Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a Programme for the Union's action in the field of health for the period 2021-2027 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 282/2014 (‘EU4Health Programme’)(COM(2020)0405).

1a

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a Programme for the Union's action in the field of health for the period 2021-2027 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 282/2014 (‘EU4Health Programme’)(COM(2020)0405).

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/217 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/217

---

P9_TA(2020)0219

Global data collection system for ship fuel oil consumption data ***I

Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 16 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2015/757 in order to take appropriate account of the global data collection system for ship fuel oil consumption data (COM(2019)0038 — C8-0043/2019 — 2019/0017(COD)) (1)

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

(2021/C 385/29)

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital - 1 (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (-1) | The unprecedented threat posed by climate change requires enhanced ambition on the part of and increased climate action by the Union and at global level. The Union is committed to stepping up efforts to tackle climate change and to delivering on the implementation of the Paris Agreement

   (1a)

  in line with the latest available science. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report of 2018 entitled ‘Global warming of 1,5  oC’ confirmed that significant emissions reductions in all sectors are crucial to limit global warming to under 1,5  oC. The IPCC special report of 2019 entitled ‘The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate’ further stated that climate mechanisms depend on the health of ocean and marine ecosystems currently affected by global warming, pollution, overexploitation of marine biodiversity, acidification, deoxygenation and coastal erosion. The IPCC recalls that the oceans are part of the solution as regards mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change and underlines the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution of ecosystems, as well as of enhancing natural carbon sinks. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(-1)

The unprecedented threat posed by climate change requires enhanced ambition on the part of and increased climate action by the Union and at global level. The Union is committed to stepping up efforts to tackle climate change and to delivering on the implementation of the Paris Agreement

   (1a)

  in line with the latest available science. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report of 2018 entitled ‘Global warming of 1,5  oC’ confirmed that significant emissions reductions in all sectors are crucial to limit global warming to under 1,5  oC. The IPCC special report of 2019 entitled ‘The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate’ further stated that climate mechanisms depend on the health of ocean and marine ecosystems currently affected by global warming, pollution, overexploitation of marine biodiversity, acidification, deoxygenation and coastal erosion. The IPCC recalls that the oceans are part of the solution as regards mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change and underlines the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution of ecosystems, as well as of enhancing natural carbon sinks.

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (1) | Maritime transport has an impact on
  the global
  climate, as a result of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
  from shipping
  . In 2015, it emitted 13 % of the total Union greenhouse gas emissions from transport (15). International maritime shipping remains the only means of transportation not included in the Union's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1)

Maritime transport has an impact on
  the global
  climate, as a result of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
  from shipping
  . In 2015, it emitted 13 % of the total Union greenhouse gas emissions from transport (15). International maritime shipping remains the only means of transportation not included in the Union's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

| (1) | Maritime transport has an impact on climate
  change, on marine biodiversity, on air quality and public health
  , as a result of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
  and other emissions that it generates, such as methane, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, particulate matter and black carbon
  . In 2015, it emitted 13 % of the total Union greenhouse gas emissions from transport (15)

  . Global maritime emissions are expected to increase by between 50 % and 250 % by 2050

   (15a)

  . Unless further action is taken, EEA-related maritime emissions are expected to increase by 86 % above 1990 levels by 2050, despite the adoption of minimum ship efficiency standards by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
  . International maritime shipping remains the only means of transportation not included in the Union's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  IMO adopted on 13 April 2018 its Initial Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships. Measures to implement that strategy are urgently needed both at global and Union-level to ensure that immediate actions are taken to reduce maritime emissions, contribute to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and achieve the Union-wide climate-neutrality objective, without undermining the climate efforts undertaken by other sectors. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Maritime transport has an impact on climate
  change, on marine biodiversity, on air quality and public health
  , as a result of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
  and other emissions that it generates, such as methane, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, particulate matter and black carbon
  . In 2015, it emitted 13 % of the total Union greenhouse gas emissions from transport (15)

  . Global maritime emissions are expected to increase by between 50 % and 250 % by 2050

   (15a)

  . Unless further action is taken, EEA-related maritime emissions are expected to increase by 86 % above 1990 levels by 2050, despite the adoption of minimum ship efficiency standards by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
  . International maritime shipping remains the only means of transportation not included in the Union's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  IMO adopted on 13 April 2018 its Initial Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships. Measures to implement that strategy are urgently needed both at global and Union-level to ensure that immediate actions are taken to reduce maritime emissions, contribute to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and achieve the Union-wide climate-neutrality objective, without undermining the climate efforts undertaken by other sectors.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (2) | All sectors of the economy should contribute to the
  reduction of greenhouse gas
  emissions in line with the
  commitment of the co-legislators as expressed in Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of
  the European
  Parliament and of the
  Council (16)

  and Directive (EU) 2018/410 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (17) . |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2)

All sectors of the economy should contribute to the
  reduction of greenhouse gas
  emissions in line with the
  commitment of the co-legislators as expressed in Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of
  the European
  Parliament and of the
  Council (16)

  and Directive (EU) 2018/410 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (17) .

| (2) | All sectors of the economy should contribute to the
  joint effort to complete the transition to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG)
  emissions
  as soon as possible and by 2050 at the latest
  in line with the
  Union's commitments under the Paris Agreement and
  the European Council
  conclusions on climate change of 12 December 2019
  . |
| --- | --- |

(2)

All sectors of the economy should contribute to the
  joint effort to complete the transition to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG)
  emissions
  as soon as possible and by 2050 at the latest
  in line with the
  Union's commitments under the Paris Agreement and
  the European Council
  conclusions on climate change of 12 December 2019
  .

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (3) | The European Parliament's Resolution of
  February 2014
  on
  a 2030 framework for
  climate
  and energy policies
  called on the Commission and the Member States to
  set a
  binding Union 2030 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  by at least 40 %
  compared to 1990 levels. The European Parliament also noted that all sectors of the economy would need to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse
  gas
  emissions if the Union is to deliver its fair share of global efforts. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)

The European Parliament's Resolution of
  February 2014
  on
  a 2030 framework for
  climate
  and energy policies
  called on the Commission and the Member States to
  set a
  binding Union 2030 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  by at least 40 %
  compared to 1990 levels. The European Parliament also noted that all sectors of the economy would need to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse
  gas
  emissions if the Union is to deliver its fair share of global efforts.

| (3) | The European Parliament's Resolution of
  14 March 2019
  on climate
  change supported by a large majority the objective of reaching climate neutrality as early as possible and by 2050 at the latest. The European Parliament has also repeatedly
  called on the Commission and the Member States to
  increase the
  binding Union 2030 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  to 55 %
  compared to 1990 levels. The European Parliament also noted that all sectors of the economy
  , including international aviation and maritime transport, must
  contribute to the reduction of greenhouse
  gas
  emissions if the Union is to
  reach its climate targets and
  deliver its fair share of global efforts.
  Rapid efforts to decarbonise the maritime transport sector are all the more important in view of the declaration by the Parliament on 28 November 2019 of a climate and environment emergency. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The European Parliament's Resolution of
  14 March 2019
  on climate
  change supported by a large majority the objective of reaching climate neutrality as early as possible and by 2050 at the latest. The European Parliament has also repeatedly
  called on the Commission and the Member States to
  increase the
  binding Union 2030 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  to 55 %
  compared to 1990 levels. The European Parliament also noted that all sectors of the economy
  , including international aviation and maritime transport, must
  contribute to the reduction of greenhouse
  gas
  emissions if the Union is to
  reach its climate targets and
  deliver its fair share of global efforts.
  Rapid efforts to decarbonise the maritime transport sector are all the more important in view of the declaration by the Parliament on 28 November 2019 of a climate and environment emergency.

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (3a) | The European Parliament in its resolution of 28 November 2019 on the 2019 UN Climate Change Conference in Madrid, Spain (COP25) stressed the need for additional Union actions to address GHG emissions from the maritime sector in light of the slow and insufficient progress made by IMO. The European Parliament supported, in particular, the inclusion of the maritime sector in the Union system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (the ‘EU ETS’), as well as the introduction of ship efficiency standards at Union level. Market-based emissions reduction policies alone are not sufficient to meet the Union's emissions reduction targets, and should be accompanied by binding regulatory emissions reduction requirements that are properly enforced. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3a)

The European Parliament in its resolution of 28 November 2019 on the 2019 UN Climate Change Conference in Madrid, Spain (COP25) stressed the need for additional Union actions to address GHG emissions from the maritime sector in light of the slow and insufficient progress made by IMO. The European Parliament supported, in particular, the inclusion of the maritime sector in the Union system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (the ‘EU ETS’), as well as the introduction of ship efficiency standards at Union level. Market-based emissions reduction policies alone are not sufficient to meet the Union's emissions reduction targets, and should be accompanied by binding regulatory emissions reduction requirements that are properly enforced.

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (4) | In its Conclusions of
  24 October 2014
  , the European Council endorsed
  a binding Union target of an at least 40 % domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990
  . The European Council also stated
  the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and risks related to fossil fuel dependency in the transport sector and invited the Commission to examine further instruments and measures for a comprehensive and technology-neutral approach, including for the promotion of emissions reduction, renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency in transport. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4)

In its Conclusions of
  24 October 2014
  , the European Council endorsed
  a binding Union target of an at least 40 % domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990
  . The European Council also stated
  the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and risks related to fossil fuel dependency in the transport sector and invited the Commission to examine further instruments and measures for a comprehensive and technology-neutral approach, including for the promotion of emissions reduction, renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency in transport.

| (4) | In its Conclusions of
  12 December 2019

   (1a), the European Council endorsed
  the objective of achieving a climate-neutral EU by 2050
  . The European Council also stated
  that all relevant EU legislation and policies need to be consistent with, and contribute to, the fulfilment of the climate neutrality objective while respecting a level playing field
  . |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In its Conclusions of
  12 December 2019

   (1a), the European Council endorsed
  the objective of achieving a climate-neutral EU by 2050
  . The European Council also stated
  that all relevant EU legislation and policies need to be consistent with, and contribute to, the fulfilment of the climate neutrality objective while respecting a level playing field
  .

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (4a) | Currently, maritime transport is the only sector not expressly the subject of a Union emissions reduction objective or specific mitigation measures. In its communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal, the Commission stated its intention to take additional measures to address GHG emissions from the maritime sector, and in particular to extend the EU ETS to the maritime sector, regulate the access of the most polluting ships to Union ports and oblige docked ships to use shore-side electricity. In its proposal of 4 March 2020 for a regulation establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 (European Climate Law)

   (1a)

  , the Commission confirms that additional action needs to be taken so as to reach the objective of climate neutrality by 2050 and that every sector will have to contribute as current policies are expected to only reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 % by 2050. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4a)

Currently, maritime transport is the only sector not expressly the subject of a Union emissions reduction objective or specific mitigation measures. In its communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal, the Commission stated its intention to take additional measures to address GHG emissions from the maritime sector, and in particular to extend the EU ETS to the maritime sector, regulate the access of the most polluting ships to Union ports and oblige docked ships to use shore-side electricity. In its proposal of 4 March 2020 for a regulation establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 (European Climate Law)

   (1a)

  , the Commission confirms that additional action needs to be taken so as to reach the objective of climate neutrality by 2050 and that every sector will have to contribute as current policies are expected to only reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 % by 2050.

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (4b) | The removal of market barriers in the maritime sector, including the use of a transparent and robust monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system, is aimed at contributing to the uptake of energy efficiency technologies, thereby contributing to reducing maritime emissions by about 2 % by 2030. For the maritime sector to contribute fully to the economy-wide effort to reach the Union's climate-neutrality objective as well as the 2030 targets and other potential intermediary targets, further action is therefore necessary. As the Union's primary instrument for monitoring, reporting and verifying GHG emissions and air pollution from maritime transport, the EU MRV Regulation constitutes a basis for further action. The scope of that Regulation should, therefore, be extended to include binding requirements for companies to reduce their GHG emissions per transport work, and it is also necessary to extend the EU ETS to cover the maritime transport sector. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4b)

The removal of market barriers in the maritime sector, including the use of a transparent and robust monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system, is aimed at contributing to the uptake of energy efficiency technologies, thereby contributing to reducing maritime emissions by about 2 % by 2030. For the maritime sector to contribute fully to the economy-wide effort to reach the Union's climate-neutrality objective as well as the 2030 targets and other potential intermediary targets, further action is therefore necessary. As the Union's primary instrument for monitoring, reporting and verifying GHG emissions and air pollution from maritime transport, the EU MRV Regulation constitutes a basis for further action. The scope of that Regulation should, therefore, be extended to include binding requirements for companies to reduce their GHG emissions per transport work, and it is also necessary to extend the EU ETS to cover the maritime transport sector.

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (6) | In April 2015, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2015/757 on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (20) (the ‘EU MRV Regulation’), which was complemented in 2016 with two Delegated Regulations (21) and two Implementing Regulations (22). The aim of the EU MRV Regulation is to collect data on shipping emissions for further policymaking and to incentivise emission reductions by providing information on ships' efficiency to relevant markets. The EU MRV Regulation obliges companies to monitor, report and verify the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and energy efficiency of their ships on voyages to and from European Economic Area (EEA) ports on an annual basis, starting from 2018.
  It
  also applies to CO2 emissions within EEA ports. The first emissions reports
  are
  due by 30 April 2019. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6)

In April 2015, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2015/757 on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (20) (the ‘EU MRV Regulation’), which was complemented in 2016 with two Delegated Regulations (21) and two Implementing Regulations (22). The aim of the EU MRV Regulation is to collect data on shipping emissions for further policymaking and to incentivise emission reductions by providing information on ships' efficiency to relevant markets. The EU MRV Regulation obliges companies to monitor, report and verify the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and energy efficiency of their ships on voyages to and from European Economic Area (EEA) ports on an annual basis, starting from 2018.
  It
  also applies to CO2 emissions within EEA ports. The first emissions reports
  are
  due by 30 April 2019.

| (6) | In April 2015, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2015/757 on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (20) (the ‘EU MRV Regulation’), which was complemented in 2016 with two Delegated Regulations (21) and two Implementing Regulations (22). The aim of the EU MRV Regulation is to collect data on shipping emissions for further policymaking and to incentivise emission reductions by providing information on ships' efficiency to relevant markets.
  The EU MRV Regulation was adopted as a first step in a staged approach for the inclusion of maritime emissions in the Union's GHG emissions reduction commitments and for the subsequent pricing of those emissions in line with the ‘polluter pays’ principle. When the EU MRV Regulation was adopted, the Commission committed to considering, in the context of future legislative proposals on maritime emissions, which next steps would be appropriate to ensure that the sector would make a fair contribution to the Union's emission reduction objectives, in particular the possibility of extending the EU ETS to the maritime sector.
  The EU MRV Regulation obliges companies to monitor, report and verify the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and energy efficiency of their ships on voyages to and from European Economic Area (EEA) ports on an annual basis, starting from 2018.
  This obligation
  also applies to CO2 emissions within EEA ports. The first emissions reports
  were
  due by 30 April 2019
  and were published by the Commission on 30 June 2019
  . |
| --- | --- |

(6)

In April 2015, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2015/757 on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (20) (the ‘EU MRV Regulation’), which was complemented in 2016 with two Delegated Regulations (21) and two Implementing Regulations (22). The aim of the EU MRV Regulation is to collect data on shipping emissions for further policymaking and to incentivise emission reductions by providing information on ships' efficiency to relevant markets.
  The EU MRV Regulation was adopted as a first step in a staged approach for the inclusion of maritime emissions in the Union's GHG emissions reduction commitments and for the subsequent pricing of those emissions in line with the ‘polluter pays’ principle. When the EU MRV Regulation was adopted, the Commission committed to considering, in the context of future legislative proposals on maritime emissions, which next steps would be appropriate to ensure that the sector would make a fair contribution to the Union's emission reduction objectives, in particular the possibility of extending the EU ETS to the maritime sector.
  The EU MRV Regulation obliges companies to monitor, report and verify the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and energy efficiency of their ships on voyages to and from European Economic Area (EEA) ports on an annual basis, starting from 2018.
  This obligation
  also applies to CO2 emissions within EEA ports. The first emissions reports
  were
  due by 30 April 2019
  and were published by the Commission on 30 June 2019
  .

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6a) | Reducing emissions from shipping and their impact on global warming and air pollution should not be implemented in a way that harms marine biodiversity, and should be accompanied by measures targeted towards the restauration of marine and coastal ecosystems impacted by the shipping industry, such as the substances discharged into the seas, including ballast water, hydrocarbons, heavy metals and chemicals, lost containers at sea and cetacean collisions. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6a)

Reducing emissions from shipping and their impact on global warming and air pollution should not be implemented in a way that harms marine biodiversity, and should be accompanied by measures targeted towards the restauration of marine and coastal ecosystems impacted by the shipping industry, such as the substances discharged into the seas, including ballast water, hydrocarbons, heavy metals and chemicals, lost containers at sea and cetacean collisions.

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6b) | In the maritime sector, the shipowner is not always the same as the person or entity commercially operating the ship. Therefore, all the data required under the EU MRV Regulation should be collected by and attributed to the party responsible for the commercial operation of the ship, such as the manager, the time charterer or the bareboat charterer. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6b)

In the maritime sector, the shipowner is not always the same as the person or entity commercially operating the ship. Therefore, all the data required under the EU MRV Regulation should be collected by and attributed to the party responsible for the commercial operation of the ship, such as the manager, the time charterer or the bareboat charterer.

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 c (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6c) | The data collected under the EU MRV Regulation should be used to foster the transition towards zero-emissions ships through the establishment of an energy efficiency certificate for ships, with a rating scale, to enable a transparent comparison of ships, especially for sale or rent, and to encourage Member States to promote best practices and support the most efficient ships. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6c)

The data collected under the EU MRV Regulation should be used to foster the transition towards zero-emissions ships through the establishment of an energy efficiency certificate for ships, with a rating scale, to enable a transparent comparison of ships, especially for sale or rent, and to encourage Member States to promote best practices and support the most efficient ships.

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 d (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6d) | A European shipping label for products should be developed by the Commission in cooperation with shipowners, other stakeholders and independent experts, in order to inform consumers about the environmental impact of maritime transport related to products that they purchase. Such a label would support the environmental and energy transition of the shipping sector by providing a reliable and transparent way of informing customers about voluntary initiatives. It would encourage consumers to purchase products transported by shipowners that have reduced their environmental impact, for example regarding greenhouse gases and pollutant emissions, noise pollution, waste and water management. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6d)

A European shipping label for products should be developed by the Commission in cooperation with shipowners, other stakeholders and independent experts, in order to inform consumers about the environmental impact of maritime transport related to products that they purchase. Such a label would support the environmental and energy transition of the shipping sector by providing a reliable and transparent way of informing customers about voluntary initiatives. It would encourage consumers to purchase products transported by shipowners that have reduced their environmental impact, for example regarding greenhouse gases and pollutant emissions, noise pollution, waste and water management.

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 e (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6e) | Council Directive 92/106/EEC

   (1a)

  contributes to the reduction of transport emissions by promoting a shift from road freight transport to lower-emission transport modes, including zero-emission river corridors. A revision of that Directive is necessary, in order to step up the efforts to promote multimodal transport and increase efficiency and low emission alternatives. Zero-emission waterway transport is key to developing a sustainable modal shift from road to waterways, and it is therefore necessary to support investment in refuelling and recharging infrastructure in inland ports. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6e)

Council Directive 92/106/EEC

   (1a)

  contributes to the reduction of transport emissions by promoting a shift from road freight transport to lower-emission transport modes, including zero-emission river corridors. A revision of that Directive is necessary, in order to step up the efforts to promote multimodal transport and increase efficiency and low emission alternatives. Zero-emission waterway transport is key to developing a sustainable modal shift from road to waterways, and it is therefore necessary to support investment in refuelling and recharging infrastructure in inland ports.

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 f (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6f) | Union ports constitute strategic hubs in the energy transition due to their geographical position and economic activities. They represent the main entry points of energy commodities, (from importation, storage or distribution), increasingly engage in the development of renewable energy production sites and develop new energy management and circular economy strategies. In line with the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Union should therefore accompany the decarbonisation of the maritime sector with a strategic approach of Union ports to support their role as facilitator of the energy transition. Member States should be encouraged to stimulate the development of zero-emission ports and invest in refuelling and recharging infrastructures. It would ensure immediate health benefits to all citizens living in port and coastal areas, as well as limit negative impacts on marine and coastal biodiversity in such areas, which also represent vast land territories, some of which are part of the Natura 2000 network. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6f)

Union ports constitute strategic hubs in the energy transition due to their geographical position and economic activities. They represent the main entry points of energy commodities, (from importation, storage or distribution), increasingly engage in the development of renewable energy production sites and develop new energy management and circular economy strategies. In line with the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Union should therefore accompany the decarbonisation of the maritime sector with a strategic approach of Union ports to support their role as facilitator of the energy transition. Member States should be encouraged to stimulate the development of zero-emission ports and invest in refuelling and recharging infrastructures. It would ensure immediate health benefits to all citizens living in port and coastal areas, as well as limit negative impacts on marine and coastal biodiversity in such areas, which also represent vast land territories, some of which are part of the Natura 2000 network.

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (7) | Article 22 of the EU MRV Regulation states that the Commission will, in the event of an international agreement on a global monitoring, reporting and verification system, review the EU MRV Regulation and, if appropriate, propose amendments in order to ensure
  alignment
  with that international agreement. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)

Article 22 of the EU MRV Regulation states that the Commission will, in the event of an international agreement on a global monitoring, reporting and verification system, review the EU MRV Regulation and, if appropriate, propose amendments in order to ensure
  alignment
  with that international agreement.

| (7) | Article 22 of the EU MRV Regulation states that the Commission will, in the event of an international agreement on a global monitoring, reporting and verification system,
  or on global measures to reduce GHG emissions from maritime transport,
  review the EU MRV Regulation and, if appropriate, propose amendments in order to ensure
  consistency
  with that international agreement.
  It is important that, irrespective of any global measures, the Union remains able to be ambitious and demonstrates climate leadership by maintaining or adopting more stringent measures within the Union. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Article 22 of the EU MRV Regulation states that the Commission will, in the event of an international agreement on a global monitoring, reporting and verification system,
  or on global measures to reduce GHG emissions from maritime transport,
  review the EU MRV Regulation and, if appropriate, propose amendments in order to ensure
  consistency
  with that international agreement.
  It is important that, irrespective of any global measures, the Union remains able to be ambitious and demonstrates climate leadership by maintaining or adopting more stringent measures within the Union.

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (8) | Under the Paris Agreement that was adopted in December 2015 at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (23) , the Union and its Member States have undertaken an economy-wide reduction target. Efforts to limit international maritime emissions through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are under way and should be encouraged. The IMO adopted (24) in October 2016 a data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships (‘the global IMO DCS’). |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8)

Under the Paris Agreement that was adopted in December 2015 at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (23) , the Union and its Member States have undertaken an economy-wide reduction target. Efforts to limit international maritime emissions through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are under way and should be encouraged. The IMO adopted (24) in October 2016 a data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships (‘the global IMO DCS’).

| (8) | Under the Paris Agreement that was adopted in December 2015 at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (23), the Union and its Member States have undertaken an economy-wide reduction target. Efforts to limit international maritime emissions through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are under way and should be encouraged. The IMO adopted (24) in October 2016 a data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships (‘the global IMO DCS’).
  IMO also adopted on 13 April 2018 an initial strategy on the


  reduction of GHG emissions from ships (‘IMO Initial Strategy’), seeking to cap the increase of those emissions as soon as possible and to reduce them by at least 50 % by 2050 compared to 2008, and to pursue efforts towards phasing them out entirely. At the same time, the Member States and Associated Members of IMO, including all Union Member States, committed to reducing CO2 emissions per transport work, as an average across international maritime shipping, by at least 40 % by 2030, pursuing efforts towards a 70 % reduction by 2050. It is therefore appropriate to include the core elements of the IMO Initial Strategy in Union law, while continuing to engage constructively with IMO Member States to reach a global agreement on the GHG emissions reduction measures. Companies should be obliged to linearly reduce the annual CO2 emissions per transport work by at least 40 % by 2030 as an average across all ships under their responsibility, compared to the average performance per category of ships of the same size and type as reported under the MRV Regulation. The baseline for the GHG emission reduction measures should be established by using the data from the THETIS-MRV and the IMO DCS, while fully recognising the emission reductions already undertaken by the ‘decarbonising first movers’ companies. The Commission should adopt delegated acts to define the detailed rules for determining the baseline, the annual reduction factor for each ship category, the rules and means for calculating and collecting the excess emissions penalties, and any other rule necessary for the compliance and verification of compliance with this obligation. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Under the Paris Agreement that was adopted in December 2015 at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (23), the Union and its Member States have undertaken an economy-wide reduction target. Efforts to limit international maritime emissions through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are under way and should be encouraged. The IMO adopted (24) in October 2016 a data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships (‘the global IMO DCS’).
  IMO also adopted on 13 April 2018 an initial strategy on the


  reduction of GHG emissions from ships (‘IMO Initial Strategy’), seeking to cap the increase of those emissions as soon as possible and to reduce them by at least 50 % by 2050 compared to 2008, and to pursue efforts towards phasing them out entirely. At the same time, the Member States and Associated Members of IMO, including all Union Member States, committed to reducing CO2 emissions per transport work, as an average across international maritime shipping, by at least 40 % by 2030, pursuing efforts towards a 70 % reduction by 2050. It is therefore appropriate to include the core elements of the IMO Initial Strategy in Union law, while continuing to engage constructively with IMO Member States to reach a global agreement on the GHG emissions reduction measures. Companies should be obliged to linearly reduce the annual CO2 emissions per transport work by at least 40 % by 2030 as an average across all ships under their responsibility, compared to the average performance per category of ships of the same size and type as reported under the MRV Regulation. The baseline for the GHG emission reduction measures should be established by using the data from the THETIS-MRV and the IMO DCS, while fully recognising the emission reductions already undertaken by the ‘decarbonising first movers’ companies. The Commission should adopt delegated acts to define the detailed rules for determining the baseline, the annual reduction factor for each ship category, the rules and means for calculating and collecting the excess emissions penalties, and any other rule necessary for the compliance and verification of compliance with this obligation.

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (9) | Considering the co-existence of these two monitoring, reporting and verification systems, the Commission assessed pursuant to Article 22 of the EU MRV Regulation how to align the two systems so as to reduce administrative burden for ships, while preserving the objectives of the EU MRV Regulation. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9)

Considering the co-existence of these two monitoring, reporting and verification systems, the Commission assessed pursuant to Article 22 of the EU MRV Regulation how to align the two systems so as to reduce administrative burden for ships, while preserving the objectives of the EU MRV Regulation.

| (9) | Considering the co-existence of these two monitoring, reporting and verification systems, the Commission assessed pursuant to Article 22 of the EU MRV Regulation how to align the two systems so as to reduce administrative burden for ships,
  especially those owned by SMEs,
  while preserving the objectives of the EU MRV Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Considering the co-existence of these two monitoring, reporting and verification systems, the Commission assessed pursuant to Article 22 of the EU MRV Regulation how to align the two systems so as to reduce administrative burden for ships,
  especially those owned by SMEs,
  while preserving the objectives of the EU MRV Regulation.

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (10) | The impact assessment indicated that a partial alignment of the two monitoring, reporting and verification systems could contribute to reducing the administrative burden for shipping companies, while preserving the key objectives of the EU MRV Regulation. Such a partial alignment should however not modify the governance
  , scope
  , verification, transparency or CO2 reporting requirements of the EU MRV Regulation as it would severely undermine its objectives and affect its capacity to inform future policy-making decisions and to incentivise the uptake of energy efficiency measures and behaviours in shipping. Any amendments to the EU MRV Regulation should therefore limit the alignment with the global IMO DCS in relation to definitions, monitoring parameters, monitoring plans and templates. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10)

The impact assessment indicated that a partial alignment of the two monitoring, reporting and verification systems could contribute to reducing the administrative burden for shipping companies, while preserving the key objectives of the EU MRV Regulation. Such a partial alignment should however not modify the governance
  , scope
  , verification, transparency or CO2 reporting requirements of the EU MRV Regulation as it would severely undermine its objectives and affect its capacity to inform future policy-making decisions and to incentivise the uptake of energy efficiency measures and behaviours in shipping. Any amendments to the EU MRV Regulation should therefore limit the alignment with the global IMO DCS in relation to definitions, monitoring parameters, monitoring plans and templates.

| (10) | The impact assessment indicated that a partial alignment of the two monitoring, reporting and verification systems could contribute to reducing the administrative burden for shipping companies, while preserving the key objectives of the EU MRV Regulation. Such a partial alignment should however not modify the governance, verification, transparency or CO2 reporting requirements of the EU MRV Regulation as it would severely undermine its objectives and affect its capacity to inform future policy-making decisions and to incentivise the uptake of energy efficiency measures and behaviours in shipping. Any amendments to the EU MRV Regulation should therefore limit the alignment with the global IMO DCS in relation to
  ships covered by the EU MRV Regulation,
  definitions, monitoring parameters, monitoring plans and templates. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The impact assessment indicated that a partial alignment of the two monitoring, reporting and verification systems could contribute to reducing the administrative burden for shipping companies, while preserving the key objectives of the EU MRV Regulation. Such a partial alignment should however not modify the governance, verification, transparency or CO2 reporting requirements of the EU MRV Regulation as it would severely undermine its objectives and affect its capacity to inform future policy-making decisions and to incentivise the uptake of energy efficiency measures and behaviours in shipping. Any amendments to the EU MRV Regulation should therefore limit the alignment with the global IMO DCS in relation to
  ships covered by the EU MRV Regulation,
  definitions, monitoring parameters, monitoring plans and templates.

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 12

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (12) | Global IMO DCS provisions on data to be monitored and reported annually should be taken into account so as to ensure that streamlined data is collected for ships' activities falling under both systems. In order to do so, the parameter ‘deadweight tonnage’ should be reported
  but
  ‘cargo carried’
  should remain on a voluntary basis
  . ‘Time at sea’ should be replaced by the global IMO DCS definition of ‘hours underway’. Finally, calculation of ‘distance travelled’ should be based on global IMO DCS (25) to reduce administrative burden. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(12)

Global IMO DCS provisions on data to be monitored and reported annually should be taken into account so as to ensure that streamlined data is collected for ships' activities falling under both systems. In order to do so, the parameter ‘deadweight tonnage’ should be reported
  but
  ‘cargo carried’
  should remain on a voluntary basis
  . ‘Time at sea’ should be replaced by the global IMO DCS definition of ‘hours underway’. Finally, calculation of ‘distance travelled’ should be based on global IMO DCS (25) to reduce administrative burden.

| (12) | Global IMO DCS provisions on data to be monitored and reported annually should be taken into account so as to ensure that streamlined data is collected for ships' activities falling under both systems. In order to do so, the parameter ‘deadweight tonnage’ should be reported
  in addition to
  ‘cargo carried’. ‘Time at sea’ should be replaced by the global IMO DCS definition of ‘hours underway’. Finally, calculation of‘distance travelled’ should be based on global IMO DCS (25) to reduce administrative burden. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Global IMO DCS provisions on data to be monitored and reported annually should be taken into account so as to ensure that streamlined data is collected for ships' activities falling under both systems. In order to do so, the parameter ‘deadweight tonnage’ should be reported
  in addition to
  ‘cargo carried’. ‘Time at sea’ should be replaced by the global IMO DCS definition of ‘hours underway’. Finally, calculation of‘distance travelled’ should be based on global IMO DCS (25) to reduce administrative burden.

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (13) | Content of monitoring plans should be streamlined so as to take into consideration the global IMO DCS except for the parts of the plan which are necessary to ensure that only Union-related data are monitored and reported under the EU MRV Regulation. Therefore, any ‘per voyage’ provisions should remain as part of the monitoring plan. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13)

Content of monitoring plans should be streamlined so as to take into consideration the global IMO DCS except for the parts of the plan which are necessary to ensure that only Union-related data are monitored and reported under the EU MRV Regulation. Therefore, any ‘per voyage’ provisions should remain as part of the monitoring plan.

| (13) | Content of monitoring plans should be streamlined so as to take into consideration the global IMO DCS except for the parts of the plan which are necessary to ensure that only Union-related data are monitored and reported under the EU MRV Regulation. Therefore, any ‘per voyage’ provisions should remain as part of the monitoring plan.
  The Commission should also assist the Member States by sharing expertise and good practices, as well as the implementation of new technologies, with the objective of decreasing administrative barriers and of retrieving data efficiently and securely. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

Content of monitoring plans should be streamlined so as to take into consideration the global IMO DCS except for the parts of the plan which are necessary to ensure that only Union-related data are monitored and reported under the EU MRV Regulation. Therefore, any ‘per voyage’ provisions should remain as part of the monitoring plan.
  The Commission should also assist the Member States by sharing expertise and good practices, as well as the implementation of new technologies, with the objective of decreasing administrative barriers and of retrieving data efficiently and securely.

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (13a) | The impact assessment conducted by the Commission in 2013 and accompanying the proposal for the EU MRV Regulation showed the effectiveness of the EU ETS for maritime emissions and identified an EU ETS system or a target-based compensation fund as the options that could ensure the necessary emissions reductions are achieved in the sector. In order to include maritime shipping in the Union's emissions reduction effort, Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council1a should be amended to cover maritime emissions. The Commission should adopt delegated acts for setting the total quantity of allowances for maritime transport in line with other sectors, and the method of allocation of allowances for maritime transport through full auctioning. When preparing those delegated acts, the Commission should update the 2013 impact assessment, in particular to take account of the Union’s economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law] and the economic impact including in terms of possible risks of unintended modal shifts and carbon leakage. The Commission should publish the results of that assessment. It is important that the Union and its Member States support measures at international level to reduce the climate impact of maritime transport. The Commission should keep under review any progress made towards the adoption of a market-based measure by IMO, and should in the event of adoption of a global market-based measure, consider how to ensure that there is consistency between Union and global measures in a manner that preserves the environmental integrity and effectiveness of Union climate action. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13a)

The impact assessment conducted by the Commission in 2013 and accompanying the proposal for the EU MRV Regulation showed the effectiveness of the EU ETS for maritime emissions and identified an EU ETS system or a target-based compensation fund as the options that could ensure the necessary emissions reductions are achieved in the sector. In order to include maritime shipping in the Union's emissions reduction effort, Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council1a should be amended to cover maritime emissions. The Commission should adopt delegated acts for setting the total quantity of allowances for maritime transport in line with other sectors, and the method of allocation of allowances for maritime transport through full auctioning. When preparing those delegated acts, the Commission should update the 2013 impact assessment, in particular to take account of the Union’s economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law] and the economic impact including in terms of possible risks of unintended modal shifts and carbon leakage. The Commission should publish the results of that assessment. It is important that the Union and its Member States support measures at international level to reduce the climate impact of maritime transport. The Commission should keep under review any progress made towards the adoption of a market-based measure by IMO, and should in the event of adoption of a global market-based measure, consider how to ensure that there is consistency between Union and global measures in a manner that preserves the environmental integrity and effectiveness of Union climate action.

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (13b) | The successful transition to zero-emission shipping requires an integrated approach and the appropriate enabling environment to stimulate innovation, both on ships and in ports. That enabling environment involves public and private investment in research and innovation, technological and operational measures to improve the energy efficiency of ships, and the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia, that are produced from renewable energy sources and of zero-emission propulsion technologies, including the necessary refuelling and recharging infrastructure in ports. An Ocean Fund should be established from revenues generated from the auctioning of maritime allowances under the EU ETS to improve the energy efficiency of ships and support investment aimed at helping to decarbonise maritime transport, including in short sea shipping and ports. The Commission should also develop measures to regulate the access of the most polluting ships to Union ports and to oblige docked fossil-fuel ships to use shore-side electricity or alternative zero-emission options. The Commission should also assess the possibility of requiring ports to adopt demurrage tariffs based on emissions. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13b)

The successful transition to zero-emission shipping requires an integrated approach and the appropriate enabling environment to stimulate innovation, both on ships and in ports. That enabling environment involves public and private investment in research and innovation, technological and operational measures to improve the energy efficiency of ships, and the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia, that are produced from renewable energy sources and of zero-emission propulsion technologies, including the necessary refuelling and recharging infrastructure in ports. An Ocean Fund should be established from revenues generated from the auctioning of maritime allowances under the EU ETS to improve the energy efficiency of ships and support investment aimed at helping to decarbonise maritime transport, including in short sea shipping and ports. The Commission should also develop measures to regulate the access of the most polluting ships to Union ports and to oblige docked fossil-fuel ships to use shore-side electricity or alternative zero-emission options. The Commission should also assess the possibility of requiring ports to adopt demurrage tariffs based on emissions.

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13 c (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (13c) | The successful transition towards zero-emission and green ships requires an integrated approach to promote innovative measures for greener ships, for example regarding hull design, new engines and sustainable alternative fuels, and wind propulsion, and operational measures, which can be implemented in the short term to reduce fuel consumption and thus emissions, such as speed reduction or better route planning. Speed reduction, also referred to as slow steaming, was tested on a large scale between 2006 and 2012 due to the sharp increase in fuel prices: a 10 % reduction in speed led to a reduction in consumption of around 19 %

   (1a)

  and a corresponding reduction in emissions. Market based measures such as the EU ETS will encourage the reduction of emissions and investment in research and innovation, to improve the energy efficiency of ships, and the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels and propulsion technologies, including the necessary refuelling and recharging infrastructures in ports and inland ports. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13c)

The successful transition towards zero-emission and green ships requires an integrated approach to promote innovative measures for greener ships, for example regarding hull design, new engines and sustainable alternative fuels, and wind propulsion, and operational measures, which can be implemented in the short term to reduce fuel consumption and thus emissions, such as speed reduction or better route planning. Speed reduction, also referred to as slow steaming, was tested on a large scale between 2006 and 2012 due to the sharp increase in fuel prices: a 10 % reduction in speed led to a reduction in consumption of around 19 %

   (1a)

  and a corresponding reduction in emissions. Market based measures such as the EU ETS will encourage the reduction of emissions and investment in research and innovation, to improve the energy efficiency of ships, and the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels and propulsion technologies, including the necessary refuelling and recharging infrastructures in ports and inland ports.

