# Official Journal C 274/27 J

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 274 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5927 July 2016 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 274

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5927 July 2016

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | |
| | EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
  2014-2015 SESSIONSittings of 20 to 23 October 2014
  The Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 424, 17.12.2015 .

  The texts adopted of 23 October 2014 concerning the discharge for the financial year 2012 have been published in OJ L 334, 21.11.2014 .
  TEXTS ADOPTED | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
  2014-2015 SESSIONSittings of 20 to 23 October 2014
  The Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 424, 17.12.2015 .

  The texts adopted of 23 October 2014 concerning the discharge for the financial year 2012 have been published in OJ L 334, 21.11.2014 .
  TEXTS ADOPTED

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

The Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 424, 17.12.2015 .

The texts adopted of 23 October 2014 concerning the discharge for the financial year 2012 have been published in OJ L 334, 21.11.2014 .

1

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| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| --- | --- |
| | RESOLUTIONS |
| | European Parliament |
| | Wednesday 22 October 2014 |
| 2016/C 274/01 | European Parliament resolution of 22 October 2014 on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: implementation of 2014 priorities (2014/2059(INI)) | 2 |
| | Thursday 23 October 2014 |
| 2016/C 274/02 | European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2014 on the closing-down of the NGO Memorial (winner of the 2009 Sakharov Prize) in Russia (2014/2903(RSP)) | 21 |
| 2016/C 274/03 | European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2014 on human rights in Uzbekistan (2014/2904(RSP)) | 25 |
| 2016/C 274/04 | European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2014 on the disappearance of 43 teaching students in Mexico (2014/2905(RSP)) | 28 |
| 2016/C 274/05 | European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2014 on the proposal for a Council directive implementing the European Agreement concluded by the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Skippers Organisation (ESO) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport (COM(2014)0452 — 2014/2860(RSP)) | 31 |

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

European Parliament

Wednesday 22 October 2014

2016/C 274/01

European Parliament resolution of 22 October 2014 on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: implementation of 2014 priorities (2014/2059(INI))

2

Thursday 23 October 2014

2016/C 274/02

European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2014 on the closing-down of the NGO Memorial (winner of the 2009 Sakharov Prize) in Russia (2014/2903(RSP))

21

2016/C 274/03

European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2014 on human rights in Uzbekistan (2014/2904(RSP))

25

2016/C 274/04

European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2014 on the disappearance of 43 teaching students in Mexico (2014/2905(RSP))

28

2016/C 274/05

European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2014 on the proposal for a Council directive implementing the European Agreement concluded by the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Skippers Organisation (ESO) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport (COM(2014)0452 — 2014/2860(RSP))

31

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| | III   Preparatory acts |
| --- | --- |
| | EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT |
| | Tuesday 21 October 2014 |
| 2016/C 274/06 | European Parliament resolution of 21 October 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2014/004 ES/Comunidad Valenciana metal from Spain) (COM(2014)0515 — C8-0125/2014 — 2014/2064(BUD)) | 32 |
| 2016/C 274/07 | European Parliament resolution of 21 October 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in accordance with point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2013/012 BE/Ford Genk from Belgium) (COM(2014)0532 — C8-0126/2014 — 2014/2065(BUD)) | 36 |
| 2016/C 274/08 | European Parliament resolution of 21 October 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2013/002 BE/Carsid from Belgium) (COM(2014)0553 — C8-0136/2014 — 2014/2071(BUD)) | 40 |
| 2016/C 274/09 | European Parliament resolution of 21 October 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2014/006 FR/PSA from France) (COM(2014)0560 — C8-0141/2014 — 2014/2076(BUD)) | 43 |
| | Wednesday 22 October 2014 |
| 2016/C 274/10 | European Parliament decision of 22 October 2014 electing the Commission (2014/2164(INS)) | 47 |
| 2016/C 274/11 | European Parliament resolution of 22 October 2014 on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2014 of the European Union for the financial year 2014, Section III — Commission (12300/2014 — C8-0160/2014 — 2014/2035(BUD)) | 48 |
| 2016/C 274/12 | European Parliament resolution of 22 October 2014 on the Council position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2015 (12608/2014 — C8-0144/2014 — 2014/2040(BUD)) | 51 |
| 2016/C 274/13 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 22 October 2014 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, of the Additional Protocol to the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Korea, of the other part, to take account of the accession of Croatia to the European Union (06035/2014 — C7-0113/2014 — 2014/0019(NLE)) | 65 |
| | Thursday 23 October 2014 |
| 2016/C 274/14 | P8_TA(2014)0042Customs duties on goods originating in Ukraine ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 23 October 2014 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 374/2014 on the reduction or elimination of customs duties on goods originating in Ukraine (COM(2014)0597 — C8-0165/2014 — 2014/0279(COD))P8_TC1-COD(2014)0279Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 23 October 2014 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) No .../2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 374/2014 on the reduction or elimination of customs duties on goods originating in Ukraine | 66 |

III   Preparatory acts

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Tuesday 21 October 2014

2016/C 274/06

European Parliament resolution of 21 October 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2014/004 ES/Comunidad Valenciana metal from Spain) (COM(2014)0515 — C8-0125/2014 — 2014/2064(BUD))

32

2016/C 274/07

European Parliament resolution of 21 October 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in accordance with point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2013/012 BE/Ford Genk from Belgium) (COM(2014)0532 — C8-0126/2014 — 2014/2065(BUD))

36

2016/C 274/08

European Parliament resolution of 21 October 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2013/002 BE/Carsid from Belgium) (COM(2014)0553 — C8-0136/2014 — 2014/2071(BUD))

40

2016/C 274/09

European Parliament resolution of 21 October 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2014/006 FR/PSA from France) (COM(2014)0560 — C8-0141/2014 — 2014/2076(BUD))

43

Wednesday 22 October 2014

2016/C 274/10

European Parliament decision of 22 October 2014 electing the Commission (2014/2164(INS))

47

2016/C 274/11

European Parliament resolution of 22 October 2014 on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2014 of the European Union for the financial year 2014, Section III — Commission (12300/2014 — C8-0160/2014 — 2014/2035(BUD))

48

2016/C 274/12

European Parliament resolution of 22 October 2014 on the Council position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2015 (12608/2014 — C8-0144/2014 — 2014/2040(BUD))

51

2016/C 274/13

European Parliament legislative resolution of 22 October 2014 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, of the Additional Protocol to the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Korea, of the other part, to take account of the accession of Croatia to the European Union (06035/2014 — C7-0113/2014 — 2014/0019(NLE))

65

Thursday 23 October 2014

2016/C 274/14

P8_TA(2014)0042Customs duties on goods originating in Ukraine ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 23 October 2014 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 374/2014 on the reduction or elimination of customs duties on goods originating in Ukraine (COM(2014)0597 — C8-0165/2014 — 2014/0279(COD))P8_TC1-COD(2014)0279Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 23 October 2014 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) No .../2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 374/2014 on the reduction or elimination of customs duties on goods originating in Ukraine

66

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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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27.7.2016

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/1 |
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EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/1

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EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

2014-2015 SESSION

Sittings of 20 to 23 October 2014

The Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 424, 17.12.2015.

The texts adopted of 23 October 2014 concerning the discharge for the financial year 2012 have been published in OJ L 334, 21.11.2014.

TEXTS ADOPTED

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

European Parliament

Wednesday 22 October 2014

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/2 |
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27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/2

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P8_TA(2014)0038

European Semester for economic policy coordination: implementation of 2014 priorities

European Parliament resolution of 22 October 2014 on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: implementation of 2014 priorities (2014/2059(INI))

(2016/C 274/01)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and in particular Articles 121(2) and 136 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and in particular Articles 121(2) and 136 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular Article 3 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular Article 3 thereof,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1175/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1175/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (1),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2011/85/EU of 8 November 2011 on requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2011/85/EU of 8 November 2011 on requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States (2),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1174/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on enforcement measures to correct excessive macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1174/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on enforcement measures to correct excessive macroeconomic imbalances in the euro area (3),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 1177/2011 of 8 November 2011 amending Regulation (EC) No 1467/97 on speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 1177/2011 of 8 November 2011 amending Regulation (EC) No 1467/97 on speeding up and clarifying the implementation of the excessive deficit procedure (4),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances (5),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1173/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the effective enforcement of budgetary surveillance in the euro area (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1173/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the effective enforcement of budgetary surveillance in the euro area (6),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 6 December 2012 on An Action Plan to strengthen the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion (COM(2012)0722), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 6 December 2012 on An Action Plan to strengthen the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion (COM(2012)0722),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2014 concerning the role and the operations of the Troika (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2014 concerning the role and the operations of the Troika (7),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 5 February 2013 on improving access to finance for SMEs (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 5 February 2013 on improving access to finance for SMEs (8),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 February 2014 on Single Market governance within the European Semester 2014 (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 February 2014 on Single Market governance within the European Semester 2014 (9),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 473/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on common provisions for monitoring and assessing draft budgetary plans and ensuring the correction of excessive deficit of the Member States in the euro area (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 473/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on common provisions for monitoring and assessing draft budgetary plans and ensuring the correction of excessive deficit of the Member States in the euro area (10),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the strengthening of economic and budgetary surveillance of Member States in the euro area experiencing or threatened with serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 472/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on the strengthening of economic and budgetary surveillance of Member States in the euro area experiencing or threatened with serious difficulties with respect to their financial stability (11),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 2 June 2014 on country-specific recommendations 2014 (COM(2014)0400), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 2 June 2014 on country-specific recommendations 2014 (COM(2014)0400),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 February 2014 on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: Employment and Social Aspects in the Annual Growth Survey 2014 (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 February 2014 on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: Employment and Social Aspects in the Annual Growth Survey 2014 (12),

| — | having regard to the debate with representatives of national parliaments on the implementation on the 2014 priorities of the European Semester, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the debate with representatives of national parliaments on the implementation on the 2014 priorities of the European Semester,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 (13), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 (13),

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 30 July 2014 to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Guidelines on the application of the measures linking effectiveness of the European Structural and Investment Funds to sound economic governance according to Article 23 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 (COM(2014)0494), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 30 July 2014 to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on Guidelines on the application of the measures linking effectiveness of the European Structural and Investment Funds to sound economic governance according to Article 23 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 (COM(2014)0494),

| — | having regard to its resolutions of 14 September 2011 (14) and of 16 January 2014 (15) on an EU Homelessness Strategy, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions of 14 September 2011 (14) and of 16 January 2014 (15) on an EU Homelessness Strategy,

| — | having regard to the Commission report of 13 November 2013 entitled ‘A Single Market for growth and jobs: an analysis of progress made and remaining obstacles in the Member States — Contribution to the Annual Growth Survey 2014’ (COM(2013)0785), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission report of 13 November 2013 entitled ‘A Single Market for growth and jobs: an analysis of progress made and remaining obstacles in the Member States — Contribution to the Annual Growth Survey 2014’ (COM(2013)0785),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 2 June 2014 entitled ‘2014 European Semester: Country-specific recommendations — Building Growth’ (COM(2014)0400), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 2 June 2014 entitled ‘2014 European Semester: Country-specific recommendations — Building Growth’ (COM(2014)0400),

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

—

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, and the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (A8-0019/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, and the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (A8-0019/2014),

| A. | whereas fiscal sustainability and smart compliance with the EU fiscal and macroeconomic surveillance framework is essential to the proper functioning of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas fiscal sustainability and smart compliance with the EU fiscal and macroeconomic surveillance framework is essential to the proper functioning of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU);

| B. | whereas enhanced coordination between Member States’ macroeconomic and budgetary policies and a comprehensive, Commission-led policy for the euro area is needed in order to achieve a genuine EMU; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas enhanced coordination between Member States’ macroeconomic and budgetary policies and a comprehensive, Commission-led policy for the euro area is needed in order to achieve a genuine EMU;

| C. | whereas the European Semester plays an essential role in coordinating economic and budgetary policies in the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the European Semester plays an essential role in coordinating economic and budgetary policies in the Member States;

| D. | whereas increasing overall unemployment, and youth unemployment in particular, remains a major threat to economic and social stability and convergence in the EU; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas increasing overall unemployment, and youth unemployment in particular, remains a major threat to economic and social stability and convergence in the EU;

| E. | whereas, youth unemployment has to be addressed in a pro-active manner, thereby enhancing and extending the current framework of cooperation between national authorities responsible in this field; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas, youth unemployment has to be addressed in a pro-active manner, thereby enhancing and extending the current framework of cooperation between national authorities responsible in this field;

| F. | whereas, in the context of persistently high debt and unemployment levels, low nominal GDP growth and inflation significantly below the target level, and the high level of people at risk of poverty as well as the challenges of an ageing society and of supporting job creation, particularly for young people, fiscal consolidation must continue in a growth-friendly and differentiated manner; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas, in the context of persistently high debt and unemployment levels, low nominal GDP growth and inflation significantly below the target level, and the high level of people at risk of poverty as well as the challenges of an ageing society and of supporting job creation, particularly for young people, fiscal consolidation must continue in a growth-friendly and differentiated manner;

| G. | whereas the spirit of the European Semester entails a commitment to economic solidarity among Member States and whereas they bear a responsibility proportionate to their respective contributions to the overall economic performance of the Union; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the spirit of the European Semester entails a commitment to economic solidarity among Member States and whereas they bear a responsibility proportionate to their respective contributions to the overall economic performance of the Union;

| H. | whereas the priorities for this year’s European Semester were established by the European Council in March, and were reconfirmed in June; whereas the emphasis is on policies that enhance competitiveness, support job creation and fight unemployment, and on the follow-up to reforms to improve the financing of the economy and the functioning of labour markets; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the priorities for this year’s European Semester were established by the European Council in March, and were reconfirmed in June; whereas the emphasis is on policies that enhance competitiveness, support job creation and fight unemployment, and on the follow-up to reforms to improve the financing of the economy and the functioning of labour markets;

| I. | whereas the Europe 2020 strategy is one of the elements of the EU’s response to the global economic crisis and future challenges and whereas the Commission acknowledges that most of the EU 2020 Strategy objectives will not be met; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the Europe 2020 strategy is one of the elements of the EU’s response to the global economic crisis and future challenges and whereas the Commission acknowledges that most of the EU 2020 Strategy objectives will not be met;

| J. | whereas the global financial crisis and the banking and debt crisis in the EU have significantly hampered access by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to financial resources; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the global financial crisis and the banking and debt crisis in the EU have significantly hampered access by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to financial resources;

| K. | whereas the European Parliament has several times requested the strengthening of the governance framework; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the European Parliament has several times requested the strengthening of the governance framework;

| L. | whereas single market, especially as regards services, is not fully operational; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas single market, especially as regards services, is not fully operational;

| M. | whereas, after six years of economic crisis and negative growth rates, the economic recovery is slowly gaining ground and is expected to spread to all the Member States by 2015; whereas the Commission’s forecasts for the economic recovery are still fragile and the reforms must continue in order to meet citizens’ employment and social demands and restore productivity and competitiveness; whereas the Commission recognises that the social situation is depressed in many parts of the EU, that unemployment has reached unprecedented heights and that the divergences among regions and Member States are growing; whereas measures to tackle this employment and social situation would facilitate competitiveness and growth prospects; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas, after six years of economic crisis and negative growth rates, the economic recovery is slowly gaining ground and is expected to spread to all the Member States by 2015; whereas the Commission’s forecasts for the economic recovery are still fragile and the reforms must continue in order to meet citizens’ employment and social demands and restore productivity and competitiveness; whereas the Commission recognises that the social situation is depressed in many parts of the EU, that unemployment has reached unprecedented heights and that the divergences among regions and Member States are growing; whereas measures to tackle this employment and social situation would facilitate competitiveness and growth prospects;

| N. | whereas, notwithstanding a mild decline, EU unemployment and youth unemployment rates are still incredibly alarming (25,005 million unemployed in the EU-28 in June 2014 and 5,06 million unemployed young people in the EU-28 in July 2014); whereas, furthermore, the differences between Member States’ general and youth unemployment rates (5 % unemployment in Austria, compared with 27,3 % in Greece; 9,3 % youth unemployment in Austria, compared with 53,8 % in Spain) represent a major risk both for the EU’s economic stability and for European social cohesion; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas, notwithstanding a mild decline, EU unemployment and youth unemployment rates are still incredibly alarming (25,005 million unemployed in the EU-28 in June 2014 and 5,06 million unemployed young people in the EU-28 in July 2014); whereas, furthermore, the differences between Member States’ general and youth unemployment rates (5 % unemployment in Austria, compared with 27,3 % in Greece; 9,3 % youth unemployment in Austria, compared with 53,8 % in Spain) represent a major risk both for the EU’s economic stability and for European social cohesion;

| O. | whereas the Commission points to the role of innovation, research and development in generating added value, and to the fact that growing skills mismatches are particularly affecting knowledge-based sectors; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the Commission points to the role of innovation, research and development in generating added value, and to the fact that growing skills mismatches are particularly affecting knowledge-based sectors;

| P. | whereas labour market fragmentation is now one of the major causes of inequality between Member States and between different sectors; whereas this is demonstrated by the divergences in access to employment (including high entrance hurdles) and in working conditions and wage levels, which are sometimes insufficient to guarantee decent living standards, and by the growing polarisation between low- and high-skilled work, which can prevent movement within the labour market; whereas reforms are still necessary in order to put an end to such fragmentation; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas labour market fragmentation is now one of the major causes of inequality between Member States and between different sectors; whereas this is demonstrated by the divergences in access to employment (including high entrance hurdles) and in working conditions and wage levels, which are sometimes insufficient to guarantee decent living standards, and by the growing polarisation between low- and high-skilled work, which can prevent movement within the labour market; whereas reforms are still necessary in order to put an end to such fragmentation;

| Q. | whereas the setting of a minimum wage is a competence of the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the setting of a minimum wage is a competence of the Member States;

| R. | whereas EU legislation on working conditions, discrimination, and health and safety in the workplace grants workers protection from exploitation and discrimination, and helps to facilitate the integration of groups such as women and people with disabilities into the labour market; whereas the cost of workplace accidents and occupational ill-health is estimated to represent between 2,6 % and 3,8 % of GDP, while it is estimated that companies receive a return of EUR 2,2 for every euro spent on implementing health and safety standards; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas EU legislation on working conditions, discrimination, and health and safety in the workplace grants workers protection from exploitation and discrimination, and helps to facilitate the integration of groups such as women and people with disabilities into the labour market; whereas the cost of workplace accidents and occupational ill-health is estimated to represent between 2,6 % and 3,8 % of GDP, while it is estimated that companies receive a return of EUR 2,2 for every euro spent on implementing health and safety standards;

| S. | whereas the economic and financial crisis has highlighted the fragility of public finances in some Member States; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas the economic and financial crisis has highlighted the fragility of public finances in some Member States;

| T. | whereas, in order to tackle the crisis, some Member States have made severe cuts in public expenditure at the same time as demand for social protection has increased in response to the rise in unemployment; whereas national budget allocations for social security cover have been further stretched as contributions have fallen in the wake of wide-scale job losses or wage cuts; |
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T.

whereas, in order to tackle the crisis, some Member States have made severe cuts in public expenditure at the same time as demand for social protection has increased in response to the rise in unemployment; whereas national budget allocations for social security cover have been further stretched as contributions have fallen in the wake of wide-scale job losses or wage cuts;

| U. | whereas the Commission stated in its communication of 2 June 2014 (COM(2014)0400): ‘The effects of the crisis and of policy measures on the economic and social situation have an impact on levels of inequality. The structural nature of certain forms of unemployment, limitations of access to education and healthcare, certain tax-benefits reforms may all weigh disproportionally on the more vulnerable parts of society.’; |
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U.

whereas the Commission stated in its communication of 2 June 2014 (COM(2014)0400): ‘The effects of the crisis and of policy measures on the economic and social situation have an impact on levels of inequality. The structural nature of certain forms of unemployment, limitations of access to education and healthcare, certain tax-benefits reforms may all weigh disproportionally on the more vulnerable parts of society.’;

| V. | whereas Article 9 TFEU provides that ‘[I]n defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union shall take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health’, and whereas it is important to implement this horizontal clause sufficiently in all policy areas so as to achieve the objectives of Article 3 TEU; whereas Article 174 TFEU provides that: ‘In order to promote its overall harmonious development, the Union shall develop and pursue its actions leading to the strengthening of its economic, social and territorial cohesion. [...] particular attention shall be paid to rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions.’; |
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V.

whereas Article 9 TFEU provides that ‘[I]n defining and implementing its policies and activities, the Union shall take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health’, and whereas it is important to implement this horizontal clause sufficiently in all policy areas so as to achieve the objectives of Article 3 TEU; whereas Article 174 TFEU provides that: ‘In order to promote its overall harmonious development, the Union shall develop and pursue its actions leading to the strengthening of its economic, social and territorial cohesion. [...] particular attention shall be paid to rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, and regions which suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps such as the northernmost regions with very low population density and island, cross-border and mountain regions.’;

| W. | whereas only 7,5 million people — 3,1 % of the EU workforce — are currently employed in another Member State, and whereas young people are the group most likely to be mobile; |
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W.

whereas only 7,5 million people — 3,1 % of the EU workforce — are currently employed in another Member State, and whereas young people are the group most likely to be mobile;

| X. | whereas, as a result of the crisis, SMEs and micro-enterprises face extremely high costs in order to access finance and have difficulty doing so, thus hampering their ability to grow and create jobs; whereas the Commission and the Member States consequently need to support SME development, with the aim of promoting smart, sustainable and inclusive economic growth and quality employment in the EU in accordance with the Europe 2020 goals; |
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X.

whereas, as a result of the crisis, SMEs and micro-enterprises face extremely high costs in order to access finance and have difficulty doing so, thus hampering their ability to grow and create jobs; whereas the Commission and the Member States consequently need to support SME development, with the aim of promoting smart, sustainable and inclusive economic growth and quality employment in the EU in accordance with the Europe 2020 goals;

| 1. | Notes the analysis that economic recovery in the EU had encouraging signs in the previous two years and is worried about the slow down since the first quarter of 2014 in a context where the zero-lower bound has been reached and very low inflation rates are generalised; reiterates, however, that this recovery is very fragile and uneven, and must be sustained in order to deliver more growth and jobs in the medium term; |
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1.

Notes the analysis that economic recovery in the EU had encouraging signs in the previous two years and is worried about the slow down since the first quarter of 2014 in a context where the zero-lower bound has been reached and very low inflation rates are generalised; reiterates, however, that this recovery is very fragile and uneven, and must be sustained in order to deliver more growth and jobs in the medium term;

| 2. | Underlines that an ambitious initiative for triggering investment across the EU is urgently needed to relaunch and sustain economic recovery; calls on the Commission to urgently set in motion a European investment program of EUR 300 billion as proposed by Jean-Claude Juncker to contribute to the short term recovery of European growth; |
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2.

Underlines that an ambitious initiative for triggering investment across the EU is urgently needed to relaunch and sustain economic recovery; calls on the Commission to urgently set in motion a European investment program of EUR 300 billion as proposed by Jean-Claude Juncker to contribute to the short term recovery of European growth;

| 3. | Notes that the most important targets of economic policy are to restore the Member States’ competitiveness and reduce unemployment; |
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3.

Notes that the most important targets of economic policy are to restore the Member States’ competitiveness and reduce unemployment;

| 4. | Stresses that the challenges of the current economic situation, characterised by sluggish GDP — stable in the eurozone and rising by 0,2 % in the EU-28 during the second quarter of 2014 — remarkably low inflation — down to 0,3 % in August 2014, its lowest level since November 2009 — and unacceptably high unemployment — 11,5 % in the eurozone and 10,2 % in the EU-28 in July 2014 — have to be addressed urgently; |
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4.

Stresses that the challenges of the current economic situation, characterised by sluggish GDP — stable in the eurozone and rising by 0,2 % in the EU-28 during the second quarter of 2014 — remarkably low inflation — down to 0,3 % in August 2014, its lowest level since November 2009 — and unacceptably high unemployment — 11,5 % in the eurozone and 10,2 % in the EU-28 in July 2014 — have to be addressed urgently;

| 5. | Urges once again the Commission to ensure concrete recommendations to the Member States and for the EU as a whole, including those under economic adjustment programmes, so that they not only address fiscal consolidation but also structural reforms that lead to real, sustainable and socially balanced growth, employment, strengthened competitiveness and increasing convergence; |
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5.

Urges once again the Commission to ensure concrete recommendations to the Member States and for the EU as a whole, including those under economic adjustment programmes, so that they not only address fiscal consolidation but also structural reforms that lead to real, sustainable and socially balanced growth, employment, strengthened competitiveness and increasing convergence;

| 6. | Takes notes of the far reaching structural reforms implemented by Member States under the macroeconomic adjustment programmes; finds it regrettable that some Member States in the rest of the euro area lack ambition in modernising their economies, which is one of the reasons for the low sustainable growth prospects in the medium and long term; |
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6.

Takes notes of the far reaching structural reforms implemented by Member States under the macroeconomic adjustment programmes; finds it regrettable that some Member States in the rest of the euro area lack ambition in modernising their economies, which is one of the reasons for the low sustainable growth prospects in the medium and long term;

| 7. | Regrets that the euro area and the EU risk falling further behind other regions in terms of economic prospects and opportunities, making the EU less attractive for investment from within and outside the EU; |
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7.

Regrets that the euro area and the EU risk falling further behind other regions in terms of economic prospects and opportunities, making the EU less attractive for investment from within and outside the EU;

| 8. | Stresses that the financial, sovereign debt and competitiveness crisis cannot be solved by means of a loose monetary policy alone; Stresses, therefore, the importance of continuing the process of deep, balanced and socially sustainable structural reforms to deliver on growth and jobs; reiterates, in this connection, the fact that the EU cannot compete on costs alone, but needs to invest much more in research and development, industrial development, education and skills, and resource efficiency, both at national and European level; recalls that the very aim of structural reforms and decreasing the level of public and private debt should be to be able to focus on sustainable growth friendly policies and ultimately provide jobs and fight poverty; calls on the Commission and the Member States to exploit more fully the potential of promotional banks to stimulate the economy in the European Union; |
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8.

Stresses that the financial, sovereign debt and competitiveness crisis cannot be solved by means of a loose monetary policy alone; Stresses, therefore, the importance of continuing the process of deep, balanced and socially sustainable structural reforms to deliver on growth and jobs; reiterates, in this connection, the fact that the EU cannot compete on costs alone, but needs to invest much more in research and development, industrial development, education and skills, and resource efficiency, both at national and European level; recalls that the very aim of structural reforms and decreasing the level of public and private debt should be to be able to focus on sustainable growth friendly policies and ultimately provide jobs and fight poverty; calls on the Commission and the Member States to exploit more fully the potential of promotional banks to stimulate the economy in the European Union;

| 9. | Recalls that the EU 2020 priorities and targets such as fighting poverty and social exclusion remain valid and should be implemented; |
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9.

Recalls that the EU 2020 priorities and targets such as fighting poverty and social exclusion remain valid and should be implemented;

| 10. | Underlines, once again, the fact that the excessive indebtedness in several Member States in the euro area is not only an obstacle to growth but also puts a huge burden on future generations; is still concerned at the lack of progress in reducing excessive private debt levels; |
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10.

Underlines, once again, the fact that the excessive indebtedness in several Member States in the euro area is not only an obstacle to growth but also puts a huge burden on future generations; is still concerned at the lack of progress in reducing excessive private debt levels;

| 11. | Reiterates, therefore, the fact that Member States should pay particular attention when devising economic policies and reforms as regards the impact on this and future generations including their needs for good living conditions and job opportunities; our societies’ future must not be put at risk by non-decisions and political errors in the present; |
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11.

Reiterates, therefore, the fact that Member States should pay particular attention when devising economic policies and reforms as regards the impact on this and future generations including their needs for good living conditions and job opportunities; our societies’ future must not be put at risk by non-decisions and political errors in the present;

| 12. | Welcomes that Jean-Claude Juncker in his political guidelines for the next European Commission announced his commitment to enhance European investment by EUR 300 billion; |
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12.

Welcomes that Jean-Claude Juncker in his political guidelines for the next European Commission announced his commitment to enhance European investment by EUR 300 billion;

| 13. | Underlines the fact that the EMU is far from complete and reminds the Commission of its obligations and commitments to take into account macroeconomic imbalances inside the EU and notably the eurozone to enhance economic and budgetary coordination and strengthen competitiveness in the EU; welcomes, in this respect, the commitment by the next President-elect of the Commission to deliver on the roadmap set out the report of 5 December 2012 entitled ‘Towards a Genuine Economic and Monetary Union’; |
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13.

Underlines the fact that the EMU is far from complete and reminds the Commission of its obligations and commitments to take into account macroeconomic imbalances inside the EU and notably the eurozone to enhance economic and budgetary coordination and strengthen competitiveness in the EU; welcomes, in this respect, the commitment by the next President-elect of the Commission to deliver on the roadmap set out the report of 5 December 2012 entitled ‘Towards a Genuine Economic and Monetary Union’;

| 14. | Calls again on the Commission to put forward proposals for the completion of the EMU without delay in accordance with all the guidelines in its blueprint on a deep and genuine EMU; notes that the completion of the EMU should be based on the community method; Reiterates once more its demand for a legal act on ‘convergence guidelines’ to be adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure, laying down, for a set period, a very limited number of targets for the most urgent reform measures and its request that the Member States ensure that the national reform programmes should be established on the basis of the aforementioned convergence guidelines and verified by the Commission; calls on the Member States to commit themselves to fully implementing their national reform programmes; suggests that, on this basis, the Member States could enter into a ‘convergence partnership’ with the EU institutions, with the possibility of conditional funding for reform activities; reiterates that such stronger economic cooperation should go hand in hand with an incentive-based financial mechanism; considers that any additional funding or instruments, such as a solidarity mechanism, must be an integral part of the EU budget, but outside the agreed multiannual financial framework (MFF) envelope; |
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14.

Calls again on the Commission to put forward proposals for the completion of the EMU without delay in accordance with all the guidelines in its blueprint on a deep and genuine EMU; notes that the completion of the EMU should be based on the community method; Reiterates once more its demand for a legal act on ‘convergence guidelines’ to be adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure, laying down, for a set period, a very limited number of targets for the most urgent reform measures and its request that the Member States ensure that the national reform programmes should be established on the basis of the aforementioned convergence guidelines and verified by the Commission; calls on the Member States to commit themselves to fully implementing their national reform programmes; suggests that, on this basis, the Member States could enter into a ‘convergence partnership’ with the EU institutions, with the possibility of conditional funding for reform activities; reiterates that such stronger economic cooperation should go hand in hand with an incentive-based financial mechanism; considers that any additional funding or instruments, such as a solidarity mechanism, must be an integral part of the EU budget, but outside the agreed multiannual financial framework (MFF) envelope;

| 15. | Calls, in this connection, on the future Commission to put forward a proposal on the single external representation of the euro area based on Article 138 TFEU; with the aim to have an efficient euro area with a common position on issues within the range of the competences of this representation; recalls that the new President of the Commission pledged for ‘the EMU and the euro to be represented by one chair, by one place, by one voice in the institutions of Bretton Woods’ in his speech just before being elected by the European Parliament on Tuesday 15 July 2014; |
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15.

Calls, in this connection, on the future Commission to put forward a proposal on the single external representation of the euro area based on Article 138 TFEU; with the aim to have an efficient euro area with a common position on issues within the range of the competences of this representation; recalls that the new President of the Commission pledged for ‘the EMU and the euro to be represented by one chair, by one place, by one voice in the institutions of Bretton Woods’ in his speech just before being elected by the European Parliament on Tuesday 15 July 2014;

| 16. | Calls, in this connection, on the future Commission to put forward, inter alia, a proposal on the single external representation of the euro area based on Article 138 TFEU as well as to present the report committed in the ‘two pack’ and the roadmap ‘Towards a Genuine EMU’ on the possibilities offered by the Union's existing fiscal framework to balance public investments needs with the fiscal discipline objectives; |
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16.

Calls, in this connection, on the future Commission to put forward, inter alia, a proposal on the single external representation of the euro area based on Article 138 TFEU as well as to present the report committed in the ‘two pack’ and the roadmap ‘Towards a Genuine EMU’ on the possibilities offered by the Union's existing fiscal framework to balance public investments needs with the fiscal discipline objectives;

| 17. | Calls on the Commission to strengthen the European Semester process by, inter alia, making sure that sufficient time and resources are allocated to the design and follow-up to the recommendations, thereby making the recommendations as relevant as possible for EU- and national-level economic policy-making; calls on the Commission to submit proposals on ways in which the recommendations of the European Semester could be made more binding; stresses the importance of involving the European Parliament at an early stage and to the greatest extent possible, so as to prevent — given Parliament’s growing significance and binding role — the emergence of a legitimacy gap in the political opinion-forming process; |
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17.

Calls on the Commission to strengthen the European Semester process by, inter alia, making sure that sufficient time and resources are allocated to the design and follow-up to the recommendations, thereby making the recommendations as relevant as possible for EU- and national-level economic policy-making; calls on the Commission to submit proposals on ways in which the recommendations of the European Semester could be made more binding; stresses the importance of involving the European Parliament at an early stage and to the greatest extent possible, so as to prevent — given Parliament’s growing significance and binding role — the emergence of a legitimacy gap in the political opinion-forming process;

| 18. | Believes that ownership of the CSR by national parliaments needs to be strengthened; calls on the Commission to provide the possibility to present the CSRs in the national parliaments before their adoption by the Council; |
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18.

Believes that ownership of the CSR by national parliaments needs to be strengthened; calls on the Commission to provide the possibility to present the CSRs in the national parliaments before their adoption by the Council;

| 19. | Notes the 2014 package of country-specific recommendations (CSRs) by the Commission; notes the Commission’s assessment that some progress has been achieved in sustaining fiscal consolidation and structural reform, particularly in modernising labour markets, pension and health care systems; |
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19.

Notes the 2014 package of country-specific recommendations (CSRs) by the Commission; notes the Commission’s assessment that some progress has been achieved in sustaining fiscal consolidation and structural reform, particularly in modernising labour markets, pension and health care systems;

| 20. | Notes in this context the European Council’s endorsement of the CSRs and the recommendations by the Council, particularly the specific recommendations on the euro area; |
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20.

Notes in this context the European Council’s endorsement of the CSRs and the recommendations by the Council, particularly the specific recommendations on the euro area;

| 21. | Points out that a necessary condition for the success of financial assistance programmes is a combination of solidarity and conditionality, strong ownership and commitment to reform; recalls the Commission to fully align the legal obligations arising from the ‘two-pack’ (Regulation (EU) No 472/2013) with the current adjustment programmes; urges the Commission and the Member States, to incorporate financial assistance and the ad hoc system of the Troika into an improved legal structure compliant with the EU economic governance framework and community law, thereby guaranteeing democratic accountability; takes note on the Commission's follow-up document to the EP Troika report; calls on the Commission to take into account the conclusions of the Troika reports of the European Parliament; |
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21.

Points out that a necessary condition for the success of financial assistance programmes is a combination of solidarity and conditionality, strong ownership and commitment to reform; recalls the Commission to fully align the legal obligations arising from the ‘two-pack’ (Regulation (EU) No 472/2013) with the current adjustment programmes; urges the Commission and the Member States, to incorporate financial assistance and the ad hoc system of the Troika into an improved legal structure compliant with the EU economic governance framework and community law, thereby guaranteeing democratic accountability; takes note on the Commission's follow-up document to the EP Troika report; calls on the Commission to take into account the conclusions of the Troika reports of the European Parliament;

| 22. | Supports the objective of placing emphasis on policies that enhance competitiveness, support investment and job creation, fight unemployment and improve the functioning of the labour market in particular in sectors with high growth potential; believes that Member States possess valuable information to share in combating youth unemployment; stresses that the dual-track training model has proved particularly valuable in combating youth unemployment; |
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22.

Supports the objective of placing emphasis on policies that enhance competitiveness, support investment and job creation, fight unemployment and improve the functioning of the labour market in particular in sectors with high growth potential; believes that Member States possess valuable information to share in combating youth unemployment; stresses that the dual-track training model has proved particularly valuable in combating youth unemployment;

| 23. | Stresses that cohesion policy represents a prominent investment framework for channelling growth friendly expenditure, including investments in innovation and research, digital agenda, expenditure to facilitate the access of SMEs to finance, investments in environmental sustainability, in priority Trans-European Transport links, as well as in education and social inclusion; |
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23.

Stresses that cohesion policy represents a prominent investment framework for channelling growth friendly expenditure, including investments in innovation and research, digital agenda, expenditure to facilitate the access of SMEs to finance, investments in environmental sustainability, in priority Trans-European Transport links, as well as in education and social inclusion;

| 24. | Calls on the Commission to put in place a comprehensive mechanism promoting the exchange of best-practices between all national actors responsible in the field of youth unemployment; reiterates the fact that although a one-size-fits-all solution cannot be implemented, certain Member States have addressed youth unemployment in a more effective way than others; |
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24.

Calls on the Commission to put in place a comprehensive mechanism promoting the exchange of best-practices between all national actors responsible in the field of youth unemployment; reiterates the fact that although a one-size-fits-all solution cannot be implemented, certain Member States have addressed youth unemployment in a more effective way than others;

| 25. | Underlines the need to fully take into account the Europe 2020 Strategy in the implementation of the European Semester; urges the Commission to make Single Market governance too as a key priority, since it contributes substantially to reaching the targets of the European Semester, namely sustainable economic growth and employment; |
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25.

Underlines the need to fully take into account the Europe 2020 Strategy in the implementation of the European Semester; urges the Commission to make Single Market governance too as a key priority, since it contributes substantially to reaching the targets of the European Semester, namely sustainable economic growth and employment;

| 26. | Recalls, however, that Member States’ track record of implementing the CSRs is very low; believes that there is an inconsistency between European commitment and national implementation of the CSRs by Member States; stresses the importance of ‘national ownership’ by the relevant governments of EU-level commitments; points out that CSRs should be formulated so as to provide policy space to Member States for designing the measures and specific reforms required for addressing such recommendations; |
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26.

Recalls, however, that Member States’ track record of implementing the CSRs is very low; believes that there is an inconsistency between European commitment and national implementation of the CSRs by Member States; stresses the importance of ‘national ownership’ by the relevant governments of EU-level commitments; points out that CSRs should be formulated so as to provide policy space to Member States for designing the measures and specific reforms required for addressing such recommendations;

| 27. | Calls in particular the Commission to explore the development of result oriented common benchmarks to measure and compare structural reforms in the framework of any forthcoming proposal aiming at enhancing economic policy coordination in the EMU; |
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27.

Calls in particular the Commission to explore the development of result oriented common benchmarks to measure and compare structural reforms in the framework of any forthcoming proposal aiming at enhancing economic policy coordination in the EMU;

| 28. | Is concerned that, according to the Commission, only 10 % of the CSRs for 2013 have been fully implemented; notes, furthermore, that 45 % of CSRs have seen limited or no progress; |
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28.

Is concerned that, according to the Commission, only 10 % of the CSRs for 2013 have been fully implemented; notes, furthermore, that 45 % of CSRs have seen limited or no progress;

| 29. | Underlines the fact that a proper, democratically accountable system for the European semester as well as the implementation of CSRs is an important condition for achieving economic convergence in the EMU, which is key to the proper functioning thereof, allowing for financial and economic stability and a high level of competitiveness for the European economy that is conducive to growth and jobs; looks to Member State governments to actively defend and implement at national level decisions on CSRs which have been adopted by all Member States in the Council (‘national ownership’); |
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29.

