# Official Journal C 316/22 S

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 316 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6022 September 2017 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 316

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6022 September 2017

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | |
| | EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
  2015-2016 SESSIONSittings of 7 to 10 September 2015
  The Minutes of this session have been published in
  OJ C 387, 20.10.2016 .TEXTS ADOPTEDSittings of 16 to 17 September 2015
  The Minutes of this session have been published in
  OJ C 397, 27.10.2016 .TEXTS ADOPTED | 1 |

Notice No

Contents

page

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
  2015-2016 SESSIONSittings of 7 to 10 September 2015
  The Minutes of this session have been published in
  OJ C 387, 20.10.2016 .TEXTS ADOPTEDSittings of 16 to 17 September 2015
  The Minutes of this session have been published in
  OJ C 397, 27.10.2016 .TEXTS ADOPTED

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

The Minutes of this session have been published in

OJ C 387, 20.10.2016

The Minutes of this session have been published in

OJ C 397, 27.10.2016

1

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| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| --- | --- |
| | RESOLUTIONS |
| | European Parliament |
| | Tuesday 8 September 2015 |
| 2017/C 316/01 | European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2013-2014) (2014/2254(INI)) | 2 |
| 2017/C 316/02 | European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on procedures and practices regarding Commissioner hearings, lessons to be taken from the 2014 process (2015/2040(INI)) | 37 |
| 2017/C 316/03 | European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on Human rights and technology: the impact of intrusion and surveillance systems on human rights in third countries (2014/2232(INI)) | 40 |
| 2017/C 316/04 | European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on protecting the European Union’s financial interests: towards performance-based controls of the Common Agricultural Policy (2014/2234(INI)) | 51 |
| 2017/C 316/05 | European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on family businesses in Europe (2014/2210(INI)) | 57 |
| 2017/C 316/06 | European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on untapping the potential of research and innovation in the blue economy to create jobs and growth (2014/2240(INI)) | 64 |
| 2017/C 316/07 | European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on promoting youth entrepreneurship through education and training (2015/2006(INI)) | 76 |
| 2017/C 316/08 | European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe (2014/2149(INI)) | 88 |
| 2017/C 316/09 | European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on the follow-up to the European Citizens’ Initiative Right2Water (2014/2239(INI)) | 99 |
| | Wednesday 9 September 2015 |
| 2017/C 316/10 | European Parliament non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea Bissau (11667/2012 — C8-0278/2014 — 2012/0134(NLE) — 2015/2119(INI)) | 114 |
| 2017/C 316/11 | European Parliament non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde (15848/2014 — C8-0003/2015 — 2014/0329(NLE) — 2015/2100(INI)) | 118 |
| 2017/C 316/12 | European Parliament non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (06040/2015 — C8-0077/2015 — 2015/0029(NLE) — 2015/2067(INI)) | 120 |
| 2017/C 316/13 | European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on the urban dimension of EU policies (2014/2213(INI)) | 124 |
| 2017/C 316/14 | European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on Investment for jobs and growth: promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion in the Union (2014/2245(INI)) | 132 |
| 2017/C 316/15 | European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on the Report on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (2014/2255(INI)) | 145 |
| 2017/C 316/16 | European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on the implementation of the 2011 White Paper on Transport: taking stock and the way forward towards sustainable mobility (2015/2005(INI)) | 155 |
| 2017/C 316/17 | European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on women’s careers in science and universities, and glass ceilings encountered (2014/2251(INI)) | 173 |
| 2017/C 316/18 | European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on empowering girls through education in the EU (2014/2250(INI)) | 182 |
| 2017/C 316/19 | European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on EEA-Switzerland: Obstacles with regard to the full implementation of the internal market (2015/2061(INI)) | 192 |
| | Thursday 10 September 2015 |
| 2017/C 316/20 | European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on Russia, in particular the cases of Eston Kohver, Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko (2015/2838(RSP)) | 198 |
| 2017/C 316/21 | European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on Angola (2015/2839(RSP)) | 202 |
| 2017/C 316/22 | European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on Azerbaijan (2015/2840(RSP)) | 207 |
| 2017/C 316/23 | European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on migration and refugees in Europe (2015/2833(RSP)) | 212 |
| 2017/C 316/24 | European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on the EU’s role in the Middle East peace process (2015/2685(RSP)) | 217 |
| 2017/C 316/25 | European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on the situation in Belarus (2015/2834(RSP)) | 221 |
| 2017/C 316/26 | European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation in combating unemployment (2014/2236(INI)) | 224 |
| 2017/C 316/27 | European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on creating a competitive EU labour market for the 21st century: matching skills and qualifications with demand and job opportunities, as a way to recover from the crisis (2014/2235(INI)) | 233 |
| 2017/C 316/28 | European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on the 30th and 31st annual reports on monitoring the application of EU Law (2012-2013) (2014/2253(INI)) | 246 |
| | Wednesday 16 September 2015 |
| 2017/C 316/29 | European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2015 on the Commission Work Programme 2016 (2015/2729(RSP)) | 254 |

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

European Parliament

Tuesday 8 September 2015

2017/C 316/01

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2013-2014) (2014/2254(INI))

2

2017/C 316/02

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on procedures and practices regarding Commissioner hearings, lessons to be taken from the 2014 process (2015/2040(INI))

37

2017/C 316/03

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on Human rights and technology: the impact of intrusion and surveillance systems on human rights in third countries (2014/2232(INI))

40

2017/C 316/04

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on protecting the European Union’s financial interests: towards performance-based controls of the Common Agricultural Policy (2014/2234(INI))

51

2017/C 316/05

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on family businesses in Europe (2014/2210(INI))

57

2017/C 316/06

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on untapping the potential of research and innovation in the blue economy to create jobs and growth (2014/2240(INI))

64

2017/C 316/07

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on promoting youth entrepreneurship through education and training (2015/2006(INI))

76

2017/C 316/08

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe (2014/2149(INI))

88

2017/C 316/09

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on the follow-up to the European Citizens’ Initiative Right2Water (2014/2239(INI))

99

Wednesday 9 September 2015

2017/C 316/10

European Parliament non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea Bissau (11667/2012 — C8-0278/2014 — 2012/0134(NLE) — 2015/2119(INI))

114

2017/C 316/11

European Parliament non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde (15848/2014 — C8-0003/2015 — 2014/0329(NLE) — 2015/2100(INI))

118

2017/C 316/12

European Parliament non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (06040/2015 — C8-0077/2015 — 2015/0029(NLE) — 2015/2067(INI))

120

2017/C 316/13

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on the urban dimension of EU policies (2014/2213(INI))

124

2017/C 316/14

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on Investment for jobs and growth: promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion in the Union (2014/2245(INI))

132

2017/C 316/15

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on the Report on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (2014/2255(INI))

145

2017/C 316/16

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on the implementation of the 2011 White Paper on Transport: taking stock and the way forward towards sustainable mobility (2015/2005(INI))

155

2017/C 316/17

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on women’s careers in science and universities, and glass ceilings encountered (2014/2251(INI))

173

2017/C 316/18

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on empowering girls through education in the EU (2014/2250(INI))

182

2017/C 316/19

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on EEA-Switzerland: Obstacles with regard to the full implementation of the internal market (2015/2061(INI))

192

Thursday 10 September 2015

2017/C 316/20

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on Russia, in particular the cases of Eston Kohver, Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko (2015/2838(RSP))

198

2017/C 316/21

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on Angola (2015/2839(RSP))

202

2017/C 316/22

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on Azerbaijan (2015/2840(RSP))

207

2017/C 316/23

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on migration and refugees in Europe (2015/2833(RSP))

212

2017/C 316/24

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on the EU’s role in the Middle East peace process (2015/2685(RSP))

217

2017/C 316/25

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on the situation in Belarus (2015/2834(RSP))

221

2017/C 316/26

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation in combating unemployment (2014/2236(INI))

224

2017/C 316/27

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on creating a competitive EU labour market for the 21st century: matching skills and qualifications with demand and job opportunities, as a way to recover from the crisis (2014/2235(INI))

233

2017/C 316/28

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on the 30th and 31st annual reports on monitoring the application of EU Law (2012-2013) (2014/2253(INI))

246

Wednesday 16 September 2015

2017/C 316/29

European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2015 on the Commission Work Programme 2016 (2015/2729(RSP))

254

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| | II   Information |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | European Parliament |
| | Tuesday 8 September 2015 |
| 2017/C 316/30 | European Parliament decision of 8 September 2015 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Janusz Korwin-Mikke (2015/2102(IMM)) | 270 |
| | Wednesday 9 September 2015 |
| 2017/C 316/31 | European Parliament decision of 9 September 2015 concerning the questions for written answer (interpretation of Rule 130(3) of the Rules of Procedure) (2015/2152(REG)) | 272 |
| 2017/C 316/32 | European Parliament decision of 9 September 2015 concerning the suspension or closure of a sitting (interpretation of Rule 191 of the Rules of Procedure) (2015/2153(REG)) | 273 |
| 2017/C 316/33 | European Parliament decision of 9 September 2015 on the denomination of an interparliamentary delegation (2015/2842(RSO)) | 274 |

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Parliament

Tuesday 8 September 2015

2017/C 316/30

European Parliament decision of 8 September 2015 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Janusz Korwin-Mikke (2015/2102(IMM))

270

Wednesday 9 September 2015

2017/C 316/31

European Parliament decision of 9 September 2015 concerning the questions for written answer (interpretation of Rule 130(3) of the Rules of Procedure) (2015/2152(REG))

272

2017/C 316/32

European Parliament decision of 9 September 2015 concerning the suspension or closure of a sitting (interpretation of Rule 191 of the Rules of Procedure) (2015/2153(REG))

273

2017/C 316/33

European Parliament decision of 9 September 2015 on the denomination of an interparliamentary delegation (2015/2842(RSO))

274

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| | III   Preparatory acts |
| --- | --- |
| | EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT |
| | Tuesday 8 September 2015 |
| 2017/C 316/34 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 8 September 2015 on the draft Council decision authorising Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, of the International Labour Organisation with regard to matters related to social policy (06732/2015 — C8-0079/2015 — 2014/0259(NLE)) | 275 |
| 2017/C 316/35 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 8 September 2015 on the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) No 515/97 on mutual assistance between the administrative authorities of the Member States and cooperation between the latter and the Commission to ensure the correct application of the law on customs and agricultural matters (08257/3/2015 — C8-0159/2015 — 2013/0410(COD)) | 276 |
| 2017/C 316/36 | P8_TA(2015)0284Trade in seal products ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 8 September 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009 on trade in seal products (COM(2015)0045 — C8-0037/2015 — 2015/0028(COD))P8_TC1-COD(2015)0028Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 8 September 2015 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009 on trade in seal products and repealing Commission Regulation (EU) No 737/2010 | 277 |
| 2017/C 316/37 | P8_TA(2015)0285Cloning of animals kept and reproduced for farming purposes ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 8 September 2015 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the cloning of animals of the bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine species kept and reproduced for farming purposes (COM(2013)0892 — C7-0002/2014 — 2013/0433(COD))P8_TC1-COD(2013)0433Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 8 September 2015 with a view to the adoption of Directive
  Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council on the cloning of animals of the bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine species kept and reproduced for farming purposes [Am. 1. The first part of this amendment, namely the change from Directive to Regulation, applies throughout the text] | 278 |
| | Wednesday 9 September 2015 |
| 2017/C 316/38 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (11667/2012 — C8-0278/2014 — 2012/0134(NLE)) | 287 |
| 2017/C 316/39 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (15848/2014 — C8-0003/2015 — 2014/0329(NLE)) | 288 |
| 2017/C 316/40 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Madagascar and the European Community (15225/2014 — C8–0002/2015 — 2014/0319(NLE)) | 289 |
| 2017/C 316/41 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (06040/2015 — C8-0077/2015 — 2015/0029(NLE)) | 290 |
| 2017/C 316/42 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision authorising the Kingdom of Belgium and the Republic of Poland, respectively, to ratify, and the Republic of Austria to accede to the Budapest Convention on the Contract for the Carriage of Goods by Inland Waterways (CMNI) (08223/2015 — C8-0173/2015 — 2014/0345(NLE)) | 291 |
| 2017/C 316/43 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the proposal for a Council decision establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece (COM(2015)0286 — C8-0156/2015 — 2015/0125(NLE)) | 292 |
| | Thursday 17 September 2015 |
| 2017/C 316/44 | European Parliament legislative resolution of 17 September 2015 on the proposal for a Council decision establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy, Greece and Hungary (COM(2015)0451 — C8-0271/2015 — 2015/0209(NLE)) | 314 |

III   Preparatory acts

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Tuesday 8 September 2015

2017/C 316/34

European Parliament legislative resolution of 8 September 2015 on the draft Council decision authorising Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, of the International Labour Organisation with regard to matters related to social policy (06732/2015 — C8-0079/2015 — 2014/0259(NLE))

275

2017/C 316/35

European Parliament legislative resolution of 8 September 2015 on the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) No 515/97 on mutual assistance between the administrative authorities of the Member States and cooperation between the latter and the Commission to ensure the correct application of the law on customs and agricultural matters (08257/3/2015 — C8-0159/2015 — 2013/0410(COD))

276

2017/C 316/36

P8_TA(2015)0284Trade in seal products ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 8 September 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009 on trade in seal products (COM(2015)0045 — C8-0037/2015 — 2015/0028(COD))P8_TC1-COD(2015)0028Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 8 September 2015 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009 on trade in seal products and repealing Commission Regulation (EU) No 737/2010

277

2017/C 316/37

P8_TA(2015)0285Cloning of animals kept and reproduced for farming purposes ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 8 September 2015 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the cloning of animals of the bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine species kept and reproduced for farming purposes (COM(2013)0892 — C7-0002/2014 — 2013/0433(COD))P8_TC1-COD(2013)0433Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 8 September 2015 with a view to the adoption of Directive
  Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council on the cloning of animals of the bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine species kept and reproduced for farming purposes [Am. 1. The first part of this amendment, namely the change from Directive to Regulation, applies throughout the text]

Directive

Regulation

of the bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine species

278

Wednesday 9 September 2015

2017/C 316/38

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (11667/2012 — C8-0278/2014 — 2012/0134(NLE))

287

2017/C 316/39

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (15848/2014 — C8-0003/2015 — 2014/0329(NLE))

288

2017/C 316/40

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Madagascar and the European Community (15225/2014 — C8–0002/2015 — 2014/0319(NLE))

289

2017/C 316/41

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (06040/2015 — C8-0077/2015 — 2015/0029(NLE))

290

2017/C 316/42

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision authorising the Kingdom of Belgium and the Republic of Poland, respectively, to ratify, and the Republic of Austria to accede to the Budapest Convention on the Contract for the Carriage of Goods by Inland Waterways (CMNI) (08223/2015 — C8-0173/2015 — 2014/0345(NLE))

291

2017/C 316/43

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the proposal for a Council decision establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece (COM(2015)0286 — C8-0156/2015 — 2015/0125(NLE))

292

Thursday 17 September 2015

2017/C 316/44

European Parliament legislative resolution of 17 September 2015 on the proposal for a Council decision establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy, Greece and Hungary (COM(2015)0451 — C8-0271/2015 — 2015/0209(NLE))

314

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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 | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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22.9.2017

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/1

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EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

2015-2016 SESSION

Sittings of 7 to 10 September 2015

The Minutes of this session have been published in

  OJ C 387, 20.10.2016
  .

TEXTS ADOPTED

Sittings of 16 to 17 September 2015

The Minutes of this session have been published in

  OJ C 397, 27.10.2016
  .

TEXTS ADOPTED

---

I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

European Parliament

Tuesday 8 September 2015

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/2

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P8_TA(2015)0286

Situation of fundamental rights in the EU (2013-2014)

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2013-2014) (2014/2254(INI))

(2017/C 316/01)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the preamble of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular its second and its fourth to seventh indents, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the preamble of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular its second and its fourth to seventh indents,

| — | having regard, inter alia, to Article 2, the second indent of Article 3(3), and Articles 6, 7 and 9 TEU, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard, inter alia, to Article 2, the second indent of Article 3(3), and Articles 6, 7 and 9 TEU,

| — | having regard to Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in particular paragraph 7 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in particular paragraph 7 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union of 7 December 2000 (‘the Charter’), which was proclaimed on 12 December 2007 in Strasbourg and entered into force with the Treaty of Lisbon in December 2009, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union of 7 December 2000 (‘the Charter’), which was proclaimed on 12 December 2007 in Strasbourg and entered into force with the Treaty of Lisbon in December 2009,

| — | having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948,

| — | having regard to the UN treaties on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the jurisprudence of the UN treaty bodies, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN treaties on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the jurisprudence of the UN treaty bodies,

| — | having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted in New York on 13 December 2006 and ratified by the EU on 23 December 2010, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted in New York on 13 December 2006 and ratified by the EU on 23 December 2010,

| — | having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in New York on 20 November 1989, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in New York on 20 November 1989,

| — | having regard to the following General Comments of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: No 7 (2005) on implementing child rights in early childhood, No 9 (2006) on the rights of children with disabilities, No 10 (2007) on children’s rights in juvenile justice, No 12 (2009) on the right of the child to be heard, No 13 (2011) on the right of the child to freedom from all forms of violence and No 14 (2013) on the right of the child to have his or her best interests taken as a primary consideration, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the following General Comments of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: No 7 (2005) on implementing child rights in early childhood, No 9 (2006) on the rights of children with disabilities, No 10 (2007) on children’s rights in juvenile justice, No 12 (2009) on the right of the child to be heard, No 13 (2011) on the right of the child to freedom from all forms of violence and No 14 (2013) on the right of the child to have his or her best interests taken as a primary consideration,

| — | having regard to the 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and to the Beijing Platform for Action, to its resolutions of 25 February 2014 with recommendations to the Commission on combating violence against women (1) and of 6 February 2014 on the Commission communication entitled ‘Towards the elimination of female genital mutilation’ (2), and to the Council conclusions of 5 June 2014 on preventing and combating all forms of violence against women and girls, including female genital mutilation, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and to the Beijing Platform for Action, to its resolutions of 25 February 2014 with recommendations to the Commission on combating violence against women (1) and of 6 February 2014 on the Commission communication entitled ‘Towards the elimination of female genital mutilation’ (2), and to the Council conclusions of 5 June 2014 on preventing and combating all forms of violence against women and girls, including female genital mutilation,

| — | having regard to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, the conventions, recommendations, resolutions and reports of the Parliamentary Assembly, the Committee of Ministers, the Commissioner for Human Rights and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, the conventions, recommendations, resolutions and reports of the Parliamentary Assembly, the Committee of Ministers, the Commissioner for Human Rights and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe,

| — | having regard to the report by Cephas Lumina, Independent Expert of the Human Rights Council on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights (Addendum, Mission to Greece, UN A/HRC/25/50/Add.1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report by Cephas Lumina, Independent Expert of the Human Rights Council on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of all human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights (Addendum, Mission to Greece, UN A/HRC/25/50/Add.1),

| — | having regard to the report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, published in April 2013, entitled ‘Management of the external borders of the European Union and its impact on the human rights of migrants’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, published in April 2013, entitled ‘Management of the external borders of the European Union and its impact on the human rights of migrants’,

| — | having regard to the UN Human Rights Council resolution of 26 June 2014 calling for the establishment of an open-ended intergovernmental working group with the aim of drawing up ‘an international legally binding instrument on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Human Rights Council resolution of 26 June 2014 calling for the establishment of an open-ended intergovernmental working group with the aim of drawing up ‘an international legally binding instrument on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights’,

| — | having regard to the strategic guidelines for establishing an area of freedom, security and justice adopted by the Council of Europe on 27 June 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the strategic guidelines for establishing an area of freedom, security and justice adopted by the Council of Europe on 27 June 2014,

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

—

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

| — | having regard to the European Social Charter, as revised in 1996, and the case law of the European Committee of Social Rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Social Charter, as revised in 1996, and the case law of the European Committee of Social Rights,

| — | having regard to the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages,

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (3),

| — | having regard to the Council recommendation of 9 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council recommendation of 9 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States (4),

| — | having regard to the package of directives on Procedural Defence Rights in the EU (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the package of directives on Procedural Defence Rights in the EU (5),

| — | having regard to Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law (6),

| — | having regard to the Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy and its accompanying Action Plan, adopted by the Council on 25 June 2012, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy and its accompanying Action Plan, adopted by the Council on 25 June 2012,

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (7),

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the Council of the European Union and the Member States meeting within the Council on ensuring respect for the rule of law, adopted on 16 December 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the Council of the European Union and the Member States meeting within the Council on ensuring respect for the rule of law, adopted on 16 December 2014,

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

—

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

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services (9),

| — | having regard to Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting its victims, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/629/JHA (10),

| — | having regard to Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (11),

| — | having regard to Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2011/93/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (12),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (13), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (13),

| — | having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (COM(2008)0229), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (COM(2008)0229),

| — | having regard to the decisions and case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), and the case law of national constitutional courts, which use the Charter as a reference for interpreting national law, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the decisions and case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), and the case law of national constitutional courts, which use the Charter as a reference for interpreting national law,

| — | having regard to the political guidelines for the new European Commission presented by President Juncker to Parliament on 15 July 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the political guidelines for the new European Commission presented by President Juncker to Parliament on 15 July 2014,

| — | having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation) (COM(2012)0011), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation) (COM(2012)0011),

| — | having regard to the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, and the free movement of such data (COM(2012)0010), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, and the free movement of such data (COM(2012)0010),

| — | having regard to the EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2016 (COM(2012)0286), in particular the provisions on financing the development of guidelines on child protection systems and on the exchange of best practices, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2016 (COM(2012)0286), in particular the provisions on financing the development of guidelines on child protection systems and on the exchange of best practices,

| — | having regard to Commission Recommendation 2013/112/EU of 20 February 2013 entitled ‘Investing in children: breaking the cycle of disadvantage’ (14), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Commission Recommendation 2013/112/EU of 20 February 2013 entitled ‘Investing in children: breaking the cycle of disadvantage’ (14),

| — | having regard to the Guidelines to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons, adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 24 June 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Guidelines to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons, adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 24 June 2013,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication on an EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020 (COM(2011)0173) and the European Council conclusions of 24 June 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication on an EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020 (COM(2011)0173) and the European Council conclusions of 24 June 2011,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Steps forward in implementing national Roma integration strategies’ (COM(2013)0454), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Steps forward in implementing national Roma integration strategies’ (COM(2013)0454),

| — | having regard to the Commission’s EU Anti-corruption Report (COM(2014)0038), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s EU Anti-corruption Report (COM(2014)0038),

| — | having regard to the proposal for a Council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation (COM(2008)0426), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a Council directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation (COM(2008)0426),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 December 2013 on the progress made in the implementation of the National Roma Integration Strategies (15), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 December 2013 on the progress made in the implementation of the National Roma Integration Strategies (15),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 4 February 2014 on the EU Roadmap against homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity (16), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 4 February 2014 on the EU Roadmap against homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity (16),

| — | having regard to its resolutions on gender equality, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions on gender equality,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 September 2011 on an EU Homelessness Strategy (17), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 September 2011 on an EU Homelessness Strategy (17),

| — | having regard to the US Senate report on CIA detention and interrogation programmes, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the US Senate report on CIA detention and interrogation programmes,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 September 2013 on the situation of unaccompanied minors in the EU (18), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 September 2013 on the situation of unaccompanied minors in the EU (18),

| — | having regard to its resolutions on fundamental rights and human rights, in particular the latest dated 27 February 2014 on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2012) (19), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions on fundamental rights and human rights, in particular the latest dated 27 February 2014 on the situation of fundamental rights in the European Union (2012) (19),

| — | having regard to its resolutions on migration, in particular the latest dated 17 December 2014 on the situation in the Mediterranean and the need for a holistic EU approach to migration (20), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions on migration, in particular the latest dated 17 December 2014 on the situation in the Mediterranean and the need for a holistic EU approach to migration (20),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 8 June 2005 on the protection of minorities and anti-discrimination policies in an enlarged Europe (21), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 8 June 2005 on the protection of minorities and anti-discrimination policies in an enlarged Europe (21),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 27 November 2014 on the 25th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (22), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 27 November 2014 on the 25th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (22),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 4 July 2013 on the US National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance programme, surveillance bodies in various Member States and their impact on EU citizens’ privacy (23), in which it instructed its Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the matter, and to its resolution of 12 March 2014 on the US NSA surveillance programme, surveillance bodies in various Member States and their impact on EU citizens’ fundamental rights and on transatlantic cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs (24), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 4 July 2013 on the US National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance programme, surveillance bodies in various Member States and their impact on EU citizens’ privacy (23), in which it instructed its Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the matter, and to its resolution of 12 March 2014 on the US NSA surveillance programme, surveillance bodies in various Member States and their impact on EU citizens’ fundamental rights and on transatlantic cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs (24),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 11 February 2015 on the US Senate report on the use of torture by the CIA (25), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 11 February 2015 on the US Senate report on the use of torture by the CIA (25),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 11 September 2013 on endangered European languages and linguistic diversity in the European Union (26), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 11 September 2013 on endangered European languages and linguistic diversity in the European Union (26),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 November 2014 on seeking an opinion from the Court of Justice on the compatibility with the Treaties of the Agreement between Canada and the European Union on the transfer and processing of Passenger Name Record data (27), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 November 2014 on seeking an opinion from the Court of Justice on the compatibility with the Treaties of the Agreement between Canada and the European Union on the transfer and processing of Passenger Name Record data (27),

| — | having regard to its resolutions of 11 September 2012 (28) and 10 October 2013 (29) on alleged transportation and illegal detention of prisoners in European countries by the CIA, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions of 11 September 2012 (28) and 10 October 2013 (29) on alleged transportation and illegal detention of prisoners in European countries by the CIA,

| — | having regard to its resolutions on the Guantanamo Bay detention centre, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions on the Guantanamo Bay detention centre,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 21 May 2013 on the EU Charter: standard settings for media freedom across the EU (30), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 21 May 2013 on the EU Charter: standard settings for media freedom across the EU (30),

| — | having regard to Opinion 2/2013 delivered by the CJEU regarding the draft agreement on accession of the EU to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Opinion 2/2013 delivered by the CJEU regarding the draft agreement on accession of the EU to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR),

| — | having regard to the judgment of the CJEU of 8 April 2014 in joined cases C-293/12 and C-594/12 (Digital Rights Ireland and Seitlinger and Others), which annulled Directive 2006/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the retention of data generated or processed in connection with the provision of publicly available electronic communications services or of public communications networks and amending Directive 2002/58/EC, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the judgment of the CJEU of 8 April 2014 in joined cases C-293/12 and C-594/12 (Digital Rights Ireland and Seitlinger and Others), which annulled Directive 2006/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the retention of data generated or processed in connection with the provision of publicly available electronic communications services or of public communications networks and amending Directive 2002/58/EC,

| — | having regard to the hearing of Frans Timmermans before Parliament on 7 October 2014, and to his appearance at its sitting of 11 February 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the hearing of Frans Timmermans before Parliament on 7 October 2014, and to his appearance at its sitting of 11 February 2015,

| — | having regard to the hearing of Dimitris Avramopoulos before Parliament on 30 September 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the hearing of Dimitris Avramopoulos before Parliament on 30 September 2014,

| — | having regard to the annual conference of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) on 10 November 2014 on the theme of ‘Fundamental Rights and Migration to the EU’ and in particular to FRA focus paper ‘Legal entry channels to the EU for persons in need of international protection: a toolbox’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the annual conference of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) on 10 November 2014 on the theme of ‘Fundamental Rights and Migration to the EU’ and in particular to FRA focus paper ‘Legal entry channels to the EU for persons in need of international protection: a toolbox’,

| — | having regard to the work, annual reports and studies of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) and of the FRA and to the FRA’s large-scale surveys on discrimination and hate crime against Jews in the EU Member States, on violence against women in the EU and on LGBT persons’ experiences of discrimination, violence and harassment, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the work, annual reports and studies of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) and of the FRA and to the FRA’s large-scale surveys on discrimination and hate crime against Jews in the EU Member States, on violence against women in the EU and on LGBT persons’ experiences of discrimination, violence and harassment,

| — | having regard to the contributions by the NGOs participating in the FRA Fundamental Rights Platform, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the contributions by the NGOs participating in the FRA Fundamental Rights Platform,

| — | having regard to the reports and research carried out by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on the subject of human rights and research requested in that field by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, in particular the study by Policy Department C on the impact of the crisis on fundamental rights across the Member States of the EU, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the reports and research carried out by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on the subject of human rights and research requested in that field by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, in particular the study by Policy Department C on the impact of the crisis on fundamental rights across the Member States of the EU,

| — | having regard to its studies on the impact of the crisis on fundamental rights in the Member States, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its studies on the impact of the crisis on fundamental rights in the Member States,

| — | having regard to the Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (the ‘Paris Principles’), annexed to UN General Assembly resolution 48/134, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (the ‘Paris Principles’), annexed to UN General Assembly resolution 48/134,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2013 on the situation of fundamental rights: standards and practices in Hungary (pursuant to the European Parliament resolution of 16 February 2012)’ (31), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2013 on the situation of fundamental rights: standards and practices in Hungary (pursuant to the European Parliament resolution of 16 February 2012)’ (31),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication on the Strategy for the effective implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights by the European Union (COM(2010)0573) and the Operational Guidance on taking account of Fundamental Rights in Commission Impact Assessments (SEC(2011)0567), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication on the Strategy for the effective implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights by the European Union (COM(2010)0573) and the Operational Guidance on taking account of Fundamental Rights in Commission Impact Assessments (SEC(2011)0567),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication on a new EU Framework to strengthen the Rule of Law (COM(2014)0158) and the Council conclusions of 16 December 2014 entitled ‘Ensuring respect for the Rule of Law’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication on a new EU Framework to strengthen the Rule of Law (COM(2014)0158) and the Council conclusions of 16 December 2014 entitled ‘Ensuring respect for the Rule of Law’,

| — | having regard to the 2013 Commission Report on the Application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (COM(2014)0224), and to the accompanying working documents, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2013 Commission Report on the Application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (COM(2014)0224), and to the accompanying working documents,

| — | having regard to the 2013 Commission Report on EU citizenship — EU citizens: your rights, your future (COM(2013)0269), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2013 Commission Report on EU citizenship — EU citizens: your rights, your future (COM(2013)0269),

| — | having regard to the Commission Report on the ‘implementation of the EU framework for national Roma integration strategies’ (COM(2014)0209), and to the Council recommendation of 9 December 2013 on ‘Effective Roma integration measures in the Member States’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Report on the ‘implementation of the EU framework for national Roma integration strategies’ (COM(2014)0209), and to the Council recommendation of 9 December 2013 on ‘Effective Roma integration measures in the Member States’,

| — | 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 Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality and the Committee on Petitions (A8-0230/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality and the Committee on Petitions (A8-0230/2015),

| A. | whereas European integration came about in part to prevent a recurrence of the tragic consequences of the Second World War and the persecution and repression by the Nazi regime, and also to avoid any decline or reversal of democracy and the rule of law by promoting, respecting and protecting human rights; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas European integration came about in part to prevent a recurrence of the tragic consequences of the Second World War and the persecution and repression by the Nazi regime, and also to avoid any decline or reversal of democracy and the rule of law by promoting, respecting and protecting human rights;

| B. | whereas respect for and promotion of human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the values and principles enshrined in EU treaties and international human rights instruments (the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ECHR, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, etc.) are obligations incumbent on the Union and its Member States and must be central to European integration; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas respect for and promotion of human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the values and principles enshrined in EU treaties and international human rights instruments (the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the ECHR, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, etc.) are obligations incumbent on the Union and its Member States and must be central to European integration;

| C. | whereas those rights must be guaranteed for everyone living in the EU, including in response to abuse and acts of violence by authorities at whatever level; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas those rights must be guaranteed for everyone living in the EU, including in response to abuse and acts of violence by authorities at whatever level;

| D. | whereas, under Article 2 TEU, the EU is founded on respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, values which are shared by all the Member States and which must be upheld by the EU, and by each individual Member State, in all their policies, at both internal and external level; whereas, under Article 17 TEU, the Commission must ensure application of the Treaties; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas, under Article 2 TEU, the EU is founded on respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, values which are shared by all the Member States and which must be upheld by the EU, and by each individual Member State, in all their policies, at both internal and external level; whereas, under Article 17 TEU, the Commission must ensure application of the Treaties;

| E. | whereas, under Article 6 TEU, the EU has a responsibility to uphold and enforce fundamental rights in any action it takes, regardless of its powers in the area concerned; whereas Member States are also encouraged to do the same; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas, under Article 6 TEU, the EU has a responsibility to uphold and enforce fundamental rights in any action it takes, regardless of its powers in the area concerned; whereas Member States are also encouraged to do the same;

| F. | whereas revision of the EU Treaties is necessary in order to strengthen the protection of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas revision of the EU Treaties is necessary in order to strengthen the protection of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights;

| G. | whereas in accordance with the preamble of the TEU, the Member States have confirmed their attachment to social rights as defined in the European Social Charter; whereas Article 151 TFEU also contains an explicit reference to fundamental social rights such as those set out in the European Social Charter; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas in accordance with the preamble of the TEU, the Member States have confirmed their attachment to social rights as defined in the European Social Charter; whereas Article 151 TFEU also contains an explicit reference to fundamental social rights such as those set out in the European Social Charter;

| H. | whereas the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union became a fully fledged component of the Treaties when the Treaty of Lisbon came into force, and is therefore now legally binding on the institutions, agencies and other bodies of the EU and on the Member States when EU legislation is applied; whereas a genuine fundamental rights culture must be developed, fostered and strengthened in the EU institutions, but also in the Member States, in particular when they apply EU law domestically and in their relations with non-EU countries; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union became a fully fledged component of the Treaties when the Treaty of Lisbon came into force, and is therefore now legally binding on the institutions, agencies and other bodies of the EU and on the Member States when EU legislation is applied; whereas a genuine fundamental rights culture must be developed, fostered and strengthened in the EU institutions, but also in the Member States, in particular when they apply EU law domestically and in their relations with non-EU countries;

| I. | whereas Articles 2 and 3 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union recognise the right to life and the right to integrity of the person; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas Articles 2 and 3 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union recognise the right to life and the right to integrity of the person;

| J. | whereas Article 4 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union prohibits all forms of inhuman or degrading treatment; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas Article 4 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union prohibits all forms of inhuman or degrading treatment;

| K. | whereas the importance of social fundamental rights is acknowledged in Articles 8, 9, 10, 19 and 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as it is in the case law of the CJEU, thus underscoring the fact that those rights, and in particular trade union rights, the right to strike, right of association and right of assembly, must be given the same safeguards as the other fundamental rights acknowledged by the Charter; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the importance of social fundamental rights is acknowledged in Articles 8, 9, 10, 19 and 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as it is in the case law of the CJEU, thus underscoring the fact that those rights, and in particular trade union rights, the right to strike, right of association and right of assembly, must be given the same safeguards as the other fundamental rights acknowledged by the Charter;

| L. | whereas Article 22 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union obliges the Union to ‘respect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity’, and Article 21 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of language and/or being a member of a national minority; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas Article 22 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union obliges the Union to ‘respect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity’, and Article 21 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of language and/or being a member of a national minority;

| M. | whereas Article 33 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union guarantees protection of the family in the legal, economic and social spheres; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas Article 33 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union guarantees protection of the family in the legal, economic and social spheres;

| N. | whereas Articles 37 and 38 of the Charter recognise the right to a high level of environmental protection intrinsically linked to the deployment of the policies of the Union; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas Articles 37 and 38 of the Charter recognise the right to a high level of environmental protection intrinsically linked to the deployment of the policies of the Union;

| O. | whereas Member States cannot reduce the level of guarantees offered in their own constitutions in respect of certain rights on the pretext that the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union or other instruments of EU law provide for a lower level of protection; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas Member States cannot reduce the level of guarantees offered in their own constitutions in respect of certain rights on the pretext that the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union or other instruments of EU law provide for a lower level of protection;

| P. | whereas it is recognised that national authorities (judicial authorities, law enforcement bodies and administrations) are key actors in giving concrete effect to the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Charter; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas it is recognised that national authorities (judicial authorities, law enforcement bodies and administrations) are key actors in giving concrete effect to the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Charter;

| Q. | whereas establishing an area of freedom, security and justice as described in Title V TFEU requires the EU and each Member State to uphold fundamental rights in full; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas establishing an area of freedom, security and justice as described in Title V TFEU requires the EU and each Member State to uphold fundamental rights in full;

| R. | whereas human beings who are citizens or residents are placed at centre stage in the EU and whereas the personal, civil, political, economic and social rights recognised by the Charter not only have the aim of protecting European citizens and residents against any interference, abuse or violence but are also preconditions for ensuring their full and untroubled personal development; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas human beings who are citizens or residents are placed at centre stage in the EU and whereas the personal, civil, political, economic and social rights recognised by the Charter not only have the aim of protecting European citizens and residents against any interference, abuse or violence but are also preconditions for ensuring their full and untroubled personal development;

| S. | whereas the rule of law is the backbone of European liberal democracy, and is one of the founding principles of the EU stemming from the common constitutional traditions of all Member States; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas the rule of law is the backbone of European liberal democracy, and is one of the founding principles of the EU stemming from the common constitutional traditions of all Member States;

| T. | whereas the way the rule of law is implemented at national level plays a key role in ensuring mutual trust among Member States and their legal systems, hence it is of vital importance to establish an area of freedom, security and justice as described in Title V TFEU; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas the way the rule of law is implemented at national level plays a key role in ensuring mutual trust among Member States and their legal systems, hence it is of vital importance to establish an area of freedom, security and justice as described in Title V TFEU;

| U. | whereas respecting the rule of law is a prerequisite for the protection of fundamental rights and is of particular importance within the EU since it is also a prerequisite for upholding all rights and obligations deriving from the Treaties and from international law; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas respecting the rule of law is a prerequisite for the protection of fundamental rights and is of particular importance within the EU since it is also a prerequisite for upholding all rights and obligations deriving from the Treaties and from international law;

| V. | whereas the EU and its Member States are engaged in a global process of moving towards new sustainable development objectives under which human rights are universal, indivisible and inalienable; |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas the EU and its Member States are engaged in a global process of moving towards new sustainable development objectives under which human rights are universal, indivisible and inalienable;

| W. | whereas the implementation of these values and principles must also be based on effective monitoring of respect for the fundamental rights guaranteed in the Charter, for example when legislative proposals are being drawn up; |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas the implementation of these values and principles must also be based on effective monitoring of respect for the fundamental rights guaranteed in the Charter, for example when legislative proposals are being drawn up;

| X. | whereas the EU is undergoing a period of serious economic and financial crisis, the impact of which, in combination with certain measures, including drastic budget cuts, implemented to address it in some Member States, is negatively affecting the living conditions of EU citizens — increasing unemployment, poverty levels, inequalities and precarious working conditions, and limiting access to and quality of services — and hence the wellbeing of citizens; |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas the EU is undergoing a period of serious economic and financial crisis, the impact of which, in combination with certain measures, including drastic budget cuts, implemented to address it in some Member States, is negatively affecting the living conditions of EU citizens — increasing unemployment, poverty levels, inequalities and precarious working conditions, and limiting access to and quality of services — and hence the wellbeing of citizens;

| Y. | whereas almost one third of petitions received by Parliament relate to alleged breaches of fundamental rights referred to in the Charter, touching on issues such as citizenship, the four freedoms, employment, economic circumstances, environmental and consumer protection, justice systems, voting rights and democratic participation, transparency in decision-making, disability, children’s rights, access to education or language rights; whereas some of those petitions raise questions related to health issues and access to healthcare and health services, but also questions related to the right to work as a direct consequence of the economic crisis; whereas petitions are usually the earliest indicators of the situation of fundamental rights in the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas almost one third of petitions received by Parliament relate to alleged breaches of fundamental rights referred to in the Charter, touching on issues such as citizenship, the four freedoms, employment, economic circumstances, environmental and consumer protection, justice systems, voting rights and democratic participation, transparency in decision-making, disability, children’s rights, access to education or language rights; whereas some of those petitions raise questions related to health issues and access to healthcare and health services, but also questions related to the right to work as a direct consequence of the economic crisis; whereas petitions are usually the earliest indicators of the situation of fundamental rights in the Member States;

| Z. | whereas the EU operates on the basis of the presumption and mutual trust that the Member States conform with democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, as enshrined in the ECHR and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, notably in relation to the development of an area of freedom, security and justice and the mutual recognition principle; |
| --- | --- |

Z.

whereas the EU operates on the basis of the presumption and mutual trust that the Member States conform with democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, as enshrined in the ECHR and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, notably in relation to the development of an area of freedom, security and justice and the mutual recognition principle;

| AA. | whereas being unemployed, poor or socially marginalised has major consequences as regards gaining and exercising fundamental rights and means that people in such vulnerable positions must continue to have access to basic services, in particular welfare services and financial services; |
| --- | --- |

AA.

whereas being unemployed, poor or socially marginalised has major consequences as regards gaining and exercising fundamental rights and means that people in such vulnerable positions must continue to have access to basic services, in particular welfare services and financial services;

| AB. | whereas, following recent terrorist attacks on EU territory, certain anti-terrorism policies and measures are likely to compromise fundamental rights and freedoms in the EU; whereas it is essential to ensure that a balance is maintained between safeguarding fundamental freedoms and rights and strengthening security; whereas the EU and its Member States have the duty to protect European citizens, while ensuring respect for their fundamental rights and freedoms in the design and operation of security policies; whereas necessity and proportionality must be the overriding principles in this area so as to prevent policy actions from infringing civil liberties; |
| --- | --- |

AB.

whereas, following recent terrorist attacks on EU territory, certain anti-terrorism policies and measures are likely to compromise fundamental rights and freedoms in the EU; whereas it is essential to ensure that a balance is maintained between safeguarding fundamental freedoms and rights and strengthening security; whereas the EU and its Member States have the duty to protect European citizens, while ensuring respect for their fundamental rights and freedoms in the design and operation of security policies; whereas necessity and proportionality must be the overriding principles in this area so as to prevent policy actions from infringing civil liberties;

| AC. | whereas thousands of lives are being lost in the Mediterranean, in an unprecedented manner, carrying a huge responsibility to the EU to act to save lives, stop human traffickers, provide legal avenues for migrants and assist and protect asylum seekers and refugees; |
| --- | --- |

AC.

whereas thousands of lives are being lost in the Mediterranean, in an unprecedented manner, carrying a huge responsibility to the EU to act to save lives, stop human traffickers, provide legal avenues for migrants and assist and protect asylum seekers and refugees;

| AD. | whereas almost 3 500 migrants died or went missing in 2014 while attempting to reach Europe, bringing the total number of dead and missing over the last 20 years to nearly 30 000; whereas, according to the International Organisation for Migration, the migratory route towards Europe has become the world's most dangerous route for migrants; |
| --- | --- |

AD.

whereas almost 3 500 migrants died or went missing in 2014 while attempting to reach Europe, bringing the total number of dead and missing over the last 20 years to nearly 30 000; whereas, according to the International Organisation for Migration, the migratory route towards Europe has become the world's most dangerous route for migrants;

| AE. | whereas about one thousand asylum applications a year relate directly to genital mutilation; |
| --- | --- |

AE.

whereas about one thousand asylum applications a year relate directly to genital mutilation;

| AF. | whereas the right to asylum is guaranteed under the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees (Geneva Convention) and the protocol of 31 January 1967; |
| --- | --- |

AF.

whereas the right to asylum is guaranteed under the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees (Geneva Convention) and the protocol of 31 January 1967;

| AG. | whereas the manifestations of extreme nationalism, racism, xenophobia and intolerance have not yet disappeared from our communities; whereas on the contrary, especially after the recent terrorist attacks they appear to be on the rise in many Member States, affecting both traditional minorities and new national minority communities; |
| --- | --- |

AG.

whereas the manifestations of extreme nationalism, racism, xenophobia and intolerance have not yet disappeared from our communities; whereas on the contrary, especially after the recent terrorist attacks they appear to be on the rise in many Member States, affecting both traditional minorities and new national minority communities;

| AH. | whereas under Article 49 TEU any European state which respects the values referred to in Article 2 and is committed to promoting them may apply to become a member of the Union; whereas compliance with the Copenhagen criteria is an essential precondition for EU accession; whereas the obligations incumbent on candidate countries under the Copenhagen criteria are not only basic pre-accession requirements, but must also continue to apply after a country has joined the EU, on the basis of Article 2 TEU; whereas in light of this, all Member States should be assessed on an ongoing basis in order to verify their continued compliance with the EU's basic values of respect for fundamental rights, democratic institutions and the rule of law; whereas, in addition, a graduated corrective mechanism needs to be introduced so as bridge the gap between political dialogue and the ‘nuclear option’ of Article 7 TEU and to address the ‘Copenhagen dilemma’ within the current Treaties; |
| --- | --- |

AH.

whereas under Article 49 TEU any European state which respects the values referred to in Article 2 and is committed to promoting them may apply to become a member of the Union; whereas compliance with the Copenhagen criteria is an essential precondition for EU accession; whereas the obligations incumbent on candidate countries under the Copenhagen criteria are not only basic pre-accession requirements, but must also continue to apply after a country has joined the EU, on the basis of Article 2 TEU; whereas in light of this, all Member States should be assessed on an ongoing basis in order to verify their continued compliance with the EU's basic values of respect for fundamental rights, democratic institutions and the rule of law; whereas, in addition, a graduated corrective mechanism needs to be introduced so as bridge the gap between political dialogue and the ‘nuclear option’ of Article 7 TEU and to address the ‘Copenhagen dilemma’ within the current Treaties;

| AI. | whereas, since there are no clear and common benchmarks, challenging the situation as regards the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights within a Member State is itself continually called into question in the light of political and institutional considerations; whereas in collusion with EU institutions, because there are no binding procedures, in too many instances there is permanent inertia and the Treaties and European values are not observed; |
| --- | --- |

AI.

whereas, since there are no clear and common benchmarks, challenging the situation as regards the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights within a Member State is itself continually called into question in the light of political and institutional considerations; whereas in collusion with EU institutions, because there are no binding procedures, in too many instances there is permanent inertia and the Treaties and European values are not observed;

| AJ. | whereas the right to petition has established a tight bond between the EU’s citizens and the European Parliament; whereas the European Citizens’ Initiative has introduced a new direct link between the EU’s citizens and the EU institutions and can enhance the development of fundamental rights and citizens’ rights; whereas citizens’ rights include the right to petition as a means of citizens upholding their own fundamental rights, as laid down in Article 44 of the Charter and Article 227 TFEU; |
| --- | --- |