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (14a) | In order to maintain a high quality of data reported in the THETIS-MRV register, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) should be given the necessary powers and resources to be able to check emissions reports that have been verified as satisfactory by a verifier. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14a)

In order to maintain a high quality of data reported in the THETIS-MRV register, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) should be given the necessary powers and resources to be able to check emissions reports that have been verified as satisfactory by a verifier.

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (14b) | The Commission should review the functioning of Regulation (EU) 2015/757, taking into account the experience gained in the implementation of that Regulation and of the global IMO DCS, as well as other relevant developments aimed at reducing GHG emissions from maritime transport. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14b)

The Commission should review the functioning of Regulation (EU) 2015/757, taking into account the experience gained in the implementation of that Regulation and of the global IMO DCS, as well as other relevant developments aimed at reducing GHG emissions from maritime transport.

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14 c (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (14c) | Maritime transport is also a source of air pollutants, such as sulphur oxide (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM), ozone depleting substances (ODS) and volatile organic compounds (VOC)1a. Air pollutants adversely impact both the environment and the health of citizens, in particular those living or working in coastal or port areas. The Commission should review the relevant legislation by June 2021 and make concrete proposals to address the problem of air pollution emissions from maritime transport. The Commission should also work on the extension of Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECA) and NOx Emission Control Areas (NECA) in all European seas, including in the Mediterranean sea, and further address the problem of the discharge of washwater from scrubbers and the discharge of other substances, such as ballast water, hydrocarbons, heavy metals and chemicals, into open waters, and the problem of the impact of such substances on marine biodiversity. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14c)

Maritime transport is also a source of air pollutants, such as sulphur oxide (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM), ozone depleting substances (ODS) and volatile organic compounds (VOC)1a. Air pollutants adversely impact both the environment and the health of citizens, in particular those living or working in coastal or port areas. The Commission should review the relevant legislation by June 2021 and make concrete proposals to address the problem of air pollution emissions from maritime transport. The Commission should also work on the extension of Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECA) and NOx Emission Control Areas (NECA) in all European seas, including in the Mediterranean sea, and further address the problem of the discharge of washwater from scrubbers and the discharge of other substances, such as ballast water, hydrocarbons, heavy metals and chemicals, into open waters, and the problem of the impact of such substances on marine biodiversity.

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (15) | The objective of Regulation (EU) 2015/757 is to monitor, report and verify CO2 emissions from ships calling at EEA ports as
  the first step of a staged approach
  to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of its scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level. The global IMO DCS should be taken into account and this Regulation ensures the continued comparability and reliability of collected data based on a single set of requirements. The Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15)

The objective of Regulation (EU) 2015/757 is to monitor, report and verify CO2 emissions from ships calling at EEA ports as
  the first step of a staged approach
  to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of its scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level. The global IMO DCS should be taken into account and this Regulation ensures the continued comparability and reliability of collected data based on a single set of requirements. The Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective.

| (15) | The objective of Regulation (EU) 2015/757 is to monitor, report and verify
  GHG
  emissions from ships calling at EEA ports
  , to reduce their average carbon intensity per transport work, including by significantly reducing their emissions when at berth, and to price those emissions so
  as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  from the maritime sector
  . This cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of its scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level. The global IMO DCS should be taken into account and this Regulation ensures the continued comparability and reliability of collected data based on a single set of requirements. The Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

The objective of Regulation (EU) 2015/757 is to monitor, report and verify
  GHG
  emissions from ships calling at EEA ports
  , to reduce their average carbon intensity per transport work, including by significantly reducing their emissions when at berth, and to price those emissions so
  as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  from the maritime sector
  . This cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of its scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level. The global IMO DCS should be taken into account and this Regulation ensures the continued comparability and reliability of collected data based on a single set of requirements. The Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective.

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (15a) | The transition to climate neutral shipping has yet to be achieved and regulatory measures in that regard have been hitherto inadequate. Ports can have a significant role in the decarbonisation of maritime transport. Operators of ships calling at Union ports should be obliged to ensure, through means such as connecting to shore-side electricity, that when at berth their ships do not emit greenhouse gas or air-polluting emissions. This would be particularly important in the case of berths located close to urban areas, in order to reduce the effects of air pollution on human health. Given the differential impacts of ships in relation to greenhouse gas and air-polluting emissions, most polluting ships, including large passenger ships, should be required to comply with that requirement first. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15a)

The transition to climate neutral shipping has yet to be achieved and regulatory measures in that regard have been hitherto inadequate. Ports can have a significant role in the decarbonisation of maritime transport. Operators of ships calling at Union ports should be obliged to ensure, through means such as connecting to shore-side electricity, that when at berth their ships do not emit greenhouse gas or air-polluting emissions. This would be particularly important in the case of berths located close to urban areas, in order to reduce the effects of air pollution on human health. Given the differential impacts of ships in relation to greenhouse gas and air-polluting emissions, most polluting ships, including large passenger ships, should be required to comply with that requirement first.

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (15b) | Ship operators should ensure they operate the vessels in the most energy-efficient manner possible, keeping emissions to the lowest possible levels. Shipbuilders should ensure they make emissions reduction a priority when building new ships. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15b)

Ship operators should ensure they operate the vessels in the most energy-efficient manner possible, keeping emissions to the lowest possible levels. Shipbuilders should ensure they make emissions reduction a priority when building new ships.

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — title (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Amendments to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendments to Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph - 1 (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Regulation (EU) 2015/757 is amended as follows: |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Regulation (EU) 2015/757 is amended as follows:

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph - 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Recital 23

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (-1a)
     
  Recital 23 is replaced by the following: |
| (23) | Other greenhouse gases, climate forcers
  or
  air pollutants
  should not be covered by the Union MRV system at this stage to avoid requirements to install not
  sufficiently reliable or commercially available measuring equipment
  , which could impede the implementation of the Union MRV system
  . |

Present text

Amendment

(-1a)
     
  Recital 23 is replaced by the following:

(23)

Other greenhouse gases, climate forcers
  or
  air pollutants
  should not be covered by the Union MRV system at this stage to avoid requirements to install not
  sufficiently reliable or commercially available measuring equipment
  , which could impede the implementation of the Union MRV system
  .

or

should not be covered by the Union MRV system at this stage to avoid requirements to install not

, which could impede the implementation of the Union MRV system

| ‘(23) | The Union MRV system should be extended to cover also
  other greenhouse gases, climate forcers
  and
  air pollutants
  , where
  sufficiently reliable or commercially available measuring equipment
  exists, to better protect the climate, the environment and human health
  .’ |
| --- | --- |

‘(23)

The Union MRV system should be extended to cover also
  other greenhouse gases, climate forcers
  and
  air pollutants
  , where
  sufficiently reliable or commercially available measuring equipment
  exists, to better protect the climate, the environment and human health
  .’

Amendment 34

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph - 1 b (new)

Article 1 — paragraph - 1 b (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 1

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (-1b)
     
  Article 1 is replaced by the following: |
| Article 1 | ‘Article 1 |
| Subject matter | Subject matter |
| This Regulation lays down rules for the accurate monitoring, reporting and verification of
  carbon dioxide (CO2
  ) emissions and of other relevant information from ships arriving at, within or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State, in order to
  promote the reduction of CO2
  emissions
  from maritime
  transport
  in a cost effective manner
  . | This Regulation lays down rules for the accurate monitoring, reporting and verification of
  greenhouse gas (GHG
  ) emissions and of other relevant information from ships arriving at, within or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State
  . In order to contribute to achieving the Union economy-wide climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law], while taking account of the IMO Initial Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships adopted on 13 April 2018, this Regulation imposes obligations on companies to reduce their annual average CO2 emissions per
  transport
  work in accordance with Article 12a
  .’ |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(-1b)
     
  Article 1 is replaced by the following:

Article 1

‘Article 1

Subject matter

Subject matter

This Regulation lays down rules for the accurate monitoring, reporting and verification of
  carbon dioxide (CO2
  ) emissions and of other relevant information from ships arriving at, within or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State, in order to
  promote the reduction of CO2
  emissions
  from maritime
  transport
  in a cost effective manner
  .

carbon dioxide (CO2

promote the reduction of CO2

from maritime

in a cost effective manner

This Regulation lays down rules for the accurate monitoring, reporting and verification of
  greenhouse gas (GHG
  ) emissions and of other relevant information from ships arriving at, within or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State
  . In order to contribute to achieving the Union economy-wide climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law], while taking account of the IMO Initial Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships adopted on 13 April 2018, this Regulation imposes obligations on companies to reduce their annual average CO2 emissions per
  transport
  work in accordance with Article 12a
  .’

greenhouse gas (GHG

. In order to contribute to achieving the Union economy-wide climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law], while taking account of the IMO Initial Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships adopted on 13 April 2018, this Regulation imposes obligations on companies to reduce their annual average CO2

work in accordance with Article 12a

Amendment 35

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph - 1 c (new)

Article 1 — paragraph - 1 c (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 2 — paragraph 1

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (-1c)
     
  In Article 2, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: |
| 1.   This Regulation applies to ships
  above
  5 000 gross tonnage in respect of
  CO 2
  emissions released during their voyages from their last port of call to a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State and from a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State to their next port of call, as well as within ports of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State. | ‘1.   This Regulation applies to ships
  of
  5 000 gross tonnage
  and above
  in respect of
  GHG
  emissions released during their voyages from their last port of call to a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State and from a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State to their next port of call, as well as within ports of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State.’ |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(-1c)
     
  In Article 2, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

1.   This Regulation applies to ships
  above
  5 000 gross tonnage in respect of
  CO 2
  emissions released during their voyages from their last port of call to a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State and from a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State to their next port of call, as well as within ports of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State.

‘1.   This Regulation applies to ships
  of
  5 000 gross tonnage
  and above
  in respect of
  GHG
  emissions released during their voyages from their last port of call to a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State and from a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State to their next port of call, as well as within ports of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State.’

Amendment 36

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point -a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point -a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 3 — paragraph 1 — point a a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (-a) | The following point is inserted:









  ‘(aa) | “greenhouse gas emissions” means the release of greenhouse gases by ships, as listed in Annex II to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council;

   (*1) |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(-a)

(-a)

The following point is inserted:

‘(aa)

‘(aa)

“greenhouse gas emissions” means the release of greenhouse gases by ships, as listed in Annex II to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council;

   (*1)

“greenhouse gas emissions” means the release of greenhouse gases by ships, as listed in Annex II to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council;

*1

Amendment 37

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point -a a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point -a a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 3 — paragraph 1 — point b

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (-aa) | Point (b) is replaced by the following: |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(-aa)

(-aa)

Point (b) is replaced by the following:

| (b) | ‘port of call’ means the port where a ship stops to load or unload cargo or to embark or disembark passengers; consequently, stops for the sole purposes of refuelling, obtaining supplies, relieving the crew, going into dry-dock or making repairs to the ship and/or its equipment, stops in port because the ship is in need of assistance or in distress, ship-to-ship transfers carried out outside ports, and stops for the sole purpose of taking shelter from adverse weather or rendered necessary by search and rescue activities are excluded; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

‘port of call’ means the port where a ship stops to load or unload cargo or to embark or disembark passengers; consequently, stops for the sole purposes of refuelling, obtaining supplies, relieving the crew, going into dry-dock or making repairs to the ship and/or its equipment, stops in port because the ship is in need of assistance or in distress, ship-to-ship transfers carried out outside ports, and stops for the sole purpose of taking shelter from adverse weather or rendered necessary by search and rescue activities are excluded;

| | ‘(b) | “port of call” means the port where a ship stops to load or unload
  a substantial part of its
  cargo or to embark or disembark passengers; consequently, stops for the sole purposes of refuelling, obtaining supplies, relieving the crew, going into dry-dock or making repairs to the ship and/or its equipment, stops in port because the ship is in need of assistance or in distress, ship-to-ship transfers carried out outside ports, and stops for the sole purpose of taking shelter from adverse weather or rendered necessary by search and rescue activities are excluded;’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

‘(b)

“port of call” means the port where a ship stops to load or unload
  a substantial part of its
  cargo or to embark or disembark passengers; consequently, stops for the sole purposes of refuelling, obtaining supplies, relieving the crew, going into dry-dock or making repairs to the ship and/or its equipment, stops in port because the ship is in need of assistance or in distress, ship-to-ship transfers carried out outside ports, and stops for the sole purpose of taking shelter from adverse weather or rendered necessary by search and rescue activities are excluded;’

a substantial part of its

Amendment 38

Amendment 38

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point a

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point a

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 3 — paragraph 1 — point d

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | ‘company’ means the shipowner or any other organisation or person such as the manager or the bareboat charterer, which has assumed the responsibility for the operation of the ship from the shipowner and
  has agreed to take over all the duties and responsibilities imposed by Regulation (EC) No 336/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(d)

‘company’ means the shipowner or any other organisation or person such as the manager or the bareboat charterer, which has assumed the responsibility for the operation of the ship from the shipowner and
  has agreed to take over all the duties and responsibilities imposed by Regulation (EC) No 336/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council;

has agreed to take over all the duties and responsibilities imposed by Regulation (EC) No 336/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council;

| ‘(d) | “company” means the shipowner or any other organisation or person such as the manager;
  the time charterer
  or the bareboat charterer, which has assumed the responsibility for the
  commercial
  operation of the ship from the shipowner and
  is responsible for paying for fuel consumed by the ship;’ |
| --- | --- |

‘(d)

“company” means the shipowner or any other organisation or person such as the manager;
  the time charterer
  or the bareboat charterer, which has assumed the responsibility for the
  commercial
  operation of the ship from the shipowner and
  is responsible for paying for fuel consumed by the ship;’

the time charterer

commercial

is responsible for paying for fuel consumed by the ship;’

Amendment 39

Amendment 39

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point a a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point a a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 3 — paragraph 1 — point i

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (aa) | Point (i) is replaced by the following: |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(aa)

(aa)

Point (i) is replaced by the following:

Point (i) is replaced by the following:

| (i) | ‘other relevant information’ means information related to CO2 emissions from the consumption of fuels, to transport work and to the energy efficiency of ships, which enables the analysis of emission trends and the assessment of ships’ performances; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

‘other relevant information’ means information related to CO2 emissions from the consumption of fuels, to transport work and to the energy efficiency of ships, which enables the analysis of emission trends and the assessment of ships’ performances;

2

| | ‘(i) | “other relevant information” means information related to CO2 emissions from the consumption of fuels, to transport work,
  to shore-to-ship power supply during docking
  and to the energy efficiency of ships, which enables the analysis of emission trends and the assessment of ships’ performances;’ |
| --- | --- | --- |

‘(i)

“other relevant information” means information related to CO2 emissions from the consumption of fuels, to transport work,
  to shore-to-ship power supply during docking
  and to the energy efficiency of ships, which enables the analysis of emission trends and the assessment of ships’ performances;’

2

to shore-to-ship power supply during docking

Amendment 40

Amendment 40

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 4 — paragraph 1

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (1a)
     
  In Article 4, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: |
| 1.   In accordance with Articles 8 to 12, companies shall, for each of
  their
  ships, monitor and report on the relevant parameters during a reporting period. They shall carry out that monitoring and reporting within all ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State and for any voyages to or from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State. | ‘1.   In accordance with Articles 8 to 12, companies shall, for each of
  the
  ships
  under their commercial operational control
  , monitor and report on the relevant parameters during a reporting period. They shall carry out that monitoring and reporting within all ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State and for any voyages to or from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State.’ |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(1a)
     
  In Article 4, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

1.   In accordance with Articles 8 to 12, companies shall, for each of
  their
  ships, monitor and report on the relevant parameters during a reporting period. They shall carry out that monitoring and reporting within all ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State and for any voyages to or from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State.

‘1.   In accordance with Articles 8 to 12, companies shall, for each of
  the
  ships
  under their commercial operational control
  , monitor and report on the relevant parameters during a reporting period. They shall carry out that monitoring and reporting within all ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State and for any voyages to or from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State.’

Amendment 41

Amendment 41

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 b (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 b (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 5 — paragraph 2 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (1b)
     
  In Article 5, the following paragraph is added: |
| | ‘2a.
     
  By 31 December 2021, the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23, in order to supplement this Regulation by specifying the methods for determining methane (CH4) emissions.




  In addition to the adoption of the delegated acts referred to in the first subparagraph, the Commission shall, by 31 December 2021, assess and report to the European Parliament and the Council on the impact on the global climate of GHG emissions, other than CO2 and CH4 , from ships arriving at, within or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State. That report shall be accompanied, where appropriate, by a legislative proposal to address the question of how to deal with those emissions.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(1b)
     
  In Article 5, the following paragraph is added:

‘2a.
     
  By 31 December 2021, the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23, in order to supplement this Regulation by specifying the methods for determining methane (CH4) emissions.

In addition to the adoption of the delegated acts referred to in the first subparagraph, the Commission shall, by 31 December 2021, assess and report to the European Parliament and the Council on the impact on the global climate of GHG emissions, other than CO2 and CH4 , from ships arriving at, within or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State. That report shall be accompanied, where appropriate, by a legislative proposal to address the question of how to deal with those emissions.’

Amendment 72

Amendment 72

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 2 — point a — point i a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 2 — point a — point i a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 6 — paragraph 3 — point c a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (ia) | the following point is inserted:










  ‘(ca) | emission factors for alternative fuels, including for liquefied natural gas, biofuels, carbon-containing renewable fuels of non-biological origin, shall be expressed in CO2 equivalent terms and include all GHG, and be based on life-cycle analysis. These emission factors shall be determined by the Commission by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 24(2);’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(ia)

(ia)

the following point is inserted:

the following point is inserted:

‘(ca)

‘(ca)

emission factors for alternative fuels, including for liquefied natural gas, biofuels, carbon-containing renewable fuels of non-biological origin, shall be expressed in CO2 equivalent terms and include all GHG, and be based on life-cycle analysis. These emission factors shall be determined by the Commission by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 24(2);’

emission factors for alternative fuels, including for liquefied natural gas, biofuels, carbon-containing renewable fuels of non-biological origin, shall be expressed in CO2 equivalent terms and include all GHG, and be based on life-cycle analysis. These emission factors shall be determined by the Commission by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 24(2);’

Amendment 42

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 3 — point a

Article 1 — paragraph 3 — point a

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 9 — paragraph 1 — point f

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | cargo carried, on a voluntary basis; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(f)

(f)

cargo carried, on a voluntary basis;

cargo carried, on a voluntary basis;

deleted

deleted

Amendment 43

Amendment 43

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 3 a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 3 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 9 — paragraph 2 — point a

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (3a)
     
  In Article 9(2), point (a) is replaced by the following: |
| (a) | all
  of the ship's voyage during the reporting period either start from or end at a port under the jurisdiction of a Member state; and |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(3a)
     
  In Article 9(2), point (a) is replaced by the following:

(a)

all
  of the ship's voyage during the reporting period either start from or end at a port under the jurisdiction of a Member state; and

all

| ‘(a) | no less than 90 %
  of the ship's voyage during the reporting period either start from or end at a port under the jurisdiction of a Member state; and’ |
| --- | --- |

‘(a)

no less than 90 %
  of the ship's voyage during the reporting period either start from or end at a port under the jurisdiction of a Member state; and’

no less than 90 %

Amendment 44

Amendment 44

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 4 — point a a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 4 — point a a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 10 — paragraph 1 — point j a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (aa) | The following point is added:










  ‘(ja) | cargo carried.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(aa)

(aa)

The following point is added:

The following point is added:

‘(ja)

‘(ja)

cargo carried.’

cargo carried.’

Amendment 45

Amendment 45

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 5 — point a

Article 1 — paragraph 5 — point a

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 11 — paragraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   Where there is a change of company, the previous company shall submit to the Commission and to the authorities of the flag State concerned, as close as practical to the day of the completion of the change and no later than
  three months
  thereafter, a report covering the same elements as the emissions report but limited to the period corresponding to the activities carried out under its responsibility.; | ‘2.   Where there is a change of company, the previous company shall submit to the Commission and to the authorities of the flag State concerned,
  on the day of the completion of the change or
  as close as practical to the day of the completion of the change and no later than
  one month
  thereafter, a report covering the same elements as the emissions report but limited to the period corresponding to the activities carried out under its responsibility.
  The new company shall ensure that each ship under its responsibility complies with the requirements of this Regulation for the remainder of the reporting period following the change
  .’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

2.   Where there is a change of company, the previous company shall submit to the Commission and to the authorities of the flag State concerned, as close as practical to the day of the completion of the change and no later than
  three months
  thereafter, a report covering the same elements as the emissions report but limited to the period corresponding to the activities carried out under its responsibility.;

‘2.   Where there is a change of company, the previous company shall submit to the Commission and to the authorities of the flag State concerned,
  on the day of the completion of the change or
  as close as practical to the day of the completion of the change and no later than
  one month
  thereafter, a report covering the same elements as the emissions report but limited to the period corresponding to the activities carried out under its responsibility.
  The new company shall ensure that each ship under its responsibility complies with the requirements of this Regulation for the remainder of the reporting period following the change
  .’

Amendment 46

Amendment 46

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 5 — point b a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 5 — point b a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 11 — paragraph 3 — point xi a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (ba) | In point (a) of paragraph 3, the following point is added:










  ‘(xia) | cargo carried;’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(ba)

(ba)

In point (a) of paragraph 3, the following point is added:

In point (a) of paragraph 3, the following point is added:

‘(xia)

‘(xia)

cargo carried;’

cargo carried;’

Amendment 47

Amendment 47

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 5 — point b b (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 5 — point b b (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 11 — paragraph 3 — point xi b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (bb) | In point (a) of paragraph 3, the following point is added:










  ‘(xib) | size of the ship;’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(bb)

(bb)

In point (a) of paragraph 3, the following point is added:

In point (a) of paragraph 3, the following point is added:

‘(xib)

‘(xib)

size of the ship;’

size of the ship;’

Amendment 48

Amendment 48

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 5 a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 5 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Chapter II a (new) — Article 12 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (5a)
     
  The following chapter is inserted:





  ‘CHAPTER II a




  EMISSIONS REDUCTION




  Article 12a




  Reduction of emissions





  1.
     
  Companies shall linearly reduce the annual CO2 emissions per transport work by at least 40 % by 2030 as an average across all ships under their responsibility, compared to the average performance per category of ships of the same size and type as reported under this Regulation.






  2.
     
  Where, in a given year, a company fails to comply with the annual reduction referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall impose a financial penalty, which shall be effective, proportionate, dissuasive and compatible with a market-based trading emission system, such as the EU ETS. Payment of the excess emissions penalty shall not release the company from its obligation under paragraph 1 for the period until 2030. In the case of companies that have failed to comply with the emission limits laid down under this Article, the provisions of Article 20(3) and 20(4) shall apply.






  3.
     
  The Commission shall adopt delegated acts by... [6 months after the entry into force of this Regulation] in accordance with Article 23 to supplement this Regulation by defining the ship categories referred to in paragraph 1, by determining the baseline and the annual linear reduction factor to be applied for each ship category by using the data from the THETIS-MRV, including the mandatory parameter “cargo carried”, and the IMO DCS, while fully recognising the emission reductions already undertaken by the “decarbonising first movers” companies, so as to achieve the target referred to in paragraph 1, by specifying the rules and means for calculating and collecting the excess emissions penalty referred to in paragraph 2, and by specifying any other rule necessary for the compliance and verification of compliance with this Article.






  4.
     
  Within 12 months of the adoption by IMO of measures to implement the Initial Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships adopted on 13 April 2018 and before those measures take effect, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council in which it shall examine the ambition and overall environmental integrity of the measures decided upon by IMO, including their general ambition in relation to targets under the Paris Agreement, to the Union economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and to the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law].






  5.
     
  Where appropriate, the Commission may accompany the report referred to in paragraph 4 with a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council to amend this Regulation in a manner that is consistent with the aim of preserving the environmental integrity and effectiveness of Union climate action, in particular the Union economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law].’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(5a)
     
  The following chapter is inserted:

‘CHAPTER II a

EMISSIONS REDUCTION

Article 12a

Reduction of emissions

1.
     
  Companies shall linearly reduce the annual CO2 emissions per transport work by at least 40 % by 2030 as an average across all ships under their responsibility, compared to the average performance per category of ships of the same size and type as reported under this Regulation.

2.
     
  Where, in a given year, a company fails to comply with the annual reduction referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall impose a financial penalty, which shall be effective, proportionate, dissuasive and compatible with a market-based trading emission system, such as the EU ETS. Payment of the excess emissions penalty shall not release the company from its obligation under paragraph 1 for the period until 2030. In the case of companies that have failed to comply with the emission limits laid down under this Article, the provisions of Article 20(3) and 20(4) shall apply.

3.
     
  The Commission shall adopt delegated acts by... [6 months after the entry into force of this Regulation] in accordance with Article 23 to supplement this Regulation by defining the ship categories referred to in paragraph 1, by determining the baseline and the annual linear reduction factor to be applied for each ship category by using the data from the THETIS-MRV, including the mandatory parameter “cargo carried”, and the IMO DCS, while fully recognising the emission reductions already undertaken by the “decarbonising first movers” companies, so as to achieve the target referred to in paragraph 1, by specifying the rules and means for calculating and collecting the excess emissions penalty referred to in paragraph 2, and by specifying any other rule necessary for the compliance and verification of compliance with this Article.

4.
     
  Within 12 months of the adoption by IMO of measures to implement the Initial Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships adopted on 13 April 2018 and before those measures take effect, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council in which it shall examine the ambition and overall environmental integrity of the measures decided upon by IMO, including their general ambition in relation to targets under the Paris Agreement, to the Union economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and to the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law].

5.
     
  Where appropriate, the Commission may accompany the report referred to in paragraph 4 with a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council to amend this Regulation in a manner that is consistent with the aim of preserving the environmental integrity and effectiveness of Union climate action, in particular the Union economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law].’

Amendment 49

Amendment 49

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 5 b (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 5 b (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 12 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (5b)
     
  The following article is inserted:






  ‘Article 12b




  Emissions from ships at berth




  Companies shall ensure that, by 2030, no ships under their responsibility emit GHG emissions when at berth.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(5b)
     
  The following article is inserted:

‘Article 12b

Emissions from ships at berth

Companies shall ensure that, by 2030, no ships under their responsibility emit GHG emissions when at berth.’

Amendment 50

Amendment 50

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 5 c (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 5 c (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 21 — paragraph 1

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (5c)
     
  In Article 21, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: |
| 1.   By 30 June each year, the Commission shall make publicly available the information
  on CO2 emissions
  reported in accordance with Article 11 as well as the information set out in paragraph 2 of this Article. | ‘1.   By 30 June each year, the Commission shall make publicly available the information reported in accordance with Article 11 as well as the information set out in paragraph 2 of this Article.’ |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(5c)
     
  In Article 21, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

1.   By 30 June each year, the Commission shall make publicly available the information
  on CO2 emissions
  reported in accordance with Article 11 as well as the information set out in paragraph 2 of this Article.

‘1.   By 30 June each year, the Commission shall make publicly available the information reported in accordance with Article 11 as well as the information set out in paragraph 2 of this Article.’

Amendment 51

Amendment 51

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 5 d (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 5 d (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 21 — paragraph 2 — point a

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (5d)
     
  In Article 21, point (a) of paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: |
| (a) | the identity of the ship (name, IMO identification number and port of registry or home port); |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(5d)
     
  In Article 21, point (a) of paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

(a)

the identity of the ship (name, IMO identification number and port of registry or home port);

| ‘(a) | the identity of the ship (name,
  company,
  IMO identification number and port of registry or home port);’ |
| --- | --- |

‘(a)

the identity of the ship (name,
  company,
  IMO identification number and port of registry or home port);’

company,

Amendment 74

Amendment 74

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 a (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 a (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 21 — paragraph 2 — point d

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6a)
     
  In Article 21(2), point d is amended as follows: |
| (d) | the annual total fuel consumption for voyages; |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(6a)
     
  In Article 21(2), point d is amended as follows:

(d)

the annual total fuel consumption for voyages;

| ‘(d) | the annual total fuel consumption
  , per fuel type,
  for voyages’; |
| --- | --- |

‘(d)

‘(d)

the annual total fuel consumption
  , per fuel type,
  for voyages’;

, per fuel type,

Amendment 52

Amendment 52

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 b (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 b (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 21 — paragraph 2 — point k a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6b)
     
  In Article 21, paragraph 2, the following point is added:










  ‘(ka) | the size of the ship.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(6b)
     
  In Article 21, paragraph 2, the following point is added:

‘(ka)

the size of the ship.’

Amendment 76

Amendment 76

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 c (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 c (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 21 — paragraph 2 — point k b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6c)
     
  In Article 21(2), the following point is added:










  ‘(kb) | total distance;’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(6c)
     
  In Article 21(2), the following point is added:

‘(kb)

total distance;’

Amendment 77

Amendment 77

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 d (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 d (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 21 — paragraph 2 — point k c (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6d)
     
  In Article 21(2), the following point is added:










  ‘(kc) | deadweight tonnage;’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(6d)
     
  In Article 21(2), the following point is added:

‘(kc)

deadweight tonnage;’

Amendment 78

Amendment 78

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 e (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 e (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 21 — paragraph 2 — point k d (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6e)
     
  In Article 21(2), the following point is added:










  ‘(kd) | transport work;’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(6e)
     
  In Article 21(2), the following point is added:

‘(kd)

transport work;’

Amendment 79

Amendment 79

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 f (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 f (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 21 — paragraph 2 — point k e (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6f)
     
  In Article 21(2), the following point is added:










  ‘(ke) | name of the shipowner;’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(6f)
     
  In Article 21(2), the following point is added:

‘(ke)

name of the shipowner;’

Amendment 80

Amendment 80

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 g (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 g (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 21 — paragraph 2 — point k f (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6 g)
     
  In Article 21(2), the following point is added:










  ‘(kf) | cargo carried.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(6 g)
     
  In Article 21(2), the following point is added:

‘(kf)

cargo carried.’

Amendment 53

Amendment 53

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 h (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 h (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 21 — paragraph 6 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6h)
     
  In Article 21, the following paragraph is added:






  ‘6a.
     
  In line with its 2020-2022 work programme, EMSA shall perform further statistical verification of the data submitted under Article 11(1) to ensure that the data provided are consistent.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(6h)
     
  In Article 21, the following paragraph is added:

‘6a.
     
  In line with its 2020-2022 work programme, EMSA shall perform further statistical verification of the data submitted under Article 11(1) to ensure that the data provided are consistent.’

Amendment 54

Amendment 54

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 i (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 i (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 21 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6i)
     
  The following article is inserted:






  ‘Article 21a




  Environmental performance labelling of ships





  1.
     
  So as to incentivise emissions reductions and increase the transparency of information, the Commission shall set up a holistic Union labelling system for the environmental performance of ships which shall apply to the ships covered by this Regulation.






  2.
     
  By 1 July 2021, the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 to supplement this Regulation by setting out the detailed provisions of the functioning of the Union labelling system for the environmental performance of ships as well as the technical standards which constitute its basis.’ |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(6i)
     
  The following article is inserted:

‘Article 21a

Environmental performance labelling of ships

1.
     
  So as to incentivise emissions reductions and increase the transparency of information, the Commission shall set up a holistic Union labelling system for the environmental performance of ships which shall apply to the ships covered by this Regulation.

2.
     
  By 1 July 2021, the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 to supplement this Regulation by setting out the detailed provisions of the functioning of the Union labelling system for the environmental performance of ships as well as the technical standards which constitute its basis.’

Amendment 55

Amendment 55

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 j (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 j (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 22 — paragraph 3

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6j)
     
  In Article 22, paragraph 3 is deleted; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(6j)
     
  In Article 22, paragraph 3 is deleted;

Amendment 56

Amendment 56

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 k(new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 k(new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 22 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6k)
     
  The following article is inserted:






  ‘Article 22a




  Review





  1.
     
  By 31 December 2022, the Commission shall review the functioning of this Regulation, taking into account the experience gained in its implementation, as well as other relevant developments aimed at reducing GHG emissions from maritime transport and at fulfilling the Union’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. As part of the review, the Commission shall propose additional requirements to reduce GHG emissions other than CO2, as well as to reduce air pollutants and the discharge of wastewater, including from scrubbers, into open waters from ships. The review shall also consider the extension of the scope of this Regulation to include ships between 400 and 5 000 gross tonnage. The review shall, where appropriate, be accompanied by a legislative proposal to amend this Regulation.






  2.
     
  As part of the forthcoming review of Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (*2)

  and Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (*3)

  , the Commission shall also make a proposal to lay down binding targets for Member States to ensure that there is an adequate supply of shore-side electricity in maritime and inland ports. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(6k)
     
  The following article is inserted:

‘Article 22a

Review

1.
     
  By 31 December 2022, the Commission shall review the functioning of this Regulation, taking into account the experience gained in its implementation, as well as other relevant developments aimed at reducing GHG emissions from maritime transport and at fulfilling the Union’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. As part of the review, the Commission shall propose additional requirements to reduce GHG emissions other than CO2, as well as to reduce air pollutants and the discharge of wastewater, including from scrubbers, into open waters from ships. The review shall also consider the extension of the scope of this Regulation to include ships between 400 and 5 000 gross tonnage. The review shall, where appropriate, be accompanied by a legislative proposal to amend this Regulation.

2.
     
  As part of the forthcoming review of Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (*2)

  and Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (*3)

  , the Commission shall also make a proposal to lay down binding targets for Member States to ensure that there is an adequate supply of shore-side electricity in maritime and inland ports.

Amendment 57

Amendment 57

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 l (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 l (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 23 — paragraph 2

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6l)
     
  In Article 23, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: |
| 2.   The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 5(2), 15(5) and 16(3) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 1 July 2015. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. | ‘2.   The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 5(2)
  , 5(2a), 12a(3)
  , 15(5) and 16(3) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 1 July 2015. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.’ |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(6l)
     
  In Article 23, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:

2.   The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 5(2), 15(5) and 16(3) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 1 July 2015. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.

‘2.   The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 5(2)
  , 5(2a), 12a(3)
  , 15(5) and 16(3) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 1 July 2015. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.’

Amendment 58

Amendment 58

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 m (new)

Article 1 — paragraph 6 m (new)

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 23 — paragraph 3

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6m)
     
  In Article 23, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: |
| 3.   The delegation of power referred to in Articles 5(2), 15(5) and 16(3) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. | ‘3.   The delegation of power referred to in Articles 5(2)
  , 5(2a), 12a(3)
  , 15(5) and 16(3) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.’ |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(6m)
     
  In Article 23, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:

3.   The delegation of power referred to in Articles 5(2), 15(5) and 16(3) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

‘3.   The delegation of power referred to in Articles 5(2)
  , 5(2a), 12a(3)
  , 15(5) and 16(3) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.’

Amendment 59

Amendment 59

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 6 n

Article 1 — paragraph 6 n

Regulation (EU) 2015/757

Article 23 — paragraph 5

| Present text | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6n)
     
  In Article 23, paragraph 5 is replaced by the following: |
| 5.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 5(2), 15(5) and 16(3) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council. | ‘5.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 5(2)
  , 5(2a), 12a(3)
  , 15(5) and 16(3) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.’ |

Present text

Present text

Amendment

Amendment

(6n)
     
  In Article 23, paragraph 5 is replaced by the following:

5.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 5(2), 15(5) and 16(3) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

‘5.   A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 5(2)
  , 5(2a), 12a(3)
  , 15(5) and 16(3) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.’

Amendment 60

Amendment 60

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 a (new)

Article 1 a (new)

Directive 2003/87/EC

Chapter II a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Article 1a




  Amendments to Directive 2003/87/EC




  Directive 2003/87/EC is amended as follows:










  (1) | the following chapter is inserted:




  ‘CHAPTER IIa




  MARITIME TRANSPORT




  Article 3ga




  Scope




  The provisions of this Chapter shall apply from 1 January 2022 to the issue and allocation of allowances in respect of greenhouse gas emissions from ships arriving at, within, or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State covered by Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (*4)

  .Where there is a change of company pursuant to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2015/757, the new company shall only be required to acquire allowances in respect of greenhouse gas emissions related to the period during which the activities of the ship were carried out under its responsibility.




  Article 3gb




  Total quantity and method of allocation of allowances for maritime transport





  1.
     
  By 31 December 2020, the Commission shall update the impact assessment carried out in 2013 and accompanying the Commission proposal for Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (*5)

  and adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 to supplement this Directive by setting the total quantity of allowances for maritime transport in line with other sectors and the method of allocation of allowances for maritime transport through full auctioning, as well as laying down the special provisions with regard to the administering Member State. The delegated acts shall be based on the best available data and on an assessment of the impact of different options, including the impact on emissions as well as the economic impact.






  2.
     
  Articles 12 and 16 shall apply to allowances for maritime transport in the same manner as to allowances related to other activities.






  3.
     
  At least 50 % of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be used through the Fund established under Article 3gc.






  4.
     
  Revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances that are not used through the Fund defined in Article 3gc and which are allocated to Member States shall be used in a way that is consistent with the aims of this Directive, in particular to tackle climate change in the Union and third countries, to protect and restore marine ecosystems impacted by global warming, and to support a just transition in Member States, supporting redeployment, re-skilling and up-skilling of workers, education, job-seeking initiatives and start-ups, in dialogue with social partners. All information on the use of those revenues shall be made public.






  5.
     
  The Commission shall monitor the implementation of this Chapter and possible trends as regards companies seeking to avoid being bound by the requirements of this Directive. If appropriate, the Commission shall propose measures to prevent such avoidance.





  Article 3gc




  Ocean Fund





  1.
     
  An Ocean Fund (‘the Fund’) shall be established for the period from 2022 to 2030 to improve the energy efficiency of ships and support investment in innovative technologies and infrastructure to decarbonise the maritime transport sector, including in short sea shipping and


  ports, and the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia, that are produced from renewables, and of zero-emission propulsion technologies, including wind technologies. 20 % of the revenues under the Fund shall be used to contribute to the protection, restoration and better management of marine ecosystems impacted by global warming, such as marine protected areas; and to promote a crosscutting sustainable blue economy such as renewable marine energy. All investment supported by the Fund shall be made public and shall be consistent with the aims of this Directive.






  2.
     