Underlines the fact that a proper, democratically accountable system for the European semester as well as the implementation of CSRs is an important condition for achieving economic convergence in the EMU, which is key to the proper functioning thereof, allowing for financial and economic stability and a high level of competitiveness for the European economy that is conducive to growth and jobs; looks to Member State governments to actively defend and implement at national level decisions on CSRs which have been adopted by all Member States in the Council (‘national ownership’);

| 30. | Underlines the fact that a number of CSRs are based on EU legal acts and that failure to act upon EU legal acts may result in legal procedures; reminds Member States to deliver on their legal obligations under EU law; believes that the Commission, in its reading of the scoreboard, should take sufficiently account of the fact that the euro area and the Member States included therein are interdependent and open economies; |
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30.

Underlines the fact that a number of CSRs are based on EU legal acts and that failure to act upon EU legal acts may result in legal procedures; reminds Member States to deliver on their legal obligations under EU law; believes that the Commission, in its reading of the scoreboard, should take sufficiently account of the fact that the euro area and the Member States included therein are interdependent and open economies;

| 31. | Calls on the Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, to make full use of all measures provided for in EU law to support enhanced economic policy coordination and the implementation of the CSRs so that all Member States adopt within the required time frame economic and financial policies tailored to their situation; |
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31.

Calls on the Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, to make full use of all measures provided for in EU law to support enhanced economic policy coordination and the implementation of the CSRs so that all Member States adopt within the required time frame economic and financial policies tailored to their situation;

| 32. | Notes a growing number of CSR addressed to the regional level; underlines the need to make full use of the new European Structural and Investment Funds programmes, especially where they would be used as flanking measures for structural reforms; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the correct setting of priorities to enhance the quality of spending; |
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32.

Notes a growing number of CSR addressed to the regional level; underlines the need to make full use of the new European Structural and Investment Funds programmes, especially where they would be used as flanking measures for structural reforms; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the correct setting of priorities to enhance the quality of spending;

| 33. | Requests that the Commission reports on a quarterly basis in Parliament’s competent committee on the measures taken to ensure progress on the implementation of the CSRs and on the progress achieved thus far; invites Member States to explain the reasons for non-compliance with the CRSs in Parliament’s competent committee; |
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33.

Requests that the Commission reports on a quarterly basis in Parliament’s competent committee on the measures taken to ensure progress on the implementation of the CSRs and on the progress achieved thus far; invites Member States to explain the reasons for non-compliance with the CRSs in Parliament’s competent committee;

| 34. | Calls on the President of the Eurogroup to effectively monitor the implementation of the CSRs by the Member States of the euro area, and to report on the progress made as part of the assessment by the Eurogroup of the draft 2015 budgetary plans, to be submitted by mid-October 2014 by the Member States concerned; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Calls on the President of the Eurogroup to effectively monitor the implementation of the CSRs by the Member States of the euro area, and to report on the progress made as part of the assessment by the Eurogroup of the draft 2015 budgetary plans, to be submitted by mid-October 2014 by the Member States concerned;

| 35. | Calls on the Commission to pay attention to the gender dimension in their National Reform Programmes such as integrating women in the workforce, eliminating the gender pay and pension gap, improved childcare services and flexible working time arrangements; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Calls on the Commission to pay attention to the gender dimension in their National Reform Programmes such as integrating women in the workforce, eliminating the gender pay and pension gap, improved childcare services and flexible working time arrangements;

| 36. | Believes that with regard to the forthcoming European Semester, a long-term and balanced strategy for growth- and investment-friendly fiscal consolidation should be pursued to improve fiscal sustainability; stresses, however, the fact that special emphasis should be placed on growth-enhancing reforms and policies especially by those Member States that have fiscal space to invest in order to promote growth and facilitate rebalancing in the Euro area; points out that the existing legal framework makes it possible, provided reforms have been initiated, to allow Member States a degree of flexibility, and urges that this flexibility should be exploited; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Believes that with regard to the forthcoming European Semester, a long-term and balanced strategy for growth- and investment-friendly fiscal consolidation should be pursued to improve fiscal sustainability; stresses, however, the fact that special emphasis should be placed on growth-enhancing reforms and policies especially by those Member States that have fiscal space to invest in order to promote growth and facilitate rebalancing in the Euro area; points out that the existing legal framework makes it possible, provided reforms have been initiated, to allow Member States a degree of flexibility, and urges that this flexibility should be exploited;

| 37. | Underlines that fiscal sustainability is a prerequisite for a long term growth; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Underlines that fiscal sustainability is a prerequisite for a long term growth;

| 38. | Considers that the priority of the Member States should be to modernise their economies, social security systems, pension systems and health care, in order to avoid placing an excessive burden on future generations; calls on Member States to consider the impact of their reforms on the European economy as a whole; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Considers that the priority of the Member States should be to modernise their economies, social security systems, pension systems and health care, in order to avoid placing an excessive burden on future generations; calls on Member States to consider the impact of their reforms on the European economy as a whole;

| 39. | Believes that structural reforms should particularly be targeted at improving labour markets’ capacity to integrate young people as well as other excluded groups into the workforce and should be able to present opportunities to older workers; takes the view that the system combining education with vocational training is a particularly effective way of achieving this aim; believes, also, that structural reform should be aimed at the mid- and long-term sustainability and fairness of social security, health-care and pension systems as well as reducing energy dependence to increase the competitiveness of European enterprises making job creation the absolute priority; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Believes that structural reforms should particularly be targeted at improving labour markets’ capacity to integrate young people as well as other excluded groups into the workforce and should be able to present opportunities to older workers; takes the view that the system combining education with vocational training is a particularly effective way of achieving this aim; believes, also, that structural reform should be aimed at the mid- and long-term sustainability and fairness of social security, health-care and pension systems as well as reducing energy dependence to increase the competitiveness of European enterprises making job creation the absolute priority;

| 40. | Points out that the absence of a well functioning internal labour market and of a sustainable approach to immigration hampers growth in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish a common and inclusive labour market and a common modern and inclusive immigration policy; underlines that fair and equal treatment of workers is crucial to building an internal labour market; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Points out that the absence of a well functioning internal labour market and of a sustainable approach to immigration hampers growth in the EU; calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish a common and inclusive labour market and a common modern and inclusive immigration policy; underlines that fair and equal treatment of workers is crucial to building an internal labour market;

| 41. | Observes that energy policy and economic growth are closely related; urges therefore that an ambitious European energy policy should be pursued which, by increasing security of supply and innovation in the energy sector, can bring about greater economic stability and growth; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Observes that energy policy and economic growth are closely related; urges therefore that an ambitious European energy policy should be pursued which, by increasing security of supply and innovation in the energy sector, can bring about greater economic stability and growth;

| 42. | Observes that no serious work has yet been done on the extent to which demographic trends are responsible for the regular decline in growth which has been experienced by European countries in the past two decades; stresses that the lack of a functioning internal labour market also damages the Union’s potential for growth; calls on the Commission and Member States to establish a genuine common labour market and to mobilise all the Union’s resources in order to implement a common immigration policy in the spirit of the proposals made by the President-elect; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Observes that no serious work has yet been done on the extent to which demographic trends are responsible for the regular decline in growth which has been experienced by European countries in the past two decades; stresses that the lack of a functioning internal labour market also damages the Union’s potential for growth; calls on the Commission and Member States to establish a genuine common labour market and to mobilise all the Union’s resources in order to implement a common immigration policy in the spirit of the proposals made by the President-elect;

| 43. | Stresses, once again, its call on Member States to simplify their tax systems so as to restore a favourable environment for undertakings in all Member States without exception, and reiterates its call to reduce taxes on labour; calls on the Commission drawing from the experiences of delivering on the 2012 Action Plan in this to take urgent action and develop a comprehensive strategy based on concrete legislative measures to fight tax fraud and tax evasion; reminds the Commission of the proposals made in Parliament’s resolution of 21 May 2013 on fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax havens (16) (Kleva Kekus report) with regard to tax evasion and avoidance; |
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43.

Stresses, once again, its call on Member States to simplify their tax systems so as to restore a favourable environment for undertakings in all Member States without exception, and reiterates its call to reduce taxes on labour; calls on the Commission drawing from the experiences of delivering on the 2012 Action Plan in this to take urgent action and develop a comprehensive strategy based on concrete legislative measures to fight tax fraud and tax evasion; reminds the Commission of the proposals made in Parliament’s resolution of 21 May 2013 on fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax havens (16) (Kleva Kekus report) with regard to tax evasion and avoidance;

| 44. | Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented and articulated by longer-term investment in education, research, innovation, a modern infrastructure and sustainable energy to enhance digital and ecological transition; underlines that investment in research, innovation, education and infrastructure is a prerequisite for competitiveness, sustainable growth and job creation; stresses the role that must be played by the Union budget in these fundamental fields of common interest; |
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44.

Reiterates the fact that structural reforms must be complemented and articulated by longer-term investment in education, research, innovation, a modern infrastructure and sustainable energy to enhance digital and ecological transition; underlines that investment in research, innovation, education and infrastructure is a prerequisite for competitiveness, sustainable growth and job creation; stresses the role that must be played by the Union budget in these fundamental fields of common interest;

| 45. | Stresses the fact that the already high levels of public debt do not allow for a significant increase in spending, if the reform and consolidation efforts are not to be in vain; recommends, therefore, a shift in spending from non-productive to productive future-oriented sectors; underlines that flexibility exists within the Stability and Growth Pact and should be used, but requires primarily Member States to come up with credible reform; |
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45.

Stresses the fact that the already high levels of public debt do not allow for a significant increase in spending, if the reform and consolidation efforts are not to be in vain; recommends, therefore, a shift in spending from non-productive to productive future-oriented sectors; underlines that flexibility exists within the Stability and Growth Pact and should be used, but requires primarily Member States to come up with credible reform;

| 46. | Notes the speech by the President of the ECB at the annual central bank symposium in Jackson Hole on 22 August 2014; calls on policy makers to draw the right conclusions with regard to monetary, budgetary and structural reform policies with the aim of creating growth and jobs; recalls the balanced remarks stating: ‘no amount of fiscal or monetary accommodation, however, can compensate for the necessary structural reforms in the euro area’ and ‘a coherent strategy to reduce unemployment has to involve both demand and supply side policies, at both the euro area and the national levels. And only if the strategy is truly coherent can it be successful.’; |
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46.

Notes the speech by the President of the ECB at the annual central bank symposium in Jackson Hole on 22 August 2014; calls on policy makers to draw the right conclusions with regard to monetary, budgetary and structural reform policies with the aim of creating growth and jobs; recalls the balanced remarks stating: ‘no amount of fiscal or monetary accommodation, however, can compensate for the necessary structural reforms in the euro area’ and ‘a coherent strategy to reduce unemployment has to involve both demand and supply side policies, at both the euro area and the national levels. And only if the strategy is truly coherent can it be successful.’;

| 47. | Believes that one of the biggest limitation on the EU economy is the low level of overall private investment and the lack of leverage effect from the public investment at the current level; invites the Commission to investigate on the reasons of the weak level of private investment in the EU; stresses the need of reform of bankruptcy and insolvency procedures in order to deal with the debt overhang in the euro-area periphery; |
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47.

Believes that one of the biggest limitation on the EU economy is the low level of overall private investment and the lack of leverage effect from the public investment at the current level; invites the Commission to investigate on the reasons of the weak level of private investment in the EU; stresses the need of reform of bankruptcy and insolvency procedures in order to deal with the debt overhang in the euro-area periphery;

| 48. | Underlines the fact that investment is important, as it works on the supply and demand side of the economy creating jobs, generating incomes for households, increasing tax revenue, helping governments consolidate and boosting growth; reiterates the need to adopt investor-friendly policies, cut red-tape and reduce administrative burden; calls on the next European Commission to enhance European investment by EUR 300 billion as announced in the political guidelines by Jean-Claude Juncker; |
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48.

Underlines the fact that investment is important, as it works on the supply and demand side of the economy creating jobs, generating incomes for households, increasing tax revenue, helping governments consolidate and boosting growth; reiterates the need to adopt investor-friendly policies, cut red-tape and reduce administrative burden; calls on the next European Commission to enhance European investment by EUR 300 billion as announced in the political guidelines by Jean-Claude Juncker;

| 49. | Calls on the Commission finally to deliver on its commitment to complete the single market, particularly as regards services; urges the Member States to deliver on their commitments on the EU 2020 strategy, particularly with regard to research and development, resource efficiency, innovation, employment, education, poverty, renewable energy and emissions reduction; therefore, calls on the Commission to step up its actions in ensuring the proper implementation and enforcement of EU legislation in the Member States by making determined use of all its powers; |
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49.

Calls on the Commission finally to deliver on its commitment to complete the single market, particularly as regards services; urges the Member States to deliver on their commitments on the EU 2020 strategy, particularly with regard to research and development, resource efficiency, innovation, employment, education, poverty, renewable energy and emissions reduction; therefore, calls on the Commission to step up its actions in ensuring the proper implementation and enforcement of EU legislation in the Member States by making determined use of all its powers;

| 50. | Is concerned about protectionist tendencies in certain Member States especially as regards free movement of people; points out that the Treaty guarantees the free movement of people, services or capital, and recalls that the Commission must safeguard and enforce these freedoms; |
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50.

Is concerned about protectionist tendencies in certain Member States especially as regards free movement of people; points out that the Treaty guarantees the free movement of people, services or capital, and recalls that the Commission must safeguard and enforce these freedoms;

| 51. | Underlines the fact that a lack of access to finance, particularly for SMEs, poses a huge obstacle to growth in the EU; calls therefore for the Commission to prioritise work on alternative sources of financing for SMEs taking into account the recommendations of the European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2013 on improving access to finance for SMEs, in particular through the structural funds, the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund and public development banks; stresses the need to do away with even more of the bureaucratic obstacles facing small and medium-sized undertakings and to apply the principle of proportionality more strictly in EU law-making in the future; |
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51.

Underlines the fact that a lack of access to finance, particularly for SMEs, poses a huge obstacle to growth in the EU; calls therefore for the Commission to prioritise work on alternative sources of financing for SMEs taking into account the recommendations of the European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2013 on improving access to finance for SMEs, in particular through the structural funds, the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund and public development banks; stresses the need to do away with even more of the bureaucratic obstacles facing small and medium-sized undertakings and to apply the principle of proportionality more strictly in EU law-making in the future;

| 52. | Believes that urgent reforms should be envisaged for all those states where the difficulties for the creation of enterprises hamper potential growth and job creation. |
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52.

Believes that urgent reforms should be envisaged for all those states where the difficulties for the creation of enterprises hamper potential growth and job creation.

| 53. | Calls on the Commission urgently to propose measures to complete the internal market for capital to improve the allocation of capital to businesses in order to revitalise the real economy; believes that further alternatives to bank financing are needed for both large and small and medium-sized undertakings, particularly by improving the conditions for financing through the capital markets and other private sources such as venture funds, peer to peer or equity funds; calls for particular attention to the role of cost of capital for starting and running businesses across Member States and updating the scoreboard accordingly; |
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53.

Calls on the Commission urgently to propose measures to complete the internal market for capital to improve the allocation of capital to businesses in order to revitalise the real economy; believes that further alternatives to bank financing are needed for both large and small and medium-sized undertakings, particularly by improving the conditions for financing through the capital markets and other private sources such as venture funds, peer to peer or equity funds; calls for particular attention to the role of cost of capital for starting and running businesses across Member States and updating the scoreboard accordingly;

| 54. | Underlines the upmost importance of setting up the legislation on long-term investments. |
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54.

Underlines the upmost importance of setting up the legislation on long-term investments.

| 55. | Stresses the importance of the expedition and completion of the banking union; notes that approval of the three pillars of the banking union and implementation of new rules for credit institutions and insurance companies can help to restore the resilience of the European financial sector; believes that completion of the banking union must be achieved by means of an insurance and markets union; reiterates that the cost of failure of banking institutions should be borne by the banking sector itself; |
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55.

Stresses the importance of the expedition and completion of the banking union; notes that approval of the three pillars of the banking union and implementation of new rules for credit institutions and insurance companies can help to restore the resilience of the European financial sector; believes that completion of the banking union must be achieved by means of an insurance and markets union; reiterates that the cost of failure of banking institutions should be borne by the banking sector itself;

| 56. | Stresses the fact that a solid, stable, well diversified and transparent financial system is crucial for future growth; |
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56.

Stresses the fact that a solid, stable, well diversified and transparent financial system is crucial for future growth;

| 57. | Stresses the fact that the European Semester must in no way jeopardise the prerogatives of the European Parliament or those of the national and regional parliaments; underlines the fact that there should be a clear division between EU and national competences, and that European Parliament is the seat of accountability at Union level whereas national parliaments are the seats of accountability at the level of the Member States; stresses the importance of formally and properly involving the European Parliament at an early stage and to the greatest extent possible in order to increase the democratic legitimacy; |
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57.

Stresses the fact that the European Semester must in no way jeopardise the prerogatives of the European Parliament or those of the national and regional parliaments; underlines the fact that there should be a clear division between EU and national competences, and that European Parliament is the seat of accountability at Union level whereas national parliaments are the seats of accountability at the level of the Member States; stresses the importance of formally and properly involving the European Parliament at an early stage and to the greatest extent possible in order to increase the democratic legitimacy;

| 58. | Stresses the need to strengthen democratic accountability to the European Parliament and the national parliaments as regards essential elements of the euro area’s operation, such as the European Stability Mechanism, Eurogroup decisions, and the monitoring and evaluation of financial assistance programmes; asks the Commission to conduct and publish ex-post evaluations of its recommendations and its participation in Troika; |
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58.

Stresses the need to strengthen democratic accountability to the European Parliament and the national parliaments as regards essential elements of the euro area’s operation, such as the European Stability Mechanism, Eurogroup decisions, and the monitoring and evaluation of financial assistance programmes; asks the Commission to conduct and publish ex-post evaluations of its recommendations and its participation in Troika;

Sectoral contributions to the European Semester 2014

| 59. | Welcomes the Commission’s recognition that fiscal consolidation must continue in a growth-friendly and differentiated manner, which will allow Member States not only to invest in growth and job creation but also to tackle high debt, unemployment and the challenges of an ageing society; |
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59.

Welcomes the Commission’s recognition that fiscal consolidation must continue in a growth-friendly and differentiated manner, which will allow Member States not only to invest in growth and job creation but also to tackle high debt, unemployment and the challenges of an ageing society;

| 60. | Highlights the job potential of the green economy, which according to Commission estimates could create 5 million jobs by 2020 in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors alone, provided that ambitious climate and energy policies are put in place; calls on the Member States to ensure sufficient levels of investment in these sectors and to anticipate workers’ future skills; calls on the Commission to include exploiting the job potential of the green economy in the 2015 Annual Growth Survey (AGS); |
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60.

Highlights the job potential of the green economy, which according to Commission estimates could create 5 million jobs by 2020 in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors alone, provided that ambitious climate and energy policies are put in place; calls on the Member States to ensure sufficient levels of investment in these sectors and to anticipate workers’ future skills; calls on the Commission to include exploiting the job potential of the green economy in the 2015 Annual Growth Survey (AGS);

| 61. | Welcomes the fact that the Commission takes into account the divergences between Member States apparent in the National Reform Programmes (NRPs), but calls on the Commission and the Member States to pay special attention to those regions with permanent natural or demographic handicaps, in particular when considering fund allocations; |
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61.

Welcomes the fact that the Commission takes into account the divergences between Member States apparent in the National Reform Programmes (NRPs), but calls on the Commission and the Member States to pay special attention to those regions with permanent natural or demographic handicaps, in particular when considering fund allocations;

| 62. | Stresses that social and employment policies should not be looked at merely from a cost perspective, but that consideration should also be given to structural labour market reforms and long-term benefits, in order to maintain investments in society and its citizens with a view to achieving the Europe 2020 goals and safeguarding the future and stability of the Member States and of the EU as a whole; |
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62.

Stresses that social and employment policies should not be looked at merely from a cost perspective, but that consideration should also be given to structural labour market reforms and long-term benefits, in order to maintain investments in society and its citizens with a view to achieving the Europe 2020 goals and safeguarding the future and stability of the Member States and of the EU as a whole;

| 63. | Emphasises that while wages are an important variable in resolving macroeconomic imbalances in the eurozone, they are not merely a tool for economic adjustment but above all the income workers need to live on; calls on the Commission to ensure that recommendations relating to wages do not increase in-work poverty or wage inequalities within Member States, or harm low-income groups; |
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63.

Emphasises that while wages are an important variable in resolving macroeconomic imbalances in the eurozone, they are not merely a tool for economic adjustment but above all the income workers need to live on; calls on the Commission to ensure that recommendations relating to wages do not increase in-work poverty or wage inequalities within Member States, or harm low-income groups;

| 64. | Is deeply concerned that the EU is a long way from achieving the employment and social targets of the Europe 2020 strategy, and that the poverty reduction target in particular is lagging behind, given that the number of people living in poverty increased by 10 million between 2010 and 2012 rather than decreasing; calls on the new Commission to adopt a consistent approach and to ask the Member States to report immediately on national progress with regard to the Europe 2020 strategy; calls on the Member States to establish — in their NRPs — well-defined national strategies for moving forward with the Europe 2020 strategy, especially as regards poverty reduction; |
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64.

Is deeply concerned that the EU is a long way from achieving the employment and social targets of the Europe 2020 strategy, and that the poverty reduction target in particular is lagging behind, given that the number of people living in poverty increased by 10 million between 2010 and 2012 rather than decreasing; calls on the new Commission to adopt a consistent approach and to ask the Member States to report immediately on national progress with regard to the Europe 2020 strategy; calls on the Member States to establish — in their NRPs — well-defined national strategies for moving forward with the Europe 2020 strategy, especially as regards poverty reduction;

| 65. | Welcomes the Commission’s use of the new employment and social scoreboard for this year’s CSRs, in particular the references to general and youth unemployment rates and NEET levels; notes that these indicators are purely analytical; calls for the inclusion of additional indicators — such as quality of work, child poverty levels, access to healthcare, and homelessness — in the scoreboard; calls for these indicators to have a real influence on the whole European Semester process; |
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65.

Welcomes the Commission’s use of the new employment and social scoreboard for this year’s CSRs, in particular the references to general and youth unemployment rates and NEET levels; notes that these indicators are purely analytical; calls for the inclusion of additional indicators — such as quality of work, child poverty levels, access to healthcare, and homelessness — in the scoreboard; calls for these indicators to have a real influence on the whole European Semester process;

| 66. | Calls on the Commission and the Council to continue to improve the indicators used to monitor the social, environmental and innovation dimension of the Europe 2020 strategy as part of the European Semester; calls on the Commission to continue the debate on the number and development of social and employment indicators, given that economic and social aspects of the EU are two sides of the same coin, both of which play a key role in the EU’s development; |
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66.

Calls on the Commission and the Council to continue to improve the indicators used to monitor the social, environmental and innovation dimension of the Europe 2020 strategy as part of the European Semester; calls on the Commission to continue the debate on the number and development of social and employment indicators, given that economic and social aspects of the EU are two sides of the same coin, both of which play a key role in the EU’s development;

| 67. | Reiterates its call for a meeting of the Eurogroup employment and social affairs ministers to be held prior to euro summits whenever necessary, so as to ensure that social and employment concerns are addressed more fully in the discussions and decisions of the eurozone authorities, and with a view to contributing to the meetings of the eurozone Heads of State or Government; believes in the importance of joint meetings between the EPSCO and ECOFIN Councils with the aim of achieving a coherent position whenever necessary; |
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67.

Reiterates its call for a meeting of the Eurogroup employment and social affairs ministers to be held prior to euro summits whenever necessary, so as to ensure that social and employment concerns are addressed more fully in the discussions and decisions of the eurozone authorities, and with a view to contributing to the meetings of the eurozone Heads of State or Government; believes in the importance of joint meetings between the EPSCO and ECOFIN Councils with the aim of achieving a coherent position whenever necessary;

| 68. | Welcomes the Commission’s recognition that the impact of fiscal consolidation measures, — taken to ensure not only the sustainability of some Member States’ economies, but the sustainability of the EU economy as a whole — on the EU employment and social situation has been severe and far-reaching; calls for increased efforts to fulfil the employment and social obligations set out in the Treaties and in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; calls on the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights to assess thoroughly the impact of these measures on fundamental rights and to issue recommendations in the event of breaches of the Charter; |
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68.

Welcomes the Commission’s recognition that the impact of fiscal consolidation measures, — taken to ensure not only the sustainability of some Member States’ economies, but the sustainability of the EU economy as a whole — on the EU employment and social situation has been severe and far-reaching; calls for increased efforts to fulfil the employment and social obligations set out in the Treaties and in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; calls on the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights to assess thoroughly the impact of these measures on fundamental rights and to issue recommendations in the event of breaches of the Charter;

| 69. | Welcomes the intention of the Italian Presidency, as indicated in the conclusions of the extraordinary meeting of the European Council of 30 August 2014, to hold a conference at the level of Heads of State or Government on employment, especially youth employment; |
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69.

Welcomes the intention of the Italian Presidency, as indicated in the conclusions of the extraordinary meeting of the European Council of 30 August 2014, to hold a conference at the level of Heads of State or Government on employment, especially youth employment;

| 70. | Welcomes the abovementioned reduction in unemployment rates in some Member States; recalls, however, that the Europe 2020 strategy accurately states that the figure to watch is the employment rate, and considers it regrettable that the current employment rate indicators do not accurately reflect the reality of all labour markets in the EU; |
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70.

Welcomes the abovementioned reduction in unemployment rates in some Member States; recalls, however, that the Europe 2020 strategy accurately states that the figure to watch is the employment rate, and considers it regrettable that the current employment rate indicators do not accurately reflect the reality of all labour markets in the EU;

| 71. | Notes that the Commission draws attention to the need for structural reforms aimed at improving framework conditions for growth and jobs, particularly at times of high unemployment, and that many opportunities can be opened up at both national and European level by completing the single market; |
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71.

Notes that the Commission draws attention to the need for structural reforms aimed at improving framework conditions for growth and jobs, particularly at times of high unemployment, and that many opportunities can be opened up at both national and European level by completing the single market;

| 72. | Calls on the new Commission to make the employment recovery an absolute priority by drawing up an ambitious and holistic strategy for growth and quality job creation, which should involve all the new Commissioners; takes the view that, to this end, the Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner should develop a plan which involves all policy areas and includes concrete measures to boost quality employment; |
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72.

Calls on the new Commission to make the employment recovery an absolute priority by drawing up an ambitious and holistic strategy for growth and quality job creation, which should involve all the new Commissioners; takes the view that, to this end, the Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner should develop a plan which involves all policy areas and includes concrete measures to boost quality employment;

| 73. | Considers that the EU cannot recover its competitiveness by means of cost-cutting alone, but that this needs to be accompanied by increased investment in research and development, education and skills, and by greater resource-efficiency; requests that labour markets become more adaptive and dynamic so as to be able to adjust to disruptions in the economic situation without causing collective redundancies and excessive wage adjustment; recalls that the purchasing power of many EU workers has been sharply eroded, household incomes have fallen and internal demand has been depressed; believes that in order to restore the necessary competitiveness of our economy, the EU must also contemplate strategies focusing on other production costs, price developments and profit margins, and on cross-sectoral policies aimed at boosting innovation, productivity and excellence; |
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73.

Considers that the EU cannot recover its competitiveness by means of cost-cutting alone, but that this needs to be accompanied by increased investment in research and development, education and skills, and by greater resource-efficiency; requests that labour markets become more adaptive and dynamic so as to be able to adjust to disruptions in the economic situation without causing collective redundancies and excessive wage adjustment; recalls that the purchasing power of many EU workers has been sharply eroded, household incomes have fallen and internal demand has been depressed; believes that in order to restore the necessary competitiveness of our economy, the EU must also contemplate strategies focusing on other production costs, price developments and profit margins, and on cross-sectoral policies aimed at boosting innovation, productivity and excellence;

| 74. | Is concerned about the ever-rising inequalities in wealth and income weakening purchasing power, internal demand and investment in the real economy; calls on the Member States to include measures aimed at reducing these inequalities into their NRPs with a view to boosting growth, employment and social cohesion; |
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74.

Is concerned about the ever-rising inequalities in wealth and income weakening purchasing power, internal demand and investment in the real economy; calls on the Member States to include measures aimed at reducing these inequalities into their NRPs with a view to boosting growth, employment and social cohesion;

| 75. | Stresses the need to shift the tax burden away from labour towards other forms of sustainable tax in order to promote growth and job creation; |
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75.

Stresses the need to shift the tax burden away from labour towards other forms of sustainable tax in order to promote growth and job creation;

| 76. | Welcomes the Commission’s CSRs in the field of environmental taxation and calls on the Member States to implement the recommendations while ensuring that this benefits lower incomes in particular; highlights the positive budgetary, employment, social and environmental impact of shifting taxation from labour to environmental taxation and of phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies; |
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76.

Welcomes the Commission’s CSRs in the field of environmental taxation and calls on the Member States to implement the recommendations while ensuring that this benefits lower incomes in particular; highlights the positive budgetary, employment, social and environmental impact of shifting taxation from labour to environmental taxation and of phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies;

| 77. | Is concerned that in some cases financial fragmentation in the eurozone is jeopardising the growth and sustainability of SMEs; calls for the restoration of the economy’s lending capacity, which allows SMEs to invest and create jobs, and for the easing of SMEs’ access to entrepreneurship and to programmes such as COSME and Horizon 2020; |
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77.

Is concerned that in some cases financial fragmentation in the eurozone is jeopardising the growth and sustainability of SMEs; calls for the restoration of the economy’s lending capacity, which allows SMEs to invest and create jobs, and for the easing of SMEs’ access to entrepreneurship and to programmes such as COSME and Horizon 2020;

| 78. | Calls on the Member States to eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens and bureaucracy for the self-employed, micro-enterprises and SMEs and to facilitate business start-up conditions; |
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78.

Calls on the Member States to eliminate unnecessary administrative burdens and bureaucracy for the self-employed, micro-enterprises and SMEs and to facilitate business start-up conditions;

| 79. | Calls on the Commission, as a matter of urgency, to give tangible form — on the basis of Article 9 TFEU — to the promised EUR 300 billion investment plan, and calls for an assessment as to whether this figure is sufficient to restore the EU’s full potential for growth, competitiveness and quality job creation; |
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79.

Calls on the Commission, as a matter of urgency, to give tangible form — on the basis of Article 9 TFEU — to the promised EUR 300 billion investment plan, and calls for an assessment as to whether this figure is sufficient to restore the EU’s full potential for growth, competitiveness and quality job creation;

| 80. | Welcomes the Commission’s call, in its umbrella communication on the CSRs in the EU as a whole, to invest more in R&D, innovation, education, skills and active labour market policies, together with energy, transport and the digital economy; |
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80.

Welcomes the Commission’s call, in its umbrella communication on the CSRs in the EU as a whole, to invest more in R&D, innovation, education, skills and active labour market policies, together with energy, transport and the digital economy;

| 81. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen EU industry through the application of a more flexible competition policy in favour of competitiveness and employment, together with an ecological and digital transition plan; reiterates its call on the Commission to draw up, after consulting the social partners, a proposal for a legal act on the provision of information to, and consultation of, workers and the anticipation and management of restructuring in order to ensure economic and socially responsible adaptation to change by EU industry in such a way as to maintain workers’ rights without placing an excessive regulatory burden on companies, especially SMEs; |
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81.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen EU industry through the application of a more flexible competition policy in favour of competitiveness and employment, together with an ecological and digital transition plan; reiterates its call on the Commission to draw up, after consulting the social partners, a proposal for a legal act on the provision of information to, and consultation of, workers and the anticipation and management of restructuring in order to ensure economic and socially responsible adaptation to change by EU industry in such a way as to maintain workers’ rights without placing an excessive regulatory burden on companies, especially SMEs;

| 82. | Is concerned that, in many Member States and sectors, job losses are coupled with a decline in job quality, an increase in employment hurdles and a deterioration in labour standards; stresses that the Commission and the Member States need to make dedicated efforts to improve job quality in order to match skills with labour market needs; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make dedicated efforts to address the additional problems caused by involuntary part-time and involuntary temporary employment, precarious contracts (such as zero-hour contracts), bogus self-employment and undeclared work; welcomes, therefore, the Commission’s initiative regarding a European platform on undeclared work; reiterates its call on the Member States to ensure that people on precarious, temporary or part-time contracts or who are self-employed enjoy a core set of rights and adequate social protection; |
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82.

Is concerned that, in many Member States and sectors, job losses are coupled with a decline in job quality, an increase in employment hurdles and a deterioration in labour standards; stresses that the Commission and the Member States need to make dedicated efforts to improve job quality in order to match skills with labour market needs; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make dedicated efforts to address the additional problems caused by involuntary part-time and involuntary temporary employment, precarious contracts (such as zero-hour contracts), bogus self-employment and undeclared work; welcomes, therefore, the Commission’s initiative regarding a European platform on undeclared work; reiterates its call on the Member States to ensure that people on precarious, temporary or part-time contracts or who are self-employed enjoy a core set of rights and adequate social protection;

| 83. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that its policy guidance promotes labour market reforms aimed at, inter alia, reducing segmentation, promoting transition between jobs, advancing the inclusion of vulnerable groups in the labour market, reducing in-work poverty, promoting gender equality, strengthening the rights of workers on atypical contracts and providing greater social protection for self-employed workers; |
| --- | --- |

83.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that its policy guidance promotes labour market reforms aimed at, inter alia, reducing segmentation, promoting transition between jobs, advancing the inclusion of vulnerable groups in the labour market, reducing in-work poverty, promoting gender equality, strengthening the rights of workers on atypical contracts and providing greater social protection for self-employed workers;

| 84. | Observes that, in its 2013 annual report on the EU employment and social situation, the Commission highlighted the importance of social protection expenditure as a safeguard against social risks; recalls the importance of automatic stabilisers in dealing with asymmetrical shocks, avoiding excessive depletion of national welfare states and thus strengthening the sustainability of EMU as a whole; calls on the Commission to include in its CSRs the importance of preserving strong automatic stabilisers in the Member States in view of their outstanding role in maintaining social cohesion as well as stimulating internal demand and economic growth; reiterates its call on the Commission to produce a Green Paper on automatic stabilisers in the eurozone; |
| --- | --- |

84.

Observes that, in its 2013 annual report on the EU employment and social situation, the Commission highlighted the importance of social protection expenditure as a safeguard against social risks; recalls the importance of automatic stabilisers in dealing with asymmetrical shocks, avoiding excessive depletion of national welfare states and thus strengthening the sustainability of EMU as a whole; calls on the Commission to include in its CSRs the importance of preserving strong automatic stabilisers in the Member States in view of their outstanding role in maintaining social cohesion as well as stimulating internal demand and economic growth; reiterates its call on the Commission to produce a Green Paper on automatic stabilisers in the eurozone;

| 85. | Notes the intention of the Italian Presidency of the European Council, as delineated in its programme, to open the debate on automatic stabilisers at the EU level, with a special focus on the possible establishment of an unemployment benefit scheme in the eurozone; |
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85.

Notes the intention of the Italian Presidency of the European Council, as delineated in its programme, to open the debate on automatic stabilisers at the EU level, with a special focus on the possible establishment of an unemployment benefit scheme in the eurozone;

| 86. | Stresses the importance of active and inclusive labour market policies as a strategic tool for promoting employment in the current context; is deeply concerned that several Member States, despite rising unemployment rates, have reduced budget allocations to finance active and inclusive labour market policies; calls on the Member States to increase the coverage and effectiveness of active labour market policies, in close cooperation with the social partners; |
| --- | --- |

86.

Stresses the importance of active and inclusive labour market policies as a strategic tool for promoting employment in the current context; is deeply concerned that several Member States, despite rising unemployment rates, have reduced budget allocations to finance active and inclusive labour market policies; calls on the Member States to increase the coverage and effectiveness of active labour market policies, in close cooperation with the social partners;

| 87. | Welcomes the adoption of Decision No 573/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on enhanced cooperation between Public Employment Services (PES); notes the January 2014 proposal for a EURES (European Job Mobility Portal) regulation; calls for Parliament and the Council to deliberate on the reform as a matter of urgency so that EURES can become an effective instrument for boosting intra-EU labour mobility, in line with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013 and with a view to promoting diversity; recalls that mobility must remain voluntary and must not limit efforts to create quality jobs and training places on the spot; stresses that reliable professional information on working and living conditions in other Member States is a prerequisite for a well-functioning European Economic Area; |
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87.

Welcomes the adoption of Decision No 573/2014/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on enhanced cooperation between Public Employment Services (PES); notes the January 2014 proposal for a EURES (European Job Mobility Portal) regulation; calls for Parliament and the Council to deliberate on the reform as a matter of urgency so that EURES can become an effective instrument for boosting intra-EU labour mobility, in line with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013 and with a view to promoting diversity; recalls that mobility must remain voluntary and must not limit efforts to create quality jobs and training places on the spot; stresses that reliable professional information on working and living conditions in other Member States is a prerequisite for a well-functioning European Economic Area;

| 88. | Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities; urges the Commission, together with the Member States, to promote intra EU-labour mobility in order to ensure freedom of movement, while upholding the principle of equal treatment and safeguarding wages and social standards; calls on each Member State to establish social and labour conditions that are in line with the Europe 2020 strategy; |
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88.

Highlights the rising number of workers, particularly young people, departing their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities; urges the Commission, together with the Member States, to promote intra EU-labour mobility in order to ensure freedom of movement, while upholding the principle of equal treatment and safeguarding wages and social standards; calls on each Member State to establish social and labour conditions that are in line with the Europe 2020 strategy;

| 89. | Is concerned that the supply of science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills (STEM) will not match the increasing demand from businesses in the coming years, thereby reducing the capacity of the EU labour force to adapt and progress; calls on the Member States to invest in the modernisation of education and training systems, including lifelong learning, and in particular in dual learning schemes, and to facilitate the transition from school to work; |
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89.

Is concerned that the supply of science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills (STEM) will not match the increasing demand from businesses in the coming years, thereby reducing the capacity of the EU labour force to adapt and progress; calls on the Member States to invest in the modernisation of education and training systems, including lifelong learning, and in particular in dual learning schemes, and to facilitate the transition from school to work;

| 90. | Believes there is a need to improve leadership, management and entrepreneurial skills among young people in order to enable new businesses and start-ups to take advantage of new markets and realise their growth potential, so that young people become employers rather than solely employees; |
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90.

Believes there is a need to improve leadership, management and entrepreneurial skills among young people in order to enable new businesses and start-ups to take advantage of new markets and realise their growth potential, so that young people become employers rather than solely employees;

| 91. | Notes that bank lending is still the most common source of finance in the EU; believes, however, that there are real benefits in new forms of financing through innovative schemes and non-bank routes, such as crowdfunding, SME angels, peer-to-peer lending, micro-lending, easily accessible microcredit agencies and other tools, which can provide vital investment for start-ups and SMEs to grow and create jobs; |
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91.