AJ.

whereas the right to petition has established a tight bond between the EU’s citizens and the European Parliament; whereas the European Citizens’ Initiative has introduced a new direct link between the EU’s citizens and the EU institutions and can enhance the development of fundamental rights and citizens’ rights; whereas citizens’ rights include the right to petition as a means of citizens upholding their own fundamental rights, as laid down in Article 44 of the Charter and Article 227 TFEU;

| AK. | whereas women still face many forms of discrimination in the EU and are often victims of violence and abuse, especially of a sexual nature; |
| --- | --- |

AK.

whereas women still face many forms of discrimination in the EU and are often victims of violence and abuse, especially of a sexual nature;

| AL. | whereas violence against women is the most widespread violation of fundamental rights in the EU and throughout the world, and whereas it affects all levels of society, regardless of age, education, income, social position and country of origin or residence, and represents a major barrier to equality between women and men; |
| --- | --- |

AL.

whereas violence against women is the most widespread violation of fundamental rights in the EU and throughout the world, and whereas it affects all levels of society, regardless of age, education, income, social position and country of origin or residence, and represents a major barrier to equality between women and men;

| AM. | whereas, according to the findings of a survey conducted in 2014 by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, most women who have been subjected to violence do not report what has happened to the police; |
| --- | --- |

AM.

whereas, according to the findings of a survey conducted in 2014 by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, most women who have been subjected to violence do not report what has happened to the police;

| AN. | whereas sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs) are grounded in basic human rights and are essential elements of human dignity (32); whereas the denial of life-saving abortion amounts to a serious breach of human rights; |
| --- | --- |

AN.

whereas sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs) are grounded in basic human rights and are essential elements of human dignity (32); whereas the denial of life-saving abortion amounts to a serious breach of human rights;

| AO. | whereas the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and children are a clear violation of human rights, human dignity and the fundamental principles of law and democracy; whereas today women are more vulnerable to such risks owing to increased economic uncertainty and the higher risk of unemployment and poverty; |
| --- | --- |

AO.

whereas the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and children are a clear violation of human rights, human dignity and the fundamental principles of law and democracy; whereas today women are more vulnerable to such risks owing to increased economic uncertainty and the higher risk of unemployment and poverty;

| AP. | whereas violence against women as a form of gender discrimination is not explicitly included in European law, and is present as a concept in only three national legal systems (Spain, Sweden and Germany), the result being that it is not seen as a substantive equality issue; whereas the Member States adopt an ad hoc approach to defining violence against women and gender-based violence, with definitions varying widely in national legislation, thus meaning data are not comparable; |
| --- | --- |

AP.

whereas violence against women as a form of gender discrimination is not explicitly included in European law, and is present as a concept in only three national legal systems (Spain, Sweden and Germany), the result being that it is not seen as a substantive equality issue; whereas the Member States adopt an ad hoc approach to defining violence against women and gender-based violence, with definitions varying widely in national legislation, thus meaning data are not comparable;

| AQ. | whereas the Member States are not immune from the evil practice of genital mutilation, to which a reported 500 000 individuals have fallen victim in the EU, with a further 180 000 at risk; |
| --- | --- |

AQ.

whereas the Member States are not immune from the evil practice of genital mutilation, to which a reported 500 000 individuals have fallen victim in the EU, with a further 180 000 at risk;

| AR. | whereas numerous violations of fundamental rights still occur in the EU and the Member States, as evidenced, for example, by the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and as pointed out in reports by the Commission, the FRA, NGOs, the Council of Europe and the UN, such as violation of the right to freedom of assembly and expression of civil society organisations, institutional discrimination against LGBTI persons through marriage bans and anti-propaganda legislation, and the remaining high levels of discrimination and hate crime motivated by racism, xenophobia, religious intolerance, or bias against a person's disability, sexual orientation or gender identity; whereas the responses of the Commission, the Council and Member States are falling short of what is required, given the gravity of these recurrent violations; |
| --- | --- |

AR.

whereas numerous violations of fundamental rights still occur in the EU and the Member States, as evidenced, for example, by the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights and as pointed out in reports by the Commission, the FRA, NGOs, the Council of Europe and the UN, such as violation of the right to freedom of assembly and expression of civil society organisations, institutional discrimination against LGBTI persons through marriage bans and anti-propaganda legislation, and the remaining high levels of discrimination and hate crime motivated by racism, xenophobia, religious intolerance, or bias against a person's disability, sexual orientation or gender identity; whereas the responses of the Commission, the Council and Member States are falling short of what is required, given the gravity of these recurrent violations;

| AS. | whereas societies in which fundamental rights are fully implemented and safeguarded have more chances to develop a dynamic and competitive economy; |
| --- | --- |

AS.

whereas societies in which fundamental rights are fully implemented and safeguarded have more chances to develop a dynamic and competitive economy;

| AT. | whereas Roma, the largest ethnic minority in Europe, continue to be the victims of severe discrimination, racist attacks, hate speech, poverty and exclusion; |
| --- | --- |

AT.

whereas Roma, the largest ethnic minority in Europe, continue to be the victims of severe discrimination, racist attacks, hate speech, poverty and exclusion;

| AU. | whereas the European external action is based on the same principles that underpin the establishment and development of the EU, that is, democracy, solidarity, human dignity and all fundamental rights; whereas specific human rights guidelines have been developed in the external policies of the EU, but this has not been the case in its internal policies, which could lead to allegations of double standards; whereas it is essential that the promotion of fundamental rights by the EU as part of its external action be paralleled by a robust and systematic internal policy of monitoring compliance with fundamental rights within the EU itself; |
| --- | --- |

AU.

whereas the European external action is based on the same principles that underpin the establishment and development of the EU, that is, democracy, solidarity, human dignity and all fundamental rights; whereas specific human rights guidelines have been developed in the external policies of the EU, but this has not been the case in its internal policies, which could lead to allegations of double standards; whereas it is essential that the promotion of fundamental rights by the EU as part of its external action be paralleled by a robust and systematic internal policy of monitoring compliance with fundamental rights within the EU itself;

| AV. | whereas personal data protection provisions should uphold the principles of purpose, necessity and proportionality, including in the context of negotiations and the conclusion of international agreements, as pointed up by the European Court of Justice judgment of 6 April 2014 quashing Directive 2006/24/EC and by the opinions of the European Data Protection Supervisor; |
| --- | --- |

AV.

whereas personal data protection provisions should uphold the principles of purpose, necessity and proportionality, including in the context of negotiations and the conclusion of international agreements, as pointed up by the European Court of Justice judgment of 6 April 2014 quashing Directive 2006/24/EC and by the opinions of the European Data Protection Supervisor;

| AW. | whereas the rights to respect for private and family life and to protection of personal data are enshrined in the Charter and are therefore an integral component of primary EU law; |
| --- | --- |

AW.

whereas the rights to respect for private and family life and to protection of personal data are enshrined in the Charter and are therefore an integral component of primary EU law;

| AX. | whereas new technologies can adversely affect fundamental rights, in particular the right to privacy and the right to protection of personal data which are guaranteed under Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter; |
| --- | --- |

AX.

whereas new technologies can adversely affect fundamental rights, in particular the right to privacy and the right to protection of personal data which are guaranteed under Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter;

| AY. | whereas mass access to the internet has opened up still further opportunities for physical and psychological abuse of women, including online grooming; |
| --- | --- |

AY.

whereas mass access to the internet has opened up still further opportunities for physical and psychological abuse of women, including online grooming;

| AZ. | whereas the rapid pace of change in the digital world (including increased use of the internet, apps and social networks) necessitates more effective safeguards for personal data and privacy in order to guarantee confidentiality and protection; |
| --- | --- |

AZ.

whereas the rapid pace of change in the digital world (including increased use of the internet, apps and social networks) necessitates more effective safeguards for personal data and privacy in order to guarantee confidentiality and protection;

| BA. | whereas fundamental freedoms, human rights and equal opportunities must be ensured for all citizens of the EU, including persons belonging to national and linguistic minorities; |
| --- | --- |

BA.

whereas fundamental freedoms, human rights and equal opportunities must be ensured for all citizens of the EU, including persons belonging to national and linguistic minorities;

| BB. | whereas in Europe, according to the WHO, at least 850 children aged under 15 die from maltreatment each year; |
| --- | --- |

BB.

whereas in Europe, according to the WHO, at least 850 children aged under 15 die from maltreatment each year;

| BC. | whereas according to an FRA survey concerning discrimination and hate crime against LGBTI persons, in addition to the discrimination and violence of which they had been victims, almost half of all the LGBTI respondents ‘believed that offensive language about LGBT people by politicians was widespread in their country of residence’; |
| --- | --- |

BC.

whereas according to an FRA survey concerning discrimination and hate crime against LGBTI persons, in addition to the discrimination and violence of which they had been victims, almost half of all the LGBTI respondents ‘believed that offensive language about LGBT people by politicians was widespread in their country of residence’;

| BD. | whereas LGBTI people are victims of institutional discrimination either because civil unions are prohibited or because there are laws prohibiting assertion of sexual preference; |
| --- | --- |

BD.

whereas LGBTI people are victims of institutional discrimination either because civil unions are prohibited or because there are laws prohibiting assertion of sexual preference;

| BE. | whereas people with a disability face many different forms of discrimination which prevent them from exercising their fundamental rights to the full; |
| --- | --- |

BE.

whereas people with a disability face many different forms of discrimination which prevent them from exercising their fundamental rights to the full;

| BF. | whereas for people with disabilities the rate of poverty is 70 % higher than the average, partly owing to limited access to employment; |
| --- | --- |

BF.

whereas for people with disabilities the rate of poverty is 70 % higher than the average, partly owing to limited access to employment;

| BG. | whereas secularism and neutrality offer the most effective guarantees that the religious communities which form part of any given state do not suffer discrimination; |
| --- | --- |

BG.

whereas secularism and neutrality offer the most effective guarantees that the religious communities which form part of any given state do not suffer discrimination;

| BH. | whereas freedom of the press and freedom to operate for civil society groups such as NGOs are central to democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights; whereas this freedom has been jeopardised by the adoption of laws or by direct intervention by the authorities in a number of Member States; |
| --- | --- |

BH.

whereas freedom of the press and freedom to operate for civil society groups such as NGOs are central to democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights; whereas this freedom has been jeopardised by the adoption of laws or by direct intervention by the authorities in a number of Member States;

| BI. | whereas the Charter of Fundamental Rights states that the elderly have the right ‘to lead a life of dignity and independence and to participate in social and cultural life’; |
| --- | --- |

BI.

whereas the Charter of Fundamental Rights states that the elderly have the right ‘to lead a life of dignity and independence and to participate in social and cultural life’;

| BJ. | whereas, while punishments proportionate to the crimes committed do act as a deterrent against fundamental rights violations, the primary goal must remain to prevent crime (by means of education and cultural measures) rather than to take action after the event; |
| --- | --- |

BJ.

whereas, while punishments proportionate to the crimes committed do act as a deterrent against fundamental rights violations, the primary goal must remain to prevent crime (by means of education and cultural measures) rather than to take action after the event;

| BK. | whereas the effectiveness of specialised institutions such as national human rights institutions or equality bodies is important to help citizens better enforce their fundamental rights to the extent that Member States apply EU law; |
| --- | --- |

BK.

whereas the effectiveness of specialised institutions such as national human rights institutions or equality bodies is important to help citizens better enforce their fundamental rights to the extent that Member States apply EU law;

| BL. | whereas the right to vote and stand as a candidate in local elections and European Parliament elections in one’s Member State of residence is recognised in Articles 39 and 40 of the Charter; whereas exercising the right of mobility should not hamper this right; |
| --- | --- |

BL.

whereas the right to vote and stand as a candidate in local elections and European Parliament elections in one’s Member State of residence is recognised in Articles 39 and 40 of the Charter; whereas exercising the right of mobility should not hamper this right;

| BM. | having regard to the weakness of the response by the Commission and the Member States to the revelations by Edward Snowden of massive spying operations using the internet and telecommunications networks as part of the NSA-PRISM programme targeting European countries also, and concerned their failure to enforce measures to protect European citizens or third-country nationals living in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

BM.

having regard to the weakness of the response by the Commission and the Member States to the revelations by Edward Snowden of massive spying operations using the internet and telecommunications networks as part of the NSA-PRISM programme targeting European countries also, and concerned their failure to enforce measures to protect European citizens or third-country nationals living in Europe;

| 1. | Considers it essential to guarantee that the common European values listed in Article 2 TEU are upheld in full, in both European and national legislation, public policies and their implementation, while fully respecting the subsidiarity principle; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Considers it essential to guarantee that the common European values listed in Article 2 TEU are upheld in full, in both European and national legislation, public policies and their implementation, while fully respecting the subsidiarity principle;

| 2. | Calls on the Member States to ensure that all EU legislation, including the economic and financial adjustment programmes, is implemented in accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Social Charter (Article 151 TFEU); |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Member States to ensure that all EU legislation, including the economic and financial adjustment programmes, is implemented in accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Social Charter (Article 151 TFEU);

| 3. | Notes that Article 6 TEU requires the Union to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights; notes Opinion 2/2013 of the Court of Justice of the European Union; calls on the Commission and Council to put in place the necessary instruments to ensure that the aforementioned obligation — enshrined in the Treaties — is accomplished without undue delay; considers that this needs to be done on the basis of full transparency, as it will provide an additional mechanism for increasing genuine respect and enforcing the protection of individuals against breaches of their fundamental rights, including the right to an effective remedy, and making the European institutions more accountable for their actions or failings regarding fundamental rights; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Notes that Article 6 TEU requires the Union to accede to the European Convention on Human Rights; notes Opinion 2/2013 of the Court of Justice of the European Union; calls on the Commission and Council to put in place the necessary instruments to ensure that the aforementioned obligation — enshrined in the Treaties — is accomplished without undue delay; considers that this needs to be done on the basis of full transparency, as it will provide an additional mechanism for increasing genuine respect and enforcing the protection of individuals against breaches of their fundamental rights, including the right to an effective remedy, and making the European institutions more accountable for their actions or failings regarding fundamental rights;

| 4. | Welcomes the appointment of the first Vice-President of the Commission with powers relating to respect for the rule of law and the Charter, and takes note of his commitment to properly enforce the existing framework; expects to see an internal strategy on fundamental rights adopted in the near future, in close cooperation with the other institutions and in consultation with a broad representation of civil society and other interested parties; considers that the strategy should be based on Articles 2, 6 and 7 TEU and should be consistent with the principles and objectives embedded in Articles 8 and 10 TFEU; deplores the lack of political will to invoke Article 7 TEU against Member States responsible for breaches of fundamental rights to penalise them and operate as a deterrent; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Welcomes the appointment of the first Vice-President of the Commission with powers relating to respect for the rule of law and the Charter, and takes note of his commitment to properly enforce the existing framework; expects to see an internal strategy on fundamental rights adopted in the near future, in close cooperation with the other institutions and in consultation with a broad representation of civil society and other interested parties; considers that the strategy should be based on Articles 2, 6 and 7 TEU and should be consistent with the principles and objectives embedded in Articles 8 and 10 TFEU; deplores the lack of political will to invoke Article 7 TEU against Member States responsible for breaches of fundamental rights to penalise them and operate as a deterrent;

| 5. | Underlines the need for the full use of existing mechanisms to ensure that the fundamental rights and values of the Union referred to in Article 2 TEU and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights are respected, protected and promoted; stresses that in this regard all the instruments currently provided for in the Treaties need to be urgently applied and implemented; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Underlines the need for the full use of existing mechanisms to ensure that the fundamental rights and values of the Union referred to in Article 2 TEU and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights are respected, protected and promoted; stresses that in this regard all the instruments currently provided for in the Treaties need to be urgently applied and implemented;

| 6. | Stresses that full use must be made of the existing mechanisms, with objective evaluations and investigations being launched and infringement proceedings being taken out if a case is well-grounded; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Stresses that full use must be made of the existing mechanisms, with objective evaluations and investigations being launched and infringement proceedings being taken out if a case is well-grounded;

| 7. | Underlines the need for possible treaty changes with a view to further strengthening the protection of fundamental rights in the EU Treaties; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Underlines the need for possible treaty changes with a view to further strengthening the protection of fundamental rights in the EU Treaties;

| 8. | Notes the Commission's communication on a new EU framework to strengthen the rule of law, which represents a first attempt to remedy the existing shortcomings with regard to preventing and resolving fundamental rights violations and breaches of the principles of the rule of law in Member States; notes the Commission's intention to keep Parliament and the Council regularly informed of the progress made at each stage; considers, however, that the proposed framework may not be a sufficient or effective deterrent when it comes to preventing and resolving fundamental rights violations in Member States, as the Commission has presented this framework in the form of a non-binding communication that does not specify when the framework must be activated; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Notes the Commission's communication on a new EU framework to strengthen the rule of law, which represents a first attempt to remedy the existing shortcomings with regard to preventing and resolving fundamental rights violations and breaches of the principles of the rule of law in Member States; notes the Commission's intention to keep Parliament and the Council regularly informed of the progress made at each stage; considers, however, that the proposed framework may not be a sufficient or effective deterrent when it comes to preventing and resolving fundamental rights violations in Member States, as the Commission has presented this framework in the form of a non-binding communication that does not specify when the framework must be activated;

| 9. | Calls on the Commission to implement and further improve the said framework with the aim of:






  (a) | making it part of the internal strategy on fundamental rights, since the rule of law is a prerequisite for the protection of fundamental rights in the European Union and its Member States; |
| --- | --- | --- |

9.

Calls on the Commission to implement and further improve the said framework with the aim of:

(a)

making it part of the internal strategy on fundamental rights, since the rule of law is a prerequisite for the protection of fundamental rights in the European Union and its Member States;

| (b) | making better use of the expertise of the Council of Europe and setting up a formal channel of cooperation in matters relating to the rule of law and fundamental rights; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

making better use of the expertise of the Council of Europe and setting up a formal channel of cooperation in matters relating to the rule of law and fundamental rights;

| (c) | defining in clear terms the criteria for its application and ensuring that its proactive and transparent implementation successfully prevents fundamental rights violations from materialising; in particular, defining the criteria for ‘clear risk of breach’ and ‘serious and persistent breach’, building inter alia on the case-law of the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights; considering establishing these criteria in such a manner that any breach could automatically trigger application of the framework; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

defining in clear terms the criteria for its application and ensuring that its proactive and transparent implementation successfully prevents fundamental rights violations from materialising; in particular, defining the criteria for ‘clear risk of breach’ and ‘serious and persistent breach’, building inter alia on the case-law of the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights; considering establishing these criteria in such a manner that any breach could automatically trigger application of the framework;

| (d) | initiating infringement procedures that might also lead to financial sanctions in accordance with Article 260 TFEU, should systemic or significant violations of Article 2 TEU be identified by the FRA; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

initiating infringement procedures that might also lead to financial sanctions in accordance with Article 260 TFEU, should systemic or significant violations of Article 2 TEU be identified by the FRA;

| (e) | ensuring the automatic triggering of the procedure under Article 7 TEU, should the three- stage process foreseen by the framework fail to resolve the issue, specifying which rights deriving from the application of the Treaties to the Member State in question apart from voting rights in Council, can be suspended, so as to consider the possibility of imposing further penalties that would ensure the effective functioning of the framework in keeping with European law and fundamental rights; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

ensuring the automatic triggering of the procedure under Article 7 TEU, should the three- stage process foreseen by the framework fail to resolve the issue, specifying which rights deriving from the application of the Treaties to the Member State in question apart from voting rights in Council, can be suspended, so as to consider the possibility of imposing further penalties that would ensure the effective functioning of the framework in keeping with European law and fundamental rights;

| (f) | stipulating that all EU legislative proposals, policies and actions, including in the economic sphere and in the field of external relations and all EU-funded measures, must comply with the Charter and undergo a detailed ex ante and ex post assessment of their impact on fundamental rights, as well as including a proactive plan of action that ensures the efficient application of existing standards and identifies areas in which reforms are necessary; in this regard, believes that the external independent expertise of the FRA should be fully used by the Commission, the Council and Parliament when legislating and developing policies; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

stipulating that all EU legislative proposals, policies and actions, including in the economic sphere and in the field of external relations and all EU-funded measures, must comply with the Charter and undergo a detailed ex ante and ex post assessment of their impact on fundamental rights, as well as including a proactive plan of action that ensures the efficient application of existing standards and identifies areas in which reforms are necessary; in this regard, believes that the external independent expertise of the FRA should be fully used by the Commission, the Council and Parliament when legislating and developing policies;

| (g) | developing, in cooperation with the FRA and national human rights bodies in the Member States, as well as with input from the broadest civil society representation, a database that collates and publishes all available data and reports on the situation regarding fundamental rights in the EU and in individual Member States; |
| --- | --- |

(g)

developing, in cooperation with the FRA and national human rights bodies in the Member States, as well as with input from the broadest civil society representation, a database that collates and publishes all available data and reports on the situation regarding fundamental rights in the EU and in individual Member States;

| 10. | Urges the Commission to ensure that the abovementioned internal strategy is accompanied by a clear and detailed new mechanism, soundly based on international and European law and embracing all the values protected by Article 2 TEU, in order to ensure coherence with the Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy already applied in EU external relations and render the European institutions and Member States accountable for their actions and omissions with regard to fundamental rights; believes that this mechanism should enable the monitoring of the compliance of all EU Member States with regard to fundamental rights and provide for a systematic and institutionalised dialogue in case of breach of fundamental rights by one or several Member States; considers that in order to make full use of the Treaties' provisions the Commission should:






  (a) | establish a scoreboard on the basis of common and objective indicators by which democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights will be measured; these indicators should reflect the Copenhagen political criteria governing accession and the values and rights laid down in Article 2 of the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and be drawn up on the basis of existing standards; in this respect, the Commission should consider broadening the scope of the EU Justice Scoreboard to cover the periodic state-by- state assessment of compliance with fundamental rights and the rule of law; |
| --- | --- | --- |

10.

Urges the Commission to ensure that the abovementioned internal strategy is accompanied by a clear and detailed new mechanism, soundly based on international and European law and embracing all the values protected by Article 2 TEU, in order to ensure coherence with the Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy already applied in EU external relations and render the European institutions and Member States accountable for their actions and omissions with regard to fundamental rights; believes that this mechanism should enable the monitoring of the compliance of all EU Member States with regard to fundamental rights and provide for a systematic and institutionalised dialogue in case of breach of fundamental rights by one or several Member States; considers that in order to make full use of the Treaties' provisions the Commission should:

(a)

establish a scoreboard on the basis of common and objective indicators by which democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights will be measured; these indicators should reflect the Copenhagen political criteria governing accession and the values and rights laid down in Article 2 of the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and be drawn up on the basis of existing standards; in this respect, the Commission should consider broadening the scope of the EU Justice Scoreboard to cover the periodic state-by- state assessment of compliance with fundamental rights and the rule of law;

| (b) | ensure constant monitoring, based on the established scoreboard and a system of annual country assessment, to be developed in cooperation with the Council and Parliament, on the compliance with the rule of law and the situation of fundamental rights in all Member States of the European Union and to be based on data supplied by the FRA, the Council of Europe and its Venice Commission, and NGOs; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

ensure constant monitoring, based on the established scoreboard and a system of annual country assessment, to be developed in cooperation with the Council and Parliament, on the compliance with the rule of law and the situation of fundamental rights in all Member States of the European Union and to be based on data supplied by the FRA, the Council of Europe and its Venice Commission, and NGOs;

| (c) | propose, in that connection, a revision of the FRA Regulation in order to grant the FRA wider powers and greater human and financial resources, so that it can monitor the situation in Member States and publish an annual monitoring report containing a detailed evaluation of each Member State’s performance; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

propose, in that connection, a revision of the FRA Regulation in order to grant the FRA wider powers and greater human and financial resources, so that it can monitor the situation in Member States and publish an annual monitoring report containing a detailed evaluation of each Member State’s performance;

| (d) | issue a formal warning if, on the basis of the established scoreboard and the above-mentioned annual monitoring report, the indicators show that Member States are violating the rule of law or fundamental rights; this formal warning should systematically be accompanied by the launching of an institutionalised dialogue involving — in addition to the Commission and the Member State concerned — the Council, the European Parliament and the parliament of the Member State concerned; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

issue a formal warning if, on the basis of the established scoreboard and the above-mentioned annual monitoring report, the indicators show that Member States are violating the rule of law or fundamental rights; this formal warning should systematically be accompanied by the launching of an institutionalised dialogue involving — in addition to the Commission and the Member State concerned — the Council, the European Parliament and the parliament of the Member State concerned;

| (e) | contribute towards improving coordination between the EU institutions and agencies, the Council of Europe, the United Nations and civil society organisations; intensify cooperation between the EU institutions and Member States, including between the European Parliament and national parliaments; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

contribute towards improving coordination between the EU institutions and agencies, the Council of Europe, the United Nations and civil society organisations; intensify cooperation between the EU institutions and Member States, including between the European Parliament and national parliaments;

| 11. | Welcomes the fact that the Council will hold debates on the rule of law; considers, however, that such debates are not the most effective way to resolve any non-compliance with the fundamental values of the European Union; regrets the fact that Parliament is neither informed nor involved in the organisation of these debates; calls on the Council to base its debates on the results of annual and specific reports by the European Commission, the European Parliament, civil society, the Council of Europe and its Venice Commission and other parties involved, institutional or otherwise; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Welcomes the fact that the Council will hold debates on the rule of law; considers, however, that such debates are not the most effective way to resolve any non-compliance with the fundamental values of the European Union; regrets the fact that Parliament is neither informed nor involved in the organisation of these debates; calls on the Council to base its debates on the results of annual and specific reports by the European Commission, the European Parliament, civil society, the Council of Europe and its Venice Commission and other parties involved, institutional or otherwise;

| 12. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to conduct investigations into any allegations of infringements of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter, and to follow up those allegations should they be proven; urges the Commission, in particular, to initiate infringement proceedings should any Member State be suspected of acting in breach of those rights; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to conduct investigations into any allegations of infringements of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter, and to follow up those allegations should they be proven; urges the Commission, in particular, to initiate infringement proceedings should any Member State be suspected of acting in breach of those rights;

| 13. | Calls on the Commission to give more priority to the preparation of the Union's accession to the European Social Charter, signed in Turin on 18 October 1961 and revised in Strasbourg on 3 May 1996; |
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13.

Calls on the Commission to give more priority to the preparation of the Union's accession to the European Social Charter, signed in Turin on 18 October 1961 and revised in Strasbourg on 3 May 1996;

| 14. | Calls on the Member States to establish and strengthen National human rights Institutions in line with the ‘Paris principles’, so as to ensure the independent promotion and protection of human rights on the national level; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the Member States to establish and strengthen National human rights Institutions in line with the ‘Paris principles’, so as to ensure the independent promotion and protection of human rights on the national level;

| 15. | Calls for a guarantee of better coordination and consistency between the activities of Parliament, the Council of Europe, the FRA and the EIGE; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls for a guarantee of better coordination and consistency between the activities of Parliament, the Council of Europe, the FRA and the EIGE;

| 16. | Expresses concern at the alarming increase in the number of violations of fundamental rights in the EU, in particular in the areas of immigration and asylum, discrimination and intolerance — especially towards certain communities — and in the number of instances of attacks being carried out and of pressure being exerted on the NGOs which defend the rights of these groups and communities; notes Member States’ unwillingness to ensure that these fundamental rights and freedoms are observed, in particular as regards Roma people, women, the LGBTI community, asylum seekers, immigrants and other vulnerable groups; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Expresses concern at the alarming increase in the number of violations of fundamental rights in the EU, in particular in the areas of immigration and asylum, discrimination and intolerance — especially towards certain communities — and in the number of instances of attacks being carried out and of pressure being exerted on the NGOs which defend the rights of these groups and communities; notes Member States’ unwillingness to ensure that these fundamental rights and freedoms are observed, in particular as regards Roma people, women, the LGBTI community, asylum seekers, immigrants and other vulnerable groups;

| 17. | Calls on the Council to find common ground on the precise content of the principles and standards stemming from the rule of law that vary at national level, and to consider the already existing definition of the rule of law of the European Court of Justice as a starting- point for debate, including: legality, implying a transparent, accountable, democratic and pluralistic process for enacting laws; legal certainty; prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive powers; independent and impartial courts; effective judicial review including respect for fundamental rights; and equality before the law; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls on the Council to find common ground on the precise content of the principles and standards stemming from the rule of law that vary at national level, and to consider the already existing definition of the rule of law of the European Court of Justice as a starting- point for debate, including: legality, implying a transparent, accountable, democratic and pluralistic process for enacting laws; legal certainty; prohibition of arbitrariness of the executive powers; independent and impartial courts; effective judicial review including respect for fundamental rights; and equality before the law;

| 18. | Recalls that respecting the rule of law is a prerequisite for the protection of fundamental rights and that security measures should not compromise them, in line with Article 52 of the Charter; also recalls that under Article 6 of the Charter everyone has the right to liberty and security of person; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Recalls that respecting the rule of law is a prerequisite for the protection of fundamental rights and that security measures should not compromise them, in line with Article 52 of the Charter; also recalls that under Article 6 of the Charter everyone has the right to liberty and security of person;

| 19. | Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to ensure that fundamental rights and principles — as laid down, in particular, in the Treaties, the Charter and the European Convention on Human Rights — are embedded in internal security policies and measures from the outset, as suggested in the FRA Focus paper ‘Embedding fundamental rights in the security agenda’; urges the EU and the Member States to mainstream social inclusion and non-discrimination measures in future internal security strategies; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to ensure that fundamental rights and principles — as laid down, in particular, in the Treaties, the Charter and the European Convention on Human Rights — are embedded in internal security policies and measures from the outset, as suggested in the FRA Focus paper ‘Embedding fundamental rights in the security agenda’; urges the EU and the Member States to mainstream social inclusion and non-discrimination measures in future internal security strategies;

| 20. | Calls on the Commission, with the support of the FRA, to strengthen awareness-raising, education and training measures and programmes with regard to fundamental rights; these programmes should aim to establish cohesion and trust between all social partners and involve civil society organisations, national human rights institutions and national equality and anti-discrimination offices; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on the Commission, with the support of the FRA, to strengthen awareness-raising, education and training measures and programmes with regard to fundamental rights; these programmes should aim to establish cohesion and trust between all social partners and involve civil society organisations, national human rights institutions and national equality and anti-discrimination offices;

| 21. | Stresses that the role of the Commission as the guardian of the Treaties is not limited to ensuring that legislation is transposed by the Member States, but also extends to the full and correct application of laws, in particular with a view to protecting citizens’ fundamental rights; regrets the effective limitation of the scope of application of the Charter due to an excessively restrictive interpretation of its Article 51, read as preventing it from covering the enforcement of EU law; is of the opinion that this approach should be revised to meet EU citizens’ expectations in relation to their fundamental rights; recalls that the expectations of citizens go beyond the strict interpretation of the Charter and that the objective should be to render those rights as effective as possible; regrets, therefore, that the Commission pleads lack of competence in numerous replies to petitions complaining of a possible breach of fundamental rights; in this framework, calls for the establishment of a mechanism for the monitoring, systematic evaluation and issuing of recommendations, to foster overall compliance with fundamental values in the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Stresses that the role of the Commission as the guardian of the Treaties is not limited to ensuring that legislation is transposed by the Member States, but also extends to the full and correct application of laws, in particular with a view to protecting citizens’ fundamental rights; regrets the effective limitation of the scope of application of the Charter due to an excessively restrictive interpretation of its Article 51, read as preventing it from covering the enforcement of EU law; is of the opinion that this approach should be revised to meet EU citizens’ expectations in relation to their fundamental rights; recalls that the expectations of citizens go beyond the strict interpretation of the Charter and that the objective should be to render those rights as effective as possible; regrets, therefore, that the Commission pleads lack of competence in numerous replies to petitions complaining of a possible breach of fundamental rights; in this framework, calls for the establishment of a mechanism for the monitoring, systematic evaluation and issuing of recommendations, to foster overall compliance with fundamental values in the Member States;

| 22. | Recalls the crucial importance of the timely and correct transposition and implementation of EU law, especially when it affects or develops fundamental rights; |
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22.

Recalls the crucial importance of the timely and correct transposition and implementation of EU law, especially when it affects or develops fundamental rights;

Freedom and Security

Freedom of expression and the media

| 23. | Recalls that freedom of expression, information and the media is fundamental to ensuring democracy and the rule of law; strongly condemns violence, pressure and threats against journalists and the media, including in relation to the disclosure of their sources and information about breaches of fundamental rights by governments and states; calls on Member States to refrain from applying measures to impede those freedoms; reiterates its call on the Commission to review and amend the audiovisual media services directive along the lines indicated by Parliament in its resolution of 22 May 2013; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Recalls that freedom of expression, information and the media is fundamental to ensuring democracy and the rule of law; strongly condemns violence, pressure and threats against journalists and the media, including in relation to the disclosure of their sources and information about breaches of fundamental rights by governments and states; calls on Member States to refrain from applying measures to impede those freedoms; reiterates its call on the Commission to review and amend the audiovisual media services directive along the lines indicated by Parliament in its resolution of 22 May 2013;

| 24. | Stresses that public, independent, free, diverse and pluralist media, together with journalists, both online and offline, are a fundamental building block of democracy; believes that media ownership and management should not be concentrated; stresses, in this regard, that transparency of media ownership is crucial for the monitoring of investments that could influence the information provided; calls for the development of adequate and fair economic rules, in order to also guarantee online media pluralism; calls on the Commission to develop an action plan to assure that all media comply with minimum standards of independence and quality; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Stresses that public, independent, free, diverse and pluralist media, together with journalists, both online and offline, are a fundamental building block of democracy; believes that media ownership and management should not be concentrated; stresses, in this regard, that transparency of media ownership is crucial for the monitoring of investments that could influence the information provided; calls for the development of adequate and fair economic rules, in order to also guarantee online media pluralism; calls on the Commission to develop an action plan to assure that all media comply with minimum standards of independence and quality;

| 25. | Expresses its concern over the increasing repressive measures in some Member States against social movements and demonstrations, freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, particularly regarding the disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrators, and the small number of police and judicial investigations in this area; calls on the Member States to protect freedom of assembly and not to adopt measures that call into question or even criminalise the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms, such as the rights to demonstrate and strike or the rights of assembly and association and freedom of expression; expresses great concern at the national laws in several Member States impacting on fundamental rights in public spaces and restricting the right of assembly; calls on the Commission to monitor and address the serious interferences with fundamental rights caused by national laws setting up restrictions in public spaces on security grounds; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Expresses its concern over the increasing repressive measures in some Member States against social movements and demonstrations, freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, particularly regarding the disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrators, and the small number of police and judicial investigations in this area; calls on the Member States to protect freedom of assembly and not to adopt measures that call into question or even criminalise the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms, such as the rights to demonstrate and strike or the rights of assembly and association and freedom of expression; expresses great concern at the national laws in several Member States impacting on fundamental rights in public spaces and restricting the right of assembly; calls on the Commission to monitor and address the serious interferences with fundamental rights caused by national laws setting up restrictions in public spaces on security grounds;

| 26. | Notes that instances of terrorism have led the EU and its Member States to intensify anti-terrorist and counter-radicalisation measures; urges the EU and national authorities to adopt such measures in full respect of the principles of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, especially the right to a legal defence, the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial, and the right to respect for privacy and protection of personal data; calls on the Member States and the Commission to evaluate in full transparency any national drafts or proposals for antiterrorist regulatory and legislative instruments in terms of their compliance with Article 2 TEU and the Charter; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Notes that instances of terrorism have led the EU and its Member States to intensify anti-terrorist and counter-radicalisation measures; urges the EU and national authorities to adopt such measures in full respect of the principles of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, especially the right to a legal defence, the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial, and the right to respect for privacy and protection of personal data; calls on the Member States and the Commission to evaluate in full transparency any national drafts or proposals for antiterrorist regulatory and legislative instruments in terms of their compliance with Article 2 TEU and the Charter;

| 27. | Recognises that the widespread nature of transnational cybercrime and cyberterrorism creates serious challenges and concerns about protection of fundamental rights in the online environment; considers it essential for the EU to develop state-of-the-art expertise in the field of cybersecurity so as to ensure closer compliance in cyberspace with Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Recognises that the widespread nature of transnational cybercrime and cyberterrorism creates serious challenges and concerns about protection of fundamental rights in the online environment; considers it essential for the EU to develop state-of-the-art expertise in the field of cybersecurity so as to ensure closer compliance in cyberspace with Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter;

| 28. | Welcomes the report by the US Senate on the CIA detention and interrogation programmes; urges the Member States not to tolerate torture or any other inhuman and degrading forms of treatment on their territory; reiterates its calls on Member States to ensure accountability for violations of fundamental rights in the context of transportation and illegal detention of prisoners in European countries by the CIA; urges Member States to conduct open and transparent investigations to find out the truth about the use of their territory and airspace and to offer full cooperation to the European Parliament's enquiry on the matter, which has recently been reinstated, and its follow-up; calls for protection of those revealing such violations, such as journalists and whistleblowers; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Welcomes the report by the US Senate on the CIA detention and interrogation programmes; urges the Member States not to tolerate torture or any other inhuman and degrading forms of treatment on their territory; reiterates its calls on Member States to ensure accountability for violations of fundamental rights in the context of transportation and illegal detention of prisoners in European countries by the CIA; urges Member States to conduct open and transparent investigations to find out the truth about the use of their territory and airspace and to offer full cooperation to the European Parliament's enquiry on the matter, which has recently been reinstated, and its follow-up; calls for protection of those revealing such violations, such as journalists and whistleblowers;

| 29. | Expresses its concerns over repeated reports on the alleged violation of EU fundamental rights, and EU data protection legislation in particular, by the intelligence activities of Member States and of third countries that allow for the retention and accessing of electronic communications data of European citizens; strongly condemns the mass surveillance activities discovered to have been taking place since 2013 and deplores their continued existence; calls for clarification of these activities and in particular the current involvement of a number of Member States; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take full account of the requirements and recommendations of Parliament as set out in its resolution of 12 March 2014 on the US NSA surveillance programme, surveillance bodies in various Member States and their impact on EU citizens’ fundamental rights and on transatlantic cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs; calls on the Member States to ensure that the activities of their intelligence services are consistent with fundamental rights and subject to parliamentary and judicial scrutiny; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Expresses its concerns over repeated reports on the alleged violation of EU fundamental rights, and EU data protection legislation in particular, by the intelligence activities of Member States and of third countries that allow for the retention and accessing of electronic communications data of European citizens; strongly condemns the mass surveillance activities discovered to have been taking place since 2013 and deplores their continued existence; calls for clarification of these activities and in particular the current involvement of a number of Member States; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take full account of the requirements and recommendations of Parliament as set out in its resolution of 12 March 2014 on the US NSA surveillance programme, surveillance bodies in various Member States and their impact on EU citizens’ fundamental rights and on transatlantic cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs; calls on the Member States to ensure that the activities of their intelligence services are consistent with fundamental rights and subject to parliamentary and judicial scrutiny;

| 30. | Expresses its concern about the adoption of national legislation by Member States allowing for blanket surveillance, and reiterates the need for security instruments that are targeted, strictly necessary and proportionate in a democratic society; reiterates its call to the EU and its Member States to adopt a whistleblower protection system; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Expresses its concern about the adoption of national legislation by Member States allowing for blanket surveillance, and reiterates the need for security instruments that are targeted, strictly necessary and proportionate in a democratic society; reiterates its call to the EU and its Member States to adopt a whistleblower protection system;

| 31. | Is concerned that citizens are not fully aware of their right to data protection and privacy and of the channels of legal redress available to them; underlines in this respect the role of the national data protection authorities in upholding these rights and raising awareness of them; considers it essential to familiarise the public, in particular children, with the importance of personal data protection, including in cyberspace, and the dangers to which they are exposed; calls on the Member States to launch awareness-raising campaigns in schools; stresses that in light of rapid technology developments and increasing cyberattacks, special attention needs to be given to the protection of personal data on the internet, with a strong focus on the security of processing and storing; underlines that although the right to be forgotten is not absolute and will need to be balanced against other fundamental rights, individuals need to be given the right to have their online personal data rectified; expresses serious concern at the difficulty most internet users have in ensuring that their rights are respected in the digital sphere; calls on the Council to make rapid progress on the data protection package so as to ensure a high level of data protection across the EU; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Is concerned that citizens are not fully aware of their right to data protection and privacy and of the channels of legal redress available to them; underlines in this respect the role of the national data protection authorities in upholding these rights and raising awareness of them; considers it essential to familiarise the public, in particular children, with the importance of personal data protection, including in cyberspace, and the dangers to which they are exposed; calls on the Member States to launch awareness-raising campaigns in schools; stresses that in light of rapid technology developments and increasing cyberattacks, special attention needs to be given to the protection of personal data on the internet, with a strong focus on the security of processing and storing; underlines that although the right to be forgotten is not absolute and will need to be balanced against other fundamental rights, individuals need to be given the right to have their online personal data rectified; expresses serious concern at the difficulty most internet users have in ensuring that their rights are respected in the digital sphere; calls on the Council to make rapid progress on the data protection package so as to ensure a high level of data protection across the EU;

| 32. | Recalls that Member States must ensure that their intelligence services operate in a lawful manner and in full compliance with the Treaties and the Charter; calls in this regard on Member States to ensure that national law will only allow for the collection and analysis of personal data (including so-called metadata) with the consent of the person concerned or following a court order granted on the basis of reasonable suspicion of the target being involved in criminal activity; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Recalls that Member States must ensure that their intelligence services operate in a lawful manner and in full compliance with the Treaties and the Charter; calls in this regard on Member States to ensure that national law will only allow for the collection and analysis of personal data (including so-called metadata) with the consent of the person concerned or following a court order granted on the basis of reasonable suspicion of the target being involved in criminal activity;

| 33. | Stresses that unlawful data collection and processing should be penalised in the same way as violation of the traditional confidentiality of correspondence; insists that the creation of ‘back doors’ or any other techniques to weaken or circumvent security measures or exploit their existing weaknesses should be strictly prohibited; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Stresses that unlawful data collection and processing should be penalised in the same way as violation of the traditional confidentiality of correspondence; insists that the creation of ‘back doors’ or any other techniques to weaken or circumvent security measures or exploit their existing weaknesses should be strictly prohibited;

| 34. | Deplores the pressure placed on private companies by both public and private bodies to hand over internet users’ data, control internet content or jeopardise the principle of net neutrality; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Deplores the pressure placed on private companies by both public and private bodies to hand over internet users’ data, control internet content or jeopardise the principle of net neutrality;

| 35. | Emphasises that safeguarding fundamental rights in today's information society is a key issue for the EU, as the growing use of information and communications technologies (ICT) poses new threats to fundamental rights in cyberspace, the protection of which should be strengthened by ensuring that they are promoted and protected online in the same way and to the same extent as in the offline world; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Emphasises that safeguarding fundamental rights in today's information society is a key issue for the EU, as the growing use of information and communications technologies (ICT) poses new threats to fundamental rights in cyberspace, the protection of which should be strengthened by ensuring that they are promoted and protected online in the same way and to the same extent as in the offline world;

| 36. | Urges the Commission to monitor intensively the implementation of existing EU legislation in this field and considers that Member States should apply the provisions of criminal law in practice through effective investigation and prosecution in order to ensure respect for the fundamental rights of victims; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Urges the Commission to monitor intensively the implementation of existing EU legislation in this field and considers that Member States should apply the provisions of criminal law in practice through effective investigation and prosecution in order to ensure respect for the fundamental rights of victims;

| 37. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to show the utmost vigilance as regards the impact which certain new technologies, for example drones, might have on citizens’ fundamental rights and more especially the right to privacy and the protection of personal data; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to show the utmost vigilance as regards the impact which certain new technologies, for example drones, might have on citizens’ fundamental rights and more especially the right to privacy and the protection of personal data;

| 38. | Underlines the crucial role of education in preventing radicalisation and the rise of intolerance and extremism among young people; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Underlines the crucial role of education in preventing radicalisation and the rise of intolerance and extremism among young people;

| 39. | Deplores the acts of discrimination, not to say brutality, perpetrated by police forces in some Member States against minority groups such as migrants, Roma, LGBTI people or people with disabilities; urges the Member States to investigate and punish such actions; believes that police forces should be made more aware of, and trained to deal with, the discrimination and violence inflicted on these minorities; calls on the Member States to restore the confidence that minorities should have in the police and to encourage them to report abuses; calls also on the authorities in the Member States to combat the discriminatory ethnic profiling carried out by some police forces; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Deplores the acts of discrimination, not to say brutality, perpetrated by police forces in some Member States against minority groups such as migrants, Roma, LGBTI people or people with disabilities; urges the Member States to investigate and punish such actions; believes that police forces should be made more aware of, and trained to deal with, the discrimination and violence inflicted on these minorities; calls on the Member States to restore the confidence that minorities should have in the police and to encourage them to report abuses; calls also on the authorities in the Member States to combat the discriminatory ethnic profiling carried out by some police forces;