  By way of derogation from Article 12 of this Directive, maritime transport companies may pay an annual membership contribution to the Fund in accordance with their total emissions reported for the preceding calendar year under Regulation (EU) 2015/757 to limit the administrative burden for maritime companies, including small and medium sized companies and companies that are not frequently active within the scope of this Directive. The Fund shall surrender allowances collectively on behalf of maritime transport companies that are members of the Fund. The membership contribution per tonne of emissions shall be set by the Fund by 28 February each year, but shall be at least equal to the highest recorded primary or secondary market settlement price for allowances in the preceding year.






  3.
     
  The Fund shall acquire allowances equal to the collective total quantity of contributions referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article during the preceding calendar year and shall surrender them to the registry established under Article 19 of this Directive by 30 April each year for subsequent cancellation. All information on the contributions shall be made available to the public.






  4.
     
  The Fund shall be managed centrally through a Union body whose governance structure shall be similar to the governance of the fund provided for in Article 10a(8) of this Directive. Its governance structure and decision making process shall be transparent and inclusive, in particular in the setting of priority areas, criteria and grant allocation procedures. Relevant stakeholders shall have an appropriate consultative role. All information on the investments and all other relevant information on the functioning of the Fund shall be made available to the public






  5.
     
  The Commission shall engage with third countries with regard to how they can also make use of the Fund.






  6.
     
  The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 to supplement this Directive concerning the implementation of this Article.





  Article 3gd




  Reporting and review by the Commission concerning the implementation of climate mitigation measures at the International Maritime Organisation





  1.
     
  Within 12 months of the adoption by IMO of global market-based measures to reduce GHG emissions from maritime transport, and before those measures become operational, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament and to the Council in which it shall examine the ambition and overall environmental integrity of those measures, including their general ambition in relation to targets under the Paris Agreement, and to the Union economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law]. That report shall particularly take into account the level of participation in those global measures, their enforceability, transparency, the penalties for non-compliance, the processes for public input, the use of offset credits, monitoring, reporting and verification of emissions, registries, accountability as well as rules on the use of biofuels.






  2.
     
  Where appropriate, the Commission shall accompany the report referred to in paragraph 1 with a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council to amend this Directive in a manner that is consistent with the aim of preserving the environmental integrity and effectiveness of Union climate action, in particular the Union economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law]. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

Article 1a

Amendments to Directive 2003/87/EC

Directive 2003/87/EC is amended as follows:

(1)

the following chapter is inserted:

‘CHAPTER IIa

MARITIME TRANSPORT

Article 3ga

Scope

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply from 1 January 2022 to the issue and allocation of allowances in respect of greenhouse gas emissions from ships arriving at, within, or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State covered by Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (*4)

  .Where there is a change of company pursuant to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2015/757, the new company shall only be required to acquire allowances in respect of greenhouse gas emissions related to the period during which the activities of the ship were carried out under its responsibility.

Article 3gb

Total quantity and method of allocation of allowances for maritime transport

1.
     
  By 31 December 2020, the Commission shall update the impact assessment carried out in 2013 and accompanying the Commission proposal for Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (*5)

  and adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 to supplement this Directive by setting the total quantity of allowances for maritime transport in line with other sectors and the method of allocation of allowances for maritime transport through full auctioning, as well as laying down the special provisions with regard to the administering Member State. The delegated acts shall be based on the best available data and on an assessment of the impact of different options, including the impact on emissions as well as the economic impact.

2.
     
  Articles 12 and 16 shall apply to allowances for maritime transport in the same manner as to allowances related to other activities.

3.
     
  At least 50 % of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be used through the Fund established under Article 3gc.

4.
     
  Revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances that are not used through the Fund defined in Article 3gc and which are allocated to Member States shall be used in a way that is consistent with the aims of this Directive, in particular to tackle climate change in the Union and third countries, to protect and restore marine ecosystems impacted by global warming, and to support a just transition in Member States, supporting redeployment, re-skilling and up-skilling of workers, education, job-seeking initiatives and start-ups, in dialogue with social partners. All information on the use of those revenues shall be made public.

5.
     
  The Commission shall monitor the implementation of this Chapter and possible trends as regards companies seeking to avoid being bound by the requirements of this Directive. If appropriate, the Commission shall propose measures to prevent such avoidance.

Article 3gc

Article 3gc

Ocean Fund

Ocean Fund

1.
     
  An Ocean Fund (‘the Fund’) shall be established for the period from 2022 to 2030 to improve the energy efficiency of ships and support investment in innovative technologies and infrastructure to decarbonise the maritime transport sector, including in short sea shipping and


  ports, and the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia, that are produced from renewables, and of zero-emission propulsion technologies, including wind technologies. 20 % of the revenues under the Fund shall be used to contribute to the protection, restoration and better management of marine ecosystems impacted by global warming, such as marine protected areas; and to promote a crosscutting sustainable blue economy such as renewable marine energy. All investment supported by the Fund shall be made public and shall be consistent with the aims of this Directive.

2.
     
  By way of derogation from Article 12 of this Directive, maritime transport companies may pay an annual membership contribution to the Fund in accordance with their total emissions reported for the preceding calendar year under Regulation (EU) 2015/757 to limit the administrative burden for maritime companies, including small and medium sized companies and companies that are not frequently active within the scope of this Directive. The Fund shall surrender allowances collectively on behalf of maritime transport companies that are members of the Fund. The membership contribution per tonne of emissions shall be set by the Fund by 28 February each year, but shall be at least equal to the highest recorded primary or secondary market settlement price for allowances in the preceding year.

3.
     
  The Fund shall acquire allowances equal to the collective total quantity of contributions referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article during the preceding calendar year and shall surrender them to the registry established under Article 19 of this Directive by 30 April each year for subsequent cancellation. All information on the contributions shall be made available to the public.

4.
     
  The Fund shall be managed centrally through a Union body whose governance structure shall be similar to the governance of the fund provided for in Article 10a(8) of this Directive. Its governance structure and decision making process shall be transparent and inclusive, in particular in the setting of priority areas, criteria and grant allocation procedures. Relevant stakeholders shall have an appropriate consultative role. All information on the investments and all other relevant information on the functioning of the Fund shall be made available to the public

5.
     
  The Commission shall engage with third countries with regard to how they can also make use of the Fund.

6.
     
  The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 to supplement this Directive concerning the implementation of this Article.

Article 3gd

Article 3gd

Reporting and review by the Commission concerning the implementation of climate mitigation measures at the International Maritime Organisation

Reporting and review by the Commission concerning the implementation of climate mitigation measures at the International Maritime Organisation

1.
     
  Within 12 months of the adoption by IMO of global market-based measures to reduce GHG emissions from maritime transport, and before those measures become operational, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament and to the Council in which it shall examine the ambition and overall environmental integrity of those measures, including their general ambition in relation to targets under the Paris Agreement, and to the Union economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law]. That report shall particularly take into account the level of participation in those global measures, their enforceability, transparency, the penalties for non-compliance, the processes for public input, the use of offset credits, monitoring, reporting and verification of emissions, registries, accountability as well as rules on the use of biofuels.

2.
     
  Where appropriate, the Commission shall accompany the report referred to in paragraph 1 with a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council to amend this Directive in a manner that is consistent with the aim of preserving the environmental integrity and effectiveness of Union climate action, in particular the Union economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law].

---

(1)  The matter was referred back for interinstitutional negotiations to the committee responsible, pursuant to Rule 59(4), fourth subparagraph (A9-0144/2020).

1

(1a)  
  Paris Agreement (OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 4).

1a

Paris Agreement (OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 4).

(15)  https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/transport-emissions-of-greenhouse-gases/transport-emissions-of-greenhouse-gases-10.

15

(15)  https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/transport-emissions-of-greenhouse-gases/transport-emissions-of-greenhouse-gases-10.

15

(15a)  
  https://gmn.imo.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GHG3-Executive-Summary-and-Report_web.pdf.

15a

https://gmn.imo.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GHG3-Executive-Summary-and-Report_web.pdf.

(16)  
  Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 26).

16

Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 26).

(17)  
  Directive (EU) 2018/410 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 2018 amending Directive 2003/87/EC to enhance cost-effective emission reductions and low-carbon investments, and Decision (EU) 2015/1814 (OJ L 76, 19.3.2018, p. 3).

17

Directive (EU) 2018/410 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 2018 amending Directive 2003/87/EC to enhance cost-effective emission reductions and low-carbon investments, and Decision (EU) 2015/1814 (OJ L 76, 19.3.2018, p. 3).

(1a)  
  https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/41768/12-euco-final-conclusions-en.pdf

1a

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/41768/12-euco-final-conclusions-en.pdf

(1a)  
  https://ec.europa.eu/info/files/commission-proposal-regulation-european-climate-law_en

1a

https://ec.europa.eu/info/files/commission-proposal-regulation-european-climate-law_en

(20)  Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and the Council of 29 April 2015 on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport and amending Directive 2009/16/EC, (OJ L 123, 19.5.2015, p. 55).

20

(21)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2072 on the verification activities and accreditation of verifiers pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (OJ L 320, 26.11.2016, p. 5); Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2071 of 22 September 2016 amending Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the methods for monitoring carbon dioxide emissions and the rules for monitoring other relevant information (OJ L 320, 26.11.2016, p. 1).

21

(22)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1927 of 4 November 2016 on templates for monitoring plans, emissions reports and documents of compliance pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council on monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (OJ L 299, 5.11.2016, p. 1); Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1928 of 4 November 2016 on determination of cargo carried for categories of ships other than passenger, ro-ro and container ships pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (OJ L 299, 5.11.2016, p. 22).

22

(20)  Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and the Council of 29 April 2015 on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport and amending Directive 2009/16/EC, (OJ L 123, 19.5.2015, p. 55).

20

(21)  Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2072
  of 22 September 2016
  on the verification activities and accreditation of verifiers pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (OJ L 320, 26.11.2016, p. 5); Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2071 of 22 September 2016 amending Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the methods for monitoring carbon dioxide emissions and the rules for monitoring other relevant information (OJ L 320, 26.11.2016, p. 1).

21

of 22 September 2016

(22)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1927 of 4 November 2016 on templates for monitoring plans, emissions reports and documents of compliance pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council on monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (OJ L 299, 5.11.2016, p. 1); Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1928 of 4 November 2016 on determination of cargo carried for categories of ships other than passenger, ro-ro and container ships pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (OJ L 299, 5.11.2016, p. 22).

22

(1a)  
  Council Directive 92/106/EEC of 7 December 1992 on the establishment of common rules for certain types of combined transport of goods between Member States (OJ L 368, 17.12.1992, p. 38).

1a

Council Directive 92/106/EEC of 7 December 1992 on the establishment of common rules for certain types of combined transport of goods between Member States (OJ L 368, 17.12.1992, p. 38).

(23)  Paris Agreement (OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 4).

23

(24)  IMO Resolution MEPC.278(70) amending MARPOL Annex VI.

24

(23)  Paris Agreement (OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 4).

23

(24)  IMO Resolution MEPC.278(70) amending MARPOL Annex VI.

24

(25)  IMO Resolution MEPC 282 (70).

25

(25)  IMO Resolution MEPC 282 (70).

25

(1a)  ‘
  The impact of international shipping on European air quality and climate forcing’, European Environment Agency, Technical report No 4/2013.

1a

The impact of international shipping on European air quality and climate forcing’, European Environment Agency, Technical report No 4/2013.

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/256 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/256

---

P9_TA(2020)0220

Draft Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union *

European Parliament legislative resolution of 16 September 2020 on the draft Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union (10025/2020 — C9-0215/2020 — 2018/0135(CNS))

(Special legislative procedure — consultation)

(2021/C 385/30)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Council draft (10025/2020), |
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—

having regard to the Council draft (10025/2020),

| — | having regard to Article 311 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C9-0215/2020), |
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—

having regard to Article 311 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C9-0215/2020),

| — | having regard to its resolutions of 14 March 2018 on the next MFF: preparing the Parliament’s position on the MFF post-2020 (1) and on reform of the European Union’s system of own resources (2), |
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—

having regard to its resolutions of 14 March 2018 on the next MFF: preparing the Parliament’s position on the MFF post-2020 (1) and on reform of the European Union’s system of own resources (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 30 May 2018 on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources (3), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 30 May 2018 on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources (3),

| — | having regard to its interim report of 14 November 2018 on the multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 — Parliament’s position with a view to an agreement (4), |
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—

having regard to its interim report of 14 November 2018 on the multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 — Parliament’s position with a view to an agreement (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 10 October 2019 on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources: time to meet citizens' expectations (5), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 10 October 2019 on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources: time to meet citizens' expectations (5),

| — | having regard to the statements by the Commission and the Council of 10 October 2019 on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources: time to meet citizens’ expectations, |
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—

having regard to the statements by the Commission and the Council of 10 October 2019 on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources: time to meet citizens’ expectations,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 May 2020 on the new multiannual financial framework, own resources and the recovery plan (6), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 15 May 2020 on the new multiannual financial framework, own resources and the recovery plan (6),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication on the ‘The EU budget powering the recovery plan for Europe’ (COM(2020)0442), |
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—

having regard to the Commission Communication on the ‘The EU budget powering the recovery plan for Europe’ (COM(2020)0442),

| — | having regard to the final report and recommendations of the High-Level Group on Own Resources, published in December 2016 and presented to the European Parliament and Council in January 2017, |
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—

having regard to the final report and recommendations of the High-Level Group on Own Resources, published in December 2016 and presented to the European Parliament and Council in January 2017,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 23 July 2020 on the conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting of 17-21 July 2020 (7), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 23 July 2020 on the conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting of 17-21 July 2020 (7),

| — | having regard to Rule 82 of its Rules of Procedure, |
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—

having regard to Rule 82 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A9-0146/2020), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A9-0146/2020),

| 1. | Approves the Council draft as amended; |
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1.

| 2. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
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2.

| 3. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend its draft; |
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3.

| 4. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
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4.

Amendment 1

Draft decision

Recital 1 a (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (1a) | This Decision provides the legal basis for the Commission to borrow funds on the capital markets in order to finance expenditure in the framework of the Next Generation EU Recovery Package. The related costs of the principal and interest of the repayments must be re-financed by the Union budget in a pre-defined time frame depending on the maturities of the bonds issued and the debt repayment strategy. Such costs should not lead to an undue reduction in programme expenditure or investment instruments under the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), nor should they result in sharp increases in national contributions. Therefore, and in order to enhance the credibility and sustainability of the Next Generation EU repayment plan, such costs should be covered entirely by income from genuine new own resources. The related expenditure appropriations should be counted over and above the MFF ceilings, as to be provided for in the new MFF Regulation. |

Council draft

Amendment

(1a)

This Decision provides the legal basis for the Commission to borrow funds on the capital markets in order to finance expenditure in the framework of the Next Generation EU Recovery Package. The related costs of the principal and interest of the repayments must be re-financed by the Union budget in a pre-defined time frame depending on the maturities of the bonds issued and the debt repayment strategy. Such costs should not lead to an undue reduction in programme expenditure or investment instruments under the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), nor should they result in sharp increases in national contributions. Therefore, and in order to enhance the credibility and sustainability of the Next Generation EU repayment plan, such costs should be covered entirely by income from genuine new own resources. The related expenditure appropriations should be counted over and above the MFF ceilings, as to be provided for in the new MFF Regulation.

Amendment 2

Draft decision

Recital 1 b (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (1b) | Any amounts generated by new own resources beyond the level necessary to cover the repayment obligations in a given year should remain in the Union budget as general revenue. After the end of the repayment plan, those own resources should continue to fund the Union budget as general revenue. The introduction of a basket of new own resources should guarantee the appropriate level of financing of Union spending in the MFF, while mitigating the predominance of national GNI-based contributions in the financing of the Union's annual budget, and thereby diminish the conception of the Union budget as a ‘zero sum game’ marked by the ‘juste retour’ routines. This in turn could facilitate a better focus of expenditure at Union level on priority areas and common public goods with high efficiency gains compared to national spending. |

Council draft

Amendment

(1b)

Any amounts generated by new own resources beyond the level necessary to cover the repayment obligations in a given year should remain in the Union budget as general revenue. After the end of the repayment plan, those own resources should continue to fund the Union budget as general revenue. The introduction of a basket of new own resources should guarantee the appropriate level of financing of Union spending in the MFF, while mitigating the predominance of national GNI-based contributions in the financing of the Union's annual budget, and thereby diminish the conception of the Union budget as a ‘zero sum game’ marked by the ‘juste retour’ routines. This in turn could facilitate a better focus of expenditure at Union level on priority areas and common public goods with high efficiency gains compared to national spending.

Amendment 3

Draft decision

Recital 1 c (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
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| | (1c) | In order for their proceeds to be available when the interest and repayment obligations occur, the new categories of own resources should be introduced as of 2021. The new own resources should be aligned with Union policy objectives and should support the European Green Deal and the functioning of the single market, as well as efforts to improve the effectiveness of corporate taxation and to strengthen the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance. The European Parliament, in its MFF-Own Resources Interim Report of November 2018, has already endorsed a possible basket of new own resources and other revenue that display such characteristics; that basket could be enlarged to include further options. |

Council draft

Amendment

(1c)

In order for their proceeds to be available when the interest and repayment obligations occur, the new categories of own resources should be introduced as of 2021. The new own resources should be aligned with Union policy objectives and should support the European Green Deal and the functioning of the single market, as well as efforts to improve the effectiveness of corporate taxation and to strengthen the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance. The European Parliament, in its MFF-Own Resources Interim Report of November 2018, has already endorsed a possible basket of new own resources and other revenue that display such characteristics; that basket could be enlarged to include further options.

Amendment 4

Draft decision

Recital 5

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (5) | The present system for determining the VAT-based own resource has been repeatedly criticised by the Court of Auditors, the European Parliament and Member States as overly complex.
  The European Council of 17 — 21 July 2020 has therefore concluded that it is
  appropriate to simplify the calculation of that own resource. |

Council draft

Amendment

(5)

The present system for determining the VAT-based own resource has been repeatedly criticised by the Court of Auditors, the European Parliament and Member States as overly complex.
  The European Council of 17 — 21 July 2020 has therefore concluded that it is
  appropriate to simplify the calculation of that own resource.

| (5) | The own resource based on Value Added Tax is a well-established source of income for the Union budget and should continue to reflect the intrinsic link between consumers in the single market and the Union public finances. However,
  the present system for determining the VAT-based own resource has been repeatedly criticised by the Court of Auditors, the European Parliament and Member States as overly complex.
  It is therefore
  appropriate to simplify the calculation of that own resource. |
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(5)

The own resource based on Value Added Tax is a well-established source of income for the Union budget and should continue to reflect the intrinsic link between consumers in the single market and the Union public finances. However,
  the present system for determining the VAT-based own resource has been repeatedly criticised by the Court of Auditors, the European Parliament and Member States as overly complex.
  It is therefore
  appropriate to simplify the calculation of that own resource.

Amendment 5

Draft decision

Recital 6

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (6) | In order to better align the Union's financing instruments with its policy priorities, to better reflect
  the role of
  the Union's budget
  in
  the functioning of the Single Market, to better support the objectives of Union policies
  and to reduce
  Member States'
  contributions based on Gross National Income (
  GNI) to the Union's annual budget,
  the European Council of 17 — 21 July 2020 concluded that the Union would over the coming years work towards reforming the own resources system and introduce new own resources.
  . |

Council draft

Amendment

(6)

In order to better align the Union's financing instruments with its policy priorities, to better reflect
  the role of
  the Union's budget
  in
  the functioning of the Single Market, to better support the objectives of Union policies
  and to reduce
  Member States'
  contributions based on Gross National Income (
  GNI) to the Union's annual budget,
  the European Council of 17 — 21 July 2020 concluded that the Union would over the coming years work towards reforming the own resources system and introduce new own resources.
  .

| (6) | In order
  to finance at least the costs of principal and interest of the repayments of the Union Recovery Instrument,
  to better align the Union's financing instruments with its policy priorities, to better reflect the Union's budget
  role for
  the functioning of the Single Market, to better support the objectives of Union policies,
  such as the European Green Deal and digital transformation, whilst mitigating the predominance of
  Member States' GNI
  -based contributions
  to the Union's annual budget,
  it is necessary to introduce new categories of own resources based on the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, the national revenue stemming from the European Union Emissions Trading System and a national contribution calculated on the basis of non-recycled plastic packaging waste, encouraging circular economy
  .
  Moreover, new own resources based on a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, in full compatibility with WTO rules, a digital services tax and the Financial Transaction Tax, implemented preferably according to a scheme agreed by all Member States, should be introduced to that end as soon as the underlying legislative conditions are in place. The Commission should make the necessary legislative proposals for those new own resources and potential other new own resources, which support the European Green Deal as well as the functioning of the single market and efforts to improve the effectiveness of corporate taxation, as soon as possible. Potential new own resources already communicated by the Commission, such as the single market levy, should be further assessed before being presented to the European Parliament and the Council. |
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(6)

In order
  to finance at least the costs of principal and interest of the repayments of the Union Recovery Instrument,
  to better align the Union's financing instruments with its policy priorities, to better reflect the Union's budget
  role for
  the functioning of the Single Market, to better support the objectives of Union policies,
  such as the European Green Deal and digital transformation, whilst mitigating the predominance of
  Member States' GNI
  -based contributions
  to the Union's annual budget,
  it is necessary to introduce new categories of own resources based on the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, the national revenue stemming from the European Union Emissions Trading System and a national contribution calculated on the basis of non-recycled plastic packaging waste, encouraging circular economy
  .
  Moreover, new own resources based on a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, in full compatibility with WTO rules, a digital services tax and the Financial Transaction Tax, implemented preferably according to a scheme agreed by all Member States, should be introduced to that end as soon as the underlying legislative conditions are in place. The Commission should make the necessary legislative proposals for those new own resources and potential other new own resources, which support the European Green Deal as well as the functioning of the single market and efforts to improve the effectiveness of corporate taxation, as soon as possible. Potential new own resources already communicated by the Commission, such as the single market levy, should be further assessed before being presented to the European Parliament and the Council.

Amendment 6

Draft decision

Recital 7

| Council draft | Amendment |
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| (7) | As a first step, a new category of own resources based on a national contribution calculated on the basis of non-recycled plastic packaging waste should be introduced.
  In line with the European strategy for plastics, the Union budget can contribute to reduce pollution from plastic packaging waste. An own resource which is based on a national contribution proportional to the quantity of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled in each Member State will provide an incentive to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics, foster recycling and boost the circular economy. At the same time, Member States will be free to take the most suitable measures to achieve those goals, in line with the principle of subsidiarity.
  In order to avoid an excessively regressive impact on national contributions, an adjustment mechanism with an annual lump sum reduction should be applied to contributions of Member States with a GNI per capita in 2017 below the EU average. The reduction should correspond to 3,8  kg multiplied by the population in 2017 of the Member States concerned. |

Council draft

Amendment

(7)

As a first step, a new category of own resources based on a national contribution calculated on the basis of non-recycled plastic packaging waste should be introduced.
  In line with the European strategy for plastics, the Union budget can contribute to reduce pollution from plastic packaging waste. An own resource which is based on a national contribution proportional to the quantity of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled in each Member State will provide an incentive to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics, foster recycling and boost the circular economy. At the same time, Member States will be free to take the most suitable measures to achieve those goals, in line with the principle of subsidiarity.
  In order to avoid an excessively regressive impact on national contributions, an adjustment mechanism with an annual lump sum reduction should be applied to contributions of Member States with a GNI per capita in 2017 below the EU average. The reduction should correspond to 3,8  kg multiplied by the population in 2017 of the Member States concerned.

| (7) | In line with the Union strategy on plastics, the Union budget can contribute to reduce pollution from plastic packaging waste
  and achieve the packaging waste recycling targets.
  An own resource which is based on a national contribution proportional to the quantity of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled in each Member State will provide an incentive to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics, foster recycling and boost the circular economy.
  The Commission should establish a streamlined calculation method, as well as effective registration and control mechanisms.
  At the same time, Member States will be free to take the most suitable measures to achieve those goals, in line with the principle of subsidiarity.
  Given that that contribution is intended to be an own resource building on the polluter pays principle, it should not be subject to any correction mechanism. |
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(7)

In line with the Union strategy on plastics, the Union budget can contribute to reduce pollution from plastic packaging waste
  and achieve the packaging waste recycling targets.
  An own resource which is based on a national contribution proportional to the quantity of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled in each Member State will provide an incentive to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics, foster recycling and boost the circular economy.
  The Commission should establish a streamlined calculation method, as well as effective registration and control mechanisms.
  At the same time, Member States will be free to take the most suitable measures to achieve those goals, in line with the principle of subsidiarity.
  Given that that contribution is intended to be an own resource building on the polluter pays principle, it should not be subject to any correction mechanism.

Amendment 7

Draft decision

Recital 7 a (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (7a) | The Union considers it a priority to achieve its emission reduction target of at least 40 % between 1990 and 2030 in accordance with its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement. The European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS) is one of the main instruments that has been put in place to implement that objective and generates revenue through the auctioning of emission allowances. Considering the harmonised nature of the ETS as well as the funding provided by the Union to foster mitigation and adaptation efforts in Member States, it is appropriate to introduce a new own resource for the Union budget in that context. That own resource should be based on the allowances to be auctioned by Member States, including transitional free allocation to the power sector. In order to take account of the specific provisions for certain Member States provided for in Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (1a)

  , allowances redistributed for the purposes of solidarity, growth and interconnections as well as allowances dedicated to the Innovation Fund and the Modernisation Fund should not be counted for determining the own resource contribution. The own resource based on the ETS should also be defined in a way that includes the potential additional revenue resulting from future expansion of the scope of the ETS Directive to new sectors or geographical regions, while ensuring Union competitiveness. |

Council draft

Amendment

(7a)

The Union considers it a priority to achieve its emission reduction target of at least 40 % between 1990 and 2030 in accordance with its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement. The European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS) is one of the main instruments that has been put in place to implement that objective and generates revenue through the auctioning of emission allowances. Considering the harmonised nature of the ETS as well as the funding provided by the Union to foster mitigation and adaptation efforts in Member States, it is appropriate to introduce a new own resource for the Union budget in that context. That own resource should be based on the allowances to be auctioned by Member States, including transitional free allocation to the power sector. In order to take account of the specific provisions for certain Member States provided for in Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (1a)

  , allowances redistributed for the purposes of solidarity, growth and interconnections as well as allowances dedicated to the Innovation Fund and the Modernisation Fund should not be counted for determining the own resource contribution. The own resource based on the ETS should also be defined in a way that includes the potential additional revenue resulting from future expansion of the scope of the ETS Directive to new sectors or geographical regions, while ensuring Union competitiveness.

Amendment 8

Draft decision

Recital 8

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (8) | The European Council of 17 — 21 July 2020 noted that, as a basis for additional own resources, the Commission will put forward in the first semester of 2021 proposals on a carbon border adjustment mechanism and on a digital levy with a view to their introduction at the latest by 1 January 2023. The European Council invited the Commission to put forward a revised proposal on Emissions Trading System, possibly extending it to the aviation and maritime sectors. It concluded that the Union will, in the course of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the period 2021-2027, work towards the introduction of other own resources, which may include a Financial Transaction Tax. |

Council draft

Amendment

(8)

The European Council of 17 — 21 July 2020 noted that, as a basis for additional own resources, the Commission will put forward in the first semester of 2021 proposals on a carbon border adjustment mechanism and on a digital levy with a view to their introduction at the latest by 1 January 2023. The European Council invited the Commission to put forward a revised proposal on Emissions Trading System, possibly extending it to the aviation and maritime sectors. It concluded that the Union will, in the course of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the period 2021-2027, work towards the introduction of other own resources, which may include a Financial Transaction Tax.

| (8) | The required additional own resources should be introduced at the latest by 2028 according to a legally binding calendar set out in this Decision, which should ensure that the underlying legislation can be adopted in time and be made operational so that the proceeds are available when the costs occur. The Commission should make legislative proposals to that effect. An interinstitutional agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission should set out more detailed arrangements and other provisions relating to that legally binding calendar such as the dates of entry into force or possible retroactive application of certain new own resources. |
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(8)

The required additional own resources should be introduced at the latest by 2028 according to a legally binding calendar set out in this Decision, which should ensure that the underlying legislation can be adopted in time and be made operational so that the proceeds are available when the costs occur. The Commission should make legislative proposals to that effect. An interinstitutional agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission should set out more detailed arrangements and other provisions relating to that legally binding calendar such as the dates of entry into force or possible retroactive application of certain new own resources.

Amendment 9

Draft decision

Recital 8 a (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (8a) | As a first step, the contribution based on non-recycled plastic packaging waste will complement the existing own resources as of January 2021. Moreover, 30 % of the revenue of the auctioning proceeds of the ETS will constitute general income for the Union budget as of 2021. As a second step, the Commission will make the necessary proposals to turn the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) into a basis for an own resource as of 2024. The Commission will also make legislative proposals during the first semester of 2021 to introduce new own resources based on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and on a digital levy. The proceeds will become available as of 2023. If the CBAM takes the form of additional customs tariffs on imports, it will be covered by the traditional own resources legislation and would not require a separate own resources decision. If the CBAM takes the form of an extension of the scope of the ETS, it should be fully covered by the ETS-based own resource. As a third step, and as part of the midterm review / revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework in the first semester of 2024, the Commission will make further new — or re-cast former — proposals to turn the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) into a basis for an own resource. The legislation should come into effect in time for the proceeds of these new own resources to be available as of 2026. Tax-based own resources will not have to be applied retroactively. |

Council draft

Amendment

(8a)

As a first step, the contribution based on non-recycled plastic packaging waste will complement the existing own resources as of January 2021. Moreover, 30 % of the revenue of the auctioning proceeds of the ETS will constitute general income for the Union budget as of 2021. As a second step, the Commission will make the necessary proposals to turn the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) into a basis for an own resource as of 2024. The Commission will also make legislative proposals during the first semester of 2021 to introduce new own resources based on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and on a digital levy. The proceeds will become available as of 2023. If the CBAM takes the form of additional customs tariffs on imports, it will be covered by the traditional own resources legislation and would not require a separate own resources decision. If the CBAM takes the form of an extension of the scope of the ETS, it should be fully covered by the ETS-based own resource. As a third step, and as part of the midterm review / revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework in the first semester of 2024, the Commission will make further new — or re-cast former — proposals to turn the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) into a basis for an own resource. The legislation should come into effect in time for the proceeds of these new own resources to be available as of 2026. Tax-based own resources will not have to be applied retroactively.

Amendment 10

Draft decision

Recital 9

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (9) | The European Council of 17 — 21 July 2020 concluded that the own resources arrangements should be guided by the overall objectives of simplicity, transparency and equity, including fair burden-sharing. It also concluded that Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria and Sweden, and in the context of the support for the recovery and resilience, as well as Germany, are to benefit from lump sum corrections to their annual GNI-based contributions for the period 2021-2027. |

Council draft

Amendment

(9)

The European Council of 17 — 21 July 2020 concluded that the own resources arrangements should be guided by the overall objectives of simplicity, transparency and equity, including fair burden-sharing. It also concluded that Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria and Sweden, and in the context of the support for the recovery and resilience, as well as Germany, are to benefit from lump sum corrections to their annual GNI-based contributions for the period 2021-2027.

| (9) | Rebates and other correction mechanisms should be abolished. |
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(9)

Rebates and other correction mechanisms should be abolished.

Amendment 11

Draft decision

Recital 9 a (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (9a) | The Union will work towards the introduction of potential additional other new own resources over the coming years and before 2028. If the European Parliament or the Council suggest a new own resource, the Commission will assess it. |

Council draft

Amendment

(9a)

Amendment 12

Draft decision

Recital 9 b (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (9b) | In view of future deliberations about treaty changes, and using the momentum of the Conference on the Future of Europe, the democratic legitimacy, accountability, resilience and alignment with major policy objectives of the Union budget’s revenue side, should be further strengthened by granting the European Parliament enhanced competences in the legislative decision making and a more active role in the monitoring of the implementation of the own resources system as well as in the underlying sectoral legislation. |

Council draft

Amendment

(9b)

In view of future deliberations about treaty changes, and using the momentum of the Conference on the Future of Europe, the democratic legitimacy, accountability, resilience and alignment with major policy objectives of the Union budget’s revenue side, should be further strengthened by granting the European Parliament enhanced competences in the legislative decision making and a more active role in the monitoring of the implementation of the own resources system as well as in the underlying sectoral legislation.

Amendment 13

Draft decision

Recital 10

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (10) | Member States should retain, by way of
  collection costs
  , 25 % of the amounts of traditional own resources collected by them. |

Council draft

Amendment

(10)

Member States should retain, by way of
  collection costs
  , 25 % of the amounts of traditional own resources collected by them.

| (10) | The retention, by way of
  collection costs
  , of 20 % of the amounts collected by the Member States for traditional own resources constitutes a high share of own resources not being made available to the Union budget. The collection costs retained by Member States from the traditional own resources should be restored from 20 % to the original level of 10 % to better align financial support for customs equipment, staff and information with the actual costs and needs. That share should be the same for all Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The retention, by way of
  collection costs
  , of 20 % of the amounts collected by the Member States for traditional own resources constitutes a high share of own resources not being made available to the Union budget. The collection costs retained by Member States from the traditional own resources should be restored from 20 % to the original level of 10 % to better align financial support for customs equipment, staff and information with the actual costs and needs. That share should be the same for all Member States.

Amendment 14

Draft decision

Recital 11

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (11) | In accordance with the fourth paragraph of Article 311 of the Treaty on the Functioning for the European Union
  a
  Council
  Regulation laying
  down implementing measures for the Union's own resources system
  will be established
  . Such measures should include provisions of a general and technical nature, applicable to all
  categories
  of
  own resources
  . Those measures should include detailed rules for
  the calculation and budgeting of the balance, as well as
  provisions and arrangements necessary for controlling and supervising the collection of
  own resources
  . |

Council draft

Amendment

(11)

In accordance with the fourth paragraph of Article 311 of the Treaty on the Functioning for the European Union
  a
  Council
  Regulation laying
  down implementing measures for the Union's own resources system
  will be established
  . Such measures should include provisions of a general and technical nature, applicable to all
  categories
  of
  own resources
  . Those measures should include detailed rules for
  the calculation and budgeting of the balance, as well as
  provisions and arrangements necessary for controlling and supervising the collection of
  own resources
  .

| (11) | In accordance with the fourth paragraph of Article 311 of the Treaty on the Functioning for the European Union
  the
  Council
  is to lay
  down implementing measures for the Union's own resources system. Such measures should include provisions of a general and technical nature, applicable to all
  types
  of
  own resources and for which appropriate parliamentary oversight is particularly important
  . Those measures should include detailed rules for
  establishing the amounts of the own resources referred to in Article 2(1) to be made available, including the applicable call rates for the own resources referred to in points (b) to (e) of Article 2(1), the technical issues related to Gross National Income, the
  provisions and arrangements necessary for controlling and supervising the collection of
  own resources
  ,
  including rules on inspections and on powers of officials and other servants authorised by the Commission to carry out inspections and any relevant reporting requirements. Those measures should also include practical provisions to periodically inform Member States and the European Parliament as one arm of the budgetary authority, about the state of play of the borrowing, the debt management and related risk management strategies as well as the repayment plan. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

In accordance with the fourth paragraph of Article 311 of the Treaty on the Functioning for the European Union
  the
  Council
  is to lay
  down implementing measures for the Union's own resources system. Such measures should include provisions of a general and technical nature, applicable to all
  types
  of
  own resources and for which appropriate parliamentary oversight is particularly important
  . Those measures should include detailed rules for
  establishing the amounts of the own resources referred to in Article 2(1) to be made available, including the applicable call rates for the own resources referred to in points (b) to (e) of Article 2(1), the technical issues related to Gross National Income, the
  provisions and arrangements necessary for controlling and supervising the collection of
  own resources
  ,
  including rules on inspections and on powers of officials and other servants authorised by the Commission to carry out inspections and any relevant reporting requirements. Those measures should also include practical provisions to periodically inform Member States and the European Parliament as one arm of the budgetary authority, about the state of play of the borrowing, the debt management and related risk management strategies as well as the repayment plan.

Amendment 15

Draft decision

Recital 13

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (13) | A sufficient margin
  should be preserved
  under the
  own resources
  ceilings for the Union to cover all of its financial obligations and contingent liabilities falling due in any given year.
  The total amount of own resources allocated to the Union budget to cover annual appropriations for payments should not exceed 1,40  %
  of the sum of
  all
  the Member States’
  GNIs. The total amount of annual appropriations for commitments should not exceed 1,46  % of the sum of all the Member States' GNIs
  . |

Council draft

Amendment

(13)

A sufficient margin
  should be preserved
  under the
  own resources
  ceilings for the Union to cover all of its financial obligations and contingent liabilities falling due in any given year.
  The total amount of own resources allocated to the Union budget to cover annual appropriations for payments should not exceed 1,40  %
  of the sum of
  all
  the Member States’
  GNIs. The total amount of annual appropriations for commitments should not exceed 1,46  % of the sum of all the Member States' GNIs
  .

| (13) | In order to preserve
  a sufficient margin under the
  own resources
  ceilings for the Union to cover all of its financial obligations and contingent liabilities falling due in any given year,
  the own resources ceiling should be increased to a level of 1,50  %
  of the sum of the Member States’
  Gross National Income at market prices for appropriations for payments. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

In order to preserve
  a sufficient margin under the
  own resources
  ceilings for the Union to cover all of its financial obligations and contingent liabilities falling due in any given year,
  the own resources ceiling should be increased to a level of 1,50  %
  of the sum of the Member States’
  Gross National Income at market prices for appropriations for payments.

Amendment 16

Draft decision

Recital 16 a (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (16a) | For the sole purpose of covering the additional financial obligations and contingent liabilities arising from the exceptional and temporary empowerment to borrow funds and to ensure financial sustainability even in times of economic downturn, the ceiling for payment appropriations should be increased by 0,6 percentage points. |

Council draft

Amendment

(16a)

For the sole purpose of covering the additional financial obligations and contingent liabilities arising from the exceptional and temporary empowerment to borrow funds and to ensure financial sustainability even in times of economic downturn, the ceiling for payment appropriations should be increased by 0,6 percentage points.