Notes that bank lending is still the most common source of finance in the EU; believes, however, that there are real benefits in new forms of financing through innovative schemes and non-bank routes, such as crowdfunding, SME angels, peer-to-peer lending, micro-lending, easily accessible microcredit agencies and other tools, which can provide vital investment for start-ups and SMEs to grow and create jobs;

| 92. | Welcomes the reduction in youth unemployment rates, but points out that they are still alarming: 22 % in the EU-28 and 23,1 % in the eurozone; highlights the worrying differences between Member States (7,8 % in Germany and Greece (56,3 % in April 2014)); stresses that job insecurity and underemployment have also risen, bearing in mind that even when young people do find a job, some of them — 43 % on average, compared with 13 % of adult workers — find themselves working under precarious conditions or on involuntary part-time contracts; also expresses concern at the increasing level of homeless unemployed young people in many Member States; |
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92.

Welcomes the reduction in youth unemployment rates, but points out that they are still alarming: 22 % in the EU-28 and 23,1 % in the eurozone; highlights the worrying differences between Member States (7,8 % in Germany and Greece (56,3 % in April 2014)); stresses that job insecurity and underemployment have also risen, bearing in mind that even when young people do find a job, some of them — 43 % on average, compared with 13 % of adult workers — find themselves working under precarious conditions or on involuntary part-time contracts; also expresses concern at the increasing level of homeless unemployed young people in many Member States;

| 93. | Welcomes the fact that the Youth Guarantees are mentioned in the majority of the CSRs; calls on the Commission to monitor closely the challenges identified in the 2014 CSRs regarding the quality of offers, the lack of active outreach to NEETs, the administrative capacity of public employment services and the lack of effective engagement with all relevant partners, while at the same time identifying best practices that could serve as a benchmark for improving programmes; calls for greater transparency in monitoring implementation, a more ambitious approach to dealing with those Member States showing no progress, and better use of frontloading; stresses, in this connection, that the Youth Employment Initiative should be regarded as an incentive for all Member States to use the European Social Fund to finance broader youth-related projects, especially those dealing with poverty and social inclusion; |
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93.

Welcomes the fact that the Youth Guarantees are mentioned in the majority of the CSRs; calls on the Commission to monitor closely the challenges identified in the 2014 CSRs regarding the quality of offers, the lack of active outreach to NEETs, the administrative capacity of public employment services and the lack of effective engagement with all relevant partners, while at the same time identifying best practices that could serve as a benchmark for improving programmes; calls for greater transparency in monitoring implementation, a more ambitious approach to dealing with those Member States showing no progress, and better use of frontloading; stresses, in this connection, that the Youth Employment Initiative should be regarded as an incentive for all Member States to use the European Social Fund to finance broader youth-related projects, especially those dealing with poverty and social inclusion;

| 94. | Calls on the Commission to propose a European framework introducing minimum standards for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees — including the quality of apprenticeships and jobs, decent wages for young people and access to employment services and rights — and covering young people aged between 25 and 30; calls on the Member States to use the available budget efficiently and to implement the Youth Guarantees without delay; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make the Youth Guarantees a priority, given that budget allocations are frontloaded in the first two years; calls for the available budget to be increased during the promised mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework, bearing in mind that the International Labour Organisation has estimated that the sum of EUR 21 billion is necessary to resolve the problem of youth unemployment in the eurozone; regards this increase as a necessary investment, given that the enormous annual economic loss resulting from inaction against youth unemployment amounts to EUR 153 billion, corresponding to 1,2 % of EU GDP (Eurofound, 2012) (17); |
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94.

Calls on the Commission to propose a European framework introducing minimum standards for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees — including the quality of apprenticeships and jobs, decent wages for young people and access to employment services and rights — and covering young people aged between 25 and 30; calls on the Member States to use the available budget efficiently and to implement the Youth Guarantees without delay; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make the Youth Guarantees a priority, given that budget allocations are frontloaded in the first two years; calls for the available budget to be increased during the promised mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework, bearing in mind that the International Labour Organisation has estimated that the sum of EUR 21 billion is necessary to resolve the problem of youth unemployment in the eurozone; regards this increase as a necessary investment, given that the enormous annual economic loss resulting from inaction against youth unemployment amounts to EUR 153 billion, corresponding to 1,2 % of EU GDP (Eurofound, 2012) (17);

| 95. | Stresses the importance of emphasising practical skills and the dual system of vocational training, which makes young people more employable; |
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95.

Stresses the importance of emphasising practical skills and the dual system of vocational training, which makes young people more employable;

| 96. | Calls on the Member States to improve cooperation between business and the education sector at all levels; |
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96.

Calls on the Member States to improve cooperation between business and the education sector at all levels;

| 97. | Notes the March 2014 Council recommendation on a quality framework for traineeships with a view to preventing discrimination and exploitation of young workers; calls on the Commission and the Member States, as part of the European Semester, to incorporate these recommendations into the NRPs and the CSRs; |
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97.

Notes the March 2014 Council recommendation on a quality framework for traineeships with a view to preventing discrimination and exploitation of young workers; calls on the Commission and the Member States, as part of the European Semester, to incorporate these recommendations into the NRPs and the CSRs;

| 98. | Observes with concern that female unemployment rates are higher than the total rates (11,7 % in the EU-18 and 10,4 % in the EU-28, compared with 11,5 % and 10,2 % respectively); calls, therefore, for specific quality-job creation plans with targeted measures for women; calls for gender mainstreaming in recommendations, and points out that increasing gender equality and women’s labour market participation must not be threatened by other recommendations; calls for the establishment of specific recommendations with a view to reducing the gender pay and pension gap, which is not only a drag on the economy and on competitiveness but also a sign of social injustice; |
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98.

Observes with concern that female unemployment rates are higher than the total rates (11,7 % in the EU-18 and 10,4 % in the EU-28, compared with 11,5 % and 10,2 % respectively); calls, therefore, for specific quality-job creation plans with targeted measures for women; calls for gender mainstreaming in recommendations, and points out that increasing gender equality and women’s labour market participation must not be threatened by other recommendations; calls for the establishment of specific recommendations with a view to reducing the gender pay and pension gap, which is not only a drag on the economy and on competitiveness but also a sign of social injustice;

| 99. | Welcomes the recommendations addressing the low participation of women in the labour market; calls on the Commission to include a broader gender equality perspective — beyond employment rates — in the next AGS; calls on the Commission and the Member States to address labour market segregation and the unequal distribution of care responsibilities; calls for affordable, quality public services in the field of childcare and care for dependants which enable carers, especially women, to return to employment, and which facilitate the reconciling of work and private life; |
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99.

Welcomes the recommendations addressing the low participation of women in the labour market; calls on the Commission to include a broader gender equality perspective — beyond employment rates — in the next AGS; calls on the Commission and the Member States to address labour market segregation and the unequal distribution of care responsibilities; calls for affordable, quality public services in the field of childcare and care for dependants which enable carers, especially women, to return to employment, and which facilitate the reconciling of work and private life;

| 100. | Calls on the Member States to pay particular attention to high unemployment rates among disadvantaged groups, giving priority to access to, and integration into, the labour market and to the mainstreaming of access and integration policies, as employment is the key to successful integration; |
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100.

Calls on the Member States to pay particular attention to high unemployment rates among disadvantaged groups, giving priority to access to, and integration into, the labour market and to the mainstreaming of access and integration policies, as employment is the key to successful integration;

| 101. | Is deeply concerned that long-term unemployed people and senior workers are experiencing higher unemployment rates and additional difficulties in re-entering the labour market; calls on the Member States to make full use of the European Social Fund to help these workers successfully re-enter the labour market; |
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101.

Is deeply concerned that long-term unemployed people and senior workers are experiencing higher unemployment rates and additional difficulties in re-entering the labour market; calls on the Member States to make full use of the European Social Fund to help these workers successfully re-enter the labour market;

| 102. | Observes with concern that in many cases employees aged 40+ no longer receive appropriate training and further education on the job; calls, therefore, on employers, the social partners and national governments to implement true lifelong learning (LLL) concepts and measurements on the labour market with a view to achieving marked improvements in the qualification of older workers as soon as possible; |
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102.

Observes with concern that in many cases employees aged 40+ no longer receive appropriate training and further education on the job; calls, therefore, on employers, the social partners and national governments to implement true lifelong learning (LLL) concepts and measurements on the labour market with a view to achieving marked improvements in the qualification of older workers as soon as possible;

| 103. | Welcomes those CSRs aimed at increasing the adequacy and coverage of minimum income schemes, safety nets and social protection, and the number of CSRs relating to labour market inclusion policies; takes the view, however, that the uneven and fragile growth expected by the Commission in 2014 and 2015 will not by itself be able to tackle the impact that the crisis and its consequences have had on the fight against poverty and social exclusion and on the achievement of the Europe 2020 goals; urges the Member States to follow up the recommendations closely, to deliver on them and to propose specific, targeted measures within their NRPs with a view to tackling poverty, especially homelessness and child poverty; |
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103.

Welcomes those CSRs aimed at increasing the adequacy and coverage of minimum income schemes, safety nets and social protection, and the number of CSRs relating to labour market inclusion policies; takes the view, however, that the uneven and fragile growth expected by the Commission in 2014 and 2015 will not by itself be able to tackle the impact that the crisis and its consequences have had on the fight against poverty and social exclusion and on the achievement of the Europe 2020 goals; urges the Member States to follow up the recommendations closely, to deliver on them and to propose specific, targeted measures within their NRPs with a view to tackling poverty, especially homelessness and child poverty;

| 104. | Calls on the Commission to link the European Semester more closely to the Europe 2020 social objectives; takes the view that NRPs should report on progress on national poverty targets, demonstrating the contribution made to the commonly agreed Europe 2020 poverty headline target; calls on the Commission to issue CSRs on fighting poverty to all Member States in the future; calls on the Member States to have in place specific social inclusion and anti-discrimination measures with a view to reducing poverty, targeting those groups at greatest risk of social exclusion; calls on the Member States to implement a comprehensive active inclusion strategy by providing a minimum income and a social security system, in accordance with their own national practices, including provisions set out in collective agreements or national legislation; |
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104.

Calls on the Commission to link the European Semester more closely to the Europe 2020 social objectives; takes the view that NRPs should report on progress on national poverty targets, demonstrating the contribution made to the commonly agreed Europe 2020 poverty headline target; calls on the Commission to issue CSRs on fighting poverty to all Member States in the future; calls on the Member States to have in place specific social inclusion and anti-discrimination measures with a view to reducing poverty, targeting those groups at greatest risk of social exclusion; calls on the Member States to implement a comprehensive active inclusion strategy by providing a minimum income and a social security system, in accordance with their own national practices, including provisions set out in collective agreements or national legislation;

| 105. | Calls on the Member States, in the light of the Council recommendation of 9 and 10 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States, to implement long-term, targeted and integrated measures aimed at reducing the social and economic marginalisation of Roma communities, in particular through the adoption of labour market integration measures, including strengthened links between social assistance and activation, increased school attendance by Roma children and the reduction of early school-leaving; |
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105.

Calls on the Member States, in the light of the Council recommendation of 9 and 10 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States, to implement long-term, targeted and integrated measures aimed at reducing the social and economic marginalisation of Roma communities, in particular through the adoption of labour market integration measures, including strengthened links between social assistance and activation, increased school attendance by Roma children and the reduction of early school-leaving;

| 106. | Calls on the Commission to tackle immediately the alarming increase in child poverty throughout the EU through the introduction of a child guarantee against poverty; believes that such a guarantee is of the utmost importance in order to protect children affected by the consequences of the current economic and social crisis; |
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106.

Calls on the Commission to tackle immediately the alarming increase in child poverty throughout the EU through the introduction of a child guarantee against poverty; believes that such a guarantee is of the utmost importance in order to protect children affected by the consequences of the current economic and social crisis;

| 107. | Regrets the fact that the Commission recommendations on pensions were made without taking into account Parliament’s position on the relevant Green and White Papers; stresses that pension reforms require national political and social cohesion and should be negotiated with the social partners in order to be successful, and that the necessary comprehensive reforms of the Member States’ pension systems should be designed, conceived and adopted with a view to ensuring their sustainability, while at the same time not jeopardising adequate pension levels and being fully in line with the economic and social priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy; |
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107.

Regrets the fact that the Commission recommendations on pensions were made without taking into account Parliament’s position on the relevant Green and White Papers; stresses that pension reforms require national political and social cohesion and should be negotiated with the social partners in order to be successful, and that the necessary comprehensive reforms of the Member States’ pension systems should be designed, conceived and adopted with a view to ensuring their sustainability, while at the same time not jeopardising adequate pension levels and being fully in line with the economic and social priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy;

| 108. | Considers it regrettable that very few CSRs tackle the issue of in-work poverty or homelessness; points out that new forms of poverty are emerging which affect the middle and working classes, with difficulties in paying mortgages resulting in an increase in the number of evictions and foreclosures; calls on the Commission, in the 2015 AGS, to explicitly address in-work poverty and poverty among people with limited or no links to the labour market; recommends that the Commission and the Member States implement integrated policies favouring social and affordable housing, effective prevention policies aimed at reducing the number of evictions, and policies tackling energy poverty, which is also on the rise; |
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108.

Considers it regrettable that very few CSRs tackle the issue of in-work poverty or homelessness; points out that new forms of poverty are emerging which affect the middle and working classes, with difficulties in paying mortgages resulting in an increase in the number of evictions and foreclosures; calls on the Commission, in the 2015 AGS, to explicitly address in-work poverty and poverty among people with limited or no links to the labour market; recommends that the Commission and the Member States implement integrated policies favouring social and affordable housing, effective prevention policies aimed at reducing the number of evictions, and policies tackling energy poverty, which is also on the rise;

| 109. | Welcomes the fact that some CSRs are concerned with the fight against child poverty and with affordable childcare services, but calls for more policies targeting low-income families; calls for more recommendations on social inclusion strategies, including the fight against extreme forms of poverty, such as homelessness; |
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109.

Welcomes the fact that some CSRs are concerned with the fight against child poverty and with affordable childcare services, but calls for more policies targeting low-income families; calls for more recommendations on social inclusion strategies, including the fight against extreme forms of poverty, such as homelessness;

| 110. | Notes the Commission’s support for active inclusion strategies; believes, however, that such strategies must include measures to integrate people with disabilities and reduced work capacity into the labour market; encourages the Member States to consider the added value of incentivising employers to employ those furthest from the labour market by developing a well-balanced mix of responsibilities and support networks involving all relevant actors in the development of Member States’ labour market policies; |
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110.

Notes the Commission’s support for active inclusion strategies; believes, however, that such strategies must include measures to integrate people with disabilities and reduced work capacity into the labour market; encourages the Member States to consider the added value of incentivising employers to employ those furthest from the labour market by developing a well-balanced mix of responsibilities and support networks involving all relevant actors in the development of Member States’ labour market policies;

| 111. | Requests, in view of the high poverty rates, that an evaluation be carried out as to whether the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived is sufficiently well funded, and, if not, that consideration be given the possibility of increasing its funding during the mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework; |
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111.

Requests, in view of the high poverty rates, that an evaluation be carried out as to whether the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived is sufficiently well funded, and, if not, that consideration be given the possibility of increasing its funding during the mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework;

| 112. | Agrees with the Commission that the Member States must tackle homelessness through comprehensive strategies based on prevention, housing-led approaches, the reviewing of regulations and practices in relation to eviction, and an end to the criminalisation of homeless people; calls for improvements as regards the transnational exchange of best practices and mutual learning, and acknowledges the role of the Progress programme in this context; |
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112.

Agrees with the Commission that the Member States must tackle homelessness through comprehensive strategies based on prevention, housing-led approaches, the reviewing of regulations and practices in relation to eviction, and an end to the criminalisation of homeless people; calls for improvements as regards the transnational exchange of best practices and mutual learning, and acknowledges the role of the Progress programme in this context;

| 113. | Welcomes the recommendation to invest in education, but is concerned that more than 20 Member States have reduced education expenditure in relative terms (as a percentage of GDP), thereby jeopardising their growth and job creation potential and their competitiveness; points out that reducing such investment will increase the EU’s structural weakness, given the mismatch between the growing need for high-skilled workers and the fact that in many Member States a high proportion of the workforce is currently low-skilled; |
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113.

Welcomes the recommendation to invest in education, but is concerned that more than 20 Member States have reduced education expenditure in relative terms (as a percentage of GDP), thereby jeopardising their growth and job creation potential and their competitiveness; points out that reducing such investment will increase the EU’s structural weakness, given the mismatch between the growing need for high-skilled workers and the fact that in many Member States a high proportion of the workforce is currently low-skilled;

| 114. | Notes the Commission recommendation to reform healthcare systems so that they deliver on their objectives of providing universal public access to high-quality care in a cost-effective manner, and to secure their financial sustainability; |
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114.

Notes the Commission recommendation to reform healthcare systems so that they deliver on their objectives of providing universal public access to high-quality care in a cost-effective manner, and to secure their financial sustainability;

| 115. | Reiterates its call for increased and structured involvement of civil society stakeholders at national and EU level, so as to safeguard the legitimacy and improve the effectiveness of the European Semester process; looks forward, in this connection, to the Commission’s planned involvement of the social partners in the context of the Social Dialogue Committee prior to the adoption of the 2015 AGS; |
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115.

Reiterates its call for increased and structured involvement of civil society stakeholders at national and EU level, so as to safeguard the legitimacy and improve the effectiveness of the European Semester process; looks forward, in this connection, to the Commission’s planned involvement of the social partners in the context of the Social Dialogue Committee prior to the adoption of the 2015 AGS;

| 116. | Criticises the fact that not all the Member States have involved both their national parliament and their national social partners and civil society in the drafting of their NRPs; calls on the Member States to include a detailed overview in their NRPs explaining who was involved and in what manner; calls on the Commission to take stock of the different national practices as regards parliamentary procedures and stakeholder involvement in the European Semester; |
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116.

Criticises the fact that not all the Member States have involved both their national parliament and their national social partners and civil society in the drafting of their NRPs; calls on the Member States to include a detailed overview in their NRPs explaining who was involved and in what manner; calls on the Commission to take stock of the different national practices as regards parliamentary procedures and stakeholder involvement in the European Semester;

Budgetary policies

| 117. | Underlines, once again, the important role of the EU budget in stimulating sustainable growth, boosting job creation and reducing macroeconomic imbalances in the EU, thereby contributing to the reduction of social inequalities; recalls, in particular, that without even considering its role as a catalyst for investment, some 60 % of the EU budget is directly devoted to the achievement of the Europe 2020 objectives; underlines, moreover, that many 2014-2020 programmes contain innovative financial instruments which have the potential to play a key role in supporting both public and private investments in the Member States, particularly in respect of long-term investments which are widely recognised as a major political priority; |
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117.

Underlines, once again, the important role of the EU budget in stimulating sustainable growth, boosting job creation and reducing macroeconomic imbalances in the EU, thereby contributing to the reduction of social inequalities; recalls, in particular, that without even considering its role as a catalyst for investment, some 60 % of the EU budget is directly devoted to the achievement of the Europe 2020 objectives; underlines, moreover, that many 2014-2020 programmes contain innovative financial instruments which have the potential to play a key role in supporting both public and private investments in the Member States, particularly in respect of long-term investments which are widely recognised as a major political priority;

| 118. | Recalls the need, at the start of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), for swift and effective implementation of the new programmes at both EU and Member State level, in order to allow these programmes to contribute to the economic recovery process; calls for a particularly speedy implementation of the programmes frontloaded to the first years of the MFF, such as Horizon 2020, COSME, Erasmus+ and the Youth Employment Initiative; stresses the fact that these programmes have a leverage effect and a synergetic and catalytic role in relation to national investment policies and growth and job creation; underlines the need for a swift launch of the 2014-2020 cohesion policy (in terms of partnership agreements already signed, operational programmes agreed and prefinancing disbursed); highlights, once again, the role that cohesion policy can play in supporting growth and job creation across the whole EU territory; calls, in this context, on the Member States to ensure that EU funding is directed, wherever possible, at projects which promote the creation of jobs, in particular for young people, as well as sustainable growth and competitiveness; expresses its deep concern regarding the unprecedented level of outstanding commitments (RALs), the majority of which lie in cohesion policy, and the high risk of decommitments that certain Member States are facing as regards funding from the previous programming period; |
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118.

Recalls the need, at the start of the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), for swift and effective implementation of the new programmes at both EU and Member State level, in order to allow these programmes to contribute to the economic recovery process; calls for a particularly speedy implementation of the programmes frontloaded to the first years of the MFF, such as Horizon 2020, COSME, Erasmus+ and the Youth Employment Initiative; stresses the fact that these programmes have a leverage effect and a synergetic and catalytic role in relation to national investment policies and growth and job creation; underlines the need for a swift launch of the 2014-2020 cohesion policy (in terms of partnership agreements already signed, operational programmes agreed and prefinancing disbursed); highlights, once again, the role that cohesion policy can play in supporting growth and job creation across the whole EU territory; calls, in this context, on the Member States to ensure that EU funding is directed, wherever possible, at projects which promote the creation of jobs, in particular for young people, as well as sustainable growth and competitiveness; expresses its deep concern regarding the unprecedented level of outstanding commitments (RALs), the majority of which lie in cohesion policy, and the high risk of decommitments that certain Member States are facing as regards funding from the previous programming period;

| 119. | Supports both the EU Youth Guarantee and the Youth Employment Initiative as crucial means to fighting the dramatically high level of youth unemployment; welcomes the recent steps taken by the Commission to assist Member States in the prompt programming of measures financed under the Youth Employment Initiative; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the proper, effective, rapid and timely implementation of these programmes; |
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119.

Supports both the EU Youth Guarantee and the Youth Employment Initiative as crucial means to fighting the dramatically high level of youth unemployment; welcomes the recent steps taken by the Commission to assist Member States in the prompt programming of measures financed under the Youth Employment Initiative; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the proper, effective, rapid and timely implementation of these programmes;

| 120. | Underlines the fact that the promotion of EU jobs, growth and competitiveness requires that the formation of value chains in the EU be boosted and that EU companies, including SMEs, be more firmly integrated at all value-chain levels; recalls the fact that such policies should cover undertakings of all sizes, be conducive to maintaining the production chain in Europe, support sectors with high growth potential, with a specific focus on innovation, skills, sustainability, entrepreneurship and creativity, and enable sufficient growth and wealth to allow for an increase in job creation; |
| --- | --- |

120.

Underlines the fact that the promotion of EU jobs, growth and competitiveness requires that the formation of value chains in the EU be boosted and that EU companies, including SMEs, be more firmly integrated at all value-chain levels; recalls the fact that such policies should cover undertakings of all sizes, be conducive to maintaining the production chain in Europe, support sectors with high growth potential, with a specific focus on innovation, skills, sustainability, entrepreneurship and creativity, and enable sufficient growth and wealth to allow for an increase in job creation;

| 121. | Stresses the fact that, at a time when many Member States are heavily reliant on a single energy supplier, including six that are entirely dependent on Russia for their natural gas, the promotion and safeguarding of jobs also requires a reduction in the EU’s vulnerability to external energy shocks, as evidenced by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine; welcomes, in this regard, the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2014 and expects these conclusions to be complemented no later than October 2014 by ambitious medium- to long-term measures to enhance the EU’s energy security; |
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121.

Stresses the fact that, at a time when many Member States are heavily reliant on a single energy supplier, including six that are entirely dependent on Russia for their natural gas, the promotion and safeguarding of jobs also requires a reduction in the EU’s vulnerability to external energy shocks, as evidenced by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine; welcomes, in this regard, the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2014 and expects these conclusions to be complemented no later than October 2014 by ambitious medium- to long-term measures to enhance the EU’s energy security;

| 122. | Underlines the fact that the tight 2014-2020 ceilings in payments remain a crucial problem for the EU budget, having negative effects on economic recovery given that late payments are harmful primarily to direct beneficiaries; recalls the need to ensure, in the light of implementation, the timely, and orderly progression of payments so as to concomitantly deliver on both the payments stemming from past commitments and those resulting from prefinancing to promptly launch the new programmes, and to avoid any abnormal shift of outstanding commitments (RALs) onto the 2015 budget; urges, in this connection, the Council to adopt in full draft amending budget Nos 3/2014, as submitted by the Commission, in order for the EU budget to have maximum impact in terms of investment on the ground; points out that if draft amending budgets Nos 2, 3 and 4 are adopted unamended, this would result in an overall budgetary impact of just EUR 106 million in additional gross national income (GNI) contributions, which have to be made available by the Member States in order to ensure a sufficient level of payment appropriations in 2014 to cover the Union’s existing legal obligations; highlights its determination to continue monitoring the overall situation as regards payments and RALs and to make full use of all means of flexibility enshrined in the MFF regulation and the related interinstitutional agreement; underlines the fact that the question of the recurrent EU budget payment crisis will have to be addressed in a sustainable manner at the occasion of the post-electoral revision of the MFF 2014-2020, due to be launched as soon as possible by the next Commission, which is to assume office on 1 November 2014; |
| --- | --- |

122.

Underlines the fact that the tight 2014-2020 ceilings in payments remain a crucial problem for the EU budget, having negative effects on economic recovery given that late payments are harmful primarily to direct beneficiaries; recalls the need to ensure, in the light of implementation, the timely, and orderly progression of payments so as to concomitantly deliver on both the payments stemming from past commitments and those resulting from prefinancing to promptly launch the new programmes, and to avoid any abnormal shift of outstanding commitments (RALs) onto the 2015 budget; urges, in this connection, the Council to adopt in full draft amending budget Nos 3/2014, as submitted by the Commission, in order for the EU budget to have maximum impact in terms of investment on the ground; points out that if draft amending budgets Nos 2, 3 and 4 are adopted unamended, this would result in an overall budgetary impact of just EUR 106 million in additional gross national income (GNI) contributions, which have to be made available by the Member States in order to ensure a sufficient level of payment appropriations in 2014 to cover the Union’s existing legal obligations; highlights its determination to continue monitoring the overall situation as regards payments and RALs and to make full use of all means of flexibility enshrined in the MFF regulation and the related interinstitutional agreement; underlines the fact that the question of the recurrent EU budget payment crisis will have to be addressed in a sustainable manner at the occasion of the post-electoral revision of the MFF 2014-2020, due to be launched as soon as possible by the next Commission, which is to assume office on 1 November 2014;

| 123. | Recalls its view that the fiscal situation of Member States can be eased through a new system of own resources to finance the Union budget that will reduce GNI contributions, thus enabling Member States to meet their consolidation efforts without jeopardising EU funding to support investment in economic recovery and reform measures; recalls the fact that the Commission has tabled several legislative proposals in order to reform the own-resources system but that so far, unfortunately, none of them have been discussed seriously by the Council; underlines, therefore, the importance it attaches to the new high-level group on own resources, which should lead to a true reform of EU financing; |
| --- | --- |

123.

Recalls its view that the fiscal situation of Member States can be eased through a new system of own resources to finance the Union budget that will reduce GNI contributions, thus enabling Member States to meet their consolidation efforts without jeopardising EU funding to support investment in economic recovery and reform measures; recalls the fact that the Commission has tabled several legislative proposals in order to reform the own-resources system but that so far, unfortunately, none of them have been discussed seriously by the Council; underlines, therefore, the importance it attaches to the new high-level group on own resources, which should lead to a true reform of EU financing;

| 124. | Urges the Commission, in the framework of its 2015 Annual Growth Survey (AGS) to be published in November 2014, to fully address and underline the role of the EU budget in the European Semester process by providing factual and concrete data on its triggering, catalytic, synergetic and complementary effects on overall public expenditure at local, regional and national level; |
| --- | --- |

124.

Urges the Commission, in the framework of its 2015 Annual Growth Survey (AGS) to be published in November 2014, to fully address and underline the role of the EU budget in the European Semester process by providing factual and concrete data on its triggering, catalytic, synergetic and complementary effects on overall public expenditure at local, regional and national level;

| 125. | Calls, furthermore, on the Commission, in its next AGS, to provide a full and complete picture of what has been achieved as a result of the implementation of the Compact for Growth and Jobs, adopted at the European Council meeting of June 2012 in order to move beyond the economic and fiscal crises, and to present new proposals on the role which the EU budget could play in further creating smart, sustainable, inclusive, resource-efficient and job-creating growth; |
| --- | --- |

125.

Calls, furthermore, on the Commission, in its next AGS, to provide a full and complete picture of what has been achieved as a result of the implementation of the Compact for Growth and Jobs, adopted at the European Council meeting of June 2012 in order to move beyond the economic and fiscal crises, and to present new proposals on the role which the EU budget could play in further creating smart, sustainable, inclusive, resource-efficient and job-creating growth;

| 126. | Welcomes the commitment by the President-elect of the Commission to deliver on the Commission’s roadmap entitled ‘Towards a genuine economic and monetary union’ of 5 December 2012; believes that any additional funding or instruments, such as a solidarity mechanism, must be an integral part of the EU budget, but over and above the agreed MFF ceilings. |
| --- | --- |

126.

Welcomes the commitment by the President-elect of the Commission to deliver on the Commission’s roadmap entitled ‘Towards a genuine economic and monetary union’ of 5 December 2012; believes that any additional funding or instruments, such as a solidarity mechanism, must be an integral part of the EU budget, but over and above the agreed MFF ceilings.

Internal Market

| 127. | Urges the establishment of a genuine internal market for energy that ensures fair market access, a high level of consumer protection and an accessible market, especially for SMEs; |
| --- | --- |

127.

Urges the establishment of a genuine internal market for energy that ensures fair market access, a high level of consumer protection and an accessible market, especially for SMEs;

| 128. | Believes that Member States have to step up their efforts to modernise their public administrations, by completing reforms of their respective public administration laws, providing more and better accessible digital services for citizens and businesses, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency, facilitating cross-border cooperation and implementing interoperability frameworks for public administrations; highlights the fact that the full and quick implementation of EU public procurement and concessions legislation would provide a great opportunity to enhance innovation and access for SMEs and to modernise public administration, at both government and local level, by improving the quality, effectiveness and transparency of public spending and investment; |
| --- | --- |

128.

Believes that Member States have to step up their efforts to modernise their public administrations, by completing reforms of their respective public administration laws, providing more and better accessible digital services for citizens and businesses, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency, facilitating cross-border cooperation and implementing interoperability frameworks for public administrations; highlights the fact that the full and quick implementation of EU public procurement and concessions legislation would provide a great opportunity to enhance innovation and access for SMEs and to modernise public administration, at both government and local level, by improving the quality, effectiveness and transparency of public spending and investment;

Environmental policies

| 129. | Underlines the fact that the greening of EU economies contributes to long-term and crisis-resilient growth, increases competitiveness and creates jobs, while improving the Union’s energy security and energy independence, and that the green economy should be seen as a major driver for the development of the economy; |
| --- | --- |

129.

Underlines the fact that the greening of EU economies contributes to long-term and crisis-resilient growth, increases competitiveness and creates jobs, while improving the Union’s energy security and energy independence, and that the green economy should be seen as a major driver for the development of the economy;

o

o o

| 130. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the European Council, the Council, the governments of the Member States, the Commission, the national parliaments and the European Central Bank. |
| --- | --- |

130.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 12.

(2)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 41.

(3)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 8.

(4)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 33.

(5)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 25.

(6)  OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 1.

(7)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0240.

(8)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0036.

(9)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0130.

(10)  OJ L 140, 27.5.2013, p. 11.

(11)  OJ L 140, 27.5.2013, p. 1.

(12)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0129.

(13)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320.

(14)  OJ C 51 E, 22.2.2013, p. 101.

(15)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0043.

(16)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0205.

(17)  Eurofound (2012), ‘NEETs: young people not in employment, education or training: characteristics, costs and policy responses in Europe’, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

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Thursday 23 October 2014

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/21 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/21

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P8_TA(2014)0039

Closing down of Memorial (Sakharov Prize 2009) in Russia

European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2014 on the closing-down of the NGO ‘Memorial’ (winner of the 2009 Sakharov Prize) in Russia (2014/2903(RSP))

(2016/C 274/02)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous recommendations and resolutions on Russia, in particular its recommendations to the Council of 23 October 2012 (1) and of 2 April 2014 (2) on establishing common visa restrictions for Russian officials involved in the Sergei Magnitsky case, and its resolutions of 13 June 2013 on the rule of law in Russia (3) and of 13 March 2014 on ‘Russia: sentencing of demonstrators involved in the Bolotnaya Square events’ (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous recommendations and resolutions on Russia, in particular its recommendations to the Council of 23 October 2012 (1) and of 2 April 2014 (2) on establishing common visa restrictions for Russian officials involved in the Sergei Magnitsky case, and its resolutions of 13 June 2013 on the rule of law in Russia (3) and of 13 March 2014 on ‘Russia: sentencing of demonstrators involved in the Bolotnaya Square events’ (4),

| — | having regard to its award of the 2009 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to ‘Memorial’, a Russian NGO campaigning, inter alia, for the rights of political prisoners in Russia, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its award of the 2009 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to ‘Memorial’, a Russian NGO campaigning, inter alia, for the rights of political prisoners in Russia,

| — | having regard to the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) of 26 March 2013 on the situation of NGOs in the Russian Federation, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) of 26 March 2013 on the situation of NGOs in the Russian Federation,

| — | having regard to the Constitution of Russia, in particular Article 118 thereof, which states that justice in the Russian Federation is to be administered by the courts alone, and Article 120 thereof, which provides that judges are independent and are subordinate only to the Russian Constitution and to federal law, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Constitution of Russia, in particular Article 118 thereof, which states that justice in the Russian Federation is to be administered by the courts alone, and Article 120 thereof, which provides that judges are independent and are subordinate only to the Russian Constitution and to federal law,

| — | having regard to the EU-Russia human rights consultations of 28 November 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU-Russia human rights consultations of 28 November 2013,

| — | having regard to the statement by the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Lukin, of 4 March 2014 on public demonstrations in Moscow and the steps taken by law enforcement agencies, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement by the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Lukin, of 4 March 2014 on public demonstrations in Moscow and the steps taken by law enforcement agencies,

| — | having regard to the existing Agreement on partnership and cooperation establishing a partnership between the European Communities and their Member States, of one part, and the Russian Federation, of the other part (PCA), and to the suspended negotiations for a new EU-Russia agreement, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the existing Agreement on partnership and cooperation establishing a partnership between the European Communities and their Member States, of one part, and the Russian Federation, of the other part (PCA), and to the suspended negotiations for a new EU-Russia agreement,

| — | having regard to the ‘Partnership for Modernisation’ initiated in 2010 in Rostov-on-Don and to the commitment made by the Russian leadership to the rule of law as a fundamental basis for the modernisation of Russia, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ‘Partnership for Modernisation’ initiated in 2010 in Rostov-on-Don and to the commitment made by the Russian leadership to the rule of law as a fundamental basis for the modernisation of Russia,

| — | having regard to the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998,

| — | having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the Russian Federation, as a full member of the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the UN, has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights; whereas, as a result of several serious violations of the rule of law and the adoption of restrictive laws during the past few months, there are increasing concerns about Russia’s compliance with its international and national obligations; whereas the EU has repeatedly offered additional assistance and expertise to help Russia modernise and abide by its constitutional and legal order, in line with Council of Europe standards; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Russian Federation, as a full member of the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the UN, has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights; whereas, as a result of several serious violations of the rule of law and the adoption of restrictive laws during the past few months, there are increasing concerns about Russia’s compliance with its international and national obligations; whereas the EU has repeatedly offered additional assistance and expertise to help Russia modernise and abide by its constitutional and legal order, in line with Council of Europe standards;

| B. | whereas the human rights situation in Russia has deteriorated in recent years and the Russian authorities have adopted a series of laws containing ambiguous provisions, which are being used to place further restrictions on opposition and civil society actors, and to hinder the freedoms of expression and assembly; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the human rights situation in Russia has deteriorated in recent years and the Russian authorities have adopted a series of laws containing ambiguous provisions, which are being used to place further restrictions on opposition and civil society actors, and to hinder the freedoms of expression and assembly;

| C. | whereas the Russian law on ‘foreign agents’, adopted in July 2012, requires NGOs that receive foreign funding and are engaged in ‘political activity’ to apply for inclusion in a special government list of foreign agents, meaning that they are then subjected to additional close scrutiny by the government, and requires all their publications, press releases and reports to state that they have been produced by a foreign agent; whereas the law was amended in May 2014 to allow the Ministry of Justice itself to register such NGOs as ‘foreign agents’; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the Russian law on ‘foreign agents’, adopted in July 2012, requires NGOs that receive foreign funding and are engaged in ‘political activity’ to apply for inclusion in a special government list of foreign agents, meaning that they are then subjected to additional close scrutiny by the government, and requires all their publications, press releases and reports to state that they have been produced by a foreign agent; whereas the law was amended in May 2014 to allow the Ministry of Justice itself to register such NGOs as ‘foreign agents’;

| D. | whereas the implementation of this law has entailed drastic actions such as police raids, confiscation of property, administrative fines and other measures aimed at preventing and dissuading civil society organisations from carrying out their work; whereas 13 leading rights groups have jointly filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights challenging the law on ‘foreign agents’; whereas this application is currently under review; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the implementation of this law has entailed drastic actions such as police raids, confiscation of property, administrative fines and other measures aimed at preventing and dissuading civil society organisations from carrying out their work; whereas 13 leading rights groups have jointly filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights challenging the law on ‘foreign agents’; whereas this application is currently under review;

| E. | whereas numerous Russian and international human rights organisations have reported that disproportionate measures and aggressive acts on the part of security forces led to an outbreak of violence, followed by arbitrary arrests of protesters; whereas leaders of opposition parties and movements are subject to harassment by the Russian authorities, with some being detained on account of various allegations; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas numerous Russian and international human rights organisations have reported that disproportionate measures and aggressive acts on the part of security forces led to an outbreak of violence, followed by arbitrary arrests of protesters; whereas leaders of opposition parties and movements are subject to harassment by the Russian authorities, with some being detained on account of various allegations;

| F. | whereas a number of trials and judicial proceedings over the past few years have cast doubt on the independence and impartiality of the judicial institutions of the Russian Federation; whereas these trials need to be seen in the broader context of growing repression, persecution and human rights violations in Russia, including politically motivated arrests, imprisonment and trials, of which the cases of Sergei Magnitsky, Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Aleksei Navalny are only the highest-profile examples; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas a number of trials and judicial proceedings over the past few years have cast doubt on the independence and impartiality of the judicial institutions of the Russian Federation; whereas these trials need to be seen in the broader context of growing repression, persecution and human rights violations in Russia, including politically motivated arrests, imprisonment and trials, of which the cases of Sergei Magnitsky, Mikhail Khodorkovsky and Aleksei Navalny are only the highest-profile examples;

| G. | whereas the Russian authorities are expanding their mass surveillance programmes; whereas these programmes, combined with laws restricting the freedom of NGOs, provide the Russian authorities with a very powerful tool for monitoring and oppressing opposition voices; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the Russian authorities are expanding their mass surveillance programmes; whereas these programmes, combined with laws restricting the freedom of NGOs, provide the Russian authorities with a very powerful tool for monitoring and oppressing opposition voices;

| H. | whereas Memorial is a Russian historical and civil rights society that has operated since 1987 to promote the values of upholding democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights in the practice of politics and public life, and was founded on the initiative of a group of Soviet-era dissidents under the auspices of Nobel laureate Andrei Sakharov; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas Memorial is a Russian historical and civil rights society that has operated since 1987 to promote the values of upholding democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights in the practice of politics and public life, and was founded on the initiative of a group of Soviet-era dissidents under the auspices of Nobel laureate Andrei Sakharov;