Freedom of religion and conscience

| 40. | Refers to Article 10 of the Charter, which protects freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to practise the religion of one’s choice and to change religion or belief; considers that this also covers the freedom of non-believers; condemns any form of discrimination or intolerance and calls for a ban of any form of discrimination on these grounds; deplores, in this regard, recent instances of anti-Semitic and anti-Islamic discrimination and violence; calls on the Member States, including regional authorities to protect with all available tools freedom of religion or belief and to promote tolerance and intercultural dialogue through effective policy making, enhancing anti-discrimination policies where needed; recalls the importance of a neutral secular state in preventing discrimination against any religious, atheist or agnostic communities and guaranteeing equal treatment of all religions and beliefs; expresses its concerns over the application of blasphemy and religious insult laws in the European Union, which can have a serious impact on freedom of expression, and urges Member States to abolish them; strongly condemns attacks against places of worship and urges Member States not to allow such offences to go unpunished; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Refers to Article 10 of the Charter, which protects freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to practise the religion of one’s choice and to change religion or belief; considers that this also covers the freedom of non-believers; condemns any form of discrimination or intolerance and calls for a ban of any form of discrimination on these grounds; deplores, in this regard, recent instances of anti-Semitic and anti-Islamic discrimination and violence; calls on the Member States, including regional authorities to protect with all available tools freedom of religion or belief and to promote tolerance and intercultural dialogue through effective policy making, enhancing anti-discrimination policies where needed; recalls the importance of a neutral secular state in preventing discrimination against any religious, atheist or agnostic communities and guaranteeing equal treatment of all religions and beliefs; expresses its concerns over the application of blasphemy and religious insult laws in the European Union, which can have a serious impact on freedom of expression, and urges Member States to abolish them; strongly condemns attacks against places of worship and urges Member States not to allow such offences to go unpunished;

| 41. | Urges respect for freedom of religion or belief in the occupied part of Cyprus, where more than 500 religious and cultural monuments are on the way to collapse; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Urges respect for freedom of religion or belief in the occupied part of Cyprus, where more than 500 religious and cultural monuments are on the way to collapse;

| 42. | Is alarmed at the rise in anti-Semitism in Europe and the increasingly widespread efforts to deny or downplay the Holocaust; is deeply concerned that many members of the Jewish community are planning to leave Europe because of the worsening climate of anti-Semitism and discrimination and violence against them; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Is alarmed at the rise in anti-Semitism in Europe and the increasingly widespread efforts to deny or downplay the Holocaust; is deeply concerned that many members of the Jewish community are planning to leave Europe because of the worsening climate of anti-Semitism and discrimination and violence against them;

| 43. | Expresses deep concern at the growth of anti-Islamic demonstrations, attacks on mosques and the widespread tendency to associate Islam with the religious fanaticism of a tiny minority; deplores discrimination and violence against the Muslim community; calls on the Member States to condemn such acts systematically and to apply zero tolerance in this connection; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Expresses deep concern at the growth of anti-Islamic demonstrations, attacks on mosques and the widespread tendency to associate Islam with the religious fanaticism of a tiny minority; deplores discrimination and violence against the Muslim community; calls on the Member States to condemn such acts systematically and to apply zero tolerance in this connection;

Equality and non-discrimination

| 44. | Strongly deplores the fact that the Council has still not adopted the 2008 proposal for a directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation; welcomes the prioritisation of this directive by the Commission; reiterates its call to the Council to adopt the proposal as soon as possible; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Strongly deplores the fact that the Council has still not adopted the 2008 proposal for a directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation; welcomes the prioritisation of this directive by the Commission; reiterates its call to the Council to adopt the proposal as soon as possible;

| 45. | Points out that pluralism, non-discrimination and tolerance are among the founding values of the Union, in accordance with Article 2 TEU; considers that only policies designed to promote both formal and substantive equality and to combat all forms of bias and discrimination can promote a cohesive society by breaking down all forms of prejudice which harm social integration; deplores the fact that even today in the EU there are still cases of discrimination, marginalisation and even violence and abuse based, in particular, on gender, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or personal beliefs, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Points out that pluralism, non-discrimination and tolerance are among the founding values of the Union, in accordance with Article 2 TEU; considers that only policies designed to promote both formal and substantive equality and to combat all forms of bias and discrimination can promote a cohesive society by breaking down all forms of prejudice which harm social integration; deplores the fact that even today in the EU there are still cases of discrimination, marginalisation and even violence and abuse based, in particular, on gender, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or personal beliefs, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation;

| 46. | Considers that the Union and Member States should step up their efforts to combat discrimination and protect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, and promote measures to enhance gender equality, the rights of the child, the rights of older persons, the rights of persons with disabilities, and the rights of LGBTI persons and persons belonging to national minorities; urges the EU and the Member States to include multiple discrimination within equality policies; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Considers that the Union and Member States should step up their efforts to combat discrimination and protect cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, and promote measures to enhance gender equality, the rights of the child, the rights of older persons, the rights of persons with disabilities, and the rights of LGBTI persons and persons belonging to national minorities; urges the EU and the Member States to include multiple discrimination within equality policies;

| 47. | Condemns all forms of violence and discrimination within EU territory and is concerned about the increase in them; calls on the Commission and the Member States to adopt specific policy commitments to combat all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Afrophobia and anti-Gypsyism; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Condemns all forms of violence and discrimination within EU territory and is concerned about the increase in them; calls on the Commission and the Member States to adopt specific policy commitments to combat all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Afrophobia and anti-Gypsyism;

| 48. | Calls on the Commission and the Council to acknowledge the need for reliable and comparable equality data to measure discrimination, disaggregated according to discrimination grounds, in order to inform policy-making, evaluate the implementation of EU anti-discrimination legislation and better enforce it; calls on the Commission to define consistent equality data collection standards, based on self-identification, EU data protection standards and consultation of the relevant communities; calls on the Member States to collect data on all grounds for discrimination; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Calls on the Commission and the Council to acknowledge the need for reliable and comparable equality data to measure discrimination, disaggregated according to discrimination grounds, in order to inform policy-making, evaluate the implementation of EU anti-discrimination legislation and better enforce it; calls on the Commission to define consistent equality data collection standards, based on self-identification, EU data protection standards and consultation of the relevant communities; calls on the Member States to collect data on all grounds for discrimination;

| 49. | Urges the EU to adopt a directive condemning discrimination based on gender and seeking to counteract gender prejudices and clichés in education and the media; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Urges the EU to adopt a directive condemning discrimination based on gender and seeking to counteract gender prejudices and clichés in education and the media;

Promotion of minorities

| 50. | Calls for greater consistency on the part of the European Union in the field of minority protection; strongly believes that all Member States, as well as candidate countries, should be bound by the same principles and criteria in order to avoid the application of double standards; calls, therefore, for the establishment of an effective mechanism to monitor and ensure respect for the fundamental rights of minorities of all kinds both in candidate countries and in EU Member States; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Calls for greater consistency on the part of the European Union in the field of minority protection; strongly believes that all Member States, as well as candidate countries, should be bound by the same principles and criteria in order to avoid the application of double standards; calls, therefore, for the establishment of an effective mechanism to monitor and ensure respect for the fundamental rights of minorities of all kinds both in candidate countries and in EU Member States;

| 51. | Emphasises that the European Union must be an area where respect for ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity prevails; invites the EU institutions to elaborate a comprehensive EU protection system for national, ethnic and linguistic minorities in order to ensure their equal treatment, taking into account the relevant international legal standards and existing good practices, and calls on the Members States to ensure effective equality of these minorities, particularly on issues of language, education and culture; encourages the Member States that have not yet done so to ratify and effectively implement the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities; recalls also the need to implement the principles developed in the framework of the OSCE; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Emphasises that the European Union must be an area where respect for ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity prevails; invites the EU institutions to elaborate a comprehensive EU protection system for national, ethnic and linguistic minorities in order to ensure their equal treatment, taking into account the relevant international legal standards and existing good practices, and calls on the Members States to ensure effective equality of these minorities, particularly on issues of language, education and culture; encourages the Member States that have not yet done so to ratify and effectively implement the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities; recalls also the need to implement the principles developed in the framework of the OSCE;

| 52. | Condemns all forms of discrimination on grounds of language use and calls on those Member States that have not yet done so to ratify and effectively implement the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; urges the Member States and the Commission to take all necessary action to tackle any disproportionate administrative or legislative obstacles that could hinder linguistic diversity at European or national level; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Condemns all forms of discrimination on grounds of language use and calls on those Member States that have not yet done so to ratify and effectively implement the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; urges the Member States and the Commission to take all necessary action to tackle any disproportionate administrative or legislative obstacles that could hinder linguistic diversity at European or national level;

| 53. | Stresses that the principles of human dignity, equality before the law and the prohibition of discrimination on any grounds are foundations of the rule of law; calls on the Member States to adopt a national legislative framework to address all forms of discrimination and guarantee effective implementation of the existing EU legal framework; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Stresses that the principles of human dignity, equality before the law and the prohibition of discrimination on any grounds are foundations of the rule of law; calls on the Member States to adopt a national legislative framework to address all forms of discrimination and guarantee effective implementation of the existing EU legal framework;

Situation of Roma people

| 54. | Deplores the increasing tendency towards anti-Roma sentiment in the European Union and expresses its concern at the situation of the Roma in the EU and the numerous instances of persecution, violence, stigmatisation, discrimination and unlawful expulsions, which are contrary to fundamental rights and European Union law; urges the Commission to continue to take action against those Member States that allow institutionalised discrimination and segregation; calls on the Member States once more to effectively implement strategies to foster real inclusion, to pursue strengthened and pertinent action to promote integration, particularly in the fields of protection of fundamental rights, education, employment, housing and healthcare, and to combat violence, hate speech and discrimination against Roma, in line with the Council recommendation on effective Roma integration measures in Member States of 9 December 2013; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Deplores the increasing tendency towards anti-Roma sentiment in the European Union and expresses its concern at the situation of the Roma in the EU and the numerous instances of persecution, violence, stigmatisation, discrimination and unlawful expulsions, which are contrary to fundamental rights and European Union law; urges the Commission to continue to take action against those Member States that allow institutionalised discrimination and segregation; calls on the Member States once more to effectively implement strategies to foster real inclusion, to pursue strengthened and pertinent action to promote integration, particularly in the fields of protection of fundamental rights, education, employment, housing and healthcare, and to combat violence, hate speech and discrimination against Roma, in line with the Council recommendation on effective Roma integration measures in Member States of 9 December 2013;

| 55. | Stresses the importance of properly implementing the national Roma integration strategies by developing integrated policies involving local authorities, non-governmental bodies and Roma communities in ongoing dialogue; calls on the Commission to provide for monitoring and better coordination of the implementation; calls on the Member States to cooperate with representatives of the Roma population in the management, monitoring and evaluation of projects affecting their communities, using available funds, including EU funds, while strictly monitoring respect for the fundamental rights of Roma people, including freedom of movement, pursuant to Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Stresses the importance of properly implementing the national Roma integration strategies by developing integrated policies involving local authorities, non-governmental bodies and Roma communities in ongoing dialogue; calls on the Commission to provide for monitoring and better coordination of the implementation; calls on the Member States to cooperate with representatives of the Roma population in the management, monitoring and evaluation of projects affecting their communities, using available funds, including EU funds, while strictly monitoring respect for the fundamental rights of Roma people, including freedom of movement, pursuant to Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States;

| 56. | Deplores the existing discrimination against Roma people in national educational systems and on the labour market; stresses the increased vulnerability of Roma women and children in particular to multiple and simultaneous violations of their fundamental rights; reiterates the importance of protecting and promoting equal access to all rights for Roma children; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Deplores the existing discrimination against Roma people in national educational systems and on the labour market; stresses the increased vulnerability of Roma women and children in particular to multiple and simultaneous violations of their fundamental rights; reiterates the importance of protecting and promoting equal access to all rights for Roma children;

| 57. | Urges the Member States to adopt the necessary legislative changes with regard to sterilisation and to financially compensate the victims of coercive sterilisations performed on Roma women and women with mental disabilities, in line with the case-law of the ECtHR; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Urges the Member States to adopt the necessary legislative changes with regard to sterilisation and to financially compensate the victims of coercive sterilisations performed on Roma women and women with mental disabilities, in line with the case-law of the ECtHR;

Violence against women and equality between women and men

| 58. | Urges the EU and the Member States to combat and prosecute all forms of violence and discrimination against women; calls on the Member States in particular to deal effectively with the effects of domestic violence and sexual exploitation in all its forms, including that of refugees and migrant children, and early or forced marriage; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Urges the EU and the Member States to combat and prosecute all forms of violence and discrimination against women; calls on the Member States in particular to deal effectively with the effects of domestic violence and sexual exploitation in all its forms, including that of refugees and migrant children, and early or forced marriage;

| 59. | Expresses concern about the extent and forms of violence against women in the EU, as documented by the FRA's EU-wide survey which showed that one in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15, and that an estimated 3,7 million women in the EU experience sexual violence over the period of one year; calls therefore on the Commission and the Member States to review existing legislation and to keep the issue of violence against women high on the agenda, as gender-based violence should not be tolerated; calls on the Commission to encourage national ratifications and start the procedure for EU accession to the Istanbul Convention as quickly as possible; notes that the immediate accession of all Member States to the Istanbul Convention would lead to the development of an integrated policy and to the promotion of international cooperation in the fight against all forms of violence against women, including sexual harassment both on and off line; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Expresses concern about the extent and forms of violence against women in the EU, as documented by the FRA's EU-wide survey which showed that one in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15, and that an estimated 3,7 million women in the EU experience sexual violence over the period of one year; calls therefore on the Commission and the Member States to review existing legislation and to keep the issue of violence against women high on the agenda, as gender-based violence should not be tolerated; calls on the Commission to encourage national ratifications and start the procedure for EU accession to the Istanbul Convention as quickly as possible; notes that the immediate accession of all Member States to the Istanbul Convention would lead to the development of an integrated policy and to the promotion of international cooperation in the fight against all forms of violence against women, including sexual harassment both on and off line;

| 60. | Calls on the Member States to set up networks of centres providing support and shelter for women who are victims of trafficking and prostitution, ensuring that they receive psychological, medical, social and legal support and encouragement in finding stable employment and the accompanying entitlements; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Calls on the Member States to set up networks of centres providing support and shelter for women who are victims of trafficking and prostitution, ensuring that they receive psychological, medical, social and legal support and encouragement in finding stable employment and the accompanying entitlements;

| 61. | Expresses serious concern about continuing genital mutilation practices, which are a serious form of violence against women and girls and constitute an unacceptable violation of their right to physical integrity; urges the EU and the Member States to exercise extreme vigilance with regard to such practices within their borders, and to put a stop to them as swiftly as possible; calls in particular on the Member States to adopt a firm and dissuasive approach by training people working with migrants and systematically and effectively prosecuting and punishing the perpetrators of genital mutilation, for which there must be zero tolerance; insists this should be paralleled with information and awareness-raising campaigns targeting the groups concerned; welcomes the fact that EU legislation in the field of asylum views victims of genital mutilation as vulnerable persons and includes genital mutilation among the criteria for the granting of asylum; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Expresses serious concern about continuing genital mutilation practices, which are a serious form of violence against women and girls and constitute an unacceptable violation of their right to physical integrity; urges the EU and the Member States to exercise extreme vigilance with regard to such practices within their borders, and to put a stop to them as swiftly as possible; calls in particular on the Member States to adopt a firm and dissuasive approach by training people working with migrants and systematically and effectively prosecuting and punishing the perpetrators of genital mutilation, for which there must be zero tolerance; insists this should be paralleled with information and awareness-raising campaigns targeting the groups concerned; welcomes the fact that EU legislation in the field of asylum views victims of genital mutilation as vulnerable persons and includes genital mutilation among the criteria for the granting of asylum;

| 62. | Calls on the Commission to ensure the continuity of data collection on the prevalence and nature of violence against women as a basis for robust policies to prevent violence and meet the needs of victims, including assessing the implementation of the EU Victims' Directive (2012/29/EU) and organising awareness-raising campaigns against sexual harassment; considers that data collection should build on the first EU-wide survey carried out by the FRA, and should be based on the cooperation between the Commission (including Eurostat), FRA and the European Institute for Gender Equality; reiterates the request to the Commission made in its resolution of 25 February 2014 with recommendations to the Commission on combating Violence Against Women to submit a proposal for an act establishing measures to promote and support the action of Member States in the field of prevention of violence against women and girls, including female genital mutilation; and calls on the Commission to establish 2016 as the year to combat violence against women and girls; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Calls on the Commission to ensure the continuity of data collection on the prevalence and nature of violence against women as a basis for robust policies to prevent violence and meet the needs of victims, including assessing the implementation of the EU Victims' Directive (2012/29/EU) and organising awareness-raising campaigns against sexual harassment; considers that data collection should build on the first EU-wide survey carried out by the FRA, and should be based on the cooperation between the Commission (including Eurostat), FRA and the European Institute for Gender Equality; reiterates the request to the Commission made in its resolution of 25 February 2014 with recommendations to the Commission on combating Violence Against Women to submit a proposal for an act establishing measures to promote and support the action of Member States in the field of prevention of violence against women and girls, including female genital mutilation; and calls on the Commission to establish 2016 as the year to combat violence against women and girls;

| 63. | Calls on the EU and the Member States to combat and prosecute all forms of violence against women; calls on the Commission to propose a legislative initiative to prohibit violence against women in the EU; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Calls on the EU and the Member States to combat and prosecute all forms of violence against women; calls on the Commission to propose a legislative initiative to prohibit violence against women in the EU;

| 64. | Calls on the Commission to raise awareness of the need to foster a culture of respect and tolerance with a view to putting an end to all forms of discrimination against women; calls, moreover, on the Member States to ensure the implementation of national strategies concerning respect for and safeguarding of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights; insists on the role of the Union in awareness-raising and promoting best practices on this issue, given that health is a fundamental human right essential to the exercise of other human rights; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Calls on the Commission to raise awareness of the need to foster a culture of respect and tolerance with a view to putting an end to all forms of discrimination against women; calls, moreover, on the Member States to ensure the implementation of national strategies concerning respect for and safeguarding of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights; insists on the role of the Union in awareness-raising and promoting best practices on this issue, given that health is a fundamental human right essential to the exercise of other human rights;

| 65. | Is alarmed at the under-representation of women in decision-making processes, companies and their boards of directors, science and the political sphere, at both national and international level (large companies, national and European elections) and, in particular, at local level; calls for women to be supported in their professional development and efforts to obtain executive posts, and calls on the EU institutions to pay greater attention to the finding that a mere 17,8 % of board members of the largest publicly listed companies in the EU are women; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Is alarmed at the under-representation of women in decision-making processes, companies and their boards of directors, science and the political sphere, at both national and international level (large companies, national and European elections) and, in particular, at local level; calls for women to be supported in their professional development and efforts to obtain executive posts, and calls on the EU institutions to pay greater attention to the finding that a mere 17,8 % of board members of the largest publicly listed companies in the EU are women;

| 66. | Calls for the maternity leave directive to be unblocked in the Council, as this piece of legislation will make real and tangible gender equality possible, as well as bringing about harmonisation at EU level; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Calls for the maternity leave directive to be unblocked in the Council, as this piece of legislation will make real and tangible gender equality possible, as well as bringing about harmonisation at EU level;

| 67. | Points out that more than half of all postgraduates are women and that this data is not reflected on the labour market, especially in senior decision-making positions; calls therefore on the Member States to take every step required to ensure equal participation of women and men in the labour market and to help women move into high-level posts, and especially to reach an agreement as soon as possible on the proposal for a directive on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures; deplores the fact that in the EU — when both do equal work — women’s income is still, on average, 16 % lower than men’s income; calls on the EU therefore to continue its work in ensuring equality between women and men in pay in line with Article 157 TFEU, in pensions and participation in the labour market, including in top management positions; considers that this action should help to combat poverty and to ensure that Europe is making full use of all available talent; deplores the fact that women’s unemployment rate is still significantly higher than that of men and stresses that financial independence of women must be a component of the fight against poverty; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Points out that more than half of all postgraduates are women and that this data is not reflected on the labour market, especially in senior decision-making positions; calls therefore on the Member States to take every step required to ensure equal participation of women and men in the labour market and to help women move into high-level posts, and especially to reach an agreement as soon as possible on the proposal for a directive on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures; deplores the fact that in the EU — when both do equal work — women’s income is still, on average, 16 % lower than men’s income; calls on the EU therefore to continue its work in ensuring equality between women and men in pay in line with Article 157 TFEU, in pensions and participation in the labour market, including in top management positions; considers that this action should help to combat poverty and to ensure that Europe is making full use of all available talent; deplores the fact that women’s unemployment rate is still significantly higher than that of men and stresses that financial independence of women must be a component of the fight against poverty;

| 68. | Calls on the Commission to step up monitoring of compliance with the principle of gender equality in European legislation; calls on the Member States to undertake a similar analysis of their national legislation; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Calls on the Commission to step up monitoring of compliance with the principle of gender equality in European legislation; calls on the Member States to undertake a similar analysis of their national legislation;

| 69. | Recognises that sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are fundamental rights and an essential element of human dignity, gender equality and self-determination; urges the Commission to include SRHR, as basic human rights, in its next EU Health Strategy in order to ensure coherence between the EU's internal and external fundamental rights policy as called for by Parliament on 10 March 2015; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Recognises that sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are fundamental rights and an essential element of human dignity, gender equality and self-determination; urges the Commission to include SRHR, as basic human rights, in its next EU Health Strategy in order to ensure coherence between the EU's internal and external fundamental rights policy as called for by Parliament on 10 March 2015;

| 70. | Recognises that the denial of a life-saving abortion amounts to a serious breach of fundamental rights; |
| --- | --- |

70.

Recognises that the denial of a life-saving abortion amounts to a serious breach of fundamental rights;

| 71. | Calls on the Member States, in liaison with the Commission, to recognise the right to access safe and modern contraceptives and sexuality education in schools; urges the Commission to complement national policies to improve public health, while keeping the European Parliament fully informed; |
| --- | --- |

71.

Calls on the Member States, in liaison with the Commission, to recognise the right to access safe and modern contraceptives and sexuality education in schools; urges the Commission to complement national policies to improve public health, while keeping the European Parliament fully informed;

Children’s rights

| 72. | Strongly condemns any form of violence against and ill-treatment of children; calls on the Member States, as States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to take appropriate measures to protect children from all forms of physical and psychological violence, including physical and sexual abuse, forced marriages, child labour and sexual exploitation; |
| --- | --- |

72.

Strongly condemns any form of violence against and ill-treatment of children; calls on the Member States, as States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to take appropriate measures to protect children from all forms of physical and psychological violence, including physical and sexual abuse, forced marriages, child labour and sexual exploitation;

| 73. | Strongly condemns the sexual exploitation of children, particularly the growing phenomenon of child pornography on the internet; urges the Union and Member States to unite in their efforts to combat these serious infringements of children’s rights and to take due account of the recommendations made by Parliament in its resolution of 11 March 2015 on child sexual abuse online (33); reiterates its call for those Member States which have not yet done so to transpose the directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography; calls, furthermore, on the Union and those Member States that have not yet done so to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse; |
| --- | --- |

73.

Strongly condemns the sexual exploitation of children, particularly the growing phenomenon of child pornography on the internet; urges the Union and Member States to unite in their efforts to combat these serious infringements of children’s rights and to take due account of the recommendations made by Parliament in its resolution of 11 March 2015 on child sexual abuse online (33); reiterates its call for those Member States which have not yet done so to transpose the directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography; calls, furthermore, on the Union and those Member States that have not yet done so to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse;

| 74. | Calls on the Member States to implement Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and to strengthen the legal ability, technical capabilities and financial resources of law enforcement authorities in order to increase cooperation, including with Europol, with a view to investigating and dismantling child sex offender networks more efficiently, while prioritising the rights and safety of the children involved; |
| --- | --- |

74.

Calls on the Member States to implement Directive 2011/93/EU on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and to strengthen the legal ability, technical capabilities and financial resources of law enforcement authorities in order to increase cooperation, including with Europol, with a view to investigating and dismantling child sex offender networks more efficiently, while prioritising the rights and safety of the children involved;

| 75. | Stresses the role of professionals who work with children, such as teachers, youth workers and paediatricians, when it comes to detecting signs of physical and psychological violence against children, including cyber bullying; calls on the Member States to ensure that such professionals have their awareness raised, and receive training, to this end; calls, furthermore, on the Member States to establish hotlines where children can report any act of mistreatment, sexual violence, intimidation or harassment against them; |
| --- | --- |

75.

Stresses the role of professionals who work with children, such as teachers, youth workers and paediatricians, when it comes to detecting signs of physical and psychological violence against children, including cyber bullying; calls on the Member States to ensure that such professionals have their awareness raised, and receive training, to this end; calls, furthermore, on the Member States to establish hotlines where children can report any act of mistreatment, sexual violence, intimidation or harassment against them;

| 76. | Considers that children's personal data online must be duly protected and that children need to be informed in a child-friendly manner about the risks and consequences of using their personal data online; calls on the Member States to launch awareness-raising campaigns in schools; stresses that online profiling of children should be prohibited; |
| --- | --- |

76.

Considers that children's personal data online must be duly protected and that children need to be informed in a child-friendly manner about the risks and consequences of using their personal data online; calls on the Member States to launch awareness-raising campaigns in schools; stresses that online profiling of children should be prohibited;

| 77. | Condemns any form of discrimination against children and calls on the Commission and Member States to take united action to eradicate discrimination against children; in particular, calls on the Member States and the Commission to explicitly consider children as a priority when programming and implementing regional and cohesion policies; |
| --- | --- |

77.

Condemns any form of discrimination against children and calls on the Commission and Member States to take united action to eradicate discrimination against children; in particular, calls on the Member States and the Commission to explicitly consider children as a priority when programming and implementing regional and cohesion policies;

| 78. | Calls on the Member States to ensure effective access to justice for all children, whether as suspects, perpetrators, victims or parties to proceedings; affirms the importance of strengthening the procedural safeguards for children in criminal proceedings, particularly in the context of the ongoing discussions on a directive on special safeguards for children suspected and accused in criminal proceedings; |
| --- | --- |

78.

Calls on the Member States to ensure effective access to justice for all children, whether as suspects, perpetrators, victims or parties to proceedings; affirms the importance of strengthening the procedural safeguards for children in criminal proceedings, particularly in the context of the ongoing discussions on a directive on special safeguards for children suspected and accused in criminal proceedings;

| 79. | Expresses its concern about the increase in the number of cases of international abduction by parents; stresses, in this context, the importance of the role of the European Parliament Mediator for International Parental Child Abduction; underlines the importance of a common EU approach to finding missing children in the EU; calls on the Member States to increase police and judicial cooperation in cross-border cases involving missing children and to develop hotlines to search for missing children; |
| --- | --- |

79.

Expresses its concern about the increase in the number of cases of international abduction by parents; stresses, in this context, the importance of the role of the European Parliament Mediator for International Parental Child Abduction; underlines the importance of a common EU approach to finding missing children in the EU; calls on the Member States to increase police and judicial cooperation in cross-border cases involving missing children and to develop hotlines to search for missing children;

| 80. | Recalls that the child’s best interests as referred to in Article 24 of the Charter must always be a prime consideration in any policy and measure adopted in relation to children; recalls that the right to education is provided for in the Charter and that education is essential, not only for a child’s welfare and personal development but also for the future of society; considers the education of children from low-income families to be an essential precondition for enabling children to escape from poverty; calls on the Member States, therefore, to promote high-quality education for all; |
| --- | --- |

80.

Recalls that the child’s best interests as referred to in Article 24 of the Charter must always be a prime consideration in any policy and measure adopted in relation to children; recalls that the right to education is provided for in the Charter and that education is essential, not only for a child’s welfare and personal development but also for the future of society; considers the education of children from low-income families to be an essential precondition for enabling children to escape from poverty; calls on the Member States, therefore, to promote high-quality education for all;

| 81. | Stresses that the interests and rights of children of EU citizens should be properly protected, not just within the Union but also beyond its borders, and calls consequently for enhanced cooperation with the institutions responsible for children's well-being in non-EU Nordic countries; considers that all the EU's partners (including members of the EEA) should ratify the 1996 Hague Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Cooperation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children; |
| --- | --- |

81.

Stresses that the interests and rights of children of EU citizens should be properly protected, not just within the Union but also beyond its borders, and calls consequently for enhanced cooperation with the institutions responsible for children's well-being in non-EU Nordic countries; considers that all the EU's partners (including members of the EEA) should ratify the 1996 Hague Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Cooperation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children;

| 82. | Recognises that the financial and economic crisis has had a serious negative impact on the realisation of children's rights and wellbeing; calls on the Member States to step up their efforts in tackling child poverty and social exclusion through effective implementation of the Commission Recommendation ‘Investing in children: breaking the cycle of disadvantage’ through integrated strategies supporting access to adequate resources, enabling access to affordable, quality services and promoting children's participation in decision-making that affects them; calls on the Commission to take further measures for monitoring the implementation of the recommendation; |
| --- | --- |

82.

Recognises that the financial and economic crisis has had a serious negative impact on the realisation of children's rights and wellbeing; calls on the Member States to step up their efforts in tackling child poverty and social exclusion through effective implementation of the Commission Recommendation ‘Investing in children: breaking the cycle of disadvantage’ through integrated strategies supporting access to adequate resources, enabling access to affordable, quality services and promoting children's participation in decision-making that affects them; calls on the Commission to take further measures for monitoring the implementation of the recommendation;

| 83. | Invites the Commission to propose an ambitious and comprehensive successor to the EU Agenda on the Rights of the Child in 2015; calls on the Commission to ensure effective mainstreaming of children’s rights across all the EU’s legislation, policies and financial decisions; calls on the Commission to report annually on the progress made on respect for the rights of children and the full implementation of the EU acquis on children’s rights; calls on the Commission to ensure that the mandate and resources of the children’s rights coordinator adequately reflect the EU’s commitment to systematically and effectively mainstreaming children’s rights; calls on the Commission to adopt the EU guidance on integrated child protection systems that has been announced; |
| --- | --- |

83.

Invites the Commission to propose an ambitious and comprehensive successor to the EU Agenda on the Rights of the Child in 2015; calls on the Commission to ensure effective mainstreaming of children’s rights across all the EU’s legislation, policies and financial decisions; calls on the Commission to report annually on the progress made on respect for the rights of children and the full implementation of the EU acquis on children’s rights; calls on the Commission to ensure that the mandate and resources of the children’s rights coordinator adequately reflect the EU’s commitment to systematically and effectively mainstreaming children’s rights; calls on the Commission to adopt the EU guidance on integrated child protection systems that has been announced;

| 84. | Welcomes the trend towards defining forced marriage as a criminal offence in the Member States; calls on the Member States to be vigilant and to provide training for and raise the awareness of staff who come into contact with children, such as teachers and youth workers, so as to equip them to identify children who are at risk of being abducted to their country of origin in order to be forcibly married; |
| --- | --- |

84.

Welcomes the trend towards defining forced marriage as a criminal offence in the Member States; calls on the Member States to be vigilant and to provide training for and raise the awareness of staff who come into contact with children, such as teachers and youth workers, so as to equip them to identify children who are at risk of being abducted to their country of origin in order to be forcibly married;

Rights of LGBTI people

| 85. | Condemns in the strongest terms all forms of discrimination and violence on EU territory against lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and intersex people (LGBTI), as fostered by laws and policies that restrict the fundamental rights of LGBTI people; calls on the Commission and Member States to adopt laws and policies to combat homophobia and transphobia; calls, in this regard, on the Commission to put forward an action plan or strategy at EU level for equality on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, as repeatedly called for by Parliament and as promised by Commissioner Jourová in the process of the Commission hearings; in this regard, recalls its resolution of 4 February 2014 on the EU Roadmap against homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity; emphasises, nevertheless, that this comprehensive policy must respect the competences of the European Union, of its agencies and of its Member States; |
| --- | --- |

85.

Condemns in the strongest terms all forms of discrimination and violence on EU territory against lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and intersex people (LGBTI), as fostered by laws and policies that restrict the fundamental rights of LGBTI people; calls on the Commission and Member States to adopt laws and policies to combat homophobia and transphobia; calls, in this regard, on the Commission to put forward an action plan or strategy at EU level for equality on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, as repeatedly called for by Parliament and as promised by Commissioner Jourová in the process of the Commission hearings; in this regard, recalls its resolution of 4 February 2014 on the EU Roadmap against homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity; emphasises, nevertheless, that this comprehensive policy must respect the competences of the European Union, of its agencies and of its Member States;

| 86. | Considers that LGBTI people's fundamental rights are more likely to be safeguarded if they have access to legal institutions such as cohabitation, registered partnership or marriage; welcomes the fact that 19 Member States currently offer these options, and calls on other Member States to consider doing so; reiterates, moreover, its call on the Commission to submit a proposal for an ambitious regulation to ensure mutual recognition of civil status documents (including legal gender recognition, marriages and registered partnerships) and their legal effects, in order to reduce discriminatory legal and administrative barriers for citizens who exercise their right to free movement; |
| --- | --- |

86.

Considers that LGBTI people's fundamental rights are more likely to be safeguarded if they have access to legal institutions such as cohabitation, registered partnership or marriage; welcomes the fact that 19 Member States currently offer these options, and calls on other Member States to consider doing so; reiterates, moreover, its call on the Commission to submit a proposal for an ambitious regulation to ensure mutual recognition of civil status documents (including legal gender recognition, marriages and registered partnerships) and their legal effects, in order to reduce discriminatory legal and administrative barriers for citizens who exercise their right to free movement;

| 87. | Calls on the Member States to be vigilant and firm and to impose penalties on public office holders who insult or stigmatise LGBTI people in a public forum; |
| --- | --- |

87.

Calls on the Member States to be vigilant and firm and to impose penalties on public office holders who insult or stigmatise LGBTI people in a public forum;

| 88. | Encourages the EU Member States to support trade unions and employers' organisations in their efforts to adopt diversity and non-discrimination policies with a focus on LGBTI people; |
| --- | --- |

88.

Encourages the EU Member States to support trade unions and employers' organisations in their efforts to adopt diversity and non-discrimination policies with a focus on LGBTI people;

| 89. | Considers that the authorities of the Member States should facilitate procedures enabling people who have changed sex to have their new gender recognised in official documents; reiterates its condemnation of any legal recognition procedure which imposes sterilisation on transgender people; |
| --- | --- |

89.

Considers that the authorities of the Member States should facilitate procedures enabling people who have changed sex to have their new gender recognised in official documents; reiterates its condemnation of any legal recognition procedure which imposes sterilisation on transgender people;

| 90. | Deplores the fact that transgender people are still considered mentally ill in the majority of Member States and calls on them to review national mental health catalogues, while ensuring that medically necessary treatment remains available for all trans people; |
| --- | --- |

90.

Deplores the fact that transgender people are still considered mentally ill in the majority of Member States and calls on them to review national mental health catalogues, while ensuring that medically necessary treatment remains available for all trans people;

| 91. | Welcomes the initiative shown by the Commission in pushing for depathologisation of transgender identities in the review of the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases (ICD); calls on the Commission to intensify efforts to prevent gender variance in childhood from becoming a new ICD diagnosis; |
| --- | --- |

91.

Welcomes the initiative shown by the Commission in pushing for depathologisation of transgender identities in the review of the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases (ICD); calls on the Commission to intensify efforts to prevent gender variance in childhood from becoming a new ICD diagnosis;

| 92. | Strongly regrets that genital ‘normalisation’ surgery of intersex infants is widespread, despite not being medically necessary; welcomes, in this regard, the Maltese Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act of April 2015, which bans such surgery on intersex infants and reinforces the principle of self-determination for intersex people, and calls on other states to follow the Maltese example; |
| --- | --- |

92.

Strongly regrets that genital ‘normalisation’ surgery of intersex infants is widespread, despite not being medically necessary; welcomes, in this regard, the Maltese Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act of April 2015, which bans such surgery on intersex infants and reinforces the principle of self-determination for intersex people, and calls on other states to follow the Maltese example;

Rights of people with disabilities

| 93. | Deplores the discrimination and exclusion that persons with a disability still face today; calls on the Commission, the Member States and regional and local authorities to implement the European Disability Strategy and to monitor and apply the relevant European legislation; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to relaunch the legislative initiative on an Accessibility Act, in the form of a cross-cutting instrument that can increase the protection afforded to persons with disabilities and ensure consistency between all EU policies in this respect; also calls on the Commission to maximise synergies between the EU disability strategy and the provisions of the CEDAW and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in order to ensure that recognised rights are substantively enjoyed and effectively exercised, including by harmonising and implementing the legislative framework and through cultural and political action; |
| --- | --- |

93.

Deplores the discrimination and exclusion that persons with a disability still face today; calls on the Commission, the Member States and regional and local authorities to implement the European Disability Strategy and to monitor and apply the relevant European legislation; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to relaunch the legislative initiative on an Accessibility Act, in the form of a cross-cutting instrument that can increase the protection afforded to persons with disabilities and ensure consistency between all EU policies in this respect; also calls on the Commission to maximise synergies between the EU disability strategy and the provisions of the CEDAW and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in order to ensure that recognised rights are substantively enjoyed and effectively exercised, including by harmonising and implementing the legislative framework and through cultural and political action;

| 94. | Urges the Commission to guide Member States in making the best use of European funds in accordance with the EU's obligations under the UNCRPD Convention and to support and work closely with NGOs and organisations to ensure the proper implementation of the Convention; calls on the EU and Member States to improve access to employment and training for people with disabilities, including people with psycho-social disabilities and to support independent living conditions and de-institutionalisation programmes in line with Article 26 of the Charter; |
| --- | --- |

94.

Urges the Commission to guide Member States in making the best use of European funds in accordance with the EU's obligations under the UNCRPD Convention and to support and work closely with NGOs and organisations to ensure the proper implementation of the Convention; calls on the EU and Member States to improve access to employment and training for people with disabilities, including people with psycho-social disabilities and to support independent living conditions and de-institutionalisation programmes in line with Article 26 of the Charter;

| 95. | Stresses the need to respect the right of people with disabilities to political participation in elections; calls, in this regard, on the Commission to include an assessment of compatibility with the UNCRPD in its reporting on the implementation of Council Directives 93/109/EC and 94/80/EC, which set out the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament and municipal elections; regrets the fact that a large number of people with disabilities in the EU who have been deprived of their legal capacity are also deprived of the right to vote; calls therefore on the Member States to amend their national legislation in order not to systematically withdraw the right to vote from people with disabilities who have been deprived of their legal capacity but rather to perform case-by case analyses and to provide assistance to people with disabilities during voting procedures; |
| --- | --- |

95.

Stresses the need to respect the right of people with disabilities to political participation in elections; calls, in this regard, on the Commission to include an assessment of compatibility with the UNCRPD in its reporting on the implementation of Council Directives 93/109/EC and 94/80/EC, which set out the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament and municipal elections; regrets the fact that a large number of people with disabilities in the EU who have been deprived of their legal capacity are also deprived of the right to vote; calls therefore on the Member States to amend their national legislation in order not to systematically withdraw the right to vote from people with disabilities who have been deprived of their legal capacity but rather to perform case-by case analyses and to provide assistance to people with disabilities during voting procedures;

| 96. | Calls on the Commission to assess the compatibility of European legislation with the requirements of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to evaluate any future proposal in the light of that convention by means of its impact assessments; |
| --- | --- |

96.

Calls on the Commission to assess the compatibility of European legislation with the requirements of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to evaluate any future proposal in the light of that convention by means of its impact assessments;

| 97. | Condemns the use of forms of physical and pharmacological coercion for mental disabilities and calls on the EU and the Member States to adopt social integration policies; |
| --- | --- |

97.

Condemns the use of forms of physical and pharmacological coercion for mental disabilities and calls on the EU and the Member States to adopt social integration policies;

| 98. | Deplores the fact that people with disabilities still encounter obstacles to their access to the market in goods and services within the Union; considers that these obstacles are of a nature to limit their participation in society and constitute a breach of the rights which they derive, in particular, from their European citizenship; calls on the Commission to make rapid progress with the work on accessibility in the European Union so that a legislative act can be adopted without delay; |
| --- | --- |

98.

Deplores the fact that people with disabilities still encounter obstacles to their access to the market in goods and services within the Union; considers that these obstacles are of a nature to limit their participation in society and constitute a breach of the rights which they derive, in particular, from their European citizenship; calls on the Commission to make rapid progress with the work on accessibility in the European Union so that a legislative act can be adopted without delay;

| 99. | Call on the EU institutions and Member States to closely engage people with disabilities, including through their representative organisations, in decision-making processes in their respective fields of competence, in line with Article 4(3) of the CRPD; |
| --- | --- |

99.

Call on the EU institutions and Member States to closely engage people with disabilities, including through their representative organisations, in decision-making processes in their respective fields of competence, in line with Article 4(3) of the CRPD;

| 100. | Call on the EU Member States and institutions to ensure that opportunities to participate in consultation processes are clearly and widely publicised using accessible communications, that input can be provided in other formats such as braille or Easy Read, and that public hearings and meetings discussing proposed laws and policies should be made accessible; |
| --- | --- |

100.

Call on the EU Member States and institutions to ensure that opportunities to participate in consultation processes are clearly and widely publicised using accessible communications, that input can be provided in other formats such as braille or Easy Read, and that public hearings and meetings discussing proposed laws and policies should be made accessible;

| 101. | Call on the Commission to harmonise data collection on disability through EU social surveys in line with the requirements of Article 31 of the CRPD; emphasises that such data collection should use methodologies that are inclusive of all people with disabilities, including those with more severe impairments and those living in institutions; |
| --- | --- |

101.

Call on the Commission to harmonise data collection on disability through EU social surveys in line with the requirements of Article 31 of the CRPD; emphasises that such data collection should use methodologies that are inclusive of all people with disabilities, including those with more severe impairments and those living in institutions;

Age discrimination

| 102. | Deplores the fact that many older people face discrimination and violations of their fundamental rights every day, in particular in access to adequate income, employment and healthcare and to necessary goods and services; recalls that Article 25 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights proclaims the rights of the elderly to lead a life of dignity and independence and to participate in social and cultural life; calls on the Commission to develop a Strategy on Demographic Change to put into effect Article 25 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; |
| --- | --- |

102.

Deplores the fact that many older people face discrimination and violations of their fundamental rights every day, in particular in access to adequate income, employment and healthcare and to necessary goods and services; recalls that Article 25 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights proclaims the rights of the elderly to lead a life of dignity and independence and to participate in social and cultural life; calls on the Commission to develop a Strategy on Demographic Change to put into effect Article 25 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights;

| 103. | Expresses concern that maltreatment, neglect and abuse of older people is widespread in the Member States; calls on the Member States to adopt measures to combat abuse and all forms of violence against the elderly and to promote their independence by supporting renovation and accessibility of housing; recalls that elderly women more often live under the poverty line because of the gender pay gap and later the pension gap; |
| --- | --- |

103.

Expresses concern that maltreatment, neglect and abuse of older people is widespread in the Member States; calls on the Member States to adopt measures to combat abuse and all forms of violence against the elderly and to promote their independence by supporting renovation and accessibility of housing; recalls that elderly women more often live under the poverty line because of the gender pay gap and later the pension gap;

| 104. | Calls on the Member States to ensure the inclusion of younger workers, particularly those affected by the economic crisis, on the labour market, including through the organisation and provision of training for the social advancement of young people; |
| --- | --- |

104.

Calls on the Member States to ensure the inclusion of younger workers, particularly those affected by the economic crisis, on the labour market, including through the organisation and provision of training for the social advancement of young people;

| 105. | Calls for people’s dignity to be respected at the end of life, in particular by ensuring that decisions expressed in living wills are recognised and respected; |
| --- | --- |

105.

Calls for people’s dignity to be respected at the end of life, in particular by ensuring that decisions expressed in living wills are recognised and respected;

| 106. | Expresses concern that Member States’ cuts in public spending and pensions is contributing greatly to poverty in old age by decreasing older people’s disposable income, worsening their living conditions, creating inequalities in affordability of services and creating a growing number of older people with incomes just above the poverty threshold; |
| --- | --- |

106.

Expresses concern that Member States’ cuts in public spending and pensions is contributing greatly to poverty in old age by decreasing older people’s disposable income, worsening their living conditions, creating inequalities in affordability of services and creating a growing number of older people with incomes just above the poverty threshold;

Hate crime and hate speech

| 107. | Deplores incidents of hate speech and hate crime motivated by racism, xenophobia or religious intolerance or by bias against a person's disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, which occur in the EU on a daily basis; calls on the Member States to protect fundamental rights and to promote understanding, acceptance and tolerance between the different communities in their territory; calls on the EU to make the fight against hate crimes a priority when drawing up European policies against discrimination and in the field of justice; calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the fight against hate crime and discriminatory attitudes and behaviours by developing a comprehensive strategy for fighting hate crime, bias violence and discrimination; |
| --- | --- |

107.

Deplores incidents of hate speech and hate crime motivated by racism, xenophobia or religious intolerance or by bias against a person's disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, which occur in the EU on a daily basis; calls on the Member States to protect fundamental rights and to promote understanding, acceptance and tolerance between the different communities in their territory; calls on the EU to make the fight against hate crimes a priority when drawing up European policies against discrimination and in the field of justice; calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the fight against hate crime and discriminatory attitudes and behaviours by developing a comprehensive strategy for fighting hate crime, bias violence and discrimination;

| 108. | Is concerned at the growing presence of hate speech on the internet and calls on the Member States to put in place a simple procedure enabling members of the public to report the presence of hate content on the internet; |
| --- | --- |

108.

Is concerned at the growing presence of hate speech on the internet and calls on the Member States to put in place a simple procedure enabling members of the public to report the presence of hate content on the internet;

| 109. | Expresses its concerns regarding investigations and convictions in connection with hate crimes in the Member States; calls on the Member States to take all appropriate measures to encourage the reporting of such crimes, including by ensuring adequate protection, as FRA findings from its large-scale surveys have consistently shown that victims of crime are reluctant to come forward and report to the police; |
| --- | --- |

109.

Expresses its concerns regarding investigations and convictions in connection with hate crimes in the Member States; calls on the Member States to take all appropriate measures to encourage the reporting of such crimes, including by ensuring adequate protection, as FRA findings from its large-scale surveys have consistently shown that victims of crime are reluctant to come forward and report to the police;

| 110. | Expresses its concern that several Member States have not transposed correctly the provisions of Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA and calls on the Member States to fully transpose and implement EU standards and to ensure the enforcement of national legislation punishing all forms of hate crime, incitement to hatred and harassment, and systematically triggering the prosecution of those criminal offences; calls on the Commission to monitor the correct transposition of the Framework Decision and to launch infringement procedures against those Member States that fail to transpose it; calls, furthermore for a review of the framework decision in order for it to fully cover all forms of hate crime and crimes committed with a bias or discriminatory motive, and to clearly define consistent investigation and prosecution standards; |
| --- | --- |

110.

Expresses its concern that several Member States have not transposed correctly the provisions of Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA and calls on the Member States to fully transpose and implement EU standards and to ensure the enforcement of national legislation punishing all forms of hate crime, incitement to hatred and harassment, and systematically triggering the prosecution of those criminal offences; calls on the Commission to monitor the correct transposition of the Framework Decision and to launch infringement procedures against those Member States that fail to transpose it; calls, furthermore for a review of the framework decision in order for it to fully cover all forms of hate crime and crimes committed with a bias or discriminatory motive, and to clearly define consistent investigation and prosecution standards;

| 111. | Calls on the Commission to support training programmes for law enforcement and judicial authorities, and for the relevant EU agencies, in preventing and tackling discriminatory practices and hate crime; calls on the Member States to provide the authorities responsible for investigation and prosecution with practical tools and skills to enable them to identify and deal with the offences covered by the Framework Decision, and to interact and communicate with victims; |
| --- | --- |

111.