Amendment 17

Draft decision

Recital 19

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (19) | The repayment of funds borrowed in order to provide non-repayable support, repayable support through financial instruments or provisioning for budgetary guarantees, as well as the interest due, should be funded by the Union budget. The borrowed funds which are granted as loans to Member States should be repaid by the sums received from beneficiary Member States. The necessary resources need to be allocated and made available to the Union for it to be able to cover all of its financial obligations and contingent liabilities resulting from the exceptional and temporary empowerment to borrow in any given year and under any circumstances in compliance with Article 310(4) TFEU and Article 323 TFEU. |

Council draft

Amendment

(19)

The repayment of funds borrowed in order to provide non-repayable support, repayable support through financial instruments or provisioning for budgetary guarantees, as well as the interest due, should be funded by the Union budget. The borrowed funds which are granted as loans to Member States should be repaid by the sums received from beneficiary Member States. The necessary resources need to be allocated and made available to the Union for it to be able to cover all of its financial obligations and contingent liabilities resulting from the exceptional and temporary empowerment to borrow in any given year and under any circumstances in compliance with Article 310(4) TFEU and Article 323 TFEU.

| (19) | The repayment of funds borrowed in order to provide non-repayable support, repayable support through financial instruments or provisioning for budgetary guarantees, as well as the interest due, should be funded by
  proceeds from the new own resources introduced in
  the Union budget. The borrowed funds which are granted as loans to Member States should be repaid by the sums received from beneficiary Member States. The necessary resources need to be allocated and made available to the Union for it to be able to cover all of its financial obligations and contingent liabilities resulting from the exceptional and temporary empowerment to borrow in any given year and under any circumstances in compliance with Article 310(4) TFEU and Article 323 TFEU. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

The repayment of funds borrowed in order to provide non-repayable support, repayable support through financial instruments or provisioning for budgetary guarantees, as well as the interest due, should be funded by
  proceeds from the new own resources introduced in
  the Union budget. The borrowed funds which are granted as loans to Member States should be repaid by the sums received from beneficiary Member States. The necessary resources need to be allocated and made available to the Union for it to be able to cover all of its financial obligations and contingent liabilities resulting from the exceptional and temporary empowerment to borrow in any given year and under any circumstances in compliance with Article 310(4) TFEU and Article 323 TFEU.

Amendment 18

Draft decision

Recital 25

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (25) | This Decision should enter into force only once it has been approved by all Member States in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements thus fully respecting national sovereignty. The European Council of 17 — 21 July 2020 noted the intention of Member States to proceed with the approval of this Decision as soon as possible. Due to the need to urgently enable borrowings with a view to financing measures addressing the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, this Decision should enter into force on the first day of the first month following receipt of the last notification of the completion of the procedures for the adoption of this Decision. |

Council draft

Amendment

(25)

This Decision should enter into force only once it has been approved by all Member States in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements thus fully respecting national sovereignty. The European Council of 17 — 21 July 2020 noted the intention of Member States to proceed with the approval of this Decision as soon as possible. Due to the need to urgently enable borrowings with a view to financing measures addressing the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, this Decision should enter into force on the first day of the first month following receipt of the last notification of the completion of the procedures for the adoption of this Decision.

| (25) | In order to allow the beginning of the process of ratification this Decision is adopted by the Council after having consulted the European Parliament. The European Parliament expressed its intention to swiftly provide the consultative opinion which is legally necessary to expedite the process authorising the Commission to start with the borrowing operations to finance the European Recovery Instrument.
  This Decision should enter into force only once it has been approved by all Member States in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements thus fully respecting national sovereignty,
  including with regard to new categories of own resources
  . The European Council of 17 — 21 July 2020 noted the intention of Member States to proceed with the approval of this Decision as soon as possible. Due to the need to urgently enable borrowings with a view to financing measures addressing the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, this Decision should enter into force on the first day of the first month following receipt of the last notification of the completion of the procedures for the adoption of this Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(25)

In order to allow the beginning of the process of ratification this Decision is adopted by the Council after having consulted the European Parliament. The European Parliament expressed its intention to swiftly provide the consultative opinion which is legally necessary to expedite the process authorising the Commission to start with the borrowing operations to finance the European Recovery Instrument.
  This Decision should enter into force only once it has been approved by all Member States in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements thus fully respecting national sovereignty,
  including with regard to new categories of own resources
  . The European Council of 17 — 21 July 2020 noted the intention of Member States to proceed with the approval of this Decision as soon as possible. Due to the need to urgently enable borrowings with a view to financing measures addressing the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, this Decision should enter into force on the first day of the first month following receipt of the last notification of the completion of the procedures for the adoption of this Decision.

Amendment 19

Draft decision

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 1 — point c

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | the application of a uniform call rate to the weight of plastic packaging waste
  generated in each Member State
  that is not recycled. The call rate shall
  be
  EUR
  0,80
  per kilogram.
  An annual lump sum reduction for certain Member States as defined in the fourth subparagraph shall apply
  ; |

Council draft

Amendment

(c)

the application of a uniform call rate to the weight of plastic packaging waste
  generated in each Member State
  that is not recycled. The call rate shall
  be
  EUR
  0,80
  per kilogram.
  An annual lump sum reduction for certain Member States as defined in the fourth subparagraph shall apply
  ;

| (c) | the application,
  as of 1 January 2021,
  of a uniform call rate to the weight of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled; the
  actual
  call rate shall
  not exceed
  EUR 
  2,00
  per kilogram; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the application,
  as of 1 January 2021,
  of a uniform call rate to the weight of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled; the
  actual
  call rate shall
  not exceed
  EUR 
  2,00
  per kilogram;

Amendment 20

Draft decision

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 1 — point c a (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (ca) | the application, as of 1 January 2021 of a uniform call rate to the amount representing the revenue generated by the allowances to be auctioned referred to in point (a) of Article 10(2) of Directive 2003/87/EC and the market value of transitional free allowances for the modernisation of the energy sector as determined in Article 10c(3) of that Directive; the actual call rate shall not exceed 50 %; the entirety of the incremental revenue generated by any future enlargement of the scope of the Emissions Trading System after 1 January 2021 to additional sectors and regions; |

Council draft

Amendment

(ca)

the application, as of 1 January 2021 of a uniform call rate to the amount representing the revenue generated by the allowances to be auctioned referred to in point (a) of Article 10(2) of Directive 2003/87/EC and the market value of transitional free allowances for the modernisation of the energy sector as determined in Article 10c(3) of that Directive; the actual call rate shall not exceed 50 %; the entirety of the incremental revenue generated by any future enlargement of the scope of the Emissions Trading System after 1 January 2021 to additional sectors and regions;

Amendment 21

Draft decision

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 1 — point c b (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (cb) | the revenue generated by a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism pursuant to Commission proposal [.../...] by 1 January 2023; |

Council draft

Amendment

(cb)

the revenue generated by a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism pursuant to Commission proposal [.../...] by 1 January 2023;

Amendment 22

Draft decision

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 1 — point c c (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (cc) | the revenue collected from the Digital Services taxation, pending adoption and implementation of the Council Directive on a common system of a digital services tax on revenues resulting from the provision of certain digital services (COM(2018)0148) by 1 January 2023; the actual call rate shall not exceed 100 %; |

Council draft

Amendment

(cc)

the revenue collected from the Digital Services taxation, pending adoption and implementation of the Council Directive on a common system of a digital services tax on revenues resulting from the provision of certain digital services (COM(2018)0148) by 1 January 2023; the actual call rate shall not exceed 100 %;

Amendment 23

Draft decision

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 1 — point c d (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (cd) | the application, as of 1 January 2026 of a uniform call rate to the share of taxable profits attributed to each Member State pursuant to Union rules on the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base; the actual call rate shall not exceed 6 %; |

Council draft

Amendment

(cd)

the application, as of 1 January 2026 of a uniform call rate to the share of taxable profits attributed to each Member State pursuant to Union rules on the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base; the actual call rate shall not exceed 6 %;

Amendment 24

Draft decision

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 1 — point c e (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (ce) | the application, as of 1 January 2024, of a financial transaction tax to be levied pursuant to Council Directive (EU) No [.../...], with the applicable call rates in the amount of a share not exceeding the minimum rates set out in that Directive; if the Financial Transaction Tax directive is temporarily implemented under enhanced cooperation, this own resource shall not affect the Member States that are not participating in the enhanced cooperation; |

Council draft

Amendment

(ce)

the application, as of 1 January 2024, of a financial transaction tax to be levied pursuant to Council Directive (EU) No [.../...], with the applicable call rates in the amount of a share not exceeding the minimum rates set out in that Directive; if the Financial Transaction Tax directive is temporarily implemented under enhanced cooperation, this own resource shall not affect the Member States that are not participating in the enhanced cooperation;

Amendment 25

Draft decision

Article 2 — paragraph 2

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   
  For the period 2021-2027, Austria shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 565 million, Denmark shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 377 million, Germany shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 3 671  million, The Netherlands shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 1 921  million and Sweden shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 1 069  million. Those amounts shall be measured in 2020 prices and adjusted to current prices by applying the most recent gross domestic product deflator for the Union expressed in euros, as provided by the Commission, which is available when the draft budget is drawn up. Those gross reductions shall be financed by all Member States. | 2.   
  No Member State is to benefit from any rebate or correction. |

Council draft

Amendment

2.   
  For the period 2021-2027, Austria shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 565 million, Denmark shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 377 million, Germany shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 3 671  million, The Netherlands shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 1 921  million and Sweden shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 1 069  million. Those amounts shall be measured in 2020 prices and adjusted to current prices by applying the most recent gross domestic product deflator for the Union expressed in euros, as provided by the Commission, which is available when the draft budget is drawn up. Those gross reductions shall be financed by all Member States.

2.   
  No Member State is to benefit from any rebate or correction.

Amendment 26

Amendment 26

Draft decision

Draft decision

Article 2 — paragraph 2 a (new)

Article 2 — paragraph 2 a (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | 2a.
     
  The European Parliament and the Council, in close cooperation with the Commission, shall set out the detailed arrangements and other necessary provisions for the application of a legally binding calendar for the introduction of new own resources in an interinstitutional agreement by 1 January 2021. The revenues from those new own resources shall be sufficient to at least cover the repayment of the borrowing costs implied by the borrowing capacity established under Article 3b. The new own resources should also guarantee the appropriate level of financing of Union spending in the MFF, while mitigating the predominance of GNI-based contributions.




  The Commission shall make the appropriate legislative proposals to that end.




  The mid-term revision of the MFF 2021-2027 shall be used, amongst other things, to adapt and, if necessary, adopt new legislation in order to reach the objectives set out in this paragraph. |

Council draft

Council draft

Amendment

Amendment

2a.
     
  The European Parliament and the Council, in close cooperation with the Commission, shall set out the detailed arrangements and other necessary provisions for the application of a legally binding calendar for the introduction of new own resources in an interinstitutional agreement by 1 January 2021. The revenues from those new own resources shall be sufficient to at least cover the repayment of the borrowing costs implied by the borrowing capacity established under Article 3b. The new own resources should also guarantee the appropriate level of financing of Union spending in the MFF, while mitigating the predominance of GNI-based contributions.

The Commission shall make the appropriate legislative proposals to that end.

The mid-term revision of the MFF 2021-2027 shall be used, amongst other things, to adapt and, if necessary, adopt new legislation in order to reach the objectives set out in this paragraph.

Amendment 27

Amendment 27

Draft decision

Draft decision

Article 3 — paragraph 1

Article 3 — paragraph 1

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 1.   The total amount of own resources allocated to the Union to cover annual appropriations for payments shall not exceed
  1,40  %
  of the sum of
  all the Member States’ GNIs. | 1.   The total amount of own resources allocated to the Union to cover annual appropriations for payments shall not exceed
  1,50  %
  of the sum of
  the Gross National Incomes of all Member States
  . |

Council draft

Council draft

Amendment

Amendment

1.   The total amount of own resources allocated to the Union to cover annual appropriations for payments shall not exceed
  1,40  %
  of the sum of
  all the Member States’ GNIs.

1.   The total amount of own resources allocated to the Union to cover annual appropriations for payments shall not exceed
  1,50  %
  of the sum of
  the Gross National Incomes of all Member States
  .

Amendment 28

Amendment 28

Draft decision

Draft decision

Article 3 — paragraph 2

Article 3 — paragraph 2

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.
     
  The total annual amount of appropriations for commitments entered in the Union's budget shall not exceed 1,46  % of the sum of all the Member States' GNIs. | deleted |

Council draft

Council draft

Amendment

Amendment

2.
     
  The total annual amount of appropriations for commitments entered in the Union's budget shall not exceed 1,46  % of the sum of all the Member States' GNIs.

deleted

deleted

Amendment 29

Amendment 29

Draft decision

Draft decision

Article 3 — paragraph 3

Article 3 — paragraph 3

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 3.
     
  An orderly ratio between appropriations for commitments and appropriations for payments shall be maintained to guarantee their compatibility and to enable the ceiling set in paragraph 1 to be complied with in subsequent years. | deleted |

Council draft

Council draft

Amendment

Amendment

3.
     
  An orderly ratio between appropriations for commitments and appropriations for payments shall be maintained to guarantee their compatibility and to enable the ceiling set in paragraph 1 to be complied with in subsequent years.

deleted

deleted

Amendment 30

Amendment 30

Draft decision

Draft decision

Article 3 — paragraph 4

Article 3 — paragraph 4

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 4.
     
  Where amendments to Regulation (EU) No 549/2013 result in significant changes in the level of GNI, the Commission shall recalculate the ceilings set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 as temporarily increased in accordance with Article 3c on the basis of the following formula: | deleted |
| GNIt-2 + GNIt-1 + GNIt ESA current




  x% (y %) *_________________




  GNIt-2 + GNIt-1 + GNIt ESA modified | |
| In that formula, ‘t’ is the latest full year for which the data defined by Regulation (EU) No 2019/516

   (5)

  is available, x refers to the own resources ceiling for payment appropriations and y to the own resources ceiling for commitment appropriations. | |
| In that formula, ‘ESA’ is the European system of national and regional accounts in the Union. | |

Council draft

Council draft

Amendment

Amendment

4.
     
  Where amendments to Regulation (EU) No 549/2013 result in significant changes in the level of GNI, the Commission shall recalculate the ceilings set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 as temporarily increased in accordance with Article 3c on the basis of the following formula:

deleted

deleted

GNIt-2 + GNIt-1 + GNIt ESA current

GNIt-2 + GNIt-1 + GNIt ESA current

x% (y %) *_________________

x% (y %) *_________________

GNIt-2 + GNIt-1 + GNIt ESA modified

GNIt-2 + GNIt-1 + GNIt ESA modified

In that formula, ‘t’ is the latest full year for which the data defined by Regulation (EU) No 2019/516

   (5)

  is available, x refers to the own resources ceiling for payment appropriations and y to the own resources ceiling for commitment appropriations.

In that formula, ‘t’ is the latest full year for which the data defined by Regulation (EU) No 2019/516

5

is available, x refers to the own resources ceiling for payment appropriations and y to the own resources ceiling for commitment appropriations.

In that formula, ‘ESA’ is the European system of national and regional accounts in the Union.

In that formula, ‘ESA’ is the European system of national and regional accounts in the Union.

Amendment 31

Amendment 31

Draft decision

Draft decision

Article 3b — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1

Article 3b — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| The repayment of the principal of the funds used for expenditure referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 and the related interest due shall be borne by the general budget of the Union. The budgetary commitments may be broken down into annual instalments over several years in accordance with Article 112(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046
  of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (6)

  . | The repayment of the principal of the funds used for expenditure referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 and the related interest due shall be borne by
  proceeds from new own resources introduced in
  the general budget of the Union. The budgetary commitments may be broken down into annual instalments over several years in accordance with Article 112(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046. |

Council draft

Council draft

Amendment

Amendment

The repayment of the principal of the funds used for expenditure referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 and the related interest due shall be borne by the general budget of the Union. The budgetary commitments may be broken down into annual instalments over several years in accordance with Article 112(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046
  of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (6)

  .

of the European Parliament and of the Council

6

.

The repayment of the principal of the funds used for expenditure referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 and the related interest due shall be borne by
  proceeds from new own resources introduced in
  the general budget of the Union. The budgetary commitments may be broken down into annual instalments over several years in accordance with Article 112(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046.

proceeds from new own resources introduced in

Amendment 32

Amendment 32

Draft decision

Draft decision

Article 5

Article 5

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Article 5 | deleted |
| Carry-over of surplus | |
| Any surplus of the Union's revenue over total actual expenditure during a financial year shall be carried over to the following financial year. | |

Council draft

Council draft

Amendment

Amendment

Article 5

Article 5

deleted

deleted

Carry-over of surplus

Carry-over of surplus

Any surplus of the Union's revenue over total actual expenditure during a financial year shall be carried over to the following financial year.

Any surplus of the Union's revenue over total actual expenditure during a financial year shall be carried over to the following financial year.

Amendment 33

Amendment 33

Draft decision

Draft decision

Article 6 — paragraph 2

Article 6 — paragraph 2

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   Member States shall retain,
  by way of collection costs
  ,
  25
  % of the amounts referred to in Article 2(1)(a). | 2.   Member States shall retain,
  as a compensation for the costs of collection, 10
  % of the amounts referred to in Article 2(1)(a). |

Council draft

Council draft

Amendment

Amendment

2.   Member States shall retain,
  by way of collection costs
  ,
  25
  % of the amounts referred to in Article 2(1)(a).

2.   Member States shall retain,
  as a compensation for the costs of collection, 10
  % of the amounts referred to in Article 2(1)(a).

Amendment 34

Amendment 34

Draft decision

Draft decision

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — point b a (new)

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — point b a (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (ba) | the budgetary treatment of revenue stemming from competition fines and infringement cases; |

Council draft

Council draft

Amendment

Amendment

(ba)

(ba)

the budgetary treatment of revenue stemming from competition fines and infringement cases;

the budgetary treatment of revenue stemming from competition fines and infringement cases;

Amendment 35

Amendment 35

Draft decision

Draft decision

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — point b b (new)

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — point b b (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (bb) | rules for establishing the amounts of the own resources referred to in points (a) — (ce) of Article 2(1) to be made available, including the applicable call rates for those own resources, within the limits set in those points as well as the calculation of the applicable rate of the own resource based on Gross National Income; |

Council draft

Council draft

Amendment

Amendment

(bb)

(bb)

rules for establishing the amounts of the own resources referred to in points (a) — (ce) of Article 2(1) to be made available, including the applicable call rates for those own resources, within the limits set in those points as well as the calculation of the applicable rate of the own resource based on Gross National Income;

rules for establishing the amounts of the own resources referred to in points (a) — (ce) of Article 2(1) to be made available, including the applicable call rates for those own resources, within the limits set in those points as well as the calculation of the applicable rate of the own resource based on Gross National Income;

Amendment 36

Amendment 36

Draft decision

Draft decision

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — point b c (new)

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — point b c (new)

| Council draft | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (bc) | the reference Gross National Income, the provisions to adjust Gross National Income and the provisions to recalculate the ceilings for payments and commitments in case of significant changes to Gross National Income, for the purposes of applying Article 2(1); |

Council draft

Council draft

Amendment

Amendment

(bc)

(bc)

the reference Gross National Income, the provisions to adjust Gross National Income and the provisions to recalculate the ceilings for payments and commitments in case of significant changes to Gross National Income, for the purposes of applying Article 2(1);

the reference Gross National Income, the provisions to adjust Gross National Income and the provisions to recalculate the ceilings for payments and commitments in case of significant changes to Gross National Income, for the purposes of applying Article 2(1);

---

(1)  OJ C 162, 10.5.2019, p. 51.

1

(2)  OJ C 162, 10.5.2019, p. 71.

2

(3)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0226.

3

(4)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0449.

4

(5)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0032.

5

(6)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0124.

6

(7)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0206.

7

(1a)  
  Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

1a

Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

(5)  
  Regulation (EU) 2019/516 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 on the harmonisation of gross national income at market prices and repealing Council Directive 89/130/EEC, Euratom and Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1287/2003 (GNI Regulation) (OJ L 91, 29.3.2019, p. 19).

5

Regulation (EU) 2019/516 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 on the harmonisation of gross national income at market prices and repealing Council Directive 89/130/EEC, Euratom and Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1287/2003 (GNI Regulation) (OJ L 91, 29.3.2019, p. 19).

(6)  
  Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) no 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1.).

6

Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) no 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1.).

---

Thursday 17 September 2020

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/275 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/275

---

P9_TA(2020)0222

Type approval of motor vehicles (Real driving emissions) ***I

Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 17 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 on type approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information (COM(2019)0208 — C9-0009/2019 — 2019/0101(COD)) (1)

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

(2021/C 385/31)

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (2) | Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 requires new light-duty vehicles to comply with certain emission limits (Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards) and lays down additional requirements on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information. The specific technical provisions necessary to implement
  that
  Regulation were set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 (4) and subsequently, in Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (5). |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2)

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 requires new light-duty vehicles to comply with certain emission limits (Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards) and lays down additional requirements on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information. The specific technical provisions necessary to implement
  that
  Regulation were set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 (4) and subsequently, in Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (5).

| (2) | Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 requires new light-duty vehicles to comply with certain emission limits (Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards) and lays down additional requirements on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information
  , as amended and further consolidated by Regulation (EU) 2018/858

   (3a)

  which applies from 1 September 2020
  . The specific technical provisions necessary to implement Regulation
  (EC) No 715/2007
  were set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 (4) and subsequently, in Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (5). |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 requires new light-duty vehicles to comply with certain emission limits (Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards) and lays down additional requirements on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information
  , as amended and further consolidated by Regulation (EU) 2018/858

   (3a)

  which applies from 1 September 2020
  . The specific technical provisions necessary to implement Regulation
  (EC) No 715/2007
  were set out in Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 (4) and subsequently, in Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 (5).

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (3) | The type-approval requirements relating to emissions from motor vehicles have been gradually and significantly tightened through the introduction and subsequent revision of Euro standards. While vehicles in general have delivered substantial emission reductions across the range of regulated pollutants, this was not the case for NOx emissions from diesel engines or particles for gasoline direct injection engines, installed in particular in light-duty vehicles. Actions
  for correcting
  this situation are therefore needed. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)

The type-approval requirements relating to emissions from motor vehicles have been gradually and significantly tightened through the introduction and subsequent revision of Euro standards. While vehicles in general have delivered substantial emission reductions across the range of regulated pollutants, this was not the case for NOx emissions from diesel engines or particles for gasoline direct injection engines, installed in particular in light-duty vehicles. Actions
  for correcting
  this situation are therefore needed.

| (3) | The type-approval requirements relating to emissions from motor vehicles have been gradually and significantly tightened through the introduction and subsequent revision of Euro standards. While vehicles in general have delivered substantial emission reductions across the range of regulated pollutants, this was not the case for NOx emissions from diesel engines or particles for gasoline direct injection engines, installed in particular in light-duty vehicles. Actions
  to correct
  this situation are therefore needed. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The type-approval requirements relating to emissions from motor vehicles have been gradually and significantly tightened through the introduction and subsequent revision of Euro standards. While vehicles in general have delivered substantial emission reductions across the range of regulated pollutants, this was not the case for NOx emissions from diesel engines or particles for gasoline direct injection engines, installed in particular in light-duty vehicles. Actions
  to correct
  this situation are therefore needed.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (3a) | The 2019 Air Quality Report

   (1a)

  published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) estimated that in 2016 long-term exposure to air pollution has been responsible to more than 506 000 premature deaths in the EU-28. The report also confirmed that road transport continued to be the primary source of NOx emissions in the EU-28 in 2017, representing around 40 % of total EU NOx emissions, and that around 80 % of the total NOx emission from road transport is generated by diesel powered vehicles; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3a)

The 2019 Air Quality Report

   (1a)

  published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) estimated that in 2016 long-term exposure to air pollution has been responsible to more than 506 000 premature deaths in the EU-28. The report also confirmed that road transport continued to be the primary source of NOx emissions in the EU-28 in 2017, representing around 40 % of total EU NOx emissions, and that around 80 % of the total NOx emission from road transport is generated by diesel powered vehicles;

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (3b) | Access to vehicle repair and maintenance information for independent operators is crucial in order to re-establish consumer trust. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3b)

Access to vehicle repair and maintenance information for independent operators is crucial in order to re-establish consumer trust.

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3 c (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (3c) | Recent violations of the existing legal framework by manufacturers, including violations of their legal obligations under Regulation (EC) No 715/2007, demonstrated the weaknesses of control and enforcement mechanisms. Consumers were left without satisfactory compensation, since even where compensation was granted, it often did not bring the vehicles into conformity with Euro 5 and 6 standards. Since the increasing number of diesel bans across European cities affect citizens’ daily life, adequate compensation measures would be to equip non-compliant vehicles with the adapted exhaust treatment technology (hardware change) or, in the event that the consumer wished to exchange a purchased vehicle for a cleaner model, the offer of conversion premiums. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3c)

Recent violations of the existing legal framework by manufacturers, including violations of their legal obligations under Regulation (EC) No 715/2007, demonstrated the weaknesses of control and enforcement mechanisms. Consumers were left without satisfactory compensation, since even where compensation was granted, it often did not bring the vehicles into conformity with Euro 5 and 6 standards. Since the increasing number of diesel bans across European cities affect citizens’ daily life, adequate compensation measures would be to equip non-compliant vehicles with the adapted exhaust treatment technology (hardware change) or, in the event that the consumer wished to exchange a purchased vehicle for a cleaner model, the offer of conversion premiums.

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (5) | As a result, the Commission developed a new methodology for testing vehicle emissions in real-driving conditions, the real-driving emissions (RDE) test procedure. The RDE test procedure was introduced by Commission Regulations (EU) 2016/427 (6) and (EU) 2016/646 (7), subsequently taken over into Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 and further improved by Commission
  Regulation
  (EU) 2017/1154 (8). |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5)

As a result, the Commission developed a new methodology for testing vehicle emissions in real-driving conditions, the real-driving emissions (RDE) test procedure. The RDE test procedure was introduced by Commission Regulations (EU) 2016/427 (6) and (EU) 2016/646 (7), subsequently taken over into Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 and further improved by Commission
  Regulation
  (EU) 2017/1154 (8).

| (5) | As a result, the Commission developed a new methodology for testing vehicle emissions in real-driving conditions, the real-driving emissions (RDE) test procedure. The RDE test procedure was introduced by Commission Regulations (EU) 2016/427 (6) and (EU) 2016/646 (7), subsequently taken over into Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 and further improved by Commission
  Regulations
  (EU) 2017/1154 (8)

  and (EU) 2018/1832

   (8a). |
| --- | --- |

(5)

As a result, the Commission developed a new methodology for testing vehicle emissions in real-driving conditions, the real-driving emissions (RDE) test procedure. The RDE test procedure was introduced by Commission Regulations (EU) 2016/427 (6) and (EU) 2016/646 (7), subsequently taken over into Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 and further improved by Commission
  Regulations
  (EU) 2017/1154 (8)

  and (EU) 2018/1832

   (8a).

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (6) | Regulation (EU) 2016/646 (9) introduced the dates of application of the RDE test procedure, as well as the compliance criteria for RDE. For that purpose, pollutant-specific conformity factors were
  used
  to take account of statistical and technical uncertainties of the measurements conducted by means of Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS). |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6)

Regulation (EU) 2016/646 (9) introduced the dates of application of the RDE test procedure, as well as the compliance criteria for RDE. For that purpose, pollutant-specific conformity factors were
  used
  to take account of statistical and technical uncertainties of the measurements conducted by means of Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS).

| (6) | Regulation (EU) 2016/646 (9) introduced the dates of application of the RDE test procedure, as well as the compliance criteria for RDE.
  The introduction of the dates of application for passenger vehicles and light-duty vehicles was chosen in a yearly sequence to ensure timely planning for the manufacturers of each vehicle group
  . For that purpose, pollutant-specific conformity factors were
  introduced
  , to take account of statistical and technical uncertainties of the measurements conducted by means of Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS). |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Regulation (EU) 2016/646 (9) introduced the dates of application of the RDE test procedure, as well as the compliance criteria for RDE.
  The introduction of the dates of application for passenger vehicles and light-duty vehicles was chosen in a yearly sequence to ensure timely planning for the manufacturers of each vehicle group
  . For that purpose, pollutant-specific conformity factors were
  introduced
  , to take account of statistical and technical uncertainties of the measurements conducted by means of Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS).

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (6a) | According to the EEA report from 2016, the gap between real-world and laboratory emissions was mainly due to three factors: an outdated test procedure, flexibilities in the current procedure and in-use factors which are driver dependent. A study is required in order to establish the margin that is due to the driving style and to the outside temperature. A clear distinction should be made between the CF, the device-related margin and the margin of the in-use factor which is driver- and temperature-dependent. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6a)

According to the EEA report from 2016, the gap between real-world and laboratory emissions was mainly due to three factors: an outdated test procedure, flexibilities in the current procedure and in-use factors which are driver dependent. A study is required in order to establish the margin that is due to the driving style and to the outside temperature. A clear distinction should be made between the CF, the device-related margin and the margin of the in-use factor which is driver- and temperature-dependent.

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (7) | On 13 December 2018, the General Court delivered judgment in Joined Cases T-339/16, T-352/16 and T-391/1622 concerning an action for annulment of Regulation (EU) 2016/646. The General Court annulled the part of Regulation (EU) 2016/646 which established the conformity factors used to assess compliance of RDE test results with the emission limits laid down in Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. The Court found that only the legislator could introduce those conformity factors as they touched upon an essential element of Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)

On 13 December 2018, the General Court delivered judgment in Joined Cases T-339/16, T-352/16 and T-391/1622 concerning an action for annulment of Regulation (EU) 2016/646. The General Court annulled the part of Regulation (EU) 2016/646 which established the conformity factors used to assess compliance of RDE test results with the emission limits laid down in Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. The Court found that only the legislator could introduce those conformity factors as they touched upon an essential element of Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.

| (7) | On 13 December 2018, the General Court delivered judgment in Joined Cases T-339/16, T-352/16 and T-391/1622 concerning an action for annulment of Regulation (EU) 2016/646. The General Court annulled the part of Regulation (EU) 2016/646 which
  had
  established the conformity factors used to assess compliance of RDE test results with the emission limits laid down in Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. The Court found that only the legislator could introduce those conformity factors as they touched upon an essential element of Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
  and ‘result in the de facto amendment of the limits on the emissions of oxides of nitrogen laid down for the Euro 6 standards, even though those limits are to apply to those tests’
  . |
| --- | --- |

(7)

On 13 December 2018, the General Court delivered judgment in Joined Cases T-339/16, T-352/16 and T-391/1622 concerning an action for annulment of Regulation (EU) 2016/646. The General Court annulled the part of Regulation (EU) 2016/646 which
  had
  established the conformity factors used to assess compliance of RDE test results with the emission limits laid down in Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. The Court found that only the legislator could introduce those conformity factors as they touched upon an essential element of Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
  and ‘result in the de facto amendment of the limits on the emissions of oxides of nitrogen laid down for the Euro 6 standards, even though those limits are to apply to those tests’
  .

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (8) | The General Court
  did not question the technical justification of the conformity factors. Therefore, and given
  that at the current stage of technological development there is still a discrepancy between emissions measured in real driving and those measured in a laboratory, it is appropriate to introduce the conformity factors into Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8)

The General Court
  did not question the technical justification of the conformity factors. Therefore, and given
  that at the current stage of technological development there is still a discrepancy between emissions measured in real driving and those measured in a laboratory, it is appropriate to introduce the conformity factors into Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.

| (8) | The General Court
  raised doubts as to ‘whether the Commission’s reliance on possible statistical errors is well founded’, in particular as regards the temporary conformity factor of 2,1 and stated that ‘statistical uncertainties are corrected by representativeness of the sample or of the testing or by the volume of testing’. Moreover, as regards the introduced margin of technical uncertainty, the Court affirmed that ‘it is impossible to determine, following an RDE test, whether a vehicle being tested complies with the legal limits or is even close to them’. Any measurement equipment has a margin of technical uncertainty and PEMS equipment, given their use in more variable conditions, has been found to have a somewhat larger margin compared to non-mobile laboratory equipment even though this can in fact mean both over- and under-estimating emissions. Given
  that at the current stage of technological development there is still a discrepancy between emissions measured in real driving and those measured in a laboratory, it is appropriate to
  temporarily
  introduce conformity factors into Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

The General Court
  raised doubts as to ‘whether the Commission’s reliance on possible statistical errors is well founded’, in particular as regards the temporary conformity factor of 2,1 and stated that ‘statistical uncertainties are corrected by representativeness of the sample or of the testing or by the volume of testing’. Moreover, as regards the introduced margin of technical uncertainty, the Court affirmed that ‘it is impossible to determine, following an RDE test, whether a vehicle being tested complies with the legal limits or is even close to them’. Any measurement equipment has a margin of technical uncertainty and PEMS equipment, given their use in more variable conditions, has been found to have a somewhat larger margin compared to non-mobile laboratory equipment even though this can in fact mean both over- and under-estimating emissions. Given
  that at the current stage of technological development there is still a discrepancy between emissions measured in real driving and those measured in a laboratory, it is appropriate to
  temporarily
  introduce conformity factors into Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (8a) | The European Parliament's resolution of 28 March 2019 on recent developments in the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal welcomed the ruling of the General Court, and explicitly asked the Commission not to introduce any new conformity factor in order to ensure Euro 6 standards are not further diluted and are instead met under normal conditions of use, as originally provided for in Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8a)

The European Parliament's resolution of 28 March 2019 on recent developments in the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal welcomed the ruling of the General Court, and explicitly asked the Commission not to introduce any new conformity factor in order to ensure Euro 6 standards are not further diluted and are instead met under normal conditions of use, as originally provided for in Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (9) | In order to allow manufacturers to comply with the Euro 6 emission limits in the context of RDE test procedure, the compliance criteria for RDE should be introduced in two steps. During the first step, upon the request of the manufacturer, a temporary conformity factor should apply, while as a second step only the final conformity factor should be used. The Commission should
  keep under review the final conformity factors
  in light of technical progress. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9)

In order to allow manufacturers to comply with the Euro 6 emission limits in the context of RDE test procedure, the compliance criteria for RDE should be introduced in two steps. During the first step, upon the request of the manufacturer, a temporary conformity factor should apply, while as a second step only the final conformity factor should be used. The Commission should
  keep under review the final conformity factors
  in light of technical progress.

| (9) | In order to allow manufacturers to comply with the Euro 6 emission limits in the context of
  the
  RDE test procedure, the compliance criteria for RDE should be introduced in two steps. During the first step, upon the request of the manufacturer, a temporary conformity factor should apply, while as a second step only the final conformity factor should be used.
  The final conformity factor should apply during a transition period and include a margin expressing the additional measurement uncertainty linked with the introduction of the PEMS.
  The Commission should
  continuously assess that conformity factor
  in light of technical progress
  and annually adjust it downwards on the basis of scientific evidence, the improved accuracy of the measuring procedure and technical progress of the PEMS. The conformity factor should be gradually lowered and cease to apply by 30 September 2022
  . |
| --- | --- |

(9)

In order to allow manufacturers to comply with the Euro 6 emission limits in the context of
  the
  RDE test procedure, the compliance criteria for RDE should be introduced in two steps. During the first step, upon the request of the manufacturer, a temporary conformity factor should apply, while as a second step only the final conformity factor should be used.
  The final conformity factor should apply during a transition period and include a margin expressing the additional measurement uncertainty linked with the introduction of the PEMS.
  The Commission should
  continuously assess that conformity factor
  in light of technical progress
  and annually adjust it downwards on the basis of scientific evidence, the improved accuracy of the measuring procedure and technical progress of the PEMS. The conformity factor should be gradually lowered and cease to apply by 30 September 2022
  .

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (9a) | The Commission should establish by June 2021 at the latest more stringent requirements for PEMS measuring equipment that could be used for RDE tests. The standards established should, where possible, take into account any relevant elements of standardisation developed by CEN based on the best available PEMS equipment. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9a)

The Commission should establish by June 2021 at the latest more stringent requirements for PEMS measuring equipment that could be used for RDE tests. The standards established should, where possible, take into account any relevant elements of standardisation developed by CEN based on the best available PEMS equipment.

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (9b) | It is important to emphasise that while this proposal deals with the conformity factor, the issue of the emission limit standards is to be dealt with in the context of the forthcoming post-Euro 6 proposal. In order to ensure swift progress towards the adoption of the future (post — Euro 6) emission limit values and improved air quality for Union citizens, it is essential that the Commission present, where appropriate, a legislative proposal to that effect as soon as possible and at the latest by June 2021, as announced in its communication of 11 December 2019 on ‘The European Green Deal’, which highlights the need to shift to sustainable and smart mobility and ensure a pathway towards zero-emission mobility. No conformity factors should be used in the implementation of the post-Euro 6 standards. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9b)

It is important to emphasise that while this proposal deals with the conformity factor, the issue of the emission limit standards is to be dealt with in the context of the forthcoming post-Euro 6 proposal. In order to ensure swift progress towards the adoption of the future (post — Euro 6) emission limit values and improved air quality for Union citizens, it is essential that the Commission present, where appropriate, a legislative proposal to that effect as soon as possible and at the latest by June 2021, as announced in its communication of 11 December 2019 on ‘The European Green Deal’, which highlights the need to shift to sustainable and smart mobility and ensure a pathway towards zero-emission mobility. No conformity factors should be used in the implementation of the post-Euro 6 standards.

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9 c (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (9c) | In order to encourage the producers to have a proactive, pro-environmental attitude, the new technological innovations meant to absorb NOx should be tested, quantified and considered in the subsequent revision of Euro standards. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9c)

In order to encourage the producers to have a proactive, pro-environmental attitude, the new technological innovations meant to absorb NOx should be tested, quantified and considered in the subsequent revision of Euro standards.