| I. | whereas the Russian Ministry of Justice is seeking the liquidation of Memorial, as it brings together more than 50 independent regional agencies nationwide under a single umbrella organisation, without a head office; whereas, under federal law, an organisation can only be classified as ‘national’ if it is represented across more than half of Russia’s regions via formally registered ‘regional’ organisations; whereas Memorial has been registered with the Ministry of Justice since 1992; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the Russian Ministry of Justice is seeking the liquidation of Memorial, as it brings together more than 50 independent regional agencies nationwide under a single umbrella organisation, without a head office; whereas, under federal law, an organisation can only be classified as ‘national’ if it is represented across more than half of Russia’s regions via formally registered ‘regional’ organisations; whereas Memorial has been registered with the Ministry of Justice since 1992;

| J. | whereas Memorial, through the voices of its leaders, has strongly opposed and criticised Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine and called on President Putin to put an end to it; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas Memorial, through the voices of its leaders, has strongly opposed and criticised Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine and called on President Putin to put an end to it;

| K. | whereas the European Parliament awarded Memorial the Sakharov Prize in 2009; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the European Parliament awarded Memorial the Sakharov Prize in 2009;

| L. | whereas on 23 May 2014 a Moscow court ordered Memorial Human Rights Centre to be registered as a foreign agent on account of its ‘political activity’ in the field of human rights work; whereas the NGO subsequently refused to register under this unfair label and decided to liquidate its structure and continue its work without being registered in the Russian Federation; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas on 23 May 2014 a Moscow court ordered Memorial Human Rights Centre to be registered as a foreign agent on account of its ‘political activity’ in the field of human rights work; whereas the NGO subsequently refused to register under this unfair label and decided to liquidate its structure and continue its work without being registered in the Russian Federation;

| M. | whereas on 13 October 2014 a lawsuit was filed by the Russian Ministry of Justice with the aim of liquidating the Russian Memorial Society, reportedly on the grounds that it and its affiliated associations were improperly registered; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas on 13 October 2014 a lawsuit was filed by the Russian Ministry of Justice with the aim of liquidating the Russian Memorial Society, reportedly on the grounds that it and its affiliated associations were improperly registered;

| N. | whereas Memorial is now facing dissolution once Russia’s Supreme Court has ruled on the lawsuit on 13 November 2014; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas Memorial is now facing dissolution once Russia’s Supreme Court has ruled on the lawsuit on 13 November 2014;

| O. | whereas Memorial has long had problems with Russia’s administration, including being labelled as a ‘foreign agent’ by the Ministry of Justice in July 2014, being forced to close its office in Chechnya after the murder of human rights activist Natalia Estemirova, who was investigating cases of kidnapping and murder, and being the first organisation to receive a liquidation order in respect of its anti-discrimination centre ADC in St Petersburg (promoting the rights of Russia’s Roma, labour migrants from central Asia and the Caucasus, and ethnic Tatars in Crimea) for failing to register as a ‘foreign agent’; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas Memorial has long had problems with Russia’s administration, including being labelled as a ‘foreign agent’ by the Ministry of Justice in July 2014, being forced to close its office in Chechnya after the murder of human rights activist Natalia Estemirova, who was investigating cases of kidnapping and murder, and being the first organisation to receive a liquidation order in respect of its anti-discrimination centre ADC in St Petersburg (promoting the rights of Russia’s Roma, labour migrants from central Asia and the Caucasus, and ethnic Tatars in Crimea) for failing to register as a ‘foreign agent’;

| P. | whereas independent internet news outlets have had their sites blocked under new amendments to the Law on Information, Information Technologies and Protection of Information adopted in February 2014; whereas this includes Grani.ru, Kasparov.ru, EJ.ru, and the blog of opposition activist Aleksei Navalny on the Moscow Echo radio station website and Livejournal.com; whereas the opposition cable TV channel Dozhd (Rain), an independent outlet, was taken off air in some areas; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas independent internet news outlets have had their sites blocked under new amendments to the Law on Information, Information Technologies and Protection of Information adopted in February 2014; whereas this includes Grani.ru, Kasparov.ru, EJ.ru, and the blog of opposition activist Aleksei Navalny on the Moscow Echo radio station website and Livejournal.com; whereas the opposition cable TV channel Dozhd (Rain), an independent outlet, was taken off air in some areas;

| 1. | Strongly condemns the Russian Ministry of Justice’s appeal to the Supreme Court to close the independent rights organisation Memorial, and the hearing scheduled for 13 November 2014, and urges the Ministry of Justice to withdraw its lawsuit before the scheduled hearing; stresses that Memorial plays a crucial role in the development of democratic values and the promotion of human rights in Russia; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Strongly condemns the Russian Ministry of Justice’s appeal to the Supreme Court to close the independent rights organisation Memorial, and the hearing scheduled for 13 November 2014, and urges the Ministry of Justice to withdraw its lawsuit before the scheduled hearing; stresses that Memorial plays a crucial role in the development of democratic values and the promotion of human rights in Russia;

| 2. | Calls on the Russian authorities to put an end to all acts of harassment, including at the judicial level, against the Memorial Society, the Memorial Human Rights Centre, their members and all human rights defenders in the Russian Federation, and to ensure that they are able to carry out their legitimate activities in all circumstances without any interference; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Russian authorities to put an end to all acts of harassment, including at the judicial level, against the Memorial Society, the Memorial Human Rights Centre, their members and all human rights defenders in the Russian Federation, and to ensure that they are able to carry out their legitimate activities in all circumstances without any interference;

| 3. | Points out that Mikhail Fedotov, Chair of Russia’s Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights, has clearly stated that there are no legal grounds for closing down Memorial and that the Supreme Court hearing should be postponed until after a planned Memorial conference on 19 November 2014, at which it is expected to announce changes to its organisational structure with the aim of complying with Russian law; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Points out that Mikhail Fedotov, Chair of Russia’s Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights, has clearly stated that there are no legal grounds for closing down Memorial and that the Supreme Court hearing should be postponed until after a planned Memorial conference on 19 November 2014, at which it is expected to announce changes to its organisational structure with the aim of complying with Russian law;

| 4. | Considers that the law on ‘foreign agents’ is in violation of Russia’s commitments to the Council of Europe and the OSCE; further considers that the definition of ‘political activity’ carried out by NGOs that accept foreign funding is so broad as to allow, in practice, government control over just about any organised activity relating to public life; urges Russia, therefore, to repeal laws that contain provisions inconsistent with Russia’s international and constitutional commitments on human rights; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Considers that the law on ‘foreign agents’ is in violation of Russia’s commitments to the Council of Europe and the OSCE; further considers that the definition of ‘political activity’ carried out by NGOs that accept foreign funding is so broad as to allow, in practice, government control over just about any organised activity relating to public life; urges Russia, therefore, to repeal laws that contain provisions inconsistent with Russia’s international and constitutional commitments on human rights;

| 5. | Expresses its deepest concern about the subsequent amendments of May 2014 to the law on ‘foreign agents’, which now allow the Ministry of Justice to register groups as ‘foreign agents’ at its own discretion, without their consent; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Expresses its deepest concern about the subsequent amendments of May 2014 to the law on ‘foreign agents’, which now allow the Ministry of Justice to register groups as ‘foreign agents’ at its own discretion, without their consent;

| 6. | Points out that following this revision of the law, the Ministry of Justice promptly registered the first 15 groups, and that several NGOs have subsequently been fighting through the courts — without success — against the authorities’ efforts to force them to register; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Points out that following this revision of the law, the Ministry of Justice promptly registered the first 15 groups, and that several NGOs have subsequently been fighting through the courts — without success — against the authorities’ efforts to force them to register;

| 7. | Stresses that those NGOs (the Memorial Human Rights Centre, the Public Verdict Foundation, AGORA and JURIX) are particularly well known for providing legal aid to victims of political manipulation of justice, persecuted civil society activists and peaceful protesters, LGBT activists, and victims of police violence, and are playing a crucial role in the development of democratic values and the promotion of human rights in Russia; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Stresses that those NGOs (the Memorial Human Rights Centre, the Public Verdict Foundation, AGORA and JURIX) are particularly well known for providing legal aid to victims of political manipulation of justice, persecuted civil society activists and peaceful protesters, LGBT activists, and victims of police violence, and are playing a crucial role in the development of democratic values and the promotion of human rights in Russia;

| 8. | Calls on the Russian authorities to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in all circumstances in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international and regional human rights instruments ratified by the Russian Federation, and to respect the right of all citizens to exercise their fundamental freedoms and universal human rights; calls on the Russian authorities to comply with the provisions of the Declaration of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers on Council of Europe action to improve the protection of human rights defenders and promote their activities; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the Russian authorities to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in all circumstances in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international and regional human rights instruments ratified by the Russian Federation, and to respect the right of all citizens to exercise their fundamental freedoms and universal human rights; calls on the Russian authorities to comply with the provisions of the Declaration of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers on Council of Europe action to improve the protection of human rights defenders and promote their activities;

| 9. | Is deeply worried by Russia’s failure to observe its international legal obligations as a member of the Council of Europe and the OSCE, together with fundamental 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 (ICCPR); |
| --- | --- |

9.

Is deeply worried by Russia’s failure to observe its international legal obligations as a member of the Council of Europe and the OSCE, together with fundamental 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 (ICCPR);

| 10. | Expresses deep concern at the worsening condition of critical civil society in Russia, in particular those organisations which work on human rights and democratic freedoms and express criticism of state policies; strongly calls on Russia to reverse the current trend, to ensure that these citizens and organisations are able to carry out their legitimate activities without any hindrance and to promote the engagement of a critical civil society; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Expresses deep concern at the worsening condition of critical civil society in Russia, in particular those organisations which work on human rights and democratic freedoms and express criticism of state policies; strongly calls on Russia to reverse the current trend, to ensure that these citizens and organisations are able to carry out their legitimate activities without any hindrance and to promote the engagement of a critical civil society;

| 11. | Stresses that freedom of assembly in the Russian Federation is granted under Article 31 of the Russian Constitution and under the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Russia is a signatory, thereby obliging the Russian authorities to comply with it; calls on the Russian Federation to respect the principles of the rule of law, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Stresses that freedom of assembly in the Russian Federation is granted under Article 31 of the Russian Constitution and under the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Russia is a signatory, thereby obliging the Russian authorities to comply with it; calls on the Russian Federation to respect the principles of the rule of law, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly;

| 12. | Calls on the Vice-President/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to ensure that the cases of all those persecuted for political reasons are raised in meetings with their Russian counterparts, and that Russia’s representatives at these meetings are formally requested to respond in relation to each case; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls on the Vice-President/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to ensure that the cases of all those persecuted for political reasons are raised in meetings with their Russian counterparts, and that Russia’s representatives at these meetings are formally requested to respond in relation to each case;

| 13. | Calls on the Presidents of the Council and the Commission, as well as 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 their exchanges with the Russian authorities; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Calls on the Presidents of the Council and the Commission, as well as 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 their exchanges with the Russian authorities;

| 14. | Urges the VP/HR and the EEAS to ensure that the EU seeks every opportunity to continue to engage with and support Russian civil society organisations, including those working to promote the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Urges the VP/HR and the EEAS to ensure that the EU seeks every opportunity to continue to engage with and support Russian civil society organisations, including those working to promote the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law;

| 15. | Urges the Commission and the EEAS, with regard to the ongoing programming phase for EU financial instruments, to increase its financial assistance to Russian civil society and to include the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum in the Partnership Instrument in order to ensure sustainable and credible long-term support; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Urges the Commission and the EEAS, with regard to the ongoing programming phase for EU financial instruments, to increase its financial assistance to Russian civil society and to include the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum in the Partnership Instrument in order to ensure sustainable and credible long-term support;

| 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 Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the President, Government and Parliament of the Russian Federation. |
| --- | --- |

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 Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the President, Government and Parliament of the Russian Federation.

---

(1)  OJ C 68 E, 7.3.2014, p. 13.

(2)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0258.

(3)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0284.

(4)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0253.

---

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/25

---

P8_TA(2014)0040

Human rights in Uzbekistan

European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2014 on human rights in Uzbekistan (2014/2904(RSP))

(2016/C 274/03)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Uzbekistan, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Uzbekistan,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 December 2011 on the state of implementation of the EU strategy for Central Asia (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 December 2011 on the state of implementation of the EU strategy for Central Asia (1),

| — | having regard to the EU Strategy for a new Partnership with Central Asia, adopted by the European Council on 21-22 June 2007, and to the joint progress reports by the Commission and the Council of 24 June 2008 and 28 June 2010, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Strategy for a new Partnership with Central Asia, adopted by the European Council on 21-22 June 2007, and to the joint progress reports by the Commission and the Council of 24 June 2008 and 28 June 2010,

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council of October 2009 and 2010, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council of October 2009 and 2010,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 11 December 2012 on a Digital Freedom Strategy in EU Foreign Policy (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 11 December 2012 on a Digital Freedom Strategy in EU Foreign Policy (2),

| — | having regard to the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 12 May 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 12 May 2014,

| — | having regard to the announcement made at the ministerial meeting between the EU and the countries of Central Asia held on 20 November 2013 of the provision, in the context of the EU’s Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), of funding of EUR 1 billion for the countries of Central Asia for the period from 2014 to 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the announcement made at the ministerial meeting between the EU and the countries of Central Asia held on 20 November 2013 of the provision, in the context of the EU’s Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), of funding of EUR 1 billion for the countries of Central Asia for the period from 2014 to 2020,

| — | having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas, although Uzbekistan has made commitments relating to the protection of human rights, including the freedoms of expression, assembly, association and religion guaranteed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the prohibition of torture enshrined in the Convention against Torture, these commitments have yielded few positive results; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, although Uzbekistan has made commitments relating to the protection of human rights, including the freedoms of expression, assembly, association and religion guaranteed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the prohibition of torture enshrined in the Convention against Torture, these commitments have yielded few positive results;

| B. | whereas the Uzbek authorities have imprisoned thousands of people on politically motivated charges to enforce its repressive rule, targeting human rights and opposition activists, journalists, religious believers, artists and other perceived critics, and whereas Uzbekistan is ranked 166th out of 180 countries on the World Freedom of the Press Index 2014 by Reporters Without Borders, and Freedom House rates the country, its press and internet as ‘not free’; whereas digital freedoms are systematically curbed and violated in Uzbekistan; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Uzbek authorities have imprisoned thousands of people on politically motivated charges to enforce its repressive rule, targeting human rights and opposition activists, journalists, religious believers, artists and other perceived critics, and whereas Uzbekistan is ranked 166th out of 180 countries on the World Freedom of the Press Index 2014 by Reporters Without Borders, and Freedom House rates the country, its press and internet as ‘not free’; whereas digital freedoms are systematically curbed and violated in Uzbekistan;

| C. | whereas, among those imprisoned for no reason other than the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression, there are 15 well-known human rights activists (3), five journalists (4), four peaceful political opposition activists (5), and three independent religious figures (6); whereas seven others are perceived critics of the government or witnesses to the Andijan massacre of 13 May 2005, when Uzbek government forces shot and killed hundreds of mainly peaceful protesters (7); whereas many of those imprisoned are in serious ill-health, have been tortured and have had their sentences arbitrarily extended in prison; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas, among those imprisoned for no reason other than the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression, there are 15 well-known human rights activists (3), five journalists (4), four peaceful political opposition activists (5), and three independent religious figures (6); whereas seven others are perceived critics of the government or witnesses to the Andijan massacre of 13 May 2005, when Uzbek government forces shot and killed hundreds of mainly peaceful protesters (7); whereas many of those imprisoned are in serious ill-health, have been tortured and have had their sentences arbitrarily extended in prison;

| D. | whereas, when the Uzbek Government has faced sustained external pressure, including sanctions, restrictions on military assistance and other robust, public, specific criticism from its international partners, it has responded by taking incremental steps to improve the human rights situation, including by releasing some individuals imprisoned on politically motivated charges on the eve of key bilateral summits or high-level visits; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas, when the Uzbek Government has faced sustained external pressure, including sanctions, restrictions on military assistance and other robust, public, specific criticism from its international partners, it has responded by taking incremental steps to improve the human rights situation, including by releasing some individuals imprisoned on politically motivated charges on the eve of key bilateral summits or high-level visits;

| E. | whereas the Uzbek Government continues to refuse an independent investigation into the 2005 massacre of hundreds of people in Andijan; whereas over 200 individuals are still serving sentences related to the Andijan events following closed trials that were marred by serious violations of due process and indications that torture may have been used to procure confessions; whereas some of the crimes related to the Andijan massacre and the crime of torture are subject to universal jurisdiction; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the Uzbek Government continues to refuse an independent investigation into the 2005 massacre of hundreds of people in Andijan; whereas over 200 individuals are still serving sentences related to the Andijan events following closed trials that were marred by serious violations of due process and indications that torture may have been used to procure confessions; whereas some of the crimes related to the Andijan massacre and the crime of torture are subject to universal jurisdiction;

| F. | whereas in 2009 and 2010 the Council lifted the EU sanctions ‘with a view to encourage the Uzbek authorities to take further substantive steps to improve the rule of law and the human rights situation on the ground’, stating, furthermore that ‘the Council will closely and continuously observe the human rights situation in Uzbekistan’ and that ‘the depth and quality of the dialogue and cooperation will depend on Uzbek reforms’; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas in 2009 and 2010 the Council lifted the EU sanctions ‘with a view to encourage the Uzbek authorities to take further substantive steps to improve the rule of law and the human rights situation on the ground’, stating, furthermore that ‘the Council will closely and continuously observe the human rights situation in Uzbekistan’ and that ‘the depth and quality of the dialogue and cooperation will depend on Uzbek reforms’;

| G. | whereas according to the latest reports forced labour and child labour in cotton harvesting are still widespread in spite of the Uzbek authorities’ commitment to clamp down on this practice, and whereas, according to the ILO report of 19 November 2013, a million Uzbek citizens, both adults and children, are being forced by the Uzbek Government to harvest cotton under unacceptable conditions and face penalties if they refuse; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas according to the latest reports forced labour and child labour in cotton harvesting are still widespread in spite of the Uzbek authorities’ commitment to clamp down on this practice, and whereas, according to the ILO report of 19 November 2013, a million Uzbek citizens, both adults and children, are being forced by the Uzbek Government to harvest cotton under unacceptable conditions and face penalties if they refuse;

| H. | whereas the negotiations on Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO are still ongoing, and whereas the EU-Uzbekistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement includes a clear clause on respect for democracy and human rights, which the parties are committed to respecting; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the negotiations on Uzbekistan’s accession to the WTO are still ongoing, and whereas the EU-Uzbekistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement includes a clear clause on respect for democracy and human rights, which the parties are committed to respecting;

| 1. | Stresses the importance of relations between the EU and Uzbekistan and the strengthening of political and economic cooperation, but stresses also that those relations must be based on mutual respect for the principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, as is clearly laid down in the EU-Uzbekistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Stresses the importance of relations between the EU and Uzbekistan and the strengthening of political and economic cooperation, but stresses also that those relations must be based on mutual respect for the principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, as is clearly laid down in the EU-Uzbekistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement;

| 2. | Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons imprisoned on politically motivated charges, held for peaceful expression of their political views, civil society activism, journalistic activity or religious views; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all persons imprisoned on politically motivated charges, held for peaceful expression of their political views, civil society activism, journalistic activity or religious views;

| 3. | Stresses that any of the people who have allegedly engaged in acts of violence should be granted a new and fair trial in accordance with international standards and, if found guilty, be subject to criminal and/or administrative sanctions, also in accordance with international standards; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Stresses that any of the people who have allegedly engaged in acts of violence should be granted a new and fair trial in accordance with international standards and, if found guilty, be subject to criminal and/or administrative sanctions, also in accordance with international standards;

| 4. | Calls on the Uzbek authorities not to allow torture, to put an immediate and unconditional stop to all forms of torture and abuse in prison and ill-treatment in pre-trial detention and penal facilities, including by ensuring unhindered access to counsel at all stages of investigations, ensuring prompt access to appropriate medical care and re-establishing the independent monitoring of prisons, and to provide the families of all prisoners with full information regarding the location and current state of health of their relatives; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls on the Uzbek authorities not to allow torture, to put an immediate and unconditional stop to all forms of torture and abuse in prison and ill-treatment in pre-trial detention and penal facilities, including by ensuring unhindered access to counsel at all stages of investigations, ensuring prompt access to appropriate medical care and re-establishing the independent monitoring of prisons, and to provide the families of all prisoners with full information regarding the location and current state of health of their relatives;

| 5. | Urges the Uzbek authorities to investigate and hold to account all officials, security service personnel and penal system staff alleged to have tortured or ill-treated prisoners and detainees or denied requests for medical care; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Urges the Uzbek authorities to investigate and hold to account all officials, security service personnel and penal system staff alleged to have tortured or ill-treated prisoners and detainees or denied requests for medical care;

| 6. | Calls on Uzbekistan to comply with all international recommendations against torture, to order the immediate closure of Jaslyk prison 64/71, to approve the pending requests by 11 UN special procedures to visit Uzbekistan, including the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, and to allow unimpeded independent monitoring of prisons by the International Committee of the Red Cross and other independent monitors; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on Uzbekistan to comply with all international recommendations against torture, to order the immediate closure of Jaslyk prison 64/71, to approve the pending requests by 11 UN special procedures to visit Uzbekistan, including the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, and to allow unimpeded independent monitoring of prisons by the International Committee of the Red Cross and other independent monitors;

| 7. | Urges the Uzbek Government to cease the practice of arbitrarily exempting prisoners held on politically motivated charges who qualify for amnesty from annual amnesty declarations and of arbitrarily lengthening prison sentences for minor offences or ‘violations of prison rules’ under Article 221 of the criminal code on ‘disobedience to the terms of punishment’; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Urges the Uzbek Government to cease the practice of arbitrarily exempting prisoners held on politically motivated charges who qualify for amnesty from annual amnesty declarations and of arbitrarily lengthening prison sentences for minor offences or ‘violations of prison rules’ under Article 221 of the criminal code on ‘disobedience to the terms of punishment’;

| 8. | Calls on the Uzbek authorities to uphold women’s rights, in particular by complying with the recommendations of the UN Committee against Torture; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the Uzbek authorities to uphold women’s rights, in particular by complying with the recommendations of the UN Committee against Torture;

| 9. | Calls on the EU High Representative, the EEAS and the Member States to immediately put in motion a strategy with the aim of pressing Uzbekistan for concrete, measurable human rights improvements over the coming months, setting next year’s tenth anniversary of the Andijan massacre as a deadline for progress; calls on the EEAS to provide Parliament with information about the representatives of the Uzbek regime who are held to be responsible for the crimes perpetrated in Andijan, including the 12 against whom the EU imposed sanctions in response to the massacre, sanctions which were subsequently lifted; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Calls on the EU High Representative, the EEAS and the Member States to immediately put in motion a strategy with the aim of pressing Uzbekistan for concrete, measurable human rights improvements over the coming months, setting next year’s tenth anniversary of the Andijan massacre as a deadline for progress; calls on the EEAS to provide Parliament with information about the representatives of the Uzbek regime who are held to be responsible for the crimes perpetrated in Andijan, including the 12 against whom the EU imposed sanctions in response to the massacre, sanctions which were subsequently lifted;

| 10. | Underlines the fact that concrete improvements should include the conditions laid down by EU Foreign Ministers in 2010, which are: 1) releasing all imprisoned human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience; 2) allowing unimpeded operation of non-governmental organisations in the country; 3) cooperating fully with all relevant UN Special Rapporteurs; 4) guaranteeing freedom of speech and the media; 5) proceeding with practical implementation of conventions against child labour; and 6) fully aligning its election processes with international standards; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Underlines the fact that concrete improvements should include the conditions laid down by EU Foreign Ministers in 2010, which are: 1) releasing all imprisoned human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience; 2) allowing unimpeded operation of non-governmental organisations in the country; 3) cooperating fully with all relevant UN Special Rapporteurs; 4) guaranteeing freedom of speech and the media; 5) proceeding with practical implementation of conventions against child labour; and 6) fully aligning its election processes with international standards;

| 11. | Takes the view that, should there be no meaningful progress in these areas, the EU should take the lead and table a UN Human Rights Council resolution under item 4, establishing a dedicated country-specific mechanism for Uzbekistan, ensuring sustained and proactive engagement by the HRC through monitoring, public reporting and debate on the human rights situation in Uzbekistan; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Takes the view that, should there be no meaningful progress in these areas, the EU should take the lead and table a UN Human Rights Council resolution under item 4, establishing a dedicated country-specific mechanism for Uzbekistan, ensuring sustained and proactive engagement by the HRC through monitoring, public reporting and debate on the human rights situation in Uzbekistan;

| 12. | Calls on the EU, furthermore, since there is no need to supply the Cooperation Council with relevant information about the situation, this being a case of special urgency, and in accordance with Articles 2 and 95 of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, to put Uzbekistan on notice that, unless there is progress on the above-mentioned human rights concerns within the next six months, the EU will impose targeted punitive measures; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls on the EU, furthermore, since there is no need to supply the Cooperation Council with relevant information about the situation, this being a case of special urgency, and in accordance with Articles 2 and 95 of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, to put Uzbekistan on notice that, unless there is progress on the above-mentioned human rights concerns within the next six months, the EU will impose targeted punitive measures;

| 13. | Calls on the Member States to comply with the Code of Conduct on Arms Exports and to respect the dual use export regulations; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Calls on the Member States to comply with the Code of Conduct on Arms Exports and to respect the dual use export regulations;

| 14. | Calls on the Uzbek authorities to fully implement its resolution of 15 December 2011 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement establishing a partnership between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, of the other part, amending the Agreement in order to extend the provisions of the Agreement to bilateral trade in textiles, taking account of the expiry of the bilateral textiles Agreement (8); |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the Uzbek authorities to fully implement its resolution of 15 December 2011 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of a Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement establishing a partnership between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, of the other part, amending the Agreement in order to extend the provisions of the Agreement to bilateral trade in textiles, taking account of the expiry of the bilateral textiles Agreement (8);

| 15. | Requests that the Council, the Commission and the EEAS provide Parliament with a public assessment of measures taken by the EU to press Uzbekistan to meet the human rights criteria set out by EU Foreign Ministers in 2010, invites the UN Human Rights Council to establish a monitoring mechanism for Uzbekistan, encourages the Council and the Commission to improve their human rights dialogue with the Government of Uzbekistan and expects the EEAS to firmly address all the main cases of human rights violations at the meeting of the EU-Uzbekistan Human Rights Dialogue scheduled for November and to make these meetings more result-oriented, overcoming the current deeply disappointing stalemate; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Requests that the Council, the Commission and the EEAS provide Parliament with a public assessment of measures taken by the EU to press Uzbekistan to meet the human rights criteria set out by EU Foreign Ministers in 2010, invites the UN Human Rights Council to establish a monitoring mechanism for Uzbekistan, encourages the Council and the Commission to improve their human rights dialogue with the Government of Uzbekistan and expects the EEAS to firmly address all the main cases of human rights violations at the meeting of the EU-Uzbekistan Human Rights Dialogue scheduled for November and to make these meetings more result-oriented, overcoming the current deeply disappointing stalemate;

| 16. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the EEAS, the Council, the Commission, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the UN Human Rights Council. |
| --- | --- |

16.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the EEAS, the Council, the Commission, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the UN Human Rights Council.

---

(1)  OJ C 168 E, 14.6.2013, p. 91.

(2)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0470.

(3)  Azam Farmonov, Mehriniso Hamdamova, Zulhumor Hamdamova, Isroiljon Kholdorov, Nosim Isakov, Gaybullo Jalilov, Nuriddin Jumaniyazov, Matluba Kamilova, Ganikhon Mamatkhanov, Chuyan Mamatkulov, Zafarjon Rahimov, Yuldash Rasulov, Bobomurod Razzokov, Fahriddin Tillaev and Akzam Turgunov

(4)  Solijon Abdurakhmanov, Muhammad Bekjanov, Gayrat Mikhliboev, Yusuf Ruzimuradov, and Dilmurod Saidov

(5)  Murod Juraev, Samandar Kukanov, Kudratbek Rasulov and Rustam Usmanov

(6)  Ruhiddin Fahriddinov, Hayrullo Hamidov and Akram Yuldashev

(7)  Dilorom Abdukodirova, Botirbek Eshkuziev, Bahrom Ibragimov, Davron Kabilov, Erkin Musaev, Davron Tojiev and Ravshanbek Vafoev

(8)  OJ C 168 E, 14.6.2013, p. 195.

---

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/28 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/28

---

P8_TA(2014)0041

Disappearance of 43 teaching students in Mexico

European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2014 on the disappearance of 43 teaching students in Mexico (2014/2905(RSP))

(2016/C 274/04)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Mexico, in particular that of 11 March 2010 on the escalation of violence in Mexico (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Mexico, in particular that of 11 March 2010 on the escalation of violence in Mexico (1),

| — | having regard to the Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Mexican States, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Mexican States,

| — | having regard to its recommendation to the Council of 12 March 2009 on an EU-Mexico Strategic Partnership (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its recommendation to the Council of 12 March 2009 on an EU-Mexico Strategic Partnership (2),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication to the Council and the European Parliament of 15 July 2008 entitled ‘Towards an EU-Mexico Strategic Partnership’ (COM(2008)0447), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication to the Council and the European Parliament of 15 July 2008 entitled ‘Towards an EU-Mexico Strategic Partnership’ (COM(2008)0447),

| — | having regard to the EU local statement concerning Iguala, issued in agreement with the Heads of Mission of the EU Member States in Mexico on 12 October 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU local statement concerning Iguala, issued in agreement with the Heads of Mission of the EU Member States in Mexico on 12 October 2014,

| — | having regard to the statement made by the Mexican President Enrico Peña Nieto on 14 October 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement made by the Mexican President Enrico Peña Nieto on 14 October 2014,

| — | having regard to the Mexico-EU Strategic Partnership Joint Executive Plan of 16 May 2010, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Mexico-EU Strategic Partnership Joint Executive Plan of 16 May 2010,

| — | having regard to the declarations of the summits of heads of state and government of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-CELAC), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the declarations of the summits of heads of state and government of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-CELAC),

| — | having regard to the joint statement of 17 June 2012 of the VII Mexico-EU summit, held in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint statement of 17 June 2012 of the VII Mexico-EU summit, held in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico,

| — | having regard to the joint statement of the XII meeting of the EU-Mexico Joint Committee, held in Mexico City on 10-11 June 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint statement of the XII meeting of the EU-Mexico Joint Committee, held in Mexico City on 10-11 June 2013,

| — | having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 135(5) and 123(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas Mexico and the European Union share common values that find expression in our democratic and pluralist societies, defending fundamental freedoms, human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and sustainable development, and a shared commitment to consolidating democracy, the rule of law, equitable economic and social development and fighting corruption and poverty; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Mexico and the European Union share common values that find expression in our democratic and pluralist societies, defending fundamental freedoms, human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and sustainable development, and a shared commitment to consolidating democracy, the rule of law, equitable economic and social development and fighting corruption and poverty;

| B. | whereas our democratic systems have the duty and obligation to safeguard the operation of the rule of law and respect for human rights, and whereas the enjoyment and full exercise of freedoms and the right to the integrity of the human person are thus one of the basic pillars of the rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas our democratic systems have the duty and obligation to safeguard the operation of the rule of law and respect for human rights, and whereas the enjoyment and full exercise of freedoms and the right to the integrity of the human person are thus one of the basic pillars of the rule of law;

| C. | whereas the EU-Mexico Strategic Partnership has enabled closer cooperation between the EU and Mexico on issues of global importance, and in particular enhanced dialogue, coordination and exchanges in areas such as security, human rights, electoral reform, regional development and regulatory and trade policies; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the EU-Mexico Strategic Partnership has enabled closer cooperation between the EU and Mexico on issues of global importance, and in particular enhanced dialogue, coordination and exchanges in areas such as security, human rights, electoral reform, regional development and regulatory and trade policies;

| D. | whereas on 26 September 2014, six people, among them three students, were killed when the police opened fire on protesting teaching students from the Escuela Normal (‘Normal School’) of Ayotzinapa in Iguala, Guerrero state; whereas since then 43 students remain disappeared; whereas according to various sources those students were rounded up and driven away by police officers and handed over to unidentified armed men linked to a drug cartel; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas on 26 September 2014, six people, among them three students, were killed when the police opened fire on protesting teaching students from the Escuela Normal (‘Normal School’) of Ayotzinapa in Iguala, Guerrero state; whereas since then 43 students remain disappeared; whereas according to various sources those students were rounded up and driven away by police officers and handed over to unidentified armed men linked to a drug cartel;

| E. | whereas according to the Mexican Government, 51 persons linked to the crimes have been arrested, most of them police agents from the municipalities of Iguala and Cocula; whereas on 14 October 2014 the Mexican Attorney-General declared that according to forensic analyses of the 28 bodies found in clandestine graves near Iguala on 4 October 2014 the bodies do not correspond to those of the missing students; whereas the Mexican authorities have captured the suspected main leader of the criminal gang Guerreros Unidos (United Warriors), allegedly involved in the disappearance of the 43 students; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas according to the Mexican Government, 51 persons linked to the crimes have been arrested, most of them police agents from the municipalities of Iguala and Cocula; whereas on 14 October 2014 the Mexican Attorney-General declared that according to forensic analyses of the 28 bodies found in clandestine graves near Iguala on 4 October 2014 the bodies do not correspond to those of the missing students; whereas the Mexican authorities have captured the suspected main leader of the criminal gang Guerreros Unidos (United Warriors), allegedly involved in the disappearance of the 43 students;

| F. | whereas the Mayor of Iguala, his wife, and the police chief of Iguala are fugitives from justice and accused of links to the local Guerreros Unidos drug cartel; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the Mayor of Iguala, his wife, and the police chief of Iguala are fugitives from justice and accused of links to the local Guerreros Unidos drug cartel;

| G. | whereas the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, has instructed the Federal Government and his Security Office to take immediate and conclusive measures, and whereas a roadmap for joint action has been agreed together with the missing students’ families and representatives; whereas the OAS and the UN have urged the Mexican Government to investigate the forced disappearances, punish those responsible, and protect the families of the missing students; whereas in this case the Mexican Government is cooperating with these international multilateral bodies; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, has instructed the Federal Government and his Security Office to take immediate and conclusive measures, and whereas a roadmap for joint action has been agreed together with the missing students’ families and representatives; whereas the OAS and the UN have urged the Mexican Government to investigate the forced disappearances, punish those responsible, and protect the families of the missing students; whereas in this case the Mexican Government is cooperating with these international multilateral bodies;

| H. | whereas the Mexican Government and the main opposition parties agreed in 2012 to a ‘Pact for Mexico’ aimed at addressing Mexico’s key challenges, which include security and impunity; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the Mexican Government and the main opposition parties agreed in 2012 to a ‘Pact for Mexico’ aimed at addressing Mexico’s key challenges, which include security and impunity;

| I. | whereas violence has increased in the state of Guerrero; whereas many students and teachers throughout Mexico are protesting for the safe return of the missing students and denouncing the complicity among certain elements of the local police in the crimes, corruption in the police force and institutional weakness in particular areas of the country where social cohesion gaps are more apparent; whereas the government buildings in Chilpancingo and some other official buildings in different municipalities of the state of Guerrero, as well as some religious leaders and offices of political parties, have also been under threat or have been attacked; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas violence has increased in the state of Guerrero; whereas many students and teachers throughout Mexico are protesting for the safe return of the missing students and denouncing the complicity among certain elements of the local police in the crimes, corruption in the police force and institutional weakness in particular areas of the country where social cohesion gaps are more apparent; whereas the government buildings in Chilpancingo and some other official buildings in different municipalities of the state of Guerrero, as well as some religious leaders and offices of political parties, have also been under threat or have been attacked;

| J. | whereas Mexico participates in all regional and international forums and has signed all the international agreements on human rights and fundamental freedoms; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas Mexico participates in all regional and international forums and has signed all the international agreements on human rights and fundamental freedoms;

| K. | whereas the Mexican Government recognises the challenges Mexico is facing and has demonstrated its firm commitment to improving the security situation in the country, including a significant increase in the security forces’ budget and reform of the public security institutions, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement and of the legal system, thus making it possible to confront organised crime; whereas forced disappearances, violence linked to organised crime and the alleged collaboration between particular local entities and organised criminal groups remain matters of grave concern; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the Mexican Government recognises the challenges Mexico is facing and has demonstrated its firm commitment to improving the security situation in the country, including a significant increase in the security forces’ budget and reform of the public security institutions, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement and of the legal system, thus making it possible to confront organised crime; whereas forced disappearances, violence linked to organised crime and the alleged collaboration between particular local entities and organised criminal groups remain matters of grave concern;

| 1. | Strongly condemns the unacceptable forced disappearances and crimes in Iguala and calls on the Mexican authorities to investigate all the crimes, including the finding of 28 bodies in clandestine graves; calls on the relevant authorities to take all necessary steps to act promptly and in a transparent and impartial manner to identify, arrest and bring to justice the perpetrators of the crimes, and calls for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted, using all available information and resources internally and externally and with no margin for impunity; calls for the investigations to be continued until the students have been brought to safety; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Strongly condemns the unacceptable forced disappearances and crimes in Iguala and calls on the Mexican authorities to investigate all the crimes, including the finding of 28 bodies in clandestine graves; calls on the relevant authorities to take all necessary steps to act promptly and in a transparent and impartial manner to identify, arrest and bring to justice the perpetrators of the crimes, and calls for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted, using all available information and resources internally and externally and with no margin for impunity; calls for the investigations to be continued until the students have been brought to safety;

| 2. | Extends its sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, and to the Mexican people, whom it encourages to continue to fight by peaceful means to defend democracy and the rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Extends its sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, and to the Mexican people, whom it encourages to continue to fight by peaceful means to defend democracy and the rule of law;

| 3. | Takes note of the detentions that have taken place; calls for the search to be continued for the Mayor of Iguala, his wife and the police chief of Iguala; is deeply concerned at the apparent infiltration of local law enforcement and administrative entities by organised crime; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Takes note of the detentions that have taken place; calls for the search to be continued for the Mayor of Iguala, his wife and the police chief of Iguala; is deeply concerned at the apparent infiltration of local law enforcement and administrative entities by organised crime;

| 4. | Welcomes President Peña Nieto’s determination to investigate and clarify these events, as well as to put an end to gang-related violence in Mexico; welcomes the creation of monitoring committees related to the Iguala case in the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives; calls on the Mexican authorities to protect and assist the families of the victims and keep them informed about the ongoing investigations and efforts to apprehend the perpetrators; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Welcomes President Peña Nieto’s determination to investigate and clarify these events, as well as to put an end to gang-related violence in Mexico; welcomes the creation of monitoring committees related to the Iguala case in the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives; calls on the Mexican authorities to protect and assist the families of the victims and keep them informed about the ongoing investigations and efforts to apprehend the perpetrators;

| 5. | Supports the Mexican Government in its determination to combat organised drug trafficking, while voicing its deep concern at the increase in violence resulting from drug trafficking and the climate of impunity; stands shoulder to shoulder with the Mexican people in the fight against organised drug trafficking; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Supports the Mexican Government in its determination to combat organised drug trafficking, while voicing its deep concern at the increase in violence resulting from drug trafficking and the climate of impunity; stands shoulder to shoulder with the Mexican people in the fight against organised drug trafficking;

| 6. | Urges the Mexican Government, at all levels, to take actions that will prevent events like those in Iguala from ever occurring again; condemns all forms of violence, in particular the violence and persistent death threats against activists engaged in promoting and defending freedom of speech and human rights in Mexico, and calls on the Mexican authorities to step up efforts to provide legal and personal protection to the groups concerned; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Urges the Mexican Government, at all levels, to take actions that will prevent events like those in Iguala from ever occurring again; condemns all forms of violence, in particular the violence and persistent death threats against activists engaged in promoting and defending freedom of speech and human rights in Mexico, and calls on the Mexican authorities to step up efforts to provide legal and personal protection to the groups concerned;

| 7. | Supports the Mexican authorities’ efforts to collaborate with international organisations including the EU, the UN, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), with the assistance of Argentinian and international forensic experts; stresses the importance of the Government of Mexico providing the financial resources needed so that the IACHR can implement a technical assistance programme than can complement national actions with regard to the investigation of the events in Guerrero; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Supports the Mexican authorities’ efforts to collaborate with international organisations including the EU, the UN, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), with the assistance of Argentinian and international forensic experts; stresses the importance of the Government of Mexico providing the financial resources needed so that the IACHR can implement a technical assistance programme than can complement national actions with regard to the investigation of the events in Guerrero;

| 8. | Underlines the fact that Mexico is a strategic partner for the EU; encourages the Mexican Government to continue with its efforts to strengthen state institutions and consolidate the rule of law, with a view to tackling some of the structural problems that are at the root of the human rights violations, specifically with reference to reform of the judicial system; highlights, accordingly, the importance of an independent judiciary which stands as a guarantee of impartiality and resolute action to combat impunity; calls for federal protection for those who are involved in delivering justice; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Underlines the fact that Mexico is a strategic partner for the EU; encourages the Mexican Government to continue with its efforts to strengthen state institutions and consolidate the rule of law, with a view to tackling some of the structural problems that are at the root of the human rights violations, specifically with reference to reform of the judicial system; highlights, accordingly, the importance of an independent judiciary which stands as a guarantee of impartiality and resolute action to combat impunity; calls for federal protection for those who are involved in delivering justice;

| 9. | Calls on the EU, on its Member States in their bilateral relations with Mexico, and on the European institutions to step up the support they provide for human rights through programmes and financial and technical resources; calls on them also to increase the budgetary resources allocated to cooperation in strengthening and reforming the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and prosecution services, with a view to prosecuting and punishing offenders and to setting up effective systems for protecting witnesses and victims and their families; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Calls on the EU, on its Member States in their bilateral relations with Mexico, and on the European institutions to step up the support they provide for human rights through programmes and financial and technical resources; calls on them also to increase the budgetary resources allocated to cooperation in strengthening and reforming the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and prosecution services, with a view to prosecuting and punishing offenders and to setting up effective systems for protecting witnesses and victims and their families;

| 10. | Stresses the urgent need to set up a unified, public and accessible national registry of missing and disappeared persons and a DNA database at federal level; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Stresses the urgent need to set up a unified, public and accessible national registry of missing and disappeared persons and a DNA database at federal level;

| 11. | 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 Member States, the pro tempore presidency of CELAC, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Eurolat Parliamentary Assembly and the President and Congress of Mexico. |
| --- | --- |

11.