Calls on the Commission to support training programmes for law enforcement and judicial authorities, and for the relevant EU agencies, in preventing and tackling discriminatory practices and hate crime; calls on the Member States to provide the authorities responsible for investigation and prosecution with practical tools and skills to enable them to identify and deal with the offences covered by the Framework Decision, and to interact and communicate with victims;

| 112. | Observes with concern the rise of political parties that base their political programmes on exclusion on ethnic, sexual orientation or religious grounds; |
| --- | --- |

112.

Observes with concern the rise of political parties that base their political programmes on exclusion on ethnic, sexual orientation or religious grounds;

| 113. | Is deeply concerned at the growing trivialisation of racist and xenophobic acts and speech owing to the ever greater visibility in the public sphere of racist and xenophobic groups, some of which have acquired or are seeking the status of political parties; |
| --- | --- |

113.

Is deeply concerned at the growing trivialisation of racist and xenophobic acts and speech owing to the ever greater visibility in the public sphere of racist and xenophobic groups, some of which have acquired or are seeking the status of political parties;

| 114. | Expresses its deep concern about the rise of political parties that are using the current economic and social crisis to justify their racist, xenophobic and anti-Islamic message; |
| --- | --- |

114.

Expresses its deep concern about the rise of political parties that are using the current economic and social crisis to justify their racist, xenophobic and anti-Islamic message;

| 115. | Forcefully condemns the intimidation and persecution of minorities, particularly Roma and migrants, by paramilitary groups, some of which are directly linked to a political party; urges the Member States to outlaw and punish such practices; |
| --- | --- |

115.

Forcefully condemns the intimidation and persecution of minorities, particularly Roma and migrants, by paramilitary groups, some of which are directly linked to a political party; urges the Member States to outlaw and punish such practices;

Homeless people

| 116. | Expresses its concern at the number of people who have lost their homes as a result of the economic crisis; takes the view that homeless people must be kept integrated within society, and that their isolation and marginalisation need to be combated; to that end, calls on the Member States to adopt ambitious policies to help such people; stresses that homeless people are vulnerable people and reiterates its call on the Member States to refrain from stigmatising them as criminals; calls on the Member States to abolish any law or policy which presents them as such; calls on the Member States to devise national strategies seeking to combat the phenomenon of homelessness on their territories; Calls on the Commission to support the Member States in their missions to combat homelessness by facilitating the exchange of best practice and accurate data collection; calls on the Commission to monitor human rights violations in the Member States that arise as a result of homelessness; stresses that the right to housing assistance for the poorest in society is enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights; |
| --- | --- |

116.

Expresses its concern at the number of people who have lost their homes as a result of the economic crisis; takes the view that homeless people must be kept integrated within society, and that their isolation and marginalisation need to be combated; to that end, calls on the Member States to adopt ambitious policies to help such people; stresses that homeless people are vulnerable people and reiterates its call on the Member States to refrain from stigmatising them as criminals; calls on the Member States to abolish any law or policy which presents them as such; calls on the Member States to devise national strategies seeking to combat the phenomenon of homelessness on their territories; Calls on the Commission to support the Member States in their missions to combat homelessness by facilitating the exchange of best practice and accurate data collection; calls on the Commission to monitor human rights violations in the Member States that arise as a result of homelessness; stresses that the right to housing assistance for the poorest in society is enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights;

Rights of migrants and applicants for international protection

| 117. | Condemns the fact that many asylum-seekers and migrants seeking to reach the European Union are continuing to die in the Mediterranean, and the role played by smugglers and traffickers, who deny migrants their fundamental rights; points out that the EU and the Member States should take energetic and compulsory measures to prevent further tragedies at sea; calls on the EU and its Member States to put solidarity and respect for the fundamental rights of migrants and asylum seekers at the core of EU migration policies, and in particular:






  — | stresses the need to mainstream fundamental rights in every aspect of EU migration policies, and to carry out an in-depth assessment of the impact on migrants’ fundamental rights of all measures and mechanisms concerning migration, asylum and border control; in particular, calls on the Member States to respect the rights of vulnerable migrants; |
| --- | --- | --- |

117.

Condemns the fact that many asylum-seekers and migrants seeking to reach the European Union are continuing to die in the Mediterranean, and the role played by smugglers and traffickers, who deny migrants their fundamental rights; points out that the EU and the Member States should take energetic and compulsory measures to prevent further tragedies at sea; calls on the EU and its Member States to put solidarity and respect for the fundamental rights of migrants and asylum seekers at the core of EU migration policies, and in particular:

—

stresses the need to mainstream fundamental rights in every aspect of EU migration policies, and to carry out an in-depth assessment of the impact on migrants’ fundamental rights of all measures and mechanisms concerning migration, asylum and border control; in particular, calls on the Member States to respect the rights of vulnerable migrants;

| — | underlines the need for a holistic EU approach that will strengthen the coherence of the EU’s internal and external policies; encourages the EU and the Member States to put respect for the rights of migrants at the centre of any bilateral or multilateral cooperation agreement with non-EU countries, including readmission agreements, mobility partnerships and technical cooperation agreements; |
| --- | --- |

—

underlines the need for a holistic EU approach that will strengthen the coherence of the EU’s internal and external policies; encourages the EU and the Member States to put respect for the rights of migrants at the centre of any bilateral or multilateral cooperation agreement with non-EU countries, including readmission agreements, mobility partnerships and technical cooperation agreements;

| — | reminds Member States of their international obligation to help people in distress at sea; |
| --- | --- |

—

reminds Member States of their international obligation to help people in distress at sea;

| — | calls on the Member States to amend or review any legislation penalising people assisting migrants in distress at sea; |
| --- | --- |

—

calls on the Member States to amend or review any legislation penalising people assisting migrants in distress at sea;

| — | underlines the fundamental right to seek asylum; encourages the EU and the Member States to open up and devote sufficient resources to create new safe and legal possibilities and channels for asylum seekers to enter the European Union, so as to reduce the risks inherent in attempting to enter illegally and to combat human trafficking and smuggling networks that profit from endangering the lives of migrants and from their sexual and labour exploitation; |
| --- | --- |

—

underlines the fundamental right to seek asylum; encourages the EU and the Member States to open up and devote sufficient resources to create new safe and legal possibilities and channels for asylum seekers to enter the European Union, so as to reduce the risks inherent in attempting to enter illegally and to combat human trafficking and smuggling networks that profit from endangering the lives of migrants and from their sexual and labour exploitation;

| — | calls on all the Member States to participate in EU resettlement programmes, and encourages the use of humanitarian visas; |
| --- | --- |

—

calls on all the Member States to participate in EU resettlement programmes, and encourages the use of humanitarian visas;

| — | urges the Member States to guarantee decent reception conditions in compliance with existing fundamental rights and asylum legislation, with special attention paid to vulnerable people and to reducing the risk of social exclusion of asylum seekers; calls on the Commission to monitor the implementation of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), and in particular of Directive 2013/32/EU, with specific attention to asylum seekers in need of special procedural guarantees; |
| --- | --- |

—

urges the Member States to guarantee decent reception conditions in compliance with existing fundamental rights and asylum legislation, with special attention paid to vulnerable people and to reducing the risk of social exclusion of asylum seekers; calls on the Commission to monitor the implementation of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), and in particular of Directive 2013/32/EU, with specific attention to asylum seekers in need of special procedural guarantees;

| — | calls for the establishment of an effective and harmonised EU asylum system for the fair distribution of asylum seekers among Member States; |
| --- | --- |

—

calls for the establishment of an effective and harmonised EU asylum system for the fair distribution of asylum seekers among Member States;

| — | deplores the reported incidents of violent push-backs at the EU borders; reminds Member States of their obligation to respect the principle of non-refoulement as recognised by the Geneva Convention and by the ECtHR and of the prohibition of collective expulsions under Article 19 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; calls on the Commission, its agencies and the Member States to ensure compliance with these and other international and EU obligations; |
| --- | --- |

—

deplores the reported incidents of violent push-backs at the EU borders; reminds Member States of their obligation to respect the principle of non-refoulement as recognised by the Geneva Convention and by the ECtHR and of the prohibition of collective expulsions under Article 19 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; calls on the Commission, its agencies and the Member States to ensure compliance with these and other international and EU obligations;

| 118. | Calls on the Union and Member States to adopt the necessary legislation to put into practice the principle of solidarity as referred to in Article 80 TFEU; |
| --- | --- |

118.

Calls on the Union and Member States to adopt the necessary legislation to put into practice the principle of solidarity as referred to in Article 80 TFEU;

| 119. | Roundly condemns the security protection at the EU’s borders, which now sometimes even takes the form of walls and barbed wire, and the lack of legal routes for entering the European Union, which results in many asylum seekers and migrants being forced to resort to increasingly dangerous methods, placing them at the mercy of people-smugglers and traffickers; |
| --- | --- |

119.

Roundly condemns the security protection at the EU’s borders, which now sometimes even takes the form of walls and barbed wire, and the lack of legal routes for entering the European Union, which results in many asylum seekers and migrants being forced to resort to increasingly dangerous methods, placing them at the mercy of people-smugglers and traffickers;

| 120. | Calls for fundamental-rights-sensitive border controls, and stresses the need for democratic oversight by Parliament of Frontex operations; |
| --- | --- |

120.

Calls for fundamental-rights-sensitive border controls, and stresses the need for democratic oversight by Parliament of Frontex operations;

| 121. | Calls for the suspension of all activities identified as being in violation of fundamental rights under EU law or the Frontex mandate; |
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121.

Calls for the suspension of all activities identified as being in violation of fundamental rights under EU law or the Frontex mandate;

| 122. | Stresses the negative impact which the Dublin Regulation has on effective access to international protection in the absence of a genuine common European asylum system, particularly in light of ECJ and ECHR case law; condemns the fact that the revision of the regulation did not lead to its suspension, or at least to the abolition of return to the first country of entry into the EU, and the absence of action by the Commission and the Member States on a possible alternative based on solidarity among Member States; |
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122.

Stresses the negative impact which the Dublin Regulation has on effective access to international protection in the absence of a genuine common European asylum system, particularly in light of ECJ and ECHR case law; condemns the fact that the revision of the regulation did not lead to its suspension, or at least to the abolition of return to the first country of entry into the EU, and the absence of action by the Commission and the Member States on a possible alternative based on solidarity among Member States;

| 123. | Calls on the Member States to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families; |
| --- | --- |

123.

Calls on the Member States to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families;

| 124. | Condemns the indiscriminate recourse to unlawful detention of irregular migrants, including asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors and stateless persons; calls on Member States to comply with the provisions of the ‘Return Directive’, including respect for the right to dignity and for the principle of a child’s best interest, and with international and EU law; recalls that the detention of migrants must remain a measure of last resort and urges the Member States to implement alternative measures; condemns the appalling detention conditions in some Member States and urges the Commission to address them without delay; reiterates the need to ensure that irregular migrants are granted the right to an effective remedy in the event of violations of their rights; |
| --- | --- |

124.

Condemns the indiscriminate recourse to unlawful detention of irregular migrants, including asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors and stateless persons; calls on Member States to comply with the provisions of the ‘Return Directive’, including respect for the right to dignity and for the principle of a child’s best interest, and with international and EU law; recalls that the detention of migrants must remain a measure of last resort and urges the Member States to implement alternative measures; condemns the appalling detention conditions in some Member States and urges the Commission to address them without delay; reiterates the need to ensure that irregular migrants are granted the right to an effective remedy in the event of violations of their rights;

| 125. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission to take the necessary measures to provide information and ensure transparency concerning the detention of migrants and asylum seekers in numerous Member States, and urges the Commission to propose a revision of Regulation (EC) No 862/2007 so that it will include statistical data on the operation of detention systems and facilities; |
| --- | --- |

125.

Calls on the Member States and the Commission to take the necessary measures to provide information and ensure transparency concerning the detention of migrants and asylum seekers in numerous Member States, and urges the Commission to propose a revision of Regulation (EC) No 862/2007 so that it will include statistical data on the operation of detention systems and facilities;

| 126. | Stresses the importance of democratic control of all forms of deprivation of liberty pursuant to the laws on immigration and asylum; calls on Members of the European Parliament and of national parliaments to pay regular visits to reception and detention centres for migrants and asylum seekers, and calls on the Member States and the Commission to facilitate access to these centres for NGOs and reporters; |
| --- | --- |

126.

Stresses the importance of democratic control of all forms of deprivation of liberty pursuant to the laws on immigration and asylum; calls on Members of the European Parliament and of national parliaments to pay regular visits to reception and detention centres for migrants and asylum seekers, and calls on the Member States and the Commission to facilitate access to these centres for NGOs and reporters;

| 127. | Calls for closer monitoring of migrant reception and detention centres, of the treatment of migrants and of asylum formalities in the Member States; expresses concern at ‘hot return’ procedures and at the violent incidents occurring in various ‘hotspots’ in southern Europe, necessitating the immediate launch by the Commission within this framework of political dialogue with countries engaging in such practices with a view to upholding the rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

127.

Calls for closer monitoring of migrant reception and detention centres, of the treatment of migrants and of asylum formalities in the Member States; expresses concern at ‘hot return’ procedures and at the violent incidents occurring in various ‘hotspots’ in southern Europe, necessitating the immediate launch by the Commission within this framework of political dialogue with countries engaging in such practices with a view to upholding the rule of law;

| 128. | Calls on the European Union and its Member States to establish concrete measures and best practices aimed at promoting equality of treatment and social inclusion so as to improve the integration of migrants into society; recalls in this regard that it is essential to fight against negative stereotypes and misinformation about migrants by developing counter-narratives, primarily at school and directed towards young people, to enhance the positive impact of migration; |
| --- | --- |

128.

Calls on the European Union and its Member States to establish concrete measures and best practices aimed at promoting equality of treatment and social inclusion so as to improve the integration of migrants into society; recalls in this regard that it is essential to fight against negative stereotypes and misinformation about migrants by developing counter-narratives, primarily at school and directed towards young people, to enhance the positive impact of migration;

| 129. | Considers that migrant children are particularly vulnerable, especially when they are unaccompanied; calls on the Commission and the Member States to implement Parliament’s resolution of 12 September 2013 on the situation of unaccompanied minors in the EU; calls on the Member States to fully implement the CEAS package in order to improve the condition of unaccompanied minors in the EU; welcomes the Court of Justice judgment in Case C-648/11, which stated that the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application made in more than one Member State by an unaccompanied minor is the state in which the minor is present after having lodged an application there; recalls that unaccompanied minors are above all children and that child protection, rather than immigration policies, must be the leading principle for Member States and the EU when dealing with them; |
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129.

Considers that migrant children are particularly vulnerable, especially when they are unaccompanied; calls on the Commission and the Member States to implement Parliament’s resolution of 12 September 2013 on the situation of unaccompanied minors in the EU; calls on the Member States to fully implement the CEAS package in order to improve the condition of unaccompanied minors in the EU; welcomes the Court of Justice judgment in Case C-648/11, which stated that the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application made in more than one Member State by an unaccompanied minor is the state in which the minor is present after having lodged an application there; recalls that unaccompanied minors are above all children and that child protection, rather than immigration policies, must be the leading principle for Member States and the EU when dealing with them;

| 130. | Calls for an evaluation of how funds earmarked and used for home affairs are spent, in particular funds granted for the reception of asylum seekers; calls on the EU to take action should it emerge that funds have been used for activities that do not comply with fundamental rights; |
| --- | --- |

130.

Calls for an evaluation of how funds earmarked and used for home affairs are spent, in particular funds granted for the reception of asylum seekers; calls on the EU to take action should it emerge that funds have been used for activities that do not comply with fundamental rights;

| 131. | Calls for assistance to be provided to those Member States situated at the external borders of the Union to help them address systematic weaknesses in reception conditions and asylum procedures, which are aggravated by the increase in the number of asylum seekers; |
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131.

Calls for assistance to be provided to those Member States situated at the external borders of the Union to help them address systematic weaknesses in reception conditions and asylum procedures, which are aggravated by the increase in the number of asylum seekers;

| 132. | Calls on the EU to hold its own agents liable for any infringements of fundamental rights they might commit; in particular, calls for assurances to be given that an investigation will be opened, following allegations that infringements were committed during operations coordinated by the Frontex agency, and that appropriate measures, of a disciplinary or other nature, will be taken against those who are shown to have committed such infringements; to that end calls for an internal Frontex redress mechanism as requested by the European Ombudsman in his investigation into Case OI/5/2012/BEH-MHZ and for the conclusions of investigations into allegations of human rights infringements to be made public; calls, moreover, for Frontex operations to be halted where infringements of human rights have been committed during such operations, as provided for in Article 3(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1168/2011; |
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132.

Calls on the EU to hold its own agents liable for any infringements of fundamental rights they might commit; in particular, calls for assurances to be given that an investigation will be opened, following allegations that infringements were committed during operations coordinated by the Frontex agency, and that appropriate measures, of a disciplinary or other nature, will be taken against those who are shown to have committed such infringements; to that end calls for an internal Frontex redress mechanism as requested by the European Ombudsman in his investigation into Case OI/5/2012/BEH-MHZ and for the conclusions of investigations into allegations of human rights infringements to be made public; calls, moreover, for Frontex operations to be halted where infringements of human rights have been committed during such operations, as provided for in Article 3(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1168/2011;

| 133. | Calls on the Member States to ratify without further delay the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings; |
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133.

Calls on the Member States to ratify without further delay the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings;

| 134. | Calls on the Member States to ensure that women victims of gender-based persecution have genuine access to international protection; calls on the Member States to follow the Commission guidelines for the implementation of Directive 2003/86/EC on the right to family reunification, including the immediate issue of a residence permit valid in its own right to family members who have entered for reasons of family reunification when there are particularly difficult circumstances, such as domestic violence; |
| --- | --- |

134.

Calls on the Member States to ensure that women victims of gender-based persecution have genuine access to international protection; calls on the Member States to follow the Commission guidelines for the implementation of Directive 2003/86/EC on the right to family reunification, including the immediate issue of a residence permit valid in its own right to family members who have entered for reasons of family reunification when there are particularly difficult circumstances, such as domestic violence;

| 135. | Welcomes the fact that EU legislation on asylum treats victims of genital mutilation as vulnerable persons and includes genital mutilation among the criteria to be taken into account when asylum is sought; calls on the Member States to train people working with migrants to screen for women and girls likely to be subjected to genital mutilation in their home country; |
| --- | --- |

135.

Welcomes the fact that EU legislation on asylum treats victims of genital mutilation as vulnerable persons and includes genital mutilation among the criteria to be taken into account when asylum is sought; calls on the Member States to train people working with migrants to screen for women and girls likely to be subjected to genital mutilation in their home country;

| 136. | Stresses that the right to freedom of movement and residence of European citizens and their families laid down in the Treaties and guaranteed by Directive 2004/38/EC on freedom of movement is one of the most concrete fundamental rights of European citizens; condemns any attempt to review this acquis, in particular the reintroduction of Schengen border controls outside the Schengen border code, and calls for any breach of the rules to result in action before the Court of Justice; expresses its concerns about the growing trend of quick expulsions of EU citizens from their Member States of residence as a result of the loss of their jobs and income in breach of the existing framework; considers that this is contrary to the spirit of freedom of movement; |
| --- | --- |

136.

Stresses that the right to freedom of movement and residence of European citizens and their families laid down in the Treaties and guaranteed by Directive 2004/38/EC on freedom of movement is one of the most concrete fundamental rights of European citizens; condemns any attempt to review this acquis, in particular the reintroduction of Schengen border controls outside the Schengen border code, and calls for any breach of the rules to result in action before the Court of Justice; expresses its concerns about the growing trend of quick expulsions of EU citizens from their Member States of residence as a result of the loss of their jobs and income in breach of the existing framework; considers that this is contrary to the spirit of freedom of movement;

Solidarity in the economic crisis

| 137. | Deplores the way in which the financial, economic and sovereign debt crisis, together with the budgetary restrictions imposed, has negatively affected economic, civil, social and cultural rights, often resulting in increasing unemployment, poverty, and precarious working and living conditions, as well as exclusion and isolation, particularly in the Member States in which economic adjustment programmes have been adopted, and underlines that a recent Eurostat note points out that one European in four is now at risk of poverty and exclusion; |
| --- | --- |

137.

Deplores the way in which the financial, economic and sovereign debt crisis, together with the budgetary restrictions imposed, has negatively affected economic, civil, social and cultural rights, often resulting in increasing unemployment, poverty, and precarious working and living conditions, as well as exclusion and isolation, particularly in the Member States in which economic adjustment programmes have been adopted, and underlines that a recent Eurostat note points out that one European in four is now at risk of poverty and exclusion;

| 138. | Notes that the economic crisis and measures implemented to address it have affected the right to access to basic necessities such as education, housing, healthcare and social security, as well as having a negative impact on the overall health condition of the population in some Member States; stresses the need to respect the right to protection against poverty and social exclusion as stated in Article 30 of the European Social Charter; calls on all Member States to introduce support measures, in accordance with national practices, to provide their citizens with decent living conditions and to combat social exclusion; |
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138.

Notes that the economic crisis and measures implemented to address it have affected the right to access to basic necessities such as education, housing, healthcare and social security, as well as having a negative impact on the overall health condition of the population in some Member States; stresses the need to respect the right to protection against poverty and social exclusion as stated in Article 30 of the European Social Charter; calls on all Member States to introduce support measures, in accordance with national practices, to provide their citizens with decent living conditions and to combat social exclusion;

| 139. | Stresses that the EU institutions, as well as Member States which implement structural reforms in their social and economic systems, are always under an obligation to observe the Charter and their international obligations, and are therefore accountable for the decisions taken; reiterates its call to align economic adjustment programmes with the EU objectives set out in Article 151 TFEU, including the promotion of employment and improvement of living and working conditions; reiterates the need to ensure that there is full democratic oversight through the effective involvement of parliaments over the measures taken by the EU institutions and Member States in reaction to the crisis; |
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139.

Stresses that the EU institutions, as well as Member States which implement structural reforms in their social and economic systems, are always under an obligation to observe the Charter and their international obligations, and are therefore accountable for the decisions taken; reiterates its call to align economic adjustment programmes with the EU objectives set out in Article 151 TFEU, including the promotion of employment and improvement of living and working conditions; reiterates the need to ensure that there is full democratic oversight through the effective involvement of parliaments over the measures taken by the EU institutions and Member States in reaction to the crisis;

| 140. | Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to look into the impact on fundamental rights of austerity measures, proposed or implemented, in a gender-sensitive manner, taking into account the disproportionate impact of austerity measures on women; calls on the EU institutions to take remedial action immediately where austerity measures have had a negative impact on women’s economic, social and cultural rights; |
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140.

Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to look into the impact on fundamental rights of austerity measures, proposed or implemented, in a gender-sensitive manner, taking into account the disproportionate impact of austerity measures on women; calls on the EU institutions to take remedial action immediately where austerity measures have had a negative impact on women’s economic, social and cultural rights;

| 141. | Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to look into the impact on fundamental rights and freedoms, including social and labour rights, of the measures proposed or implemented to deal with the crisis and to take remedial action if necessary should it emerge that the protection of rights is regressing or that international law, including ILO conventions and recommendations, is being infringed; |
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141.

Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to look into the impact on fundamental rights and freedoms, including social and labour rights, of the measures proposed or implemented to deal with the crisis and to take remedial action if necessary should it emerge that the protection of rights is regressing or that international law, including ILO conventions and recommendations, is being infringed;

| 142. | Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States, when adopting and implementing corrective measures and budget cuts, to conduct an impact assessment on fundamental rights and to guarantee that sufficient resources are still made available to safeguard respect for fundamental rights and to ensure minimum essential levels of civil economic, cultural and social rights, with special attention to the most vulnerable and socially disadvantaged groups; |
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142.

Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States, when adopting and implementing corrective measures and budget cuts, to conduct an impact assessment on fundamental rights and to guarantee that sufficient resources are still made available to safeguard respect for fundamental rights and to ensure minimum essential levels of civil economic, cultural and social rights, with special attention to the most vulnerable and socially disadvantaged groups;

| 143. | Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to recognise that long-term investment in social inclusion is beneficial, as it tackles the high cost of discrimination and inequality; calls on the Member States for appropriate public investment to sustain education and healthcare and ensure that access to justice and redress in cases of discrimination are not put in danger by drastic funding cuts in equality bodies’ budgets; calls on EU and national institutions not to undermine social inclusion by budgetary measures affecting the functioning of community-based organisations working for equality; |
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143.

Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to recognise that long-term investment in social inclusion is beneficial, as it tackles the high cost of discrimination and inequality; calls on the Member States for appropriate public investment to sustain education and healthcare and ensure that access to justice and redress in cases of discrimination are not put in danger by drastic funding cuts in equality bodies’ budgets; calls on EU and national institutions not to undermine social inclusion by budgetary measures affecting the functioning of community-based organisations working for equality;

| 144. | Calls on the Commission to consider proposing accession to the European Social Charter, in order effectively to safeguard the social rights of European citizens; calls on the Member States to promote the extension of the social rights in the EU Charter to other social rights mentioned in the revised Social Charter of the Council of Europe such as the right to work, the right to fair remuneration, and the right to be protected from poverty and social exclusion; |
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144.

Calls on the Commission to consider proposing accession to the European Social Charter, in order effectively to safeguard the social rights of European citizens; calls on the Member States to promote the extension of the social rights in the EU Charter to other social rights mentioned in the revised Social Charter of the Council of Europe such as the right to work, the right to fair remuneration, and the right to be protected from poverty and social exclusion;

Criminality and the fight against corruption

| 145. | Reiterates that corruption crime, in particular organised crime, represents a serious fundamental rights violation and a threat to democracy and the rule of law; stresses that corruption by diverting public funds from the public use for which they are intended reduces the level and quality of public services, thereby seriously harming the fair treatment of all citizens; urges the Member States and European institutions to devise effective instruments for preventing, combating and sanctioning corruption and crime and to continue regularly to monitor the use made of public funds, be they European or national; to that end, calls on the Member States and the institutions to facilitate the rapid establishment of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, thus providing appropriate guarantees of independence and efficiency; |
| --- | --- |

145.

Reiterates that corruption crime, in particular organised crime, represents a serious fundamental rights violation and a threat to democracy and the rule of law; stresses that corruption by diverting public funds from the public use for which they are intended reduces the level and quality of public services, thereby seriously harming the fair treatment of all citizens; urges the Member States and European institutions to devise effective instruments for preventing, combating and sanctioning corruption and crime and to continue regularly to monitor the use made of public funds, be they European or national; to that end, calls on the Member States and the institutions to facilitate the rapid establishment of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, thus providing appropriate guarantees of independence and efficiency;

| 146. | Stresses that corruption represents a serious fundamental rights violation; calls on the Member States and institutions to devise effective instruments for combating corruption and to regularly monitor the use of public funds, be they European or national; underlines that increased transparency and access to public documents by citizens and journalists is an efficient way to expose and combat corruption; |
| --- | --- |

146.

Stresses that corruption represents a serious fundamental rights violation; calls on the Member States and institutions to devise effective instruments for combating corruption and to regularly monitor the use of public funds, be they European or national; underlines that increased transparency and access to public documents by citizens and journalists is an efficient way to expose and combat corruption;

| 147. | Urges the European Commission to adopt an anti-corruption strategy that is complemented by effective instruments; calls on all Member States and the EU to join the Open Government Partnership and to devise concrete strategies to promote transparency, empower citizens and fight corruption; calls on the Member States to follow up on the recommendations of the European Commission’s Anti-Corruption Report and on Parliament’s resolution of 23 October 2013 on organised crime, corruption and money laundering: recommendations on action and initiatives to be taken (34), and to strengthen police and judicial cooperation in fighting corruption; |
| --- | --- |

147.

Urges the European Commission to adopt an anti-corruption strategy that is complemented by effective instruments; calls on all Member States and the EU to join the Open Government Partnership and to devise concrete strategies to promote transparency, empower citizens and fight corruption; calls on the Member States to follow up on the recommendations of the European Commission’s Anti-Corruption Report and on Parliament’s resolution of 23 October 2013 on organised crime, corruption and money laundering: recommendations on action and initiatives to be taken (34), and to strengthen police and judicial cooperation in fighting corruption;

| 148. | Urges the Member States to step up their fight against all kinds of serious organised crime, including trafficking in human beings, sexual abuse and exploitation, torture and forced labour, in particular involving women and children; |
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148.

Urges the Member States to step up their fight against all kinds of serious organised crime, including trafficking in human beings, sexual abuse and exploitation, torture and forced labour, in particular involving women and children;

| 149. | Calls on the Commission to provide for offences to thwart environmental crimes committed by individuals or organised criminal groups which have an impact on the rights of human beings — the right to health, life and the enjoyment of a healthy environment –, as well as on the economy and on the use of public resources; urges the Commission to examine the effective implementation in the EU of the right of access to justice in the context of the right of every person of present and future generations to live in an environment conducive to his or her health and wellbeing; |
| --- | --- |

149.

Calls on the Commission to provide for offences to thwart environmental crimes committed by individuals or organised criminal groups which have an impact on the rights of human beings — the right to health, life and the enjoyment of a healthy environment –, as well as on the economy and on the use of public resources; urges the Commission to examine the effective implementation in the EU of the right of access to justice in the context of the right of every person of present and future generations to live in an environment conducive to his or her health and wellbeing;

| 150. | Proposes the launching of a European anti-corruption code and a transparent system of indicators regarding corruption levels in the Member States and progress made in eradicating corruption, as well as an annual comparative report on the extent to which this major problem has taken hold at European level; |
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150.

Proposes the launching of a European anti-corruption code and a transparent system of indicators regarding corruption levels in the Member States and progress made in eradicating corruption, as well as an annual comparative report on the extent to which this major problem has taken hold at European level;

| 151. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to put an end to tax competition and effectively combat harmful tax practices, and tax evasion and avoidance in the EU, which harm Member States’ capacity to harness to a maximum their available resources in order fully to realise economic, social and cultural rights; |
| --- | --- |

151.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to put an end to tax competition and effectively combat harmful tax practices, and tax evasion and avoidance in the EU, which harm Member States’ capacity to harness to a maximum their available resources in order fully to realise economic, social and cultural rights;

| 152. | Condemns the growing phenomenon of human trafficking, especially for sexual exploitation, and calls on the EU and its Member States to take measures, in accordance with the EU directive, to combat the demand for exploitation that is fuelling trafficking in all its forms; |
| --- | --- |

152.

Condemns the growing phenomenon of human trafficking, especially for sexual exploitation, and calls on the EU and its Member States to take measures, in accordance with the EU directive, to combat the demand for exploitation that is fuelling trafficking in all its forms;

Conditions in prisons and other custodial institutions

| 153. | Points out that the fundamental rights of prisoners must be guaranteed by the national authorities; deplores the conditions in the prisons and other custodial institutions of numerous Member States including prison overcrowding and ill-treatment of prisoners; regards it as essential that the EU adopt an instrument which guarantees that the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and Punishment (CPT) and the judgments of the ECtHR are implemented; |
| --- | --- |

153.

Points out that the fundamental rights of prisoners must be guaranteed by the national authorities; deplores the conditions in the prisons and other custodial institutions of numerous Member States including prison overcrowding and ill-treatment of prisoners; regards it as essential that the EU adopt an instrument which guarantees that the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and Punishment (CPT) and the judgments of the ECtHR are implemented;

| 154. | Recalls that the abuse of custodial measures results in prison overcrowding across Europe which violates the fundamental rights of individuals and compromises the mutual trust necessary to underpin judicial cooperation in Europe; reaffirms the need for Member States to honour the commitments made in international and European fora to making more frequent use of probation measures and sanctions which offer an alternative to imprisonment, and to making social reintegration the ultimate aim of a period of custody; calls on the Member States, therefore, to adopt strategies to promote the training and employment of persons serving terms of imprisonment; |
| --- | --- |

154.

Recalls that the abuse of custodial measures results in prison overcrowding across Europe which violates the fundamental rights of individuals and compromises the mutual trust necessary to underpin judicial cooperation in Europe; reaffirms the need for Member States to honour the commitments made in international and European fora to making more frequent use of probation measures and sanctions which offer an alternative to imprisonment, and to making social reintegration the ultimate aim of a period of custody; calls on the Member States, therefore, to adopt strategies to promote the training and employment of persons serving terms of imprisonment;

| 155. | Reiterates the recommendations to the Commission made in its resolution of 27 February 2014 on the review of the European Arrest Warrant (35), notably as regards the introduction of a proportionality test and a fundamental rights exception in the European Arrest Warrant or mutual recognition measures more generally; |
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155.

Reiterates the recommendations to the Commission made in its resolution of 27 February 2014 on the review of the European Arrest Warrant (35), notably as regards the introduction of a proportionality test and a fundamental rights exception in the European Arrest Warrant or mutual recognition measures more generally;

| 156. | Regrets that the three framework decisions covering the transfer of prisoners, probation and alternative sanctions and the European Supervision Order, which have great potential for reducing prison overcrowding, have only been implemented by some Member States; |
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156.

Regrets that the three framework decisions covering the transfer of prisoners, probation and alternative sanctions and the European Supervision Order, which have great potential for reducing prison overcrowding, have only been implemented by some Member States;

| 157. | Calls on the Commission to assess the impact of detention policies and criminal justice systems on children; points out that across the EU children’s rights are directly affected in the case of children living in detention facilities with their parents; underlines the fact that an estimated 800 000 children in the EU are separated from an imprisoned parent each year, which impacts on the rights of children in multiple ways; |
| --- | --- |

157.

Calls on the Commission to assess the impact of detention policies and criminal justice systems on children; points out that across the EU children’s rights are directly affected in the case of children living in detention facilities with their parents; underlines the fact that an estimated 800 000 children in the EU are separated from an imprisoned parent each year, which impacts on the rights of children in multiple ways;

Justice

| 158. | Points out that developing a European area of justice based on mutual recognition and legal safeguards, thus harmonising the different justice systems of the Member States, especially in criminal matters, should remain among the high priorities of the European institutions for the EU Justice Agenda 2020; considers that the effective application of the Charter and the secondary EU legislation on fundamental rights is crucial to the trust of citizens in the proper functioning of the European area of justice; |
| --- | --- |

158.

Points out that developing a European area of justice based on mutual recognition and legal safeguards, thus harmonising the different justice systems of the Member States, especially in criminal matters, should remain among the high priorities of the European institutions for the EU Justice Agenda 2020; considers that the effective application of the Charter and the secondary EU legislation on fundamental rights is crucial to the trust of citizens in the proper functioning of the European area of justice;

| 159. | Points out that the right of access to justice and to an independent and impartial tribunal is vital for the protection of fundamental rights, which are effective only if they are judiciable, for democracy and the rule of law; reiterates the importance of ensuring that both the civil and the criminal justice systems are efficient and that the independence of the judiciary is guaranteed; |
| --- | --- |

159.

Points out that the right of access to justice and to an independent and impartial tribunal is vital for the protection of fundamental rights, which are effective only if they are judiciable, for democracy and the rule of law; reiterates the importance of ensuring that both the civil and the criminal justice systems are efficient and that the independence of the judiciary is guaranteed;

| 160. | Welcomes the European e-Justice portal, which is operated by the Commission and provides professionals and the public with information on justice systems and is a practical tool to improve access to justice, with a separate section on fundamental rights which aims at informing citizens where to turn in cases of violations of their fundamental rights; |
| --- | --- |

160.

Welcomes the European e-Justice portal, which is operated by the Commission and provides professionals and the public with information on justice systems and is a practical tool to improve access to justice, with a separate section on fundamental rights which aims at informing citizens where to turn in cases of violations of their fundamental rights;

| 161. | Welcomes the steps already taken at European level to harmonise Member States’ safeguards in criminal proceedings and their benefits for citizens; reiterates the importance of adopting EU legislation on procedural rights which complies with the highest standard of protection enshrined in the Charter, international human rights treaties and the constitutional law of the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

161.

Welcomes the steps already taken at European level to harmonise Member States’ safeguards in criminal proceedings and their benefits for citizens; reiterates the importance of adopting EU legislation on procedural rights which complies with the highest standard of protection enshrined in the Charter, international human rights treaties and the constitutional law of the Member States;

| 162. | Deplores the lack of access to legal aid in many Member States and the fact that this affects the right of access to justice of those who lack sufficient resources; regards it as essential that the EU adopt a strong and comprehensive directive on legal aid; |
| --- | --- |

162.

Deplores the lack of access to legal aid in many Member States and the fact that this affects the right of access to justice of those who lack sufficient resources; regards it as essential that the EU adopt a strong and comprehensive directive on legal aid;

| 163. | Calls on the EU and the Member States to provide for measures to support and protect whistleblowers who denounce illegal actions; |
| --- | --- |

163.

Calls on the EU and the Member States to provide for measures to support and protect whistleblowers who denounce illegal actions;

Citizenship

| 164. | Considers that active and participatory EU citizenship should be encouraged through access to documents and information, transparency, good governance and administration, and democratic participation and representation, with decision-making as close as possible to Union citizens; points to the need to enable civil society to participate fully in decision-making at European level, this being guaranteed by Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union, and stresses the importance of the principles of transparency and dialogue; notes that the right of citizens to access documents held by public institutions empowers citizens and allows them to scrutinise and evaluate public authorities and hold them to account; deplores in this context the deadlock in the revision of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 and renews its call on the Commission and Council to resume work, taking Parliament’s proposals into consideration; |
| --- | --- |

164.

Considers that active and participatory EU citizenship should be encouraged through access to documents and information, transparency, good governance and administration, and democratic participation and representation, with decision-making as close as possible to Union citizens; points to the need to enable civil society to participate fully in decision-making at European level, this being guaranteed by Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union, and stresses the importance of the principles of transparency and dialogue; notes that the right of citizens to access documents held by public institutions empowers citizens and allows them to scrutinise and evaluate public authorities and hold them to account; deplores in this context the deadlock in the revision of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 and renews its call on the Commission and Council to resume work, taking Parliament’s proposals into consideration;

| 165. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that information campaigns are conducted on European citizenship and the rights connected with it: the rights to diplomatic and consular protection, the right of petition, the right to submit complaints to the European Ombudsman, the right to vote and stand in European elections and the right to submit citizens’ initiatives; |
| --- | --- |

165.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that information campaigns are conducted on European citizenship and the rights connected with it: the rights to diplomatic and consular protection, the right of petition, the right to submit complaints to the European Ombudsman, the right to vote and stand in European elections and the right to submit citizens’ initiatives;

| 166. | Applauds the European Ombudsman for her determination to ensure good administration and transparency in EU institutions and bodies; |
| --- | --- |

166.

Applauds the European Ombudsman for her determination to ensure good administration and transparency in EU institutions and bodies;

| 167. | Condemns the fact that more than 15 million nationals of non-EU countries and 500 000 stateless persons are being discriminated against on account of the refusal to recognise their citizenship; calls on the EU and its Member States to respect the fundamental right to citizenship and in particular calls on the Member States to ratify, and give full effect to, the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and the 1997 European Convention on Nationality; |
| --- | --- |

167.

Condemns the fact that more than 15 million nationals of non-EU countries and 500 000 stateless persons are being discriminated against on account of the refusal to recognise their citizenship; calls on the EU and its Member States to respect the fundamental right to citizenship and in particular calls on the Member States to ratify, and give full effect to, the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and the 1997 European Convention on Nationality;

| 168. | Points out that informing citizens about their fundamental rights is an integral part of the right to good governance as set out in the Charter; calls on the Member States to pay particular attention to the most needy, to ensure that their rights are explained to them, to support them and to ensure that those rights are respected; |
| --- | --- |

168.

Points out that informing citizens about their fundamental rights is an integral part of the right to good governance as set out in the Charter; calls on the Member States to pay particular attention to the most needy, to ensure that their rights are explained to them, to support them and to ensure that those rights are respected;

| 169. | Requests the Commission to take a step forward in consolidating the right to good administration by turning the Code of Good Administrative Behaviour of the EU into a legally binding regulation; |
| --- | --- |

169.

Requests the Commission to take a step forward in consolidating the right to good administration by turning the Code of Good Administrative Behaviour of the EU into a legally binding regulation;

| 170. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure through their policies that fundamental rights are properly respected, guaranteed, protected and developed further within the EU; calls on the Member States to renew their efforts to recognise the right of petition and the right of recourse to the Ombudsman as a means for citizens to uphold their rights; |
| --- | --- |

170.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure through their policies that fundamental rights are properly respected, guaranteed, protected and developed further within the EU; calls on the Member States to renew their efforts to recognise the right of petition and the right of recourse to the Ombudsman as a means for citizens to uphold their rights;

| 171. | Expresses its concern, on the basis of hundreds of petitions received yearly, at the shortcomings in the actual implementation, both in letter and spirit, in Member States of the provisions of EU environmental legislation, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment directives; asks the Commission to undertake closer oversight of the substance of such procedures, particularly when specific cases are the subject of petitions; |
| --- | --- |

171.

Expresses its concern, on the basis of hundreds of petitions received yearly, at the shortcomings in the actual implementation, both in letter and spirit, in Member States of the provisions of EU environmental legislation, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment directives; asks the Commission to undertake closer oversight of the substance of such procedures, particularly when specific cases are the subject of petitions;

| 172. | Reiterates the importance of the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), as a new citizens’ right introduced by the Lisbon Treaty which aims at increasing participatory democracy in the EU; notes the importance of the ECI as a powerful tool providing European citizens with a direct democratic right to contribute to the decision-making process of the EU, in addition to European citizens’ right to submit petitions to the European Parliament (EP) and their right of appeal to the European Ombudsman; |
| --- | --- |

172.

Reiterates the importance of the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), as a new citizens’ right introduced by the Lisbon Treaty which aims at increasing participatory democracy in the EU; notes the importance of the ECI as a powerful tool providing European citizens with a direct democratic right to contribute to the decision-making process of the EU, in addition to European citizens’ right to submit petitions to the European Parliament (EP) and their right of appeal to the European Ombudsman;

| 173. | Calls on the Commission to strengthen the role of the European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECIs) by adopting a citizen-friendly approach to tackling all the deficiencies of this instrument in the upcoming revision of Regulation (EU) No 211/2011 whilst at the same time improving information campaigns to citizens on the use of the ECI and its power to influence the EU policy-making process; |
| --- | --- |

173.

Calls on the Commission to strengthen the role of the European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECIs) by adopting a citizen-friendly approach to tackling all the deficiencies of this instrument in the upcoming revision of Regulation (EU) No 211/2011 whilst at the same time improving information campaigns to citizens on the use of the ECI and its power to influence the EU policy-making process;

Victims of crime

| 174. | Considers the protection of victims of crime a priority; calls on the Member States to properly implement, without delay, the EU Victims’ Directive (2012/29/EU), so as to meet the transposition deadline of 16 November 2015, and on the Commission and the Member States to ensure, in compliance with its Article 28, collection of comparable data on its transposition, in particular on how victims, including victims of crimes committed with a discriminatory motive, have accessed their rights; considers that much remains to be done to support victims of crime, informing them of their rights and ensuring effective referral systems and training for police officers and legal practitioners to establish a relationship of trust and confidence with victims, as shown by FRA research on victim support; welcomes the adoption, in 2013, of a regulation on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters; |
| --- | --- |

174.

Considers the protection of victims of crime a priority; calls on the Member States to properly implement, without delay, the EU Victims’ Directive (2012/29/EU), so as to meet the transposition deadline of 16 November 2015, and on the Commission and the Member States to ensure, in compliance with its Article 28, collection of comparable data on its transposition, in particular on how victims, including victims of crimes committed with a discriminatory motive, have accessed their rights; considers that much remains to be done to support victims of crime, informing them of their rights and ensuring effective referral systems and training for police officers and legal practitioners to establish a relationship of trust and confidence with victims, as shown by FRA research on victim support; welcomes the adoption, in 2013, of a regulation on mutual recognition of protection measures in civil matters;

| 175. | Calls on the Commission and the EU Member States to ensure the highest quality of comparable data collection on the transposition of the EU Victims’ Directive (2012/29/EU) and on how victims, including victims of crimes committed with a bias and discriminatory motive, have accessed their rights as required under Article 28 of the Directive; |
| --- | --- |

175.

Calls on the Commission and the EU Member States to ensure the highest quality of comparable data collection on the transposition of the EU Victims’ Directive (2012/29/EU) and on how victims, including victims of crimes committed with a bias and discriminatory motive, have accessed their rights as required under Article 28 of the Directive;

| 176. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take account of demographic developments and changes in the size and composition of households when designing their policies; urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure that their social and employment policies do not discriminate on the basis of the size and composition of households; |
| --- | --- |

176.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take account of demographic developments and changes in the size and composition of households when designing their policies; urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure that their social and employment policies do not discriminate on the basis of the size and composition of households;

| 177. | Points to the legal vacuum as regards citizens’ access to legal redress when Member States have not, or have only belatedly, transposed EU legislation that concerns them directly; stresses the need for coordination of actions at all levels to protect and promote fundamental rights encompassing EU institutions, Member States, regional and local authorities, NGOs and civil society; |
| --- | --- |

177.

Points to the legal vacuum as regards citizens’ access to legal redress when Member States have not, or have only belatedly, transposed EU legislation that concerns them directly; stresses the need for coordination of actions at all levels to protect and promote fundamental rights encompassing EU institutions, Member States, regional and local authorities, NGOs and civil society;

| 178. | Stresses the need to strengthen institutional transparency, democratic accountability and openness in the EU and urges the competent EU institutions and all Member States to:






  — | step up their efforts with a view to revising without delay Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents in order to ensure maximum transparency and simplified procedures for public access to information and documents; calls on the Commission, in this context, to relaunch the legislative initiative on an Accessibility Act, in the form of a cross-cutting instrument that can increase the protection afforded to persons with disabilities, and ensure cohesion between all EU policies in this respect; |
| --- | --- | --- |

178.