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (10) | The Treaty of Lisbon introduced the possibility for the legislator to delegate power to the Commission to adopt non-legislative acts of general application to supplement or amend certain non-essential elements of a legislative act. The measures which can be covered by delegations of powers, as referred to in Article 290(1)
  TFEU
  , correspond in principle to those covered by the regulatory procedure with scrutiny established by Article 5a of Council Decision 1999/468/EC (11) . It is therefore necessary to adapt to Article 290 TFEU the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 which provide for the use of the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10)

The Treaty of Lisbon introduced the possibility for the legislator to delegate power to the Commission to adopt non-legislative acts of general application to supplement or amend certain non-essential elements of a legislative act. The measures which can be covered by delegations of powers, as referred to in Article 290(1)
  TFEU
  , correspond in principle to those covered by the regulatory procedure with scrutiny established by Article 5a of Council Decision 1999/468/EC (11) . It is therefore necessary to adapt to Article 290 TFEU the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 which provide for the use of the regulatory procedure with scrutiny.

| (10) | The Treaty of Lisbon introduced the possibility for the legislator to delegate power to the Commission to adopt non-legislative acts of general application to supplement or amend certain non-essential elements of a legislative act. The measures which can be covered by delegations of powers, as referred to in Article 290(1)
  of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)
  , correspond in principle to those covered by the regulatory procedure with scrutiny established by Article 5a of Council Decision 1999/468/EC (11). It is therefore necessary to adapt to Article 290 TFEU the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 which provide for the use of the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The Treaty of Lisbon introduced the possibility for the legislator to delegate power to the Commission to adopt non-legislative acts of general application to supplement or amend certain non-essential elements of a legislative act. The measures which can be covered by delegations of powers, as referred to in Article 290(1)
  of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)
  , correspond in principle to those covered by the regulatory procedure with scrutiny established by Article 5a of Council Decision 1999/468/EC (11). It is therefore necessary to adapt to Article 290 TFEU the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 which provide for the use of the regulatory procedure with scrutiny.

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (11) | In order to contribute to the achievement of the Union’s air quality objectives and to reduce vehicle emissions, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290
  of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFUE)
  should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the detailed rules on the specific procedures, tests and requirements for type approval. That delegation should include supplementing Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 by such revised rules as well as the test cycles used to measure emissions; the requirements for the implementation of the prohibition on the use of defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems;
  the measures necessary for the implementation of the obligation of a manufacturer to provide unrestricted and standardised access to vehicle repair and maintenance information;
  the adoption of a revised measurement procedure for particulates. The delegation should further include amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 for the purposes of revising the
  final
  conformity factors downwards to reflect technical progress in PEMS and recalibrating the particulate mass based limit values and introducing particle
  number based
  limit values. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations are conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council
  should
  receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically
  should
  have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11)

In order to contribute to the achievement of the Union’s air quality objectives and to reduce vehicle emissions, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290
  of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFUE)
  should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the detailed rules on the specific procedures, tests and requirements for type approval. That delegation should include supplementing Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 by such revised rules as well as the test cycles used to measure emissions; the requirements for the implementation of the prohibition on the use of defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems;
  the measures necessary for the implementation of the obligation of a manufacturer to provide unrestricted and standardised access to vehicle repair and maintenance information;
  the adoption of a revised measurement procedure for particulates. The delegation should further include amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 for the purposes of revising the
  final
  conformity factors downwards to reflect technical progress in PEMS and recalibrating the particulate mass based limit values and introducing particle
  number based
  limit values. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations are conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council
  should
  receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically
  should
  have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.

| (11) | In order to contribute to the achievement of the Union’s air quality objectives and to reduce vehicle emissions, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290
  TFEU
  should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the detailed rules on the specific procedures, tests and requirements for type approval. That delegation should include supplementing Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 by such revised rules as well as the test cycles used to measure emissions; the requirements for the implementation of the prohibition on the use of defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems;
  and
  the adoption of a revised measurement procedure for particulates.
  Notwithstanding the short gap between the entry into force of this Regulation and the repeal of the provisions on repair and maintenance information (RMI) by Regulation (EU) 2018/858, for the purposes of legal certainty and to ensure that all options are available to the legislator, the delegation should also include the measures necessary for the implementation of the obligation of a manufacturer to provide unrestricted and standardised access to vehicle repair and maintenance information
  . The delegation should further include amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 for the purposes of revising the conformity factors downwards to reflect
  improved quality of the measuring procedure or
  technical progress in PEMS and recalibrating the particulate mass based limit values and introducing particle
  number-based
  limit values. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations are conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016 (1a). In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

In order to contribute to the achievement of the Union’s air quality objectives and to reduce vehicle emissions, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290
  TFEU
  should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the detailed rules on the specific procedures, tests and requirements for type approval. That delegation should include supplementing Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 by such revised rules as well as the test cycles used to measure emissions; the requirements for the implementation of the prohibition on the use of defeat devices that reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems;
  and
  the adoption of a revised measurement procedure for particulates.
  Notwithstanding the short gap between the entry into force of this Regulation and the repeal of the provisions on repair and maintenance information (RMI) by Regulation (EU) 2018/858, for the purposes of legal certainty and to ensure that all options are available to the legislator, the delegation should also include the measures necessary for the implementation of the obligation of a manufacturer to provide unrestricted and standardised access to vehicle repair and maintenance information
  . The delegation should further include amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 for the purposes of revising the conformity factors downwards to reflect
  improved quality of the measuring procedure or
  technical progress in PEMS and recalibrating the particulate mass based limit values and introducing particle
  number-based
  limit values. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations are conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016 (1a). In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States' experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 3 — point a

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Article 4 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Those obligations include
  meeting
  the emission limits set out in Annex I. For the purposes of determining compliance with the Euro 6 emission limits set out in Table 2 of Annex I, the emission values determined during any valid Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test shall be divided by the applicable conformity factor set out in Table 2a of Annex I. The result shall remain below the Euro 6 emission limits set out in Table 2 of that Annex. | Those obligations include
  complying with
  the emission limits set out in Annex I. For the purposes of determining compliance with the Euro 6 emission limits set out in Table 2 of Annex I, the emission values determined during any valid Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test shall be divided by the applicable conformity factor
  as
  set out in Table 2a of Annex I. The result shall remain below the Euro 6 emission limits set out in Table 2 of that Annex.
  The conformity factor shall be gradually lowered through annual downward revisions, based on assessments by the JRC. The conformity factor shall cease to apply by 30 September 2022. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Those obligations include
  meeting
  the emission limits set out in Annex I. For the purposes of determining compliance with the Euro 6 emission limits set out in Table 2 of Annex I, the emission values determined during any valid Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test shall be divided by the applicable conformity factor set out in Table 2a of Annex I. The result shall remain below the Euro 6 emission limits set out in Table 2 of that Annex.

Those obligations include
  complying with
  the emission limits set out in Annex I. For the purposes of determining compliance with the Euro 6 emission limits set out in Table 2 of Annex I, the emission values determined during any valid Real Driving Emissions (RDE) test shall be divided by the applicable conformity factor
  as
  set out in Table 2a of Annex I. The result shall remain below the Euro 6 emission limits set out in Table 2 of that Annex.
  The conformity factor shall be gradually lowered through annual downward revisions, based on assessments by the JRC. The conformity factor shall cease to apply by 30 September 2022.

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 4 — point a

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Article 5 — paragraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 1.   The manufacturer shall equip vehicles so that the components likely to affect emissions are designed, constructed and assembled so as to enable the vehicle, in normal use, to comply with this Regulation.; | 1.   The manufacturer shall equip vehicles so that the components likely to affect emissions are designed, constructed and assembled so as to enable the vehicle, in normal use, to comply with this Regulation.
  The manufacturer shall also guarantee the reliability of the pollution control devices and shall aim to reduce the risk of theft of these devices or tampering therewith. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.   The manufacturer shall equip vehicles so that the components likely to affect emissions are designed, constructed and assembled so as to enable the vehicle, in normal use, to comply with this Regulation.;

1.   The manufacturer shall equip vehicles so that the components likely to affect emissions are designed, constructed and assembled so as to enable the vehicle, in normal use, to comply with this Regulation.
  The manufacturer shall also guarantee the reliability of the pollution control devices and shall aim to reduce the risk of theft of these devices or tampering therewith.

Amendment 20

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 6

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 6

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Article 8 — paragraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 14a in order to supplement Articles 6 and 7. This shall include the definition and updating of technical specifications relating to the way in which OBD and vehicle repair and maintenance information shall be provided, with special attention being paid to the specific needs of SMEs. | The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 14a in order to supplement Articles 6 and 7. This shall include the definition and updating of technical specifications relating to the way in which OBD and vehicle repair and maintenance information shall be provided, with special attention being paid to the specific needs of SMEs
  , micro-enterprises and self-employed operators
  . |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 14a in order to supplement Articles 6 and 7. This shall include the definition and updating of technical specifications relating to the way in which OBD and vehicle repair and maintenance information shall be provided, with special attention being paid to the specific needs of SMEs.

The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 14a in order to supplement Articles 6 and 7. This shall include the definition and updating of technical specifications relating to the way in which OBD and vehicle repair and maintenance information shall be provided, with special attention being paid to the specific needs of SMEs
  , micro-enterprises and self-employed operators
  .

, micro-enterprises and self-employed operators

Amendment 21

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 7 — point b

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 7 — point b

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Article 10 — paragraph 4 — subparagraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| The compliance with the Euro 6 limit values shall, during any valid RDE test, be determined by taking into account the pollutant-specific conformity factor set out in Table 2a of Annex I in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 4(1). | The compliance with the Euro 6 limit values shall, during any valid RDE test, be determined by taking into account the pollutant-specific conformity factor set out in Table 2a of Annex I, in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 4(1).
  The conformity factor shall be gradually lowered through annual downward revisions based on assessments by the JRC. The conformity factor shall cease to apply by 30 September 2022. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

The compliance with the Euro 6 limit values shall, during any valid RDE test, be determined by taking into account the pollutant-specific conformity factor set out in Table 2a of Annex I in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 4(1).

The compliance with the Euro 6 limit values shall, during any valid RDE test, be determined by taking into account the pollutant-specific conformity factor set out in Table 2a of Annex I, in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 4(1).
  The conformity factor shall be gradually lowered through annual downward revisions based on assessments by the JRC. The conformity factor shall cease to apply by 30 September 2022.

The conformity factor shall be gradually lowered through annual downward revisions based on assessments by the JRC. The conformity factor shall cease to apply by 30 September 2022.

Amendment 22

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 7 — point b

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 7 — point b

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Article 10 — paragraph 5 — subparagraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| The compliance with the Euro 6 limit values shall, during any valid RDE test, be determined by taking into account the pollutant-specific conformity factor set out in Table 2a of Annex I in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 4(1). | The compliance with the Euro 6 limit values shall, during any valid RDE test, be determined by taking into account the pollutant-specific conformity factor set out in Table 2a of Annex I, in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 4(1).
  The conformity factor shall be gradually lowered through annual downward revisions based on assessments by the JRC. The conformity factor shall cease to apply by 30 September 2022. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

The compliance with the Euro 6 limit values shall, during any valid RDE test, be determined by taking into account the pollutant-specific conformity factor set out in Table 2a of Annex I in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 4(1).

The compliance with the Euro 6 limit values shall, during any valid RDE test, be determined by taking into account the pollutant-specific conformity factor set out in Table 2a of Annex I, in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 4(1).
  The conformity factor shall be gradually lowered through annual downward revisions based on assessments by the JRC. The conformity factor shall cease to apply by 30 September 2022.

The conformity factor shall be gradually lowered through annual downward revisions based on assessments by the JRC. The conformity factor shall cease to apply by 30 September 2022.

Amendment 23

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 10

Article 1 — paragraph 1 — point 10

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Article 14 — paragraph 3 and paragraph 3 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 3.   The Commission
  is empowered to
  adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 14a: | 3.
     The Commission
  shall
  adopt
  no later than 1 June 2021
  delegated acts in accordance with Article 14a supplementing this Regulation in order to adapt the procedures, tests and requirements as well as the test cycles used to measure emissions in order to adequately reflect real driving emissions
  under normal conditions of use, including inter alia temperature and boundary conditions, lowering the zero response drift and addressing hazardous spikes in particles resulting from filter cleaning, taking into account any relevant elements of standardisation developed by CEN and based on best available equipment. |
| (a) | supplementing this Regulation in order to adapt the procedures, tests and requirements as well as the test cycles used to measure emissions in order to adequately reflect real driving emissions; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

3.   The Commission
  is empowered to
  adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 14a:

3.
     The Commission
  shall
  adopt
  no later than 1 June 2021
  delegated acts in accordance with Article 14a supplementing this Regulation in order to adapt the procedures, tests and requirements as well as the test cycles used to measure emissions in order to adequately reflect real driving emissions
  under normal conditions of use, including inter alia temperature and boundary conditions, lowering the zero response drift and addressing hazardous spikes in particles resulting from filter cleaning, taking into account any relevant elements of standardisation developed by CEN and based on best available equipment.

(a)

(a)

supplementing this Regulation in order to adapt the procedures, tests and requirements as well as the test cycles used to measure emissions in order to adequately reflect real driving emissions;

| (b) | amending this Regulation in order to adapt to technical progress the pollutant-specific
  final
  conformity factors set out in Table 2a to Annex I. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

(b)

amending this Regulation in order to adapt to technical progress the pollutant-specific
  final
  conformity factors set out in Table 2a to Annex I.

final

3a.
     
  The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 14a
  amending this Regulation in order to adapt to technical progress
  and review downwards
  the pollutant-specific conformity factors set out in Table 2a to Annex I.

Amendment 24

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Annex — paragraph 1

Annex — paragraph 1

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Annex I — table 2a — row 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

| CF pollutant-final (2) | 1,43 | 1,5 | — | — | — |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

CF pollutant-final (2)

2

1,43

1,43

1,5

1,5

—

—

—

Amendment

Amendment

| CF pollutant-final (2) | 1 + margin (margin =0,32

   (*1)



  ) | 1 + margin (margin =0,5

   (*1)



  ) | — | — | — |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

CF pollutant-final (2)

2

1 + margin (margin =0,32

   (*1)



  )

1 + margin (margin =0,32

*1

)

1 + margin (margin =0,5

   (*1)



  )

1 + margin (margin =0,5

*1

)

—

—

—

---

(1)  The matter was referred back for interinstitutional negotiations to the committee responsible, pursuant to Rule 59(4), fourth subparagraph (A9-0139/2020).

1

(4)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 of 18 July 2008 implementing and amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information (OJ L 199, 28.7.2008, p. 1).

4

(5)  Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 of 1 June 2017 supplementing Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information, amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Commission Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012 and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 (OJ L 175, 7.7.2017, p. 1).

5

(3a)  
  Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2007 and (EC) No 595/2009 and repealing Directive 2007/46/EC (OJ L 151, 14.6.2018, p. 1).

3a

Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, amending Regulations (EC) No 715/2007 and (EC) No 595/2009 and repealing Directive 2007/46/EC (OJ L 151, 14.6.2018, p. 1).

(4)  Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 of 18 July 2008 implementing and amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information (OJ L 199, 28.7.2008, p. 1).

4

(5)  Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 of 1 June 2017 supplementing Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information, amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Commission Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012 and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 (OJ L 175, 7.7.2017, p. 1).

5

(1a)  
  EEA Air Quality in Europe 2019 report.

1a

EEA Air Quality in Europe 2019 report.

(6)  Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/427 of 10 March 2016 amending Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 as regards emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 6), OJ L 82, 31.3.2016, p. 1.

6

(7)  Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/646 of 20 April 2016 amending Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 as regards emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 6) (OJ L 109, 26.04.2016, p. 1).

7

(8)  Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1154 of 7 June 2017 amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 supplementing Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information, amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Commission Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards real-driving emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 6), OJ L 175, 7.7.2017, p. 708.

8

(6)  Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/427 of 10 March 2016 amending Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 as regards emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 6) (OJ L 82, 31.3.2016, p. 1).

6

(7)  Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/646 of 20 April 2016 amending Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 as regards emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 6) (OJ L 109, 26.04.2016, p. 1).

7

(8)  Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1154 of 7 June 2017 amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 supplementing Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information, amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Commission Regulation (EU) No 1230/2012 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards real-driving emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 6) (OJ L 175, 7.7.2017, p. 708).

8

(8a)  
  Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1832 of 5 November 2018 amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 for the purpose of improving the emission type approval tests and procedures for light passenger and commercial vehicles, including those for in-service conformity and real-driving emissions and introducing devices for monitoring the consumption of fuel and electric energy(OJ L 301, 27.11.2018, p. 1).

8a

Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/1832 of 5 November 2018 amending Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 and Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151 for the purpose of improving the emission type approval tests and procedures for light passenger and commercial vehicles, including those for in-service conformity and real-driving emissions and introducing devices for monitoring the consumption of fuel and electric energy(OJ L 301, 27.11.2018, p. 1).

(9)  Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/646 of 20 April 2016 amending Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 as regards emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 6) (OJ L 109, 26.04.2016, p. 1).

9

(9)  Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/646 of 20 April 2016 amending Regulation (EC) No 692/2008 as regards emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 6) (OJ L 109, 26.04.2016, p. 1).

9

(11)  Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23).

11

(11)  Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23).

11

(1a)  

  OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1.

1a

OJ L 123, 12.5.2016, p. 1.

(2)  CF pollutant-final is the conformity factor used to determine compliance with the Euro 6 emission limits by taking into account the technical uncertainties linked with the
  use
  of the Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS).

2

use

(*1)  
  to be revised downwards at least annually on the basis of regular assessments of the Joint Research Centre

*1

to be revised downwards at least annually on the basis of regular assessments of the Joint Research Centre

(2)  CF pollutant-final is the conformity factor used to determine compliance with the Euro 6 emission limits
  under a transitional period
  by taking into account the
  additional
  technical
  measurement
  uncertainties linked with the
  introduction
  of the Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS).
  It is expressed as 1 + a margin of measurement uncertainty. By 30 September 2022 the margin shall be zero, and the conformity factor shall cease to apply
  .

2

under a transitional period

additional

measurement

introduction

It is expressed as 1 + a margin of measurement uncertainty. By 30 September 2022 the margin shall be zero, and the conformity factor shall cease to apply

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/289 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/289

---

P9_TA(2020)0223

Just Transition Fund ***I

Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 17 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Just Transition Fund (COM(2020)0022 — C9-0007/2020 — 2020/0006(COD)) (1)

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

(2021/C 385/32)

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (1) | The regulatory framework governing the Union’s cohesion policy for the period from 2021 to 2027, in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework, contributes to the fulfilment of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement
  and
  the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by concentrating Union funding on green objectives. This Regulation implements one of the priorities set out in the Communication on the European Green Deal (‘the European Green Deal’) (11) and is part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan (12) providing dedicated financing under the Just Transition Mechanism in the context of cohesion policy to address the economic
  and
  social costs of the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy, where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are compensated by equivalent absorptions. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1)

The regulatory framework governing the Union’s cohesion policy for the period from 2021 to 2027, in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework, contributes to the fulfilment of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement
  and
  the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by concentrating Union funding on green objectives. This Regulation implements one of the priorities set out in the Communication on the European Green Deal (‘the European Green Deal’) (11) and is part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan (12) providing dedicated financing under the Just Transition Mechanism in the context of cohesion policy to address the economic
  and
  social costs of the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy, where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are compensated by equivalent absorptions.

| (1) | The regulatory framework governing the Union’s cohesion policy for the period from 2021 to 2027, in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework, contributes to the fulfilment of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement
  , limiting global temperature increase to below 1,5  oC,
  the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  and the European Pillar of Social Rights
  by concentrating Union funding on green objectives. This Regulation implements one of the priorities set out in the Communication on the European Green Deal (‘the European Green Deal’) (11) and is part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan (12) providing dedicated financing under the Just Transition Mechanism in the context of cohesion policy to address the economic, social
  and environmental
  costs of the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy, where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are compensated by equivalent absorptions
  , taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
  . |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The regulatory framework governing the Union’s cohesion policy for the period from 2021 to 2027, in the context of the next multi-annual financial framework, contributes to the fulfilment of the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement
  , limiting global temperature increase to below 1,5  oC,
  the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  and the European Pillar of Social Rights
  by concentrating Union funding on green objectives. This Regulation implements one of the priorities set out in the Communication on the European Green Deal (‘the European Green Deal’) (11) and is part of the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan (12) providing dedicated financing under the Just Transition Mechanism in the context of cohesion policy to address the economic, social
  and environmental
  costs of the transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy, where any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are compensated by equivalent absorptions
  , taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
  .

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (2) | The transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the Union. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. While fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term, not all regions and Member States start their transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. Some are more advanced than others, whereas the transition entails a wider social
  and
  economic impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels — especially coal, lignite, peat and oil shale — or greenhouse gas intensive industries. Such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the Union as regards climate action, but also of growing disparities between regions, detrimental to the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2)

The transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the Union. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. While fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term, not all regions and Member States start their transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. Some are more advanced than others, whereas the transition entails a wider social
  and
  economic impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels — especially coal, lignite, peat and oil shale — or greenhouse gas intensive industries. Such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the Union as regards climate action, but also of growing disparities between regions, detrimental to the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion.

| (2) | The transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the Union. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. While fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term, not all regions and Member States start their transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. Some are more advanced than others, whereas the transition entails a wider social, economic
  and environmental
  impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels — especially coal, lignite, peat
  for energy use
  and oil shale- or greenhouse gas intensive industries. Such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the Union as regards climate action, but also of growing disparities between regions,
  especially for outermost regions, remote, insular and geographically disadvantaged areas, and for areas with depopulation problems,
  detrimental to the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy constitutes one of the most important policy objectives for the Union. On 12 December 2019, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral Union by 2050, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. While fighting climate change and environmental degradation will benefit all in the long term and provides opportunities and challenges for all in the medium term, not all regions and Member States start their transition from the same point or have the same capacity to respond. Some are more advanced than others, whereas the transition entails a wider social, economic
  and environmental
  impact for those regions that rely heavily on fossil fuels — especially coal, lignite, peat
  for energy use
  and oil shale- or greenhouse gas intensive industries. Such a situation not only creates the risk of a variable speed transition in the Union as regards climate action, but also of growing disparities between regions,
  especially for outermost regions, remote, insular and geographically disadvantaged areas, and for areas with depopulation problems,
  detrimental to the objectives of social, economic and territorial cohesion.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (3) | In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair and socially acceptable for all. Therefore,
  both
  the Union
  and
  the Member States must take into account its economic
  and
  social implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences. The Union budget has an important role in that regard. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)

In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair and socially acceptable for all. Therefore,
  both
  the Union
  and
  the Member States must take into account its economic
  and
  social implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences. The Union budget has an important role in that regard.

| (3) | In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair
  , inclusive
  and socially acceptable for all. Therefore, the Union, the Member States
  and their regions
  must take into account its economic, social
  and environmental
  implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences. The Union budget has an important role in that regard
  to ensure that no one is left behind
  . |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In order to be successful, the transition has to be fair
  , inclusive
  and socially acceptable for all. Therefore, the Union, the Member States
  and their regions
  must take into account its economic, social
  and environmental
  implications from the outset, and deploy all possible instruments to mitigate adverse consequences. The Union budget has an important role in that regard
  to ensure that no one is left behind
  .

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (4) | As set out in the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, a Just Transition Mechanism should complement the other actions under the next multi-annual financial framework for the period from 2021 to 2027. It should contribute to addressing the social
  and
  economic consequences of transitioning towards Union climate neutrality by bringing together the Union budget’s spending on climate and social objectives at regional level. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4)

As set out in the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, a Just Transition Mechanism should complement the other actions under the next multi-annual financial framework for the period from 2021 to 2027. It should contribute to addressing the social
  and
  economic consequences of transitioning towards Union climate neutrality by bringing together the Union budget’s spending on climate and social objectives at regional level.

| (4) | As set out in the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, a Just Transition Mechanism should complement the other actions under the next multi-annual financial framework for the period from 2021 to 2027. It should contribute to addressing the social, economic
  and environmental
  consequences
  , in particular for workers affected in the process
  of transitioning towards Union climate neutrality
  by 2050
  by bringing together the Union budget’s spending on climate and social objectives at regional level
  , promoting a sustainable economy, green jobs and public health
  . |
| --- | --- |

(4)

As set out in the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, a Just Transition Mechanism should complement the other actions under the next multi-annual financial framework for the period from 2021 to 2027. It should contribute to addressing the social, economic
  and environmental
  consequences
  , in particular for workers affected in the process
  of transitioning towards Union climate neutrality
  by 2050
  by bringing together the Union budget’s spending on climate and social objectives at regional level
  , promoting a sustainable economy, green jobs and public health
  .

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (5) | This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is to mitigate the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned. In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy and by mitigating the negative repercussions on employment. This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article [4] of Regulation EU [new CPR]. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5)

This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is to mitigate the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned. In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy and by mitigating the negative repercussions on employment. This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article [4] of Regulation EU [new CPR].

| (5) | This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is to mitigate
  and compensate
  the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned
  and to promote a balanced socio-economic transition that fights social precarity and an unstable business environment
  . In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy
  by regenerating natural assets
  and by mitigating the negative repercussions on employment
  and on standards of living
  . This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article[4] of Regulation EU [new CPR]. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) which is one of the pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism implemented under cohesion policy. The aim of the JTF is to mitigate
  and compensate
  the adverse effects of the climate transition by supporting the most affected territories and workers concerned
  and to promote a balanced socio-economic transition that fights social precarity and an unstable business environment
  . In line with the JTF specific objective, actions supported by the JTF should directly contribute to alleviate the impact of the transition by financing the diversification and modernisation of the local economy
  by regenerating natural assets
  and by mitigating the negative repercussions on employment
  and on standards of living
  . This is reflected in the JTF specific objective, which is established at the same level and listed together with the policy objectives set out in Article[4] of Regulation EU [new CPR].

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (6) | In view of the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the commitment regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the increased ambition of the Union as proposed in the European Green Deal, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate actions. Resources from the JTF own envelope are additional and come on top of the investments needed to achieve the overall target of
  25 %
  of the Union budget expenditure contributing to climate objectives. Resources transferred from the ERDF and ESF+
  will
  contribute fully to the achievement of this target. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6)

In view of the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the commitment regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the increased ambition of the Union as proposed in the European Green Deal, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate actions. Resources from the JTF own envelope are additional and come on top of the investments needed to achieve the overall target of
  25 %
  of the Union budget expenditure contributing to climate objectives. Resources transferred from the ERDF and ESF+
  will
  contribute fully to the achievement of this target.

| (6) | In view of the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the commitment regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the increased ambition of the Union as proposed in the European Green Deal, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate
  and environmental
  actions. Resources from the JTF own envelope are additional and come on top of the investments needed to achieve the overall target of
  30 %
  of the Union budget expenditure contributing to climate objectives. Resources transferred
  on a voluntary basis
  from the ERDF and ESF+
  could
  contribute fully to the achievement of this target. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

In view of the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the commitment regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the increased ambition of the Union as proposed in the European Green Deal, the JTF should provide a key contribution to mainstream climate
  and environmental
  actions. Resources from the JTF own envelope are additional and come on top of the investments needed to achieve the overall target of
  30 %
  of the Union budget expenditure contributing to climate objectives. Resources transferred
  on a voluntary basis
  from the ERDF and ESF+
  could
  contribute fully to the achievement of this target.

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (7) | The resources from the JTF should complement the resources available under cohesion policy. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)

The resources from the JTF should complement the resources available under cohesion policy.

| (7) | The resources from the JTF should complement the resources available under cohesion policy.
  The establishment of the JTF should not lead to cuts to, or compulsory transfers from, the other cohesion funds. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The resources from the JTF should complement the resources available under cohesion policy.
  The establishment of the JTF should not lead to cuts to, or compulsory transfers from, the other cohesion funds.

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (8) | Transitioning to a climate-neutral economy is a challenge for all Member States. It will be particularly demanding for those Member States that rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member States, but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of Member States to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8)

Transitioning to a climate-neutral economy is a challenge for all Member States. It will be particularly demanding for those Member States that rely heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member States, but the distribution of its financial means should reflect the capacity of Member States to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality.

| (8) | Transitioning to a climate-neutral economy is a challenge for all Member States. It will be particularly demanding for those Member States that rely
  , or which until recently have relied,
  heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member States, but the distribution of its financial means should
  focus on those territories most affected, and
  reflect the capacity of Member States to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality
  , with particular attention to least developed regions, outermost regions, mountainous, islands, sparsely populated, rural, remote and geographically disadvantaged areas whose small population make the transition in energy towards climate neutrality more difficult to implement, and taking into account the starting position of each Member State
  . |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Transitioning to a climate-neutral economy is a challenge for all Member States. It will be particularly demanding for those Member States that rely
  , or which until recently have relied,
  heavily on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas intensive industrial activities which need to be phased out or which need to adapt due to the transition towards climate neutrality and that lack the financial means to do so. The JTF should therefore cover all Member States, but the distribution of its financial means should
  focus on those territories most affected, and
  reflect the capacity of Member States to finance the necessary investments to cope with the transition towards climate neutrality
  , with particular attention to least developed regions, outermost regions, mountainous, islands, sparsely populated, rural, remote and geographically disadvantaged areas whose small population make the transition in energy towards climate neutrality more difficult to implement, and taking into account the starting position of each Member State
  .

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (9) | In order to set out an appropriate financial framework for the JTF, the Commission should set out the annual breakdown of available allocations per Member State under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, based on objective criteria. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9)

In order to set out an appropriate financial framework for the JTF, the Commission should set out the annual breakdown of available allocations per Member State under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, based on objective criteria.

| (9) | In order to set out an appropriate financial framework for the JTF, the Commission should set out the annual breakdown of available allocations per Member State under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, based on objective criteria.
  Member States should ensure that municipalities and cities have direct access to the JTF resources to be made available to them according to their objective needs. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

In order to set out an appropriate financial framework for the JTF, the Commission should set out the annual breakdown of available allocations per Member State under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, based on objective criteria.
  Member States should ensure that municipalities and cities have direct access to the JTF resources to be made available to them according to their objective needs.

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (10) | This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate
  and
  environmental priorities of the Union. The list of investments should include those that support local economies and are sustainable in the long-term, taking into account all the objectives of the Green Deal. The projects financed should contribute to a transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction in the employment level. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 2050 (13) while maintaining and enhancing employment and avoiding environmental degradation. Particular attention should also be given to activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation
  and
  connectivity, provided that such measures help mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards, and contribute to, a climate-neutral and circular economy. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10)

This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate
  and
  environmental priorities of the Union. The list of investments should include those that support local economies and are sustainable in the long-term, taking into account all the objectives of the Green Deal. The projects financed should contribute to a transition to a climate-neutral and circular economy. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction in the employment level. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 2050 (13) while maintaining and enhancing employment and avoiding environmental degradation. Particular attention should also be given to activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation
  and
  connectivity, provided that such measures help mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards, and contribute to, a climate-neutral and circular economy.

| (10) | This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate, environmental
  and social commitments and
  priorities of the Union. The list of investments should include those that support
  people, communities and
  local economies and are sustainable in the long-term, taking into account all the objectives of the
  European
  Green Deal
  and the European Pillar of Social Rights
  . The projects financed should contribute to a 
  gradual and full
  transition to a 
  sustainable,
  climate-neutral
  , pollution-free
  and circular economy. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction in the employment level. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 2050 (13) while maintaining and enhancing
  skilled
  employment and avoiding environmental degradation. Particular attention should also be given to activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation, connectivity
  and smart and sustainable mobility
  , provided that such measures help mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards, and contribute to, a climate-neutral and circular economy
  , taking into account the economic, social and energy characteristics of each Member State
  .
  The importance of culture, education and community building for the transition process should also be met by supporting activities that address the mining heritage. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

This Regulation identifies types of investments for which expenditure may be supported by the JTF. All supported activities should be pursued in full respect of the climate, environmental
  and social commitments and
  priorities of the Union. The list of investments should include those that support
  people, communities and
  local economies and are sustainable in the long-term, taking into account all the objectives of the
  European
  Green Deal
  and the European Pillar of Social Rights
  . The projects financed should contribute to a 
  gradual and full
  transition to a 
  sustainable,
  climate-neutral
  , pollution-free
  and circular economy. For declining sectors, such as energy production based on coal, lignite, peat and oil shale or extraction activities for these solid fossil fuels, support should be linked to the phasing out of the activity and the corresponding reduction in the employment level. As regards transforming sectors with high greenhouse gas emission levels, support should promote new activities through the deployment of new technologies, new processes or products, leading to significant emission reduction, in line with the EU 2030 climate objectives and EU climate neutrality by 2050 (13) while maintaining and enhancing
  skilled
  employment and avoiding environmental degradation. Particular attention should also be given to activities enhancing innovation and research in advanced and sustainable technologies, as well as in the fields of digitalisation, connectivity
  and smart and sustainable mobility
  , provided that such measures help mitigate the negative side effects of a transition towards, and contribute to, a climate-neutral and circular economy
  , taking into account the economic, social and energy characteristics of each Member State
  .
  The importance of culture, education and community building for the transition process should also be met by supporting activities that address the mining heritage.

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (11) | To protect citizens who are most vulnerable to the climate transition, the JTF should also cover the up-skilling
  and
  reskilling of the affected workers, with the aim of helping them to adapt to new employment opportunities, as well as providing job-search assistance to jobseekers and their active inclusion into the labour market. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11)

To protect citizens who are most vulnerable to the climate transition, the JTF should also cover the up-skilling
  and
  reskilling of the affected workers, with the aim of helping them to adapt to new employment opportunities, as well as providing job-search assistance to jobseekers and their active inclusion into the labour market.

| (11) | To protect citizens who are most vulnerable to the climate transition, the JTF should also cover the up-skilling, reskilling
  and training
  of the affected workers
  and jobseekers, particularly women
  , with the aim of helping them to adapt to new employment opportunities
  and gain new qualifications suitable for the green economy
  , as well as providing job-search assistance to jobseekers and their active inclusion into the labour market.
  The promotion of social cohesion should be a guiding principle for providing support under the JTF. |
| --- | --- |

(11)

To protect citizens who are most vulnerable to the climate transition, the JTF should also cover the up-skilling, reskilling
  and training
  of the affected workers
  and jobseekers, particularly women
  , with the aim of helping them to adapt to new employment opportunities
  and gain new qualifications suitable for the green economy
  , as well as providing job-search assistance to jobseekers and their active inclusion into the labour market.
  The promotion of social cohesion should be a guiding principle for providing support under the JTF.

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 12

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (12) | In order to enhance the economic diversification of territories impacted by the transition, the JTF should provide support to productive investment in SMEs. Productive investment should be understood as investment in fixed capital or immaterial assets of enterprises in view of producing goods and services thereby contributing to gross-capital formation and employment. For enterprises other than SMEs, productive investments should only be supported if they are necessary for mitigating job losses resulting from the transition, by creating or protecting a significant number of jobs and they do not lead to or result from relocation. Investments in existing industrial facilities, including those covered by the Union Emissions Trading System, should be allowed if they contribute to the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050 and go substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (14) and if they result in the
  protection
  of a significant number of jobs. Any such investment should be justified accordingly in the relevant territorial just transition plan. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market and cohesion policy, support to undertakings should comply with Union State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 TFEU
  and, in particular, support to productive investments by enterprises other than SMEs should be limited to enterprises located in areas designated as assisted areas for the purposes of points (a) and (c) of Article 107(3) TFEU
  . |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(12)

In order to enhance the economic diversification of territories impacted by the transition, the JTF should provide support to productive investment in SMEs. Productive investment should be understood as investment in fixed capital or immaterial assets of enterprises in view of producing goods and services thereby contributing to gross-capital formation and employment. For enterprises other than SMEs, productive investments should only be supported if they are necessary for mitigating job losses resulting from the transition, by creating or protecting a significant number of jobs and they do not lead to or result from relocation. Investments in existing industrial facilities, including those covered by the Union Emissions Trading System, should be allowed if they contribute to the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050 and go substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (14) and if they result in the
  protection
  of a significant number of jobs. Any such investment should be justified accordingly in the relevant territorial just transition plan. In order to protect the integrity of the internal market and cohesion policy, support to undertakings should comply with Union State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 TFEU
  and, in particular, support to productive investments by enterprises other than SMEs should be limited to enterprises located in areas designated as assisted areas for the purposes of points (a) and (c) of Article 107(3) TFEU
  .

| (12) | In order to enhance the economic diversification of territories impacted by the transition, the JTF should provide support to productive investment in SMEs. Productive investment should be understood as investment in fixed capital or immaterial assets of enterprises in view of producing goods and services thereby contributing to gross-capital formation and employment. For enterprises other than SMEs, productive investments should only be supported if they are necessary for mitigating job losses resulting from the transition, by creating or protecting a significant number of jobs and they do not lead to or result from relocation. Investments in existing industrial facilities, including those covered by the Union Emissions Trading System, should be allowed if they contribute to the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050 and go substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (14) and if they result in the
  creation and maintenance
  of a significant number of jobs. Any such investment should be justified accordingly in the relevant territorial just transition plan
  , be sustainable and, where applicable, be consistent with the polluter pays principle and the energy efficiency first principle
  . In order to protect the integrity of the internal market and cohesion policy, support to undertakings should comply with Union State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 TFEU. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

In order to enhance the economic diversification of territories impacted by the transition, the JTF should provide support to productive investment in SMEs. Productive investment should be understood as investment in fixed capital or immaterial assets of enterprises in view of producing goods and services thereby contributing to gross-capital formation and employment. For enterprises other than SMEs, productive investments should only be supported if they are necessary for mitigating job losses resulting from the transition, by creating or protecting a significant number of jobs and they do not lead to or result from relocation. Investments in existing industrial facilities, including those covered by the Union Emissions Trading System, should be allowed if they contribute to the transition to a climate-neutral economy by 2050 and go substantially below the relevant benchmarks established for free allocation under Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (14) and if they result in the
  creation and maintenance
  of a significant number of jobs. Any such investment should be justified accordingly in the relevant territorial just transition plan
  , be sustainable and, where applicable, be consistent with the polluter pays principle and the energy efficiency first principle
  . In order to protect the integrity of the internal market and cohesion policy, support to undertakings should comply with Union State aid rules as set out in Articles 107 and 108 TFEU.