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 Member States, the pro tempore presidency of CELAC, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Eurolat Parliamentary Assembly and the President and Congress of Mexico.

---

(1)  OJ C 349 E, 22.12.2010, p. 92.

(2)  OJ C 87 E, 1.4.2010, p. 172.

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| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/31 |
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27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/31

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P8_TA(2014)0045

Working time in inland waterway transport

European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2014 on the proposal for a Council directive implementing the European Agreement concluded by the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Skippers Organisation (ESO) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport (COM(2014)0452 — 2014/2860(RSP))

(2016/C 274/05)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal for a Council directive implementing the European Agreement concluded by the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Skippers Organisation (ESO) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport (COM(2014)0452), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal for a Council directive implementing the European Agreement concluded by the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Skippers Organisation (ESO) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport (COM(2014)0452),

| — | having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 155(2) thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 155(2) thereof,

| — | having regard to the Agreement concluded between the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Skippers Organisation (ESO) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Agreement concluded between the European Barge Union (EBU), the European Skippers Organisation (ESO) and the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time in inland waterway transport,

| — | having regard to the fact that the Agreement included a joint request for the Commission to implement it by a Council decision on a proposal from the Commission, in accordance with Article 155(2) TFEU, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the fact that the Agreement included a joint request for the Commission to implement it by a Council decision on a proposal from the Commission, in accordance with Article 155(2) TFEU,

| — | having regard to Rule 101(3) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 101(3) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas Article 155(1) TFEU gives the social partners at EU level the possibility, should they so desire, to enter into a dialogue which may lead to contractual relations, including agreements; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Article 155(1) TFEU gives the social partners at EU level the possibility, should they so desire, to enter into a dialogue which may lead to contractual relations, including agreements;

| B. | whereas Article 155(2) TFEU provides for the possibility of implementing agreements concluded at EU level, at the joint request of the signatory parties, by a Council decision on a proposal from the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas Article 155(2) TFEU provides for the possibility of implementing agreements concluded at EU level, at the joint request of the signatory parties, by a Council decision on a proposal from the Commission;

| 1. | Welcomes the fact that, although Article 155(2) TFEU does not provide for Parliament to be consulted in relation to requests made to the Commission by the social partners, the Commission has forwarded its proposal to Parliament and has asked it to communicate its opinion to the Commission and the Council; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welcomes the fact that, although Article 155(2) TFEU does not provide for Parliament to be consulted in relation to requests made to the Commission by the social partners, the Commission has forwarded its proposal to Parliament and has asked it to communicate its opinion to the Commission and the Council;

| 2. | Welcomes the fact that the Agreement as concluded by the social partners and the Commission proposal provide only for minimum requirements, leaving the Member States and/or social partners free to adopt measures which are more favourable to workers in the area concerned; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Welcomes the fact that the Agreement as concluded by the social partners and the Commission proposal provide only for minimum requirements, leaving the Member States and/or social partners free to adopt measures which are more favourable to workers in the area concerned;

| 3. | Recommends the adoption of the Council directive; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Recommends the adoption of the Council directive;

| 4. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the social partners. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the social partners.

---

III Preparatory acts

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Tuesday 21 October 2014

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/32 |
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27.7.2016

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Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/32

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P8_TA(2014)0030

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2014/004 ES/Comunidad Valenciana metal — Spain

European Parliament resolution of 21 October 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2014/004 ES/Comunidad Valenciana metal from Spain) (COM(2014)0515 — C8-0125/2014 — 2014/2064(BUD))

(2016/C 274/06)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2014)0515 — C8-0125/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2014)0515 — C8-0125/2014),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2014-2020) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 (1) (EGF Regulation), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2014-2020) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 (1) (EGF Regulation),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (2), and in particular Article 12 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (2), and in particular Article 12 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (3) (IIA of 2 December 2013), and in particular point 13 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (3) (IIA of 2 December 2013), and in particular point 13 thereof,

| — | having regard to trilogue procedure provided for in point 13 of the IIA of 2 December 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to trilogue procedure provided for in point 13 of the IIA of 2 December 2013,

| — | having regard to the letter of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs,

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

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Regional Development,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A8-0013/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A8-0013/2014),

| A. | whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist their reintegration into the labour market, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist their reintegration into the labour market,

| B. | whereas the Union’s financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission adopted during the conciliation meeting on 17 July 2008, and having due regard for the IIA of 2 December 2013 in respect of the adoption of decisions to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Union’s financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission adopted during the conciliation meeting on 17 July 2008, and having due regard for the IIA of 2 December 2013 in respect of the adoption of decisions to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF),

| C. | whereas Spain submitted application EGF/2014/004 ES/Comunidad Valenciana metal for a financial contribution from the EGF, following 633 redundancies in 142 enterprises operating in the manufacture of fabricated metal products, in Spain with 300 workers targeted for EGF co-funded measures, during the reference period from 1 April 2013 to 31 December 2013, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas Spain submitted application EGF/2014/004 ES/Comunidad Valenciana metal for a financial contribution from the EGF, following 633 redundancies in 142 enterprises operating in the manufacture of fabricated metal products, in Spain with 300 workers targeted for EGF co-funded measures, during the reference period from 1 April 2013 to 31 December 2013,

| D. | whereas the application fulfils the eligibility criteria set up by the EGF Regulation, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the application fulfils the eligibility criteria set up by the EGF Regulation,

| 1. | Agrees with the Commission that the conditions set out in Article 4(1)(b) of the EGF Regulation are met and that, therefore, Spain is entitled to a financial contribution under that Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Agrees with the Commission that the conditions set out in Article 4(1)(b) of the EGF Regulation are met and that, therefore, Spain is entitled to a financial contribution under that Regulation;

| 2. | Notes that the Spanish authorities submitted the application for EGF financial contribution on 25 March 2014, and that its assessment was made available by the Commission on 12 August 2014; welcomes the speedy evaluation of less than five months; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Notes that the Spanish authorities submitted the application for EGF financial contribution on 25 March 2014, and that its assessment was made available by the Commission on 12 August 2014; welcomes the speedy evaluation of less than five months;

| 3. | Welcomes that the application takes into account the experience with previous applications from the same region; suggests that the experiences and possible best practices of regions submitting several applications should be disseminated in the regular meetings of the EGF contact persons and experts; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Welcomes that the application takes into account the experience with previous applications from the same region; suggests that the experiences and possible best practices of regions submitting several applications should be disseminated in the regular meetings of the EGF contact persons and experts;

| 4. | Considers that the redundancies in 142 enterprises operating in the manufacture of fabricated metal products in Spain are linked to global financial and economic crisis; notes that Spain is among the Member States most seriously affected by the crisis, that led to a lower demand for, and production of, metal and metal products; notes that in Spain the production of metal products decreased by 23,3 % in 2009 compared with the previous year and by 36,6 % between 2008 and 2013; notes that the turnover of the sector decreased by 38,5 % in the period 2008-2012 and the job losses represent 43 % of total employment in metal sector; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Considers that the redundancies in 142 enterprises operating in the manufacture of fabricated metal products in Spain are linked to global financial and economic crisis; notes that Spain is among the Member States most seriously affected by the crisis, that led to a lower demand for, and production of, metal and metal products; notes that in Spain the production of metal products decreased by 23,3 % in 2009 compared with the previous year and by 36,6 % between 2008 and 2013; notes that the turnover of the sector decreased by 38,5 % in the period 2008-2012 and the job losses represent 43 % of total employment in metal sector;

| 5. | Notes that the sector of fabricated metal products is a key provider of inputs to a wide range of manufacturing industries, in particular shipbuilding, construction and automotive sectors, all of which were significantly impacted across the Union by the economic crisis; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Notes that the sector of fabricated metal products is a key provider of inputs to a wide range of manufacturing industries, in particular shipbuilding, construction and automotive sectors, all of which were significantly impacted across the Union by the economic crisis;

| 6. | Notes that the case at hand typically reflects the social and economic landscape of a region with a local economy characterised by a high percentage of SMEs and recalls the current difficulties encountered by SMEs in accessing finance; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Notes that the case at hand typically reflects the social and economic landscape of a region with a local economy characterised by a high percentage of SMEs and recalls the current difficulties encountered by SMEs in accessing finance;

| 7. | Stresses that the 633 redundancies will further aggravate the unemployment situation in Comunidad Valenciana which is particularly fragile, since the metal sector represents 25,4 % of the jobs in the industrial sector in the region; notes that in 2008 there were 35 868 jobs in the metal sector in Comunidad Valenciana, while in 2012 the number of jobs had decreased to 20 873 which represents a decline by 43 %, i.e. eight percentage points higher than at national level; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Stresses that the 633 redundancies will further aggravate the unemployment situation in Comunidad Valenciana which is particularly fragile, since the metal sector represents 25,4 % of the jobs in the industrial sector in the region; notes that in 2008 there were 35 868 jobs in the metal sector in Comunidad Valenciana, while in 2012 the number of jobs had decreased to 20 873 which represents a decline by 43 %, i.e. eight percentage points higher than at national level;

| 8. | Notes with regret that less than 50 % of the eligible workers are expected to participate in the measures; considers that this estimation is based on experiences of the applying authority with previous applications for EGF intervention in the regions; nevertheless considers that in regions with high unemployment rates the number of participants in training and retraining needs to be higher; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Notes with regret that less than 50 % of the eligible workers are expected to participate in the measures; considers that this estimation is based on experiences of the applying authority with previous applications for EGF intervention in the regions; nevertheless considers that in regions with high unemployment rates the number of participants in training and retraining needs to be higher;

| 9. | Stresses that employment in the region has been seriously affected by the impact of the crisis on traditional sectors such as ceramics, footwear and construction, as well as textiles, which are very important for the region's economy; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Stresses that employment in the region has been seriously affected by the impact of the crisis on traditional sectors such as ceramics, footwear and construction, as well as textiles, which are very important for the region's economy;

| 10. | Welcomes that redundant workers are expected to participate in great numbers in vocational training and upskilling; appreciates that such upskilling is designed to build on skills and competencies gained in the metal industry and with learning further specific techniques the workers can comply with future needs of the metal industry; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Welcomes that redundant workers are expected to participate in great numbers in vocational training and upskilling; appreciates that such upskilling is designed to build on skills and competencies gained in the metal industry and with learning further specific techniques the workers can comply with future needs of the metal industry;

| 11. | Welcomes the fact that, in order to provide workers with speedy assistance, the Spanish authorities decided to initiate the implementation of the personalised services to the affected workers on 20 June 2014, ahead of the final decision on granting the EGF support for the proposed coordinated package; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Welcomes the fact that, in order to provide workers with speedy assistance, the Spanish authorities decided to initiate the implementation of the personalised services to the affected workers on 20 June 2014, ahead of the final decision on granting the EGF support for the proposed coordinated package;

| 12. | Welcomes the fact that the personalised services for redundant workers will be co-funded by the Generalitat Valenciana (the autonomous government of Comunidad Valenciana) and in particular from the SERVEF (public labour offices of the autonomous government) with 30 % of the total budget and by the employers' association Federación Empresarial Metalúrgica Valenciana-FEMEVAL and the trade unions UGT-PV and CCOO-PV with 10 % of the total budget; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Welcomes the fact that the personalised services for redundant workers will be co-funded by the Generalitat Valenciana (the autonomous government of Comunidad Valenciana) and in particular from the SERVEF (public labour offices of the autonomous government) with 30 % of the total budget and by the employers' association Federación Empresarial Metalúrgica Valenciana-FEMEVAL and the trade unions UGT-PV and CCOO-PV with 10 % of the total budget;

| 13. | Notes that the coordinated package of personalised services to be co-funded includes measures for workers made redundant such as occupational guidance, job placement, trainings (vocational training and upskilling, training in transversal skills, on-the-job training), promotion of enterpreneurship, incentive for setting up a business, job-search allowance, contribution to commuting expenses and employment incentive; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Notes that the coordinated package of personalised services to be co-funded includes measures for workers made redundant such as occupational guidance, job placement, trainings (vocational training and upskilling, training in transversal skills, on-the-job training), promotion of enterpreneurship, incentive for setting up a business, job-search allowance, contribution to commuting expenses and employment incentive;

| 14. | Notes the amount of EUR 3 000 to be granted to an expected 20 beneficiaries, to incentivise their return to the labour market by setting up their own business; considers that the estimation of the number of workers benefitting from this incentive is also based on experiences with previous EGF cases in the region; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Notes the amount of EUR 3 000 to be granted to an expected 20 beneficiaries, to incentivise their return to the labour market by setting up their own business; considers that the estimation of the number of workers benefitting from this incentive is also based on experiences with previous EGF cases in the region;

| 15. | Welcomes the fact that the coordinated package of personalised services has been drawn up in consultation with both employer's association FEMEVAL, and trade unions UGT-PV and CCOO-PV, and that a policy of equality of women and men as well as the principle non-discrimination will be applied during the various stages of the implementation of and in access to the EGF; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Welcomes the fact that the coordinated package of personalised services has been drawn up in consultation with both employer's association FEMEVAL, and trade unions UGT-PV and CCOO-PV, and that a policy of equality of women and men as well as the principle non-discrimination will be applied during the various stages of the implementation of and in access to the EGF;

| 16. | Recalls the importance of improving the ability of all workers to seek employment by means of adapted training and the recognition of skills and competences gained throughout a worker's professional career; expects the training on offer in the coordinated package to be adapted not only to the needs of the dismissed workers but also to the actual business environment; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Recalls the importance of improving the ability of all workers to seek employment by means of adapted training and the recognition of skills and competences gained throughout a worker's professional career; expects the training on offer in the coordinated package to be adapted not only to the needs of the dismissed workers but also to the actual business environment;

| 17. | Notes that the information provided on the coordinated package of personalised services to be funded from the EGF includes information on complementarity with actions funded by the Structural Funds; stresses that Spanish authorities confirm that the eligible actions do not receive assistance from other Union financial instruments; reiterates its call to the Commission to present a comparative evaluation of those data in its annual reports in order to ensure full respect of the existing regulations and that no duplication of Union-funded services can occur; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Notes that the information provided on the coordinated package of personalised services to be funded from the EGF includes information on complementarity with actions funded by the Structural Funds; stresses that Spanish authorities confirm that the eligible actions do not receive assistance from other Union financial instruments; reiterates its call to the Commission to present a comparative evaluation of those data in its annual reports in order to ensure full respect of the existing regulations and that no duplication of Union-funded services can occur;

| 18. | Notes that the estimated cost of the welcome and information sessions, as a first measure in the list of proposed actions, has elevated by 50 % compared to an application from the same region from the previous year; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Notes that the estimated cost of the welcome and information sessions, as a first measure in the list of proposed actions, has elevated by 50 % compared to an application from the same region from the previous year;

| 19. | Appreciates the improved procedure put in place by the Commission, following Parliament's request for the accelerated release of grants; notes that the Commission finalised the assessment of the application’s compliance with the conditions for providing a financial contribution within 12 weeks of the receipt of the complete application; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Appreciates the improved procedure put in place by the Commission, following Parliament's request for the accelerated release of grants; notes that the Commission finalised the assessment of the application’s compliance with the conditions for providing a financial contribution within 12 weeks of the receipt of the complete application;

| 20. | Stresses that, in accordance with Article 9 of the EGF Regulation, it shall be ensured that the EGF assistance is limited to what is necessary to provide solidarity and temporary one-off support for targeted beneficiaries, and will no longer replace actions which are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Stresses that, in accordance with Article 9 of the EGF Regulation, it shall be ensured that the EGF assistance is limited to what is necessary to provide solidarity and temporary one-off support for targeted beneficiaries, and will no longer replace actions which are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements;

| 21. | Welcomes the adoption of the EGF Regulation which reflects the agreement reached between the Parliament and the Council to reintroduce the crisis mobilisation criterion, to increase the Union financial contribution to 60 % of the total estimated cost of proposed measures, to increase efficiency for the treatment of EGF applications in the Commission and by the Parliament and the Council by shortening time for assessment and approval, to widen eligible actions and beneficiaries by introducing self-employed persons and young people and to finance incentives for setting up own businesses; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Welcomes the adoption of the EGF Regulation which reflects the agreement reached between the Parliament and the Council to reintroduce the crisis mobilisation criterion, to increase the Union financial contribution to 60 % of the total estimated cost of proposed measures, to increase efficiency for the treatment of EGF applications in the Commission and by the Parliament and the Council by shortening time for assessment and approval, to widen eligible actions and beneficiaries by introducing self-employed persons and young people and to finance incentives for setting up own businesses;

| 22. | Reminds that, in line with Article 7 of the EGF Regulation, the design of the coordinated package of personalised services should anticipate future labour market perspectives and required skills and should be compatible with the shift towards a resource-efficient and sustainable economy; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Reminds that, in line with Article 7 of the EGF Regulation, the design of the coordinated package of personalised services should anticipate future labour market perspectives and required skills and should be compatible with the shift towards a resource-efficient and sustainable economy;

| 23. | Approves the decision annexed to this resolution; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Approves the decision annexed to this resolution;

| 24. | Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 25. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

25.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 855

(2)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884.

(3)  OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.

---

ANNEX

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2014/004 ES/Comunidad Valenciana metal from Spain)

(The text of this annex is not reproduced here since it corresponds to the final act, Decision 2014/816/EU.)

---

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/36 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/36

---

P8_TA(2014)0031

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2013/012 BE/Ford Genk — Belgium

European Parliament resolution of 21 October 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in accordance with point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2013/012 BE/Ford Genk from Belgium) (COM(2014)0532 — C8-0126/2014 — 2014/2065(BUD))

(2016/C 274/07)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2014)0532 — C8-0126/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2014)0532 — C8-0126/2014),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (1) (EGF Regulation), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (1) (EGF Regulation),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (2), and in particular Article 12 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (2), and in particular Article 12 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (3) (IIA of 2 December 2013), and in particular point 13 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (3) (IIA of 2 December 2013), and in particular point 13 thereof,

| — | having regard to trilogue procedure provided for in point 13 of the IIA of 2 December 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to trilogue procedure provided for in point 13 of the IIA of 2 December 2013,

| — | having regard to the letter of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs,

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

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Regional Development,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A8-0015/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A8-0015/2014),

| A. | whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist their reintegration into the labour market, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist their reintegration into the labour market,

| B. | whereas the Union’s financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission adopted during the conciliation meeting on 17 July 2008, and having due regard for the IIA of 2 December 2013 in respect of the adoption of decisions to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Union’s financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission adopted during the conciliation meeting on 17 July 2008, and having due regard for the IIA of 2 December 2013 in respect of the adoption of decisions to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF),

| C. | whereas Belgium submitted application EGF/2013/012 BE/Ford Genk for a financial contribution from the EGF, following 512 redundancies, with 479 persons expected to participate in the measures, in the assembly plant of Ford-Werke GmbH (4) located in Genk (‘Ford Genk’) and in 10 suppliers of Ford Genk in Belgium during the reference period from 1 July 2013 to 1 November 2013, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas Belgium submitted application EGF/2013/012 BE/Ford Genk for a financial contribution from the EGF, following 512 redundancies, with 479 persons expected to participate in the measures, in the assembly plant of Ford-Werke GmbH (4) located in Genk (‘Ford Genk’) and in 10 suppliers of Ford Genk in Belgium during the reference period from 1 July 2013 to 1 November 2013,

| D. | whereas the application fulfils the eligibility criteria laid down in the EGF Regulation, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the application fulfils the eligibility criteria laid down in the EGF Regulation,

| 1. | Notes that the conditions set out in Article 2(a) of the EGF Regulation are partially met as regards the minimum number of redundancies during the reference period as there are less than 500 redundancies; considers that an application for a contribution from the EGF may be considered admissible when redundancies have a serious impact on employment and the local economy; takes into account two other waves of redundancies, that are expected to occur in 2014 (approximately 4 340 redundancies at Ford Genk and 2 820 redundancies at its suppliers located in the same geographical area); considers that they will have a serious impact on the whole Flemish region with an estimated loss of more than 11 000 jobs; recalls that implementation of specific measures in favour of first group of redundant workers as rapidly as possible increases the possibilities for them to find new employment and to give all redundant workers the same opportunity; agrees therefore with the Commission that Belgium is entitled to a financial contribution under the EGF Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Notes that the conditions set out in Article 2(a) of the EGF Regulation are partially met as regards the minimum number of redundancies during the reference period as there are less than 500 redundancies; considers that an application for a contribution from the EGF may be considered admissible when redundancies have a serious impact on employment and the local economy; takes into account two other waves of redundancies, that are expected to occur in 2014 (approximately 4 340 redundancies at Ford Genk and 2 820 redundancies at its suppliers located in the same geographical area); considers that they will have a serious impact on the whole Flemish region with an estimated loss of more than 11 000 jobs; recalls that implementation of specific measures in favour of first group of redundant workers as rapidly as possible increases the possibilities for them to find new employment and to give all redundant workers the same opportunity; agrees therefore with the Commission that Belgium is entitled to a financial contribution under the EGF Regulation;

| 2. | Notes that the Belgian authorities submitted the application for EGF financial contribution on 23 December 2013, the application was supplemented by additional information until 12 June 2014, and that its assessment was made available by the Commission on 22 August 2014; welcomes the prompt assessment within less than 8 months; underlines the importance of the introduction of an assessment period at a maximum of 20 weeks in the new EGF Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013) (5); |
| --- | --- |

2.

Notes that the Belgian authorities submitted the application for EGF financial contribution on 23 December 2013, the application was supplemented by additional information until 12 June 2014, and that its assessment was made available by the Commission on 22 August 2014; welcomes the prompt assessment within less than 8 months; underlines the importance of the introduction of an assessment period at a maximum of 20 weeks in the new EGF Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013) (5);

| 3. | Considers that the redundancies in the assembly plant of Ford-Werke GmbH and in 10 suppliers of Ford Genk are linked to major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation and a rapid decline of the EU’s market share in the sector of the production of passenger cars at worldwide level and a consistent decline in sales of new cars in the Union; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Considers that the redundancies in the assembly plant of Ford-Werke GmbH and in 10 suppliers of Ford Genk are linked to major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation and a rapid decline of the EU’s market share in the sector of the production of passenger cars at worldwide level and a consistent decline in sales of new cars in the Union;

| 4. | Notes that Ford Genk has been the largest employer in the province of Limburg and that 512 redundancies in question and two more waves of expected redundancies due to closure of Ford Genk will have a serious impact on the local labour market which is characterised by a high level of unemployment, lower qualification levels and skills levels, and by a less developed supply of education services; notes that according to a study referred to by the Belgian authorities (6), for every 100 jobs expected to be lost at Ford Genk, there would be 65 jobs lost at its direct and indirect suppliers in Limburg and an additional 72 jobs lost at its suppliers located elsewhere in the Flemish Region; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Notes that Ford Genk has been the largest employer in the province of Limburg and that 512 redundancies in question and two more waves of expected redundancies due to closure of Ford Genk will have a serious impact on the local labour market which is characterised by a high level of unemployment, lower qualification levels and skills levels, and by a less developed supply of education services; notes that according to a study referred to by the Belgian authorities (6), for every 100 jobs expected to be lost at Ford Genk, there would be 65 jobs lost at its direct and indirect suppliers in Limburg and an additional 72 jobs lost at its suppliers located elsewhere in the Flemish Region;

| 5. | Notes that the automotive industry has been the subject of 17 decisions on the mobilisation of the EGF since the start of the EGF in 2007 (7); in particular, the decline of the EU’s market share in the production of the passenger cars has been referred to in eight previous EGF decisions (8); calls for an assessment of the effects of the EGF interventions specifically linked to the redundancies in the automotive sector on the basis of these applications and the ones expected until the end of the year; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Notes that the automotive industry has been the subject of 17 decisions on the mobilisation of the EGF since the start of the EGF in 2007 (7); in particular, the decline of the EU’s market share in the production of the passenger cars has been referred to in eight previous EGF decisions (8); calls for an assessment of the effects of the EGF interventions specifically linked to the redundancies in the automotive sector on the basis of these applications and the ones expected until the end of the year;

| 6. | Welcomes the fact that, in order to provide workers with speedy assistance, the Belgian authorities decided to initiate the implementation of the personalised services to the affected workers on 1 July 2013, well ahead of the final decision on granting the EGF support for the proposed coordinated package; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Welcomes the fact that, in order to provide workers with speedy assistance, the Belgian authorities decided to initiate the implementation of the personalised services to the affected workers on 1 July 2013, well ahead of the final decision on granting the EGF support for the proposed coordinated package;

| 7. | Notes that the coordinated package of personalised services to be co-funded includes following measures for the reintegration of 479 redundant workers into employment (grouped by category): (1) job-search assistance (key account manager, social intervention advisor, information on vocational education and training options, active job-oriented guidance), and (2) training and re-training (vocational training course, employment through individual vocational training, application training); |
| --- | --- |

7.

Notes that the coordinated package of personalised services to be co-funded includes following measures for the reintegration of 479 redundant workers into employment (grouped by category): (1) job-search assistance (key account manager, social intervention advisor, information on vocational education and training options, active job-oriented guidance), and (2) training and re-training (vocational training course, employment through individual vocational training, application training);

| 8. | Welcomes the fact that in order to address the issue, the Flemish Government established a specific taskforce bringing together all relevant stakeholders, with the Commission's services associated in its work; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Welcomes the fact that in order to address the issue, the Flemish Government established a specific taskforce bringing together all relevant stakeholders, with the Commission's services associated in its work;

| 9. | Welcomes the fact that the social partners represented in the Socioeconomic Council of the Limburg Region (SERR Limburg) were not only consulted, but also participated in a Monitoring Committee specifically set up for the EGF application; notes furthermore that the EGF application has been discussed with the social partners as part of the regular reporting on the implementation of the Limburg Strategic Action Plan which was set up to address the regional impact of the closure of Ford Genk; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Welcomes the fact that the social partners represented in the Socioeconomic Council of the Limburg Region (SERR Limburg) were not only consulted, but also participated in a Monitoring Committee specifically set up for the EGF application; notes furthermore that the EGF application has been discussed with the social partners as part of the regular reporting on the implementation of the Limburg Strategic Action Plan which was set up to address the regional impact of the closure of Ford Genk;

| 10. | Recalls the importance of improving the employability of all workers by means of adapted training and the recognition of skills and competences gained throughout a worker's professional career; expects the training on offer in the coordinated package to be adapted not only to the needs of the dismissed workers but also to the actual business environment; notes at the same time that the training and re-training measures should recognise and also build upon the specific skills and competences that the affected workers have acquired in the automotive and its supplying industry; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Recalls the importance of improving the employability of all workers by means of adapted training and the recognition of skills and competences gained throughout a worker's professional career; expects the training on offer in the coordinated package to be adapted not only to the needs of the dismissed workers but also to the actual business environment; notes at the same time that the training and re-training measures should recognise and also build upon the specific skills and competences that the affected workers have acquired in the automotive and its supplying industry;

| 11. | Notes that the information provided on the coordinated package of personalised services to be funded from the EGF includes information on complementarity with actions funded by the Structural Funds; stresses that the Belgian authorities confirm that the eligible actions do not receive assistance from other Union financial instruments; reiterates its call to the Commission to present a comparative evaluation of those data in its annual reports in order to ensure full respect of the existing regulations and that no duplication of Union-funded services can occur; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Notes that the information provided on the coordinated package of personalised services to be funded from the EGF includes information on complementarity with actions funded by the Structural Funds; stresses that the Belgian authorities confirm that the eligible actions do not receive assistance from other Union financial instruments; reiterates its call to the Commission to present a comparative evaluation of those data in its annual reports in order to ensure full respect of the existing regulations and that no duplication of Union-funded services can occur;

| 12. | Requests the institutions involved to make the necessary efforts to improve procedural arrangements in order to accelerate the mobilisation of the EGF; appreciates the improved procedure put in place by the Commission, following Parliament's request for the accelerated release of grants, aimed at presenting to the European Parliament and the Council the Commission's assessment on the eligibility of an EGF application together with the proposal to mobilise the EGF; underlines that further improvements in the procedure have been integrated into Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 and that greater efficiency, transparency and visibility of the EGF will be achieved; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Requests the institutions involved to make the necessary efforts to improve procedural arrangements in order to accelerate the mobilisation of the EGF; appreciates the improved procedure put in place by the Commission, following Parliament's request for the accelerated release of grants, aimed at presenting to the European Parliament and the Council the Commission's assessment on the eligibility of an EGF application together with the proposal to mobilise the EGF; underlines that further improvements in the procedure have been integrated into Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 and that greater efficiency, transparency and visibility of the EGF will be achieved;

| 13. | Stresses that, in accordance with Article 6 of the EGF Regulation, it shall be ensured that the EGF supports the reintegration of individual redundant workers into stable employment; stresses, furthermore, that EGF assistance can co-finance only active labour market measures which lead to durable, long-term employment; reiterates that assistance from the EGF must not replace actions which are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements nor measures restructuring companies or sectors; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Stresses that, in accordance with Article 6 of the EGF Regulation, it shall be ensured that the EGF supports the reintegration of individual redundant workers into stable employment; stresses, furthermore, that EGF assistance can co-finance only active labour market measures which lead to durable, long-term employment; reiterates that assistance from the EGF must not replace actions which are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements nor measures restructuring companies or sectors;

| 14. | Welcomes the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 which reflects the agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council to reintroduce the crisis mobilisation criterion, to increase Union financial contribution to 60 % of the total estimated cost of proposed measures, to increase efficiency for the treatment of EGF applications in the Commission and by the European Parliament and the Council by shortening time for assessment and approval, to widen eligible actions and beneficiaries by introducing self-employed persons and young people and to finance incentives for setting up own businesses; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Welcomes the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 which reflects the agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council to reintroduce the crisis mobilisation criterion, to increase Union financial contribution to 60 % of the total estimated cost of proposed measures, to increase efficiency for the treatment of EGF applications in the Commission and by the European Parliament and the Council by shortening time for assessment and approval, to widen eligible actions and beneficiaries by introducing self-employed persons and young people and to finance incentives for setting up own businesses;

| 15. | Approves the decision annexed to this resolution; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Approves the decision annexed to this resolution;

| 16. | Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 17. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

17.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ L 406, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884.

(3)  OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.

(4)  Ford-Werke GmbH, a subsidiary of Ford of Europe AG, has its registered seat in Cologne (Germany). It operates the Ford production plants in Cologne and Saarlouis (Germany) and Genk (Belgium).

(5)  Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2014-2020) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 855).

(6)  Peeters, L., Vancauteren, M., ‘Studie van de economische impact van de sluiting van Ford Genk’, Universiteit Hasselt, November 2013, available at http://www.uhasselt.be/documents/kizok/impactstudie.pdf.

(7)  See EGF database, available at http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=582.

(8)  See Commission proposals on cases EGF/2007/001 FR/Peugeot suppliers (COM(2007)0415 of 12.7.2007), EGF/2007/010 PT/Lisboa-Alentejo (COM(2008)0094 of 20.2.2008), EGF/2008/002 ES/Delphi (COM(2008)0547 of 9.9.2008), EGF/2008/004 ES/Castilla y León/Aragón (COM(2009)0150 of 26.3.2009), EGF/2009/013 DE/Karmann (COM(2010)0007 of 22.1.2010), EGF/2012/004 ES/Grupo Santana (COM(2014)0116 of 5.3.2014), EGF/2012/005 SE/Saab (COM(2012)0622 of 19.10.2012), EGF/2012/008 IT/De Tomaso automobili (COM(2013)0469 of 28.6.2013).

---

ANNEX

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2013/012 BE/Ford Genk from Belgium)

(The text of this annex is not reproduced here since it corresponds to the final act, Decision 2014/813/EU.)

---

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/40 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/40

---

P8_TA(2014)0032

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2013/002 BE/Carsid — Belgium

European Parliament resolution of 21 October 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2013/002 BE/Carsid from Belgium) (COM(2014)0553 — C8-0136/2014 — 2014/2071(BUD))

(2016/C 274/08)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2014)0553 — C8-0136/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2014)0553 — C8-0136/2014),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (1) (EGF Regulation), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (1) (EGF Regulation),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (2), and in particular Article 12 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (2), and in particular Article 12 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (3) (IIA of 2 December 2013), and in particular point 13 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (3) (IIA of 2 December 2013), and in particular point 13 thereof,

| — | having regard to the trilogue procedure provided for in point 13 of the IIA of 2 December 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the trilogue procedure provided for in point 13 of the IIA of 2 December 2013,

| — | having regard to the letter of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs,

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

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Regional Development,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A8-0017/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A8-0017/2014),

| A. | whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist their reintegration into the labour market, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist their reintegration into the labour market,

| B. | whereas the Union’s financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission adopted during the conciliation meeting on 17 July 2008, and having due regard for the IIA of 2 December 2013 in respect of the adoption of decisions to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Union’s financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission adopted during the conciliation meeting on 17 July 2008, and having due regard for the IIA of 2 December 2013 in respect of the adoption of decisions to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF),

| C. | whereas the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 (4) reflects the agreement reached between the Parliament and the Council to reintroduce the crisis mobilisation criterion, to increase Union financial contribution to 60 % of the total estimated cost of proposed measures, to increase efficiency for the treatment of EGF applications in the Commission and by the Parliament and the Council by shortening time for assessment and approval, to widen eligible actions and beneficiaries by introducing self-employed persons and young people and to finance incentives for setting up own businesses, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 (4) reflects the agreement reached between the Parliament and the Council to reintroduce the crisis mobilisation criterion, to increase Union financial contribution to 60 % of the total estimated cost of proposed measures, to increase efficiency for the treatment of EGF applications in the Commission and by the Parliament and the Council by shortening time for assessment and approval, to widen eligible actions and beneficiaries by introducing self-employed persons and young people and to finance incentives for setting up own businesses,

| D. | whereas Belgium submitted application EGF/2013/002 BE/Carsid for a financial contribution from the EGF, following 939 redundancies, with 752 persons expected to participate in the measures, linked to the closure of the production plant of Carsid SA (‘Carsid’) (5) located in Marcinelle near Charleroi in Belgium during the reference period from 28 September 2012 to 28 January 2013, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Belgium submitted application EGF/2013/002 BE/Carsid for a financial contribution from the EGF, following 939 redundancies, with 752 persons expected to participate in the measures, linked to the closure of the production plant of Carsid SA (‘Carsid’) (5) located in Marcinelle near Charleroi in Belgium during the reference period from 28 September 2012 to 28 January 2013,

| E. | whereas the financial contribution requested from the EGF amounts to EUR 911 934 (50 % of the total budget), |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the financial contribution requested from the EGF amounts to EUR 911 934 (50 % of the total budget),

| F. | whereas the application fulfils the eligibility criteria laid down in the EGF Regulation, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the application fulfils the eligibility criteria laid down in the EGF Regulation,

| 1. | Notes that the application is based on Article 2(a) of the EGF Regulation; agrees with the Commission that the conditions set out in the EGF Regulation are met and that, therefore, Belgium is entitled to a financial contribution under that Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Notes that the application is based on Article 2(a) of the EGF Regulation; agrees with the Commission that the conditions set out in the EGF Regulation are met and that, therefore, Belgium is entitled to a financial contribution under that Regulation;

| 2. | Notes that the Belgian authorities submitted the application for EGF financial contribution on 2 April 2013, supplemented it by additional information up to 4 July 2014 and that its assessment was made available by the Commission on 5 September 2014; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Notes that the Belgian authorities submitted the application for EGF financial contribution on 2 April 2013, supplemented it by additional information up to 4 July 2014 and that its assessment was made available by the Commission on 5 September 2014;

| 3. | Notes that the relatively long procedure from the date of the first redundancies until the assessment of the application allowed for the collection of precise information related to this case; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Notes that the relatively long procedure from the date of the first redundancies until the assessment of the application allowed for the collection of precise information related to this case;

| 4. | Expresses concerns about the length of this instruction period and recalls that the EGF should intervene as quickly as possible; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Expresses concerns about the length of this instruction period and recalls that the EGF should intervene as quickly as possible;

| 5. | Welcomes the fact that, in order to provide workers with speedy assistance, the Belgian authorities decided to initiate the implementation of the personalised services to the affected workers on 1 October 2012, well ahead of the final decision on granting the EGF support for the proposed coordinated package; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Welcomes the fact that, in order to provide workers with speedy assistance, the Belgian authorities decided to initiate the implementation of the personalised services to the affected workers on 1 October 2012, well ahead of the final decision on granting the EGF support for the proposed coordinated package;

| 6. | Welcomes the fact that such delays should disappear thanks to the entering into force of Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013, even though quick handling of the mobilisation requests shouldn't be done at the expense of efficiency; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Welcomes the fact that such delays should disappear thanks to the entering into force of Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013, even though quick handling of the mobilisation requests shouldn't be done at the expense of efficiency;

| 7. | Considers that the redundancies in the production plant of Carsid SA (‘Carsid’) are linked to major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation and a rapid decline in the Union’s market share in the sector of the production of continuously-cast crude steel (which includes billets, blooms and slabs) at worldwide level and a consistent decline in the production of cast crude steel in the Union due to a decrease in demand for steel in the automotive and construction sectors; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Considers that the redundancies in the production plant of Carsid SA (‘Carsid’) are linked to major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation and a rapid decline in the Union’s market share in the sector of the production of continuously-cast crude steel (which includes billets, blooms and slabs) at worldwide level and a consistent decline in the production of cast crude steel in the Union due to a decrease in demand for steel in the automotive and construction sectors;

| 8. | Notes that the redundancies at Carsid are expected to significantly worsen unemployment in the Charleroi area (a former coal-mining and steelmaking area in which employment is strongly dependant on traditional heavy industry) which is characterised by a high proportion of long-term unemployment and low qualification and skills levels; notes that in 2012, the unemployment rate in the area of Charleroi (arrondissement) was 21,6 %, compared to 15,8 % on average in the Walloon Region and 11,2 % at national level; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Notes that the redundancies at Carsid are expected to significantly worsen unemployment in the Charleroi area (a former coal-mining and steelmaking area in which employment is strongly dependant on traditional heavy industry) which is characterised by a high proportion of long-term unemployment and low qualification and skills levels; notes that in 2012, the unemployment rate in the area of Charleroi (arrondissement) was 21,6 %, compared to 15,8 % on average in the Walloon Region and 11,2 % at national level;

| 9. | Welcomes the active labour market measures and that allowances are not listed amongst the personalised services to be supported by the EGF intervention; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Welcomes the active labour market measures and that allowances are not listed amongst the personalised services to be supported by the EGF intervention;

| 10. | Underlines the importance of the efficiency of the personalised services provided to the beneficiaries, particularly because, due to the decline in employment in the manufacturing sector in the affected region, these workers will have to retrain to find jobs in other occupations in other sectors; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Underlines the importance of the efficiency of the personalised services provided to the beneficiaries, particularly because, due to the decline in employment in the manufacturing sector in the affected region, these workers will have to retrain to find jobs in other occupations in other sectors;

| 11. | Notes that the production of continuously-cast crude steel in the EU-27 decreased by 13,4 % between 2006 and 2011 and the EU-27’s market share in the same time frame has decreased by 30,7 %; highlights that the steel sector in Europe is therefore exposed to serious economic difficulties; recalls in this respect that the steel sector has been the subject of 4 EGF applications (6); |
| --- | --- |

11.