Stresses the need to strengthen institutional transparency, democratic accountability and openness in the EU and urges the competent EU institutions and all Member States to:

—

step up their efforts with a view to revising without delay Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents in order to ensure maximum transparency and simplified procedures for public access to information and documents; calls on the Commission, in this context, to relaunch the legislative initiative on an Accessibility Act, in the form of a cross-cutting instrument that can increase the protection afforded to persons with disabilities, and ensure cohesion between all EU policies in this respect;

| — | bring forward a revision of the European Citizens’ Initiative Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 211/2011) during this parliamentary term in order to improve its functioning, incorporating amendments so as to remove any administrative, organisational and financial obstacles as a result of which not all European citizens can properly exercise their democratic influence through the ECI as provided for in the Treaties; urges the Commission also to include in its proposal the necessary provisions to stop certain groups of citizens, such as those who are blind or living abroad, from being prevented from exercising their right to support citizens’ initiatives, as such exclusion limits equality and engagement among citizens; |
| --- | --- |

—

bring forward a revision of the European Citizens’ Initiative Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 211/2011) during this parliamentary term in order to improve its functioning, incorporating amendments so as to remove any administrative, organisational and financial obstacles as a result of which not all European citizens can properly exercise their democratic influence through the ECI as provided for in the Treaties; urges the Commission also to include in its proposal the necessary provisions to stop certain groups of citizens, such as those who are blind or living abroad, from being prevented from exercising their right to support citizens’ initiatives, as such exclusion limits equality and engagement among citizens;

| — | bring forward a revision of Directive 93/109/EC laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for citizens of the Union residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals, in order to help EU citizens who are resident in a state other than their own to participate in the European elections in their country of residence; calls on the Member States to enable all their citizens to vote in European elections, including those living outside the EU, particularly by means of an information campaign carried out in good time; |
| --- | --- |

—

bring forward a revision of Directive 93/109/EC laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for citizens of the Union residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals, in order to help EU citizens who are resident in a state other than their own to participate in the European elections in their country of residence; calls on the Member States to enable all their citizens to vote in European elections, including those living outside the EU, particularly by means of an information campaign carried out in good time;

| — | give due consideration to the growing segment of the population that is completely disenfranchised as regards national elections because they can vote neither in their home country nor in their country of residence; |
| --- | --- |

—

give due consideration to the growing segment of the population that is completely disenfranchised as regards national elections because they can vote neither in their home country nor in their country of residence;

o

o o

| 179. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

179.

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

---

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

(2)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0105.

(3)  OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22.

(4)  OJ C 378, 24.12.2013, p. 1.

(5)  Directive 2010/64/EU of 20 October 2010, Directive 2012/13/EU of 22 May 2012, Directive 2013/48/EU of 22 October 2013.

(6)  OJ L 328, 6.12.2008, p. 55.

(7)  OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 16.

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

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

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

(11)  OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31.

(12)  OJ L 335, 17.12.2011, p. 1.

(13)  OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.

(14)  OJ L 59, 2.3.2013, p. 5.

(15)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0594.

(16)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0062.

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

(18)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0387.

(19)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0173.

(20)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0105.

(21)  OJ C 124 E, 25.5.2006, p. 405.

(22)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0070.

(23)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0322.

(24)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0230.

(25)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0031.

(26)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0350.

(27)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0058.

(28)  OJ C 353 E, 3.12.2013, p. 1.

(29)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0418.

(30)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0203.

(31)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0315.

(32)  ICPD Programme of Action § 7.2 and 7.3.

(33)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0070.

(34)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0444.

(35)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0174.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/37 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/37

---

P8_TA(2015)0287

Commissioner hearings: lessons to be taken from the 2014 process

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on procedures and practices regarding Commissioner hearings, lessons to be taken from the 2014 process (2015/2040(INI))

(2017/C 316/02)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Article 17(7) of the Treaty on European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 17(7) of the Treaty on European Union,

| — | having regard to Article 246 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 246 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 1 December 2005 on guidelines for the approval of the Commission (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 1 December 2005 on guidelines for the approval of the Commission (1),

| — | having regard to its decision of 20 October 2010 on the revision of the framework agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its decision of 20 October 2010 on the revision of the framework agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (2),

| — | having regard to its decision of 14 September 2011 on amendment of Rules 106 and 192 of, and Annex XVII to, Parliament’s Rules of Procedure (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its decision of 14 September 2011 on amendment of Rules 106 and 192 of, and Annex XVII to, Parliament’s Rules of Procedure (3),

| — | having regard to the code of conduct for European Commissioners, particularly Articles 1.3 to 1.6 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the code of conduct for European Commissioners, particularly Articles 1.3 to 1.6 thereof,

| — | having regard to Rules 52 and 118 of, and Annex XVI to, its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 52 and 118 of, and Annex XVI to, its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the Committee on Legal Affairs (A8-0197/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the Committee on Legal Affairs (A8-0197/2015),

Whereas:

| A. | hearings of Commissioners-designate, first used in 1994, are now a well-established practice which increases the democratic legitimacy of the European Union institutions and brings those institutions closer to European citizens; |
| --- | --- |

A.

hearings of Commissioners-designate, first used in 1994, are now a well-established practice which increases the democratic legitimacy of the European Union institutions and brings those institutions closer to European citizens;

| B. | the hearings are indispensable in enabling Parliament to make an informed judgement on the Commission when it holds its vote of confidence allowing the Commission to take office; |
| --- | --- |

B.

the hearings are indispensable in enabling Parliament to make an informed judgement on the Commission when it holds its vote of confidence allowing the Commission to take office;

| C. | the hearing process gives Parliament and EU citizens the opportunity to discover and evaluate the candidates’ personalities, qualifications, preparedness and priorities as well as their knowledge of their designated portfolio; |
| --- | --- |

C.

the hearing process gives Parliament and EU citizens the opportunity to discover and evaluate the candidates’ personalities, qualifications, preparedness and priorities as well as their knowledge of their designated portfolio;

| D. | the hearing process increases transparency and enhances the democratic legitimacy of the Commission as a whole; |
| --- | --- |

D.

the hearing process increases transparency and enhances the democratic legitimacy of the Commission as a whole;

| E. | equality between women and men must be ensured in all areas, including employment; whereas this requirement must be reflected in the composition of the European Commission; whereas despite repeated requests from Jean-Claude Juncker in 2014 the governments proposed a far greater number of male rather than female candidates; whereas the women who were proposed primarily come from Member States with smaller populations and the larger Member States largely ignored this requirement; whereas the only fair solution is to ask each Member State to propose two candidates, one male and one female, so that the President-designate is able to propose a high quality College with an equal number of men and women; |
| --- | --- |

E.

equality between women and men must be ensured in all areas, including employment; whereas this requirement must be reflected in the composition of the European Commission; whereas despite repeated requests from Jean-Claude Juncker in 2014 the governments proposed a far greater number of male rather than female candidates; whereas the women who were proposed primarily come from Member States with smaller populations and the larger Member States largely ignored this requirement; whereas the only fair solution is to ask each Member State to propose two candidates, one male and one female, so that the President-designate is able to propose a high quality College with an equal number of men and women;

| F. | the hearing process, while having demonstrated its effectiveness, can always be improved, in particular by means of more flexible and dynamic exchanges between the Commissioner and members of the committee responsible for the hearing; |
| --- | --- |

F.

the hearing process, while having demonstrated its effectiveness, can always be improved, in particular by means of more flexible and dynamic exchanges between the Commissioner and members of the committee responsible for the hearing;

| G. | the hearing of Commissioner-designate for Vice-President, Frans Timmermans, highlighted the need to adapt Parliament’s procedures in the event that future Commissions have a special status for one or more Vice-Presidents; |
| --- | --- |

G.

the hearing of Commissioner-designate for Vice-President, Frans Timmermans, highlighted the need to adapt Parliament’s procedures in the event that future Commissions have a special status for one or more Vice-Presidents;

| H. | Article 3(3) of the TEU states that the Union ‘shall promote [...] equality between women and men’ and Article 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states that ‘equality between women and men must be ensured in all areas, including employment, work and pay’; |
| --- | --- |

H.

Article 3(3) of the TEU states that the Union ‘shall promote [...] equality between women and men’ and Article 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states that ‘equality between women and men must be ensured in all areas, including employment, work and pay’;

| 1. | Considers that public hearings of Commissioners-designate present an important opportunity for the European Parliament and EU citizens to assess the priorities of each candidate and their professional suitability for the role; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Considers that public hearings of Commissioners-designate present an important opportunity for the European Parliament and EU citizens to assess the priorities of each candidate and their professional suitability for the role;

| 2. | Considers that it would be useful to set a deadline by which all Member States have to put forward their candidates, so as to leave adequate time for the Commission President-elect to allocate the portfolios taking into account the work experience and background of the candidate, and for Parliament to conduct its hearings and evaluations, and asks its President to enter into discussion with the other institutions with a view to achieving this objective; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Considers that it would be useful to set a deadline by which all Member States have to put forward their candidates, so as to leave adequate time for the Commission President-elect to allocate the portfolios taking into account the work experience and background of the candidate, and for Parliament to conduct its hearings and evaluations, and asks its President to enter into discussion with the other institutions with a view to achieving this objective;

| 3. | Considers also that each Member State should henceforth put forward at least two candidates — male and female on a footing of equality — for consideration by the Commission President-elect; considers it important that the Union should also attain within its own institutions the gender equality objectives which it has set; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Considers also that each Member State should henceforth put forward at least two candidates — male and female on a footing of equality — for consideration by the Commission President-elect; considers it important that the Union should also attain within its own institutions the gender equality objectives which it has set;

| 4. | Considers that checks on declarations of the financial interests of Commissioners designated by the Committee on Legal Affairs should be improved; considers that, to this end, declarations of financial interests should include family interests as provided for by Article 1.6 of the code of conduct for Commissioners; considers that confirmation by the Committee on Legal Affairs of the absence of any conflict of interests, based on a substantive analysis of the declarations of financial interests, constitutes an essential precondition for the holding of the hearing by the committee responsible; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Considers that checks on declarations of the financial interests of Commissioners designated by the Committee on Legal Affairs should be improved; considers that, to this end, declarations of financial interests should include family interests as provided for by Article 1.6 of the code of conduct for Commissioners; considers that confirmation by the Committee on Legal Affairs of the absence of any conflict of interests, based on a substantive analysis of the declarations of financial interests, constitutes an essential precondition for the holding of the hearing by the committee responsible;

| 5. | Recalls that it is the committees which are responsible for conducting the hearings; considers, however, that when a vice-president of the Commission has responsibilities which are primarily horizontal, the hearing could exceptionally be carried out in a different format such as a meeting of the Conference of Presidents or a meeting of the Conference of Committee Chairs, provided that such a meeting enables dialogues and includes the respective committees responsible in order to allow them to hear its Commissioner-designate; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Recalls that it is the committees which are responsible for conducting the hearings; considers, however, that when a vice-president of the Commission has responsibilities which are primarily horizontal, the hearing could exceptionally be carried out in a different format such as a meeting of the Conference of Presidents or a meeting of the Conference of Committee Chairs, provided that such a meeting enables dialogues and includes the respective committees responsible in order to allow them to hear its Commissioner-designate;

| 6. | Considers that the written questionnaire sent ahead of each hearing should allow for 7 questions instead of 5, but that there should not be several sub-questions under each question; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Considers that the written questionnaire sent ahead of each hearing should allow for 7 questions instead of 5, but that there should not be several sub-questions under each question;

| 7. | Considers that it would be better to have around 25 questions, but with each questioner allowed immediate follow-up, so as to enhance the effectiveness and inquisitorial nature of the hearings; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Considers that it would be better to have around 25 questions, but with each questioner allowed immediate follow-up, so as to enhance the effectiveness and inquisitorial nature of the hearings;

| 8. | Considers that procedures for monitoring replies by Commissioners-designate during hearings could help improve control and increase the responsibility of the Commission as a whole; calls therefore for a periodic review of the priorities referred to by Commissioners-designate following the start of their term of office; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Considers that procedures for monitoring replies by Commissioners-designate during hearings could help improve control and increase the responsibility of the Commission as a whole; calls therefore for a periodic review of the priorities referred to by Commissioners-designate following the start of their term of office;

| 9. | Considers that the following guidelines should apply for the coordinators’ evaluation meeting after the hearings:






  — | if the coordinators unanimously approve the candidate — letter of approval; |
| --- | --- | --- |

9.

Considers that the following guidelines should apply for the coordinators’ evaluation meeting after the hearings:

—

if the coordinators unanimously approve the candidate — letter of approval;

| — | if the coordinators unanimously reject the candidate — letter of rejection; |
| --- | --- |

—

if the coordinators unanimously reject the candidate — letter of rejection;

| — | if coordinators representing a clear majority approve the candidate — letter stating that a large majority approve (minorities may request that it be mentioned that their group does not share the majority view); |
| --- | --- |

—

if coordinators representing a clear majority approve the candidate — letter stating that a large majority approve (minorities may request that it be mentioned that their group does not share the majority view);

| — | if there is no clear majority, or there is a majority (but not a consensus) against the candidate, and if the coordinators consider it necessary:






  — | first request additional information through further written questions; |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

if there is no clear majority, or there is a majority (but not a consensus) against the candidate, and if the coordinators consider it necessary:

—

first request additional information through further written questions;

| — | if still dissatisfied — request for a further 1,5-hour hearing, with the approval of the Conference of Presidents; |
| --- | --- |

—

if still dissatisfied — request for a further 1,5-hour hearing, with the approval of the Conference of Presidents;

| — | if there is still no consensus or overwhelming majority among the coordinators — vote in committee; |
| --- | --- |

—

if there is still no consensus or overwhelming majority among the coordinators — vote in committee;

| — | a clear majority in this context should be coordinators who together represent at least two-thirds of the committee membership; |
| --- | --- |

—

a clear majority in this context should be coordinators who together represent at least two-thirds of the committee membership;

| 10. | Notes that the 2014 hearings generated more media and public interest than previous hearings, partly because of the evolution of social media; believes that the impact and influence of social media is likely to grow in the future; considers that provision should be made to use social media and networks to include EU citizens more effectively in the hearing process; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Notes that the 2014 hearings generated more media and public interest than previous hearings, partly because of the evolution of social media; believes that the impact and influence of social media is likely to grow in the future; considers that provision should be made to use social media and networks to include EU citizens more effectively in the hearing process;

| 11. | Considers that:






  — | there should be a specific section of Parliament’s website where the CVs of the Commissioners-designate and responses to written questions are made available, in advance of the public hearings, in all the official languages of the Union; |
| --- | --- | --- |

11.

Considers that:

—

there should be a specific section of Parliament’s website where the CVs of the Commissioners-designate and responses to written questions are made available, in advance of the public hearings, in all the official languages of the Union;

| — | there should be a specific and visible place on Parliament’s website where the evaluations are placed within 24 hours; |
| --- | --- |

—

there should be a specific and visible place on Parliament’s website where the evaluations are placed within 24 hours;

| — | the rule should be changed to refer to 24 hours after the evaluation, given that some evaluations are completed only following further procedures; |
| --- | --- |

—

the rule should be changed to refer to 24 hours after the evaluation, given that some evaluations are completed only following further procedures;

| 12. | Considers that horizontal issues affecting the composition, structure and working methods of the Commission as a whole, which cannot be adequately addressed by an individual Commissioner-designate, are a matter for the Commission President-elect; considers that such issues should be addressed at meetings between the President-elect and the Conference of Presidents (one before the hearing process has started and one after it has ended); |
| --- | --- |

12.

Considers that horizontal issues affecting the composition, structure and working methods of the Commission as a whole, which cannot be adequately addressed by an individual Commissioner-designate, are a matter for the Commission President-elect; considers that such issues should be addressed at meetings between the President-elect and the Conference of Presidents (one before the hearing process has started and one after it has ended);

| 13. | Considers that the scrutiny of Commissioners’ declarations of interests should remain the competence of the Committee on Legal Affairs; considers, however, that the current scope of Commissioners’ declarations of interests is too limited, and invites the Commission to revise its rules on this as soon as possible; considers it important, therefore, that the Committee on Legal Affairs should, in the coming months, issue guidelines in the form of a recommendation or initiative report, with a view to facilitating reform of the procedures relating to Commissioners’ declarations of interests; considers that the declarations of interests and financial interests of the Commissioners should also cover family members living with them in the same household; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Considers that the scrutiny of Commissioners’ declarations of interests should remain the competence of the Committee on Legal Affairs; considers, however, that the current scope of Commissioners’ declarations of interests is too limited, and invites the Commission to revise its rules on this as soon as possible; considers it important, therefore, that the Committee on Legal Affairs should, in the coming months, issue guidelines in the form of a recommendation or initiative report, with a view to facilitating reform of the procedures relating to Commissioners’ declarations of interests; considers that the declarations of interests and financial interests of the Commissioners should also cover family members living with them in the same household;

| 14. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

14.

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

---

(1)  OJ C 285 E, 22.11.2006, p. 137.

(2)  OJ C 70 E, 8.3.2012, p. 98.

(3)  OJ C 51 E, 22.2.2013, p. 152.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/40 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/40

---

P8_TA(2015)0288

Human rights and technology in third countries

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on ‘Human rights and technology: the impact of intrusion and surveillance systems on human rights in third countries’ (2014/2232(INI))

(2017/C 316/03)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in particular Article 19 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in particular Article 19 thereof,

| — | having regard to the European Union’s Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy, adopted by the Council on 25 June 2012 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Union’s Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy, adopted by the Council on 25 June 2012 (1),

| — | having regard to the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, adopted by the Council (Foreign Affairs) on 12 May 2014 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, adopted by the Council (Foreign Affairs) on 12 May 2014 (2),

| — | having regard to the ‘ICT Sector Guide on Implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights’, published by the Commission in June 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ‘ICT Sector Guide on Implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights’, published by the Commission in June 2013,

| — | having regard to the report by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) of 15 December 2011 entitled ‘Freedom of Expression on the Internet’ (3) and to the regular report of the OSCE Special Representative on Freedom of the Media to the OSCE Permanent Council of 27 November 2014 (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) of 15 December 2011 entitled ‘Freedom of Expression on the Internet’ (3) and to the regular report of the OSCE Special Representative on Freedom of the Media to the OSCE Permanent Council of 27 November 2014 (4),

| — | having regard to the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, 23 September 2014 (A/69/397) (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, 23 September 2014 (A/69/397) (5),

| — | having regard to the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights of 30 June 2014 entitled ‘The right to privacy in the digital age’ (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights of 30 June 2014 entitled ‘The right to privacy in the digital age’ (6),

| — | having regard to the report of the UN Special Rapporteur of 17 April 2013 on the right to freedom of expression and opinion (A/HRC/23/40), analysing the implications of states’ surveillance of communications on the exercise of the human rights to privacy and to freedom of opinion and expression, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the UN Special Rapporteur of 17 April 2013 on the right to freedom of expression and opinion (A/HRC/23/40), analysing the implications of states’ surveillance of communications on the exercise of the human rights to privacy and to freedom of opinion and expression,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 26 January 2015 on ‘Mass surveillance’ (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe of 26 January 2015 on ‘Mass surveillance’ (7),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2014 on the United States National Security Agency surveillance programme, surveillance bodies in various Member States and their impact on EU citizens’ fundamental rights and on transatlantic cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2014 on the United States National Security Agency surveillance programme, surveillance bodies in various Member States and their impact on EU citizens’ fundamental rights and on transatlantic cooperation in Justice and Home Affairs (8),

| — | having regard to the report by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, of 21 March 2011, entitled ‘Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework’ (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, of 21 March 2011, entitled ‘Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework’ (9),

| — | having regard to the OECD guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (10) and the 2014 annual report on the OECD guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the OECD guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (10) and the 2014 annual report on the OECD guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (11),

| — | having regard to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers Annual Report 2013 (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers Annual Report 2013 (12),

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 12 February 2014 entitled ‘Internet Policy and Governance: Europe’s role in shaping the future of Internet Governance’ (13), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 12 February 2014 entitled ‘Internet Policy and Governance: Europe’s role in shaping the future of Internet Governance’ (13),

| — | having regard to the NETmundial Multistakeholder Statement adopted on 24 April 2014 (14), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the NETmundial Multistakeholder Statement adopted on 24 April 2014 (14),

| — | having regard to the Chair’s summary of the ninth Internet Governance Forum held in Istanbul on 2-5 September 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Chair’s summary of the ninth Internet Governance Forum held in Istanbul on 2-5 September 2014,

| — | having regard to the European Union restrictive measures in force, some of which include embargoes on telecommunications equipment, information and communication technologies (ICTs) and monitoring tools, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Union restrictive measures in force, some of which include embargoes on telecommunications equipment, information and communication technologies (ICTs) and monitoring tools,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 599/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 setting up a Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items (15), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 599/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 amending Council Regulation (EC) No 428/2009 setting up a Community regime for the control of exports, transfer, brokering and transit of dual-use items (15),

| — | having regard to the Joint Statement by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on the review of the dual-use export control system of 16 April 2014 (16), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Statement by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on the review of the dual-use export control system of 16 April 2014 (16),

| — | having regard to the decisions of the 19th Plenary Meeting of the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies, held in Vienna on 3-4 December 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the decisions of the 19th Plenary Meeting of the Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies, held in Vienna on 3-4 December 2013,

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 24 April 2014 entitled ‘The review of export control policy: ensuring security and competitiveness in a changing world’ (17), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 24 April 2014 entitled ‘The review of export control policy: ensuring security and competitiveness in a changing world’ (17),

| — | having regard to the Council Conclusions of 21 November 2014 on the review of export control policy, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council Conclusions of 21 November 2014 on the review of export control policy,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 11 December 2012 on a Digital Freedom Strategy in EU Foreign Policy (18), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 11 December 2012 on a Digital Freedom Strategy in EU Foreign Policy (18),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 June 2013 on the freedom of press and media in the world (19), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 June 2013 on the freedom of press and media in the world (19),

| — | having regard to its resolutions on urgent cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, where they raise concerns regarding digital freedoms, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions on urgent cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, where they raise concerns regarding digital freedoms,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2015 on the EU’s priorities for the UN Human Rights Council in 2015 (20), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2015 on the EU’s priorities for the UN Human Rights Council in 2015 (20),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 11 February 2015 on the renewal of the mandate of the Internet Governance Forum (21), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 11 February 2015 on the renewal of the mandate of the Internet Governance Forum (21),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2015 on the Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2013 and the European Union’s policy on the matter (22), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2015 on the Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2013 and the European Union’s policy on the matter (22),

| — | having regard to Edward Snowden’s written statement to the LIBE Committee of March 2014 (23), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Edward Snowden’s written statement to the LIBE Committee of March 2014 (23),

| — | having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights and the ongoing negotiations on the EU’s accession to the Convention, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights and the ongoing negotiations on the EU’s accession to the Convention,

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

—

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

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

—

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A8-0178/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A8-0178/2015),

| A. | whereas technological developments and access to the open internet are playing an increasingly important role in enabling and ensuring the fulfilment and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, exerting a positive effect by expanding the scope of freedom of expression, access to information, the right to privacy and freedom of assembly and association across the world; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas technological developments and access to the open internet are playing an increasingly important role in enabling and ensuring the fulfilment and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, exerting a positive effect by expanding the scope of freedom of expression, access to information, the right to privacy and freedom of assembly and association across the world;

| B. | whereas technological systems can be misused as tools for human rights violations through censorship, surveillance, unauthorised access to devices, jamming, interception, and the tracing and tracking of information and individuals; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas technological systems can be misused as tools for human rights violations through censorship, surveillance, unauthorised access to devices, jamming, interception, and the tracing and tracking of information and individuals;

| C. | whereas this is done by public and private actors, including governments and law enforcement bodies as well as criminal organisations and terrorist networks, to violate human rights; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas this is done by public and private actors, including governments and law enforcement bodies as well as criminal organisations and terrorist networks, to violate human rights;

| D. | whereas the context in which ICTs are designed and used determines, to a great extent, the impact they can have as a force to advance — or violate — human rights; whereas information technology, especially software, is rarely single-use and usually dual-use as far as the potential to violate human rights is concerned, while software is also a form of speech; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the context in which ICTs are designed and used determines, to a great extent, the impact they can have as a force to advance — or violate — human rights; whereas information technology, especially software, is rarely single-use and usually dual-use as far as the potential to violate human rights is concerned, while software is also a form of speech;

| E. | whereas ICTs have been key instruments helping people organise social movements and protests in various countries, especially in countries with authoritative regimes; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas ICTs have been key instruments helping people organise social movements and protests in various countries, especially in countries with authoritative regimes;

| F. | whereas the assessment of the implications for human rights of the context in which technologies will be used is determined by the strength of national and regional legal frameworks to regulate the use of technologies and the ability of political and judicial institutions to oversee such use; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the assessment of the implications for human rights of the context in which technologies will be used is determined by the strength of national and regional legal frameworks to regulate the use of technologies and the ability of political and judicial institutions to oversee such use;

| G. | whereas, in the digital domain, private actors play an increasingly significant role in all spheres of social activities, but safeguards are still not in place to prevent them from imposing excessive restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms; whereas, as a result, private actors play a more active role in assessing the legality of content and in developing cyber-security systems and surveillance systems, which can have a detrimental impact on human rights all over the world; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas, in the digital domain, private actors play an increasingly significant role in all spheres of social activities, but safeguards are still not in place to prevent them from imposing excessive restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms; whereas, as a result, private actors play a more active role in assessing the legality of content and in developing cyber-security systems and surveillance systems, which can have a detrimental impact on human rights all over the world;

| H. | whereas the internet represents a revolution in terms of the possibilities it offers for exchanging data, information and knowledge of all kinds; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the internet represents a revolution in terms of the possibilities it offers for exchanging data, information and knowledge of all kinds;

| I. | whereas encryption is an important method that helps to secure communications and the people using them; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas encryption is an important method that helps to secure communications and the people using them;

| J. | whereas internet governance has benefitted from a multi-stakeholder decision-making model, a process ensuring meaningful, inclusive and accountable participation of all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, technical and academic communities, the private sector and users; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas internet governance has benefitted from a multi-stakeholder decision-making model, a process ensuring meaningful, inclusive and accountable participation of all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, technical and academic communities, the private sector and users;

| K. | whereas intelligence agencies have systematically undermined cryptographic protocols and products in order to be able to intercept communications and data; whereas the US National Security Agency (NSA) has collected vast numbers of so called ‘zero-day exploits’, that is, IT security vulnerabilities that are not yet known to the public or the product vendor; whereas such activities undermine global efforts to improve IT security; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas intelligence agencies have systematically undermined cryptographic protocols and products in order to be able to intercept communications and data; whereas the US National Security Agency (NSA) has collected vast numbers of so called ‘zero-day exploits’, that is, IT security vulnerabilities that are not yet known to the public or the product vendor; whereas such activities undermine global efforts to improve IT security;

| L. | whereas EU-based intelligence services have engaged in activities that harm human rights; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas EU-based intelligence services have engaged in activities that harm human rights;

| M. | whereas in the light of the rapid technological developments that are taking place, judicial and democratic oversight and safeguards are largely underdeveloped; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas in the light of the rapid technological developments that are taking place, judicial and democratic oversight and safeguards are largely underdeveloped;

| N. | whereas (cyber-)security and counter-terrorism measures involving ICTs, and the monitoring of the internet, can have a significant detrimental effect on the human rights and individual freedoms of people all over the world, including EU citizens when residing or travelling abroad, and especially in the absence of a legal basis that rests on the precepts of necessity, proportionality, and democratic and judicial oversight; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas (cyber-)security and counter-terrorism measures involving ICTs, and the monitoring of the internet, can have a significant detrimental effect on the human rights and individual freedoms of people all over the world, including EU citizens when residing or travelling abroad, and especially in the absence of a legal basis that rests on the precepts of necessity, proportionality, and democratic and judicial oversight;

| O. | whereas internet filters and communication surveillance undermine the ability of human rights defenders to take advantage of the internet and to communicate sensitive information, and are in breach of several articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) guaranteeing each person’s right to privacy and to freedom of expression; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas internet filters and communication surveillance undermine the ability of human rights defenders to take advantage of the internet and to communicate sensitive information, and are in breach of several articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) guaranteeing each person’s right to privacy and to freedom of expression;

| P. | whereas digital security and digital freedom are both essential and cannot replace one another, but should reinforce one another; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas digital security and digital freedom are both essential and cannot replace one another, but should reinforce one another;

| Q. | whereas, when it comes to digital freedoms, the European Union can only lead by example when these freedoms are safeguarded in the EU itself; and whereas adopting the EU data protection package is therefore crucial; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas, when it comes to digital freedoms, the European Union can only lead by example when these freedoms are safeguarded in the EU itself; and whereas adopting the EU data protection package is therefore crucial;

| R. | whereas what is at stake are far-reaching social interests — such as the protection of fundamental rights — that should not be determined by the market alone, and that need regulation; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas what is at stake are far-reaching social interests — such as the protection of fundamental rights — that should not be determined by the market alone, and that need regulation;

| S. | whereas respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law, and effective parliamentary oversight of intelligence services using digital surveillance technology, are important elements of international cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law, and effective parliamentary oversight of intelligence services using digital surveillance technology, are important elements of international cooperation;

| T. | whereas EU-based companies have an important share of the global market in ICTs, in particular when it comes to exporting surveillance, tracking, intrusion and monitoring technology; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas EU-based companies have an important share of the global market in ICTs, in particular when it comes to exporting surveillance, tracking, intrusion and monitoring technology;

| U. | whereas the introduction of export controls should not harm legitimate research into IT security issues, or the development of IT security tools, where there is no criminal intent; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas the introduction of export controls should not harm legitimate research into IT security issues, or the development of IT security tools, where there is no criminal intent;

| 1. | Recognises that human rights and fundamental freedoms are universal and need to be defended globally in every dimension of their expression; stresses that the surveillance of communications, as such, interferes with the rights to privacy and expression, if conducted outside an adequate legal framework; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Recognises that human rights and fundamental freedoms are universal and need to be defended globally in every dimension of their expression; stresses that the surveillance of communications, as such, interferes with the rights to privacy and expression, if conducted outside an adequate legal framework;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to ensure coherence between the EU’s external actions and its internal policies related to ICTs; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to ensure coherence between the EU’s external actions and its internal policies related to ICTs;

| 3. | Believes that the active complicity of certain EU Member States in the NSA’s mass surveillance of citizens and spying on political leaders, as revealed by Edward Snowden, has caused serious damage to the credibility of the EU’s human rights policy and has undermined global trust in the benefits of ICTs; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Believes that the active complicity of certain EU Member States in the NSA’s mass surveillance of citizens and spying on political leaders, as revealed by Edward Snowden, has caused serious damage to the credibility of the EU’s human rights policy and has undermined global trust in the benefits of ICTs;

| 4. | Reminds the Member States and the EU agencies concerned, including Europol and Eurojust, of their obligations under the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in keeping with international human rights law and with the EU’s external policy objectives, not to share intelligence data that may lead to human rights violations in a third country, nor to use information obtained by means of human rights violations, such as unlawful surveillance, outside the EU; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Reminds the Member States and the EU agencies concerned, including Europol and Eurojust, of their obligations under the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in keeping with international human rights law and with the EU’s external policy objectives, not to share intelligence data that may lead to human rights violations in a third country, nor to use information obtained by means of human rights violations, such as unlawful surveillance, outside the EU;

| 5. | Stresses that the impact of technologies on the improvement of human rights should be mainstreamed in all EU policies and programmes, if applicable, to advance the protection of human rights and the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, and peaceful conflict resolution; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Stresses that the impact of technologies on the improvement of human rights should be mainstreamed in all EU policies and programmes, if applicable, to advance the protection of human rights and the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, and peaceful conflict resolution;

| 6. | Calls for the active development and dissemination of technologies that help protect human rights and facilitate people's digital rights and freedoms as well as their security, and that promote best practices and appropriate legislative frameworks, while guaranteeing the security and integrity of personal data; urges, in particular, the EU and its Member States to promote the global use and development of open standards, and of free and open-source software and cryptographic technologies; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls for the active development and dissemination of technologies that help protect human rights and facilitate people's digital rights and freedoms as well as their security, and that promote best practices and appropriate legislative frameworks, while guaranteeing the security and integrity of personal data; urges, in particular, the EU and its Member States to promote the global use and development of open standards, and of free and open-source software and cryptographic technologies;

| 7. | Calls on the EU to increase its support for actors who work on strengthening security and privacy protection standards in ICTs at all levels, including hardware, software and communication standards, as well as on developing the hardware and software in privacy-by-design frameworks; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the EU to increase its support for actors who work on strengthening security and privacy protection standards in ICTs at all levels, including hardware, software and communication standards, as well as on developing the hardware and software in privacy-by-design frameworks;

| 8. | Calls for a human rights and technology fund to be established under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls for a human rights and technology fund to be established under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights;

| 9. | Urges the EU itself, and in particular the EEAS, to use encryption in its communications with human rights defenders, to avoid putting defenders at risk and to protect its own communications with outsiders from surveillance; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Urges the EU itself, and in particular the EEAS, to use encryption in its communications with human rights defenders, to avoid putting defenders at risk and to protect its own communications with outsiders from surveillance;

| 10. | Calls on the EU to adopt free and open-source software, and to encourage other actors to do so, as such software provides for better security and for greater respect for human rights; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Calls on the EU to adopt free and open-source software, and to encourage other actors to do so, as such software provides for better security and for greater respect for human rights;

| 11. | Draws attention to the importance of developing ICTs in conflict areas to promote peacebuilding activities with a view to providing secure communication between parties involved in peaceful resolution of conflicts; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Draws attention to the importance of developing ICTs in conflict areas to promote peacebuilding activities with a view to providing secure communication between parties involved in peaceful resolution of conflicts;

| 12. | Calls for the implementation of conditions, benchmarks and reporting procedures so as to ensure that EU financial and technical support to the development of new technologies in third countries is not used in ways that infringe on human rights; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls for the implementation of conditions, benchmarks and reporting procedures so as to ensure that EU financial and technical support to the development of new technologies in third countries is not used in ways that infringe on human rights;

| 13. | Calls on the Commission and the Council to engage actively with third country governments, and to further support, train and empower human rights defenders, civil society activists and independent journalists using ICTs in their activities in a safe manner, by means of the existing European support mechanisms and policy instruments, and to promote related fundamental rights of privacy, such as unrestricted access to information on the internet, the right to privacy and data protection, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of association and freedom of the press and publication online; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Calls on the Commission and the Council to engage actively with third country governments, and to further support, train and empower human rights defenders, civil society activists and independent journalists using ICTs in their activities in a safe manner, by means of the existing European support mechanisms and policy instruments, and to promote related fundamental rights of privacy, such as unrestricted access to information on the internet, the right to privacy and data protection, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of association and freedom of the press and publication online;

| 14. | Draws attention to the plight of whistleblowers and their supporters, including journalists, following their revelations of abusive surveillance practices in third countries; believes that such individuals should be considered human rights defenders and that, as such, they deserve the EU’s protection, as required under the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Member States to examine thoroughly the possibility of granting whistleblowers international protection from prosecution; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Draws attention to the plight of whistleblowers and their supporters, including journalists, following their revelations of abusive surveillance practices in third countries; believes that such individuals should be considered human rights defenders and that, as such, they deserve the EU’s protection, as required under the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Member States to examine thoroughly the possibility of granting whistleblowers international protection from prosecution;

| 15. | Deplores the fact that security measures, including counterterrorism measures, are increasingly used as pretexts for violations of the right to privacy and for clamping down on the legitimate activities of human rights defenders, journalists and political activists; reiterates its strong belief that national security can never be a justification for untargeted, secret or mass surveillance programmes; insists that such measures be pursued strictly in line with the rule of law and human rights standards, including the right to privacy and data protection; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Deplores the fact that security measures, including counterterrorism measures, are increasingly used as pretexts for violations of the right to privacy and for clamping down on the legitimate activities of human rights defenders, journalists and political activists; reiterates its strong belief that national security can never be a justification for untargeted, secret or mass surveillance programmes; insists that such measures be pursued strictly in line with the rule of law and human rights standards, including the right to privacy and data protection;

| 16. | Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to promote the democratic oversight of security and intelligence services in its political dialogue with third countries, as well as in its development cooperation programmes; urges the Commission to support civil society organisations and legislative bodies in third countries that seek to enhance the scrutiny, transparency and accountability of domestic security services; calls for specific commitments thereon to be included in the future EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democratisation; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to promote the democratic oversight of security and intelligence services in its political dialogue with third countries, as well as in its development cooperation programmes; urges the Commission to support civil society organisations and legislative bodies in third countries that seek to enhance the scrutiny, transparency and accountability of domestic security services; calls for specific commitments thereon to be included in the future EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democratisation;

| 17. | Urges the Council and the Commission to promote digital freedoms and unrestricted access to the internet in all forms of contact with third countries, including in accession negotiations, trade negotiations, human rights dialogues and diplomatic contacts; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Urges the Council and the Commission to promote digital freedoms and unrestricted access to the internet in all forms of contact with third countries, including in accession negotiations, trade negotiations, human rights dialogues and diplomatic contacts;

| 18. | Recognises that the internet has become a public space as well as a marketplace, for which the free flow of information and access to ICTs are indispensable; stresses, therefore, that digital freedom and free trade must be promoted and protected simultaneously; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Recognises that the internet has become a public space as well as a marketplace, for which the free flow of information and access to ICTs are indispensable; stresses, therefore, that digital freedom and free trade must be promoted and protected simultaneously;

| 19. | Calls for the inclusion of clauses in all agreements with third countries that refer explicitly to the need to promote, guarantee and respect digital freedoms, net neutrality, uncensored and unrestricted access to the internet, privacy rights and the protection of data; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls for the inclusion of clauses in all agreements with third countries that refer explicitly to the need to promote, guarantee and respect digital freedoms, net neutrality, uncensored and unrestricted access to the internet, privacy rights and the protection of data;

| 20. | Urges the EU to counter the criminalisation of human rights defenders’ use of encryption, censorship-bypassing and privacy tools, by refusing to limit the use of encryption within the EU, and to challenge third-country governments that level such charges against human rights defenders; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Urges the EU to counter the criminalisation of human rights defenders’ use of encryption, censorship-bypassing and privacy tools, by refusing to limit the use of encryption within the EU, and to challenge third-country governments that level such charges against human rights defenders;

| 21. | Urges the EU to counter the criminalisation of the use of encryption, anti-censorship and privacy tools by refusing to limit the use of encryption within the EU, and by challenging third-country governments that criminalise such tools; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Urges the EU to counter the criminalisation of the use of encryption, anti-censorship and privacy tools by refusing to limit the use of encryption within the EU, and by challenging third-country governments that criminalise such tools;

| 22. | Stresses that an effective EU development and human rights policy will require the mainstreaming of ICTs, and the bridging of the digital divide, by providing basic technological infrastructure, by facilitating access to knowledge and information to promote digital skills, and by promoting the use of open standards in documents and the use of free and open-source software, where appropriate, to ensure openness and transparency (especially by public institutions) — including the safeguarding of data protection in the digital realm all over the world — as well as a better understanding of the potential risks and benefits of ICTs; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Stresses that an effective EU development and human rights policy will require the mainstreaming of ICTs, and the bridging of the digital divide, by providing basic technological infrastructure, by facilitating access to knowledge and information to promote digital skills, and by promoting the use of open standards in documents and the use of free and open-source software, where appropriate, to ensure openness and transparency (especially by public institutions) — including the safeguarding of data protection in the digital realm all over the world — as well as a better understanding of the potential risks and benefits of ICTs;

| 23. | Calls on the Commission to support the elimination of digital barriers for people with disabilities; considers it extremely important that EU policies on the development of and promotion of human rights in the world should aim at mitigating the digital divide for people with disabilities, and to provide a broader framework of rights, particularly as regards access to knowledge, digital participation and inclusion in the new economic and social opportunities created by the internet; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Commission to support the elimination of digital barriers for people with disabilities; considers it extremely important that EU policies on the development of and promotion of human rights in the world should aim at mitigating the digital divide for people with disabilities, and to provide a broader framework of rights, particularly as regards access to knowledge, digital participation and inclusion in the new economic and social opportunities created by the internet;

| 24. | Underlines that the lawful digital collection and dissemination of evidence of human rights violations can contribute to the global fight against impunity and terrorism; considers that such material should be admissible, in duly justified cases under international (criminal) law, as evidence in court proceedings, in line with international, regional and constitutional safeguards; recommends that mechanisms be created in the field of international criminal law for the introduction of procedures through which such data is authenticated and collected for use as proof in court proceedings; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Underlines that the lawful digital collection and dissemination of evidence of human rights violations can contribute to the global fight against impunity and terrorism; considers that such material should be admissible, in duly justified cases under international (criminal) law, as evidence in court proceedings, in line with international, regional and constitutional safeguards; recommends that mechanisms be created in the field of international criminal law for the introduction of procedures through which such data is authenticated and collected for use as proof in court proceedings;

| 25. | Deplores the fact that some EU-made information and communication technologies and services are sold, and can be used, in third countries by private individuals, businesses and authorities with the specific intent of violating human rights by means of censorship, mass surveillance, jamming, interception and monitoring, and by tracing and tracking citizens and their activities on (mobile) telephone networks and the internet; is concerned about the fact that some EU-based companies may provide technologies and services that can enable such human rights violations; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Deplores the fact that some EU-made information and communication technologies and services are sold, and can be used, in third countries by private individuals, businesses and authorities with the specific intent of violating human rights by means of censorship, mass surveillance, jamming, interception and monitoring, and by tracing and tracking citizens and their activities on (mobile) telephone networks and the internet; is concerned about the fact that some EU-based companies may provide technologies and services that can enable such human rights violations;

| 26. | Notes that threats to the security of the European Union and its Member States, and to third countries, often come from individuals or small groups using digital communication networks to plan and carry out attacks, and that the tools and tactics required to defeat such threats need to be reviewed and updated constantly; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Notes that threats to the security of the European Union and its Member States, and to third countries, often come from individuals or small groups using digital communication networks to plan and carry out attacks, and that the tools and tactics required to defeat such threats need to be reviewed and updated constantly;

| 27. | Considers mass surveillance that is not justified by a heightened risk of terrorist attacks and threats to be in violation of the principles of necessity and proportionality, and, therefore, a violation of human rights; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Considers mass surveillance that is not justified by a heightened risk of terrorist attacks and threats to be in violation of the principles of necessity and proportionality, and, therefore, a violation of human rights;

| 28. | Urges the Member States to promote full democratic scrutiny of the operations of intelligence services in third countries, to verify that these services operate in full respect of the rule of law, and to hold to account those services and individuals operating in unlawful ways; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Urges the Member States to promote full democratic scrutiny of the operations of intelligence services in third countries, to verify that these services operate in full respect of the rule of law, and to hold to account those services and individuals operating in unlawful ways;

| 29. | Encourages the Member States, in the light of the increased cooperation and information exchange between Member States and third countries (including through the use of digital surveillance), to ensure democratic scrutiny of these services, and of their activities, through appropriate internal, executive, judicial and independent parliamentary oversight; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Encourages the Member States, in the light of the increased cooperation and information exchange between Member States and third countries (including through the use of digital surveillance), to ensure democratic scrutiny of these services, and of their activities, through appropriate internal, executive, judicial and independent parliamentary oversight;

| 30. | Stresses that corporate social responsibility principles and human rights by design criteria, which are technological solutions and innovations protecting human rights, should be adopted in EU law to ensure that internet service providers (ISPs), software developers, hardware producers, social networking services/media, mobile phone carriers and others consider the human rights of end users globally; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Stresses that corporate social responsibility principles and human rights by design criteria, which are technological solutions and innovations protecting human rights, should be adopted in EU law to ensure that internet service providers (ISPs), software developers, hardware producers, social networking services/media, mobile phone carriers and others consider the human rights of end users globally;

| 31. | Urges the EU to ensure greater transparency in the relationship between mobile phone carriers or ISPs and governments, and to call for it in its relations with third countries, by demanding that carriers and ISPs publish yearly detailed transparency reports, including reports on requested actions by authorities, as well as on financial ties between public authorities and carriers/ISPs; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Urges the EU to ensure greater transparency in the relationship between mobile phone carriers or ISPs and governments, and to call for it in its relations with third countries, by demanding that carriers and ISPs publish yearly detailed transparency reports, including reports on requested actions by authorities, as well as on financial ties between public authorities and carriers/ISPs;

| 32. | Reminds corporate actors of their responsibility to respect human rights throughout their global operations, regardless of where their users are located and independently of whether the host state meets its own human rights obligations; calls on ICT companies, notably those based in the EU, to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including through the establishment of due diligence policies and risk management safeguards, and the provision of effective remedies when their activities have caused or contributed to an adverse human rights impact; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Reminds corporate actors of their responsibility to respect human rights throughout their global operations, regardless of where their users are located and independently of whether the host state meets its own human rights obligations; calls on ICT companies, notably those based in the EU, to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including through the establishment of due diligence policies and risk management safeguards, and the provision of effective remedies when their activities have caused or contributed to an adverse human rights impact;

| 33. | Stresses the need to implement and monitor EU regulations and sanctions relating to ICTs more effectively, including the use of catch-all mechanisms, so as to ensure that all parties, including the Member States, comply with legislation and that a level playing field is preserved; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Stresses the need to implement and monitor EU regulations and sanctions relating to ICTs more effectively, including the use of catch-all mechanisms, so as to ensure that all parties, including the Member States, comply with legislation and that a level playing field is preserved;

| 34. | Stresses the fact that respect for fundamental rights is an essential element in successful counter-terrorism policies, including the use of digital surveillance technologies; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Stresses the fact that respect for fundamental rights is an essential element in successful counter-terrorism policies, including the use of digital surveillance technologies;

| 35. | Welcomes the December 2013 Wassenaar Arrangement decision on export controls in the areas of surveillance, law enforcement and intelligence-gathering tools and network surveillance systems; recalls the still very incomplete nature of the EU dual-use regime, namely the EU dual-use regulation, when it comes to the effective and systematic export control of harmful ICT technologies to non-democratic countries; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Welcomes the December 2013 Wassenaar Arrangement decision on export controls in the areas of surveillance, law enforcement and intelligence-gathering tools and network surveillance systems; recalls the still very incomplete nature of the EU dual-use regime, namely the EU dual-use regulation, when it comes to the effective and systematic export control of harmful ICT technologies to non-democratic countries;