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 12 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (12a) | Support for productive investment in enterprises, other than SMEs, through the JTF should be limited to less developed and transition regions as set out in Article 102(2) of Regulation No .../... [CPR]. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(12a)

Support for productive investment in enterprises, other than SMEs, through the JTF should be limited to less developed and transition regions as set out in Article 102(2) of Regulation No .../... [CPR].

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (13) | In order to provide flexibility for the programming of the JTF resources under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it should be possible to prepare a self-standing JTF programme or to programme JTF resources in one or more dedicated priorities within a programme supported by the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’), the European Social Fund Plus (‘ESF+’) or the Cohesion Fund. In accordance with Article 21a of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], JTF resources
  should
  be reinforced with complementary funding from the ERDF and the ESF+. The respective amounts transferred from the ERDF and the ESF+ should be consistent with the type of operations set out in the territorial just transition plans. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13)

In order to provide flexibility for the programming of the JTF resources under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it should be possible to prepare a self-standing JTF programme or to programme JTF resources in one or more dedicated priorities within a programme supported by the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’), the European Social Fund Plus (‘ESF+’) or the Cohesion Fund. In accordance with Article 21a of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], JTF resources
  should
  be reinforced with complementary funding from the ERDF and the ESF+. The respective amounts transferred from the ERDF and the ESF+ should be consistent with the type of operations set out in the territorial just transition plans.

| (13) | In order to provide flexibility for the programming of the JTF resources under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it should be possible to prepare a self-standing JTF programme or to programme JTF resources in one or more dedicated priorities within a programme supported by the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’), the European Social Fund Plus (‘ESF+’) or the Cohesion Fund. In accordance with Article 21a of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], JTF resources
  could
  be reinforced
  on a voluntary basis
  with complementary funding from the ERDF and the ESF+. The respective amounts transferred from the ERDF and the ESF+ should be consistent with the type of operations set out in the territorial just transition plans. |
| --- | --- |

(13)

In order to provide flexibility for the programming of the JTF resources under the Investment for jobs and growth goal, it should be possible to prepare a self-standing JTF programme or to programme JTF resources in one or more dedicated priorities within a programme supported by the European Regional Development Fund (‘ERDF’), the European Social Fund Plus (‘ESF+’) or the Cohesion Fund. In accordance with Article 21a of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], JTF resources
  could
  be reinforced
  on a voluntary basis
  with complementary funding from the ERDF and the ESF+. The respective amounts transferred from the ERDF and the ESF+ should be consistent with the type of operations set out in the territorial just transition plans.

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (14) | The JTF support should be conditional on the effective implementation of a transition process in a specific territory in order to achieve a climate-neutral economy. In that regard, Member States should prepare, in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and supported by the Commission, territorial just transition plans, detailing the transition process, consistently with their National Energy and Climate Plans. To this end, the Commission should set up a Just Transition Platform, which would build on the existing platform for coal regions in transition to enable bilateral and multilateral exchanges of experience on lessons learnt and best practices across all affected sectors. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14)

The JTF support should be conditional on the effective implementation of a transition process in a specific territory in order to achieve a climate-neutral economy. In that regard, Member States should prepare, in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders and supported by the Commission, territorial just transition plans, detailing the transition process, consistently with their National Energy and Climate Plans. To this end, the Commission should set up a Just Transition Platform, which would build on the existing platform for coal regions in transition to enable bilateral and multilateral exchanges of experience on lessons learnt and best practices across all affected sectors.

| (14) | The JTF support should be conditional on the effective
  and measurable
  implementation of a transition process in a specific territory in order to achieve a climate-neutral economy. In that regard, Member States should prepare, in
  social dialogue and
  cooperation with the relevant stakeholders
  in accordance with the partnership principle established by Article 6 of Regulation (EU) .../... [new CPR],
  and supported by the Commission, territorial just transition plans, detailing the transition process, consistently with
  , and possibly going further than,
  their National Energy and Climate Plans. To this end, the Commission should set up a Just Transition Platform, which would build on the existing platform for coal regions in transition to enable bilateral and multilateral exchanges of experience on lessons learnt and best practices across all affected sectors. |
| --- | --- |

(14)

The JTF support should be conditional on the effective
  and measurable
  implementation of a transition process in a specific territory in order to achieve a climate-neutral economy. In that regard, Member States should prepare, in
  social dialogue and
  cooperation with the relevant stakeholders
  in accordance with the partnership principle established by Article 6 of Regulation (EU) .../... [new CPR],
  and supported by the Commission, territorial just transition plans, detailing the transition process, consistently with
  , and possibly going further than,
  their National Energy and Climate Plans. To this end, the Commission should set up a Just Transition Platform, which would build on the existing platform for coal regions in transition to enable bilateral and multilateral exchanges of experience on lessons learnt and best practices across all affected sectors.

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (15) | The territorial just transition plans should identify the territories most negatively affected, where JTF support should be concentrated and describe specific actions to be undertaken to reach a climate-neutral economy, notably as regards the conversion or closure of facilities involving fossil fuel production or other greenhouse gas intensive activities. Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges
  and
  needs of those territories and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate-resilient economic activities that are also consistent with the transition to climate-neutrality and the objectives of the Green Deal. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which are approved by the Commission. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15)

The territorial just transition plans should identify the territories most negatively affected, where JTF support should be concentrated and describe specific actions to be undertaken to reach a climate-neutral economy, notably as regards the conversion or closure of facilities involving fossil fuel production or other greenhouse gas intensive activities. Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges
  and
  needs of those territories and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate-resilient economic activities that are also consistent with the transition to climate-neutrality and the objectives of the Green Deal. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which are approved by the Commission.

| (15) | The territorial just transition plans should identify the territories most negatively affected, where JTF support should be concentrated and describe specific actions to be undertaken to reach
  the Union climate targets for 2030 and
  a climate-neutral economy
  by 2050
  , notably as regards the conversion or closure of facilities involving fossil fuel production or other greenhouse gas intensive activities
  , whilst maintaining and expanding employment opportunities in the affected territories in order to avoid social exclusion. Aggravating factors such as unemployment rates and depopulation trends should be taken into consideration
  . Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges, needs
  and opportunities
  of those territories and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate-resilient economic activities that are also consistent with the transition to climate-neutrality and the objectives of the
  European
  Green Deal. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which are approved by the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

The territorial just transition plans should identify the territories most negatively affected, where JTF support should be concentrated and describe specific actions to be undertaken to reach
  the Union climate targets for 2030 and
  a climate-neutral economy
  by 2050
  , notably as regards the conversion or closure of facilities involving fossil fuel production or other greenhouse gas intensive activities
  , whilst maintaining and expanding employment opportunities in the affected territories in order to avoid social exclusion. Aggravating factors such as unemployment rates and depopulation trends should be taken into consideration
  . Those territories should be precisely defined and correspond to NUTS level 3 regions or should be parts thereof. The plans should detail the challenges, needs
  and opportunities
  of those territories and identify the type of operations needed in a manner that ensures the coherent development of climate-resilient economic activities that are also consistent with the transition to climate-neutrality and the objectives of the
  European
  Green Deal. Only investments in accordance with the transition plans should receive financial support from the JTF. The territorial just transition plans should be part of the programmes (supported by the ERDF, the ESF+, the Cohesion Fund or the JTF, as the case may be) which are approved by the Commission.

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (19) | The objectives of this Regulation, namely to support territories facing economic and social transformation in their transition to a climate-neutral economy, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone. The main reasons in this regard are, on the one hand, the disparities between the levels of development of the various territories and the backwardness of the least favoured territories, as well as the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and territories and, on the other hand, the need for a coherent implementation framework covering several Union funds under shared management. Since those objectives can better be achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives, |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(19)

The objectives of this Regulation, namely to support territories facing economic and social transformation in their transition to a climate-neutral economy, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone. The main reasons in this regard are, on the one hand, the disparities between the levels of development of the various territories and the backwardness of the least favoured territories, as well as the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and territories and, on the other hand, the need for a coherent implementation framework covering several Union funds under shared management. Since those objectives can better be achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives,

| (19) | The objectives of this Regulation, namely to support
  the people, economy and environment of
  territories facing economic and social transformation in their transition to a climate-neutral economy, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone. The main reasons in this regard are, on the one hand, the disparities between the levels of development of the various territories and the backwardness of the least favoured territories, as well as the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and territories and, on the other hand, the need for a coherent implementation framework covering several Union funds under shared management
  and ensuring compliance with high social and environmental standards and the promotion of worker participation
  . Since those objectives can better be achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives, |
| --- | --- |

(19)

The objectives of this Regulation, namely to support
  the people, economy and environment of
  territories facing economic and social transformation in their transition to a climate-neutral economy, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States alone. The main reasons in this regard are, on the one hand, the disparities between the levels of development of the various territories and the backwardness of the least favoured territories, as well as the limit on the financial resources of the Member States and territories and, on the other hand, the need for a coherent implementation framework covering several Union funds under shared management
  and ensuring compliance with high social and environmental standards and the promotion of worker participation
  . Since those objectives can better be achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 TEU. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives,

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 — paragraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 1.   This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) to provide support to territories
  facing
  serious socio-economic challenges deriving from the transition process towards a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050. | 1.   This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) to provide support to
  the people, economy and environment of
  territories
  that face
  serious socio-economic challenges deriving from the transition process towards
  the achievement of the Union’s 2030 targets for energy and climate, and
  a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.   This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) to provide support to territories
  facing
  serious socio-economic challenges deriving from the transition process towards a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050.

1.   This Regulation establishes the Just Transition Fund (‘JTF’) to provide support to
  the people, economy and environment of
  territories
  that face
  serious socio-economic challenges deriving from the transition process towards
  the achievement of the Union’s 2030 targets for energy and climate, and
  a climate-neutral economy of the Union by 2050.

Amendment 19

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 — paragraph 1

Article 2 — paragraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the JTF shall contribute to the single specific objective ‘enabling regions
  and
  people to address the social, economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards a climate-neutral economy’. | In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article[4(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the JTF shall contribute to the single specific objective ‘enabling regions, people
  , enterprises and other stakeholders
  to address the social,
  employment,
  economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards a climate-neutral economy’
  by 2050 and the intermediate goals for 2030, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement
  . |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article [4(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the JTF shall contribute to the single specific objective ‘enabling regions
  and
  people to address the social, economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards a climate-neutral economy’.

and

In accordance with the second subparagraph of Article[4(1)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR], the JTF shall contribute to the single specific objective ‘enabling regions, people
  , enterprises and other stakeholders
  to address the social,
  employment,
  economic and environmental impacts of the transition towards a climate-neutral economy’
  by 2050 and the intermediate goals for 2030, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement
  .

, enterprises and other stakeholders

employment,

by 2050 and the intermediate goals for 2030, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement

Amendment 20

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1

Article 3 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   The resources for the JTF under the Investment for jobs and growth goal available for budgetary commitment for the period 2021-2027 shall be EUR
  11 270 459 000
  in
  current
  prices,
  which
  may be increased, as the case may be, by additional resources allocated in the Union budget, and by other resources in accordance with the applicable basic act. | 2.   The resources for the JTF under the Investment for jobs and growth goal available for budgetary commitment for the period 2021-2027 shall be EUR
  25 358 532 750
  in
  2018
  prices,
  (‘principal amount’), and shall not result from the transfer of resources from other Funds covered by Regulation (EU).../... [new CPR]. The principal amount
  may be increased, as the case may be, by additional resources allocated in the Union budget, and by other resources in accordance with the applicable basic act. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

2.   The resources for the JTF under the Investment for jobs and growth goal available for budgetary commitment for the period 2021-2027 shall be EUR
  11 270 459 000
  in
  current
  prices,
  which
  may be increased, as the case may be, by additional resources allocated in the Union budget, and by other resources in accordance with the applicable basic act.

2.   The resources for the JTF under the Investment for jobs and growth goal available for budgetary commitment for the period 2021-2027 shall be EUR
  25 358 532 750
  in
  2018
  prices,
  (‘principal amount’), and shall not result from the transfer of resources from other Funds covered by Regulation (EU).../... [new CPR]. The principal amount
  may be increased, as the case may be, by additional resources allocated in the Union budget, and by other resources in accordance with the applicable basic act.

Amendment 21

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3a — paragraph 3

Article 3a — paragraph 3

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 3.   
  The
  annual
  breakdown
  of the amount referred to in paragraph 1 by Member States shall be included in the Commission decision referred to in Article 3(3) in accordance with the methodology set out in Annex I. | 3.   
  At the request of a Member State, the amount referred to in the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 of this Article shall also be made available for the years 2025-2027. For each period, the respective
  annual
  breakdowns
  of the amount referred to in paragraph 1
  of this Article
  by Member States shall be included in the Commission decision referred to in Article 3(3) in accordance with the methodology set out in Annex I. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

3.   
  The
  annual
  breakdown
  of the amount referred to in paragraph 1 by Member States shall be included in the Commission decision referred to in Article 3(3) in accordance with the methodology set out in Annex I.

3.   
  At the request of a Member State, the amount referred to in the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 of this Article shall also be made available for the years 2025-2027. For each period, the respective
  annual
  breakdowns
  of the amount referred to in paragraph 1
  of this Article
  by Member States shall be included in the Commission decision referred to in Article 3(3) in accordance with the methodology set out in Annex I.

Amendment 22

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 b (new)

Article 3 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Article 3b




  Green Rewarding Mechanism




  18 % of the total of the amounts referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 3(2) and the first subparagraph of Article 3a(1) shall be allocated in accordance with the speed with which the Member States reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, divided by their latest average GNI. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

Article 3b

Green Rewarding Mechanism

18 % of the total of the amounts referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 3(2) and the first subparagraph of Article 3a(1) shall be allocated in accordance with the speed with which the Member States reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, divided by their latest average GNI.

Amendment 23

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 c (new)

Article 3 c (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Article 3c




  Specific allocations for outermost regions and islands




  1 % of the total of the amounts referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 3(2) and the first subparagraph of Article 3a(1) shall be a specific allocation for islands, and 1 % shall be a specific allocation for the outermost regions, as referred to in Article 349 TFEU, given to the Member States concerned. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

Article 3c

Specific allocations for outermost regions and islands

1 % of the total of the amounts referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 3(2) and the first subparagraph of Article 3a(1) shall be a specific allocation for islands, and 1 % shall be a specific allocation for the outermost regions, as referred to in Article 349 TFEU, given to the Member States concerned.

Amendment 66

Amendment 66

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 d (new)

Article 3 d (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Article 3d




  Access to the JTF




  Access to the JTF shall be conditional on the adoption of a national objective towards the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050.




  For those Member States which have not yet committed to a national target for climate neutrality, only 50 % of their national allocation shall be released, while the remaining 50 % shall be made available once they have adopted that target. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

Article 3d

Access to the JTF

Access to the JTF shall be conditional on the adoption of a national objective towards the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050.

For those Member States which have not yet committed to a national target for climate neutrality, only 50 % of their national allocation shall be released, while the remaining 50 % shall be made available once they have adopted that target.

Amendment 24

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point a

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point a

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | productive investments in SMEs, including start-ups, leading to economic diversification and reconversion; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(a)

productive investments in SMEs, including start-ups, leading to economic diversification and reconversion;

| (a) | productive
  and sustainable
  investments in
  microenterprises and
  SMEs, including start-ups
  and sustainable tourism
  , leading to
  job creation, modernisation,
  economic diversification and reconversion; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

productive
  and sustainable
  investments in
  microenterprises and
  SMEs, including start-ups
  and sustainable tourism
  , leading to
  job creation, modernisation,
  economic diversification and reconversion;

and sustainable

microenterprises and

and sustainable tourism

job creation, modernisation,

Amendment 25

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point b

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point b

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | investments in the creation of new firms, including through business incubators and consulting services; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(b)

investments in the creation of new firms, including through business incubators and consulting services;

| (b) | investments in the creation of new firms
  and the development of those existing
  , including through business incubators and consulting services
  , leading to job creation
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

investments in the creation of new firms
  and the development of those existing
  , including through business incubators and consulting services
  , leading to job creation
  ;

and the development of those existing

, leading to job creation

Amendment 26

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point b a (new)

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point b a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (ba) | investments in social infrastructures, leading to job creation and economic diversification; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(ba)

(ba)

investments in social infrastructures, leading to job creation and economic diversification;

investments in social infrastructures, leading to job creation and economic diversification;

Amendment 27

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point c

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point c

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | investments in research and innovation activities and fostering the transfer of advanced technologies; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(c)

investments in research and innovation activities and fostering the transfer of advanced technologies;

| (c) | investments in research and innovation activities
  , including in universities and public research institutions,
  and fostering the transfer of advanced
  and market-ready
  technologies; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

investments in research and innovation activities
  , including in universities and public research institutions,
  and fostering the transfer of advanced
  and market-ready
  technologies;

, including in universities and public research institutions,

and market-ready

Amendment 28

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point d

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point d

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | investments in the deployment of technology and infrastructures for affordable clean energy, in greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy efficiency
  and
  renewable energy; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(d)

investments in the deployment of technology and infrastructures for affordable clean energy, in greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy efficiency
  and
  renewable energy;

and

| (d) | investments in the deployment of technology and infrastructures for affordable clean energy
  and its systems
  , in greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy efficiency
  , energy storage technologies and sustainable
  renewable energy
  , where it leads to job creation and maintenance of sustainable employment at a considerable scale
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

investments in the deployment of technology and infrastructures for affordable clean energy
  and its systems
  , in greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy efficiency
  , energy storage technologies and sustainable
  renewable energy
  , where it leads to job creation and maintenance of sustainable employment at a considerable scale
  ;

and its systems

, energy storage technologies and sustainable

, where it leads to job creation and maintenance of sustainable employment at a considerable scale

Amendment 29

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point d a (new)

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point d a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (da) | investments in smart and sustainable mobility and environmentally-friendly transport infrastructure; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(da)

(da)

investments in smart and sustainable mobility and environmentally-friendly transport infrastructure;

investments in smart and sustainable mobility and environmentally-friendly transport infrastructure;

Amendment 30

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point d b (new)

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point d b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (db) | investments in projects fighting energy poverty, particularly in social housing, and promoting energy efficiency, a climate neutral approach and low-emission district heating in most affected regions; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(db)

(db)

investments in projects fighting energy poverty, particularly in social housing, and promoting energy efficiency, a climate neutral approach and low-emission district heating in most affected regions;

investments in projects fighting energy poverty, particularly in social housing, and promoting energy efficiency, a climate neutral approach and low-emission district heating in most affected regions;

Amendment 31

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point e

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point e

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | investments in digitalisation and digital connectivity; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(e)

investments in digitalisation and digital connectivity;

| (e) | investments in digitalisation
  , digital innovation
  and digital connectivity
  , including digital and precision farming
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

investments in digitalisation
  , digital innovation
  and digital connectivity
  , including digital and precision farming
  ;

, digital innovation

, including digital and precision farming

Amendment 32

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point f

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point f

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (f) | investments in regeneration and decontamination of sites,
  land restoration
  and repurposing projects; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(f)

investments in regeneration and decontamination of sites,
  land restoration
  and repurposing projects;

land restoration

| (f) | investments in
  green infrastructure as well as
  regeneration and decontamination of sites,
  brown fields
  and repurposing projects
  , when the ‘polluter pays’ principle cannot be applied
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

investments in
  green infrastructure as well as
  regeneration and decontamination of sites,
  brown fields
  and repurposing projects
  , when the ‘polluter pays’ principle cannot be applied
  ;

green infrastructure as well as

brown fields

, when the ‘polluter pays’ principle cannot be applied

Amendment 104

Amendment 104

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point g

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point g

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (g) | investments in enhancing the circular economy
  , including
  through waste prevention, reduction, resource efficiency, reuse, repair and recycling; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(g)

investments in enhancing the circular economy
  , including
  through waste prevention, reduction, resource efficiency, reuse, repair and recycling;

, including

| (g) | investments in enhancing the circular economy through waste prevention, reduction, resource efficiency, reuse, repair and recycling; |
| --- | --- |

(g)

investments in enhancing the circular economy through waste prevention, reduction, resource efficiency, reuse, repair and recycling;

Amendment 33

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point g a (new)

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point g a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (ga) | creation and development of social and public services of general interest; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(ga)

(ga)

creation and development of social and public services of general interest;

creation and development of social and public services of general interest;

Amendment 34

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point g b (new)

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point g b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (gb) | investments in culture, education and community building, including the valorisation of tangible and intangible mining heritage and community hubs; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(gb)

(gb)

investments in culture, education and community building, including the valorisation of tangible and intangible mining heritage and community hubs;

investments in culture, education and community building, including the valorisation of tangible and intangible mining heritage and community hubs;

Amendment 35

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point h

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point h

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (h) | upskilling
  and
  reskilling of workers; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(h)

upskilling
  and
  reskilling of workers;

and

| (h) | upskilling, reskilling
  and training
  of workers
  and jobseekers
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(h)

upskilling, reskilling
  and training
  of workers
  and jobseekers
  ;

and training

and jobseekers

Amendment 36

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point i

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point i

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (i) | job-search assistance to jobseekers; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(i)

job-search assistance to jobseekers;

| (i) | job-search assistance to jobseekers
  , active aging support and income support for workers in transition between jobs
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(i)

job-search assistance to jobseekers
  , active aging support and income support for workers in transition between jobs
  ;

, active aging support and income support for workers in transition between jobs

Amendment 37

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point j

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 1 — point j

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (j) | active inclusion of jobseekers; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(j)

active inclusion of jobseekers;

| (j) | active inclusion of jobseekers
  , particularly women, disabled persons and vulnerable groups
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(j)

active inclusion of jobseekers
  , particularly women, disabled persons and vulnerable groups
  ;

, particularly women, disabled persons and vulnerable groups

Amendment 38

Amendment 38

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 2

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Additionally, the JTF may support, in
  areas designated as assisted areas in accordance with points (a) and (c) of
  Article
  107(3) of the TFEU
  , productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (h) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan. | Additionally, the JTF may support, in
  less developed and transition regions as set out in
  Article
  102(2) of Regulation No .../...[new CPR]
  , productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (h) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan
  , to create new jobs, and where they comply with social targets for job creation, gender equality and equal pay and environmental targets, and where they facilitate transition to a climate-neutral economy without supporting relocation, in compliance with Article 60(1) of Regulation No
  .
  ../... [new CPR]. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

Additionally, the JTF may support, in
  areas designated as assisted areas in accordance with points (a) and (c) of
  Article
  107(3) of the TFEU
  , productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (h) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan.

areas designated as assisted areas in accordance with points (a) and (c) of

107(3) of the TFEU

Additionally, the JTF may support, in
  less developed and transition regions as set out in
  Article
  102(2) of Regulation No .../...[new CPR]
  , productive investments in enterprises other than SMEs, provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (h) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan
  , to create new jobs, and where they comply with social targets for job creation, gender equality and equal pay and environmental targets, and where they facilitate transition to a climate-neutral economy without supporting relocation, in compliance with Article 60(1) of Regulation No
  .
  ../... [new CPR].

less developed and transition regions as set out in

102(2) of Regulation No .../...[new CPR]

, to create new jobs, and where they comply with social targets for job creation, gender equality and equal pay and environmental targets, and where they facilitate transition to a climate-neutral economy without supporting relocation, in compliance with Article 60(1) of Regulation No

../... [new CPR].

Amendment 39

Amendment 39

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 3

Article 4 — paragraph 2 — subparagraph 3

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| The JTF may also support investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (i) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan. | The JTF may also support investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (i) of Article 7(2)
  of this Regulation and that they comply with the other conditions laid down in the second subparagraph of this paragraph
  . Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

The JTF may also support investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (i) of Article 7(2). Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan.

The JTF may also support investments to achieve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from activities listed in Annex I to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council provided that such investments have been approved as part of the territorial just transition plan based on the information required under point (i) of Article 7(2)
  of this Regulation and that they comply with the other conditions laid down in the second subparagraph of this paragraph
  . Such investments shall only be eligible where they are necessary for the implementation of the territorial just transition plan.

of this Regulation and that they comply with the other conditions laid down in the second subparagraph of this paragraph

Amendment 40

Amendment 40

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point c

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point c

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | undertakings in difficulty, as defined in Article 2(18) of Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 (16); |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(c)

undertakings in difficulty, as defined in Article 2(18) of Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 (16);

16

| (c) | undertakings in difficulty, as defined in Article 2(18) of Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 (16)

  , except in cases where the difficulties derive from the energy transition process or where the difficulties began after 15 February 2020 and derive from the COVID-19 crisis
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

undertakings in difficulty, as defined in Article 2(18) of Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 (16)

  , except in cases where the difficulties derive from the energy transition process or where the difficulties began after 15 February 2020 and derive from the COVID-19 crisis
  ;

16

, except in cases where the difficulties derive from the energy transition process or where the difficulties began after 15 February 2020 and derive from the COVID-19 crisis

Amendment 41

Amendment 41

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point d

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point d

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | investment related to the production, processing, distribution, storage or combustion of fossil fuels; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(d)

investment related to the production, processing, distribution, storage or combustion of fossil fuels;

| (d) | investment related to the production, processing
  , transport
  , distribution, storage or combustion of fossil fuels; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

investment related to the production, processing
  , transport
  , distribution, storage or combustion of fossil fuels;

, transport

Amendment 42

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point e

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point e

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | investment in broadband infrastructure in areas
  in which there are at least two broadband networks of
  equivalent
  category. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(e)

investment in broadband infrastructure in areas
  in which there are at least two broadband networks of
  equivalent
  category.

in which there are at least two broadband networks of

category.

| (e) | investment in broadband infrastructure in areas
  where
  equivalent
  solutions are provided by the market in competitive conditions to customers; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

investment in broadband infrastructure in areas
  where
  equivalent
  solutions are provided by the market in competitive conditions to customers;

where

solutions are provided by the market in competitive conditions to customers;

Amendment 43

Amendment 43

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point e a (new)

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point e a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (ea) | investment in enterprises other than SMEs, involving the transfer of jobs and production processes from one Member State to another or to a third country; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(ea)

(ea)

investment in enterprises other than SMEs, involving the transfer of jobs and production processes from one Member State to another or to a third country;

investment in enterprises other than SMEs, involving the transfer of jobs and production processes from one Member State to another or to a third country;

Amendment 44

Amendment 44

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point e b (new)

Article 5 — paragraph 1 — point e b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (eb) | operations in a NUTS 2 region where an opening of a new coal, lignite or oil shale mine or of a peat extraction field or a reopening of a temporarily decommissioned coal, lignite or oil shale mine or of a peat extraction field is scheduled during the duration of the programme. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(eb)

(eb)

operations in a NUTS 2 region where an opening of a new coal, lignite or oil shale mine or of a peat extraction field or a reopening of a temporarily decommissioned coal, lignite or oil shale mine or of a peat extraction field is scheduled during the duration of the programme.

operations in a NUTS 2 region where an opening of a new coal, lignite or oil shale mine or of a peat extraction field or a reopening of a temporarily decommissioned coal, lignite or oil shale mine or of a peat extraction field is scheduled during the duration of the programme.

Amendment 45

Amendment 45

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 — paragraph 1 a (new)

Article 5 — paragraph 1 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | By way of derogation from point (d) of Article 5(1) of this Regulation, for regions heavily relying on the extraction and combustion of coal, lignite, oil shale or peat, the Commission may approve territorial just transition plans which include investments in activities related to natural gas, provided that such activities qualify as environmentally sustainable in accordance with Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852

   (16a)

  and comply with the following cumulative conditions: |
| | (a) | are used as a bridging technology replacing coal, lignite, peat, or oil shale; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

By way of derogation from point (d) of Article 5(1) of this Regulation, for regions heavily relying on the extraction and combustion of coal, lignite, oil shale or peat, the Commission may approve territorial just transition plans which include investments in activities related to natural gas, provided that such activities qualify as environmentally sustainable in accordance with Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852

   (16a)

  and comply with the following cumulative conditions:

By way of derogation from point (d) of Article 5(1) of this Regulation, for regions heavily relying on the extraction and combustion of coal, lignite, oil shale or peat, the Commission may approve territorial just transition plans which include investments in activities related to natural gas, provided that such activities qualify as environmentally sustainable in accordance with Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852

16a

and comply with the following cumulative conditions:

(a)

(a)

are used as a bridging technology replacing coal, lignite, peat, or oil shale;

are used as a bridging technology replacing coal, lignite, peat, or oil shale;

| (b) | fall within the limits of sustainable availability or are compatible with the use of clean hydrogen, biogas and biomethane; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

(b)

fall within the limits of sustainable availability or are compatible with the use of clean hydrogen, biogas and biomethane;

fall within the limits of sustainable availability or are compatible with the use of clean hydrogen, biogas and biomethane;

| (c) | contribute to the Union’s environmental objectives on climate change mitigation and adaptation, through accelerating the full phase-out of coal, lignite, peat or oil shale; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

(c)

contribute to the Union’s environmental objectives on climate change mitigation and adaptation, through accelerating the full phase-out of coal, lignite, peat or oil shale;

contribute to the Union’s environmental objectives on climate change mitigation and adaptation, through accelerating the full phase-out of coal, lignite, peat or oil shale;

| (d) | deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution and increase energy efficiency; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

(d)

deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution and increase energy efficiency;

deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution and increase energy efficiency;

| (e) | contribute to tackling energy poverty; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

(e)

contribute to tackling energy poverty;

contribute to tackling energy poverty;

| (f) | do not hamper the development of renewable energy sources in the territories concerned and are compatible and in synergy with a subsequent use of renewable energy sources. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

(f)

do not hamper the development of renewable energy sources in the territories concerned and are compatible and in synergy with a subsequent use of renewable energy sources.

do not hamper the development of renewable energy sources in the territories concerned and are compatible and in synergy with a subsequent use of renewable energy sources.

In duly justified cases, the Commission may also approve investments in non-qualifying activities in accordance with Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, if they comply with all the other conditions set out in the first subparagraph of this paragraph, and the Member State is able to justify, in the territorial just transition plan, the need to support those activities and demonstrates consistency of those activities with Union energy and climate objectives and legislation, as well as its National Energy and Climate Plan.

In duly justified cases, the Commission may also approve investments in non-qualifying activities in accordance with Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, if they comply with all the other conditions set out in the first subparagraph of this paragraph, and the Member State is able to justify, in the territorial just transition plan, the need to support those activities and demonstrates consistency of those activities with Union energy and climate objectives and legislation, as well as its National Energy and Climate Plan.

Amendment 46

Amendment 46

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 1

Article 6 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| The JTF resources shall be programmed for the categories of regions where the territories concerned are located, on the basis of the territorial just transition plans established in accordance with Article 7 and approved by the Commission as part of a programme or a programme amendment. The resources programmed shall take the form of one or more specific programmes or of one or more priorities within a programme. | The JTF resources shall be programmed for the categories of regions where the territories
  or economic activities
  concerned are located, on the basis of the territorial just transition plans established in accordance with Article 7 and approved by the Commission as part of a programme or a programme amendment. The resources programmed shall take the form of one or more specific programmes or of one or more priorities within a programme. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

The JTF resources shall be programmed for the categories of regions where the territories concerned are located, on the basis of the territorial just transition plans established in accordance with Article 7 and approved by the Commission as part of a programme or a programme amendment. The resources programmed shall take the form of one or more specific programmes or of one or more priorities within a programme.

The JTF resources shall be programmed for the categories of regions where the territories
  or economic activities
  concerned are located, on the basis of the territorial just transition plans established in accordance with Article 7 and approved by the Commission as part of a programme or a programme amendment. The resources programmed shall take the form of one or more specific programmes or of one or more priorities within a programme.

or economic activities

Amendment 47

Amendment 47

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 2

Article 6 — paragraph 1 — subparagraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| The Commission shall
  only
  approve a programme where
  the identification of
  the territories most negatively affected by the transition process, contained within the relevant territorial just transition plan,
  is duly justified
  and the relevant territorial just transition plan is consistent with the National Energy and Climate Plan of the Member State concerned. | Unless it duly justifies withholding its approval,
  the Commission shall approve a programme where the territories most negatively affected by the transition process, contained within the relevant territorial just transition plan,
  are duly identified
  and the relevant territorial just transition plan is consistent with the National Energy and Climate Plan of the Member State concerned
  , the climate-neutrality objective for 2050, its intermediate steps by 2030 and the European Pillar of Social Rights
  . |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

The Commission shall
  only
  approve a programme where
  the identification of
  the territories most negatively affected by the transition process, contained within the relevant territorial just transition plan,
  is duly justified
  and the relevant territorial just transition plan is consistent with the National Energy and Climate Plan of the Member State concerned.

only

the identification of

is duly justified

Unless it duly justifies withholding its approval,
  the Commission shall approve a programme where the territories most negatively affected by the transition process, contained within the relevant territorial just transition plan,
  are duly identified
  and the relevant territorial just transition plan is consistent with the National Energy and Climate Plan of the Member State concerned
  , the climate-neutrality objective for 2050, its intermediate steps by 2030 and the European Pillar of Social Rights
  .

Unless it duly justifies withholding its approval,

are duly identified

, the climate-neutrality objective for 2050, its intermediate steps by 2030 and the European Pillar of Social Rights

Amendment 48

Amendment 48

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 — paragraph 2

Article 6 — paragraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   The JTF priority or priorities shall comprise the JTF resources consisting of all or part of the JTF allocation for the Member States
  and
  the resources transferred in accordance with Article [21a] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR]. The total of the ERDF and ESF+ resources transferred to the JTF shall
  be at least equal to
  one and a half times the amount of support from the JTF to that priority
  excluding the resources referred to in paragraph 1 of Article 3a but shall not exceed three times that amount
  . | 2.   The JTF priority or priorities shall comprise the JTF resources consisting of all or part of the JTF allocation for the Member States
  . Those resources may be complemented by
  the resources transferred
  on a voluntary basis
  in accordance with Article [21a] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR]. The total of the ERDF and ESF+ resources
  to be
  transferred to the JTF
  priority
  shall
  not exceed
  one and a half times the amount of support from the JTF to that priority
  . The resources transferred from ERDF and ESF+ shall maintain their original objectives and be included in the levels of thematic concentration of ERDF and ESF+
  . |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

2.   The JTF priority or priorities shall comprise the JTF resources consisting of all or part of the JTF allocation for the Member States
  and
  the resources transferred in accordance with Article [21a] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR]. The total of the ERDF and ESF+ resources transferred to the JTF shall
  be at least equal to
  one and a half times the amount of support from the JTF to that priority
  excluding the resources referred to in paragraph 1 of Article 3a but shall not exceed three times that amount
  .

2.   The JTF priority or priorities shall comprise the JTF resources consisting of all or part of the JTF allocation for the Member States
  . Those resources may be complemented by
  the resources transferred
  on a voluntary basis
  in accordance with Article [21a] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR]. The total of the ERDF and ESF+ resources
  to be
  transferred to the JTF
  priority
  shall
  not exceed
  one and a half times the amount of support from the JTF to that priority
  . The resources transferred from ERDF and ESF+ shall maintain their original objectives and be included in the levels of thematic concentration of ERDF and ESF+
  .

Amendment 49

Amendment 49

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 — paragraph 2 a (new)

Article 6 — paragraph 2 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | 2a.
     
  The JTF is designed for the most vulnerable communities within each region, and therefore eligible projects financed under the JTF contributing to the specific objective in Article 2 shall benefit from co-financing of up to 85 % of relevant costs. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

2a.
     
  The JTF is designed for the most vulnerable communities within each region, and therefore eligible projects financed under the JTF contributing to the specific objective in Article 2 shall benefit from co-financing of up to 85 % of relevant costs.

Amendment 50

Amendment 50

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 1

Article 7 — paragraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 1.   Member States shall prepare, together with the relevant authorities of the territories concerned, one or more territorial just transition plans covering one or more affected territories corresponding to level 3 of the common classification of territorial units for statistics (‘NUTS level 3 regions’) as established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended by Commission Regulation (
  EC
  )
  No 868/2014

   (17) or parts thereof, in accordance with the template set out in Annex II. Those territories shall be those most negatively affected based on the economic and social impacts resulting from the transition, in particular with regard to expected job losses in fossil fuel production and use and the transformation needs of the production processes of industrial facilities with the highest greenhouse gas intensity. | 1.   Member States shall prepare, together with the relevant
  local and regional
  authorities of the territories concerned
  and in accordance with the partnership principle laid down in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) .../... [new CPR] and, where relevant, the assistance of the EIB and EIF
  , one or more territorial just transition plans covering one or more affected territories corresponding to level 3 of the common classification of territorial units for statistics (‘NUTS level 3 regions’) as established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended by Commission Regulation (
  EU
  )
  2016/2066

   (17) or parts thereof, in accordance with the template set out in Annex II. Those territories shall be those most negatively affected based on the economic and social impacts resulting from the transition, in particular with regard to expected job losses in fossil fuel production and use and the transformation needs of the production processes of industrial facilities with the highest greenhouse gas intensity. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

1.   Member States shall prepare, together with the relevant authorities of the territories concerned, one or more territorial just transition plans covering one or more affected territories corresponding to level 3 of the common classification of territorial units for statistics (‘NUTS level 3 regions’) as established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended by Commission Regulation (
  EC
  )
  No 868/2014

   (17) or parts thereof, in accordance with the template set out in Annex II. Those territories shall be those most negatively affected based on the economic and social impacts resulting from the transition, in particular with regard to expected job losses in fossil fuel production and use and the transformation needs of the production processes of industrial facilities with the highest greenhouse gas intensity.

1.   Member States shall prepare, together with the relevant
  local and regional
  authorities of the territories concerned
  and in accordance with the partnership principle laid down in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) .../... [new CPR] and, where relevant, the assistance of the EIB and EIF
  , one or more territorial just transition plans covering one or more affected territories corresponding to level 3 of the common classification of territorial units for statistics (‘NUTS level 3 regions’) as established by Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as amended by Commission Regulation (
  EU
  )
  2016/2066

   (17) or parts thereof, in accordance with the template set out in Annex II. Those territories shall be those most negatively affected based on the economic and social impacts resulting from the transition, in particular with regard to expected job losses in fossil fuel production and use and the transformation needs of the production processes of industrial facilities with the highest greenhouse gas intensity.