Notes that the production of continuously-cast crude steel in the EU-27 decreased by 13,4 % between 2006 and 2011 and the EU-27’s market share in the same time frame has decreased by 30,7 %; highlights that the steel sector in Europe is therefore exposed to serious economic difficulties; recalls in this respect that the steel sector has been the subject of 4 EGF applications (6);

| 12. | Notes that the coordinated package of personalised services to be co-funded includes the following measures for the reintegration of 752 redundant workers into employment (grouped by category): (1) individual job-search assistance, case management and general information services and (2) training and retraining; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Notes that the coordinated package of personalised services to be co-funded includes the following measures for the reintegration of 752 redundant workers into employment (grouped by category): (1) individual job-search assistance, case management and general information services and (2) training and retraining;

| 13. | Welcomes the fact that various social partners and organisations were involved in the general coordination and implementation of the measures: trade unions (FGTB, CSC), the sectoral vocational and technological training centres active in the Walloon region, FOREM (the public employment and training service of the Walloon Region), the European Social Fund (ESF) Agency of the French Community of Belgium and the Walloon Government; appreciates furthermore that trade unions are directly involved in the management of the specifically set up Redeployment Unit and in the implementation of certain measures; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Welcomes the fact that various social partners and organisations were involved in the general coordination and implementation of the measures: trade unions (FGTB, CSC), the sectoral vocational and technological training centres active in the Walloon region, FOREM (the public employment and training service of the Walloon Region), the European Social Fund (ESF) Agency of the French Community of Belgium and the Walloon Government; appreciates furthermore that trade unions are directly involved in the management of the specifically set up Redeployment Unit and in the implementation of certain measures;

| 14. | Recalls the importance of improving the employability of all workers by means of adapted training and the recognition of skills and competences gained throughout a worker's professional career; expects the training on offer in the coordinated package to be adapted not only to the needs of the dismissed workers but also to the actual business environment; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Recalls the importance of improving the employability of all workers by means of adapted training and the recognition of skills and competences gained throughout a worker's professional career; expects the training on offer in the coordinated package to be adapted not only to the needs of the dismissed workers but also to the actual business environment;

| 15. | Notes that the information provided on the coordinated package of personalised services to be funded from the EGF includes information on complementarity with actions funded by the Structural Funds; stresses that the Belgian authorities confirm that the eligible actions do not receive assistance from other Union financial instruments; reiterates its call to the Commission to present a comparative evaluation of those data in its annual reports in order to ensure full respect of the existing regulations and that no duplication of Union-funded services can occur; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Notes that the information provided on the coordinated package of personalised services to be funded from the EGF includes information on complementarity with actions funded by the Structural Funds; stresses that the Belgian authorities confirm that the eligible actions do not receive assistance from other Union financial instruments; reiterates its call to the Commission to present a comparative evaluation of those data in its annual reports in order to ensure full respect of the existing regulations and that no duplication of Union-funded services can occur;

| 16. | Requests the institutions involved to make the necessary efforts to improve procedural arrangements in order to accelerate the mobilisation of the EGF; appreciates the improved procedure put in place by the Commission, following Parliament's request for the accelerated release of grants, aimed at presenting to the Parliament and the Council the Commission's assessment on the eligibility of an EGF application together with the proposal to mobilise the EGF; underlines that further improvements in the procedure have been integrated in Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 and that greater efficiency, transparency and visibility of the EGF will be achieved; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Requests the institutions involved to make the necessary efforts to improve procedural arrangements in order to accelerate the mobilisation of the EGF; appreciates the improved procedure put in place by the Commission, following Parliament's request for the accelerated release of grants, aimed at presenting to the Parliament and the Council the Commission's assessment on the eligibility of an EGF application together with the proposal to mobilise the EGF; underlines that further improvements in the procedure have been integrated in Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 and that greater efficiency, transparency and visibility of the EGF will be achieved;

| 17. | Stresses that, in accordance with Article 6 of the EGF Regulation, it shall be ensured that the EGF supports the reintegration of individual redundant workers into stable employment; stresses, furthermore, that EGF assistance can co-finance only active labour market measures which lead to durable, long-term employment; reiterates that assistance from the EGF must not replace actions which are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements nor measures restructuring companies or sectors; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Stresses that, in accordance with Article 6 of the EGF Regulation, it shall be ensured that the EGF supports the reintegration of individual redundant workers into stable employment; stresses, furthermore, that EGF assistance can co-finance only active labour market measures which lead to durable, long-term employment; reiterates that assistance from the EGF must not replace actions which are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements nor measures restructuring companies or sectors;

| 18. | Approves the decision annexed to this resolution; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Approves the decision annexed to this resolution;

| 19. | Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 20. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

20.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ L 406, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884.

(3)  OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.

(4)  Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2014-2020) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 855).

(5)  Carsid produced steel slabs intended for further processing by plants belonging to the Duferco group in Belgium (mainly for the production of hot-rolled products and cold-rolled products used in the construction, transport equipment and automotive sectors). Between 2006 and 2011 Carsid was part of a joint venture between Duferco and NLMK. This application is therefore linked with application EGF/2013/007 BE/Hainaut steel (Duferco-NLMK).

(6)  See EGF database, available at http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=582.

---

ANNEX

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2013/002 BE/Carsid from Belgium)

(The text of this annex is not reproduced here since it corresponds to the final act, Decision 2014/811/EU.)

---

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/43 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/43

---

P8_TA(2014)0033

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2014/006 FR/PSA — France

European Parliament resolution of 21 October 2014 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2014/006 FR/PSA from France) (COM(2014)0560 — C8-0141/2014 — 2014/2076(BUD))

(2016/C 274/09)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2014)0560 — C8-0141/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2014)0560 — C8-0141/2014),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2014-2020) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 (1) (EGF Regulation), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2014-2020) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 (1) (EGF Regulation),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (2), and in particular Article 12 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (2), and in particular Article 12 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (3) (IIA of 2 December 2013), and in particular point 13 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (3) (IIA of 2 December 2013), and in particular point 13 thereof,

| — | having regard to the trilogue procedure provided for in point 13 of the IIA of 2 December 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the trilogue procedure provided for in point 13 of the IIA of 2 December 2013,

| — | having regard to the letter of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs,

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

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Regional Development,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A8-0016/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A8-0016/2014),

| A. | whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist their reintegration into the labour market, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Union has set up legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who are suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist their reintegration into the labour market,

| B. | whereas the Union’s financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission adopted during the conciliation meeting on 17 July 2008, and having due regard for the IIA of 2 December 2013 in respect of the adoption of decisions to mobilise the EGF, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Union’s financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission adopted during the conciliation meeting on 17 July 2008, and having due regard for the IIA of 2 December 2013 in respect of the adoption of decisions to mobilise the EGF,

| C. | whereas the adoption of the EGF Regulation reflects the agreement reached between the Parliament and the Council to reintroduce the crisis mobilisation criterion, to increase Union financial contribution to 60 % of the total estimated cost of proposed measures, to increase efficiency for the treatment of EGF applications in the Commission and by the Parliament and the Council by shortening time for assessment and approval, to widen eligible actions and beneficiaries by introducing self-employed persons and young people and to finance incentives for setting up own businesses, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the adoption of the EGF Regulation reflects the agreement reached between the Parliament and the Council to reintroduce the crisis mobilisation criterion, to increase Union financial contribution to 60 % of the total estimated cost of proposed measures, to increase efficiency for the treatment of EGF applications in the Commission and by the Parliament and the Council by shortening time for assessment and approval, to widen eligible actions and beneficiaries by introducing self-employed persons and young people and to finance incentives for setting up own businesses,

| D. | whereas France submitted application EGF/2014/006 FR/PSA for a financial contribution from the EGF, following 6 120 redundancies in Peugeot Citroën Automobiles (hereafter ‘PSA’) operating in the NACE Rev. 2 division 29 (‘Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers’) with redundancies mainly located in the regions of Ile de France (the Aulnay plant) and Bretagne (the Rennes plant), with 2 357 workers targeted for EGF co-funded measures, during the reference period from 1 October 2013 to 31 January 2014, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas France submitted application EGF/2014/006 FR/PSA for a financial contribution from the EGF, following 6 120 redundancies in Peugeot Citroën Automobiles (hereafter ‘PSA’) operating in the NACE Rev. 2 division 29 (‘Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers’) with redundancies mainly located in the regions of Ile de France (the Aulnay plant) and Bretagne (the Rennes plant), with 2 357 workers targeted for EGF co-funded measures, during the reference period from 1 October 2013 to 31 January 2014,

| E. | whereas the application fulfils the eligibility criteria set up by the EGF Regulation, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the application fulfils the eligibility criteria set up by the EGF Regulation,

| F. | whereas the concerned sites can undergo important industrial conversion, namely the site in Aulnay-sous-Bois, which, if allowed to fully exploit its potential in multimodal transport, could allow a substantial redeployment of workers; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the concerned sites can undergo important industrial conversion, namely the site in Aulnay-sous-Bois, which, if allowed to fully exploit its potential in multimodal transport, could allow a substantial redeployment of workers;

| G. | whereas the local authorities in the Bretagne region were not involved in setting up the personalised services to the affected workers, even though they are in charge of vocational training; whereas the local trade union representatives of the main sites concerned were not associated to the negotiation of the measures, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the local authorities in the Bretagne region were not involved in setting up the personalised services to the affected workers, even though they are in charge of vocational training; whereas the local trade union representatives of the main sites concerned were not associated to the negotiation of the measures,

| 1. | Agrees with the Commission that the conditions set out in Article 4(1)(a) of the EGF Regulation are met and that, therefore, France is entitled to a financial contribution under that Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Agrees with the Commission that the conditions set out in Article 4(1)(a) of the EGF Regulation are met and that, therefore, France is entitled to a financial contribution under that Regulation;

| 2. | Notes that the French authorities submitted the application for EGF financial contribution on 25 April 2014, and that its assessment was made available by the Commission on 10 September 2014; welcomes the speedy evaluation of less than five months; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Notes that the French authorities submitted the application for EGF financial contribution on 25 April 2014, and that its assessment was made available by the Commission on 10 September 2014; welcomes the speedy evaluation of less than five months;

| 3. | Considers that the redundancies in PSA are linked to major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation, referring to the observation made by France (L'industrie Automobile Francaise, Analyse et statistiques 2013 (4)) that between the years 2000 and 2012, world production of vehicles grew by 44 % while in the same period production in Western Europe declined by 25 %, furthermore production in third countries (South Korea, China, Turkey, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand and South America) grew significantly and now constitutes 47 % of world vehicle production (up from 15 % in 2000); |
| --- | --- |

3.

Considers that the redundancies in PSA are linked to major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation, referring to the observation made by France (L'industrie Automobile Francaise, Analyse et statistiques 2013 (4)) that between the years 2000 and 2012, world production of vehicles grew by 44 % while in the same period production in Western Europe declined by 25 %, furthermore production in third countries (South Korea, China, Turkey, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand and South America) grew significantly and now constitutes 47 % of world vehicle production (up from 15 % in 2000);

| 4. | Notes that 6 120 redundancies will further aggravate the unemployment situation in the regions of Ile de France and Bretagne, where two of the affected plants are located since the Aulnay plant was the 8th largest employer in the city of Aulnay, and the redundancies reduce the numbers employed in the area by 13,6 %; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Notes that 6 120 redundancies will further aggravate the unemployment situation in the regions of Ile de France and Bretagne, where two of the affected plants are located since the Aulnay plant was the 8th largest employer in the city of Aulnay, and the redundancies reduce the numbers employed in the area by 13,6 %;

| 5. | Notes that, to date, the automotive sector has been the subject of 21 EGF applications, 12 of which were based on trade related globalisation and 9 on the global financial and economic crisis; deems it necessary that particular attention be devoted to this sector in the biennial report due in August 2015; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Notes that, to date, the automotive sector has been the subject of 21 EGF applications, 12 of which were based on trade related globalisation and 9 on the global financial and economic crisis; deems it necessary that particular attention be devoted to this sector in the biennial report due in August 2015;

| 6. | Notes that this is the third application related to the French car industry above EUR 10 million; stresses the importance of well anticipated adjustments and good identification of skills, offering the possibility of reorientation by putting the competences of workers to the benefit of other sectors; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Notes that this is the third application related to the French car industry above EUR 10 million; stresses the importance of well anticipated adjustments and good identification of skills, offering the possibility of reorientation by putting the competences of workers to the benefit of other sectors;

| 7. | Welcomes the fact that, in order to provide workers with speedy assistance, the French authorities decided to initiate the implementation of the personalised services to the affected workers on 3 June 2013, well ahead of the final decision on granting the EGF support for the proposed coordinated package; regrets that despite this speedy implementation, the Commission had to assess this request without receiving the necessary information from the French authorities regarding pre-financing and national co-financing; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Welcomes the fact that, in order to provide workers with speedy assistance, the French authorities decided to initiate the implementation of the personalised services to the affected workers on 3 June 2013, well ahead of the final decision on granting the EGF support for the proposed coordinated package; regrets that despite this speedy implementation, the Commission had to assess this request without receiving the necessary information from the French authorities regarding pre-financing and national co-financing;

| 8. | Notes that the coordinated package of personalised services to be co-funded includes measures for workers made redundant such as reception centre and casework, external experts guidance, thematic workshops, training, training allowances, grants for business creation; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Notes that the coordinated package of personalised services to be co-funded includes measures for workers made redundant such as reception centre and casework, external experts guidance, thematic workshops, training, training allowances, grants for business creation;

| 9. | Notes the fact that the coordinated package of personalised services has been drawn up in consultation with the national representatives of the targeted beneficiaries and the social partners and that a policy of equality of women and men as well as the principle of non-discrimination will be applied during the various stages of the implementation of and in access to the EGF; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Notes the fact that the coordinated package of personalised services has been drawn up in consultation with the national representatives of the targeted beneficiaries and the social partners and that a policy of equality of women and men as well as the principle of non-discrimination will be applied during the various stages of the implementation of and in access to the EGF;

| 10. | Regrets however the insufficient association of local political authorities and trade unions; suggests, in the framework of a future review of the EGF Regulation, including a formal consultation with the local political authorities and trade unions in the file containing the mobilisation request submitted by national authorities to the Commission; deems it necessary to better integrate the EGF to the reconversion programmes and processes of local economic fabrics; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Regrets however the insufficient association of local political authorities and trade unions; suggests, in the framework of a future review of the EGF Regulation, including a formal consultation with the local political authorities and trade unions in the file containing the mobilisation request submitted by national authorities to the Commission; deems it necessary to better integrate the EGF to the reconversion programmes and processes of local economic fabrics;

| 11. | Welcomes the estimated high number of the participants to receive grants for business creation; notes that the amount of these grants remains under the cap of EUR 15 000, as set out in Article 7 of the EGF Regulation; calls for the timely assessment of this specific action in order to evaluate the results of such incentives, possibly in the next biennial report or at the latest in the final report; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Welcomes the estimated high number of the participants to receive grants for business creation; notes that the amount of these grants remains under the cap of EUR 15 000, as set out in Article 7 of the EGF Regulation; calls for the timely assessment of this specific action in order to evaluate the results of such incentives, possibly in the next biennial report or at the latest in the final report;

| 12. | Appreciates the plan of awarding interest free loans for the creation of new businesses; notes that, in combination with the grants for business creation, this could provide substantial help to the participants for the creation of viable businesses; welcomes that the authorities are considering using the European Microfinance Facility for this purpose; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Appreciates the plan of awarding interest free loans for the creation of new businesses; notes that, in combination with the grants for business creation, this could provide substantial help to the participants for the creation of viable businesses; welcomes that the authorities are considering using the European Microfinance Facility for this purpose;

| 13. | Recalls the importance of improving the employability of all workers by means of adapted training and the recognition of skills and competences gained throughout a worker's professional career; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Recalls the importance of improving the employability of all workers by means of adapted training and the recognition of skills and competences gained throughout a worker's professional career;

| 14. | Deplores the absence of funds devoted to EGF communication and promotion measures; considers that publicity and information around these actions plays an important role not only in attracting beneficiaries, but also in highlighting the Union's action in the social field; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Deplores the absence of funds devoted to EGF communication and promotion measures; considers that publicity and information around these actions plays an important role not only in attracting beneficiaries, but also in highlighting the Union's action in the social field;

| 15. | Notes that the information provided on the coordinated package of personalised services to be funded from the EGF includes information on complementarity with actions funded by the Structural Funds; stresses that the French authorities confirm that the eligible actions do not receive assistance from other Union financial instruments; reiterates its call to the Commission to present a comparative evaluation of those data in its annual reports in order to ensure full respect for the existing regulations and that no duplication of Union-funded services can occur; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Notes that the information provided on the coordinated package of personalised services to be funded from the EGF includes information on complementarity with actions funded by the Structural Funds; stresses that the French authorities confirm that the eligible actions do not receive assistance from other Union financial instruments; reiterates its call to the Commission to present a comparative evaluation of those data in its annual reports in order to ensure full respect for the existing regulations and that no duplication of Union-funded services can occur;

| 16. | Appreciates the improved procedure put in place by the Commission following the Parliament's request for the accelerated release of grants; notes the time pressure that the new timetable implies and the potential impact on the effectiveness of case instruction; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Appreciates the improved procedure put in place by the Commission following the Parliament's request for the accelerated release of grants; notes the time pressure that the new timetable implies and the potential impact on the effectiveness of case instruction;

| 17. | Notes that the application aims to utilise the maximum allowed 35 % of all costs for training allowances and that this action complements the allowances paid by the dismissing company in line with the provisions of the EGF Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Notes that the application aims to utilise the maximum allowed 35 % of all costs for training allowances and that this action complements the allowances paid by the dismissing company in line with the provisions of the EGF Regulation;

| 18. | Recalls that, in line with Article 7 of the EGF Regulation, the design of the coordinated package of personalised services should anticipate future labour market perspectives and required skills and should be compatible with the shift towards a resource-efficient and sustainable economy; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Recalls that, in line with Article 7 of the EGF Regulation, the design of the coordinated package of personalised services should anticipate future labour market perspectives and required skills and should be compatible with the shift towards a resource-efficient and sustainable economy;

| 19. | Stresses that, in accordance with Article 9 of the EGF Regulation, it shall be ensured that the EGF assistance is limited to what is necessary to provide solidarity and temporary one-off support for targeted beneficiaries, and will not furthermore replace actions which are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Stresses that, in accordance with Article 9 of the EGF Regulation, it shall be ensured that the EGF assistance is limited to what is necessary to provide solidarity and temporary one-off support for targeted beneficiaries, and will not furthermore replace actions which are the responsibility of companies by virtue of national law or collective agreements;

| 20. | Approves the decision annexed to this resolution; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Approves the decision annexed to this resolution;

| 21. | Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 22. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

22.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 855.

(2)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884.

(3)  OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.

(4)  http://www.ccfa.fr/IMG/pdf/ccfa_ra2012_fr_web-2.pdf

---

ANNEX

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in accordance with Point 13 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 2 December 2013 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management (application EGF/2014/006 FR/PSA from France)

(The text of this annex is not reproduced here since it corresponds to the final act, Decision 2014/817/EU.)

---

Wednesday 22 October 2014

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/47 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/47

---

P8_TA(2014)0034

Election of the Commission

European Parliament decision of 22 October 2014 electing the Commission (2014/2164(INS))

(2016/C 274/10)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the second and third subparagraphs of Article 17(7) of the EU Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the second and third subparagraphs of Article 17(7) of the EU Treaty,

| — | having regard to Article 106a of the Euratom Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 106a of the Euratom Treaty,

| — | having regard to European Council Decision 2014/414/EU of 27 June 2014 (1), proposing Jean-Claude Juncker as candidate for President of the Commission, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to European Council Decision 2014/414/EU of 27 June 2014 (1), proposing Jean-Claude Juncker as candidate for President of the Commission,

| — | having regard to the statement and the presentation of his political guidelines made in plenary sitting by Jean-Claude Juncker on 15 July 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement and the presentation of his political guidelines made in plenary sitting by Jean-Claude Juncker on 15 July 2014,

| — | having regard to its decision of 15 July 2014 (2) electing Jean-Claude Juncker as President of the Commission, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its decision of 15 July 2014 (2) electing Jean-Claude Juncker as President of the Commission,

| — | having regard to European Council Decision 2014/639/EU (3), taken with the agreement of the President-elect of the Commission, of 30 August 2014 appointing the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to European Council Decision 2014/639/EU (3), taken with the agreement of the President-elect of the Commission, of 30 August 2014 appointing the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

| — | having regard to Council Decision 2014/716/EU, Euratom, taken by common accord with the President-elect of the Commission, of 15 October 2014 adopting the list of the other persons whom the Council proposes for appointment as Members of the Commission, repealing and replacing Decision 2014/648/EU, Euratom (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision 2014/716/EU, Euratom, taken by common accord with the President-elect of the Commission, of 15 October 2014 adopting the list of the other persons whom the Council proposes for appointment as Members of the Commission, repealing and replacing Decision 2014/648/EU, Euratom (4),

| — | having regard to the hearings of the Commissioners-designate held from 29 September to 20 October 2014 before the parliamentary committees and in a meeting of the Conference of Presidents open to all Members, and to the evaluations of the Commissioners-designate after the hearings, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the hearings of the Commissioners-designate held from 29 September to 20 October 2014 before the parliamentary committees and in a meeting of the Conference of Presidents open to all Members, and to the evaluations of the Commissioners-designate after the hearings,

| — | having regard to the examination conducted at the meeting of the Conference of Committee Chairs of 21 October 2014 and at the meeting of the Conference of Presidents of 21 October 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the examination conducted at the meeting of the Conference of Committee Chairs of 21 October 2014 and at the meeting of the Conference of Presidents of 21 October 2014,

| — | having regard to the statement made in plenary sitting by the President-elect of the Commission on 22 October 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement made in plenary sitting by the President-elect of the Commission on 22 October 2014,

| — | having regard to Rule 118 of, and Annex XVI to, its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 118 of, and Annex XVI to, its Rules of Procedure,

| 1. | Gives its consent to the appointment of the President, the Vice-President for External Relations (High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) and the other Members of the Commission, as a body, for the term of office running to 31 October 2019; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Gives its consent to the appointment of the President, the Vice-President for External Relations (High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) and the other Members of the Commission, as a body, for the term of office running to 31 October 2019;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision to the European Council, the Council of Ministers and the President-elect of the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward this decision to the European Council, the Council of Ministers and the President-elect of the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ L 192, 1.7.2014, p. 52.

(2)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0002.

(3)  OJ L 262, 2.9.2014, p. 6.

(4)  OJ L 299, 17.10.2014, p. 29.

---

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/48 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/48

---

P8_TA(2014)0035

Draft amending budget No 2/2014 — surplus resulting from the implementation of the budget year 2013

European Parliament resolution of 22 October 2014 on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2014 of the European Union for the financial year 2014, Section III — Commission (12300/2014 — C8-0160/2014 — 2014/2035(BUD))

(2016/C 274/11)

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) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (1) (the ‘Financial Regulation’), and in particular Article 41 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (1) (the ‘Financial Regulation’), and in particular Article 41 thereof,

| — | having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2014, as definitively adopted on 20 November 2013 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2014, as definitively adopted on 20 November 2013 (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 Council Decision 2007/436/EC, Euratom of 7 June 2007 on the system of the European Communities’ own resources (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision 2007/436/EC, Euratom of 7 June 2007 on the system of the European Communities’ own resources (5),

| — | having regard to Draft amending budget No 2/2014, which the Commission adopted on 15 April 2014 (COM(2014)0234), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Draft amending budget No 2/2014, which the Commission adopted on 15 April 2014 (COM(2014)0234),

| — | having regard to the position on Draft amending budget No 2/2014 which the Council adopted on 14 July 2014 and forwarded to Parliament on 12 September 2014 (12300/2014 — C8-0160/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the position on Draft amending budget No 2/2014 which the Council adopted on 14 July 2014 and forwarded to Parliament on 12 September 2014 (12300/2014 — C8-0160/2014),

| — | having regard to Rule 88 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 88 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A8-0018/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A8-0018/2014),

| A. | whereas Draft amending budget No 2/2014 aims to enter in the 2014 budget the surplus from the 2013 financial year, amounting to EUR 1 005 million; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Draft amending budget No 2/2014 aims to enter in the 2014 budget the surplus from the 2013 financial year, amounting to EUR 1 005 million;

| B. | whereas the main components of that surplus are a positive outturn on income of EUR 771 million, an under-spending in expenditure of EUR 276 million, and a negative exchange rate difference of EUR 42 million; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the main components of that surplus are a positive outturn on income of EUR 771 million, an under-spending in expenditure of EUR 276 million, and a negative exchange rate difference of EUR 42 million;

| C. | whereas on the income side the increase comes mainly from fines and interest on late payments (EUR 1 331 million), while the amount of own resources actually collected as compared to those budgeted is decreasing (- EUR 226 million) and revenue from surpluses, balances and adjustments is also in decline (-EUR 360 million); |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas on the income side the increase comes mainly from fines and interest on late payments (EUR 1 331 million), while the amount of own resources actually collected as compared to those budgeted is decreasing (- EUR 226 million) and revenue from surpluses, balances and adjustments is also in decline (-EUR 360 million);

| D. | whereas on the expenditure side the underimplementation of appropriations for 2013 (EUR 107 million) and for 2012 (EUR 54 million) is particularly low, is linked to somehow unpredictable factors and cannot be considered as caused by decreased absorption capacity; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas on the expenditure side the underimplementation of appropriations for 2013 (EUR 107 million) and for 2012 (EUR 54 million) is particularly low, is linked to somehow unpredictable factors and cannot be considered as caused by decreased absorption capacity;

| E. | whereas actually all available indicators point to the fact that there was a shortage of payment appropriations in both 2012 and 2013 budgets; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas actually all available indicators point to the fact that there was a shortage of payment appropriations in both 2012 and 2013 budgets;

| F. | whereas Article 18 of the Financial Regulation provides that any discrepancy with the estimates, to be entered in the Union's budget, shall be the sole subject of this amending budget; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas Article 18 of the Financial Regulation provides that any discrepancy with the estimates, to be entered in the Union's budget, shall be the sole subject of this amending budget;

| 1. | Takes note of Draft amending budget No 2/2014 devoted solely to the budgeting of the 2013 surplus, for an amount EUR 1 005 million, in accordance with Article 18 of the Financial Regulation; notes the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2014; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Takes note of Draft amending budget No 2/2014 devoted solely to the budgeting of the 2013 surplus, for an amount EUR 1 005 million, in accordance with Article 18 of the Financial Regulation; notes the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2014;

| 2. | Recalls that the adoption of this Amending budget No 2 will reduce the share of the GNI contribution from Member States to the EU budget by EUR 1 005 million and therefore partly compensate their contribution to the financing of Amending budget No 3 (EUR 3 170 million additional own resources needed); highlights therefore its intention to carry on the procedure for the adoption of Draft amending budget No 2 in parallel with the negotiations on Draft amending budget No 3, concerning the mobilisation of additional payment appropriations, and Draft amending budget No 4, which concerns the revision of the forecast of Traditional Own Resources, other revenue and making definitive some fines thus providing additional EUR 2 059 million of own resources that could further reduce the needs for additional appropriations from Draft amending budget No 3; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Recalls that the adoption of this Amending budget No 2 will reduce the share of the GNI contribution from Member States to the EU budget by EUR 1 005 million and therefore partly compensate their contribution to the financing of Amending budget No 3 (EUR 3 170 million additional own resources needed); highlights therefore its intention to carry on the procedure for the adoption of Draft amending budget No 2 in parallel with the negotiations on Draft amending budget No 3, concerning the mobilisation of additional payment appropriations, and Draft amending budget No 4, which concerns the revision of the forecast of Traditional Own Resources, other revenue and making definitive some fines thus providing additional EUR 2 059 million of own resources that could further reduce the needs for additional appropriations from Draft amending budget No 3;

| 3. | Points out that if Draft amending budgets No 2, 3 and 4 are adopted unamended, this would imply an overall budgetary impact of only EUR 106 million additional GNI contributions that have to be made available by the Member States in order to ensure enough payment appropriations in 2014 to cover the Union's existing legal obligations; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Points out that if Draft amending budgets No 2, 3 and 4 are adopted unamended, this would imply an overall budgetary impact of only EUR 106 million additional GNI contributions that have to be made available by the Member States in order to ensure enough payment appropriations in 2014 to cover the Union's existing legal obligations;

| 4. | To maintain the political and procedural link between Draft amending budgets No 2, 3 and 4, decides to amend the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2014 as shown below; |
| --- | --- |

4.

To maintain the political and procedural link between Draft amending budgets No 2, 3 and 4, decides to amend the Council position on Draft amending budget No 2/2014 as shown below;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution, together with Parliament’s amendment, to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution, together with Parliament’s amendment, to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Amendment 1 (multiple amendment)

General Statement of Revenue

| Chapter 1 4 — | Own resources based on gross national income pursuant to Article 2(1)(c) of Decision 2007/436/EC, Euratom |
| --- | --- |

Chapter 1 4 —

Figures:

| | Budget 2014 | Draft amending budget No 2 | Council position | Difference | New amount |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 4 0 | 99 767 305 073 | -1 005 406 925 | -1 005 406 925 | 1 005 406 925 | 100 772 711 998 |
| Total | 99 767 305 073 | -1 005 406 925 | -1 005 406 925 | 1 005 406 925 | 100 772 711 998 |

Budget 2014

Draft amending budget No 2

Council position

Difference

New amount

1 4 0

99 767 305 073

-1 005 406 925

-1 005 406 925

1 005 406 925

100 772 711 998

Total

99 767 305 073

-1 005 406 925

-1 005 406 925

1 005 406 925

100 772 711 998

Section III — Commission

Title 40 Reserves

Creation of new line 40 04 01 - Reserve for additional payment needs

Figures:

| | Budget 2014 | Draft amending budget No 2 | Council position | Difference | New amount |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 40 04 01 | — | — | — | 1 005 406 925 | 1 005 406 925 |
| Total | — | — | — | 1 005 406 925 | 1 005 406 925 |

Budget 2014

Draft amending budget No 2

Council position

Difference

New amount

40 04 01

—

—

—

1 005 406 925

1 005 406 925

Total

—

—

—

1 005 406 925

1 005 406 925

Remarks:

The appropriations entered in this article are to be used to cover additional payment appropriation needs as identified by the Commission in DAB 3.

Justification:

Given the huge pressure on 2014 payments and the reinforcements requested by Commission in DAB 3/2014, it is proposed that the amount of the surplus for the year 2013 is used to fund a newly created line 40 04 01 ‘Reserve for additional payment needs’ on the expenditure side of the budget, instead of to reduce the GNI-based own resources. If DAB 3/2014 is adopted unamended by Council, this amendment will be withdrawn.

---

(1)  OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 51, 20.2.2014, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884.

(4)  OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.

(5)  OJ L 163, 23.6.2007, p. 17.