| 36. | Urges the Commission, in the context of the forthcoming dual-use policy review and renewal, swiftly to put forward a proposal for smart and effective policies to limit and regulate the commercial export of services regarding the implementation and use of so-called dual-use technologies, addressing potentially harmful exports of ICT products and services to third countries, as agreed in the Joint Statement of the European Parliament, Council and Commission of April 2014; calls on the Commission to include effective safeguards to prevent any harm of these export controls to research, including scientific and IT security research; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Urges the Commission, in the context of the forthcoming dual-use policy review and renewal, swiftly to put forward a proposal for smart and effective policies to limit and regulate the commercial export of services regarding the implementation and use of so-called dual-use technologies, addressing potentially harmful exports of ICT products and services to third countries, as agreed in the Joint Statement of the European Parliament, Council and Commission of April 2014; calls on the Commission to include effective safeguards to prevent any harm of these export controls to research, including scientific and IT security research;

| 37. | Stresses that the Commission should swiftly be able to provide companies that are in doubt as to whether to apply for an export licence with accurate and up-to-date information on the legality or potentially harmful effects of potential transactions; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Stresses that the Commission should swiftly be able to provide companies that are in doubt as to whether to apply for an export licence with accurate and up-to-date information on the legality or potentially harmful effects of potential transactions;

| 38. | Calls on the Commission to submit proposals for a review of how EU standards on ICTs could be used to prevent the potentially harmful impacts of the export of such technologies or other services to third countries where concepts such as ‘lawful interception’ cannot be considered equivalent to those of the European Union, or, for example, that have a poor record on human rights or where the rule of law does not exist; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls on the Commission to submit proposals for a review of how EU standards on ICTs could be used to prevent the potentially harmful impacts of the export of such technologies or other services to third countries where concepts such as ‘lawful interception’ cannot be considered equivalent to those of the European Union, or, for example, that have a poor record on human rights or where the rule of law does not exist;

| 39. | Reaffirms that EU standards, particularly the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, should prevail in assessments of incidents involving dual-use technologies used in ways that may restrict human rights; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Reaffirms that EU standards, particularly the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, should prevail in assessments of incidents involving dual-use technologies used in ways that may restrict human rights;

| 40. | Calls for the development of policies to regulate the sales of zero-day exploits and vulnerabilities to avoid their being used for cyber-attacks, or for unauthorised access to devices leading to human rights violations, without such regulations having a meaningful impact on academic and otherwise bona fide security research; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Calls for the development of policies to regulate the sales of zero-day exploits and vulnerabilities to avoid their being used for cyber-attacks, or for unauthorised access to devices leading to human rights violations, without such regulations having a meaningful impact on academic and otherwise bona fide security research;

| 41. | Deplores the active co-operation of certain European companies, as well as of international companies trading in dual-use technologies with potential detrimental effects on human rights while operating in the EU, with regimes whose actions violate human rights; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Deplores the active co-operation of certain European companies, as well as of international companies trading in dual-use technologies with potential detrimental effects on human rights while operating in the EU, with regimes whose actions violate human rights;

| 42. | Urges the Commission publicly to exclude companies engaging in such activities from EU procurement procedures, from research and development funding and from any other financial support; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Urges the Commission publicly to exclude companies engaging in such activities from EU procurement procedures, from research and development funding and from any other financial support;

| 43. | Calls on the Commission to pay particular attention to human rights aspects in the public procurement processes for technological equipment, especially in countries with unreliable practises in this domain; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Calls on the Commission to pay particular attention to human rights aspects in the public procurement processes for technological equipment, especially in countries with unreliable practises in this domain;

| 44. | Calls on the Commission and Council actively to defend the open internet, multi-stakeholder decision-making procedures, net neutrality, digital freedoms and data protection safeguards in third countries through internet governance fora; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Calls on the Commission and Council actively to defend the open internet, multi-stakeholder decision-making procedures, net neutrality, digital freedoms and data protection safeguards in third countries through internet governance fora;

| 45. | Condemns the weakening and undermining of encryption protocols and products, particularly by intelligence services seeking to intercept encrypted communications; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Condemns the weakening and undermining of encryption protocols and products, particularly by intelligence services seeking to intercept encrypted communications;

| 46. | Warns against the privatisation of law enforcement through internet companies and ISPs; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Warns against the privatisation of law enforcement through internet companies and ISPs;

| 47. | Calls for a clarification of the norms and standards used by private actors to develop their systems; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Calls for a clarification of the norms and standards used by private actors to develop their systems;

| 48. | Recalls the importance of assessing the context within which technologies are used, in order to fully appreciate their human rights impact; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Recalls the importance of assessing the context within which technologies are used, in order to fully appreciate their human rights impact;

| 49. | Calls explicitly for the promotion of tools enabling the anonymous and/or pseudonymous use of the internet, and challenges the one-sided view that such tools serve only to allow criminal activities, and not to empower human rights activists beyond and within the EU; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Calls explicitly for the promotion of tools enabling the anonymous and/or pseudonymous use of the internet, and challenges the one-sided view that such tools serve only to allow criminal activities, and not to empower human rights activists beyond and within the EU;

| 50. | Urges the Council, the Commission and the EEAS to develop smart and effective policies to regulate the export of dual-use technologies, addressing potentially harmful exports of ICT products and services, at international level and within multilateral export control regimes and other international bodies; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Urges the Council, the Commission and the EEAS to develop smart and effective policies to regulate the export of dual-use technologies, addressing potentially harmful exports of ICT products and services, at international level and within multilateral export control regimes and other international bodies;

| 51. | Stresses that any regulatory changes aimed at increasing the effectiveness of export controls of intangible technology transfers must not inhibit legitimate research, or access to and exchange of information, and that any potential measures, such as the use of EU General Export Authorisations for dual-use research, should not have a ‘chilling effect’ on individuals or SMEs; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Stresses that any regulatory changes aimed at increasing the effectiveness of export controls of intangible technology transfers must not inhibit legitimate research, or access to and exchange of information, and that any potential measures, such as the use of EU General Export Authorisations for dual-use research, should not have a ‘chilling effect’ on individuals or SMEs;

| 52. | Calls on the Member States to ensure that existing and future export control policies do not restrict the activities of legitimate security researchers, and that export controls are applied in good faith, and only to clearly defined technologies intended to be used for mass surveillance, censorship, jamming, interception or monitoring purposes, or for tracing and tracking citizens and their activities on (mobile) telephone networks; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Calls on the Member States to ensure that existing and future export control policies do not restrict the activities of legitimate security researchers, and that export controls are applied in good faith, and only to clearly defined technologies intended to be used for mass surveillance, censorship, jamming, interception or monitoring purposes, or for tracing and tracking citizens and their activities on (mobile) telephone networks;

| 53. | Recalls that mesh-based, ad hoc wireless technologies offer great potential in providing backup networks in areas where the internet is unavailable or blocked, and can help the advancement of human rights; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Recalls that mesh-based, ad hoc wireless technologies offer great potential in providing backup networks in areas where the internet is unavailable or blocked, and can help the advancement of human rights;

| 54. | Calls on the Commission to appoint an independent group of experts that can perform a human rights impact assessment on existing EU standards for ICTs, with the goal of making recommendations for adjustments that will increase the protection of human rights, particularly when systems are exported; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Calls on the Commission to appoint an independent group of experts that can perform a human rights impact assessment on existing EU standards for ICTs, with the goal of making recommendations for adjustments that will increase the protection of human rights, particularly when systems are exported;

| 55. | Recognises that technological development poses a challenge to legal systems, requiring them to adjust to new circumstances; underlines the importance of law makers paying more attention to issues pertaining to the digital economy; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Recognises that technological development poses a challenge to legal systems, requiring them to adjust to new circumstances; underlines the importance of law makers paying more attention to issues pertaining to the digital economy;

| 56. | Calls on the Commission to involve civil society as well as independent experts, including security researchers, in the ICT field in third countries, to ensure up-to-date expertise that should result in future-proof policy making; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Calls on the Commission to involve civil society as well as independent experts, including security researchers, in the ICT field in third countries, to ensure up-to-date expertise that should result in future-proof policy making;

| 57. | Underlines the need to avoid unintended consequences, such as restrictions or chilling effects on scientific and other types of bona fide research and development, on the exchange of and access to information, on the development of security knowledge or on the export of technologies that are in the interest of acquiring the requisite digital skills and of advancing human rights; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Underlines the need to avoid unintended consequences, such as restrictions or chilling effects on scientific and other types of bona fide research and development, on the exchange of and access to information, on the development of security knowledge or on the export of technologies that are in the interest of acquiring the requisite digital skills and of advancing human rights;

| 58. | Believes that cooperation between governments and private actors worldwide in the digital domain, including the Internet Governance Forum, calls for clear checks and balances and must not lead to the undermining of democratic and judicial oversight; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Believes that cooperation between governments and private actors worldwide in the digital domain, including the Internet Governance Forum, calls for clear checks and balances and must not lead to the undermining of democratic and judicial oversight;

| 59. | Notes that a voluntary approach is not enough, and that binding measures are required to encourage companies to take into account a country’s human rights record before selling their products there, and to carry out an assessment of the effect their technologies will have on human rights defenders and government critics; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Notes that a voluntary approach is not enough, and that binding measures are required to encourage companies to take into account a country’s human rights record before selling their products there, and to carry out an assessment of the effect their technologies will have on human rights defenders and government critics;

| 60. | Is of the opinion that the export of highly sensitive goods must be checked before they leave the EU, and that penalties are necessary in the event of violations; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Is of the opinion that the export of highly sensitive goods must be checked before they leave the EU, and that penalties are necessary in the event of violations;

| 61. | Calls for each individual to be entitled to encryption, and for the conditions needed to allow encryption to be created; takes the view that controls should be a matter for the end user, who will need the skills required to carry out such controls properly; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Calls for each individual to be entitled to encryption, and for the conditions needed to allow encryption to be created; takes the view that controls should be a matter for the end user, who will need the skills required to carry out such controls properly;

| 62. | Calls for the introduction of ‘end to end’ encryption standards as a matter of course for all communication services, so as to make it more difficult for governments, intelligence agencies and surveillance bodies to read content; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Calls for the introduction of ‘end to end’ encryption standards as a matter of course for all communication services, so as to make it more difficult for governments, intelligence agencies and surveillance bodies to read content;

| 63. | Emphasises the special responsibility of government intelligence services to build trust, and calls for an end to mass surveillance; considers that the monitoring of European citizens through domestic and foreign intelligence services must be addressed and stopped; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Emphasises the special responsibility of government intelligence services to build trust, and calls for an end to mass surveillance; considers that the monitoring of European citizens through domestic and foreign intelligence services must be addressed and stopped;

| 64. | Is opposed to the sale and distribution of European surveillance technology and censorship tools to authoritarian regimes under which the rule of law does not exist; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Is opposed to the sale and distribution of European surveillance technology and censorship tools to authoritarian regimes under which the rule of law does not exist;

| 65. | Calls for the scope for international protection of whistleblowers to be extended, and encourages the Member States to table laws to protect whistleblowers; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Calls for the scope for international protection of whistleblowers to be extended, and encourages the Member States to table laws to protect whistleblowers;

| 66. | Calls for a UN envoy for digital liberties and data protection to be appointed, and for the brief of the EU Commissioner for Human Rights to be extended, such that technology is also considered from a human-rights angle; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Calls for a UN envoy for digital liberties and data protection to be appointed, and for the brief of the EU Commissioner for Human Rights to be extended, such that technology is also considered from a human-rights angle;

| 67. | Calls for measures to ensure that the privacy of activists, journalists and citizens is protected everywhere in the world and that they are able to network via the internet; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Calls for measures to ensure that the privacy of activists, journalists and citizens is protected everywhere in the world and that they are able to network via the internet;

| 68. | Insists that internet access should be recognised as a human right, and calls for measures to eliminate the digital divide; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Insists that internet access should be recognised as a human right, and calls for measures to eliminate the digital divide;

| 69. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the EEAS. |
| --- | --- |

69.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the EEAS.

---

(1)  http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/un_geneva/press_corner/focus/events/2012/ 20120625_en.htm

(2)  http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/documents/eu_human_rights_guidelines_on_ freedom_of_expression_online_and_offline_en.pdf.

(3)  http://www.osce.org/fom/80723?download=true

(4)  http://www.osce.org/fom/127656?download=true

(5)  http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N14/545/19/PDF/N1454519.pdf?OpenElement

(6)  http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session27/Documents/A-HRC-27-37_en.doc

(7)  http://website-pace.net/documents/19838/1085720/20150126-MassSurveillance-EN.pdf/df5aae25-6cfe-450a-92a6-e903af10b7a2

(8)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0230.

(9)  http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/GuidingPrinciplesBusiness HR_EN.pdf?v=1392752313000/_/jcr:system/jcr:versionstorage/12/52/13/125213a0-e4bc-4a15-bb96-9930bb8fb6a1/1.3/jcr:frozennode

(10)  http://www.oecd.org/daf/inv/mne/48004323.pdf

(11)  http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/docserver/download/2014091e.pdf?expires=1423160236&id=id&accname=ocid194994&checksum=D1FC664FBCEA28FC856AE63932715B3C

(12)  https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/annual-report-2013-en.pdf

(13)  COM(2014)0072.

(14)  http://netmundial.br/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/NETmundial-Multistakeholder-Document.pdf

(15)  OJ L 173, 12.6.2014, p. 79.

(16)  OJ L 173, 12.6.2014, p. 82.

(17)  COM(2014)0244.

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

(19)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0274.

(20)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0079.

(21)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0033.

(22)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0076.

(23)  http://www.europarl.europa.eu/document/activities/cont/201403/20140307ATT80674/ 20140307ATT80674EN.pdf

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/51 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/51

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P8_TA(2015)0289

Protecting the EU's financial interests: towards performance-based controls of the CAP

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on protecting the European Union’s financial interests: towards performance-based controls of the Common Agricultural Policy (2014/2234(INI))

(2017/C 316/04)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Opinion No 1/2012 of the European Court of Auditors on certain proposals for regulations relating to the common agricultural policy for the period 2014-2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Opinion No 1/2012 of the European Court of Auditors on certain proposals for regulations relating to the common agricultural policy for the period 2014-2020,

| — | having regard to Opinion No 2/2004 of the European Court of Auditors on the single audit model, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Opinion No 2/2004 of the European Court of Auditors on the single audit model,

| — | having regard to Special Report No 16/2013 of the European Court of Auditors, entitled ‘Taking stock of “single audit” and the Commission’s reliance on the work of national audit authorities in cohesion’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Special Report No 16/2013 of the European Court of Auditors, entitled ‘Taking stock of “single audit” and the Commission’s reliance on the work of national audit authorities in cohesion’,

| — | having regard to the 2013 annual activity report of the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2013 annual activity report of the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development,

| — | 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 Budgetary Control and the opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A8-0240/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control and the opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A8-0240/2015),

| A. | whereas over the two rounds of common agricultural policy (CAP) reforms the rules have become more diverse and complex; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas over the two rounds of common agricultural policy (CAP) reforms the rules have become more diverse and complex;

| B. | whereas more complex rules lead to more errors on the ground; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas more complex rules lead to more errors on the ground;

| C. | whereas the objectives of the CAP have to be fulfilled, while mutual understanding and trust between all the EU institutions and national and regional bodies must be ensured for the effective implementation of the CAP; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the objectives of the CAP have to be fulfilled, while mutual understanding and trust between all the EU institutions and national and regional bodies must be ensured for the effective implementation of the CAP;

| D. | whereas a more effective and efficient CAP reform requires simplification and less bureaucracy in order to meet the CAP’s objectives; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas a more effective and efficient CAP reform requires simplification and less bureaucracy in order to meet the CAP’s objectives;

| E. | whereas the cost of controls and of providing advice to stakeholders and farmers is currently estimated at EUR 4 billion annually at Member State level, and is likely to rise, as could error rates, with the implementation of the latest CAP reform, in particular the introduction of ‘greening’ measures; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the cost of controls and of providing advice to stakeholders and farmers is currently estimated at EUR 4 billion annually at Member State level, and is likely to rise, as could error rates, with the implementation of the latest CAP reform, in particular the introduction of ‘greening’ measures;

| F. | whereas the 2013 reform has resulted in significant changes in the data required from farmers to accompany applications and justify claims, with new requirements which risk bringing about a higher error rate in the initial learning and adaptation phase; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the 2013 reform has resulted in significant changes in the data required from farmers to accompany applications and justify claims, with new requirements which risk bringing about a higher error rate in the initial learning and adaptation phase;

| G. | whereas it is important that operators are not burdened with a disproportionate number of inspections; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas it is important that operators are not burdened with a disproportionate number of inspections;

| H. | whereas the objectives of the CAP have to be fulfilled, while the mutual understanding and trust between all EU institutions, national and regional bodies have to be ensured for the effective implementation of the CAP; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the objectives of the CAP have to be fulfilled, while the mutual understanding and trust between all EU institutions, national and regional bodies have to be ensured for the effective implementation of the CAP;

| I. | whereas farmers are incentivised to provide services such as landscapes, farmland biodiversity and climate stability even though they have no market value; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas farmers are incentivised to provide services such as landscapes, farmland biodiversity and climate stability even though they have no market value;

| J. | whereas the cost of controls and providing advice to stakeholders and farmers may be currently estimated at EUR 4 billion at Member State level; emphasises the need to minimise the cost of controls and their bureaucratic burden; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the cost of controls and providing advice to stakeholders and farmers may be currently estimated at EUR 4 billion at Member State level; emphasises the need to minimise the cost of controls and their bureaucratic burden;

| K. | whereas performance-based controls may become a useful methodology, while stability and an enabling approach are needed on the part of administrative bodies in order to build trust with final beneficiaries; recalls however that a one-size-fits-all system cannot be imposed on the diverse types and scale of agricultural holdings in the EU; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas performance-based controls may become a useful methodology, while stability and an enabling approach are needed on the part of administrative bodies in order to build trust with final beneficiaries; recalls however that a one-size-fits-all system cannot be imposed on the diverse types and scale of agricultural holdings in the EU;

| L. | whereas greening measures introduced by the last reform of the common agricultural policy aim to achieve improved agricultural sustainability through the effect of various instruments:






  — | simplified and more targeted cross-compliance; |
| --- | --- | --- |

L.

whereas greening measures introduced by the last reform of the common agricultural policy aim to achieve improved agricultural sustainability through the effect of various instruments:

—

simplified and more targeted cross-compliance;

| — | the Green Direct Payment and voluntary measures that are beneficial for the environment and climate change in rural development; |
| --- | --- |

—

the Green Direct Payment and voluntary measures that are beneficial for the environment and climate change in rural development;

| M. | whereas the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (1) judged it was necessary to issue 51 reservations for some paying agencies; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (1) judged it was necessary to issue 51 reservations for some paying agencies;

| 1. | Shares the opinion expressed by the European Court of Auditors that ‘the arrangements for the common agricultural policy spending for the period 2014-2020 continue to be complex’ (2); recalls nonetheless that the complexity of the CAP is due to the diversity of farming in Europe, and that simplification must not result in a dismantling of the instruments that have been adopted; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Shares the opinion expressed by the European Court of Auditors that ‘the arrangements for the common agricultural policy spending for the period 2014-2020 continue to be complex’ (2); recalls nonetheless that the complexity of the CAP is due to the diversity of farming in Europe, and that simplification must not result in a dismantling of the instruments that have been adopted;

| 2. | Calls for a less bureaucratic CAP with a view to reducing the error rate and for instruments to be established which will make it possible to distinguish between error and fraud; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls for a less bureaucratic CAP with a view to reducing the error rate and for instruments to be established which will make it possible to distinguish between error and fraud;

| 3. | Calls for a distinction to be drawn, when use is made of the findings of checks and as regards the possible imposition of penalties, between unintentional omissions and cases of fraud, as omissions do not as a rule cause any financial damage to the taxpayer; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls for a distinction to be drawn, when use is made of the findings of checks and as regards the possible imposition of penalties, between unintentional omissions and cases of fraud, as omissions do not as a rule cause any financial damage to the taxpayer;

| 4. | Calls for a less bureaucratic CAP that can be implemented and interpreted clearly, with a view to reducing the error rate and to establishing instruments that will make it possible to distinguish between error and fraud, while ensuring that farmers are still able to deliver the vital food production which is at the heart of the policy; believes that continuing to tackle complexity and that streamlining the CAP is one of the key elements for attracting new entrants to agriculture and also for retaining them and their skills so as to ensure a thriving EU agricultural sector in the future; expects strong measures from the better regulation programme in this respect; welcomes the Commission’s decision to extend the deadline for direct payment requests by one month and considers it a step towards reducing the CAP error rate; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls for a less bureaucratic CAP that can be implemented and interpreted clearly, with a view to reducing the error rate and to establishing instruments that will make it possible to distinguish between error and fraud, while ensuring that farmers are still able to deliver the vital food production which is at the heart of the policy; believes that continuing to tackle complexity and that streamlining the CAP is one of the key elements for attracting new entrants to agriculture and also for retaining them and their skills so as to ensure a thriving EU agricultural sector in the future; expects strong measures from the better regulation programme in this respect; welcomes the Commission’s decision to extend the deadline for direct payment requests by one month and considers it a step towards reducing the CAP error rate;

| 5. | Urges that clearer guidance be given to both national authorities and farmers in order to reduce the error rate; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Urges that clearer guidance be given to both national authorities and farmers in order to reduce the error rate;

| 6. | Supports the Commission’s initiative of simplifying the CAP with immediate examination of measures which can be implemented quickly, as this would benefit farmers, paying agencies, EU institutions and taxpayers; urges also that at the mid-term review, proposals for amendments to the basic legislative act be brought forward for consideration for the reform for the next funding period; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Supports the Commission’s initiative of simplifying the CAP with immediate examination of measures which can be implemented quickly, as this would benefit farmers, paying agencies, EU institutions and taxpayers; urges also that at the mid-term review, proposals for amendments to the basic legislative act be brought forward for consideration for the reform for the next funding period;

| 7. | Fears that the most likely error rate determined by the Court of Auditors will increase in the common agricultural policy direct payments area during the period 2014-2020, owing in particular to the fact that the next framework for cross-compliance does not yet correspond to a reduction in the level of needless complexity of this policy for the managing authorities or for the beneficiaries; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Fears that the most likely error rate determined by the Court of Auditors will increase in the common agricultural policy direct payments area during the period 2014-2020, owing in particular to the fact that the next framework for cross-compliance does not yet correspond to a reduction in the level of needless complexity of this policy for the managing authorities or for the beneficiaries;

| 8. | Recalls that Parliament and the Court of Auditors have often stressed the necessity of striking the right balance between less administrative burden and effective financial control; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Recalls that Parliament and the Court of Auditors have often stressed the necessity of striking the right balance between less administrative burden and effective financial control;

| 9. | Notes that the costs of the common agricultural policy controls already amount to EUR 4 billion a year and that they concern 50 million transactions with a budget for agriculture of around EUR 58 billion; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Notes that the costs of the common agricultural policy controls already amount to EUR 4 billion a year and that they concern 50 million transactions with a budget for agriculture of around EUR 58 billion;

| 10. | Welcomes the fact that the Commission is giving priority to a new CAP simplification exercise and that it is proposing, firstly, to simplify a number of delegated and implementing acts; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Welcomes the fact that the Commission is giving priority to a new CAP simplification exercise and that it is proposing, firstly, to simplify a number of delegated and implementing acts;

| 11. | Favours strongly an improvement in the quality and consistency of inspections rather than an increase in the number of controls in agriculture by the Member States, the Commission and the Court of Auditors; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Favours strongly an improvement in the quality and consistency of inspections rather than an increase in the number of controls in agriculture by the Member States, the Commission and the Court of Auditors;

| 12. | Emphasises also that controls are a guarantee that money from the EU budget earmarked for the funding of CAP instruments is being properly spent; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Emphasises also that controls are a guarantee that money from the EU budget earmarked for the funding of CAP instruments is being properly spent;

| 13. | Recalls that the objective of the single audit scheme is to put in place a single chain of audits from the final beneficiaries to the European Union institutions; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Recalls that the objective of the single audit scheme is to put in place a single chain of audits from the final beneficiaries to the European Union institutions;

| 14. | Finds regrettable that the single audit scheme is not yet effective and that control systems set up by the Member States do not function to their full potential; reminds the Member States of their responsibility to provide the effective first level of controls while minimising the burden on farmers, and of the existing options for introducing flexibility when organising controls; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Finds regrettable that the single audit scheme is not yet effective and that control systems set up by the Member States do not function to their full potential; reminds the Member States of their responsibility to provide the effective first level of controls while minimising the burden on farmers, and of the existing options for introducing flexibility when organising controls;

| 15. | Encourages the Commission and the Member States, as a guideline, to find ways to optimise and combine CAP-related inspections so that chosen beneficiaries would, whenever possible, be subjected to only one round of controls annually; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Encourages the Commission and the Member States, as a guideline, to find ways to optimise and combine CAP-related inspections so that chosen beneficiaries would, whenever possible, be subjected to only one round of controls annually;

| 16. | Stresses that according to the annual report of the European Court of Auditors for the financial year 2013:






  (a) | the most likely error in the direct payments area would have been 1,1 % lower, and thus relatively close to the materiality threshold of 2 %, if national authorities had used the information available to them to prevent, detect and correct those errors at least partially (3); |
| --- | --- | --- |

16.

Stresses that according to the annual report of the European Court of Auditors for the financial year 2013:

(a)

the most likely error in the direct payments area would have been 1,1 % lower, and thus relatively close to the materiality threshold of 2 %, if national authorities had used the information available to them to prevent, detect and correct those errors at least partially (3);

| (b) | the most likely error rate would have been reduced to 2 % in rural development if the national authorities had used all the information available to them to prevent, detect and correct errors (4); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the most likely error rate would have been reduced to 2 % in rural development if the national authorities had used all the information available to them to prevent, detect and correct errors (4);

| 17. | Deplores the fact that the Commission had to correct upwards the error rates communicated by 42 out of 68 paying agencies with a residual error rate above 2 %, despite the fact that almost all the paying agencies for the direct payments were accredited and certified by the certifying authorities and despite the fact that 79 of the 82 statements of assurance made by the paying agencies received an unqualified opinion from the certification bodies in 2013; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Deplores the fact that the Commission had to correct upwards the error rates communicated by 42 out of 68 paying agencies with a residual error rate above 2 %, despite the fact that almost all the paying agencies for the direct payments were accredited and certified by the certifying authorities and despite the fact that 79 of the 82 statements of assurance made by the paying agencies received an unqualified opinion from the certification bodies in 2013;

| 18. | Expects that the new mission assigned to the certification bodies by Regulations (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 and (EU) No 1306/2013 will improve the reliability of the data communicated by the Member States as regards their management of the EU agricultural funds; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Expects that the new mission assigned to the certification bodies by Regulations (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 and (EU) No 1306/2013 will improve the reliability of the data communicated by the Member States as regards their management of the EU agricultural funds;

| 19. | Calls on the Commission to amend the guidelines for certification bodies in order to verify more closely the compilation of statistical reports; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the Commission to amend the guidelines for certification bodies in order to verify more closely the compilation of statistical reports;

| 20. | Reiterates its demand to the Commission to draft proposals with a view to sanctioning false or incorrect reporting by paying agencies, including the three following dimensions, namely inspection statistics, statements by the paying agencies, and the work carried out by the certification bodies; asks that the Commission be empowered to withdraw the accreditation of the paying agencies in cases of grave misrepresentations; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Reiterates its demand to the Commission to draft proposals with a view to sanctioning false or incorrect reporting by paying agencies, including the three following dimensions, namely inspection statistics, statements by the paying agencies, and the work carried out by the certification bodies; asks that the Commission be empowered to withdraw the accreditation of the paying agencies in cases of grave misrepresentations;

| 21. | Expects the Commission to urgently make full use of the process of simplification of the CAP, especially with regard to the burdensome and complex regulations governing cross-compliance and greening which ultimately impacts upon farmers across Europe; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Expects the Commission to urgently make full use of the process of simplification of the CAP, especially with regard to the burdensome and complex regulations governing cross-compliance and greening which ultimately impacts upon farmers across Europe;

| 22. | Supports the Commission’s initiative of simplifying the CAP through the immediate consideration of measures which can be implemented quickly, as this would benefit farmers, paying agencies, EU institutions and taxpayers; urges also that proposals for amendments to the basic legislative act be brought forward; calls on the Commission to come forward with concrete proposals for simplifying the CAP, taking into consideration the feedback from stakeholders in the agricultural sector; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Supports the Commission’s initiative of simplifying the CAP through the immediate consideration of measures which can be implemented quickly, as this would benefit farmers, paying agencies, EU institutions and taxpayers; urges also that proposals for amendments to the basic legislative act be brought forward; calls on the Commission to come forward with concrete proposals for simplifying the CAP, taking into consideration the feedback from stakeholders in the agricultural sector;

| 23. | Advocates the reinforcement and stronger implementation of the single audit through the coordination of the control activities carried out by the various institutions, and calls for the administrative burden arising from audits to be lightened so that farmers are not subjected to different visits on separate occasions by the bodies responsible or to excessive or multiple controls by the Commission and the Court of Auditors in the same year, under any and all regulations, which would thus reduce the burden on farmers by decreasing the number of inspections; calls for the bundling of the audit tasks and controls carried out by certifying bodies and other Member State bodies; notes that the advice given by both national authorities and the Commission in guidelines to farmers for implementing the CAP is often contradicted by the assessment criteria used by the Court of Auditors, resulting in fines that are both disproportionate and unexpected; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Advocates the reinforcement and stronger implementation of the single audit through the coordination of the control activities carried out by the various institutions, and calls for the administrative burden arising from audits to be lightened so that farmers are not subjected to different visits on separate occasions by the bodies responsible or to excessive or multiple controls by the Commission and the Court of Auditors in the same year, under any and all regulations, which would thus reduce the burden on farmers by decreasing the number of inspections; calls for the bundling of the audit tasks and controls carried out by certifying bodies and other Member State bodies; notes that the advice given by both national authorities and the Commission in guidelines to farmers for implementing the CAP is often contradicted by the assessment criteria used by the Court of Auditors, resulting in fines that are both disproportionate and unexpected;

| 24. | Favours an integrated approach to controls, whereby all the controls required on a given farm are carried out at the same time wherever possible, so that the number of onsite visits is kept low and the concomitant financial and time cost and burden for administrations and farmers can be reduced and the control process streamlined; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Favours an integrated approach to controls, whereby all the controls required on a given farm are carried out at the same time wherever possible, so that the number of onsite visits is kept low and the concomitant financial and time cost and burden for administrations and farmers can be reduced and the control process streamlined;

| 25. | Reminds the Commission that the risk of unintentional errors owing to complex regulation is in the end borne by the beneficiary; calls for a reasonable, proportional and effective policy on sanctions to support this approach, such as avoiding double sanctioning for the same error under both the payment scheme and cross-compliance; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Reminds the Commission that the risk of unintentional errors owing to complex regulation is in the end borne by the beneficiary; calls for a reasonable, proportional and effective policy on sanctions to support this approach, such as avoiding double sanctioning for the same error under both the payment scheme and cross-compliance;

| 26. | Believes that, in order to ensure smooth project implementation, payments should not be interrupted when minor and/or clerical errors are identified; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Believes that, in order to ensure smooth project implementation, payments should not be interrupted when minor and/or clerical errors are identified;

| 27. | Requests that the Commission, the Member States and the Court of Auditors further develop risk-based audit strategies factoring in all relevant data, including prior identification of the best/worst performers per policy area; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Requests that the Commission, the Member States and the Court of Auditors further develop risk-based audit strategies factoring in all relevant data, including prior identification of the best/worst performers per policy area;

| 28. | Emphasises that criteria should be developed in order to define which Member States are identified as best/worst performers; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Emphasises that criteria should be developed in order to define which Member States are identified as best/worst performers;

| 29. | Recalls that a large spectrum of Member States can be considered as ‘worst performing’ as regards EU funds management, depending on the policy area concerned; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Recalls that a large spectrum of Member States can be considered as ‘worst performing’ as regards EU funds management, depending on the policy area concerned;

| 30. | Insists that the definition of performance in respect of controls should be based on a checklist and primarily entail the quality of the Member States’ checks and administrative systems, i.e. the efficiency, consistency and reliability of the managing and certifying authorities; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Insists that the definition of performance in respect of controls should be based on a checklist and primarily entail the quality of the Member States’ checks and administrative systems, i.e. the efficiency, consistency and reliability of the managing and certifying authorities;

| 31. | Considers that the best performing Member States in each policy area should be rewarded by a reduction in Union controls; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Considers that the best performing Member States in each policy area should be rewarded by a reduction in Union controls;

| 32. | Believes that the development and administration of performance-based controls should in no way become a source of increased uncertainty as regards the security of the EU’s food supply; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Believes that the development and administration of performance-based controls should in no way become a source of increased uncertainty as regards the security of the EU’s food supply;

| 33. | Calls the best performing Member States to share their experience with the worst performing Member States; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Calls the best performing Member States to share their experience with the worst performing Member States;

| 34. | Requests that the Commission encourage the exchange of best practices, so as to ensure the smoothest possible controls and the least possible disturbance to farmers; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Requests that the Commission encourage the exchange of best practices, so as to ensure the smoothest possible controls and the least possible disturbance to farmers;

| 35. | Notes that, in accordance with Article 59(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy, ‘Member States shall ensure a minimum level of on-the-spot checks needed for an effective management of the risks, and shall increase that minimum level where necessary. Member States may reduce that minimum level where the management and control systems function properly and the error rates remain at an acceptable level’; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Notes that, in accordance with Article 59(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy, ‘Member States shall ensure a minimum level of on-the-spot checks needed for an effective management of the risks, and shall increase that minimum level where necessary. Member States may reduce that minimum level where the management and control systems function properly and the error rates remain at an acceptable level’;

| 36. | Asks the Commission to further define the acceptable level referred to in Article 59(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 and to initiate a dialogue with Parliament and the European Court of Auditors in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Asks the Commission to further define the acceptable level referred to in Article 59(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 and to initiate a dialogue with Parliament and the European Court of Auditors in this regard;

| 37. | Encourages the Member States to develop further e-government initiatives aimed at reducing the error rate by preventing mistakes in the application phase as a mid- to long-term objective; calls upon the Commission and the Member States to respect the target date, as provided for in Article 122(3) of the Common Provision Regulation, to switch to e-cohesion in project application, management and control; believes that full data transparency and accessibility are essential to prevent and combat any abuse; calls in this connection on the Commission to make mandatory the publication of documentation provided by all beneficiaries; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Encourages the Member States to develop further e-government initiatives aimed at reducing the error rate by preventing mistakes in the application phase as a mid- to long-term objective; calls upon the Commission and the Member States to respect the target date, as provided for in Article 122(3) of the Common Provision Regulation, to switch to e-cohesion in project application, management and control; believes that full data transparency and accessibility are essential to prevent and combat any abuse; calls in this connection on the Commission to make mandatory the publication of documentation provided by all beneficiaries;

| 38. | Believes that complete fast broadband coverage of rural areas, with significant awareness-raising and training in its use, will be an essential tool in enabling all farmers to benefit from the newest CAP application and claims systems; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Believes that complete fast broadband coverage of rural areas, with significant awareness-raising and training in its use, will be an essential tool in enabling all farmers to benefit from the newest CAP application and claims systems;

| 39. | Calls for further efforts to reduce the complexity of application systems and forms for farmers, and favours the increased use of e-government technology by the Member States in order to forestall errors in the application process, which will require broadband internet access for beneficiaries; encourages the Commission to create a programme to help educate older farmers; stresses the robust investments in broadband networks in rural areas and calls on the Member States to strive towards the digitisation of the application process; recalls that the reliable implementation of e-government technologies requires the Member States to develop, finance or co-finance such technology; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Calls for further efforts to reduce the complexity of application systems and forms for farmers, and favours the increased use of e-government technology by the Member States in order to forestall errors in the application process, which will require broadband internet access for beneficiaries; encourages the Commission to create a programme to help educate older farmers; stresses the robust investments in broadband networks in rural areas and calls on the Member States to strive towards the digitisation of the application process; recalls that the reliable implementation of e-government technologies requires the Member States to develop, finance or co-finance such technology;

| 40. | Calls on the Member States to implement digitisation programmes as regards the relationship between government and agricultural holdings, with a view to obtaining a ‘single farm file’ involving the integrated and synchronous management of crop data; takes the view that such a simplification would aggregate items that are currently managed separately (crop plans, individual insurance plans and logbooks), as farms would make a single declaration that would then be shared between government departments, which would lead to greater efficiency in checks by those departments and thus to a reduced risk of payment errors and to the streamlining of controls; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Calls on the Member States to implement digitisation programmes as regards the relationship between government and agricultural holdings, with a view to obtaining a ‘single farm file’ involving the integrated and synchronous management of crop data; takes the view that such a simplification would aggregate items that are currently managed separately (crop plans, individual insurance plans and logbooks), as farms would make a single declaration that would then be shared between government departments, which would lead to greater efficiency in checks by those departments and thus to a reduced risk of payment errors and to the streamlining of controls;

| 41. | Calls on Member States to ensure that the governmental/regional bodies dealing with the new CAP implementation communicate and work together effectively to the benefit of farmers implementing the policy on the ground; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Calls on Member States to ensure that the governmental/regional bodies dealing with the new CAP implementation communicate and work together effectively to the benefit of farmers implementing the policy on the ground;

| 42. | Considers the long-term potential benefits of developing and adopting industrial internet -based solutions in both farming and controls, especially as regards integrated solutions for beneficiaries and paying agencies, to be numerous; expects this to impact positively on the consistency, reliability and cost-efficiency of controls; urges the Commission to adopt and execute pilot projects in this field; recalls that this approach is dependent on Member State commitment to delivering fast broadband connections to rural areas throughout the EU; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Considers the long-term potential benefits of developing and adopting industrial internet -based solutions in both farming and controls, especially as regards integrated solutions for beneficiaries and paying agencies, to be numerous; expects this to impact positively on the consistency, reliability and cost-efficiency of controls; urges the Commission to adopt and execute pilot projects in this field; recalls that this approach is dependent on Member State commitment to delivering fast broadband connections to rural areas throughout the EU;

| 43. | Invites the Commission to cooperate with all relevant stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the Court of Auditors, the Member States and the beneficiaries’ organisations, in preparing a long-term strategy that would seek to address non-policy related ways of keeping the burden on beneficiaries and inspectors from increasing further following future CAP reforms and changes to the basic acts; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Invites the Commission to cooperate with all relevant stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the Court of Auditors, the Member States and the beneficiaries’ organisations, in preparing a long-term strategy that would seek to address non-policy related ways of keeping the burden on beneficiaries and inspectors from increasing further following future CAP reforms and changes to the basic acts;

| 44. | Asks the Commission to respect the principle of controllability already in force in rural development when drafting, in accordance with Article 46 of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, a proposal for a legislative act relating to the Ecological Focus Area; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Asks the Commission to respect the principle of controllability already in force in rural development when drafting, in accordance with Article 46 of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, a proposal for a legislative act relating to the Ecological Focus Area;

| 45. | Asks the Commission to address the issue of the reduction of the minimum level of controls foreseen in Article 59 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 in the evaluation report foreseen in Article 110 of this same regulation on monitoring and evaluation of the CAP; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Asks the Commission to address the issue of the reduction of the minimum level of controls foreseen in Article 59 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 in the evaluation report foreseen in Article 110 of this same regulation on monitoring and evaluation of the CAP;

| 46. | Asks the Commission to draft a communication on the possibility of introducing performance-based management systems in all areas of the CAP, especially in the investment part of rural development, in order to initiate a debate with all the stakeholders with a view to introducing this principle in EU legislation; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Asks the Commission to draft a communication on the possibility of introducing performance-based management systems in all areas of the CAP, especially in the investment part of rural development, in order to initiate a debate with all the stakeholders with a view to introducing this principle in EU legislation;

| 47. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the European Council and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

47.

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

---

(1)  2013 Annual Activity Report Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development.

(2)  Opinion No 1/2012 of the European Court of Auditors on certain proposals for regulations relating to the common agricultural policy for the period 2014-2020.

(3)  See 2013 ECA annual report, point 3.8.

(4)  See 2013 ECA annual report, point 4.8.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/57 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/57

---

P8_TA(2015)0290

Family businesses in Europe

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on family businesses in Europe (2014/2210(INI))

(2017/C 316/05)

The European Parliament,

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

—

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

| — | having regard to the criteria set by the Commission in 2003 for defining small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the criteria set by the Commission in 2003 for defining small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),

| — | having regard to the Commission’s ‘Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan’ (COM(2012)0795), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s ‘Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan’ (COM(2012)0795),

| — | having regard to the 2009 Report of the Group of Experts for the European Commission ‘Overview of family-business-relevant issues: research, policy measures and existing studies’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2009 Report of the Group of Experts for the European Commission ‘Overview of family-business-relevant issues: research, policy measures and existing studies’,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 5 February 2013 on improving access to finance for SMEs (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 5 February 2013 on improving access to finance for SMEs (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2014 on reindustrialising Europe to promote competitiveness and sustainability (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2014 on reindustrialising Europe to promote competitiveness and sustainability (2),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Think Small First’: A ‘Small Business Act for Europe’ (COM(2008)0394), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Think Small First’: A ‘Small Business Act for Europe’ (COM(2008)0394),

| — | 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 Industry, Research and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A8-0223/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A8-0223/2015),

| A. | whereas property is protected under Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; |
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A.

whereas property is protected under Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

| B. | whereas family businesses in general have in the past made a large contribution to a surge in the European economy and play a significant role in economic growth and social development, in reducing unemployment, particularly among young people, and in investment in human capital; whereas the multi-generational character of family businesses reinforces the stability of the economy; whereas family businesses usually play a vital role in regional development, in terms of employment, transmission of know-how and regional organisation; whereas family-business-targeted policies could encourage entrepreneurship and motivate European families to start their own family businesses; |
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B.

whereas family businesses in general have in the past made a large contribution to a surge in the European economy and play a significant role in economic growth and social development, in reducing unemployment, particularly among young people, and in investment in human capital; whereas the multi-generational character of family businesses reinforces the stability of the economy; whereas family businesses usually play a vital role in regional development, in terms of employment, transmission of know-how and regional organisation; whereas family-business-targeted policies could encourage entrepreneurship and motivate European families to start their own family businesses;

| C. | whereas, according to the Ernst and Young Family Business Yearbook 2014, 85 % of all European companies are family businesses and these account for 60 % of jobs in the private sector; |
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C.

whereas, according to the Ernst and Young Family Business Yearbook 2014, 85 % of all European companies are family businesses and these account for 60 % of jobs in the private sector;

| D. | whereas family businesses are of various sizes, which exposes them to different difficulties and problems; |
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D.

whereas family businesses are of various sizes, which exposes them to different difficulties and problems;

| E. | whereas, while most family businesses are SMEs, family businesses can be small, medium-sized or large, listed or unlisted; whereas they have been widely equated to SMEs, neglecting the fact that there are also very large multinational corporations that are family businesses; whereas in some EU Member States a few family businesses account for a large share of the total turnover of all businesses and thus make a significant contribution to job retention, including in times of crisis, to creation and growth and to the economic success of the country concerned; whereas many family businesses that no longer meet the definition of SMEs, but are also far from being major corporations, are ineligible for specific funding opportunities and some administrative exemptions; whereas this inevitably leads to unnecessary red tape, which is a great burden, especially for these mid-cap family businesses; |
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E.

whereas, while most family businesses are SMEs, family businesses can be small, medium-sized or large, listed or unlisted; whereas they have been widely equated to SMEs, neglecting the fact that there are also very large multinational corporations that are family businesses; whereas in some EU Member States a few family businesses account for a large share of the total turnover of all businesses and thus make a significant contribution to job retention, including in times of crisis, to creation and growth and to the economic success of the country concerned; whereas many family businesses that no longer meet the definition of SMEs, but are also far from being major corporations, are ineligible for specific funding opportunities and some administrative exemptions; whereas this inevitably leads to unnecessary red tape, which is a great burden, especially for these mid-cap family businesses;

| F. | whereas a considerable number of family businesses are active in more than one country, meaning that the family business model has a transnational dimension; |
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F.

whereas a considerable number of family businesses are active in more than one country, meaning that the family business model has a transnational dimension;

| G. | whereas, direct taxation and succession law are Member State competences, and whereas some Member States have adopted measures to support family businesses and address their concerns; |
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G.

whereas, direct taxation and succession law are Member State competences, and whereas some Member States have adopted measures to support family businesses and address their concerns;

| H. | whereas family businesses are perceived as exhibiting high integrity and values that guide their business operations, and introduce high standards of corporate social responsibility towards their employees and the environment, which also creates a favourable environment for work-life balance; whereas family businesses usually guarantee that knowledge and skills will be passed on and in some cases play an important role in social links; |
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H.

whereas family businesses are perceived as exhibiting high integrity and values that guide their business operations, and introduce high standards of corporate social responsibility towards their employees and the environment, which also creates a favourable environment for work-life balance; whereas family businesses usually guarantee that knowledge and skills will be passed on and in some cases play an important role in social links;

| I. | whereas in agriculture family farms are the most common business model and make a major contribution to the prevention of rural depopulation, and in many cases provide the only source of employment in the regions of Europe where development is lagging behind, particularly in less industrialised regions; whereas family farms can offer a template for success because in general they put the principle of the environmentally and socially sustainable circular-flow economy into practice, and because in that context women as leaders contribute not only entrepreneurial thinking, but also specific communication and social skills; |
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I.

whereas in agriculture family farms are the most common business model and make a major contribution to the prevention of rural depopulation, and in many cases provide the only source of employment in the regions of Europe where development is lagging behind, particularly in less industrialised regions; whereas family farms can offer a template for success because in general they put the principle of the environmentally and socially sustainable circular-flow economy into practice, and because in that context women as leaders contribute not only entrepreneurial thinking, but also specific communication and social skills;

| J. | whereas the Commission’s group of experts on family businesses completed its work more than five years ago, and no new European initiative has been launched since then at EU level; whereas there is still a lack of research and data at national and European level to understand the special needs and structures of family businesses; |
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J.

whereas the Commission’s group of experts on family businesses completed its work more than five years ago, and no new European initiative has been launched since then at EU level; whereas there is still a lack of research and data at national and European level to understand the special needs and structures of family businesses;

| K. | whereas there is no legally binding, concrete, simple and harmonised Europe-wide definition of ‘family business’; |
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K.

whereas there is no legally binding, concrete, simple and harmonised Europe-wide definition of ‘family business’;

| L. | whereas it is impossible, owing to the lack of a definition, to gather comparable data in the EU Member States in order to draw attention to the special situation, needs and economic accomplishment of family businesses; whereas this lack of reliable and comparable data can hinder policy decision-making and may mean that the needs of family businesses are not being met; |
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L.

whereas it is impossible, owing to the lack of a definition, to gather comparable data in the EU Member States in order to draw attention to the special situation, needs and economic accomplishment of family businesses; whereas this lack of reliable and comparable data can hinder policy decision-making and may mean that the needs of family businesses are not being met;

| M. | whereas family businesses, beyond their economic significance, also play an important role in social terms; |
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M.

whereas family businesses, beyond their economic significance, also play an important role in social terms;

| N. | whereas not all 28 EU Member States have interest group associations or other structures that specifically cater for the needs of family businesses; |
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N.

whereas not all 28 EU Member States have interest group associations or other structures that specifically cater for the needs of family businesses;

| O. | whereas EU-level efforts in stimulating entrepreneurship and start-ups should be enhanced and complemented with greater consideration for facilitating and stimulating the long-term survival of family businesses; |
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O.

whereas EU-level efforts in stimulating entrepreneurship and start-ups should be enhanced and complemented with greater consideration for facilitating and stimulating the long-term survival of family businesses;

| P. | whereas the family business model is unevenly spread across the Member States; whereas a significant share of family businesses in Europe have a transnational dimension and carry out their activities in different Member States; |
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P.

whereas the family business model is unevenly spread across the Member States; whereas a significant share of family businesses in Europe have a transnational dimension and carry out their activities in different Member States;

| Q. | whereas in the EU women earn, on average, 16 % less per hour than men and there is a dearth of women in high-level and leadership positions, and whereas the labour practices and wage systems applied to men are not the same as those applied to women, making it more difficult for the latter to be financially independent, participate fully in the job market and achieve a work-life balance; |
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Q.

whereas in the EU women earn, on average, 16 % less per hour than men and there is a dearth of women in high-level and leadership positions, and whereas the labour practices and wage systems applied to men are not the same as those applied to women, making it more difficult for the latter to be financially independent, participate fully in the job market and achieve a work-life balance;

| R. | whereas women often play an invisible role, or act as figureheads, and do not have their job or salary status appropriately recognised, which has serious repercussions in terms of social security contributions, pensions and welfare entitlements and also in terms of recognition of their skills, as demonstrated by the data on the gender pay gap and pension gap (3); |
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R.

whereas women often play an invisible role, or act as figureheads, and do not have their job or salary status appropriately recognised, which has serious repercussions in terms of social security contributions, pensions and welfare entitlements and also in terms of recognition of their skills, as demonstrated by the data on the gender pay gap and pension gap (3);

Importance for the economy

| 1. | Emphasises that family businesses tend to demonstrate a high degree of social responsibility towards their staff and manage resources actively and responsibly, and that they generally take a sustainable and long-term approach to the economic future of the business (by acting as ‘honourable merchant’, responsible owner or steward) and thus make an important contribution both to their local communities and to Europe’s competitiveness, and create and maintain high-quality jobs; |
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1.