Amendment 51

Amendment 51

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 2 — point a

Article 7 — paragraph 2 — point a

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (a) | a description of the transition process at national level towards a climate-neutral economy, including a timeline for key transition steps which are consistent with the latest version of the National Energy and Climate Plan (‘NECP’); |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(a)

a description of the transition process at national level towards a climate-neutral economy, including a timeline for key transition steps which are consistent with the latest version of the National Energy and Climate Plan (‘NECP’);

| (a) | a description of the transition process at national level towards
  the achievement of the Union 2030 climate targets and
  a climate-neutral economy
  by 2050
  , including a timeline for key transition steps which are consistent with the latest version of the National Energy and Climate Plan (‘NECP’); |
| --- | --- |

(a)

a description of the transition process at national level towards
  the achievement of the Union 2030 climate targets and
  a climate-neutral economy
  by 2050
  , including a timeline for key transition steps which are consistent with the latest version of the National Energy and Climate Plan (‘NECP’);

the achievement of the Union 2030 climate targets and

by 2050

Amendment 52

Amendment 52

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 2 — point b

Article 7 — paragraph 2 — point b

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | a justification for identifying the territories as most negatively affected by the transition process referred to in point (a) and to be supported by the JTF, in accordance with paragraph 1; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(b)

a justification for identifying the territories as most negatively affected by the transition process referred to in point (a) and to be supported by the JTF, in accordance with paragraph 1;

| (b) | a justification for identifying the territories as most negatively affected by the transition process referred to in point (a) and to be supported by the JTF, in accordance with paragraph 1
  , including indicators such as the unemployment rate and the depopulation rate
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

a justification for identifying the territories as most negatively affected by the transition process referred to in point (a) and to be supported by the JTF, in accordance with paragraph 1
  , including indicators such as the unemployment rate and the depopulation rate
  ;

, including indicators such as the unemployment rate and the depopulation rate

Amendment 53

Amendment 53

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 2 — point c

Article 7 — paragraph 2 — point c

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (c) | an assessment of the transition challenges faced by the most negatively affected territories, including the social, economic, and environmental impact of the transition to a climate-neutral economy, identifying the potential number of affected jobs and job losses, the development needs and objectives,
  to be reached by 2030
  linked to the transformation or closure of greenhouse gas-intensive activities in those territories; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(c)

an assessment of the transition challenges faced by the most negatively affected territories, including the social, economic, and environmental impact of the transition to a climate-neutral economy, identifying the potential number of affected jobs and job losses, the development needs and objectives,
  to be reached by 2030
  linked to the transformation or closure of greenhouse gas-intensive activities in those territories;

to be reached by 2030

| (c) | an
  impact
  assessment of the transition challenges faced by the most negatively affected territories, including the social, economic, and environmental impact of the transition to a climate-neutral economy, identifying the potential number of affected jobs and job losses, the
  potential impact on government revenues, the
  development needs and objectives, linked to the transformation or closure of greenhouse gas-intensive activities in those territories
  , and the challenges regarding energy poverty
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

an
  impact
  assessment of the transition challenges faced by the most negatively affected territories, including the social, economic, and environmental impact of the transition to a climate-neutral economy, identifying the potential number of affected jobs and job losses, the
  potential impact on government revenues, the
  development needs and objectives, linked to the transformation or closure of greenhouse gas-intensive activities in those territories
  , and the challenges regarding energy poverty
  ;

impact

potential impact on government revenues, the

, and the challenges regarding energy poverty

Amendment 54

Amendment 54

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 2 — point d

Article 7 — paragraph 2 — point d

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | a description of the expected contribution of the JTF support to addressing the social, economic and environmental impacts of the transition to a climate-neutral economy; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(d)

a description of the expected contribution of the JTF support to addressing the social, economic and environmental impacts of the transition to a climate-neutral economy;

| (d) | a description of the expected contribution of the JTF support to addressing the social,
  demographic,
  economic
  , health
  and environmental impacts of the transition to a climate-neutral economy; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

a description of the expected contribution of the JTF support to addressing the social,
  demographic,
  economic
  , health
  and environmental impacts of the transition to a climate-neutral economy;

demographic,

, health

Amendment 55

Amendment 55

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 2 — point e

Article 7 — paragraph 2 — point e

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (e) | an assessment of its consistency with other national, regional or territorial strategies and plans; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(e)

an assessment of its consistency with other national, regional or territorial strategies and plans;

| (e) | an assessment of its consistency with other national, regional or territorial strategies and plans
  , where relevant
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

an assessment of its consistency with other national, regional or territorial strategies and plans
  , where relevant
  ;

, where relevant

Amendment 56

Amendment 56

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 2 — point h

Article 7 — paragraph 2 — point h

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (h) | where support is provided to productive investments to enterprises other than SMEs, an
  exhaustive
  list of such operations and enterprises and a justification of the necessity of such support through a gap analysis demonstrating that the expected job losses would exceed the expected number of jobs created in the absence of the investment; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

(h)

where support is provided to productive investments to enterprises other than SMEs, an
  exhaustive
  list of such operations and enterprises and a justification of the necessity of such support through a gap analysis demonstrating that the expected job losses would exceed the expected number of jobs created in the absence of the investment;

exhaustive

| (h) | where support is provided to productive investments to enterprises other than SMEs, an
  indicative
  list of such operations and enterprises and a justification of the necessity of such support through a gap analysis demonstrating that the expected job losses would exceed the expected number of jobs created in the absence of the investment; |
| --- | --- |

(h)

where support is provided to productive investments to enterprises other than SMEs, an
  indicative
  list of such operations and enterprises and a justification of the necessity of such support through a gap analysis demonstrating that the expected job losses would exceed the expected number of jobs created in the absence of the investment;

indicative

Amendment 57

Amendment 57

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 — paragraph 3

Article 7 — paragraph 3

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 3.   The preparation and implementation of territorial just transition plans shall involve the relevant partners in accordance with Article [6] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR]. | 3.   The preparation and implementation of territorial just transition plans shall involve the relevant partners in accordance with Article [6] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR]
  and, where relevant, the EIB and EIF
  . |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

3.   The preparation and implementation of territorial just transition plans shall involve the relevant partners in accordance with Article [6] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR].

3.   The preparation and implementation of territorial just transition plans shall involve the relevant partners in accordance with Article [6] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR]
  and, where relevant, the EIB and EIF
  .

Amendment 58

Amendment 58

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 — paragraph 2

Article 8 — paragraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   For output indicators, baselines shall be set at zero. The milestones set for 2024 and targets set for 2029 shall be cumulative.
  Targets shall not be revised after the request for programme amendment submitted pursuant to Article [14(2)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] has been approved by the Commission. | 2.   For output indicators, baselines shall be set at zero. The milestones set for 2024 and targets set for 2029 shall be cumulative. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

2.   For output indicators, baselines shall be set at zero. The milestones set for 2024 and targets set for 2029 shall be cumulative.
  Targets shall not be revised after the request for programme amendment submitted pursuant to Article [14(2)] of Regulation (EU) [new CPR] has been approved by the Commission.

2.   For output indicators, baselines shall be set at zero. The milestones set for 2024 and targets set for 2029 shall be cumulative.

Amendment 59

Amendment 59

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 — paragraph 1

Article 9 — paragraph 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Where the Commission concludes,
  based on
  the examination of
  the final performance report of the programme,
  that there is a failure to achieve at least 65 % of the target established for one or more output or result indicators for the JTF resources, it
  may make financial corrections
  pursuant to Article [98] of
  Regulation (EU) [new CPR]
  by reducing the support from the JTF to the priority concerned in proportion to the achievements
  . | Based on the final performance report of the programme,
  the Commission
  may make financial corrections
  in accordance with
  Regulation (EU) [new CPR]. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

Where the Commission concludes,
  based on
  the examination of
  the final performance report of the programme,
  that there is a failure to achieve at least 65 % of the target established for one or more output or result indicators for the JTF resources, it
  may make financial corrections
  pursuant to Article [98] of
  Regulation (EU) [new CPR]
  by reducing the support from the JTF to the priority concerned in proportion to the achievements
  .

Where the Commission concludes,

the examination of

that there is a failure to achieve at least 65 % of the target established for one or more output or result indicators for the JTF resources, it

pursuant to Article [98] of

by reducing the support from the JTF to the priority concerned in proportion to the achievements

Based on the final performance report of the programme,
  the Commission
  may make financial corrections
  in accordance with
  Regulation (EU) [new CPR].

the Commission

in accordance with

Amendment 60

Amendment 60

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 a (new)

Article 10 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Article 10a




  Transitional provisions




  Member States shall benefit from a transition period until ... [one year from the date of entry into force of this Regulation] for the preparation and adoption of the territorial just transition plans. All Member States shall be fully eligible for funding under this Regulation during that transition period, which shall not be taken into account by the Commission when considering a decision on decommitment or loss of funding. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

Article 10a

Transitional provisions

Member States shall benefit from a transition period until ... [one year from the date of entry into force of this Regulation] for the preparation and adoption of the territorial just transition plans. All Member States shall be fully eligible for funding under this Regulation during that transition period, which shall not be taken into account by the Commission when considering a decision on decommitment or loss of funding.

Amendment 61

Amendment 61

Proposal for a regulation

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 b (new)

Article 10 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Article 10b




  Review




  At the latest by the end of mid-term review of the next multi-annual financial framework, the Commission shall review the implementation of the JTF and assess whether it is appropriate to amend its scope in line with possible changes in Regulation (EU) 2020/852, the Union’s climate objectives set out in Regulation (EU) 2020/... [European Climate Law] and the evolution in the implementation of the Sustainable Finance Action Plan. On that basis, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council, which may be accompanied by legislative proposals. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment

Article 10b

Review

At the latest by the end of mid-term review of the next multi-annual financial framework, the Commission shall review the implementation of the JTF and assess whether it is appropriate to amend its scope in line with possible changes in Regulation (EU) 2020/852, the Union’s climate objectives set out in Regulation (EU) 2020/... [European Climate Law] and the evolution in the implementation of the Sustainable Finance Action Plan. On that basis, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council, which may be accompanied by legislative proposals.

---

(1)  The matter was referred back for interinstitutional negotiations to the committee responsible, pursuant to Rule 59(4), fourth subparagraph (A9-0135/2020).

1

(11)  COM(2019)0640, 11.12.2019.

11

(12)  COM(2020)0021, 14.1.2020.

12

(11)  COM(2019)0640, 11.12.2019.

11

(12)  COM(2020)0021, 14.1.2020.

12

(13)  As set out in ‘A Clean Planet for all European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy’, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank — COM(2018)0773.

13

(13)  As set out in ‘A Clean Planet for all European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy’, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and the European Investment Bank — COM(2018)0773.

13

(14)  Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

14

(14)  Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32).

14

(16)  Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of 17 June 2014 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty (OJ L 187, 26.6.2014, p. 1).

16

(16)  Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of 17 June 2014 declaring certain categories of aid compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty (OJ L 187, 26.6.2014, p. 1).

16

(16a)  
  Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13).

16a

Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13).

(17)  Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154 21.6.2003, p. 1).

17

(17)  Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 May 2003 on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics (NUTS) (OJ L 154, 21.6.2003, p. 1).

17

---

| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/317 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/317

---

P9_TA(2020)0225

Determination of a clear risk of a serious breach by Poland of the rule of law

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the proposal for a Council decision on the determination of a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the rule of law (COM(2017)0835 — 2017/0360R(NLE))

(2021/C 385/33)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal for a Council decision (COM(2017)0835), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a Council decision (COM(2017)0835),

| — | having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 2 and Article 7(1) thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 2 and Article 7(1) thereof,

| — | 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 European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the Protocols thereto, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the Protocols thereto,

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

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

| — | having regard to the international human rights treaties of the United Nations, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the international human rights treaties of the United Nations, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

| — | 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 its legislative resolution of 20 April 2004 on the Commission communication on Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union: Respect for and promotion of the values on which the Union is based (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its legislative resolution of 20 April 2004 on the Commission communication on Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union: Respect for and promotion of the values on which the Union is based (1),

| — | having regard to Communication of 15 October 2003 from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union — Respect for and promotion of the values on which the Union is based (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Communication of 15 October 2003 from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union — Respect for and promotion of the values on which the Union is based (2),

| — | having regard to Communication of 11 March 2014 from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, ‘A new EU Framework to strengthen the Rule of Law’ (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Communication of 11 March 2014 from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, ‘A new EU Framework to strengthen the Rule of Law’ (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 April 2016 on the situation in Poland (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 April 2016 on the situation in Poland (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 September 2016 on the recent developments in Poland and their impact on fundamental rights as laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 September 2016 on the recent developments in Poland and their impact on fundamental rights as laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (5),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 November 2017 on the situation of the rule of law and democracy in Poland (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 November 2017 on the situation of the rule of law and democracy in Poland (6),

| — | having regard to the activation by the Commission of the structured dialogue under the Rule of Law Framework in January 2016, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the activation by the Commission of the structured dialogue under the Rule of Law Framework in January 2016,

| — | having regard to Commission Recommendation (EU) 2016/1374 of 27 July 2016 regarding the rule of law in Poland (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Commission Recommendation (EU) 2016/1374 of 27 July 2016 regarding the rule of law in Poland (7),

| — | having regard to Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/146 of 21 December 2016 regarding the rule of law in Poland complementary to Recommendation (EU) 2016/1374 (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/146 of 21 December 2016 regarding the rule of law in Poland complementary to Recommendation (EU) 2016/1374 (8),

| — | having regard to Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/1520 of 26 July 2017 regarding the rule of law in Poland complementary to Recommendations (EU) 2016/1374 and (EU) 2017/146 (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/1520 of 26 July 2017 regarding the rule of law in Poland complementary to Recommendations (EU) 2016/1374 and (EU) 2017/146 (9),

| — | having regard to Commission Recommendation (EU) 2018/103 of 20 December 2017 regarding the rule of law in Poland complementary to Commission Recommendations (EU) 2016/1374, (EU) 2017/146 and (EU) 2017/1520 (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Commission Recommendation (EU) 2018/103 of 20 December 2017 regarding the rule of law in Poland complementary to Commission Recommendations (EU) 2016/1374, (EU) 2017/146 and (EU) 2017/1520 (10),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 1 March 2018 on the Commission’s decision to activate Article 7(1) TEU as regards the situation in Poland (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 1 March 2018 on the Commission’s decision to activate Article 7(1) TEU as regards the situation in Poland (11),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 November 2019 on the criminalisation of sexual education in Poland (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 November 2019 on the criminalisation of sexual education in Poland (12),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 18 December 2019 on public discrimination and hate speech against LGBTI people, including LGBTI free zones (13), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 18 December 2019 on public discrimination and hate speech against LGBTI people, including LGBTI free zones (13),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2019 on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union in 2017 (14), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2019 on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union in 2017 (14),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 3 May 2018 on media pluralism and media freedom in the European Union (15), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 3 May 2018 on media pluralism and media freedom in the European Union (15),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2020 on ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) of the TEU regarding Poland and Hungary (16), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2020 on ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) of the TEU regarding Poland and Hungary (16),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2020 on EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences (17), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2020 on EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences (17),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2016 with recommendations to the Commission on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (18), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2016 with recommendations to the Commission on the establishment of an EU mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights (18),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 February 2019 on experiencing a backlash in women’s rights and gender equality in the EU (19), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 February 2019 on experiencing a backlash in women’s rights and gender equality in the EU (19),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 28 November 2019 on the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention and other measures to combat gender-based violence (20), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 28 November 2019 on the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention and other measures to combat gender-based violence (20),

| — | having regard to its legislative resolution of 4 April 2019 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the Union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States (21), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its legislative resolution of 4 April 2019 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the Union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States (21),

| — | having regard to its legislative resolution of 17 April 2019 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Rights and Values programme (22), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its legislative resolution of 17 April 2019 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Rights and Values programme (22),

| — | having regard to the four infringement procedures launched by the Commission against Poland in relation to the reform of the Polish judicial system, of which the first two resulted in judgments of the Court of Justice (23) finding violations of the second subparagraph of Article 19(1) of the Treaty on European Union enshrining the principle of effective judicial protection, while the two other procedures are still pending, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the four infringement procedures launched by the Commission against Poland in relation to the reform of the Polish judicial system, of which the first two resulted in judgments of the Court of Justice (23) finding violations of the second subparagraph of Article 19(1) of the Treaty on European Union enshrining the principle of effective judicial protection, while the two other procedures are still pending,

| — | having regard to the three hearings of Poland held in 2018 by the General Affairs Council within the framework of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the three hearings of Poland held in 2018 by the General Affairs Council within the framework of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure,

| — | having regard to the mission report of 3 December 2018, following the visit by the Committee on Civil Liberties and Justice and Home Affairs to Warsaw from 19 until 21 September 2018, and to the hearings on the rule of law situation in Poland held in that Committee on 20 November 2018 and 23 April 2020; |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the mission report of 3 December 2018, following the visit by the Committee on Civil Liberties and Justice and Home Affairs to Warsaw from 19 until 21 September 2018, and to the hearings on the rule of law situation in Poland held in that Committee on 20 November 2018 and 23 April 2020;

| — | having regard to the annual reports of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and the European Anti-Fraud Office, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the annual reports of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and the European Anti-Fraud Office,

| — | having regard to the 2018 WHO recommendations on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2018 WHO recommendations on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights,

| — | having regard to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 24 July 2014, Al Nashiri v. Poland (application No. 28761/11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 24 July 2014, Al Nashiri v. Poland (application No. 28761/11),

| — | having regard to Rules 89 and 105(5) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 89 and 105(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality,

| — | having regard to the interim report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A9-0138/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the interim report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A9-0138/2020),

| A. | whereas the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, as set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union and as reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and embedded in international human rights treaties; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, as set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union and as reflected in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and embedded in international human rights treaties;

| B. | whereas, in contrast to Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the scope of Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union is not confined to areas covered by Union law, as indicated in the Commission’s Communication of 15 October 2003, and whereas the Union can therefore assess the existence of a clear risk of a serious breach of the common values referred to in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union not only in the event of a breach in this limited field but also in the event of a breach in an area where the Member States act autonomously; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, in contrast to Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the scope of Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union is not confined to areas covered by Union law, as indicated in the Commission’s Communication of 15 October 2003, and whereas the Union can therefore assess the existence of a clear risk of a serious breach of the common values referred to in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union not only in the event of a breach in this limited field but also in the event of a breach in an area where the Member States act autonomously;

| C. | whereas any clear risk of a serious breach by a Member State of the values referred to in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union does not concern solely the individual Member State where the risk materialises but has a negative impact on the other Member States, on mutual trust between Member States and on the very nature of the Union; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas any clear risk of a serious breach by a Member State of the values referred to in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union does not concern solely the individual Member State where the risk materialises but has a negative impact on the other Member States, on mutual trust between Member States and on the very nature of the Union;

| D. | whereas the Member States have, in accordance with Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, freely and voluntarily committed themselves to the common values referred to in Article 2 thereof; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the Member States have, in accordance with Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, freely and voluntarily committed themselves to the common values referred to in Article 2 thereof;

| 1. | States that the concerns of Parliament relate to the following issues:






  — | the functioning of the legislative and electoral system, |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

—

the functioning of the legislative and electoral system,

| — | the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges, |
| --- | --- |

—

the independence of the judiciary and the rights of judges,

| — | the protection of fundamental rights; |
| --- | --- |

—

the protection of fundamental rights;

| 2. | Reiterates its position, expressed in several of its resolutions on the situation of the rule of law and democracy in Poland, that the facts and trends mentioned in this resolution taken together represent a systemic threat to the values of Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and constitute a clear risk of a serious breach thereof; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Expresses its deep concern that, despite three hearings with the Polish authorities having been held in the Council, multiple exchanges of views in the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs in the presence of the Polish authorities, alarming reports by the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe, and four infringement procedures launched by the Commission, the rule of law situation in Poland has not only not been addressed but has seriously deteriorated since the triggering of the procedure referred to in Article 7(1) TEU; is of the opinion that discussions in the Council within the framework of the procedure referred to in Article 7(1) TEU have been neither regular nor structured, and have neither sufficiently addressed the substantial issues that warranted the activation of the procedure nor adequately mapped the impact that the Polish government’s actions are having on the values referred to in Article 2 TEU; |
| --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Notes that the Commission’s reasoned proposal of 20 December 2017 in accordance with Article 7(1) of the TEU regarding the rule of law in Poland: proposal for a Council decision on the determination of a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the rule of law (24) has a limited scope, namely the rule of law situation in Poland in the strict sense of independence of the judiciary; sees an urgent need to widen the scope of the reasoned proposal by including clear risks of serious breaches of other basic values of the Union, especially democracy and respect for human rights; |
| --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Takes the view that the latest developments in the ongoing hearings under Article 7(1) TEU once again underline the imminent need for a complementary and preventive Union mechanism on democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights as put forward in its resolution of 25 October 2016; |
| --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Reiterates its position on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of the Union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States, including the need to safeguard the rights of beneficiaries, and calls on the Council to start interinstitutional negotiations as soon as possible; |
| --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Reiterates its position as regards the budget envelope for the new Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme within the next multiannual financial framework, and calls on the Council and the Commission to ensure that adequate funding is provided for national and local civil society organisations to grow grassroots support for democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in the Member States, including Poland; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Functioning of the legislative and electoral system in Poland

Use of powers of constitutional revision by the Polish parliament

| 8. | Denounces the fact that the Polish parliament assumed powers of constitutional revision which it did not have when it acted as the ordinary legislature in adopting the Act of 22 December 2015 amending the Act on the Constitutional Tribunal (25) and the Act of 22 July 2016 on the Constitutional Tribunal (26), as found by the Constitutional Tribunal in its judgments of 9 March (27), 11 August (28) and 7 November 2016 (29) (30); |
| --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Regrets, furthermore, that many particularly sensitive legislative acts have been adopted by the Polish parliament at a time when independent constitutional review of laws can no longer be effectively guaranteed, such as the Act of 30 December 2015 amending the Act on Civil Service and certain other acts (31), the Act of 15 January 2016 amending the Act on the police and certain other acts (32), the Act of 28 January 2016 on the public prosecution office (33) and the Act of 28 January 2016 — regulations implementing the Act on the public prosecution office (34), the Act of 18 March 2016 amending the Act on the Ombudsman and certain other acts (35), the Act of 22 June 2016 on the National Media Council (36), the Act of 10 June 2016 on anti-terrorist actions (37) and several other acts fundamentally reorganising the judicial system (38); |
| --- | --- |

9.

The use of expedited legislative procedures

| 10. | Deplores the frequent use of expedited legislative procedures by the Polish parliament for the adoption of crucial legislation redesigning the organisation and functioning of the judiciary, without meaningful consultation with stakeholders, including the judicial community (39); |
| --- | --- |

10.

Electoral law and organisation of elections

| 11. | Notes with concern that the OSCE concluded that media bias and intolerant rhetoric in the campaign for the October 2019 parliamentary elections were of significant concern (40) and that, while all candidates were able to campaign freely, senior state officials used publicly funded events for campaign messaging; notes, furthermore, that the dominance of the ruling party in public media further amplified its advantage (41); regrets that hostility, threats against the media, intolerant rhetoric and cases of misuse of state resources detracted from the process of the Polish presidential election in June and July 2020 (42); |
| --- | --- |

11.

| 12. | Is concerned that the new Chamber of Extraordinary Control and Public Matters of the Supreme Court (hereinafter the ‘Extraordinary Chamber’), the majority of whose members are individuals nominated by the new National Council of the Judiciary and which risks not qualifying as an independent tribunal in the assessment of the Court of Justice of the European Union (hereinafter the ‘Court of Justice’), is to ascertain the validity of elections and to examine electoral disputes; notes that this raises serious concerns as regards the separation of powers and the functioning of Polish democracy, in that it makes judicial review of electoral disputes particularly vulnerable to political influence and is capable of creating legal uncertainty as to the validity of such review (43); |
| --- | --- |

12.

| 13. | Notes that, in its 2002 Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters (44), the Venice Commission provides clear guidelines on the holding of general elections during public emergencies, including epidemics; notes that, while the Code provides for the possibility of exceptional voting arrangements, any amendments to introduce such arrangements may only be considered to be in accordance with European best practices ‘if the principle of free suffrage is guaranteed’; considers that this is not the case with the amendments to the electoral framework for the presidential elections that were to take place on 10 May 2020, since they could impede the elections from taking a fair, secret and equal course, with full respect for the right to privacy (45) and in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council (46); notes moreover that those amendments run counter to the case law of the Polish Constitutional Tribunal that was developed when constitutional review was still effective, and which stated that the electoral code is not to be modified 6 months before any elections; notes with concern that the announcement to postpone the presidential elections came only 4 days before the scheduled date; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Independence of the judiciary and of other institutions and the rights of judges in Poland

Reform of the justice system — general considerations

| 14. | Recognises that, while the organisation of the justice system is a national competence, the Court of Justice has repeatedly held that Member States are required to comply with their obligations under Union law when exercising that competence; reiterates that national judges are also European judges, applying Union law, which makes their independence a common concern for the Union, including the Court of Justice, which has to enforce respect for the rule of law as laid down in Article 19 TEU and Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (hereinafter the ‘Charter’) in the field of application of Union law; calls on the Polish authorities to uphold and maintain the independence of Polish courts; |
| --- | --- |

14.

The composition and functioning of the Constitutional Tribunal

| 15. | Recalls that the Acts concerning the Constitutional Tribunal adopted on 22 December 2015 and 22 July 2016, as well as the package of three acts adopted at the end of 2016 (47), seriously undermined the Constitutional Tribunal’s independence and legitimacy and that the Acts of 22 December 2015 and of 22 July 2016 were declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Tribunal on 9 March 2016 and 11 August 2016, respectively; recalls that those judgments were not published at the time or implemented by the Polish authorities; seriously deplores the fact that the constitutionality of Polish laws can no longer be effectively guaranteed in Poland since the entry into force of the aforementioned legislative changes (48); invites the Commission to consider launching an infringement procedure in relation to the legislation on the Constitutional Tribunal, its unlawful composition and its role in preventing compliance with the preliminary ruling of the Court of Justice of 19 November 2019 (49); |
| --- | --- |

15.

The retirement, appointment and disciplinary regimes for judges of the Supreme Court

| 16. | Recalls that, in 2017, changes in the method of nomination of candidates for the office of the First President of the Supreme Court (hereinafter the ‘First President’) effectively rendered the participation of the Supreme Court judges in the selection procedure meaningless; denounces the fact that the Act of 20 December 2019 amending the Act on the organisation of the common courts, the Act on the Supreme Court and certain other acts (50) (the ‘Act of 20 December 2019’) even further reduces the participation of the judges in the selection process for the First President by introducing a position of Acting First President of the Supreme Court (hereinafter the ‘Acting First President’) appointed by the President of the Republic of Poland and by reducing the quorum in the third round to 32 out of 125 judges only, thereby effectively abandoning the model of power-sharing between the President of the Republic of Poland and the judicial community enshrined in Article 183(3) of the Polish Constitution (51); |
| --- | --- |

16.

| 17. | Notes with concern the irregularities surrounding the nomination of the Acting First President and his further actions; is deeply concerned that the process of electing the candidates for the office of First President did not comply with Article 183 of the Polish Constitution or the Rules of Procedure of the Supreme Court and violated basic standards of deliberation among the members of the General Assembly of the Judges of the Supreme Court (hereinafter the ‘General Assembly’); notes with regret that doubts concerning the validity of the election process in the General Assembly as well as the impartiality and independence of the Acting First Presidents during the election process could undermine further the separation of powers and the legitimacy of the new First President nominated by the President of the Republic of Poland on 25 May 2020, and could thus call into question the independence of the Supreme Court; recalls that similar violations of law by the President of the Republic of Poland occurred when nominating the President of the Constitutional Tribunal; |
| --- | --- |

17.

| 18. | Shares the Commission’s concern that the power of the President of the Republic of Poland (and in some cases the Minister of Justice) to exercise influence over disciplinary proceedings against Supreme Court judges by appointing a disciplinary officer who will investigate the case, excluding the disciplinary officer of the Supreme Court from on-going proceedings, raises concerns as regards the principle of separation of powers and may affect judicial independence (52); |
| --- | --- |

18.

| 19. | Recalls that the Court of Justice, in its judgment of 24 June 2019 (53), found that lowering the retirement age of sitting judges of the Supreme Court is contrary to Union law and breaches the principle of the irremovability of judges and thus that of judicial independence, after it had earlier granted the Commission’s request for interim measures on the matter by order of 17 December 2018 (54); notes that the Polish authorities passed the Act of 21 November 2018 amending the Act on the Supreme Court (55) in order to comply with the order of the Court of Justice, the only instance so far in which they undid changes to the legislative framework governing the justice system in connection with a decision by the Court of Justice; |
| --- | --- |

19.

The composition and functioning of the Disciplinary Chamber and Extraordinary Chamber of the Supreme Court

| 20. | Recalls that, in 2018, two new chambers within the Supreme Court were created, namely the Disciplinary Chamber and the Extraordinary Chamber, which were staffed with newly appointed judges selected by the new National Council of the Judiciary and entrusted with special powers — including the power of the Extraordinary Chamber to quash final judgments taken by lower courts or by the Supreme Court itself by way of extraordinary review, and the power of the Disciplinary Chamber to discipline other judges of the Supreme Court and of common courts, creating de facto a ‘Supreme Court within the Supreme Court’; (56) |
| --- | --- |

20.

| 21. | Recalls that, in its ruling of 19 November 2019 (57), the Court of Justice, answering a request for a preliminary ruling by the Supreme Court (Chamber of Labour Law and Social Insurance, hereinafter the ‘Labour Chamber’) concerning the Disciplinary Chamber, ruled that national courts have a duty to disregard provisions of national law which reserve jurisdiction to hear a case where Union law may be applied to a body that does not meet the requirements of independence and impartiality; |
| --- | --- |

21.

| 22. | Notes that the referring Supreme Court (Labour Chamber) subsequently concluded in its judgment of 5 December 2019 (58) that the Disciplinary Chamber does not fulfil the requirements of an independent and impartial tribunal within the meaning of Polish and Union law, and that the Supreme Court (Civil, Criminal and Labour Chambers) adopted a resolution on 23 January 2020 (59) reiterating that the Disciplinary Chamber is not a court due to its lack of independence and therefore its judgments cannot be considered to be judgments given by a duly appointed court; notes with grave concern that the Polish authorities have declared that those decisions are of no legal significance when it comes to the continuing functioning of the Disciplinary Chamber and the new National Council of the Judiciary, and that the Constitutional Tribunal declared the Supreme Court resolution unconstitutional on 20 April 2020 (60), creating a dangerous judiciary duality in Poland in open violation of the primacy of Union law and in particular of Article 19(1) TEU as interpreted by the Court of Justice in that it prevents the effectiveness and application of the Court of Justice’s ruling of 19 November 2019 (61) by the Polish courts (62); |
| --- | --- |

22.

| 23. | Notes the order of the Court of Justice of 8 April 2020 (63) instructing Poland to immediately suspend the application of the national provisions on the powers of the Disciplinary Chamber and calls on the Polish authorities to swiftly implement the order; calls on the Polish authorities to fully comply with the order and calls on the Commission to submit an additional request to the Court of Justice seeking that payment of a fine be ordered in the event of persisting non-compliance; calls on the Commission to urgently start infringement proceedings in relation to the national provisions on the powers of the Extraordinary Chamber, since its composition suffers from the same flaws as the Disciplinary Chamber; |
| --- | --- |

23.

The composition and functioning of the new National Council of the Judiciary

| 24. | Recalls that it is up to the Member States to establish a council for the judiciary, but that, where such council is established, its independence must be guaranteed in line with European standards and the Member State’s constitution; recalls that, following the reform of the National Council of the Judiciary, which is the body responsible for safeguarding the independence of the courts and judges in accordance with Article 186(1) of the Polish Constitution, by means of the Act of 8 December 2017 amending the Act on the National Council of the Judiciary and certain other acts (64), the judicial community in Poland was deprived of the power to delegate representatives to the National Council of the Judiciary, and hence its influence on recruitment and promotion of judges; recalls that before the reform, 15 out of 25 members of the National Council of the Judiciary were judges elected by their peers, while since the 2017 reform, those judges are elected by the Polish parliament; strongly regrets that, taken in conjunction with the premature termination in early 2018 of the mandates of all the members appointed under the old rules, this measure led to a far-reaching politicisation of the National Council of the Judiciary (65); |
| --- | --- |

24.

| 25. | Recalls that the Supreme Court, implementing the criteria set out by the Court of Justice in its judgment of 19 November 2019, found in its judgment of 5 December 2019 and in its decisions of 15 January 2020 (66), as well as in its resolution of 23 January 2020, that the decisive role of the new National Council of the Judiciary in the selection of the judges of the newly created Disciplinary Chamber undermines the latter’s independence and impartiality (67); is concerned about the legal status of the judges appointed or promoted by the new National Council of the Judiciary in its current composition and about the impact their participation in adjudicating may have on the validity and legality of proceedings; |
| --- | --- |

25.

| 26. | Recalls that the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary suspended the new National Council of the Judiciary on 17 September 2018 because it no longer fulfilled the requirements of being independent of the executive and legislature and initiated the expulsion procedure in April 2020 (68); |
| --- | --- |

26.

| 27. | Calls on the Commission to start infringement proceedings regarding the Act of 12 May 2011 on the National Council of the Judiciary (69), as amended on 8 December 2017, and to ask the Court of Justice to suspend the activities of the new National Council of the Judiciary by way of interim measures; |
| --- | --- |

27.

The rules governing the organisation of the common courts and the appointment of courts presidents and the retirement regime for judges of the common courts

| 28. | Regrets that the Minister of Justice, who is, in the Polish system, also the Prosecutor General, obtained the power to appoint and dismiss court presidents of the lower courts at his discretion during a transitional period of 6 months, and that in the 2017-2018 period, the Minister of Justice replaced over 150 court presidents and vice-presidents; notes that, after this period, the removal of court presidents remained in the hands of the Minister of Justice, with virtually no effective checks attached to that power; notes, furthermore, that the Minister of Justice also obtained other ‘disciplinary’ powers vis-à-vis court presidents, and presidents of higher courts, who in turn, now have large administrative powers vis-à-vis presidents of lower courts (70); regrets this major setback for the rule of law and judicial independence in Poland (71); |
| --- | --- |

28.

| 29. | Regrets that the Act of 20 December 2019 that entered into force on 14 February 2020 changed the composition of the assemblies of judges and moved some of the powers of those bodies of judicial self-government to the colleges of courts presidents appointed by the Minister of Justice (72); |
| --- | --- |

29.

| 30. | Recalls that, in its judgement of 5 November 2019 (73), the Court of Justice found that the provisions of the Act of 12 July 2017 amending the Act on the organisation of the common courts and certain other acts (74), which lowered the retirement age of judges of the common courts, whilst allowing the Minister of Justice to decide on the prolongation of their active service, and which set a different retirement age depending on their gender, were contrary to Union law; |
| --- | --- |

30.

The rights and independence of judges, including the new disciplinary regime for judges

| 31. | Denounces the new provisions introducing further disciplinary offences and sanctions in respect of judges and court presidents because they pose a serious risk to judicial independence (75); denounces the new provisions prohibiting any political activity of judges, obliging judges to disclose publicly their membership in associations and restricting substantively the deliberations of judicial self-governing bodies, which go beyond the principles of legal certainty, necessity and proportionality in restricting the judges’ freedom of expression (76); |
| --- | --- |

31.

| 32. | Is deeply concerned by the disciplinary proceedings initiated against judges and prosecutors in Poland in connection with their judicial decisions applying Union law or public statements in defence of judicial independence and the rule of law in Poland; in particular, condemns the threat of disciplinary proceedings (77) against more than 10 % of the judges for signing a letter to the OSCE regarding proper conduct of presidential elections and for providing support for repressed judges; condemns the smear campaign against Polish judges and the involvement of public officials therein; calls on the Polish authorities to refrain from the abusive use of disciplinary proceedings and from other activities undermining the authority of the judiciary; |
| --- | --- |

32.

| 33. | Calls on the Polish authorities to remove the new provisions (on disciplinary offences and other) that prevent the courts from examining questions of independence and impartiality of other judges from the standpoint of Union law and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), hence depriving judges from exercising their duty under Union law to set aside national provisions conflicting with Union law (78); |
| --- | --- |

33.

| 34. | Welcomes the Commission’s initiation of infringement proceedings in relation to the aforementioned new provisions; regrets there has been no progress since 29 April 2020; calls on the Commission to deal with the case as a matter of priority and to request the Court of Justice to use the expedited procedure and to grant interim measures, when it comes to a referral of the case to the Court of Justice; |
| --- | --- |

34.

The status of the Prosecutor General and the organisation of the prosecution services

| 35. | Denounces the merger of the office of the Minister of Justice and that of the Prosecutor General, the increased powers of the Prosecutor General vis-à-vis the prosecution system, the increased powers of the Minister of Justice in respect of the judiciary (Act of 27 July 2001 on the organisation of common courts (79), as amended) and the weak position of checks on those powers (National Council of Public Prosecutors), which result in the accumulation of too many powers for one person and have direct negative consequences for the independence of the prosecutorial system from the political sphere, as stated by the Venice Commission (80); |
| --- | --- |

35.

| 36. | Recalls that, in its judgement of 5 November 2019, the Court of Justice found that lowering the retirement age of public prosecutors was contrary to Union law because it established a different retirement age for male and female public prosecutors in Poland; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Overall assessment of the rule of law situation in Poland

| 37. | Concurs with the Commission, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Group of States against Corruption and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers that the aforementioned separate changes to the legislative framework governing the judicial system, considering their interaction and overall impact, amount to a serious, sustained and systemic breach of the rule of law, enabling the legislative and executive powers to interfere throughout the entire structure and output of the justice system in a manner which is incompatible with the principles of separation of powers and the rule of law, thereby significantly weakening the independence of the judiciary in Poland (81); condemns the destabilising impact on the Polish legal order of the measures taken and appointments made by the Polish authorities since 2016; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Protection of fundamental rights in Poland

The Polish Commissioner for Human Rights

| 38. | Is concerned about political attacks on the independence of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (82); highlights the fact that the Commissioner for Human Rights has been publicly critical, within his area of responsibility, of various measures taken by the current government; recalls the fact that the statute of the Commissioner for Human Rights is enshrined in the Polish Constitution and that the term of office of the current Commissioner for Human Rights is due to end in September 2020; recalls that, according to the Polish Constitution, the Commissioner should be elected by the Sejm with the consent of the Senate; |
| --- | --- |

38.