---

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/51 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/51

---

P8_TA(2014)0036

General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2015 — all sections

European Parliament resolution of 22 October 2014 on the Council position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2015 (12608/2014 — C8-0144/2014 — 2014/2040(BUD))

(2016/C 274/12)

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 Council Decision 2007/436/EC, Euratom of 7 June 2007 on the system of the European Communities’ own resources (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision 2007/436/EC, Euratom of 7 June 2007 on the system of the European Communities’ own resources (1),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (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) (MFF Regulation), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 of 2 December 2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (3) (MFF Regulation),

| — | 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) (IIA of 2 December 2013), |
| --- | --- |

—

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) (IIA of 2 December 2013),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2014 on general guidelines for the preparation of the 2015 budget, Section III — Commission (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2014 on general guidelines for the preparation of the 2015 budget, Section III — Commission (5),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2014 on Parliament’s estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2015 (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 17 April 2014 on Parliament’s estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2015 (6),

| — | having regard to the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2015, which the Commission adopted on 24 June 2014 (COM(2014)0300), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2015, which the Commission adopted on 24 June 2014 (COM(2014)0300),

| — | having regard to the position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2015, which the Council adopted on 2 September 2014 and forwarded to Parliament on 12 September 2014 (12608/2014 — C8-0144/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2015, which the Council adopted on 2 September 2014 and forwarded to Parliament on 12 September 2014 (12608/2014 — C8-0144/2014),

| — | having regard to Letter of amendment No 1/2015 to the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2015 presented by the Commission on 15 October 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Letter of amendment No 1/2015 to the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2015 presented by the Commission on 15 October 2014,

| — | having regard to the Bureau deliberations of 15 September 2014 and the revised note of the Secretary General of 17 September 2014 on the Parliament's reading of its draft budget for 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Bureau deliberations of 15 September 2014 and the revised note of the Secretary General of 17 September 2014 on the Parliament's reading of its draft budget for 2015,

| — | having regard to its legislative resolution of 15 April 2014 on the draft regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the Protocol on the Statute of the Court of Justice of the European Union by increasing the number of Judges at the General Court (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its legislative resolution of 15 April 2014 on the draft regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the Protocol on the Statute of the Court of Justice of the European Union by increasing the number of Judges at the General Court (7),

| — | having regard to the cooperation agreement of 5 February 2014 between the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the cooperation agreement of 5 February 2014 between the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions,

| — | having regard to Rule 88 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 88 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets and the opinions of the other committees concerned (A8-0014/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets and the opinions of the other committees concerned (A8-0014/2014),

Section III

General overview

| 1. | Recalls that, in the above mentioned resolution of 13 March 2014, the Parliament underlined the need to reinforce strategic investment in actions with European added value in order to help put the European economy back on track, generating competitiveness, sustainable growth and employment, in particular youth employment, while aiming to increase economic and social cohesion; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Recalls that, in the above mentioned resolution of 13 March 2014, the Parliament underlined the need to reinforce strategic investment in actions with European added value in order to help put the European economy back on track, generating competitiveness, sustainable growth and employment, in particular youth employment, while aiming to increase economic and social cohesion;

| 2. | Highlights that Heads of States and Governments agreed once more in June 2014 (reiterated at the special meeting of the European Council in August 2014) on the need to invest and prepare Member States’ economies for the future by addressing overdue investment needs in transport, energy and telecom infrastructure (including the completion of the digital single market by 2015) of Union significance as well as in energy efficiency, innovation and research, and skills; recalls the unquestionable role of the European Union budget in achieving these political objectives; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Highlights that Heads of States and Governments agreed once more in June 2014 (reiterated at the special meeting of the European Council in August 2014) on the need to invest and prepare Member States’ economies for the future by addressing overdue investment needs in transport, energy and telecom infrastructure (including the completion of the digital single market by 2015) of Union significance as well as in energy efficiency, innovation and research, and skills; recalls the unquestionable role of the European Union budget in achieving these political objectives;

| 3. | Recalls, once more, that the Union budget should in no way be perceived and evaluated simply as a financial item added as a burden to national budgets but, on the contrary, is to be understood as an opportunity to gear up those initiatives and investments that are of interest and of added value to the Union as a whole, most of them co-decided by Parliament and the Council; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Recalls, once more, that the Union budget should in no way be perceived and evaluated simply as a financial item added as a burden to national budgets but, on the contrary, is to be understood as an opportunity to gear up those initiatives and investments that are of interest and of added value to the Union as a whole, most of them co-decided by Parliament and the Council;

| 4. | Reiterates the complementary nature of the Union budget to national budgets and the impetus it creates to promote growth and jobs and underlines that given its very nature and limited size it should not be checked and curbed by arbitrary reductions but on the contrary targeted areas need to be reinforced; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Reiterates the complementary nature of the Union budget to national budgets and the impetus it creates to promote growth and jobs and underlines that given its very nature and limited size it should not be checked and curbed by arbitrary reductions but on the contrary targeted areas need to be reinforced;

| 5. | Notes that the Draft Budget 2015 (DB) proposed by the Commission amounts to (including special instruments) EUR 145 599,3 million in commitment appropriations (CA) and EUR 142 137,3 million in payment appropriations (PA); highlights that the overall volume of the payment appropriations in the DB represents a moderate 1,4 % increase over the 2014 budget (taking into account AB 1 and DAB 2-4/2014), and is still EUR 2 billion lower than the implemented 2013 budget; notes that the Commission proposed to leave a total margin of EUR 1 478,9 million in commitment appropriations under the ceilings in its DB; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Notes that the Draft Budget 2015 (DB) proposed by the Commission amounts to (including special instruments) EUR 145 599,3 million in commitment appropriations (CA) and EUR 142 137,3 million in payment appropriations (PA); highlights that the overall volume of the payment appropriations in the DB represents a moderate 1,4 % increase over the 2014 budget (taking into account AB 1 and DAB 2-4/2014), and is still EUR 2 billion lower than the implemented 2013 budget; notes that the Commission proposed to leave a total margin of EUR 1 478,9 million in commitment appropriations under the ceilings in its DB;

| 6. | Underlines the importance of decentralised agencies, which are vital for the implementation of Union policies and programmes; stresses the need to provide them with appropriate financial means and staff so that they can properly fulfil the tasks assigned to them by the legislative authority; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Underlines the importance of decentralised agencies, which are vital for the implementation of Union policies and programmes; stresses the need to provide them with appropriate financial means and staff so that they can properly fulfil the tasks assigned to them by the legislative authority;

Council's position

| 7. | Deplores that the Council, in its reading, reduced commitment appropriations by EUR 522 million and payment appropriations by EUR 2,1 billion, thus setting the Union budget for 2015 at EUR 145 077,4 million in commitments and EUR 139 996,9 million in payments; points out that the EUR 2,1 billion cut in payments would represent a reduction of -0,18 % as compared to the 2014 budget (including AB 1/2014 and DAB 2-4/2014); is especially concerned about the severe cuts in the payment appropriations of the funds for competitiveness for growth and jobs under Heading 1a, that represent an egregious breach of the Council’s commitment to overcome the crisis and to reinvigorate economic growth; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Deplores that the Council, in its reading, reduced commitment appropriations by EUR 522 million and payment appropriations by EUR 2,1 billion, thus setting the Union budget for 2015 at EUR 145 077,4 million in commitments and EUR 139 996,9 million in payments; points out that the EUR 2,1 billion cut in payments would represent a reduction of -0,18 % as compared to the 2014 budget (including AB 1/2014 and DAB 2-4/2014); is especially concerned about the severe cuts in the payment appropriations of the funds for competitiveness for growth and jobs under Heading 1a, that represent an egregious breach of the Council’s commitment to overcome the crisis and to reinvigorate economic growth;

| 8. | Disapproves of the Council’s reading on the 2015 budget which disregards the multiannual character of the Union's policies, and which would instead of tackling the issue further aggravate payments shortages and slowdown further the implementation of Union programmes; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Disapproves of the Council’s reading on the 2015 budget which disregards the multiannual character of the Union's policies, and which would instead of tackling the issue further aggravate payments shortages and slowdown further the implementation of Union programmes;

| 9. | Underlines once more that the Council's approach of fixing the level of payments in accordance with the inflation rate totally disregards the nature and function of the multiannual character of Union polices and renders the MFF totally irrelevant; notes in this regard that the growing gap between payment and commitment appropriations exacerbates the problems with the backlog of outstanding commitments; underlines the negative impact that this approach has on the perception of the Union by its citizens; most of all reiterates that, in order to overcome the economic crisis, the Union should increase its investments; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Underlines once more that the Council's approach of fixing the level of payments in accordance with the inflation rate totally disregards the nature and function of the multiannual character of Union polices and renders the MFF totally irrelevant; notes in this regard that the growing gap between payment and commitment appropriations exacerbates the problems with the backlog of outstanding commitments; underlines the negative impact that this approach has on the perception of the Union by its citizens; most of all reiterates that, in order to overcome the economic crisis, the Union should increase its investments;

| 10. | Deplores the arbitrary cuts proposed by the Council to the administrative and support lines financing the implementation of key Union programmes which could be detrimental to the successful start of new programmes as a lack of administrative capacity entails a serious risk of hampering the implementation of Union policies; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Deplores the arbitrary cuts proposed by the Council to the administrative and support lines financing the implementation of key Union programmes which could be detrimental to the successful start of new programmes as a lack of administrative capacity entails a serious risk of hampering the implementation of Union policies;

| 11. | Is deeply concerned about the Council's use of double standards as regards the Union budget, where, on the one hand, it calls for an increase in Union funds in areas which can generate sustainable growth and, on the other hand, proposes major cuts in key areas such as research, innovation, space, infrastructures, SMEs and energy; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Is deeply concerned about the Council's use of double standards as regards the Union budget, where, on the one hand, it calls for an increase in Union funds in areas which can generate sustainable growth and, on the other hand, proposes major cuts in key areas such as research, innovation, space, infrastructures, SMEs and energy;

| 12. | Welcomes the point of view expressed by 13 Member States that they are convinced that the Council's agreed level of payment appropriations may not be sufficient and could lead to great pressure with regard to the timely fulfilment of the Union's legal obligations and the meeting of commitments already made; recalls that, according to Article 323 of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union, ‘the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission shall ensure that the financial means are made available to allow the Union to fulfil its legal obligation in respect of third parties’; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Welcomes the point of view expressed by 13 Member States that they are convinced that the Council's agreed level of payment appropriations may not be sufficient and could lead to great pressure with regard to the timely fulfilment of the Union's legal obligations and the meeting of commitments already made; recalls that, according to Article 323 of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union, ‘the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission shall ensure that the financial means are made available to allow the Union to fulfil its legal obligation in respect of third parties’;

| 13. | Considers that, due to its failure, year after year, to gather a qualified majority within its ranks to secure a level of payments allowing the Union to cover undisputed payment needs, the Council holds a strong political responsibility for the very tense situation in payments; denounces the fact that this has progressively led to the creation of a structural deficit in the Union budget, which contradicts the Treaty provisions and which puts at risk the ability of the Commission to meet its legal obligations; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Considers that, due to its failure, year after year, to gather a qualified majority within its ranks to secure a level of payments allowing the Union to cover undisputed payment needs, the Council holds a strong political responsibility for the very tense situation in payments; denounces the fact that this has progressively led to the creation of a structural deficit in the Union budget, which contradicts the Treaty provisions and which puts at risk the ability of the Commission to meet its legal obligations;

| 14. | Notes at the same time that the current design of the Union budget, where payment appropriations are linked to national contributions, can bolster adverse choices among Member States, especially in times where the importance of balanced national budget is at the centre of the discourse; stresses, however, that such level of payments is the direct outcome of a corresponding level of commitments, which the Council formally adopted with the necessary qualified majority in the context of annual budgetary procedures; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Notes at the same time that the current design of the Union budget, where payment appropriations are linked to national contributions, can bolster adverse choices among Member States, especially in times where the importance of balanced national budget is at the centre of the discourse; stresses, however, that such level of payments is the direct outcome of a corresponding level of commitments, which the Council formally adopted with the necessary qualified majority in the context of annual budgetary procedures;

| 15. | Regrets the innate conflict between the Council on the one hand and the Parliament and Commission on the other hand; calls for ways to convert this tension in a more productive exchange of opinions; hopes that the openness to new attitudes and proposals will ultimately lead to structural changes that foster a balanced budget deal that reflects the ambitions and concerns of both the Parliament and the Council; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Regrets the innate conflict between the Council on the one hand and the Parliament and Commission on the other hand; calls for ways to convert this tension in a more productive exchange of opinions; hopes that the openness to new attitudes and proposals will ultimately lead to structural changes that foster a balanced budget deal that reflects the ambitions and concerns of both the Parliament and the Council;

Parliament's reading

| 16. | Emphasizes that besides implementing the political agreement reached in the negotiations of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2014-2020 as regards frontloading of appropriations for specified policy objectives, the Commission did not propose additional efforts to accommodate priorities not only outlined by the Parliament, but also agreed by the Heads of State and Government in the European Council; decides therefore to reinforce financial resources for the Union political objectives and strategic priorities, in a number of areas; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Emphasizes that besides implementing the political agreement reached in the negotiations of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2014-2020 as regards frontloading of appropriations for specified policy objectives, the Commission did not propose additional efforts to accommodate priorities not only outlined by the Parliament, but also agreed by the Heads of State and Government in the European Council; decides therefore to reinforce financial resources for the Union political objectives and strategic priorities, in a number of areas;

| 17. | Decides to concentrate its reinforcements on the programmes which are at the core of the Europe 2020 strategy aimed at fostering growth, competitiveness and employment, namely Horizon 2020, COSME, Erasmus+, the Digital Agenda, Progress and the Social Agenda (including EURES and the Microfinance Facility) as these programmes are exemplary as to how the Union contributes to an innovative and prosperous economy across the continent; furthermore reinforces programmes that are instrumental to the delivery of the Union's external policy agenda, such as the Neighbourhood Policy, Development and Humanitarian Aid; insists on the need to also increase the financing of important programmes and policies to fight against inequalities, such as FEAD, Europe for Citizens, and the promotion of gender equality; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Decides to concentrate its reinforcements on the programmes which are at the core of the Europe 2020 strategy aimed at fostering growth, competitiveness and employment, namely Horizon 2020, COSME, Erasmus+, the Digital Agenda, Progress and the Social Agenda (including EURES and the Microfinance Facility) as these programmes are exemplary as to how the Union contributes to an innovative and prosperous economy across the continent; furthermore reinforces programmes that are instrumental to the delivery of the Union's external policy agenda, such as the Neighbourhood Policy, Development and Humanitarian Aid; insists on the need to also increase the financing of important programmes and policies to fight against inequalities, such as FEAD, Europe for Citizens, and the promotion of gender equality;

| 18. | Sets the overall level of appropriations for 2015 at EUR 146 380,9 million and EUR 146 416,5 million in commitment and payment appropriations respectively; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Sets the overall level of appropriations for 2015 at EUR 146 380,9 million and EUR 146 416,5 million in commitment and payment appropriations respectively;

Addressing the recurrent payment crisis

| 19. | Supports the Commission’s proposal to make full use of resources available under the 2015 payment ceiling thereby leaving no margin under the 2015 payment ceiling; restores all of the Council's cuts in payments on the basis of current and expected implementation patterns; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Supports the Commission’s proposal to make full use of resources available under the 2015 payment ceiling thereby leaving no margin under the 2015 payment ceiling; restores all of the Council's cuts in payments on the basis of current and expected implementation patterns;

| 20. | Highlights however, that even the full use of the 2015 payment ceiling is not sufficient to adequately address the Union’s ongoing payment problems that have erupted since the 2010 Union budget; notes, particularly, the huge backlog in payments of the past years leading to the unprecedented level of EUR 23,4 billion at the end of 2013 for cohesion policy alone and fears that it may be of a similar magnitude at the end of 2014; stresses, therefore, that the recurrent problem of shortage of payments needs to be effectively addressed without further delay; hence, decides to go beyond the Commission's proposals in payments by EUR 4 billion for a number of budget lines, including the main ‘2007-2013 completion lines’ of the Union structural funds and research programmes, where the situation in payments is very critical; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Highlights however, that even the full use of the 2015 payment ceiling is not sufficient to adequately address the Union’s ongoing payment problems that have erupted since the 2010 Union budget; notes, particularly, the huge backlog in payments of the past years leading to the unprecedented level of EUR 23,4 billion at the end of 2013 for cohesion policy alone and fears that it may be of a similar magnitude at the end of 2014; stresses, therefore, that the recurrent problem of shortage of payments needs to be effectively addressed without further delay; hence, decides to go beyond the Commission's proposals in payments by EUR 4 billion for a number of budget lines, including the main ‘2007-2013 completion lines’ of the Union structural funds and research programmes, where the situation in payments is very critical;

| 21. | Calls accordingly on the Commission to stand ready to put forward relevant proposals for the mobilisation of the flexibility mechanisms included in the MFF Regulation; reiterates its intention not to accept any restricted interpretations of the provisions on flexibility and special instruments included in the MFF Regulation and IIA of 2 December 2013, which were successfully negotiated by the Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls accordingly on the Commission to stand ready to put forward relevant proposals for the mobilisation of the flexibility mechanisms included in the MFF Regulation; reiterates its intention not to accept any restricted interpretations of the provisions on flexibility and special instruments included in the MFF Regulation and IIA of 2 December 2013, which were successfully negotiated by the Parliament;

| 22. | Insists once again that all payments appropriations mobilised through the use of special instruments must be entered in the budget over and above the MFF payment ceiling; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Insists once again that all payments appropriations mobilised through the use of special instruments must be entered in the budget over and above the MFF payment ceiling;

| 23. | Recalls the striking example of the dramatic shortage of payment appropriations for humanitarian aid, experienced at the end of 2013 and in the first quarter of 2014, that could only be solved thanks to short term and temporary solutions in the form of transfers within the adopted budget; is extremely worried that such situation is likely to occur also in other policy fields such as Research/Development and innovation; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Recalls the striking example of the dramatic shortage of payment appropriations for humanitarian aid, experienced at the end of 2013 and in the first quarter of 2014, that could only be solved thanks to short term and temporary solutions in the form of transfers within the adopted budget; is extremely worried that such situation is likely to occur also in other policy fields such as Research/Development and innovation;

| 24. | Stresses the fact that, in order to clearly identify the 2015 needs stemming from previous years, the negotiations on the additional 2014 payment needs should be finalised before the conciliation on 2015 budget; reiterates that DABs 2, 3 and 4/2014 should be considered as a package and that the Council cannot expect to benefit from the unexpected revenue resulting from the budgetisation of the surplus and fines without delivering on the additional payment needs presented in DAB 3/2014; recalls that DABs 2, 3 and 4/2014, taken altogether and unamended, represent an overall budgetary impact of only EUR 106 million additional GNI contributions that have to be made available by the Member States in order to secure enough payment appropriations in 2014 to cover the Union's existing legal obligations; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Stresses the fact that, in order to clearly identify the 2015 needs stemming from previous years, the negotiations on the additional 2014 payment needs should be finalised before the conciliation on 2015 budget; reiterates that DABs 2, 3 and 4/2014 should be considered as a package and that the Council cannot expect to benefit from the unexpected revenue resulting from the budgetisation of the surplus and fines without delivering on the additional payment needs presented in DAB 3/2014; recalls that DABs 2, 3 and 4/2014, taken altogether and unamended, represent an overall budgetary impact of only EUR 106 million additional GNI contributions that have to be made available by the Member States in order to secure enough payment appropriations in 2014 to cover the Union's existing legal obligations;

| 25. | Underlines that the level of appropriations, especially in payments, voted by the Parliament in its reading are based on the assumption that all pending DABs for 2014 are adopted in full; |
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25.

Underlines that the level of appropriations, especially in payments, voted by the Parliament in its reading are based on the assumption that all pending DABs for 2014 are adopted in full;

| 26. | Stresses that in order to ensure adequate resources for the Union wide investment plans (as mentioned in the June 2014 European Council and highlighted as a major political priority of President-elect Juncker in his political guidelines (8)), continuation of the Youth Employment Initiative, notably the European Youth Guarantee as of the 2016 budget, and in order to address the persistent problem of payment appropriations, the post electoral revision of the MFF 2014-2020, as provided for in Article 2 of the MFF Regulation, should be launched as soon as possible by the new Commission; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Stresses that in order to ensure adequate resources for the Union wide investment plans (as mentioned in the June 2014 European Council and highlighted as a major political priority of President-elect Juncker in his political guidelines (8)), continuation of the Youth Employment Initiative, notably the European Youth Guarantee as of the 2016 budget, and in order to address the persistent problem of payment appropriations, the post electoral revision of the MFF 2014-2020, as provided for in Article 2 of the MFF Regulation, should be launched as soon as possible by the new Commission;

Heading 1a

| 27. | Notes that Heading 1a bears the largest share of Council's cuts both in commitments (EUR - 323,5 million as compared to the DB) and in payments (EUR -1 335 million), despite the fact that the European Council again in June 2014 set growth, competitiveness and the creation of jobs at the top of its political agenda; highlights that some of these cuts are not in line with the agreement on the MFF 2014-2020, in so far as they heavily decrease Horizon 2020 (by EUR 190 million in commitments against the DB) that was significantly frontloaded by EUR 200 million in 2014, as well as the ITER programme (EUR -11,2 million), which should instead be frontloaded in 2015 to compensate its backloading in 2014; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Notes that Heading 1a bears the largest share of Council's cuts both in commitments (EUR - 323,5 million as compared to the DB) and in payments (EUR -1 335 million), despite the fact that the European Council again in June 2014 set growth, competitiveness and the creation of jobs at the top of its political agenda; highlights that some of these cuts are not in line with the agreement on the MFF 2014-2020, in so far as they heavily decrease Horizon 2020 (by EUR 190 million in commitments against the DB) that was significantly frontloaded by EUR 200 million in 2014, as well as the ITER programme (EUR -11,2 million), which should instead be frontloaded in 2015 to compensate its backloading in 2014;

| 28. | Believes that, to further energy security, promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency is also essential in the context of Russian energy dependency, in particular in those Member States most dependent on Russian gas; calls for the alignment of the spending objectives of energy funds under Horizon 2020 with the commitments made during the legislative process; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Believes that, to further energy security, promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency is also essential in the context of Russian energy dependency, in particular in those Member States most dependent on Russian gas; calls for the alignment of the spending objectives of energy funds under Horizon 2020 with the commitments made during the legislative process;

| 29. | Contests the cuts applied by the Council to the Connecting Europe Facility programme (EUR -34,4 million), which come on top of the backloading of this programme for 2015 already taken into account in the DB following the MFF agreement; is concerned about the risks of an ineffective start to this strategic programme, which is of topical importance for the future telecommunication, transport and energy infrastructure investments that can further boost job creation in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Contests the cuts applied by the Council to the Connecting Europe Facility programme (EUR -34,4 million), which come on top of the backloading of this programme for 2015 already taken into account in the DB following the MFF agreement; is concerned about the risks of an ineffective start to this strategic programme, which is of topical importance for the future telecommunication, transport and energy infrastructure investments that can further boost job creation in Europe;

| 30. | Decides, therefore, as a general line to restore the level of the DB for 2015 for all cuts performed by the Council, both in commitments and in payments; furthermore increases a selected number of lines within the programmes which correspond to the Parliament's priorities under Heading 1a (Horizon 2020, COSME, Erasmus+, Digital Agenda, Social Agenda) by exhausting the margin (total increases above DB of some EUR 200 million); |
| --- | --- |

30.

Decides, therefore, as a general line to restore the level of the DB for 2015 for all cuts performed by the Council, both in commitments and in payments; furthermore increases a selected number of lines within the programmes which correspond to the Parliament's priorities under Heading 1a (Horizon 2020, COSME, Erasmus+, Digital Agenda, Social Agenda) by exhausting the margin (total increases above DB of some EUR 200 million);

| 31. | Deems furthermore necessary to increase above the DB the CEF-Energy lines by a total amount of EUR 34 million in order to partly mitigate the effect of the backloading of this programme for the second year in a row as a result of the MFF agreement; considers it also a priority to reinforce investments in the digital agenda and the broadband and consequently increases CEF-Telecommunication networks by EUR 12 million above the DB; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Deems furthermore necessary to increase above the DB the CEF-Energy lines by a total amount of EUR 34 million in order to partly mitigate the effect of the backloading of this programme for the second year in a row as a result of the MFF agreement; considers it also a priority to reinforce investments in the digital agenda and the broadband and consequently increases CEF-Telecommunication networks by EUR 12 million above the DB;

| 32. | Is of the view that boosting the financial support to SMEs is essential to enable the Union economy to renew with growth and exit the crisis, thereby contributing to the fight against unemployment; believes that the role of SME innovation for Union competitiveness is often emphasised but support for it is underfinanced; decides, accordingly, to increase above DB by EUR 26,5 million the commitment appropriations in favour of SMEs and entrepreneurship; requests the Commission to ensure a genuine bottom-up approach to its implementation; furthermore invites the Commission to dedicate sufficient resources for the implementation of actions foreseen under its Green Action Plan for SMEs; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Is of the view that boosting the financial support to SMEs is essential to enable the Union economy to renew with growth and exit the crisis, thereby contributing to the fight against unemployment; believes that the role of SME innovation for Union competitiveness is often emphasised but support for it is underfinanced; decides, accordingly, to increase above DB by EUR 26,5 million the commitment appropriations in favour of SMEs and entrepreneurship; requests the Commission to ensure a genuine bottom-up approach to its implementation; furthermore invites the Commission to dedicate sufficient resources for the implementation of actions foreseen under its Green Action Plan for SMEs;

| 33. | Increases above DB in commitments the three supervisory agencies (EBA, EIOPA and ESMA) for a total amount of EUR 6,1 million; |
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33.

Increases above DB in commitments the three supervisory agencies (EBA, EIOPA and ESMA) for a total amount of EUR 6,1 million;

| 34. | Is concerned by the increasing number of cases in which the effects of the payment shortage under Heading 1a have become apparent, especially under Horizon 2020, where pre-financing is reduced and a considerable number of projects are blocked and a disruption of payments in the Erasmus+ program is looming; is alarmed by the numerous programmes that have almost exhausted all available funds for 2014 months before the deadline for submitting the bills has expired; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Is concerned by the increasing number of cases in which the effects of the payment shortage under Heading 1a have become apparent, especially under Horizon 2020, where pre-financing is reduced and a considerable number of projects are blocked and a disruption of payments in the Erasmus+ program is looming; is alarmed by the numerous programmes that have almost exhausted all available funds for 2014 months before the deadline for submitting the bills has expired;

| 35. | Welcomes the first steps towards the reform of EFRAG, but highlights the need to fully implement the Maystadt recommendations, including the demand to limit its work to IFRS standards and to phase out its work on small and medium size enterprises and on tax matters; |
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35.

Welcomes the first steps towards the reform of EFRAG, but highlights the need to fully implement the Maystadt recommendations, including the demand to limit its work to IFRS standards and to phase out its work on small and medium size enterprises and on tax matters;

| 36. | Emphasises the role of SMEs innovation for driving the Union's economic recovery; expects the Commission to fulfil its legal and budgetary commitments with regard to the SME Instrument in Horizon 2020 and calls upon the Council to enable this by providing an appropriate budget; requests the Commission to establish as of 2016 a unique budget line for the SME Instrument, in order to allow clearer budgetary oversight and control, and ensure a genuine bottom-up approach to its implementation; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Emphasises the role of SMEs innovation for driving the Union's economic recovery; expects the Commission to fulfil its legal and budgetary commitments with regard to the SME Instrument in Horizon 2020 and calls upon the Council to enable this by providing an appropriate budget; requests the Commission to establish as of 2016 a unique budget line for the SME Instrument, in order to allow clearer budgetary oversight and control, and ensure a genuine bottom-up approach to its implementation;

| 37. | Welcomes the circular economy package published by the Commission on 2 July 2014 (9); calls for adequate resources to be allocated for the implementation of its activities; |
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37.

Welcomes the circular economy package published by the Commission on 2 July 2014 (9); calls for adequate resources to be allocated for the implementation of its activities;

Heading 1b

| 38. | Is deeply concerned that the Council, while maintaining the level of commitment appropriations at the DB level (EUR 49 227 million), has decreased the payment appropriations by EUR 220 million, setting the level of payments at EUR 51 382 million; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Is deeply concerned that the Council, while maintaining the level of commitment appropriations at the DB level (EUR 49 227 million), has decreased the payment appropriations by EUR 220 million, setting the level of payments at EUR 51 382 million;

| 39. | Underlines that Heading 1b bears the biggest part of the current outstanding commitments which is impeding reimbursement for resources already spent by the beneficiary Member States and regions; highlights that this practice caused serious consequences for Member States and regions mostly affected by crisis; deplores that the Council seems to completely ignore this issue; stresses that, in a period when most Member States face challenges in identifying financing sources for projects that can lead to job creation, the Union regional policy is an essential tool to overcome such shortages; points out that instruments such as the ESF, the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative are of particular importance during a crisis, and that the first victims of a payment decrease are always the weaker stakeholders, such as Member States facing budgetary constraints, local and regional authorities, outermost regions, SMEs, NGOs and the social partners; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Underlines that Heading 1b bears the biggest part of the current outstanding commitments which is impeding reimbursement for resources already spent by the beneficiary Member States and regions; highlights that this practice caused serious consequences for Member States and regions mostly affected by crisis; deplores that the Council seems to completely ignore this issue; stresses that, in a period when most Member States face challenges in identifying financing sources for projects that can lead to job creation, the Union regional policy is an essential tool to overcome such shortages; points out that instruments such as the ESF, the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative are of particular importance during a crisis, and that the first victims of a payment decrease are always the weaker stakeholders, such as Member States facing budgetary constraints, local and regional authorities, outermost regions, SMEs, NGOs and the social partners;

| 40. | Decides to restore the DB in payments for budget lines dedicated to the new programmes, cut by the Council, and to exceed the DB in payments for a number of lines notably concerning the completion of the 2007-2013 MFF programmes; notes that 2015 will be the second year of implementation of the new European Structural and Investment Funds cycle; underscores the need for sufficient commitment and payment appropriations to ensure that the programmes reach the intended number of beneficiaries and thus have the intended impact; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Decides to restore the DB in payments for budget lines dedicated to the new programmes, cut by the Council, and to exceed the DB in payments for a number of lines notably concerning the completion of the 2007-2013 MFF programmes; notes that 2015 will be the second year of implementation of the new European Structural and Investment Funds cycle; underscores the need for sufficient commitment and payment appropriations to ensure that the programmes reach the intended number of beneficiaries and thus have the intended impact;

| 41. | Decides to go above the level of the DB by an amount of EUR 20,2 million for the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) and PP/PAs; intends to amend the Commission proposal for the mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument to complement the financing of the Cypriot Structural Funds programmes under Heading 1b up to the full amount of EUR 100 million, after the conclusion of negotiations with the Council; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Decides to go above the level of the DB by an amount of EUR 20,2 million for the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) and PP/PAs; intends to amend the Commission proposal for the mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument to complement the financing of the Cypriot Structural Funds programmes under Heading 1b up to the full amount of EUR 100 million, after the conclusion of negotiations with the Council;

| 42. | Strongly believes that Union funding, particularly that under the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), should not be used to subsidise national approaches, but should be used to provide additional support to young people in a way that complements and enhances national programmes; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Strongly believes that Union funding, particularly that under the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), should not be used to subsidise national approaches, but should be used to provide additional support to young people in a way that complements and enhances national programmes;

| 43. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make full use of the funds dedicated to the support of the unemployed youth population; recalls the political agreement linked to the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 about the frontloading of the funds under the Youth Employment Initiative, as well as the corresponding amounts programmed within the European Social Fund in order to provide the necessary help in the first years of the programming period; welcomes that the Commission and the Council respect this agreement with regard to the proposed figures; expresses its concerns about the absorption capacity of some Member States with regard to the YEI; recalls that, according to the MFF Regulation, margins left available below the MFF ceilings for commitment appropriations for the years 2014-2017 shall constitute a Global MFF Margin for commitments, to be made available over and above the ceilings established in the MFF for the years 2016 to 2020 for policy objectives related to growth and employment, in particular youth employment; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to make full use of the funds dedicated to the support of the unemployed youth population; recalls the political agreement linked to the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 about the frontloading of the funds under the Youth Employment Initiative, as well as the corresponding amounts programmed within the European Social Fund in order to provide the necessary help in the first years of the programming period; welcomes that the Commission and the Council respect this agreement with regard to the proposed figures; expresses its concerns about the absorption capacity of some Member States with regard to the YEI; recalls that, according to the MFF Regulation, margins left available below the MFF ceilings for commitment appropriations for the years 2014-2017 shall constitute a Global MFF Margin for commitments, to be made available over and above the ceilings established in the MFF for the years 2016 to 2020 for policy objectives related to growth and employment, in particular youth employment;

Heading 2

| 44. | Welcomes the increase proposed by the Commission in commitment appropriations for the new LIFE programme for the Environment and Climate Action and expects this programme to be fully in place in 2015, including a first set of financial instruments; deplores, however, that smaller programmes such as the LIFE programme as well as the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) bear the most significant cuts by the Council under this heading, both in commitments and payments, thereby affecting the achievement of their agreed objectives; also regrets the unjustified Council's cuts to the school fruit and school milk schemes; restores, therefore, the DB on all lines cut by the Council; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Welcomes the increase proposed by the Commission in commitment appropriations for the new LIFE programme for the Environment and Climate Action and expects this programme to be fully in place in 2015, including a first set of financial instruments; deplores, however, that smaller programmes such as the LIFE programme as well as the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) bear the most significant cuts by the Council under this heading, both in commitments and payments, thereby affecting the achievement of their agreed objectives; also regrets the unjustified Council's cuts to the school fruit and school milk schemes; restores, therefore, the DB on all lines cut by the Council;

| 45. | Agrees that additional support is needed to alleviate the impact of the Russian ban on the import of certain Union agricultural and fisheries products; welcomes the emergency support measures taken by the Commission as a first response to this crisis; increases, therefore, the Union co-financing for promotion measures in the Common Agricultural Policy by EUR 30 million in order to help producers find alternative sales opportunities, while providing EUR 5 million additional support to fishermen via the EMFF; also decides to increase the amount available for the school fruits scheme by EUR 7 million and school milk scheme by EUR 4 million above the DB of the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Agrees that additional support is needed to alleviate the impact of the Russian ban on the import of certain Union agricultural and fisheries products; welcomes the emergency support measures taken by the Commission as a first response to this crisis; increases, therefore, the Union co-financing for promotion measures in the Common Agricultural Policy by EUR 30 million in order to help producers find alternative sales opportunities, while providing EUR 5 million additional support to fishermen via the EMFF; also decides to increase the amount available for the school fruits scheme by EUR 7 million and school milk scheme by EUR 4 million above the DB of the Commission;

| 46. | Believes that neither CAP appropriations nor any other appropriations from the budget should be used for financing lethal bullfighting activities; recalls that such funding is a clear violation of the European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes (Council Directive 98/58/EC); |
| --- | --- |

46.

Believes that neither CAP appropriations nor any other appropriations from the budget should be used for financing lethal bullfighting activities; recalls that such funding is a clear violation of the European Convention for the Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes (Council Directive 98/58/EC);

| 47. | Notes that, taking into account all amendments under this heading, including EUR 2,9 million for pilot projects and preparatory actions, the total amount for Heading 2 is EUR 59,3 billion, leaving a margin of EUR 293,4 million below the ceiling; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Notes that, taking into account all amendments under this heading, including EUR 2,9 million for pilot projects and preparatory actions, the total amount for Heading 2 is EUR 59,3 billion, leaving a margin of EUR 293,4 million below the ceiling;

Heading 3

| 48. | Underlines that, while representing only 1,5 % of the Union budget and thereby being the smallest heading of the MFF in terms of financial allocation, Heading 3 covers issues of key concern to the European citizens as well as to the national governments, such as asylum and migration policies and internal security; calls therefore on the Commission and the Council to keep increasing financial and political efforts in this heading in the coming years; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Underlines that, while representing only 1,5 % of the Union budget and thereby being the smallest heading of the MFF in terms of financial allocation, Heading 3 covers issues of key concern to the European citizens as well as to the national governments, such as asylum and migration policies and internal security; calls therefore on the Commission and the Council to keep increasing financial and political efforts in this heading in the coming years;

| 49. | Regrets that the DB decreases commitment appropriations by 1,9 % from EUR 2 171 998 to EUR 2 130 721 million compared to the 2014 budget leaving a margin of approximately EUR 115 million; deplores that the Council has cut the commitment appropriations by a further EUR 30,2 million compared to the DB and the payment appropriations by a further EUR 28,5 million compared to the DB (corresponding to -1,42 % in commitment appropriations and -1,51 % in payment appropriations); notes thereby that Heading 3 is one of the most affected by the Council's cuts; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Regrets that the DB decreases commitment appropriations by 1,9 % from EUR 2 171 998 to EUR 2 130 721 million compared to the 2014 budget leaving a margin of approximately EUR 115 million; deplores that the Council has cut the commitment appropriations by a further EUR 30,2 million compared to the DB and the payment appropriations by a further EUR 28,5 million compared to the DB (corresponding to -1,42 % in commitment appropriations and -1,51 % in payment appropriations); notes thereby that Heading 3 is one of the most affected by the Council's cuts;

| 50. | Believes that the additional cuts proposed by the Council will jeopardise a proper implementation of programmes and actions in Heading 3; underlines the importance of maintaining the DB for the budget lines ‘Ensuring the protection of rights and empowering citizens’ and ‘Promoting non-discrimination and equality’, implementing the programme Rights, Equality and Citizenship 2014 — 2020; takes therefore the general approach to restore the DB on all lines under this heading; takes the decision, furthermore, to increase a selected number of lines above the DB mainly within the programmes Creative Europe, Europe for Citizens and Multimedia Actions, as well as Common Asylum System (for a total of EUR 53,2 million in commitment appropriations above DB, including agencies, pilot projects and preparatory actions); |
| --- | --- |

50.

Believes that the additional cuts proposed by the Council will jeopardise a proper implementation of programmes and actions in Heading 3; underlines the importance of maintaining the DB for the budget lines ‘Ensuring the protection of rights and empowering citizens’ and ‘Promoting non-discrimination and equality’, implementing the programme Rights, Equality and Citizenship 2014 — 2020; takes therefore the general approach to restore the DB on all lines under this heading; takes the decision, furthermore, to increase a selected number of lines above the DB mainly within the programmes Creative Europe, Europe for Citizens and Multimedia Actions, as well as Common Asylum System (for a total of EUR 53,2 million in commitment appropriations above DB, including agencies, pilot projects and preparatory actions);

| 51. | Recalls the Joint Declaration of the three institutions that the annual budgetary procedures applied for the MFF 2014-2020 will integrate, as appropriate, gender-responsive elements; points out the need for further efforts in this regard and for a common approach between the three institutions in order to ensure an effective gender mainstreaming in the annual budgetary procedures; reiterates its call that gender analysis should be an integral part of the Union's budgetary procedures and that it should actively involve all actors at all levels of the process in order to advance the Union's commitment towards gender equality; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Recalls the Joint Declaration of the three institutions that the annual budgetary procedures applied for the MFF 2014-2020 will integrate, as appropriate, gender-responsive elements; points out the need for further efforts in this regard and for a common approach between the three institutions in order to ensure an effective gender mainstreaming in the annual budgetary procedures; reiterates its call that gender analysis should be an integral part of the Union's budgetary procedures and that it should actively involve all actors at all levels of the process in order to advance the Union's commitment towards gender equality;

| 52. | Recalls that a fair and transparent distribution of funding between the different objectives of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund was a priority for the Parliament during negotiations leading to the adoption of that fund; calls accordingly on the Commission to increase the number of budget lines under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund to facilitate better readability and transparency in respect of how the financial resources allocated to the different objectives, and thus to those budgetary lines, will be spent; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Recalls that a fair and transparent distribution of funding between the different objectives of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund was a priority for the Parliament during negotiations leading to the adoption of that fund; calls accordingly on the Commission to increase the number of budget lines under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund to facilitate better readability and transparency in respect of how the financial resources allocated to the different objectives, and thus to those budgetary lines, will be spent;

| 53. | Agrees that additional support is needed for European Citizens' Initiatives; decides therefore to create a new line in Heading 3: ‘Implementation of European Citizens’ Initiatives and other instruments of participatory democracy" with EUR 1 million in commitment appropriations; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Agrees that additional support is needed for European Citizens' Initiatives; decides therefore to create a new line in Heading 3: ‘Implementation of European Citizens’ Initiatives and other instruments of participatory democracy" with EUR 1 million in commitment appropriations;

| 54. | Stresses the need for and the importance of continuous evaluations of how all funds and programmes are implemented and their resources used in order to detect possible shortcomings at an early stage as well as their effectiveness; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Stresses the need for and the importance of continuous evaluations of how all funds and programmes are implemented and their resources used in order to detect possible shortcomings at an early stage as well as their effectiveness;

Heading 4

| 55. | Deplores the Council's cuts to Heading 4 (-0,83 % in commitment appropriations and -5,24 % in payment appropriations), which makes it the heading most severely affected by the Council's cuts to payment appropriations; reiterates the fact that although it takes up less than 6 % of the total Union budget, Heading 4 is the projection of Union engagement abroad and it should therefore ensure enough resources for the Union to play its role as a global actor; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Deplores the Council's cuts to Heading 4 (-0,83 % in commitment appropriations and -5,24 % in payment appropriations), which makes it the heading most severely affected by the Council's cuts to payment appropriations; reiterates the fact that although it takes up less than 6 % of the total Union budget, Heading 4 is the projection of Union engagement abroad and it should therefore ensure enough resources for the Union to play its role as a global actor;

| 56. | Strongly condemns the Council's cut to commitment appropriations for humanitarian aid which cannot resolve the problem of carrying over backlogs of unpaid invoices from previous years and is jeopardising the smooth implementation of this policy, putting the lives of its beneficiaries in threat; stresses that the level of payment appropriations for the Emergency Aid Reserve should correspond to the level of commitment appropriations and must be entered in the budget over and above the MFF payment ceiling; stresses the gap between commitment and payment appropriations in humanitarian aid should be reduced in order to take account of the short spending cycles in this area and to break the habit of carrying over backlogs of unpaid invoices from previous years; strongly rejects the adverse effects that payment cutbacks, including postponed payment and delayed operations, that are a consequence of inadequate budgeting, pose for humanitarian aid, and that are especially ill-fated when so many people are affected by the increasing instability in the periphery; thinks these events serve as a sad but strong alarm signal for the necessity for a more realistic way of budgeting; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Strongly condemns the Council's cut to commitment appropriations for humanitarian aid which cannot resolve the problem of carrying over backlogs of unpaid invoices from previous years and is jeopardising the smooth implementation of this policy, putting the lives of its beneficiaries in threat; stresses that the level of payment appropriations for the Emergency Aid Reserve should correspond to the level of commitment appropriations and must be entered in the budget over and above the MFF payment ceiling; stresses the gap between commitment and payment appropriations in humanitarian aid should be reduced in order to take account of the short spending cycles in this area and to break the habit of carrying over backlogs of unpaid invoices from previous years; strongly rejects the adverse effects that payment cutbacks, including postponed payment and delayed operations, that are a consequence of inadequate budgeting, pose for humanitarian aid, and that are especially ill-fated when so many people are affected by the increasing instability in the periphery; thinks these events serve as a sad but strong alarm signal for the necessity for a more realistic way of budgeting;

| 57. | Recalls the international commitment made by the Union and its Member States to increase their official development assistance (ODA) spending to 0,7 % of GNI and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and therefore calls for an increase in the appropriations for thematic areas covered by the Development Cooperation Instrument, in view of getting closer to the attainment of the Post-2015 Global Development commitments; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Recalls the international commitment made by the Union and its Member States to increase their official development assistance (ODA) spending to 0,7 % of GNI and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 and therefore calls for an increase in the appropriations for thematic areas covered by the Development Cooperation Instrument, in view of getting closer to the attainment of the Post-2015 Global Development commitments;

| 58. | Emphasises its support for the Middle East Peace Process and its determination to ensure a sufficient amount of funding to UNRWA and the Palestinian Authority by increasing the level of commitment appropriations by EUR 35,5 million above DB; is astonished that the Council has once again reduced the DB payment appropriations for UNRWA and the Palestinian Authority by EUR 2,4 million without clear justification and considers this line under-budgeted already in the DB; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Emphasises its support for the Middle East Peace Process and its determination to ensure a sufficient amount of funding to UNRWA and the Palestinian Authority by increasing the level of commitment appropriations by EUR 35,5 million above DB; is astonished that the Council has once again reduced the DB payment appropriations for UNRWA and the Palestinian Authority by EUR 2,4 million without clear justification and considers this line under-budgeted already in the DB;

| 59. | Underlines the need to ensure support for countries in the Union's Eastern and Southern neighbourhood that are facing huge challenges with regard to democratic transition and consolidation, economic and social development, immigration and stability; highlights the additional efforts needed to respond to the situation in Ukraine; calls, therefore, for additional EUR 203,3 million above DB to be allocated to the European Neighbourhood Instrument to enable the Union to meet its responsibility in its Eastern and Southern neighbourhood; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Underlines the need to ensure support for countries in the Union's Eastern and Southern neighbourhood that are facing huge challenges with regard to democratic transition and consolidation, economic and social development, immigration and stability; highlights the additional efforts needed to respond to the situation in Ukraine; calls, therefore, for additional EUR 203,3 million above DB to be allocated to the European Neighbourhood Instrument to enable the Union to meet its responsibility in its Eastern and Southern neighbourhood;

| 60. | Considers the Council's cuts to the priority lines of the Parliament unacceptable and proposes to restore the DB on the lines decreased by the Council and to even exceed the DB in commitment appropriations for some lines of strategic importance for the Union's external relations by a total of EUR 400,55 million (Humanitarian Aid, European Neighbourhood Instrument, Development Cooperation Instrument, Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, European Instrument for Human Rights and Democracy Instrument for Stability and PP/PAs); notes that these increases exhaust the Heading 4 margin, as well as an additional EUR 66 million that results from decreased appropriations from lines moved to the EEAS budget; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Considers the Council's cuts to the priority lines of the Parliament unacceptable and proposes to restore the DB on the lines decreased by the Council and to even exceed the DB in commitment appropriations for some lines of strategic importance for the Union's external relations by a total of EUR 400,55 million (Humanitarian Aid, European Neighbourhood Instrument, Development Cooperation Instrument, Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, European Instrument for Human Rights and Democracy Instrument for Stability and PP/PAs); notes that these increases exhaust the Heading 4 margin, as well as an additional EUR 66 million that results from decreased appropriations from lines moved to the EEAS budget;

| 61. | Deems it necessary to increase appropriations for the Turkish Cypriot line, in order to ensure the continuation of Union financial support for the work of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus and of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Deems it necessary to increase appropriations for the Turkish Cypriot line, in order to ensure the continuation of Union financial support for the work of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus and of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage;

| 62. | Approves the transfer of the budget lines for the EUSRs to the EEAS budget in order to support their better integration into the EEAS, in accordance with the proposal made by the HRVP in the EEAS Review, Parliament's recommendations of 13 June 2013 and the Court of Auditors' special report no 11/2014; expects that the transfer will be completed by 1 January 2016; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Approves the transfer of the budget lines for the EUSRs to the EEAS budget in order to support their better integration into the EEAS, in accordance with the proposal made by the HRVP in the EEAS Review, Parliament's recommendations of 13 June 2013 and the Court of Auditors' special report no 11/2014; expects that the transfer will be completed by 1 January 2016;