Emphasises that family businesses tend to demonstrate a high degree of social responsibility towards their staff and manage resources actively and responsibly, and that they generally take a sustainable and long-term approach to the economic future of the business (by acting as ‘honourable merchant’, responsible owner or steward) and thus make an important contribution both to their local communities and to Europe’s competitiveness, and create and maintain high-quality jobs;

| 2. | Stresses that, because of their history, family businesses are strongly rooted in a particular location and thus also create and maintain jobs in rural and less-favoured areas, contributing to the fight against the process of ageing and depopulation by which many areas in the EU are affected; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to provide the necessary cost-efficient infrastructure in order to ensure the competitiveness, renewal, growth and sustainability of such businesses, in particular micro-entities and start-ups, and to facilitate cross-sectoral and cross-border collaboration, thus helping them to grow and internationalise; |
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2.

Stresses that, because of their history, family businesses are strongly rooted in a particular location and thus also create and maintain jobs in rural and less-favoured areas, contributing to the fight against the process of ageing and depopulation by which many areas in the EU are affected; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to provide the necessary cost-efficient infrastructure in order to ensure the competitiveness, renewal, growth and sustainability of such businesses, in particular micro-entities and start-ups, and to facilitate cross-sectoral and cross-border collaboration, thus helping them to grow and internationalise;

| 3. | Recognises that family businesses are the single biggest source of employment in the private sector and that therefore what is beneficial to continuity, renewal and growth in the family business sector is conducive to continuity, renewal and growth in the European economy; |
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3.

Recognises that family businesses are the single biggest source of employment in the private sector and that therefore what is beneficial to continuity, renewal and growth in the family business sector is conducive to continuity, renewal and growth in the European economy;

| 4. | Notes that highly specialised family businesses in particular play an important role as suppliers to, and innovators for, larger companies and that, given their long-term and intergenerational approach to business, they provide the companies they supply with material security and thereby make a significant contribution to economic growth; |
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4.

Notes that highly specialised family businesses in particular play an important role as suppliers to, and innovators for, larger companies and that, given their long-term and intergenerational approach to business, they provide the companies they supply with material security and thereby make a significant contribution to economic growth;

| 5. | Reminds the Commission of the fact that the majority of family businesses are SMEs (4) and that applying the ‘think small first’ principle is therefore essential in order to better adapt EU legislation to the realities and needs of these businesses, and to enable them to benefit from funding programmes and a reduction in red tape; |
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5.

Reminds the Commission of the fact that the majority of family businesses are SMEs (4) and that applying the ‘think small first’ principle is therefore essential in order to better adapt EU legislation to the realities and needs of these businesses, and to enable them to benefit from funding programmes and a reduction in red tape;

| 6. | Notes that family businesses can play an important role in encouraging minorities and under-represented groups to participate in their local economies; |
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6.

Notes that family businesses can play an important role in encouraging minorities and under-represented groups to participate in their local economies;

| 7. | Points out that the higher level of trust between family members makes family businesses very flexible and able to adapt quickly to changes in the eco-social environment; at the same time, operating in niche markets for long periods of time enables family businesses to excel in identifying new opportunities and innovation; |
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7.

Points out that the higher level of trust between family members makes family businesses very flexible and able to adapt quickly to changes in the eco-social environment; at the same time, operating in niche markets for long periods of time enables family businesses to excel in identifying new opportunities and innovation;

Funding

| 8. | Notes that family businesses often have a significantly higher equity ratio than non-family businesses and that this high equity ratio results in the economic stability of such businesses and of the economy as a whole, while at the same time providing scope for further investment in the business, which should not therefore be restricted; |
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8.

Notes that family businesses often have a significantly higher equity ratio than non-family businesses and that this high equity ratio results in the economic stability of such businesses and of the economy as a whole, while at the same time providing scope for further investment in the business, which should not therefore be restricted;

| 9. | Calls on the Member States, with this in mind, to ensure that national rules on the taxation of inheritance and gifts, on debt and equity and on corporate taxation support, rather than discriminate against, equity financing, which is so vital for family businesses; recalls that direct taxation and succession law are Member State competences; calls on the Member States, therefore, to examine the debt bias within their tax codes by assessing its impact on the financing structure of companies and the level of investment, and to ensure equal treatment of equity financing as compared to debt financing in order not to impede the succession of ownership and the long-term prospects of family businesses; calls on the Commission and the Member States to examine any tax-driven discrimination vis-à-vis equity financing against the background of fair competition; |
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9.

Calls on the Member States, with this in mind, to ensure that national rules on the taxation of inheritance and gifts, on debt and equity and on corporate taxation support, rather than discriminate against, equity financing, which is so vital for family businesses; recalls that direct taxation and succession law are Member State competences; calls on the Member States, therefore, to examine the debt bias within their tax codes by assessing its impact on the financing structure of companies and the level of investment, and to ensure equal treatment of equity financing as compared to debt financing in order not to impede the succession of ownership and the long-term prospects of family businesses; calls on the Commission and the Member States to examine any tax-driven discrimination vis-à-vis equity financing against the background of fair competition;

| 10. | Stresses that ensuring the long-term security of corporate funding has become a key competitive factor; emphasises, in this connection, the importance of internationally stable financial market structures; calls on the Commission to ensure that it does not create any unnecessary burdens for businesses as part of financial market regulation; |
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10.

Stresses that ensuring the long-term security of corporate funding has become a key competitive factor; emphasises, in this connection, the importance of internationally stable financial market structures; calls on the Commission to ensure that it does not create any unnecessary burdens for businesses as part of financial market regulation;

| 11. | Calls on the Commission to consider extending the beneficiaries of all existing instruments for SMEs and/or entrepreneurs, particularly COSME, to mid-cap family businesses; |
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11.

Calls on the Commission to consider extending the beneficiaries of all existing instruments for SMEs and/or entrepreneurs, particularly COSME, to mid-cap family businesses;

| 12. | Underscores that because of the financial crisis and the adverse economic cycle many of the functions of family businesses are underfinanced and that it is important for family business to have open and easy access to alternative sources of financing; |
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12.

Underscores that because of the financial crisis and the adverse economic cycle many of the functions of family businesses are underfinanced and that it is important for family business to have open and easy access to alternative sources of financing;

| 13. | Notes in this context the importance of promoting alternative forms of lending to family businesses, such as credit unions; |
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13.

Notes in this context the importance of promoting alternative forms of lending to family businesses, such as credit unions;

Challenges

| 14. | Notes that 35 % of those companies that do not invest in foreign markets fail to do so because of their lack of knowledge of those markets and lack of experience with internationalisation; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to provide smaller family businesses in particular with information about opportunities for internationalisation via the SME Internationalisation portal and the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) and ensure that they have access to a better exchange of experience and best practice, including possibilities of internationalisation via the internet; calls on the Member States, furthermore, to provide support services for businesses that intend to invest internationally, for example by providing them with information or export credit guarantees, removing trade barriers and promoting specific education for an entrepreneurship and business family culture; |
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14.

Notes that 35 % of those companies that do not invest in foreign markets fail to do so because of their lack of knowledge of those markets and lack of experience with internationalisation; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to provide smaller family businesses in particular with information about opportunities for internationalisation via the SME Internationalisation portal and the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) and ensure that they have access to a better exchange of experience and best practice, including possibilities of internationalisation via the internet; calls on the Member States, furthermore, to provide support services for businesses that intend to invest internationally, for example by providing them with information or export credit guarantees, removing trade barriers and promoting specific education for an entrepreneurship and business family culture;

| 15. | Notes that increased internationalisation of family businesses provides more opportunities for economic growth and increased job creation; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to provide smaller family businesses with assistance to enable them to make better use of the digital infrastructure; |
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15.

Notes that increased internationalisation of family businesses provides more opportunities for economic growth and increased job creation; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to provide smaller family businesses with assistance to enable them to make better use of the digital infrastructure;

| 16. | Recognises that the fiscal, legal and administrative environment in which family businesses (and owner-managed businesses) operate is defined by the combined effect of corporate legislation and private law; |
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16.

Recognises that the fiscal, legal and administrative environment in which family businesses (and owner-managed businesses) operate is defined by the combined effect of corporate legislation and private law;

| 17. | Notes that 87 % of family businesses are convinced that maintaining control of the business is one of the key factors of success (5); notes that, according to the Commission’s ‘Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan’ (6), the transfer of business ownership, together with the transfer of management from one generation to the next, is the greatest possible challenge facing family businesses; |
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17.

Notes that 87 % of family businesses are convinced that maintaining control of the business is one of the key factors of success (5); notes that, according to the Commission’s ‘Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan’ (6), the transfer of business ownership, together with the transfer of management from one generation to the next, is the greatest possible challenge facing family businesses;

| 18. | Notes that small and medium family businesses are continuously challenged by a need for innovation and for attracting the right skills and talent; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to provide smaller family businesses with incentives to take risks for growth and incentives to implement staff training and to access external knowledge; |
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18.

Notes that small and medium family businesses are continuously challenged by a need for innovation and for attracting the right skills and talent; calls on the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to provide smaller family businesses with incentives to take risks for growth and incentives to implement staff training and to access external knowledge;

| 19. | Calls on the Member States to simplify administrative procedures and taxation systems, taking particular account of the specific challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises and family businesses; |
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19.

Calls on the Member States to simplify administrative procedures and taxation systems, taking particular account of the specific challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises and family businesses;

| 20. | Urges the Commission and Member States to take action to develop digital entrepreneurship and digital skills in order for family businesses to take full advantage of digital technologies; |
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20.

Urges the Commission and Member States to take action to develop digital entrepreneurship and digital skills in order for family businesses to take full advantage of digital technologies;

| 21. | Calls on the Member States, therefore, to improve the legal framework for the transfer of family businesses and create special financing instruments for transfers and thus prevent liquidity shortages so as to ensure the survival of family businesses and prevent distress sales; calls on the Commission and Member States to promote family-business-specific education in business transfers, governance structures, owner strategies and innovation strategy, in particular in countries where, for historical reasons, the family business concept is not as well established, which would contribute to their long-term success, especially in terms of business transfer; |
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21.

Calls on the Member States, therefore, to improve the legal framework for the transfer of family businesses and create special financing instruments for transfers and thus prevent liquidity shortages so as to ensure the survival of family businesses and prevent distress sales; calls on the Commission and Member States to promote family-business-specific education in business transfers, governance structures, owner strategies and innovation strategy, in particular in countries where, for historical reasons, the family business concept is not as well established, which would contribute to their long-term success, especially in terms of business transfer;

| 22. | Underscores the need for family businesses to have a direct link with educational activities that keep them constantly informed of state-of-the-art practices of good business management; stresses in this regard that family businesses make a vital contribution to the success of vocational training reforms and to increasing the number of apprenticeships; notes that, in the long term, well-functioning vocational-training systems could be instrumental in combating the skilled-worker shortage and youth unemployment; points out that the Commission and the Member States should foster an exchange of best practice with regard to how vocational training systems could provide the best possible environment for family businesses to invest in apprenticeships; |
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22.

Underscores the need for family businesses to have a direct link with educational activities that keep them constantly informed of state-of-the-art practices of good business management; stresses in this regard that family businesses make a vital contribution to the success of vocational training reforms and to increasing the number of apprenticeships; notes that, in the long term, well-functioning vocational-training systems could be instrumental in combating the skilled-worker shortage and youth unemployment; points out that the Commission and the Member States should foster an exchange of best practice with regard to how vocational training systems could provide the best possible environment for family businesses to invest in apprenticeships;

| 23. | Notes the need to address other challenges that family businesses face, such as difficulties in finding and retaining a skilled workforce, and the importance of strengthening entrepreneurship education and family-business-specific management training; |
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23.

Notes the need to address other challenges that family businesses face, such as difficulties in finding and retaining a skilled workforce, and the importance of strengthening entrepreneurship education and family-business-specific management training;

| 24. | Highlights the importance of the EU-funded training schemes for small business entrepreneurs, which allow family business owners to adapt their companies to a fast-changing environment driven by increasing global economic integration, the appearance of new technologies and a focus on a low-carbon and greener economy; |
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24.

Highlights the importance of the EU-funded training schemes for small business entrepreneurs, which allow family business owners to adapt their companies to a fast-changing environment driven by increasing global economic integration, the appearance of new technologies and a focus on a low-carbon and greener economy;

| 25. | Notes that promoting entrepreneurship in schools and other educational settings is of key importance to developing more entrepreneurial mindsets; notes further that education should include specific family-business issues such as ownership, succession and family governance, together with more general information such as the importance of innovation as a means of reinventing businesses; |
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25.

Notes that promoting entrepreneurship in schools and other educational settings is of key importance to developing more entrepreneurial mindsets; notes further that education should include specific family-business issues such as ownership, succession and family governance, together with more general information such as the importance of innovation as a means of reinventing businesses;

| 26. | Urges the Member States to take into account the formal and informal occasional and invisible work carried out by family members, including in family businesses, and encourages Member States to provide a clear legal framework; |
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26.

Urges the Member States to take into account the formal and informal occasional and invisible work carried out by family members, including in family businesses, and encourages Member States to provide a clear legal framework;

| 27. | Stresses that family businesses’ contribution to innovation could be enhanced by promoting their participation in private-public partnerships and clusters and by fostering their collaboration with research institutions; |
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27.

Stresses that family businesses’ contribution to innovation could be enhanced by promoting their participation in private-public partnerships and clusters and by fostering their collaboration with research institutions;

Outlook

| 28. | Calls on the Commission, in the context of better regulation, to undertake an analysis of existing legislation which impacts on family businesses in order to identify problems and barriers to growth; |
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28.

Calls on the Commission, in the context of better regulation, to undertake an analysis of existing legislation which impacts on family businesses in order to identify problems and barriers to growth;

| 29. | Calls on the Commission to commission regular and adequately financed studies that analyse the importance of ownership for the success and survival of a business and highlight the specific challenges facing family businesses, and to propose to the European Parliament and the Member States a statistically workable Europe-wide definition of ‘family business’ — developed together with Eurostat –, taking into account the different circumstances in the Member States; calls on the Commission, furthermore, to use the existing ‘task force small and medium-sized enterprise data’ to collect enough data, including on family businesses in all the Member States, to allow a comparison of the situation and needs of family businesses of different sizes, as well as a comparison of family businesses and non-family businesses, to promote information and exchanges of examples of know-how and good practice throughout the EU, for example by establishing a family business contact point at the Commission and by making the best use of programmes such as "Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, and to allow for more targeted assistance; |
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29.

Calls on the Commission to commission regular and adequately financed studies that analyse the importance of ownership for the success and survival of a business and highlight the specific challenges facing family businesses, and to propose to the European Parliament and the Member States a statistically workable Europe-wide definition of ‘family business’ — developed together with Eurostat –, taking into account the different circumstances in the Member States; calls on the Commission, furthermore, to use the existing ‘task force small and medium-sized enterprise data’ to collect enough data, including on family businesses in all the Member States, to allow a comparison of the situation and needs of family businesses of different sizes, as well as a comparison of family businesses and non-family businesses, to promote information and exchanges of examples of know-how and good practice throughout the EU, for example by establishing a family business contact point at the Commission and by making the best use of programmes such as "Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, and to allow for more targeted assistance;

| 30. | Calls on the Commission to conduct an impact assessment of the extent to which a broadening of the European SME definition from 2003 would be possible, to include, in addition to purely quantitative criteria, qualitative criteria that also take into account ownership of a company, bearing in mind the interdependence of ownership, control and management, the fact that risk and liability are borne solely by the family itself, the social responsibility of a company and, generally, the personal aspect of running a business, also in relation to the participation of employees in the management of business activities, and the consequences this could have for family businesses, for example with regard to state aid and the eligibility of such businesses; |
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30.

Calls on the Commission to conduct an impact assessment of the extent to which a broadening of the European SME definition from 2003 would be possible, to include, in addition to purely quantitative criteria, qualitative criteria that also take into account ownership of a company, bearing in mind the interdependence of ownership, control and management, the fact that risk and liability are borne solely by the family itself, the social responsibility of a company and, generally, the personal aspect of running a business, also in relation to the participation of employees in the management of business activities, and the consequences this could have for family businesses, for example with regard to state aid and the eligibility of such businesses;

| 31. | Calls on the Commission in the meantime, as part of its regulatory impact assessment, to carry out a feasibility study of a ‘family business test’ (for policies concerning, for example, property, governance structures or privacy) modelled on the SME test, and to introduce it as soon as possible, should the study prove its feasibility, in order to be able to determine the effect of certain legal acts on family businesses in advance and thereby avoid unnecessary red tape and burdensome hurdles for family businesses, focusing particularly on the combined effects of company law and private law; |
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31.

Calls on the Commission in the meantime, as part of its regulatory impact assessment, to carry out a feasibility study of a ‘family business test’ (for policies concerning, for example, property, governance structures or privacy) modelled on the SME test, and to introduce it as soon as possible, should the study prove its feasibility, in order to be able to determine the effect of certain legal acts on family businesses in advance and thereby avoid unnecessary red tape and burdensome hurdles for family businesses, focusing particularly on the combined effects of company law and private law;

| 32. | Observes that disparities in, for example, tax legislation, subsidy schemes or the implementation of European legislation in neighbouring countries can cause problems in the border region for entrepreneurs, for example those with family businesses; calls on Member States, therefore, to review proposed national legislation and the proposed method of implementation of European legislation to ascertain the impact on entrepreneurs, such as those with family businesses, in border regions; |
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32.

Observes that disparities in, for example, tax legislation, subsidy schemes or the implementation of European legislation in neighbouring countries can cause problems in the border region for entrepreneurs, for example those with family businesses; calls on Member States, therefore, to review proposed national legislation and the proposed method of implementation of European legislation to ascertain the impact on entrepreneurs, such as those with family businesses, in border regions;

| 33. | Calls on the Commission to set up, and define the remit of, an internal permanent working group that specifically addresses the needs and characteristics of family businesses, regularly reports to Parliament and the Member States, encourages exchanges of best practices between Member States’ family business organisations and disseminates guidelines and standard texts and solutions for family businesses on overcoming their specific problems; calls also on the Commission to create a one-stop shop for businesses which can act as a contact at European level for family businesses and family business interest groups and to assist in specific issues relating in particular to European legislation and access to EU funding; |
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33.

Calls on the Commission to set up, and define the remit of, an internal permanent working group that specifically addresses the needs and characteristics of family businesses, regularly reports to Parliament and the Member States, encourages exchanges of best practices between Member States’ family business organisations and disseminates guidelines and standard texts and solutions for family businesses on overcoming their specific problems; calls also on the Commission to create a one-stop shop for businesses which can act as a contact at European level for family businesses and family business interest groups and to assist in specific issues relating in particular to European legislation and access to EU funding;

| 34. | Highlights the entrepreneurial role of women in family businesses; calls on the Commission to launch a study on the presence of women in family businesses in Europe and to evaluate the opportunities offered by family businesses for empowerment of women, equal opportunities and work-life balance; stresses the need to protect women’s right to succession in family businesses, on a par with men, by promoting a culture of equal rights for men and women which fosters female entrepreneurship in family businesses, including in leadership positions; emphasises also that family businesses should comply with the legal provisions relating to social insurance, pension contributions and safe working conditions standards; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Highlights the entrepreneurial role of women in family businesses; calls on the Commission to launch a study on the presence of women in family businesses in Europe and to evaluate the opportunities offered by family businesses for empowerment of women, equal opportunities and work-life balance; stresses the need to protect women’s right to succession in family businesses, on a par with men, by promoting a culture of equal rights for men and women which fosters female entrepreneurship in family businesses, including in leadership positions; emphasises also that family businesses should comply with the legal provisions relating to social insurance, pension contributions and safe working conditions standards;

| 35. | Reminds the Member States and local and regional authorities once again of the importance of there being sufficient provision of high-quality and affordable care services for children, the elderly and other dependent persons, of tax incentives for companies and of other compensation to help women and men working as employees, on their own account or as managers in family businesses to balance their family and work commitments; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Reminds the Member States and local and regional authorities once again of the importance of there being sufficient provision of high-quality and affordable care services for children, the elderly and other dependent persons, of tax incentives for companies and of other compensation to help women and men working as employees, on their own account or as managers in family businesses to balance their family and work commitments;

| 36. | Stresses the need for separate and duly remunerated periods of maternity, paternity and parental leave which meet the needs of employees, the self-employed and business employers; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Stresses the need for separate and duly remunerated periods of maternity, paternity and parental leave which meet the needs of employees, the self-employed and business employers;

| 37. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support the European Network of Female Entrepreneurship Ambassadors and the European Network of Mentors for Women Entrepreneurs in order to raise their profile; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support the European Network of Female Entrepreneurship Ambassadors and the European Network of Mentors for Women Entrepreneurs in order to raise their profile;

| 38. | Notes that, because land is owned, family farms are rooted in a particular location; calls therefore on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the survival of family farms is not jeopardised by, in particular, excessive red tape; draws attention to the important role which women play in running family farms, and calls on the Member States to support business training aimed specifically at women farmers, in order to strengthen women’s involvement in family farming even further; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Notes that, because land is owned, family farms are rooted in a particular location; calls therefore on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the survival of family farms is not jeopardised by, in particular, excessive red tape; draws attention to the important role which women play in running family farms, and calls on the Member States to support business training aimed specifically at women farmers, in order to strengthen women’s involvement in family farming even further;

| 39. | Calls on the Commission to strive to strengthen entrepreneurship throughout the EU, keeping in mind the importance of the family businesses in the EU economy, and to create an environment for business excellence; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Calls on the Commission to strive to strengthen entrepreneurship throughout the EU, keeping in mind the importance of the family businesses in the EU economy, and to create an environment for business excellence;

| 40. | Calls on the Commission to draw up a communication as a matter of urgency analysing the role of family businesses with a view to boosting the competitiveness and growth of the EU economy by 2020, and to produce a road map listing the measures likely to strengthen the economic environment and development of family businesses in the EU and raise awareness on the family-business-specific challenges to be addressed and to improve their competitiveness, international outlook and job creation potential; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Calls on the Commission to draw up a communication as a matter of urgency analysing the role of family businesses with a view to boosting the competitiveness and growth of the EU economy by 2020, and to produce a road map listing the measures likely to strengthen the economic environment and development of family businesses in the EU and raise awareness on the family-business-specific challenges to be addressed and to improve their competitiveness, international outlook and job creation potential;

o

o o

| 41. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

41.

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

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

(2)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0032.

(3)  http://ec.europa.eu/justice/gender-equality/files/gender_pay_gap/140319_gpg_en.pdf

(4)  Final report of the European Commission's expert group ‘OVERVIEW OF FAMILY–BUSINESS–RELEVANT ISSUES’, November 2009.

(5)  European Family Business Barometer, June 2014.

(6)  COM(2012)0795.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/64 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/64

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P8_TA(2015)0291

Research and innovation in the blue economy to create jobs and growth

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on untapping the potential of research and innovation in the blue economy to create jobs and growth (2014/2240(INI))

(2017/C 316/06)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 8 May 2014 entitled ‘Innovation in the Blue Economy: realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth’ (COM(2014)0254), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 8 May 2014 entitled ‘Innovation in the Blue Economy: realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth’ (COM(2014)0254),

| — | having regard to Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning (1),

| — | having regard to Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (2),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 6 October 2010 entitled ‘Europe 2020 Flagship Initiative Innovation Union’ (COM(2010)0546), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 6 October 2010 entitled ‘Europe 2020 Flagship Initiative Innovation Union’ (COM(2010)0546),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 10 October 2007 on ‘An Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union’ (COM(2007)0575), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 10 October 2007 on ‘An Integrated Maritime Policy for the European Union’ (COM(2007)0575),

| — | having regard to the Limassol Declaration of 8 October 2012 on a marine and maritime agenda for growth and jobs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Limassol Declaration of 8 October 2012 on a marine and maritime agenda for growth and jobs,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 13 September 2012 entitled ‘Blue Growth opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth’ (COM(2012)0494), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 13 September 2012 entitled ‘Blue Growth opportunities for marine and maritime sustainable growth’ (COM(2012)0494),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 13 May 2013 on an ‘Action Plan for a Maritime Strategy in the Atlantic area. Delivering smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’ (COM(2013)0279), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 13 May 2013 on an ‘Action Plan for a Maritime Strategy in the Atlantic area. Delivering smart, sustainable and inclusive growth’ (COM(2013)0279),

| — | having regard to the Commission Green Paper of 29 August 2012 entitled ‘Marine Knowledge 2020 from seabed mapping to ocean forecasting’ (COM(2012)0473), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Green Paper of 29 August 2012 entitled ‘Marine Knowledge 2020 from seabed mapping to ocean forecasting’ (COM(2012)0473),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 2 July 2013 on Blue Growth: enhancing sustainable growth in the EU’s marine, maritime transport and tourism sectors (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 2 July 2013 on Blue Growth: enhancing sustainable growth in the EU’s marine, maritime transport and tourism sectors (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2013 on marine knowledge 2020: ‘Seabed mapping for promoting sustainable fisheries’ (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2013 on marine knowledge 2020: ‘Seabed mapping for promoting sustainable fisheries’ (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 27 February 2014 on specific actions in the Common Fisheries Policy for developing the role of women (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 27 February 2014 on specific actions in the Common Fisheries Policy for developing the role of women (5),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) and repealing Decision No 1982/2006/EC (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) and repealing Decision No 1982/2006/EC (6),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1292/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 294/2008 establishing the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1292/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 294/2008 establishing the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (7),

| — | having regard to Decision No 1312/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Strategic Innovation Agenda of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT): the contribution of the EIT to a more innovative Europe (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Decision No 1312/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Strategic Innovation Agenda of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT): the contribution of the EIT to a more innovative Europe (8),

| — | having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee, delivered on 15 October 2014, on ‘Innovation in the Blue Economy: realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth’ (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee, delivered on 15 October 2014, on ‘Innovation in the Blue Economy: realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth’ (9),

| — | having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions, delivered on 3 December 2014, on ‘Innovation in the Blue Economy: realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth’ (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions, delivered on 3 December 2014, on ‘Innovation in the Blue Economy: realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth’ (10),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 20 February 2014 on ‘A European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism’ (COM(2014)0086), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 20 February 2014 on ‘A European Strategy for more Growth and Jobs in Coastal and Maritime Tourism’ (COM(2014)0086),

| — | having regard to the Competitiveness Council conclusions of 4 December 2014 entitled ‘Strengthening tourism by leveraging Europe’s cultural, natural and maritime heritage’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Competitiveness Council conclusions of 4 December 2014 entitled ‘Strengthening tourism by leveraging Europe’s cultural, natural and maritime heritage’,

| — | having regard to the final declaration adopted at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 20 to 22 June 2012, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the final declaration adopted at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 20 to 22 June 2012,

| — | 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 Industry, Research and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the Committee on Fisheries (A8-0214/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the Committee on Fisheries (A8-0214/2015),

| A. | whereas the concept of the blue economy covers a wide range of economic sectors linked to the seas and oceans, spanning traditional or established and emerging sectors including fisheries, aquaculture, (seagoing) shipping and inland waterway transport, ports and logistics, tourism, pleasure sailing and cruising, shipbuilding and ship-repairing, maritime works and protection of the coastline, prospecting for, and exploitation of, offshore mineral resources, exploitation of offshore wind and marine energy, and biotechnology; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the concept of the blue economy covers a wide range of economic sectors linked to the seas and oceans, spanning traditional or established and emerging sectors including fisheries, aquaculture, (seagoing) shipping and inland waterway transport, ports and logistics, tourism, pleasure sailing and cruising, shipbuilding and ship-repairing, maritime works and protection of the coastline, prospecting for, and exploitation of, offshore mineral resources, exploitation of offshore wind and marine energy, and biotechnology;

| B. | whereas the development of the blue economy should focus on sustainable economic activities that meet the needs of current and future generations and generate prosperity for society; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the development of the blue economy should focus on sustainable economic activities that meet the needs of current and future generations and generate prosperity for society;

| C. | whereas the development of the blue economy needs firmly embedded scientific knowledge, this being the starting point for research and innovation, and whereas the scientific and technological fields related to the blue economy are widely diverse; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the development of the blue economy needs firmly embedded scientific knowledge, this being the starting point for research and innovation, and whereas the scientific and technological fields related to the blue economy are widely diverse;

| D. | whereas the protection and safeguarding of natural marine environments are fundamental to maintain, support and develop the blue economy and, furthermore, viable marine ecosystems are a precondition for exploiting the resources of the seas and oceans; whereas innovation and sustainability should be the key pillars of the blue economy to generate growth and jobs; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the protection and safeguarding of natural marine environments are fundamental to maintain, support and develop the blue economy and, furthermore, viable marine ecosystems are a precondition for exploiting the resources of the seas and oceans; whereas innovation and sustainability should be the key pillars of the blue economy to generate growth and jobs;

| E. | whereas there is a serious lack of data, information and knowledge about the seas and oceans, their resources and biodiversity, and the ways in which these interact with human activities, and the environmental and cumulative impacts of the latter activities — whether taking place or still to be developed — and whereas inadequate knowledge on those points severely inhibits sustainable use of the resources concerned, poses an obstacle to innovation and restricts the full potential of the seas and oceans, in the context of an increasing world population whereby our seas and oceans will be increasingly used for food, space, energy and minerals and thus need a more systematic approach for their sustainable use; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas there is a serious lack of data, information and knowledge about the seas and oceans, their resources and biodiversity, and the ways in which these interact with human activities, and the environmental and cumulative impacts of the latter activities — whether taking place or still to be developed — and whereas inadequate knowledge on those points severely inhibits sustainable use of the resources concerned, poses an obstacle to innovation and restricts the full potential of the seas and oceans, in the context of an increasing world population whereby our seas and oceans will be increasingly used for food, space, energy and minerals and thus need a more systematic approach for their sustainable use;

| F. | whereas marine ecosystems are fragile biodiversity hotspots that are sensitive to human activities, and it is becoming increasingly important to obtain and share accurate information on the location and extent of habitat types to facilitate the sound management, development and protection of sensitive areas; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas marine ecosystems are fragile biodiversity hotspots that are sensitive to human activities, and it is becoming increasingly important to obtain and share accurate information on the location and extent of habitat types to facilitate the sound management, development and protection of sensitive areas;

| G. | whereas barriers to success in innovation in the blue economy lie not just in the scientific knowledge gap, which universities, businesses and research institutions are seeking to address through cutting-edge research, but also lie significantly in barriers to funding from both public and private resources; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas barriers to success in innovation in the blue economy lie not just in the scientific knowledge gap, which universities, businesses and research institutions are seeking to address through cutting-edge research, but also lie significantly in barriers to funding from both public and private resources;

| H. | whereas the potential for exploiting marine resources to develop sustainable renewable energy resources could significantly contribute to the EU’s energy security strategy by reducing Member States’ reliance on non-EU sources of energy; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the potential for exploiting marine resources to develop sustainable renewable energy resources could significantly contribute to the EU’s energy security strategy by reducing Member States’ reliance on non-EU sources of energy;

| I. | whereas sustainably developing the blue economy could greatly boost growth and economic development, as well as job creation, especially for coastal regions, outermost regions and island countries, whilst taking into account the specific and diverse needs and differences of each geographical area; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas sustainably developing the blue economy could greatly boost growth and economic development, as well as job creation, especially for coastal regions, outermost regions and island countries, whilst taking into account the specific and diverse needs and differences of each geographical area;

| J. | whereas increased investment in research and innovation associated with the seas and oceans may be a useful tool to support the goals of economic, social and territorial cohesion, tackling the asymmetries and growing differences between Member States, as well as strengthening the global position of the EU in the field of maritime policy and blue economy (for example through export of environmental technology), having regard to the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and family businesses to innovation and jobs; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas increased investment in research and innovation associated with the seas and oceans may be a useful tool to support the goals of economic, social and territorial cohesion, tackling the asymmetries and growing differences between Member States, as well as strengthening the global position of the EU in the field of maritime policy and blue economy (for example through export of environmental technology), having regard to the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and family businesses to innovation and jobs;

| K. | whereas different adequate levels of competence are to be considered in blue economy activities, namely international, European and Member State levels; whereas the sectoral priorities for the development of the blue economy may differ from Member State to Member State, depending, on the one hand, on the respective development record of traditional or established sectors and, on the other hand, on existing resources and the development potential of emerging sectors in each Member State; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas different adequate levels of competence are to be considered in blue economy activities, namely international, European and Member State levels; whereas the sectoral priorities for the development of the blue economy may differ from Member State to Member State, depending, on the one hand, on the respective development record of traditional or established sectors and, on the other hand, on existing resources and the development potential of emerging sectors in each Member State;

| L. | whereas taking advantage of innovation opportunities in the blue economy requires a skilled, educated and adequately trained workforce; whereas there is currently a skills gap that must be tackled; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas taking advantage of innovation opportunities in the blue economy requires a skilled, educated and adequately trained workforce; whereas there is currently a skills gap that must be tackled;

| M. | whereas the fact of exploiting the potential of the blue economy must not serve as a pretext for subjecting the seas and oceans to forms of unsustainable exploitation of resources and growth models which have already shown themselves to be unsustainable, and whereas marine and ocean resources must be exploited strictly in accordance with the need for their sound management and conservation, without altering marine ecosystem balances and by restoring degraded ones, for example by using innovative methods to address marine pollution, especially the increasing volumes of plastic waste, plastiglomerate and disintegrating plastic micro particles, and recycling the waste without depleting resources; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the fact of exploiting the potential of the blue economy must not serve as a pretext for subjecting the seas and oceans to forms of unsustainable exploitation of resources and growth models which have already shown themselves to be unsustainable, and whereas marine and ocean resources must be exploited strictly in accordance with the need for their sound management and conservation, without altering marine ecosystem balances and by restoring degraded ones, for example by using innovative methods to address marine pollution, especially the increasing volumes of plastic waste, plastiglomerate and disintegrating plastic micro particles, and recycling the waste without depleting resources;

| N. | whereas numerous coastal and marine environmental management tools are supported by seabed mapping, including planning monitoring surveys by identifying areas likely to support a particular habitat of interest, or providing information to assist in locating and planning offshore projects, such as pier and marina development, coastal protection works, offshore wind farms and land reclamation, in an environmentally sustainable way; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas numerous coastal and marine environmental management tools are supported by seabed mapping, including planning monitoring surveys by identifying areas likely to support a particular habitat of interest, or providing information to assist in locating and planning offshore projects, such as pier and marina development, coastal protection works, offshore wind farms and land reclamation, in an environmentally sustainable way;

| O. | whereas, in accordance with Article 190 of the Lisbon Treaty and the Rio+20 declaration, the precautionary principle and the ecosystem-based approach should be at the core of the management of any activities having an impact on the marine environment; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas, in accordance with Article 190 of the Lisbon Treaty and the Rio+20 declaration, the precautionary principle and the ecosystem-based approach should be at the core of the management of any activities having an impact on the marine environment;

| P. | whereas the EU has been producing a set of programmes and guidelines providing a framework for blue economy-related activities and innovation; whereas that framework should be judged according to its practical usefulness in supporting the efforts of Member States and regional and local authorities to develop the blue economy; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the EU has been producing a set of programmes and guidelines providing a framework for blue economy-related activities and innovation; whereas that framework should be judged according to its practical usefulness in supporting the efforts of Member States and regional and local authorities to develop the blue economy;

| Q. | whereas support for, and the development of, a new, sustainable blue economy must be included in EU development policy, foreign policy and the policy of the Union for the Mediterranean and the African countries bordering the Mediterranean, the East African island states in the Indian Ocean and the island states party to the ACP Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) must be seen as partners in the effort to establish a sustainable blue economy; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas support for, and the development of, a new, sustainable blue economy must be included in EU development policy, foreign policy and the policy of the Union for the Mediterranean and the African countries bordering the Mediterranean, the East African island states in the Indian Ocean and the island states party to the ACP Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) must be seen as partners in the effort to establish a sustainable blue economy;

| R. | whereas coastal and island communities and local and regional authorities are indispensable stakeholders in the debate on the potential of the blue economy and the manner of realising it; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas coastal and island communities and local and regional authorities are indispensable stakeholders in the debate on the potential of the blue economy and the manner of realising it;

| S. | whereas coastal areas have specific characteristics which set them apart and determine their opportunities for development in the medium and long term; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas coastal areas have specific characteristics which set them apart and determine their opportunities for development in the medium and long term;

| T. | whereas European oceans and seas are very diverse, varying from the depths of the Atlantic off Ireland to the depths of the Black Sea off Romania and from the cold seas in the Arctic to the warm waters of the Mediterranean; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas European oceans and seas are very diverse, varying from the depths of the Atlantic off Ireland to the depths of the Black Sea off Romania and from the cold seas in the Arctic to the warm waters of the Mediterranean;

| U. | whereas tourism accounts for 5 % of the EU’s GDP, 12 million jobs and 2,2 million enterprises; whereas cultural tourism accounts for almost 40 % of pan-European tourism; whereas sea and coastal tourism accounts for one third of all tourist activities in Europe, employing 3,2 million workers; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas tourism accounts for 5 % of the EU’s GDP, 12 million jobs and 2,2 million enterprises; whereas cultural tourism accounts for almost 40 % of pan-European tourism; whereas sea and coastal tourism accounts for one third of all tourist activities in Europe, employing 3,2 million workers;

| V. | whereas it is currently estimated that between 3 and 5 % of the EU’s GDP comes from the overall maritime sector, which employs around 5,6 million people and generates EUR 495 billion for the European economy; |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas it is currently estimated that between 3 and 5 % of the EU’s GDP comes from the overall maritime sector, which employs around 5,6 million people and generates EUR 495 billion for the European economy;

| W. | whereas it is currently believed that the number of molecules in the sea is considerably greater than the number of molecules on land, and that they offer incredible potential for research in the fields of healthcare, cosmetics and biotechnology; |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas it is currently believed that the number of molecules in the sea is considerably greater than the number of molecules on land, and that they offer incredible potential for research in the fields of healthcare, cosmetics and biotechnology;

| X. | whereas the integrated maritime policy acts as a strong lever for blue economy activities, especially when it comes to finding an integrated response to all the challenges now facing Europe’s seas; |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas the integrated maritime policy acts as a strong lever for blue economy activities, especially when it comes to finding an integrated response to all the challenges now facing Europe’s seas;

| Y. | whereas under the previous Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), fisheries development groups proved to be very useful as tools for creating employment and wealth and social and territorial cohesion, as well as in taking decisions and playing an active role in their own development; |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas under the previous Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), fisheries development groups proved to be very useful as tools for creating employment and wealth and social and territorial cohesion, as well as in taking decisions and playing an active role in their own development;

| 1. | Takes note of the Commission communication entitled ‘Innovation in the Blue Economy: realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth’; points out that the communication is of limited scope and does not cover all sectors making up the blue economy; calls on the Commission to adopt an integrated and more comprehensive approach encompassing the challenges of innovation and job creation over the whole varied range of interacting sectors; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Takes note of the Commission communication entitled ‘Innovation in the Blue Economy: realising the potential of our seas and oceans for jobs and growth’; points out that the communication is of limited scope and does not cover all sectors making up the blue economy; calls on the Commission to adopt an integrated and more comprehensive approach encompassing the challenges of innovation and job creation over the whole varied range of interacting sectors;

| 2. | Maintains that the blue economy should be defined in specific and embracing terms covering all sectoral and inter-sectoral activities connected with oceans, seas, coastal ecosystems, the connected hinterland and coastal areas, including forms of direct and indirect support; draws attention to the cross-cutting importance of innovation for all these activities, be they traditional or emerging; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Maintains that the blue economy should be defined in specific and embracing terms covering all sectoral and inter-sectoral activities connected with oceans, seas, coastal ecosystems, the connected hinterland and coastal areas, including forms of direct and indirect support; draws attention to the cross-cutting importance of innovation for all these activities, be they traditional or emerging;

| 3. | Advocates the need for strategic planning of activities in the blue economy, direct methods of funding, targeting of priorities and an action plan in order to boost this sector by 2020, including specific ideas on cooperation mechanisms and investment in infrastructure; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Advocates the need for strategic planning of activities in the blue economy, direct methods of funding, targeting of priorities and an action plan in order to boost this sector by 2020, including specific ideas on cooperation mechanisms and investment in infrastructure;

| 4. | Urges the Member States to carry out an analysis and quantification of the extent of their existent blue economy activities and calls for the development of a strategy which should bring together initiatives on all maritime-related sectors; calls on the Commission to carry out a census of the numerous projects that it has financed in the past that were relevant to the blue economy and to launch a comprehensive study on the importance and weight of the blue economy; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Urges the Member States to carry out an analysis and quantification of the extent of their existent blue economy activities and calls for the development of a strategy which should bring together initiatives on all maritime-related sectors; calls on the Commission to carry out a census of the numerous projects that it has financed in the past that were relevant to the blue economy and to launch a comprehensive study on the importance and weight of the blue economy;

| 5. | Underlines that seas and oceans are already under considerable anthropic pressure and are suffering the related consequences (pollution, environment and climate change, overexploitation of resources, overfishing, etc.), but that seas and oceans still retain important ecosystem reserves that are inaccessible and thus intact; believes that the blue economy should therefore consider protecting, restoring and maintaining seas’ and oceans’ ecosystems, biodiversity, resilience and productivity, including the services associated with marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning; believes that the precautionary principle and the ecosystem approach should be at the core of the blue economy; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Underlines that seas and oceans are already under considerable anthropic pressure and are suffering the related consequences (pollution, environment and climate change, overexploitation of resources, overfishing, etc.), but that seas and oceans still retain important ecosystem reserves that are inaccessible and thus intact; believes that the blue economy should therefore consider protecting, restoring and maintaining seas’ and oceans’ ecosystems, biodiversity, resilience and productivity, including the services associated with marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning; believes that the precautionary principle and the ecosystem approach should be at the core of the blue economy;

| 6. | Stresses the important role of new technology in counteracting the degradation of marine ecosystems and stresses the links between the blue economy and the green economy, especially with regard to innovative methods to clean up the seas, including recycling of environmentally-damaging plastic in a cost-effective manner; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Stresses the important role of new technology in counteracting the degradation of marine ecosystems and stresses the links between the blue economy and the green economy, especially with regard to innovative methods to clean up the seas, including recycling of environmentally-damaging plastic in a cost-effective manner;

| 7. | Points out that a better understanding of the seas and oceans, including the seabed and sea life, along with environmental impact assessments, will make it possible to exploit marine resources sustainably, improving the scientific foundations on which the EU’s various maritime policies are based; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Points out that a better understanding of the seas and oceans, including the seabed and sea life, along with environmental impact assessments, will make it possible to exploit marine resources sustainably, improving the scientific foundations on which the EU’s various maritime policies are based;

| 8. | Calls on the Commission, in close coordination with Member States (following the completion of the abovementioned scientific analysis and census), to gauge the financing needs of the blue economy (at sectoral, regional, national and European level) with a view to realising its sustainable growth, development and job-creating potential, with a particular focus on regions which are highly dependent on fishing and taking particular account of start-ups, SMEs and family businesses; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the Commission, in close coordination with Member States (following the completion of the abovementioned scientific analysis and census), to gauge the financing needs of the blue economy (at sectoral, regional, national and European level) with a view to realising its sustainable growth, development and job-creating potential, with a particular focus on regions which are highly dependent on fishing and taking particular account of start-ups, SMEs and family businesses;

| 9. | Stresses that the sustainable development of the blue economy requires greater investment in knowledge and research; deplores the short- and long-term impact that cuts in public R&D investment are having on national research programmes; takes the view that, in order to improve understanding of the marine environment and its economic potential, the EU and the Member States must provide substantial funding under arrangements making for continuity and predictability over the long term, while not jeopardising the financing of already existing and running programmes; |
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9.