The right to a fair trial

| 39. | Is concerned about reports alleging undue delays in court proceedings, difficulties in accessing legal assistance during arrest, and instances of insufficient respect for the confidentiality of communication between counsel and client (83); calls on the Commission to closely monitor the situation regarding lawyers in Poland; recalls the right of all citizens to be advised, defended and represented by an independent lawyer in accordance with Articles 47 and 48 of the Charter; |
| --- | --- |

39.

| 40. | Is concerned that, since the entry into force on 14 February 2020 of the Act of 20 December 2019, only the Extraordinary Chamber, whose independence and impartiality itself is in question, can decide whether a judge, tribunal or court is independent and impartial, hence depriving citizens of an important element of judicial review at all other instances (84); recalls the fact that following the case law of the Court of Justice, the right to a fair trial obliges every court to check, on its own initiative, whether it fulfils the criteria of independence and impartiality (85); |
| --- | --- |

40.

The right to information and freedom of expression, including media freedom and pluralism

| 41. | Reiterates that media freedom and media pluralism are inseparable from democracy and the rule of law and that the right to inform and the right to be informed are part of the basic democratic values on which Union is founded; recalls that, in its resolution of 16 January 2020, Parliament called on the Council to address in the hearings under Article 7(1) TEU any new developments in the field of freedom of expression, including media freedom; |
| --- | --- |

41.

| 42. | Recalls that, in its resolution of 14 September 2016, Parliament expressed its concern about previously adopted and newly suggested changes to Polish media law; repeats its call on the Commission to carry out an assessment of the legislation adopted as regards its compatibility with Union law, in particular with Article 11 of the Charter and Union law on public media; |
| --- | --- |

42.

| 43. | Expresses its serious concerns about actions carried out in recent years by the Polish authorities in relation to the public broadcaster, including a re-shaping of the public broadcaster into a pro-government broadcaster, preventing public media and their governing bodies from expressing independent or dissenting voices and exercising control over broadcasting content (86); recalls the fact that Article 54 of the Polish Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and forbids censorship; |
| --- | --- |

43.

| 44. | Is deeply concerned by the excessive use of defamation cases by some politicians against journalists, including by imposing criminal fines and suspending journalists from exercising their profession; fears that there will be a chilling effect on the profession and independence of journalists and media (87); calls on the Polish authorities to guarantee access to appropriate legal remedies for journalists and their families who become the subject of lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate independent media; calls on the Polish authorities to fully implement the Council of Europe’s Recommendation of 13 April 2016 on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors (88); regrets that so far the Commission has not come up with the anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) legislation that would also protect Polish journalists and media from vexatious lawsuits; |
| --- | --- |

44.

| 45. | Is concerned about reported cases of detention of journalists for doing their job when reporting on anti-lockdown protests during the COVID-19 epidemic (89); |
| --- | --- |

45.

Academic freedom

| 46. | Expresses concern over the use and threat of defamation litigation against academics; calls on the Polish authorities to respect freedom of speech and academic freedom, in line with international standards (90); |
| --- | --- |

46.

| 47. | Calls on the Polish parliament to repeal Chapter 6c of the Act of 18 December 1998 on the Institute of National Remembrance — Committee for the Prosecution of the Crimes against the Polish Nation (91), which jeopardises freedom of speech and independent research by rendering it a civil offense that is actionable before civil courts to cause harm to the reputation of Poland and its people, such as by making any accusation of complicity of Poland or Poles in the Holocaust (92); |
| --- | --- |

47.

Freedom of assembly

| 48. | Reiterates its call on the Polish government to respect the right of freedom of assembly by removing from the current Act of 24 July 2015 on public assemblies (93), as amended on 13 December 2016 (94), the provisions prioritising government-approved ‘cyclical’ assemblies (95); urges the Polish authorities to refrain from applying criminal sanctions to people who participate in peaceful assemblies or counter-demonstrations and to drop criminal charges against peaceful protesters; urges the Polish authorities moreover to adequately protect peaceful assemblies and bring to justice those who violently attack people participating in peaceful assemblies; |
| --- | --- |

48.

| 49. | Is concerned about the very restrictive ban on public assemblies (96) which was in force during the COVID-19 pandemic without the introduction of a state of natural disaster as laid down in Article 232 of the Polish Constitution and insists on the need to apply the principle of proportionality when restricting the right to assembly; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Freedom of association

| 50. | Calls on the Polish authorities to modify the Act of 15 September 2017 on the National Institute for Freedom — Centre for the Development of Civil Society (97), (98) in order to ensure access to state funding for critical civil society groups at local, regional and national levels, and a fair, impartial and transparent distribution of public funds to civil society, ensuring pluralistic representation (99); reiterates its call for adequate funding to be made available for the organisations concerned through different funding instruments at Union level, such as the Union values strand of the new Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme and Union pilot projects; is deeply concerned that Polish Members of the European Economic and Social Committee are facing political pressure for the actions taken in the remit of their mandate (100); |
| --- | --- |

50.

| 51. | Is concerned about the press statement by the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Environment in relation to certain non-governmental organisations, aimed to stigmatise them as working in the interests of foreign actors; is seriously concerned about the planned project for a draft law on creating a public register on financing non-governmental organisations obliging them to declare any foreign sources of financing (101); |
| --- | --- |

51.

Privacy and data protection

| 52. | Reiterates its conclusion set out in its resolution of 14 September 2016 that the procedural safeguards and material conditions laid down in the Act of 10 June 2016 on anti-terrorist actions and the Act of 6 April 1990 on the police (102), as amended, for the implementation of secret surveillance are not sufficient to prevent its excessive use or unjustified interference with the privacy and data protection of individuals, including of opposition and civil society leaders (103); repeats its call on the Commission to carry out an assessment of that legislation as regards its compatibility with Union Law, and urges Polish authorities to fully respect the privacy of all citizens; |
| --- | --- |

52.

| 53. | Is deeply concerned about the fact that the Ministry of Digital Affairs of Poland transferred personal data from the Universal Electronic System for Registration of the Population (hereinafter the ‘PESEL register’) to the postal services operator on 22 April 2020, in order to facilitate the organisation of the presidential elections on 10 May 2020 via postal ballot, without a proper legal basis to do so, as the Polish parliament did not adopt a bill allowing for an all-postal election until 7 May 2020; notes, furthermore, that the PESEL register is not identical to the electoral register and also includes the personal data of citizens of other Member States, and that, therefore, the above-mentioned transfer could constitute a potential breach of Regulation (EU) 2016/679; recalls that the European Data Protection Board stated that public authorities may disclose information on individuals included in electoral lists, but only when this is specifically authorised by national law (104); notes that the Polish Commissioner for Human Rights filed a complaint with the Voivodeship Administrative Court in Warsaw on the basis of a possible breach of Articles 7 and 51 of the Polish Constitution by the Ministry of Digital Affairs of Poland; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Comprehensive sexuality education

| 54. | Reiterates its deep concern expressed in its resolution of 14 November 2019, also shared by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights (105), over the draft law amending Article 200b of the Polish Penal Code, as submitted to the Polish parliament by the ‘Stop Paedophilia’ initiative, for its extremely vague, broad and disproportionate provisions, which de facto seek to criminalise the dissemination of sexual education to minors and whose scope potentially threatens all persons, in particular parents, teachers and sex educators, with up to three years in prison for teaching about human sexuality, health and intimate relations; |
| --- | --- |

54.

| 55. | Stresses that age-appropriate and evidence-based comprehensive sexuality and relationship education is key to building young peoples’ skills to form healthy, equal, nurturing and safe relationships, free from discrimination, coercion and violence; believes that comprehensive sexuality education also has a positive impact on gender equality outcomes, including transforming harmful gender norms and attitudes towards gender-based violence, helping prevent intimate partner violence and sexual coercion, homophobia and transphobia, breaking the silence around sexual violence, sexual exploitation or abuse, and empowering young people to seek help; calls on the Polish parliament to refrain from adopting the proposed draft law amending Article 200b of the Polish Penal Code and strongly invites the Polish authorities to ensure access to scientifically accurate and comprehensive sexuality education for all school children in line with international standards and that those who provide such education and information are supported in so doing in a factual and objective manner; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Sexual and reproductive health and rights

| 56. | Recalls that, in accordance with the Charter, the ECHR and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, women’s sexual and reproductive health is related to multiple human rights, including the right to life and dignity, freedom from inhuman and degrading treatment, the right of access to health care, the right to privacy, the right to education and the prohibition of discrimination, as is also reflected in the Polish Constitution; recalls that Parliament strongly criticised, in its resolution of 15 November 2017, any legislative proposal that would prohibit abortion in cases of severe or fatal foetal impairment, thereby drastically limiting and coming close to banning in practice access to abortion care in Poland as most legal abortions are performed under that ground (106), and emphasised that universal access to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive healthcare and the associated rights, is a fundamental human right (107); regrets the proposed amendments (108) to the Act of 5 December 1996 on doctors’ and dentists’ professions (109), under which doctors would no longer be legally obliged to indicate an alternative facility or practitioner in case of denial of sexual and reproductive health services due to personal beliefs; is concerned about the use of the conscience clause including the absence of reliable referral mechanisms and lack of timely appeals for women who are denied such services; calls on the Polish parliament to refrain from any further attempts to restrict women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights; strongly affirms that the denial of sexual and reproductive health and rights services is a form of violence against women and girls; calls on the Polish authorities to take measures to implement fully the judgments handed down by the European Court of Human Rights in cases against Poland, which has ruled on several occasions that restrictive abortion laws and lack of implementation violates the human rights of women (110); |
| --- | --- |

56.

| 57. | Recalls that previous attempts to further limit the right to abortion, which in Poland is already among the most restricted in the Union, were halted in 2016 and 2018 as a result of mass opposition from Polish citizens as expressed in the ‘Black Marches’; strongly invites the Polish authorities to consider repealing the law limiting women’s and girls’ access to the emergency contraceptive pill; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Hate speech, public discrimination, violence against women, domestic violence and intolerant behaviour against minorities and other vulnerable groups, including LGBTI persons

| 58. | Urges the Polish authorities to take all necessary measures to firmly combat racist hate speech and incitement to violence, online and offline, and publicly condemn and distance itself from racist hate speech by public figures, including politicians and media officials (111), to address prejudices and negative sentiments towards national and ethnic minorities (including Roma), migrants, refugees and asylum seekers and to ensure effective enforcement of the laws outlawing parties or organisations that promote or incite racial discrimination (112); calls on the Polish authorities to comply with the 2019 recommendations of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (113); |
| --- | --- |

58.

| 59. | Is deeply concerned by the recent decision (114) by the Polish Minister of Justice to officially start Poland’s withdrawal from the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention); encourages the Polish authorities to give practical and effective application to that Convention, including by ensuring application of the existing legislation across the country, as well as the provision of a sufficient number and quality of shelters for women who are victims of violence and their children; is afraid that this step could be a serious setback with regards to gender equality and women’s rights; |
| --- | --- |

59.

| 60. | Notes that the May 2020 LGBTI Survey II conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights highlights an increase in intolerance and violence in Poland towards LGBTI persons or persons who are perceived to be LGBTI persons and complete disbelief in the government’s combat against prejudice and intolerance by Polish LGBTI respondents, recording the lowest percentage across the Union (only 4 %), and the highest percentage of respondents avoiding going to certain places for fear of being assaulted, harassed or threatened (79 %); |
| --- | --- |

60.

| 61. | Recalls, also in the context of the 2020 presidential campaign, its stance as expressed in its resolution of 18 December 2019, when it strongly denounced any discrimination against LGBTI people and the violation of their fundamental rights by public authorities, including hate speech by public authorities and elected officials, the banning of and inadequate protection against attacks on Pride marches and awareness-raising programmes, the declarations of zones in Poland free from so-called ‘LGBT ideology’ and the adoption of ‘Regional Charters of Family Rights’, discriminating in particular against single-parent and LGBTI families; notes the lack of any improvement in the situation of LGBTI persons in Poland since the adoption of that resolution and that mental health and physical safety of Polish LGBTI people are particularly at risk; recalls the condemnation of such actions by the Polish Commissioner for Human Rights, who filed nine complaints to administrative courts arguing that the LGBTI-free zones violate Union law, and by the Commission and international organisations; recalls that spending under cohesion funds must not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and that municipalities acting as employers must respect Council Directive 2000/78/EC (115), which prohibits discrimination and harassment on the ground of sexual orientation in employment (116); in light of that, expresses its serious concerns about the fact that the Minister of Justice has granted financial support to the municipalities that were excluded from the European twinning programme due to the adoption of ‘LGBT-free zone’ declarations; furthermore, is deeply concerned that that financial support will be granted from the Ministry’s Justice Fund, which was created to support victims of crimes; calls on the Commission to continue rejecting Union funding applications by authorities who have adopted such resolutions; calls on the Polish authorities to implement the relevant case law of the Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights and in that context to address the situation of same sex spouses and parents with a view to ensuring their enjoyment of the right to non-discrimination in law and in fact (117); condemns the law suits against the civil society activists who published the so-called ‘Atlas of Hate’ that documents cases of homophobia in Poland; strongly invites the Polish government to ensure the legal protection of LGBTI people against all forms of hate crime and hate speech; |
| --- | --- |

61.

| 62. | Strongly deplores the ‘Polish Stonewall’ mass arrest of 48 LGBTI activists on 7 August 2020, which sends a worrying signal regarding the freedom of speech and assembly in Poland; deplores the way in which detainees were treated, as reported by the National Preventive Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture (118); calls for an immediate condemnation by all European institutions of police violence against LGBTI persons in Poland; |
| --- | --- |

62.

| 63. | Strongly deplores the Polish Episcopate’s official position (119) calling for ‘conversion therapy’ for LGBTI persons; reiterates the position of the Parliament (120) encouraging Member States to criminalise such practices and recalls the May 2020 report of the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, which calls on Member States to adopt bans on practices of ‘conversion therapy’ (121); |
| --- | --- |

63.

| 64. | Notes that the lack of independence of the judiciary in Poland has already begun affecting mutual trust between Poland and other Member States, especially in the field of judicial cooperation in criminal matters, given that national courts have refused or hesitated to surrender Polish suspects under the European Arrest Warrant procedure due to profound doubts about the independence of the Polish judiciary; considers the threat to the uniformity of the Union legal order posed by the deterioration of the rule of law in Poland to be particularly serious; points out that mutual trust between the Member States can be restored only once respect for the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU is ensured; |
| --- | --- |

64.

| 65. | Calls on the Polish government to comply with all provisions relating to the rule of law and fundamental rights enshrined in the Treaties, the Charter, the ECHR and international human rights standards, and to engage in an honest dialogue with the Commission; stresses that such dialogue needs to be conducted in an impartial, evidence-based and cooperative manner; calls on the Polish government to cooperate with the Commission pursuant to the principle of sincere cooperation as set out in the TEU; calls on the Polish government to swiftly and fully implement the rulings of the Court of Justice and to respect the primacy of Union law; urges the Polish government to take full account of the recommendations of the Venice Commission in the organisation of the justice system, including when carrying out further reforms of the Supreme Court; |
| --- | --- |

65.

| 66. | Calls on the Council and the Commission to refrain from narrowly interpreting the principle of the rule of law, and to use the procedure under Article 7(1) TEU to its full potential by addressing the implications of the Polish government’s action for all the principles enshrined in Article 2 TEU, including democracy and fundamental rights as highlighted in this report; |
| --- | --- |

66.

| 67. | Calls on the Council to resume the formal hearings — the last of which was held as long ago as December 2018 — as soon as possible and to include in those hearings all the latest and major negative developments in the areas of rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights; urges the Council to finally act under the Article 7(1) TEU procedure by finding that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Republic of Poland of the values referred to in Article 2 TEU, in the light of overwhelming evidence thereof as displayed in this resolution and in so many reports of international and European organisations, the case law of the Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights and reports by civil society organisations; strongly recommends that the Council address concrete recommendations to Poland, as provided for in Article 7(1) TEU, as a follow-up to the hearings, and that it indicate deadlines for the implementation of those recommendations; calls furthermore on the Council to commit to assessing the implementation of these recommendations in a timely manner; calls on the Council to keep Parliament regularly informed and closely involved and to work in a transparent manner, to allow for meaningful participation and oversight by all European institutions and bodies and by civil society organisations; |
| --- | --- |

67.

| 68. | Calls on the Commission to make full use of the tools available to it, to address a clear risk of a serious breach by Poland of the values on which the Union is founded, in particular expedited infringement procedures and applications for interim measures before the Court of Justice, as well as budgetary tools; calls on the Commission to continue to keep Parliament regularly informed and closely involved; |
| --- | --- |

68.

o

o o

| 69. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission and to the President, government and parliament of the Republic of Poland, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

69.

---

(1)  OJ C 104 E, 30.4.2004, p. 408.

(2)  COM(2003)0606.

(3)  COM(2014)0158.

(4)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2016)0123.

(5)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2016)0344.

(6)  Texts adopted,P8_TA(2017)0442.

(7)  OJ L 217, 12.8.2016, p. 53.

(8)  OJ L 22, 27.1.2017, p. 65.

(9)  OJ L 228, 2.9.2017, p. 19.

(10)  OJ L 17, 23.1.2018, p. 50.

(11)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0055.

(12)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0058.

(13)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0101.

(14)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0032.

(15)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0204.

(16)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0014.

(17)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0054.

(18)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2016)0409.

(19)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0111.

(20)  Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0080.

(21)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0349.

(22)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0407.

(23)  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 24 June 2019, Commission v Poland, C-619/18, ECLI:EU:C:2019:531; judgment of the Court of Justice of 5 November 2019, Commission v Poland, C-192/18, ECLI:EU:C:2019:924.

(24)  COM(2017)0835.

(25)  Ustawa z dnia 22 grudnia 2015 r. o zmianie ustawy o Trybunale Konstytucyjnym (Dz.U. 2015 poz. 2217).

(26)  Ustawa z dnia 22 lipca 2016 r. o Trybunale Konstytucyjnym (Dz.U. 2016 poz. 1157).

(27)  Judgement of the Constitutional Tribunal of 9 March 2016, K 47/15.

(28)  Judgement of the Constitutional Tribunal of 11 August 2016, K 39/16.

(29)  Judgement of the Constitutional Tribunal of 7 November 2016, K 44/16.

(30)  See Venice Commission Opinion of 14 October 2016 on the Law of 22 July 2016 on the Constitutional Tribunal, Opinion no. 860/2016, para. 127; Commission Reasoned Proposal of 20 December 2017, paras 91 and following.

(31)  Ustawa z dnia 30 grudnia 2015 r. o zmianie ustawy o służbie cywilnej oraz niektórych innych ustaw (Dz.U. 2016 poz. 34).

(32)  Ustawa z dnia 15 stycznia 2016 r. o zmianie ustawy o Policji oraz niektórych innych ustaw (Dz.U. 2016 poz. 147).

(33)  Ustawa z dnia 28 stycznia 2016 r. Prawo o prokuraturze (Dz.U. 2016 poz. 177).

(34)  Ustawa z dnia 28 stycznia 2016 r. Przepisy wprowadzające ustawę — Prawo o prokuraturze (Dz.U. 2016 poz. 178).

(35)  Ustawa z dnia 18 marca 2016 r. o zmianie ustawy o Rzeczniku Praw Obywatelskich oraz niektórych innych ustaw (Dz.U. 2016 poz. 677).

(36)  Ustawa z dnia 22 czerwca 2016 r. o Radzie Mediów Narodowych (Dz.U. 2016 poz. 929).

(37)  Ustawa z dnia 10 czerwca 2016 r. o działaniach antyterrorystycznych (Dz.U. 2016 poz. 904).

(38)  See Commission Reasoned Proposal of 20 December 2017, paras 112-113.

(39)  ENCJ, Warsaw Declaration of 3 June 2016.

(40)  OSCE/ODIHR, Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions after its Limited Election Observation Mission, 14 October 2019.

(41)  OSCE/ODIHR, Limited Election Observation Mission Final Report on the parliamentary elections of 13 October 2019, Warsaw, 14 February 2020.

(42)  OSCE/ODIHR, Special Election Assessment Mission, Statement of preliminary findings and conclusions on the second round of presidential elections of 12 July 2020, Warsaw, 13 July 2020.

(43)  Venice Commission, Opinion of 8-9 December 2017, CDL-AD(2017)031, para. 43; Commission Recommendation (EU) 2018/103 of 20 December 2017 regarding the rule of law in Poland complementary to Recommendations (EU) 2016/1374, (EU) 2017/146 and (EU) 2017/1520 (OJ L 17, 23.1.2018, p. 50), para. 25.

(44)  Venice Commission, CDL-AD (2002) 23, Opinion no. 190/2002, Code of good practice in electoral matters. Guidelines and explanatory report, 30 October 2002; See, as well, Venice Commission, CDL-PI(2020)005rev-e, Report on Respect for Democracy Human Rights and Rule of Law during States of Emergency — Reflections, p. 23.

(45)  See, as well, OSCE/ODIHR, Opinion on the draft act on special rules for conducting the general election of the President of the Republic of Poland ordered in 2020 (Senate Paper No. 99), 27 April 2020.

(46)  Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1).

(47)  Ustawa z dnia 30 listopada 2016 r. o organizacji i trybie postępowania przed Trybunałem Konstytucyjnym (Dz.U. 2016 poz. 2072); ustawa z dnia 30 listopada 2016 r. o statusie sędziów Trybunału Konstytucyjnego (Dz.U. 2016 poz. 2073); Ustawa z dnia 13 grudnia 2016 r. — Przepisy wprowadzające ustawę o organizacji i trybie postępowania przed Trybunałem Konstytucyjnym oraz ustawę o statusie sędziów Trybunału Konstytucyjnego (Dz.U. 2016 poz. 2074).

(48)  Venice Commission Opinion of 14-15 October 2016, para. 128; UN, Human Rights Committee, Concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of Poland, 31 October 2016, paras 7-8; Commission Recommendation (EU) 2017/1520.

(49)  Judgment of the Court of Justice 19 November 2019, A.K. and Others v Sąd Najwyższy, C-585/18, C-624/18 and C-625/18, ECLI:EU:C:2019:982.

(50)  Ustawa z dnia 20 grudnia 2019 r. o zmianie ustawy — Prawo o ustroju sądów powszechnych, ustawy o Sądzie Najwyższym oraz niektórych innych ustaw (Dz.U. 2020 poz. 190).

(51)  Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, CDL-PI(2020)002, paras 51-55.

(52)  See Commission Reasoned Proposal of 20 December 2017, COM(2017)0835, para. 133. See also OSCE-ODIHR, Opinion on Certain Provisions of the Draft Act on the Supreme Court of Poland (as of 26 September 2017), 13 November 2017, p. 33.

(53)  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 24 June 2019, Commission v Poland, C-619/18, ECLI:EU:C:2019:531.

(54)  Order of the Court of Justice of 17 December 2018, Commission v Poland, C-619/18 R, ECLI:EU:C:2018:1021.

(55)  Ustawa z dnia 21 listopada 2018 r. o zmianie ustawy o Sądzie Najwyższym (Dz.U. 2018 poz. 2507).

(56)  OSCE-ODIHR, Opinion of 13 November 2017, p. 7-20; Venice Commission, Opinion of 8-9 December 2017, para. 43; Commission Recommendation (EU) 2018/103, para. 25; GRECO, Addendum to the Fourth Round Evaluation Report on Poland (Rule 34) of 18-22 June 2018, para. 31; Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, para. 8.

(57)  Judgment of the Court of Justice 19 November 2019, A.K. and Others v Sąd Najwyższy, C-585/18, C-624/18 and C-625/18, ECLI:EU:C:2019:982.

(58)  Judgment of the Supreme Court of 5 December 2019, III PO 7/19.

(59)  Resolution of of the Joint Civil, Criminal and Labour Chambers of the Supreme Court of 23 January 2020, BSA I-4110-1/2020.

(60)  Judgment of the Constitutional Tribunal of 20 April 2020, U 2/20.

(61)  Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, para. 38.

(62)  Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, para. 38.

(63)  Order of the Court of Justice of 8 April 2020, Commission v Poland, C-791/19 R, ECLI:EU:C:2020:277.

(64)  Ustawa z dnia 8 grudnia 2017 r. o zmianie ustawy o Krajowej Radzie Sądownictwa oraz niektórych innych ustaw (Dz.U. 2018 poz. 3).

(65)  Consultative Council of European Judges, Opinions of the Bureau of 7 April 2017 and 12 October 2017; OSCE/ODIHR, Final Opinion on Draft Amendments to the Act of the National Council of the Judiciary, 5 May 2017; Venice Commission, Opinion of 8-9 December 2017, p. 5-7; GRECO, Ad hoc Report on Poland (Rule 34) of 19-23 March 2018 and Addendum of 18-22 June 2018; Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, paras 42 and 61.

(66)  Decision of the Supreme Court of 15 January 2020, III PO 8/18. Decision of the Supreme Court of 15 January 2020, III PO 9/18.

(67)  On this subject, see, as well, the following cases pending before the European Court of Human Rights: Reczkowicz and two Others v. Poland (application nos. 43447/19, 49868/19 and 57511/19), Grzęda v. Poland (no. 43572/18), Xero Flor w Polsce sp. z o.o. v. Poland (no.4907/18), Broda v. Poland and Bojara v. Poland (nos. 26691/18 and 27367/18), Żurek v. Poland (no. 39650/18) and Sobczyńska and Others v. Poland (nos. 62765/14, 62769/14, 62772/14 and 11708/18).

(68)  ENCJ, Letter of 21 February 2020 by the ENCJ Executive Board. See as well the letter of 4 May 2020 by the European Association of Judges in support of the ENCJ.

(69)  Ustawa z dnia 12 maja 2011 r. o Krajowej Radzie Sądownictwa (Dz.U. 2011 nr 126 poz. 714).

(70)  Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, para. 45.

(71)  See also Council of Europe, Bureau of the Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE-BU), CCJE-BU(2018)6REV, 18 June 2018.

(72)  Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, paras 46 to 50.

(73)  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 5 November 2019, Commission v Poland, C-192/18, ECLI:EU:C:2019:924.

(74)  Ustawa z dnia 12 lipca 2017 r. o zmianie ustawy — Prawo o ustroju sądów powszechnych oraz niektórych innych ustaw (Dz.U. 2017 poz. 1452).

(75)  OSCE/ODIHR, Urgent Interim Opinion on the Bill Amending the Act on the Organization of Common Courts, the Act on the Supreme Court and Certain Other Acts of Poland (as of 20 December 2019), 14 January 2020, p. 23-26; Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, paras 44-45.

(76)  OSCE/ODIHR, Urgent Interim Opinion, 14 January 2020, p. 18-21; Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, paras 24-30;

(77)  Communication by the Deputy Disciplinary Prosecutor of Judges of Common Courts, July 2020, http://rzecznik.gov.pl/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/KomunikatFWS.pdf.

(78)  OSCE/ODIHR, Urgent Interim Opinion, 14 January 2020, p. 13-17; Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, paras 31-43.

(79)  Ustawa z dnia 27 lipca 2001 r. Prawo o ustroju sądów powszechnych (Dz.U. 2001 nr 98 poz. 1070).

(80)  Venice Commission Opinion of 8-9 December 2017 on the Act on the Public Prosecutor's office, as amended, CDL-AD(2017)028, para. 115.

(81)  Commission Recommendation (EU) 2018/103; United Nations, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Statement of 25 June 2018; European Commission, 2019 European semester: Country report Poland, 27 February 2019, SWD(2019) 1020 final, p. 42; the Presidents of the European Network of Councils for the Judiciary, the Network of Presidents of the Supreme Courts of the EU and the European Judges Association, letter of 20 September 2019; GRECO, Follow-up to the Addendum to the Fourth Round Evaluation Report (rule 34) — Poland, 6 December 2019, para. 65; PACE, Resolution 2316 (2020) of 28 January 2020 on the functioning of democratic institutions in Poland, para. 4.

(82)  See, as well, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Letter addressed to the Prime Minister of Poland, 19 January 2018; Joint Statement in Support of the Polish Commissioner for Human Rights, signed by ENNHRI, Equinet, GANHRI, IOI, OHCHR Europe, June 2019.

(83)  UN Human Rights Committee (HRC), Concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of Poland, 23 November 2016, para. 33.

(84)  Venice Commission and DGI of the Council of Europe, Urgent Joint Opinion of 16 January 2020, para 59.

(85)  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 26 March 2020, Simpson v Council and HG v Commission, Joined Cases C-542/18 RX-II and C-543/18 RX-II, ECLI:EU:C:2020:232, para 57.

(86)  See, as well, the World Press Freedom Index, according to which Poland has fallen from 18th to 62nd place in the ranking since 2015.

(87)  Council of Europe Platform to Promote the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists, 2020 Annual Report, March 2020, p. 42.

(88)  Council of Europe, Recommendation CM/Rec(2016)4 of 13 April 2016 of the Committee of Ministers to Member States on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors.

(89)  International Press Institute (IPI) Tracker on Press Freedom Violations Linked to COVID-19 Coverage, https://ipi.media/covid19-media-freedom-monitoring/.

(90)  Council of Europe, the Organisation of American States et al., Declaration of the Global Forum on Academic Freedom, Institutional Autonomy, and the Future of Democracy, 21 June 2019.

(91)  Ustawa z dnia 18 grudnia 1998 r. o Instytucie Pamięci Narodowej — Komisji Ścigania Zbrodni przeciwko Narodowi Polskiemu (Dz.U. 1998 nr 155 poz. 1016).

(92)  See as well the Statement of 28 June 2018 by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media.

(93)  Ustawa z dnia 24 lipca 2015 r. — Prawo o zgromadzeniach (Dz.U. 2015 poz. 1485).

(94)  Ustawa z dnia 13 grudnia 2016 r. o zmianie ustawy — Prawo o zgromadzeniach (Dz.U. 2017 poz. 579).

(95)  See as well the Communication of 23 April 2018 by UN Experts to urge Poland to ensure free and full participation at climate talks.

(96)  Polish Commissioner for Human Rights, letter to the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, 6 May 2020.

(97)  Ustawa z dnia 15 września 2017 r. o Narodowym Instytucie Wolności — Centrum Rozwoju Społeczeństwa Obywatelskiego (Dz.U. 2017 poz. 1909).

(98)  OSCE/ODIHR, Opinion on the Draft Act of Poland on the National Freedom Institute — Centre for the Development of Civil Society, Warsaw, 22 August 2017.

(99)  EESC, Report on Fundamental rights and the rule of law: national developments from a civil society perspective 2018-2019, June 2020, p. 41-42.

(100)  EESC, Press Statement ‘Alarming pressure on civil society: Polish EESC member becomes a target of government retaliation and NGOs no longer able to choose their own candidates’, 23 June 2020.

(101)  Press release by the Minister of Environment, in cooperation with the Minister of Justice, 7 August 2020, https://www.gov.pl/web/srodowisko/nowe-prawo-wzmocni--przejrzystosc-finansowania-organizacji-pozarzadowych.

(102)  Ustawa z dnia 6 kwietnia 1990 r. o Policji (Dz.U. 1990 nr 30 poz. 179).

(103)  UN Human Rights Committee (HRC), Concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of Poland, 23 November 2016, paras 39-40. See as well Communication by UN Experts to urge Poland to ensure free and full participation at climate talks, 23 April 2018.

(104)  EDPB, letter on Polish presidential elections data disclosure, 5 May 2020.

(105)  Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Statement of 14 April 2020.

(106)  In 2017, abortion due to fetal defects accounted for 97,9 percent all treatments: Center for Health Information Systems, reports of the Statistical Research Program of Public Statistics MZ-29, as published on the website of the Polish Sejm. Sprawozdanie Rady Ministrów z wykonywania oraz o skutkach stosowania w 2016 r. ustawy z dnia 7 stycznia 1993 r. o planowaniu rodziny, ochronie płodu ludzkiego i warunkach dopuszczalności przerywania ciąży (Dz. U. poz. 78, z późnn. zm.).

(107)  See as well the issue paper of the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights of December 2017 entitled ‘Women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights in Europe’; Statement of 22 March 2018 by UN Experts advising the UN Working Group on discrimination against women, and Statement of 14 April 2020 by the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights.

(108)  Ustawa z dnia 16 lipca 2020 r. o zmianie ustawy o zawodach lekarza i lekarza dentysty oraz niektórych innych ustaw (not yet published in the Official Journal).

(109)  Ustawa z dnia 5 grudnia 1996 r. o zawodach lekarza i lekarza dentysty (Dz.U. 1997 nr 28 poz. 152).

(110)  Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 20 March 2007, Tysiąc v. Poland (application no. 5410/03); Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 20 March 2007, R. R. v. Poland (application no. 27617/04); Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 30 October 2012, P. and S. v. Poland (application no. 57375/08).

(111)  EP Resolution of 15 November 2017, para. 18; PACE, Resolution 2316 (2020) of 28 January 2020 on the functioning of democratic institutions in Poland, para. 14; UN Human Rights Committee (HRC), Concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of Poland, 23 November 2016, CCPR/C/POL/CO/7, paras 15-18.

(112)  United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Concluding observations on the combined twenty-second to twenty-fourth periodic reports of Poland, August 2019.

(113)  Ibid.

(114)  Ministry of Justice, Press release ‘Proposal for the denunciation of the Istanbul Convention’, 25 July 2020, https://www.gov.pl/web/sprawiedliwosc/ministerstwo-sprawiedliwosci-konwencja-stambulska-powinna-zostac-wypowiedziana-poniewaz-jest-sprzeczna-z-prawami-konstytucyjnymi.

(115)  Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 16).

(116)  European Commission, DG REGIO, letter to the authorities of the Polish regions of Lublin, Łódź, Lesser Poland, Podkarpackie and Świętokrzyskie, 27 May 2020. See, as well, Judgment of the Court of Justice of 23 April 2020, Associazione Avvocatura per i diritti LGBTI, C-507/18, ECLI:EU:C:2020:289.

(117)  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 5 June 2018, Coman, C-673/16, ECLI:EU:C:2018:385; Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 2 March 2010, Kozak v. Poland (application no. 13102/02); Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 22 January 2008, E.B. v. France (application no. 43546/02); Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 19 February 2013, X and Others v. Austria (application no. 19010/07); Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 30 June 2016, Taddeucci and McCall v. Italy (application no. 51362/09); Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 21 July 2015, Oliari and Others v. Italy (applications nos. 18766/11 and 36030/11); Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 14 December 2017, Orlandi and Others v. Italy (applications nos. 26431/12, 26742/12, 44057/12 and 60088/12); Judgment of the European Court of Human Rights of 14 January 2020, Beizaras and Levickas v. Lithuania (application no. 41288/15).

(118)  Polish Commissioner for Human Rights, Press release, ‘The National Preventive Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture (KMPT) visits police places of detention after overnight detentions in Warsaw’, 11 August 2020, https://www.rpo.gov.pl/en/content/national-preventive-mechanism-prevention-torture-kmpt-visits-police-places-detention-after-overnight.

(119)  Position of the Polish Episcopate on LGBT + issues, August 2020, https://episkopat.pl/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Stanowisko-Konferencji-Episkopatu-Polski-w-kwestii-LGBT.pdf.

(120)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0032.

(121)  UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Report on conversion therapy, May 2020, https://undocs.org/A/HRC/44/53.

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| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/334 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/334

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P9_TA(2020)0236

Sustainable rail market in view of COVID-19 outbreak ***I

European Parliament legislative resolution of 17 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing measures for a sustainable rail market in view of the COVID-19 pandemic (COM(2020)0260 — C9-0186/2020 — 2020/0127(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

(2021/C 385/34)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2020)0260), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2020)0260),

| — | having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 91 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C9-0186/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 91 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C9-0186/2020),

| — | 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 of 16 July 2020 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 16 July 2020 (1),

| — | after consulting the Committee of the Regions, |
| --- | --- |

—

after consulting the Committee of the Regions,

| — | having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 9 September 2020 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 September 2020 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 163 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 59 and 163 of its Rules of Procedure,

| 1. | Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

3.

---

(1)  Not yet published in the Official Journal.

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P9_TC1-COD(2020)0127

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 17 September 2020 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2020/... of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing measures for a sustainable rail market in view of the COVID-19 outbreak

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EU) 2020/1429.)

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| 22.9.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 385/335 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 385/335

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P9_TA(2020)0237

Draft amending budget No 8: Increase of payment appropriations for the Emergency Support Instrument to finance the COVID-19 vaccines strategy and for the impact of the Corona Response Investment Initiative Plus

European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 8/2020 of the European Union for the financial year 2020 — Increase of payment appropriations for the Emergency Support Instrument to finance the COVID-19 vaccines strategy and for the impact of the Corona Response Investment Initiative Plus (10696/2020 — C9-0290/2020 — 2020/1997(BUD))

(2021/C 385/35)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Article 314 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 314 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Article 106a of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 106a of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (1), and in particular Article 44 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (1), and in particular Article 44 thereof,

| — | having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020, as definitively adopted on 27 November 2019 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2020, as definitively adopted on 27 November 2019 (2),

| — | 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 (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

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 (3),

| — | 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 (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

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 (4),

| — | having regard to Draft amending budget No 8/2020, which the Commission adopted on 28 August 2020 (COM(2020)0900), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Draft amending budget No 8/2020, which the Commission adopted on 28 August 2020 (COM(2020)0900),

| — | having regard to the position on Draft amending budget No 8/2020 which the Council adopted on 11 September 2020 and forwarded to Parliament on the same day (10696/2020 — C9-0290/2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the position on Draft amending budget No 8/2020 which the Council adopted on 11 September 2020 and forwarded to Parliament on the same day (10696/2020 — C9-0290/2020),

| — | having regard to Rules 94, 96 and 163 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 94, 96 and 163 of its Rules of Procedure,

| 1. | Approves the Council position on Draft amending budget No 8/2020; |
| --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Instructs its President to declare that Amending budget No 6/2020 has been definitively adopted and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

3.

---

(1)  OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 57, 27.2.2020.

(3)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884.

(4)  OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.

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