Heading 5

| 63. | Recalls that the DB reflects the latest Staff Regulation Reform including changes in the calculation of the salary and pension adjustments and the continuing staff reduction; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Recalls that the DB reflects the latest Staff Regulation Reform including changes in the calculation of the salary and pension adjustments and the continuing staff reduction;

| 64. | Notes with regret that, despite this, the Council has decreased the appropriations in Heading 5 by EUR 27,6 million, of which EUR 16,7 million is from the Commission's administrative budget for expenditure related to officials and temporary staff, as a consequence of increasing the standard flat rate abatement; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Notes with regret that, despite this, the Council has decreased the appropriations in Heading 5 by EUR 27,6 million, of which EUR 16,7 million is from the Commission's administrative budget for expenditure related to officials and temporary staff, as a consequence of increasing the standard flat rate abatement;

| 65. | Considering that the Commission is reducing its overall number of human resources for the third year in a row and that its staff vacancies forecasts should be considered reliable and should be based on actual institutional expectations, views this increase of the standard flat rate abatement (up to 4,5 % for the Commission's headquarters and 6 % for delegations) as arbitrary; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Considering that the Commission is reducing its overall number of human resources for the third year in a row and that its staff vacancies forecasts should be considered reliable and should be based on actual institutional expectations, views this increase of the standard flat rate abatement (up to 4,5 % for the Commission's headquarters and 6 % for delegations) as arbitrary;

| 66. | Notes moreover the Council's statement annexed to its position, concerning ‘the importance of monitoring closely the appropriations for all categories of external staff, against the backdrop of the additional capacity built up by the increase of working time’, and the parallel cuts brought to support expenditure in various policy areas, amounting to EUR 20,8 million; besides the already mentioned threats posed by this type of cuts considers them to be ill justified; recalls that, according to the IIA of 2 December 2013, that supposed additional capacity was to be already neutralised by rendering 5 % of the official staff over five years; notes in this respect that the Commission already goes beyond its commitments as it is reducing staff of all categories, whether financed from Heading 5 or from other headings; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Notes moreover the Council's statement annexed to its position, concerning ‘the importance of monitoring closely the appropriations for all categories of external staff, against the backdrop of the additional capacity built up by the increase of working time’, and the parallel cuts brought to support expenditure in various policy areas, amounting to EUR 20,8 million; besides the already mentioned threats posed by this type of cuts considers them to be ill justified; recalls that, according to the IIA of 2 December 2013, that supposed additional capacity was to be already neutralised by rendering 5 % of the official staff over five years; notes in this respect that the Commission already goes beyond its commitments as it is reducing staff of all categories, whether financed from Heading 5 or from other headings;

| 67. | Restores, therefore, the DB on all the lines of the administrative and support expenditure and on all the lines in Heading 5 decreased by the Council; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Restores, therefore, the DB on all the lines of the administrative and support expenditure and on all the lines in Heading 5 decreased by the Council;

| 68. | Decides to hold some appropriations in reserve until the Commission modifies the rules on expert groups and ensures their full implementation within all DGs; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Decides to hold some appropriations in reserve until the Commission modifies the rules on expert groups and ensures their full implementation within all DGs;

Agencies

| 69. | Endorses, as a general rule, the Commission's estimates of the budgetary needs of agencies; notes that the Commission had already considerably reduced the initial requests of most agencies; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Endorses, as a general rule, the Commission's estimates of the budgetary needs of agencies; notes that the Commission had already considerably reduced the initial requests of most agencies;

| 70. | Considers, therefore, that any further cuts proposed by the Council would endanger the proper functioning of the agencies and would not allow them to fulfil the tasks they have been assigned by the legislative authority; |
| --- | --- |

70.

Considers, therefore, that any further cuts proposed by the Council would endanger the proper functioning of the agencies and would not allow them to fulfil the tasks they have been assigned by the legislative authority;

| 71. | Cannot accept, however, the Commission's approach to staff, according to which the establishment plans of the agencies are not only to be reduced by 1 % on the basis of the political agreement on the MFF, which applies to all institutions and bodies, but are also to contribute another 1 % to a ‘redeployment pool’; |
| --- | --- |

71.

Cannot accept, however, the Commission's approach to staff, according to which the establishment plans of the agencies are not only to be reduced by 1 % on the basis of the political agreement on the MFF, which applies to all institutions and bodies, but are also to contribute another 1 % to a ‘redeployment pool’;

| 72. | Emphasises the fact that the staff reduction agreed upon shall be based on the existing staff and tasks as on the reference date of 31 December 2012 and that any new tasks of existing agencies or the set-up of new agencies have to be accompanied by additional resources; |
| --- | --- |

72.

Emphasises the fact that the staff reduction agreed upon shall be based on the existing staff and tasks as on the reference date of 31 December 2012 and that any new tasks of existing agencies or the set-up of new agencies have to be accompanied by additional resources;

| 73. | Underlines that the agreed 5 % reduction target needs to be achieved by the end of 2017, and that agencies should have some flexibility with regard to the years when exactly they implement these cuts to allow them to make use of natural staff fluctuation in order to minimise costs for the Union unemployment scheme and other costs related to the early termination of employment contracts; |
| --- | --- |

73.

Underlines that the agreed 5 % reduction target needs to be achieved by the end of 2017, and that agencies should have some flexibility with regard to the years when exactly they implement these cuts to allow them to make use of natural staff fluctuation in order to minimise costs for the Union unemployment scheme and other costs related to the early termination of employment contracts;

| 74. | Modifies therefore a number of establishment plans of agencies in such a way as to implement the agreed 1 % reduction, to treat fee-financed posts differently or to align staffing with additional tasks; |
| --- | --- |

74.

Modifies therefore a number of establishment plans of agencies in such a way as to implement the agreed 1 % reduction, to treat fee-financed posts differently or to align staffing with additional tasks;

| 75. | Decides to increase the 2015 budget appropriations for the three financial supervisory agencies; believes that those appropriations should reflect the needs to fulfil the required tasks, as more regulations, decisions and directives have been and are being adopted to overcome the current financial and economic crisis which is strongly linked to the stability of the financial sector; |
| --- | --- |

75.

Decides to increase the 2015 budget appropriations for the three financial supervisory agencies; believes that those appropriations should reflect the needs to fulfil the required tasks, as more regulations, decisions and directives have been and are being adopted to overcome the current financial and economic crisis which is strongly linked to the stability of the financial sector;

| 76. | Decides to also increase the appropriations for European Maritime Safety Agency and the Fisheries Control Agency as well as a number of agencies in Heading 3 due to the additional tasks that have been entrusted to them (Frontex, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction and the European Asylum Support Office); |
| --- | --- |

76.

Decides to also increase the appropriations for European Maritime Safety Agency and the Fisheries Control Agency as well as a number of agencies in Heading 3 due to the additional tasks that have been entrusted to them (Frontex, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction and the European Asylum Support Office);

Pilot projects and preparatory actions (PP-PAs)

| 77. | Having carried out a careful analysis of the pilot projects and preparatory actions submitted — as regards the rate of success of the on-going ones and excluding initiatives already covered by existing legal bases, and taking fully into account the Commission's assessment of the projects' implementability, decides to adopt a compromise package made up of a limited number of PP-PAs, also in view of the limited margins available; |
| --- | --- |

77.

Having carried out a careful analysis of the pilot projects and preparatory actions submitted — as regards the rate of success of the on-going ones and excluding initiatives already covered by existing legal bases, and taking fully into account the Commission's assessment of the projects' implementability, decides to adopt a compromise package made up of a limited number of PP-PAs, also in view of the limited margins available;

Other sections

| 78. | Recalls that the administrative expenditure of all institutions, pensions and European Schools is covered by Heading 5 of the MFF; notes that the total expenditure of the heading in 2015, as proposed in the DB, is estimated at EUR 8 612,2 million (+2,5 % compared to 2014 budget), which leaves a margin of EUR 463,8 million under the ceiling, while the total administrative expenditure of all institutions combined in 2015 is estimated at EUR 6 893,1 million (+1,6 % increase over 2014 budget), leaving thus a sub-margin of EUR 457,9 million; |
| --- | --- |

78.

Recalls that the administrative expenditure of all institutions, pensions and European Schools is covered by Heading 5 of the MFF; notes that the total expenditure of the heading in 2015, as proposed in the DB, is estimated at EUR 8 612,2 million (+2,5 % compared to 2014 budget), which leaves a margin of EUR 463,8 million under the ceiling, while the total administrative expenditure of all institutions combined in 2015 is estimated at EUR 6 893,1 million (+1,6 % increase over 2014 budget), leaving thus a sub-margin of EUR 457,9 million;

| 79. | Takes note of the Council position on the DB, which horizontally decreased, without any differentiation, the level of 2015 administrative expenditure of the institutions to EUR 6 865,6 million (or by EUR -27,5 million or -0,4 %), thus artificially increasing the sub-margin to EUR 485,4 million; |
| --- | --- |

79.

Takes note of the Council position on the DB, which horizontally decreased, without any differentiation, the level of 2015 administrative expenditure of the institutions to EUR 6 865,6 million (or by EUR -27,5 million or -0,4 %), thus artificially increasing the sub-margin to EUR 485,4 million;

| 80. | Is surprised that once again this year the Council proposes linear cuts to the administrative expenditure for the institutions; reiterates that the budget of each Union institution, due to its specific mission and situation, should be treated individually, without ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions, taking into account the particular development stage, operational tasks, management goals, human resources needs and building policies of each institution; strongly disagrees with the Council's approach which horizontally inflates the vacancy rate by one percentage point, thus artificially increasing the margin; underlines that this increase, in addition to the posts already suppressed by the 1 % staff reduction, would force certain institutions, already impacted by the above mentioned staff reduction, to freeze recruitment to vacant posts, thus hampering their functioning; |
| --- | --- |

80.

Is surprised that once again this year the Council proposes linear cuts to the administrative expenditure for the institutions; reiterates that the budget of each Union institution, due to its specific mission and situation, should be treated individually, without ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions, taking into account the particular development stage, operational tasks, management goals, human resources needs and building policies of each institution; strongly disagrees with the Council's approach which horizontally inflates the vacancy rate by one percentage point, thus artificially increasing the margin; underlines that this increase, in addition to the posts already suppressed by the 1 % staff reduction, would force certain institutions, already impacted by the above mentioned staff reduction, to freeze recruitment to vacant posts, thus hampering their functioning;

| 81. | Notes that the DB includes the adjustments of 0,8 % for the 2011 and 2012 staff remunerations and pensions for all institutions and bodies and the freeze for 2013 and 2014; welcomes the fact that most of the institutions have already adjusted them in their estimates; |
| --- | --- |

81.

Notes that the DB includes the adjustments of 0,8 % for the 2011 and 2012 staff remunerations and pensions for all institutions and bodies and the freeze for 2013 and 2014; welcomes the fact that most of the institutions have already adjusted them in their estimates;

| 82. | Stresses that the three institutions, the Commission, the Council and the Parliament should, out of mutual respect, accept the two arms of the budgetary authority's budget estimates without further amending them; |
| --- | --- |

82.

Stresses that the three institutions, the Commission, the Council and the Parliament should, out of mutual respect, accept the two arms of the budgetary authority's budget estimates without further amending them;

| 83. | Maintains that the Parliament and the Council, while supporting all possible savings and gains of efficiency stemming from the constant re-evaluation of on-going and new tasks, should set a sufficient level of appropriations to ensure the smooth functioning of the institutions, respect for internal and external legal obligations and the provision of a highly professional public service to Union citizens; recalls that new tasks deriving from the Treaty of Lisbon had to be implemented without any additional means; |
| --- | --- |

83.

Maintains that the Parliament and the Council, while supporting all possible savings and gains of efficiency stemming from the constant re-evaluation of on-going and new tasks, should set a sufficient level of appropriations to ensure the smooth functioning of the institutions, respect for internal and external legal obligations and the provision of a highly professional public service to Union citizens; recalls that new tasks deriving from the Treaty of Lisbon had to be implemented without any additional means;

| 84. | Commends all other institutions on the savings and efficiency gains which they have already incorporated into their draft budgets; underlines that an accurate, efficient, transparent and accountable use of Union resources is one of the essential means of reinforcing the trust of the Union citizen; welcomes the efforts made by the institutions to continue to promote transparency, administrative efficiency, good financial management and prioritisation; considers that high transparency requirements should continue to be applied equally in all Union institutions; |
| --- | --- |

84.

Commends all other institutions on the savings and efficiency gains which they have already incorporated into their draft budgets; underlines that an accurate, efficient, transparent and accountable use of Union resources is one of the essential means of reinforcing the trust of the Union citizen; welcomes the efforts made by the institutions to continue to promote transparency, administrative efficiency, good financial management and prioritisation; considers that high transparency requirements should continue to be applied equally in all Union institutions;

| 85. | Reinstates the level of abatement rates, as initially requested by the Court of Justice, Court of Auditors, European Economic and Social Committee and the European External Action Service modified horizontally by the Council and restores the DB on the respective budget lines; |
| --- | --- |

85.

Reinstates the level of abatement rates, as initially requested by the Court of Justice, Court of Auditors, European Economic and Social Committee and the European External Action Service modified horizontally by the Council and restores the DB on the respective budget lines;

Section I — European Parliament

| 86. | Recalls that the Parliament's estimates for 2015 were set at EUR 1 794 929 112, corresponding to an overall rate of increase of 2,24 % over 2014; stresses, however, that 0,67 % of this increase is linked to the legally binding exceptional transitional allowance for the end of the Members' mandate and 0,4 % to the agreement on the adjustment of the remunerations and pensions for 2011-2012; underlines that the level of other expenditure therefore increased by only 1,18 % over 2014; |
| --- | --- |

86.

Recalls that the Parliament's estimates for 2015 were set at EUR 1 794 929 112, corresponding to an overall rate of increase of 2,24 % over 2014; stresses, however, that 0,67 % of this increase is linked to the legally binding exceptional transitional allowance for the end of the Members' mandate and 0,4 % to the agreement on the adjustment of the remunerations and pensions for 2011-2012; underlines that the level of other expenditure therefore increased by only 1,18 % over 2014;

| 87. | Stresses that the Parliament and the Council, in order to create long term savings in the Union budget, must address the need for a roadmap to a single seat, as stated by the Parliament in several previous resolutions; |
| --- | --- |

87.

Stresses that the Parliament and the Council, in order to create long term savings in the Union budget, must address the need for a roadmap to a single seat, as stated by the Parliament in several previous resolutions;

| 88. | Welcomes the revised note of the Secretary General of 17 September 2014, which proposes to translate into the budget the Bureau's recent decisions and technical adjustments; points out that these modifications have a budgetary neutral impact; approves these adjustments to its estimates; |
| --- | --- |

88.

Welcomes the revised note of the Secretary General of 17 September 2014, which proposes to translate into the budget the Bureau's recent decisions and technical adjustments; points out that these modifications have a budgetary neutral impact; approves these adjustments to its estimates;

| 89. | Reduces the establishment plan of the Parliament in order to comply with the staff reduction agreed in the framework of the reform of the Staff Regulations; |
| --- | --- |

89.

Reduces the establishment plan of the Parliament in order to comply with the staff reduction agreed in the framework of the reform of the Staff Regulations;

| 90. | Stresses that the activities of the political groups do not correspond to their administrative work; notes that political groups have frozen their staff resources since 2012 and that their needs were only partially covered in the preceding budgetary years; insists that the total level of staff in political groups in 2015 and the following years should not be lower than the current level; recalls that such a decision has already been taken by the Parliament in the previous legislature (10); |
| --- | --- |

90.

Stresses that the activities of the political groups do not correspond to their administrative work; notes that political groups have frozen their staff resources since 2012 and that their needs were only partially covered in the preceding budgetary years; insists that the total level of staff in political groups in 2015 and the following years should not be lower than the current level; recalls that such a decision has already been taken by the Parliament in the previous legislature (10);

| 91. | Takes note that the target cost of the KAD project is estimated at EUR 441,27 million in current prices (EUR 406,22 million in constant prices) and that, for 2015, the financial needs for KAD would correspond to EUR 128,91 million (or 29 % of the overall cost); underlines that, including budgetary resources already made available and not yet used, the remaining financial needs in 2015 are estimated at EUR 84,8 million; considers that this amount may be reduced considerably by a transfer at the year-end 2014 and that the remaining part should be financed by using loans; recalls that, due to construction of the KAD building, the total payments per year in the future will be much lower than the rental expense of comparable property; |
| --- | --- |

91.

Takes note that the target cost of the KAD project is estimated at EUR 441,27 million in current prices (EUR 406,22 million in constant prices) and that, for 2015, the financial needs for KAD would correspond to EUR 128,91 million (or 29 % of the overall cost); underlines that, including budgetary resources already made available and not yet used, the remaining financial needs in 2015 are estimated at EUR 84,8 million; considers that this amount may be reduced considerably by a transfer at the year-end 2014 and that the remaining part should be financed by using loans; recalls that, due to construction of the KAD building, the total payments per year in the future will be much lower than the rental expense of comparable property;

| 92. | Decides to increase the appropriations for funding of the European political foundations by EUR 3 million to ensure that political foundations can fully execute their activities, also in relation to the full range of political groups, as well as to intensify their research and advocacy activities in order to communicate and put forward ideas to advance the process of European integration; stresses that this increase will be budgetary neutral as it will be offset from the contingency reserve; sets therefore the overall level of its budget for 2015 at EUR 1 794 929 112; points out that this will correspond to a 0 % increase over the level of its estimates, adopted in the Plenary Session of 17 April 2014; |
| --- | --- |

92.

Decides to increase the appropriations for funding of the European political foundations by EUR 3 million to ensure that political foundations can fully execute their activities, also in relation to the full range of political groups, as well as to intensify their research and advocacy activities in order to communicate and put forward ideas to advance the process of European integration; stresses that this increase will be budgetary neutral as it will be offset from the contingency reserve; sets therefore the overall level of its budget for 2015 at EUR 1 794 929 112; points out that this will correspond to a 0 % increase over the level of its estimates, adopted in the Plenary Session of 17 April 2014;

| 93. | Welcomes the decision of the Joint Working Group to recommend to Members to use economy class flights for short journeys; asks the Secretary General to present an assessment of the outcome of this recommendation by the end of 2015 the latest; |
| --- | --- |

93.

Welcomes the decision of the Joint Working Group to recommend to Members to use economy class flights for short journeys; asks the Secretary General to present an assessment of the outcome of this recommendation by the end of 2015 the latest;

| 94. | Welcomes the outcome of the Joint Working Group on the evaluation of possible savings in relation to the expenditure on vehicles and drivers; expects that these savings will materialise in the next years' budgets; |
| --- | --- |

94.

Welcomes the outcome of the Joint Working Group on the evaluation of possible savings in relation to the expenditure on vehicles and drivers; expects that these savings will materialise in the next years' budgets;

Section IV — Court of Justice

| 95. | Underlines that, notwithstanding the unprecedented increase in caseload, the Commission decided to remove from the DB of the Court of Justice 12 new posts aimed at preventing any bottleneck and limiting as much as possible the risk of failure to deliver judgment within a reasonable time; stresses that by doing so the Commission has put in risk the productivity of the three Courts in the context of the continuous and unprecedented increase in new cases and thus created a severe risk for the budget; |
| --- | --- |

95.

Underlines that, notwithstanding the unprecedented increase in caseload, the Commission decided to remove from the DB of the Court of Justice 12 new posts aimed at preventing any bottleneck and limiting as much as possible the risk of failure to deliver judgment within a reasonable time; stresses that by doing so the Commission has put in risk the productivity of the three Courts in the context of the continuous and unprecedented increase in new cases and thus created a severe risk for the budget;

| 96. | Approves the creation of 12 new posts, as initially requested by the Court of Justice; increases accordingly the related budget lines and adjusts the establishment plan of the Court of Justice plan as presented in its budget estimates; |
| --- | --- |

96.

Approves the creation of 12 new posts, as initially requested by the Court of Justice; increases accordingly the related budget lines and adjusts the establishment plan of the Court of Justice plan as presented in its budget estimates;

| 97. | Readjusts the standard abatement rate to its initial level of 3 % in order to ensure that the Court of Justice can deal adequately with the ever-increasing workload and allow the full use of its establishment plan; emphasises that the decrease proposed by the Council is fully in contradiction with the 98 % staff occupancy (98 % — the highest possible figure if one considers the unavoidable effect of staff movement during the year) and with an outturn rate for remunerations of close to 99 % in 2013; |
| --- | --- |

97.

Readjusts the standard abatement rate to its initial level of 3 % in order to ensure that the Court of Justice can deal adequately with the ever-increasing workload and allow the full use of its establishment plan; emphasises that the decrease proposed by the Council is fully in contradiction with the 98 % staff occupancy (98 % — the highest possible figure if one considers the unavoidable effect of staff movement during the year) and with an outturn rate for remunerations of close to 99 % in 2013;

| 98. | Underlines that the General Court, in spite of its substantial efforts, can no longer handle the growing workload; stresses that this general upward trend is fully confirmed by the data observed so far in 2014 and will continue given, inter alia, the changes made by the Treaty of Lisbon (which will extend the jurisdiction of the Court from 1 December 2014 in the area of Freedom, Security and Justice), and the accession of Croatia; |
| --- | --- |

98.

Underlines that the General Court, in spite of its substantial efforts, can no longer handle the growing workload; stresses that this general upward trend is fully confirmed by the data observed so far in 2014 and will continue given, inter alia, the changes made by the Treaty of Lisbon (which will extend the jurisdiction of the Court from 1 December 2014 in the area of Freedom, Security and Justice), and the accession of Croatia;

| 99. | Stresses that, despite the substantial productivity initiatives taken so far, the number of pending cases, continues to grow (+25 % in 2013, + 6 % to the end of June 2014), while a risk of claims in respect of failure to deliver judgment within a reasonable time (in particular in cases filed in the General Court, where the level of caseload is now hardly bearable) has now materialised, with a first complaint filed on that ground in June 2014, with possible serious liabilities for the Union; underlines that delays in delivering judgments within a reasonable time in the General Court and in particular related to competition law, greatly undermine the functioning of the internal market and could lead to a considerable threat to the Union budget; |
| --- | --- |

99.

Stresses that, despite the substantial productivity initiatives taken so far, the number of pending cases, continues to grow (+25 % in 2013, + 6 % to the end of June 2014), while a risk of claims in respect of failure to deliver judgment within a reasonable time (in particular in cases filed in the General Court, where the level of caseload is now hardly bearable) has now materialised, with a first complaint filed on that ground in June 2014, with possible serious liabilities for the Union; underlines that delays in delivering judgments within a reasonable time in the General Court and in particular related to competition law, greatly undermine the functioning of the internal market and could lead to a considerable threat to the Union budget;

| 100. | Recalls the agreement in principle between the Parliament and the Council according to which the number of judges must be increased; emphasises that in these circumstances it is urgent to find agreement as soon as possible on the nomination of the additional judges to the Court; puts EUR 2 million in reserve for the appointment of nine new judges and calls on the Court to present to the Council and the Parliament an updated evaluation of the additional financial needs for new judges and staff; expects that agreement in the Council will be reached as soon as possible and that the legislative procedure will be finalised by 1 October 2015; insists that the need for additional staff corresponding to the nomination of nine judges should be evaluated in a prudent way; |
| --- | --- |

100.

Recalls the agreement in principle between the Parliament and the Council according to which the number of judges must be increased; emphasises that in these circumstances it is urgent to find agreement as soon as possible on the nomination of the additional judges to the Court; puts EUR 2 million in reserve for the appointment of nine new judges and calls on the Court to present to the Council and the Parliament an updated evaluation of the additional financial needs for new judges and staff; expects that agreement in the Council will be reached as soon as possible and that the legislative procedure will be finalised by 1 October 2015; insists that the need for additional staff corresponding to the nomination of nine judges should be evaluated in a prudent way;

Section V — Court of Auditors

| 101. | Readjusts the standard abatement rate to its initial level of 2,1 % in order to allow the Court of Auditors to meet its needs in respect of the establishment plan; |
| --- | --- |

101.

Readjusts the standard abatement rate to its initial level of 2,1 % in order to allow the Court of Auditors to meet its needs in respect of the establishment plan;

| 102. | Restores the DB for the budget lines related to the remuneration of other staff, in order to ensure that the Court of Auditors can fulfil its legal obligations towards its staff; |
| --- | --- |

102.

Restores the DB for the budget lines related to the remuneration of other staff, in order to ensure that the Court of Auditors can fulfil its legal obligations towards its staff;

Section VI — European Economic and Social Committee and Section VII — Committee of the Regions and the implementation of the cooperation agreement with the European Parliament

| 103. | Recalls that, in accordance with the cooperation agreement of 5 February 2014, up to 80 posts would be transferred from the two Committees to the Parliament and that a reinforcement of appropriations for the increase of their political activities and additional needs for the externalisation of translation has been agreed; |
| --- | --- |

103.

Recalls that, in accordance with the cooperation agreement of 5 February 2014, up to 80 posts would be transferred from the two Committees to the Parliament and that a reinforcement of appropriations for the increase of their political activities and additional needs for the externalisation of translation has been agreed;

| 104. | Acknowledges that a minimum of 60 posts are expected to be transferred to the Parliament and that this transfer will be implemented in two phases, the first phase from 1 October 2014 and the second phase later in 2015; includes in the budget the adjustments related to the transfer of 42 posts (30 posts from the EESC and 12 from the CoR) corresponding to the implementation of the 1st phase, and places the half of appropriations corresponding to the transfer of the expected additional posts (a minimum 6 from the EESC and a minimum of 12 from the CoR) in the reserve, to be released once the final decision on the remaining transfer is taken; expects that the final transfer will be completed by July 2015; |
| --- | --- |

104.

Acknowledges that a minimum of 60 posts are expected to be transferred to the Parliament and that this transfer will be implemented in two phases, the first phase from 1 October 2014 and the second phase later in 2015; includes in the budget the adjustments related to the transfer of 42 posts (30 posts from the EESC and 12 from the CoR) corresponding to the implementation of the 1st phase, and places the half of appropriations corresponding to the transfer of the expected additional posts (a minimum 6 from the EESC and a minimum of 12 from the CoR) in the reserve, to be released once the final decision on the remaining transfer is taken; expects that the final transfer will be completed by July 2015;

| 105. | Welcomes the on-going cooperation between the two Committees in administrative matters and encourages them to further strengthen this cooperation, as further common goals and savings can be achieved; invites the EESC and the CoR to explore how their structural and organisational reforms could be pursued in a coordinated manner by deepening their bilateral cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

105.

Welcomes the on-going cooperation between the two Committees in administrative matters and encourages them to further strengthen this cooperation, as further common goals and savings can be achieved; invites the EESC and the CoR to explore how their structural and organisational reforms could be pursued in a coordinated manner by deepening their bilateral cooperation;

Section VI — European Economic and Social Committee

| 106. | Readjusts the standard abatement rate at its initial level of 4,5 % to allow the European Economic and Social Committee to cope with the continued reduction of staff; |
| --- | --- |

106.

Readjusts the standard abatement rate at its initial level of 4,5 % to allow the European Economic and Social Committee to cope with the continued reduction of staff;

Section VII — Committee of the Regions

| 107. | Underlines that for the Committee of the Regions (CoR) the 2015 budget will be marked by an increase in its political activities, since the new (6th) CoR political mandate will start in February 2015 and will be the first year where the full effect of the instalment of the 5th political group in the CoR (ECR group) is included in the budget; |
| --- | --- |

107.

Underlines that for the Committee of the Regions (CoR) the 2015 budget will be marked by an increase in its political activities, since the new (6th) CoR political mandate will start in February 2015 and will be the first year where the full effect of the instalment of the 5th political group in the CoR (ECR group) is included in the budget;

| 108. | Strongly disagrees with the Commission's cuts of the expenditure linked to the political activities of the CoR and associated expenditure or to the information and communication activities; increases, in the light of the start of the new CoR mandate, the concerned budget lines; |
| --- | --- |

108.

Strongly disagrees with the Commission's cuts of the expenditure linked to the political activities of the CoR and associated expenditure or to the information and communication activities; increases, in the light of the start of the new CoR mandate, the concerned budget lines;

Section VIII — European Ombudsman

| 109. | Notes that the Council has decreased the draft budget of the Ombudsman by 1,7 %; underlines that this reduction will impose a major burden on the very limited budget of the Ombudsman and will have a major impact on the implementation of the new Ombudsman strategy and the institution's capacity to serve European citizens efficiently and effectively; restores therefore all the budget lines cut by the Council in order to enable the Ombudsman to fulfil his/her mandate and commitments; |
| --- | --- |

109.

Notes that the Council has decreased the draft budget of the Ombudsman by 1,7 %; underlines that this reduction will impose a major burden on the very limited budget of the Ombudsman and will have a major impact on the implementation of the new Ombudsman strategy and the institution's capacity to serve European citizens efficiently and effectively; restores therefore all the budget lines cut by the Council in order to enable the Ombudsman to fulfil his/her mandate and commitments;

Section IX — European Data Protection Supervisor

| 110. | Recalls that without taking into consideration the unavoidable legal obligations such as expenditure relating to the end of mandate of the EDPS Members or salary adjustments, the main increase over the 2014 budget is linked to the creation of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) task-force as well as the new specific activities identified for the 2014-2020 period; |
| --- | --- |

110.

Recalls that without taking into consideration the unavoidable legal obligations such as expenditure relating to the end of mandate of the EDPS Members or salary adjustments, the main increase over the 2014 budget is linked to the creation of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) task-force as well as the new specific activities identified for the 2014-2020 period;

| 111. | Restores the DB for the budget lines related to the new EDPS mandate, the creation of the EDPB task-force and those ensuring the proper functioning of the institution, notably in light of its new 2014-2020 strategy; underlines that horizontal cuts of expenditure may be extremely detrimental and counterproductive, especially for such a small institution; |
| --- | --- |

111.

Restores the DB for the budget lines related to the new EDPS mandate, the creation of the EDPB task-force and those ensuring the proper functioning of the institution, notably in light of its new 2014-2020 strategy; underlines that horizontal cuts of expenditure may be extremely detrimental and counterproductive, especially for such a small institution;

Section X — European External Action Service

| 112. | Reminds the Council that the Member States agreed to the creation of the EEAS and that it needs sufficient resources to execute its activities; invites the Member States to further explore synergies between national embassies and the EEAS such as the use of common building infrastructure, security and cooperation in administrative matters; |
| --- | --- |

112.

Reminds the Council that the Member States agreed to the creation of the EEAS and that it needs sufficient resources to execute its activities; invites the Member States to further explore synergies between national embassies and the EEAS such as the use of common building infrastructure, security and cooperation in administrative matters;

| 113. | Readjusts the standard abatement rates to their initial level of 5,3 % for the EEAS Headquarters (HQ), 2,7 % for the delegations and 27 % for the military SNEs and restores the appropriations as requested in the DB; stresses that such an increase of the abatement rates will imply a reduction in staff beyond the mandatory 1 % cut in the establishment plan and will, respectively, hamper its functioning and impede its development as a new body with growing tasks; |
| --- | --- |

113.

Readjusts the standard abatement rates to their initial level of 5,3 % for the EEAS Headquarters (HQ), 2,7 % for the delegations and 27 % for the military SNEs and restores the appropriations as requested in the DB; stresses that such an increase of the abatement rates will imply a reduction in staff beyond the mandatory 1 % cut in the establishment plan and will, respectively, hamper its functioning and impede its development as a new body with growing tasks;

| 114. | Restores the DB on all budget lines cut by the Council, notably those relating to the appropriations for security of the EEAS communications in order to allow the High Representative and its senior staff to participate efficiently in highly sensitive negotiations; |
| --- | --- |

114.

Restores the DB on all budget lines cut by the Council, notably those relating to the appropriations for security of the EEAS communications in order to allow the High Representative and its senior staff to participate efficiently in highly sensitive negotiations;

| 115. | Urges that the EEAS communications systems are protected against intrusions and that the communication systems between the EEAS and the Member States on the one hand, and headquarters and delegations on the other hand, are safe and modern; |
| --- | --- |

115.

Urges that the EEAS communications systems are protected against intrusions and that the communication systems between the EEAS and the Member States on the one hand, and headquarters and delegations on the other hand, are safe and modern;

| 116. | Supports the proposal of the High Representative to include in the EEAS budget the appropriations needed to open a new delegation in the Gulf area, where the Union is under-represented (11); increases therefore the concerned budget lines, as requested by the EEAS in its estimates; |
| --- | --- |

116.

Supports the proposal of the High Representative to include in the EEAS budget the appropriations needed to open a new delegation in the Gulf area, where the Union is under-represented (11); increases therefore the concerned budget lines, as requested by the EEAS in its estimates;

| 117. | Transfers from Section III (Commission) to Section X (EEAS) of the budget the appropriation of ‘common administrative costs’ for the Commission staff in delegations; underlines that this transfer is budgetary neutral and has no other impact on the administrative appropriations of the Commission nor on the working conditions of Commission staff in delegations and will respond to the simplification in the management of the administrative expenditure of the EU delegations requested by the EEAS, the Council and raised in a recent Court of Auditors report; insists that the transfer shall be implemented in good cooperation between the EEAS and Commission; calls on the Council to respect the budgetary neutrality of this agreement; |
| --- | --- |

117.

Transfers from Section III (Commission) to Section X (EEAS) of the budget the appropriation of ‘common administrative costs’ for the Commission staff in delegations; underlines that this transfer is budgetary neutral and has no other impact on the administrative appropriations of the Commission nor on the working conditions of Commission staff in delegations and will respond to the simplification in the management of the administrative expenditure of the EU delegations requested by the EEAS, the Council and raised in a recent Court of Auditors report; insists that the transfer shall be implemented in good cooperation between the EEAS and Commission; calls on the Council to respect the budgetary neutrality of this agreement;

o

o o

| 118. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the other institutions and bodies concerned and the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

118.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the other institutions and bodies concerned and the national parliaments.

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(1)  OJ L 163, 23.6.2007, p. 17.

(2)  OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 884.

(4)  OJ C 373, 20.12.2013, p. 1.

(5)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0247.

(6)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0450.

(7)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0358.

(8)  http://ec.europa.eu/about/juncker-commission/docs/pg_en.pdf

(9)  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 2 July 2014: Towards a circular economy: A zero waste programme for Europe (COM(2014)0398).

(10)  European Parliament resolution of 23 October 2013 on the Council position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2014 (P7_TA(2013)0437).

(11)  European Parliament resolution of 3 April 2014 on the EU strategy towards Iran, Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0339.

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| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/65 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/65

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P8_TA(2014)0037

Protocol to the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Korea, of the other part, to take account of the accession of Croatia to the European Union ***

European Parliament legislative resolution of 22 October 2014 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, of the Additional Protocol to the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Korea, of the other part, to take account of the accession of Croatia to the European Union (06035/2014 — C7-0113/2014 — 2014/0019(NLE))

(Consent)

(2016/C 274/13)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Council decision (06035/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Council decision (06035/2014),

| — | having regard to the draft Additional Protocol to the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Korea, of the other part, to take account of the accession of Croatia to the European Union (06037/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Additional Protocol to the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Korea, of the other part, to take account of the accession of Croatia to the European Union (06037/2014),

| — | having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Articles 91, 100(2), 167(3), 207 and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C7-0113/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Articles 91, 100(2), 167(3), 207 and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C7-0113/2014),

| — | having regard to Rule 99(1), first and third subparagraphs, Rule 99(2), and Rule 108(7) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 99(1), first and third subparagraphs, Rule 99(2), and Rule 108(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade (A8-0012/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade (A8-0012/2014),

| 1. | Gives its consent to the conclusion of the Additional Protocol; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Gives its consent to the conclusion of the Additional Protocol;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Korea. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Korea.

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Thursday 23 October 2014

| 27.7.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 274/66 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.7.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 274/66

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P8_TA(2014)0042

Customs duties on goods originating in Ukraine ***I

European Parliament legislative resolution of 23 October 2014 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 374/2014 on the reduction or elimination of customs duties on goods originating in Ukraine (COM(2014)0597 — C8-0165/2014 — 2014/0279(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

(2016/C 274/14)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2014)0597), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2014)0597),

| — | having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 207(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8-0165/2014]), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 207(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8-0165/2014]),

| — | 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 undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 16 October 2014 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 16 October 2014 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade (A8-0021/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade (A8-0021/2014),

| 1. | Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

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P8_TC1-COD(2014)0279

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 23 October 2014 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) No .../2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 374/2014 on the reduction or elimination of customs duties on goods originating in Ukraine

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EU) No 1150/2014.)

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