Stresses that the sustainable development of the blue economy requires greater investment in knowledge and research; deplores the short- and long-term impact that cuts in public R&D investment are having on national research programmes; takes the view that, in order to improve understanding of the marine environment and its economic potential, the EU and the Member States must provide substantial funding under arrangements making for continuity and predictability over the long term, while not jeopardising the financing of already existing and running programmes;

| 10. | Urges the Commission to encourage the compilation of periodic, up-to-date scientific data on the state of marine populations both within and outside of EU waters in collaboration with other international organisations; reiterates the multi-disciplinary nature of marine and maritime research and stresses the importance of supporting a cross-cutting endeavour which affects the various sectors and disciplines of marine and maritime research; |
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10.

Urges the Commission to encourage the compilation of periodic, up-to-date scientific data on the state of marine populations both within and outside of EU waters in collaboration with other international organisations; reiterates the multi-disciplinary nature of marine and maritime research and stresses the importance of supporting a cross-cutting endeavour which affects the various sectors and disciplines of marine and maritime research;

| 11. | Urges that clear-cut objectives and time frames be laid down with a view to making data — whether relating to the sea floor or to the water column and living resources — transparent, more accessible and fully interoperable and harmonised; calls for information about seas and oceans to be supplied to the public, with a view to fostering innovation, while ensuring that funds are not wasted and projects are not duplicated; believes that investing in data acquisition projects will also contribute to productivity and increased innovation; |
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11.

Urges that clear-cut objectives and time frames be laid down with a view to making data — whether relating to the sea floor or to the water column and living resources — transparent, more accessible and fully interoperable and harmonised; calls for information about seas and oceans to be supplied to the public, with a view to fostering innovation, while ensuring that funds are not wasted and projects are not duplicated; believes that investing in data acquisition projects will also contribute to productivity and increased innovation;

| 12. | Calls for the findings of publicly funded research to be placed in the public domain for non-commercial uses (safeguarding data of strategic importance to Member States) and for that principle to be binding on partners in EU research programmes; calls for the provision of open access to the data supporting the results of said research; calls for an EU initiative to encourage private companies in the maritime sector to share economically insensitive data for research purposes and urges the Commission to set up the Horizon 2020 research information platform as quickly as possible; |
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12.

Calls for the findings of publicly funded research to be placed in the public domain for non-commercial uses (safeguarding data of strategic importance to Member States) and for that principle to be binding on partners in EU research programmes; calls for the provision of open access to the data supporting the results of said research; calls for an EU initiative to encourage private companies in the maritime sector to share economically insensitive data for research purposes and urges the Commission to set up the Horizon 2020 research information platform as quickly as possible;

| 13. | Calls for the European Marine Data and Observation Network (EMODnet) project to explicitly include the survey of data relating to cumulative impacts, marine litter, marine noise and dissolvable endocrine disruptors in its human impact section; |
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13.

Calls for the European Marine Data and Observation Network (EMODnet) project to explicitly include the survey of data relating to cumulative impacts, marine litter, marine noise and dissolvable endocrine disruptors in its human impact section;

| 14. | Rejects the cuts in the budget for the Horizon 2020 research framework programme proposed by the Commission; |
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14.

Rejects the cuts in the budget for the Horizon 2020 research framework programme proposed by the Commission;

| 15. | Urges the Commission to bring regular assessment to bear on the implementation of the Horizon 2020 programme in fields related to the blue economy and to publicise the findings; supports the establishment of a specific partnership for the maritime industry under the framework of Horizon 2020 and calls for it to be included in the work programme of Horizon 2020 for 2016-2017; considers that more efforts should be made to improve the link between research and industry in the development of new products and processes, growth and jobs; |
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15.

Urges the Commission to bring regular assessment to bear on the implementation of the Horizon 2020 programme in fields related to the blue economy and to publicise the findings; supports the establishment of a specific partnership for the maritime industry under the framework of Horizon 2020 and calls for it to be included in the work programme of Horizon 2020 for 2016-2017; considers that more efforts should be made to improve the link between research and industry in the development of new products and processes, growth and jobs;

| 16. | Points out that the Member States and regional authorities have a key role to play in developing the blue economy and urges the Commission to support and encourage all forms of cooperation between Member States and regional authorities (addressing current shortcomings in this domain), for example joint programming initiatives, while also involving maritime clusters, the fisheries sector and local communities; stresses the role of macro-regional strategies as a way of addressing shared challenges and exploiting joint opportunities (e.g. the Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region) and calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue to build on successful regional research projects (e.g. BONUS); |
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16.

Points out that the Member States and regional authorities have a key role to play in developing the blue economy and urges the Commission to support and encourage all forms of cooperation between Member States and regional authorities (addressing current shortcomings in this domain), for example joint programming initiatives, while also involving maritime clusters, the fisheries sector and local communities; stresses the role of macro-regional strategies as a way of addressing shared challenges and exploiting joint opportunities (e.g. the Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region) and calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue to build on successful regional research projects (e.g. BONUS);

| 17. | Calls for cooperation and partnerships between Member States to contribute to targeting more effectively the funding available through EU and national instruments; stresses that, when targeting priorities, the direct impact of funding on, and direct input to, the blue economy should be taken into account; |
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17.

Calls for cooperation and partnerships between Member States to contribute to targeting more effectively the funding available through EU and national instruments; stresses that, when targeting priorities, the direct impact of funding on, and direct input to, the blue economy should be taken into account;

| 18. | Underlines the interest of Member States in expanding cooperation with Southern Mediterranean countries and invites Member States to consider the blue economy as an additional field of cooperation; encourages forms of cooperation with non-EU countries (e.g. Union for the Mediterranean, Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation) and calls on the Commission to include support for the development of a sustainable blue economy as an objective of EU development policy; |
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18.

Underlines the interest of Member States in expanding cooperation with Southern Mediterranean countries and invites Member States to consider the blue economy as an additional field of cooperation; encourages forms of cooperation with non-EU countries (e.g. Union for the Mediterranean, Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation) and calls on the Commission to include support for the development of a sustainable blue economy as an objective of EU development policy;

| 19. | Calls on the Commission to establish favourable regulatory and legal conditions for investing in renewable energy in the blue economy, and to bring forward a clear and stable framework of support for research, businesses and government that will allow for increased investment in innovative projects to develop renewable energy; |
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19.

Calls on the Commission to establish favourable regulatory and legal conditions for investing in renewable energy in the blue economy, and to bring forward a clear and stable framework of support for research, businesses and government that will allow for increased investment in innovative projects to develop renewable energy;

| 20. | Emphasises that the European oceans and seas are very diverse and that it is therefore essential that the Commission does not adopt a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach; draws attention to the need to promote an integrated approach to different sectors of the blue economy, based on common principles such as sustainability, recognising and respecting the specificities and needs of the different regions and the priorities of the different Member States, and supporting them in developing these priorities; |
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20.

Emphasises that the European oceans and seas are very diverse and that it is therefore essential that the Commission does not adopt a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach; draws attention to the need to promote an integrated approach to different sectors of the blue economy, based on common principles such as sustainability, recognising and respecting the specificities and needs of the different regions and the priorities of the different Member States, and supporting them in developing these priorities;

| 21. | Calls on the Commission and its agencies to support Member States in the formulation and implementation of national and regional strategies for the development of the maritime economy; |
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21.

Calls on the Commission and its agencies to support Member States in the formulation and implementation of national and regional strategies for the development of the maritime economy;

| 22. | Draws attention to the negative development and clear deterioration of some of the more traditional sectors of the blue economy (such as fisheries and shipbuilding and repair), especially in areas where they functioned as authentic anchor activities, boosting economic activities either upstream or downstream, creating jobs and promoting development; considers that any EU strategy on the blue economy should not forget these activities and regions, and should highlight the potential of innovation and take advantage of the European know-how (e.g. ship retrofitting) in reversing this decline; |
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22.

Draws attention to the negative development and clear deterioration of some of the more traditional sectors of the blue economy (such as fisheries and shipbuilding and repair), especially in areas where they functioned as authentic anchor activities, boosting economic activities either upstream or downstream, creating jobs and promoting development; considers that any EU strategy on the blue economy should not forget these activities and regions, and should highlight the potential of innovation and take advantage of the European know-how (e.g. ship retrofitting) in reversing this decline;

| 23. | Stresses the importance of sea and maritime research and of stronger cooperation on these sectors among researchers, among Member States and among regions in order to overcome the existing gap between Member States and the geographical concentration in some areas and to boost the competitiveness of coastal areas and the creation of quality and sustainable local jobs; |
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23.

Stresses the importance of sea and maritime research and of stronger cooperation on these sectors among researchers, among Member States and among regions in order to overcome the existing gap between Member States and the geographical concentration in some areas and to boost the competitiveness of coastal areas and the creation of quality and sustainable local jobs;

| 24. | Considers the shortage of qualified professionals in various fields of study and activity — including researchers, engineers, technicians and workers — to be a huge hurdle that could prevent the blue economy from fully realising its potential; maintains that this shortcoming is closely bound up with the growing disengagement and disinvestment by Member States in the spheres of science and education and with the lack of valorisation of existing professionals, especially in those Member States which suffered the most from the economic crisis, and therefore calls for these two trends to be reversed without delay; urges Member States and regional authorities to invest in an ambitious social dimension of blue growth and maritime literacy in order to promote training and access for young people to maritime professions; calls on the Commission and the Member States to support both higher education and professional and continuous training programmes, and to ensure that these programmes incorporate blue economy perspectives; |
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24.

Considers the shortage of qualified professionals in various fields of study and activity — including researchers, engineers, technicians and workers — to be a huge hurdle that could prevent the blue economy from fully realising its potential; maintains that this shortcoming is closely bound up with the growing disengagement and disinvestment by Member States in the spheres of science and education and with the lack of valorisation of existing professionals, especially in those Member States which suffered the most from the economic crisis, and therefore calls for these two trends to be reversed without delay; urges Member States and regional authorities to invest in an ambitious social dimension of blue growth and maritime literacy in order to promote training and access for young people to maritime professions; calls on the Commission and the Member States to support both higher education and professional and continuous training programmes, and to ensure that these programmes incorporate blue economy perspectives;

| 25. | Urges Member States, regional authorities, educational institutions and the industry to coordinate, create synergies and identify cross-cutting research issues in the blue economy area, in order to promote training and access for young people to blue growth related professions; |
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25.

Urges Member States, regional authorities, educational institutions and the industry to coordinate, create synergies and identify cross-cutting research issues in the blue economy area, in order to promote training and access for young people to blue growth related professions;

| 26. | Considers that proper development of the blue economy requires the dignity of the professions associated with it and the creation of quality employment with rights, including health and safety rights for maritime workers, and an awareness of these rights to ensure that the sector remains attractive; furthermore, considers that, as the blue economy has traditionally been and still is very much dominated by men, it is now opportune for the EU to acknowledge that this is the ideal time to entice women into this economic niche; urges the Commission and the Member States to incorporate gender perspectives at all stages of the development of the blue economy and to foster and increase women’s genuine participation therein; |
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26.

Considers that proper development of the blue economy requires the dignity of the professions associated with it and the creation of quality employment with rights, including health and safety rights for maritime workers, and an awareness of these rights to ensure that the sector remains attractive; furthermore, considers that, as the blue economy has traditionally been and still is very much dominated by men, it is now opportune for the EU to acknowledge that this is the ideal time to entice women into this economic niche; urges the Commission and the Member States to incorporate gender perspectives at all stages of the development of the blue economy and to foster and increase women’s genuine participation therein;

| 27. | Urges the Commission to promote the rights of workers and guarantee safe working conditions in all sectors within the blue economy, whether already established or newly emerging; |
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27.

Urges the Commission to promote the rights of workers and guarantee safe working conditions in all sectors within the blue economy, whether already established or newly emerging;

| 28. | Calls on the Commission to gather and analyse data related to maritime careers at all levels (from law to engineering and environmental management, from diving instructors to seamen and maritime technicians) and use such data to explore job opportunities at various levels — traditional, emerging and completely new ones which may come into existence; |
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28.

Calls on the Commission to gather and analyse data related to maritime careers at all levels (from law to engineering and environmental management, from diving instructors to seamen and maritime technicians) and use such data to explore job opportunities at various levels — traditional, emerging and completely new ones which may come into existence;

| 29. | Calls on the Commission to specify all the European funds available to finance blue economy activities and to concentrate them under a single platform accessible to citizens; also calls on the Commission to earmark funding for innovation and blue growth to finance fundamental research, R&D, training, job creation, business start-ups, SMEs, social enterprises, cooperatives, education and apprenticeships, reducing coastal poverty, biotechnological development, transport links, energy interconnectivity, shipbuilding and ship repairs, coastal access to broadband, environmental protection and the sale of innovative products, services and processes; |
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29.

Calls on the Commission to specify all the European funds available to finance blue economy activities and to concentrate them under a single platform accessible to citizens; also calls on the Commission to earmark funding for innovation and blue growth to finance fundamental research, R&D, training, job creation, business start-ups, SMEs, social enterprises, cooperatives, education and apprenticeships, reducing coastal poverty, biotechnological development, transport links, energy interconnectivity, shipbuilding and ship repairs, coastal access to broadband, environmental protection and the sale of innovative products, services and processes;

| 30. | Believes that investment in the blue economy should focus, among others, on ‘eco-innovation’ which does not rely on finite resources, resource efficiency, the circular economy, nature conservation, marine and coastal protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable use of resources (ensuring that their rates of use do not, in the long term, exceed their natural regeneration rates); urges the Commission to incorporate these principles into present and future support programmes; |
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30.

Believes that investment in the blue economy should focus, among others, on ‘eco-innovation’ which does not rely on finite resources, resource efficiency, the circular economy, nature conservation, marine and coastal protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable use of resources (ensuring that their rates of use do not, in the long term, exceed their natural regeneration rates); urges the Commission to incorporate these principles into present and future support programmes;

| 31. | Calls for an appropriate financial framework to be established in order to stimulate innovation, the sustainable development of the blue economy and job creation, combining, coordinating and facilitating the access to the financial instruments available — structural and investment funding (European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF), Cohesion Fund), the research framework programme, the possible creation of a future knowledge and innovation community (KIC) focused on the blue economy, the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and so forth; points out that the instruments should be better geared to the needs of individual stakeholders — public institutions, local authorities, businesses, especially SMEs, non-governmental organisations, etc. — and the opportunities being offered widely publicised; |
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31.

Calls for an appropriate financial framework to be established in order to stimulate innovation, the sustainable development of the blue economy and job creation, combining, coordinating and facilitating the access to the financial instruments available — structural and investment funding (European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF), Cohesion Fund), the research framework programme, the possible creation of a future knowledge and innovation community (KIC) focused on the blue economy, the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and so forth; points out that the instruments should be better geared to the needs of individual stakeholders — public institutions, local authorities, businesses, especially SMEs, non-governmental organisations, etc. — and the opportunities being offered widely publicised;

| 32. | Deeply regrets the programming delays relating to the EMFF in certain Member States; |
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32.

Deeply regrets the programming delays relating to the EMFF in certain Member States;

| 33. | Considers that public investment, especially in some Member States, plays a decisive role in promoting the development and full exploitation of the potential of the blue economy, while not forgetting the role of private investment; emphasises that investment in the blue economy requires a mix of project focuses, from infrastructure projects to diverse, small-scale investments in SMEs, which require additional assistance in accessing funding; |
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33.

Considers that public investment, especially in some Member States, plays a decisive role in promoting the development and full exploitation of the potential of the blue economy, while not forgetting the role of private investment; emphasises that investment in the blue economy requires a mix of project focuses, from infrastructure projects to diverse, small-scale investments in SMEs, which require additional assistance in accessing funding;

| 34. | Emphasises that the onshore industries which support the offshore blue economy are the vital link to ensuring marine innovation and calls on the Commission to provide for greater support for these onshore industries; |
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34.

Emphasises that the onshore industries which support the offshore blue economy are the vital link to ensuring marine innovation and calls on the Commission to provide for greater support for these onshore industries;

| 35. | Urges the Commission to support the efforts of Member States to promote smart specialisation strategies with a view to creating and exploiting value chains linked to the many and varied blue economy activities; considers that the development of clusters or ‘hyperclusters’ implies that Member States must play an active role in fostering synergies within and between sectors; considers that strategies for maritime research and technological development could pilot at first and hence serve for the wider blue economy as a best practice example; |
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35.

Urges the Commission to support the efforts of Member States to promote smart specialisation strategies with a view to creating and exploiting value chains linked to the many and varied blue economy activities; considers that the development of clusters or ‘hyperclusters’ implies that Member States must play an active role in fostering synergies within and between sectors; considers that strategies for maritime research and technological development could pilot at first and hence serve for the wider blue economy as a best practice example;

| 36. | Considers that the implementation of strategies, plans and programmes, as well as specific national legislation, may provide a political and institutional framework which is more favourable to the development of the blue economy in the various Member States; stresses that these strategies, plans and programmes, together with specific national legislation, should contribute to harmonious and sustainable interaction between human activities and the marine and coastal environment; stresses the importance of maritime spatial planning for the sustainable and coordinated development of maritime activities, taking all concerned sectors’ interests into account in an equitable manner, as well as land-sea interactions and Integrated Coastal Zone Management; recalls the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Integrated Maritime Policy at EU and sea-basin levels; |
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36.

Considers that the implementation of strategies, plans and programmes, as well as specific national legislation, may provide a political and institutional framework which is more favourable to the development of the blue economy in the various Member States; stresses that these strategies, plans and programmes, together with specific national legislation, should contribute to harmonious and sustainable interaction between human activities and the marine and coastal environment; stresses the importance of maritime spatial planning for the sustainable and coordinated development of maritime activities, taking all concerned sectors’ interests into account in an equitable manner, as well as land-sea interactions and Integrated Coastal Zone Management; recalls the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Integrated Maritime Policy at EU and sea-basin levels;

| 37. | Draws attention to the importance of public or majority-owned state companies in areas such as merchant shipping, port management, the shipping industry and maritime and coastal defence works; rejects the vision that tends only to focus on the private sector and believes that the strengthening and modernisation of the public sector can be an important driving force behind the promotion of the blue economy; |
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37.

Draws attention to the importance of public or majority-owned state companies in areas such as merchant shipping, port management, the shipping industry and maritime and coastal defence works; rejects the vision that tends only to focus on the private sector and believes that the strengthening and modernisation of the public sector can be an important driving force behind the promotion of the blue economy;

| 38. | Believes that in order to ensure sustainable development of the blue economy a better integration and coordination of efforts and competencies should be pursued at EU level, with cohesive and coherent actions; calls for the need to bring together the relevant agencies and dispersed competencies that already exist under an existing agency having maritime competencies, as a way of strengthening coordination, cooperation and support to Member States in the development and full use of the blue economy’s potential; |
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38.

Believes that in order to ensure sustainable development of the blue economy a better integration and coordination of efforts and competencies should be pursued at EU level, with cohesive and coherent actions; calls for the need to bring together the relevant agencies and dispersed competencies that already exist under an existing agency having maritime competencies, as a way of strengthening coordination, cooperation and support to Member States in the development and full use of the blue economy’s potential;

| 39. | Considers that coastal and island communities should be fully involved at every stage in the development of the blue economy, this being a sine qua non for realising its potential in terms of innovation, jobs, prosperity and sustainable development; acknowledges the potential and the need for innovative solutions regarding floating city expansion; |
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39.

Considers that coastal and island communities should be fully involved at every stage in the development of the blue economy, this being a sine qua non for realising its potential in terms of innovation, jobs, prosperity and sustainable development; acknowledges the potential and the need for innovative solutions regarding floating city expansion;

| 40. | Acknowledges the diversity and particularity of coastal and island communities and calls for the adoption of exceptional measures in order to efficiently promote the development of the blue economy in these areas by alleviating investment barriers and creating favourable conditions for growth; |
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40.

Acknowledges the diversity and particularity of coastal and island communities and calls for the adoption of exceptional measures in order to efficiently promote the development of the blue economy in these areas by alleviating investment barriers and creating favourable conditions for growth;

Sector-based approaches

| 41. | Calls for more active support for modernisation and sustainable development of the fisheries sector and processing of fishery products, aiming at the creation of higher value added, laying emphasis on small-scale fisheries and seeking to make fishing gear more selective, reduce energy consumption and reduce the environmental impact of fishing, in addition to providing more effective ways to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing; recalls that mapping and classification of resource habitats are essential for the establishment of a viable, sustainable and well managed fisheries sector; maintains that scientific fisheries-related data forming a basis for political decision-taking should be made public in their entirety; |
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41.

Calls for more active support for modernisation and sustainable development of the fisheries sector and processing of fishery products, aiming at the creation of higher value added, laying emphasis on small-scale fisheries and seeking to make fishing gear more selective, reduce energy consumption and reduce the environmental impact of fishing, in addition to providing more effective ways to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing; recalls that mapping and classification of resource habitats are essential for the establishment of a viable, sustainable and well managed fisheries sector; maintains that scientific fisheries-related data forming a basis for political decision-taking should be made public in their entirety;

| 42. | Calls on the Commission to take the necessary steps to strengthen the role of fisheries development groups within the new CFP, providing them with more resources so that they can press ahead in order to develop their role and promote such interterritorial cooperation; |
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42.

Calls on the Commission to take the necessary steps to strengthen the role of fisheries development groups within the new CFP, providing them with more resources so that they can press ahead in order to develop their role and promote such interterritorial cooperation;

| 43. | Advocates the need for cultural and natural attractions to be identified and promoted; stresses the role of ‘no-go’ zones to help pristine areas survive and over-exploited areas of seabed to regenerate, and thus contribute to the future sustainability of our seas; |
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43.

Advocates the need for cultural and natural attractions to be identified and promoted; stresses the role of ‘no-go’ zones to help pristine areas survive and over-exploited areas of seabed to regenerate, and thus contribute to the future sustainability of our seas;

| 44. | Considers that the sustainable development of European aquaculture requires stronger support for scientific research and technological development related to the breeding of new species, especially indigenous species, ensuring sustainable sourcing of feed, avoiding escapes, minimising biodiversity impacts and reducing the impact of chemicals and medicine use, as well as in the field of the development of new or significantly improved products, in order to enable production and the supply of foodstuffs to be diversified and their quality enhanced while raising the level of environmental safety; points out that accurate knowledge of bathymetry and seabed composition are essential in the selection of the most appropriate sites for the expansion of the local aquaculture industry, in estimating their carrying capacity and in modelling pollution arising from aquaculture activities; |
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44.

Considers that the sustainable development of European aquaculture requires stronger support for scientific research and technological development related to the breeding of new species, especially indigenous species, ensuring sustainable sourcing of feed, avoiding escapes, minimising biodiversity impacts and reducing the impact of chemicals and medicine use, as well as in the field of the development of new or significantly improved products, in order to enable production and the supply of foodstuffs to be diversified and their quality enhanced while raising the level of environmental safety; points out that accurate knowledge of bathymetry and seabed composition are essential in the selection of the most appropriate sites for the expansion of the local aquaculture industry, in estimating their carrying capacity and in modelling pollution arising from aquaculture activities;

| 45. | Advocates the integration of environmental and wider sustainability criteria into production standards and labelling, to reward responsible producers and to enable consumers to make better informed choices as this sector expands; calls for proper regulation related to aquaculture and for measures to mitigate alteration of water quality; calls for support for the transition from conventional aquaculture production methods to organic aquaculture; |
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45.

Advocates the integration of environmental and wider sustainability criteria into production standards and labelling, to reward responsible producers and to enable consumers to make better informed choices as this sector expands; calls for proper regulation related to aquaculture and for measures to mitigate alteration of water quality; calls for support for the transition from conventional aquaculture production methods to organic aquaculture;

| 46. | Believes that, for reasons to do with energy consumption and technical ease of conversion into liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), merchant and fluvial shipping, compared with other ways of carrying goods, is increasingly assuming decisive importance; calls for resources to be channelled in order to support innovation in this sector with a view to improving energy efficiency, diversifying primary energy sources, and reducing noxious emissions; |
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46.

Believes that, for reasons to do with energy consumption and technical ease of conversion into liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), merchant and fluvial shipping, compared with other ways of carrying goods, is increasingly assuming decisive importance; calls for resources to be channelled in order to support innovation in this sector with a view to improving energy efficiency, diversifying primary energy sources, and reducing noxious emissions;

| 47. | Reiterates the need to take immediate action with regard to maritime transport in terms of efficiency improvements and speeding up the decarbonisation of the sector, and that the development and use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), as a cleaner transitional fuel, should be encouraged for this sector; |
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47.

Reiterates the need to take immediate action with regard to maritime transport in terms of efficiency improvements and speeding up the decarbonisation of the sector, and that the development and use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), as a cleaner transitional fuel, should be encouraged for this sector;

| 48. | Points to the strategic importance of shipbuilding and ship-repairing and their links to other sectors — including the steel industry, merchant shipping, fisheries, and cruise tourism; considers that a commitment to technological innovation and a high degree of specialisation, which could lead to gains in added value, could create contexts less exposed to international competition by aspiring towards a reverse in the downturn that the sector has been undergoing; maintains that specific support should be provided to revitalise and modernise the European shipbuilding and special steels industries in their different forms; |
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48.

Points to the strategic importance of shipbuilding and ship-repairing and their links to other sectors — including the steel industry, merchant shipping, fisheries, and cruise tourism; considers that a commitment to technological innovation and a high degree of specialisation, which could lead to gains in added value, could create contexts less exposed to international competition by aspiring towards a reverse in the downturn that the sector has been undergoing; maintains that specific support should be provided to revitalise and modernise the European shipbuilding and special steels industries in their different forms;

| 49. | Calls on the Commission to fully re-examine its policy towards the European shipbuilding industry and strongly endorses special aid intended for the restart and modernisation of shipbuilding in Europe; |
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49.

Calls on the Commission to fully re-examine its policy towards the European shipbuilding industry and strongly endorses special aid intended for the restart and modernisation of shipbuilding in Europe;

| 50. | Believes that there should be a stronger focus on the role of the sea in tourism and on its sustainability; notes that European sea and coastal tourism is facing competition from third countries; points out that the EU should capitalise on its cultural richness to offer sustainable and high quality maritime and coastal tourism services; considers that cultural heritage and maritime and coastal tourism can play a distinctive role in attracting more consumers and businesses by diversifying the tourism offer; emphasises the positive contribution of cultural heritage, sea and coastal tourism to Europe’s goals of sustainable economic growth and job creation; calls for increased support for SMEs, which constitute the vast majority of the aqua tourism sector, in ensuring that existing and new jobs are sustainable, high quality, and all year round; |
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50.

Believes that there should be a stronger focus on the role of the sea in tourism and on its sustainability; notes that European sea and coastal tourism is facing competition from third countries; points out that the EU should capitalise on its cultural richness to offer sustainable and high quality maritime and coastal tourism services; considers that cultural heritage and maritime and coastal tourism can play a distinctive role in attracting more consumers and businesses by diversifying the tourism offer; emphasises the positive contribution of cultural heritage, sea and coastal tourism to Europe’s goals of sustainable economic growth and job creation; calls for increased support for SMEs, which constitute the vast majority of the aqua tourism sector, in ensuring that existing and new jobs are sustainable, high quality, and all year round;

| 51. | Emphasises the importance of promoting socially, economically and environmentally sustainable forms of tourism that can constitute a significant source of added value for maritime areas; |
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51.

Emphasises the importance of promoting socially, economically and environmentally sustainable forms of tourism that can constitute a significant source of added value for maritime areas;

| 52. | Believes that it is imperative that underwater cultural heritage is given its due importance within the blue economy, particularly since underwater cultural heritage can teach present-day societies about past exploitation of the sea, and about human reactions to climate change and sea-level rises among others, and also since underwater cultural heritage is a resource for tourism; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Believes that it is imperative that underwater cultural heritage is given its due importance within the blue economy, particularly since underwater cultural heritage can teach present-day societies about past exploitation of the sea, and about human reactions to climate change and sea-level rises among others, and also since underwater cultural heritage is a resource for tourism;

| 53. | Stresses the fact that while the EU remains a global leader in the blue economy, international competition in this sector is fierce and only a global level playing field can further secure sustainable growth and European job creation in this complex sector; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Stresses the fact that while the EU remains a global leader in the blue economy, international competition in this sector is fierce and only a global level playing field can further secure sustainable growth and European job creation in this complex sector;

| 54. | Considers that studies on the degradation of coastal systems (pollution and loss of biodiversity), ecosystem resilience and restoration, coastal erosion, mitigation of its causes and maritime works to protect the coastline (including natural-based solutions such as Green Infrastructures) are key blue economy areas that are becoming more important in the light of climate change; calls for greater EU support for these areas and flexibility for areas with distinct coastline profile and repeated occurrences of disasters due to coastal erosion; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Considers that studies on the degradation of coastal systems (pollution and loss of biodiversity), ecosystem resilience and restoration, coastal erosion, mitigation of its causes and maritime works to protect the coastline (including natural-based solutions such as Green Infrastructures) are key blue economy areas that are becoming more important in the light of climate change; calls for greater EU support for these areas and flexibility for areas with distinct coastline profile and repeated occurrences of disasters due to coastal erosion;

| 55. | Points out that energy from the seas and oceans has great potential from the point of view of utilising domestic resources, diversifying energy sources and contributing to climate and energy objectives; stresses that renewable marine energies are an industrial sector for the future and draws attention, in this respect, to the importance of developing innovative sources of clean energy and ‘blue’ energy, such as tidal stream energy, wave energy and osmotic energy, as referred to by the Commission in its communication of 20 January 2014 on blue energy; points out that offshore grids between the Member States are of great importance; underlines the need to take into consideration and to further study the carbon capture and storage (CCS) potential; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Points out that energy from the seas and oceans has great potential from the point of view of utilising domestic resources, diversifying energy sources and contributing to climate and energy objectives; stresses that renewable marine energies are an industrial sector for the future and draws attention, in this respect, to the importance of developing innovative sources of clean energy and ‘blue’ energy, such as tidal stream energy, wave energy and osmotic energy, as referred to by the Commission in its communication of 20 January 2014 on blue energy; points out that offshore grids between the Member States are of great importance; underlines the need to take into consideration and to further study the carbon capture and storage (CCS) potential;

| 56. | Stresses that prospection for, and the exploitation of, seas’ and oceans’ energy resources have to allow for technology transfer requirements, especially as regards the training of skilled and highly qualified workers, as well as meeting stringent environmental sustainability criteria; draws attention to the potential multiplier effect of these activities in terms of jobs and related activities, both upstream and downstream; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Stresses that prospection for, and the exploitation of, seas’ and oceans’ energy resources have to allow for technology transfer requirements, especially as regards the training of skilled and highly qualified workers, as well as meeting stringent environmental sustainability criteria; draws attention to the potential multiplier effect of these activities in terms of jobs and related activities, both upstream and downstream;

| 57. | Stresses the important role of new technology, for example in counteracting the degradation of marine ecosystems, or in capturing and storing carbon emissions; calls on the Commission to further analyse how the technology and its accompanying infrastructure to transport CO2 safely and in a cost-effective manner can be applied in an economically viable way; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Stresses the important role of new technology, for example in counteracting the degradation of marine ecosystems, or in capturing and storing carbon emissions; calls on the Commission to further analyse how the technology and its accompanying infrastructure to transport CO2 safely and in a cost-effective manner can be applied in an economically viable way;

| 58. | Points out that the optimal location of power generators to harness blue energy, such as wind, wave or solar energy, ocean currents, osmotic power and thermal energy conversion, can depend on a number of factors, including water depth, seabed conditions, oceanographic characteristics and distance from shore; believes, therefore, that harmonising the data collected in the different national programmes on bathymetry, seabed characteristics or vertical ocean profiles can assist in site selection and licensing policies for renewable energy developments; stresses also that further research into marine energy solutions is a must to be able to develop affordable, cost-effective and resource-efficient energy technology solutions; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Points out that the optimal location of power generators to harness blue energy, such as wind, wave or solar energy, ocean currents, osmotic power and thermal energy conversion, can depend on a number of factors, including water depth, seabed conditions, oceanographic characteristics and distance from shore; believes, therefore, that harmonising the data collected in the different national programmes on bathymetry, seabed characteristics or vertical ocean profiles can assist in site selection and licensing policies for renewable energy developments; stresses also that further research into marine energy solutions is a must to be able to develop affordable, cost-effective and resource-efficient energy technology solutions;

| 59. | Considers that prospection and mining on the continental shelf require uninterrupted State involvement, especially as regards information, the identification of areas off limits from mining, environmental impact assessment, analysing and minimising risks, and the exercise of sovereignty; calls on the Commission to propose and update a non-exhaustive list of maritime activities (e.g. offshore energy production, deep-sea mining, sand and gravel exploitation at sea, etc.) requiring prior environmental and socio-economic impact assessments; calls for attention to be paid to the reuse and recycling of minerals as an alternative option to deep sea mining and the potential offered by these activities for embedding scientific knowledge and development and technology transfer; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Considers that prospection and mining on the continental shelf require uninterrupted State involvement, especially as regards information, the identification of areas off limits from mining, environmental impact assessment, analysing and minimising risks, and the exercise of sovereignty; calls on the Commission to propose and update a non-exhaustive list of maritime activities (e.g. offshore energy production, deep-sea mining, sand and gravel exploitation at sea, etc.) requiring prior environmental and socio-economic impact assessments; calls for attention to be paid to the reuse and recycling of minerals as an alternative option to deep sea mining and the potential offered by these activities for embedding scientific knowledge and development and technology transfer;

| 60. | Advocates a coordinated and strong EU involvement in the International Seabed Authority to ensure an effective and precautionary environmental regulatory framework to prevent adverse impacts of deep-sea mining exploration and exploitation, including Areas of Particular Environmental Interest (APEIs), as well as societal impacts of deep-sea mining and bioprospecting on local communities, and to guarantee full data transparency; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Advocates a coordinated and strong EU involvement in the International Seabed Authority to ensure an effective and precautionary environmental regulatory framework to prevent adverse impacts of deep-sea mining exploration and exploitation, including Areas of Particular Environmental Interest (APEIs), as well as societal impacts of deep-sea mining and bioprospecting on local communities, and to guarantee full data transparency;

| 61. | Considers marine- and ocean-related biotechnology to be a highly diversified sector which, taken as a whole, has immense potential from the point of view of engendering and applying new knowledge and creating new products and processes with high added value (new materials, foods, pharmaceutical ingredients, etc.); draws attention to the education and training requirements related to this sector, implying a need for Member States to shoulder a large measure of responsibility together with the private sector, and for international cooperation to be pursued on a similarly comprehensive scale; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Considers marine- and ocean-related biotechnology to be a highly diversified sector which, taken as a whole, has immense potential from the point of view of engendering and applying new knowledge and creating new products and processes with high added value (new materials, foods, pharmaceutical ingredients, etc.); draws attention to the education and training requirements related to this sector, implying a need for Member States to shoulder a large measure of responsibility together with the private sector, and for international cooperation to be pursued on a similarly comprehensive scale;

| 62. | Stresses the importance of social dialogue and considers that all the social partners involved in the blue economy should be represented; highlights the importance of stakeholder consultations on the development of the blue economy in general, including consultations with civil society and regional and local authorities; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Stresses the importance of social dialogue and considers that all the social partners involved in the blue economy should be represented; highlights the importance of stakeholder consultations on the development of the blue economy in general, including consultations with civil society and regional and local authorities;

| 63. | Strongly supports the Commission’s initiative included in its communication to promote a Skills Alliance and a Knowledge Innovation Centre on Blue Economy; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Strongly supports the Commission’s initiative included in its communication to promote a Skills Alliance and a Knowledge Innovation Centre on Blue Economy;

| 64. | Believes that a maritime safety ‘Erika IV’ package should be launched to prevent further major maritime disasters; considers that this package should recognise the ecological damage to marine waters in European legislation; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Believes that a maritime safety ‘Erika IV’ package should be launched to prevent further major maritime disasters; considers that this package should recognise the ecological damage to marine waters in European legislation;

| 65. | Highlights the need to increase civil society’s awareness of the sea’s importance as an economic, cultural and social resource and the role of research and dialogue in reaching integrated sustainability between stakeholders and citizens; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Highlights the need to increase civil society’s awareness of the sea’s importance as an economic, cultural and social resource and the role of research and dialogue in reaching integrated sustainability between stakeholders and citizens;

| 66. | Feels that seas and coastlines are a valuable resource that should form one of the pillars of the EU’s industrial renaissance policy; points out that steps should be taken towards revitalising blue industry while supporting the cohesiveness of the European economy and sustainable development, particularly in those regions where this potential has been marginalised as a result of the processes of globalisation; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Feels that seas and coastlines are a valuable resource that should form one of the pillars of the EU’s industrial renaissance policy; points out that steps should be taken towards revitalising blue industry while supporting the cohesiveness of the European economy and sustainable development, particularly in those regions where this potential has been marginalised as a result of the processes of globalisation;

| 67. | Takes the view that the exchange of information and best practice could contribute to the sector’s rapid and sustainable development; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Takes the view that the exchange of information and best practice could contribute to the sector’s rapid and sustainable development;

o

o o

| 68. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, and to the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

68.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 135.

(2)  OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19.

(3)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0300.

(4)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0438.

(5)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0178.

(6)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 104.

(7)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 174.

(8)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 892.

(9)  OJ C 12, 15.1.2015, p. 93.

(10)  OJ C 19, 21.1.2015, p. 24.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/76 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/76

---

P8_TA(2015)0292

Promoting youth entrepreneurship through education and training

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on promoting youth entrepreneurship through education and training (2015/2006(INI))

(2017/C 316/07)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Articles 165 and 166 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 165 and 166 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in particular Article 14 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in particular Article 14 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 12 December 2014 on entrepreneurship in education and training (1), |
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—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 12 December 2014 on entrepreneurship in education and training (1),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 20 May 2014 on promoting youth entrepreneurship to foster social inclusion of young people (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 20 May 2014 on promoting youth entrepreneurship to foster social inclusion of young people (2),

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 12 May 2009 on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (‘ET 2020’) (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 12 May 2009 on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (‘ET 2020’) (3),

| — | having regard to the Council recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council recommendation of 22 April 2013 on establishing a Youth Guarantee (4),

| — | having regard to the Council recommendation of 20 December 2012 on the validation of non-formal and informal learning (5), |
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—

having regard to the Council recommendation of 20 December 2012 on the validation of non-formal and informal learning (5),

| — | having regard to the Council recommendation of 28 June 2011 entitled ‘Youth on the Move — promoting the learning mobility of young people’ (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council recommendation of 28 June 2011 entitled ‘Youth on the Move — promoting the learning mobility of young people’ (6),

| — | having regard to the Council resolution of 27 November 2009 on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (2010-2018) (7), |
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—

having regard to the Council resolution of 27 November 2009 on a renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (2010-2018) (7),

| — | having regard to Recommendation 2006/962/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning (8), |
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—

having regard to Recommendation 2006/962/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning (8),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 19 June 2013 entitled ‘Working together for Europe’s young people: A call to action on youth unemployment’ (COM(2013)0447), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 19 June 2013 entitled ‘Working together for Europe’s young people: A call to action on youth unemployment’ (COM(2013)0447),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 9 January 2013 entitled ‘Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan: Reigniting the entrepreneurial spirit in Europe’ (COM(2012)0795), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 9 January 2013 entitled ‘Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan: Reigniting the entrepreneurial spirit in Europe’ (COM(2012)0795),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 20 November 2012 entitled ‘Rethinking Education: Investing in skills for better socio-economic outcomes’ (COM(2012)0669), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 20 November 2012 entitled ‘Rethinking Education: Investing in skills for better socio-economic outcomes’ (COM(2012)0669),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 20 December 2011 entitled ‘Education and Training in a smart, sustainable and inclusive Europe’ (COM(2011)0902), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 20 December 2011 entitled ‘Education and Training in a smart, sustainable and inclusive Europe’ (COM(2011)0902),

| — | having regard to the Commission report of 28 January 2015 entitled ‘Entrepreneurship Education: A road to success’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission report of 28 January 2015 entitled ‘Entrepreneurship Education: A road to success’,

| — | having regard to the Commission Social Europe guide of March 2013 on ‘Social Economy and Social Enterprises’ (ISBN: 978-92-79-26866-3), |
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—

having regard to the Commission Social Europe guide of March 2013 on ‘Social Economy and Social Enterprises’ (ISBN: 978-92-79-26866-3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 28 April 2015 on follow-up on the implementation of the Bologna Process (9), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 28 April 2015 on follow-up on the implementation of the Bologna Process (9),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 11 September 2012 on Education, Training and Europe 2020 (10), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 11 September 2012 on Education, Training and Europe 2020 (10),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 1 December 2011 on tackling early school leaving (11), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 1 December 2011 on tackling early school leaving (11),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 May 2011 on early years learning in the European Union (12), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 12 May 2011 on early years learning in the European Union (12),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 18 May 2010 on key competences for a changing world: implementation of the Education and Training 2010 work programme (13), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 18 May 2010 on key competences for a changing world: implementation of the Education and Training 2010 work programme (13),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 18 December 2008 on delivering lifelong learning for knowledge, creativity and innovation — implementation of the ‘Education & Training 2010 work programme’ (14), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 18 December 2008 on delivering lifelong learning for knowledge, creativity and innovation — implementation of the ‘Education & Training 2010 work programme’ (14),

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

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education and the opinion of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0239/2015), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education and the opinion of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0239/2015),

| A. | whereas youth entrepreneurship needs to be an important integral part of the political strategy to support today’s generation of youth in terms of EU goals for growth, employment, education and social inclusion and to reduce youth unemployment in the EU; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas youth entrepreneurship needs to be an important integral part of the political strategy to support today’s generation of youth in terms of EU goals for growth, employment, education and social inclusion and to reduce youth unemployment in the EU;

| B. | whereas entrepreneurship should be understood in its broader sense as the ability to turn ideas into actions; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas entrepreneurship should be understood in its broader sense as the ability to turn ideas into actions;

| C. | whereas in February 2015, 4,85 million young people were unemployed in the EU-28, which is unacceptably high, and although youth unemployment is diminishing — it has decreased by 494 000 compared with February 2014 — this is taking place at too slow a pace; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas in February 2015, 4,85 million young people were unemployed in the EU-28, which is unacceptably high, and although youth unemployment is diminishing — it has decreased by 494 000 compared with February 2014 — this is taking place at too slow a pace;

| D. | having regard to the high rates of youth unemployment and to the fact that the fiscal consolidation of the Member States mainly affected by the crisis should not be carried out at the expense of jobs occupied by young people; whereas, as a result of such high youth unemployment, young people are experiencing increased levels of poverty and social exclusion, especially in the case of those from disadvantaged and vulnerable groups; recognises and welcomes, however, the fact that commitments have been made to speed up the delivery of Youth Employment Initiative funds to Member States, but calls for even stronger commitments from the Commission to tackle this serious problem; |
| --- | --- |

D.

having regard to the high rates of youth unemployment and to the fact that the fiscal consolidation of the Member States mainly affected by the crisis should not be carried out at the expense of jobs occupied by young people; whereas, as a result of such high youth unemployment, young people are experiencing increased levels of poverty and social exclusion, especially in the case of those from disadvantaged and vulnerable groups; recognises and welcomes, however, the fact that commitments have been made to speed up the delivery of Youth Employment Initiative funds to Member States, but calls for even stronger commitments from the Commission to tackle this serious problem;

| E. | whereas the gap between education and training and the job market is one of the causes of youth unemployment and of the large number of unfilled vacancies in the EU. and should be addressed also by empowering young people with the key competences, including a sense of initiative and entrepreneurship, that are needed if they are to participate confidently in today’s knowledge-based economy and society; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the gap between education and training and the job market is one of the causes of youth unemployment and of the large number of unfilled vacancies in the EU. and should be addressed also by empowering young people with the key competences, including a sense of initiative and entrepreneurship, that are needed if they are to participate confidently in today’s knowledge-based economy and society;

| F. | whereas the European Union, via the Europe 2020 strategy and its flagship initiatives on ‘New skills and jobs’, ‘Digital Agenda for Europe’, ‘Innovation Union’ and ‘Youth on the move’, as well as its targeted support for women entrepreneurs and disadvantaged and disabled people, promotes the sense of initiative and entrepreneurship by fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and related knowledge, skills and competences that can boost competitiveness and growth which will be smart, sustainable and inclusive; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the European Union, via the Europe 2020 strategy and its flagship initiatives on ‘New skills and jobs’, ‘Digital Agenda for Europe’, ‘Innovation Union’ and ‘Youth on the move’, as well as its targeted support for women entrepreneurs and disadvantaged and disabled people, promotes the sense of initiative and entrepreneurship by fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and related knowledge, skills and competences that can boost competitiveness and growth which will be smart, sustainable and inclusive;

| G. | whereas entrepreneurship is an important driver of economic growth and job creation as it creates new companies and jobs, opens up new markets, strengthens competitiveness, improves productivity and innovation, strengthens European competitiveness and creates wealth, and should therefore be equally accessible for all; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas entrepreneurship is an important driver of economic growth and job creation as it creates new companies and jobs, opens up new markets, strengthens competitiveness, improves productivity and innovation, strengthens European competitiveness and creates wealth, and should therefore be equally accessible for all;

| H. | whereas entrepreneurship, and in particular social entrepreneurship, are important drivers of social cohesion and sustainability that can boost the economy whilst simultaneously alleviating deprivation, social exclusion and other societal problems; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas entrepreneurship, and in particular social entrepreneurship, are important drivers of social cohesion and sustainability that can boost the economy whilst simultaneously alleviating deprivation, social exclusion and other societal problems;

| I. | whereas entrepreneurship and in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the EU economy and represent the most important and primary source of new employment; whereas women’s entrepreneurial potential is an underexploited source of economic growth and jobs; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas entrepreneurship and in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the EU economy and represent the most important and primary source of new employment; whereas women’s entrepreneurial potential is an underexploited source of economic growth and jobs;

| J. | whereas cultures that value and reward entrepreneurship competences and entrepreneurial behaviours such as creativity, innovation, initiative, calculated risk-taking, independent thinking and the identification of opportunities, as well as leadership qualities, promote a propensity to develop new solutions to economic, social and environmental challenges by integrating knowledge components within education that bring together theory and practice, thus diminishing barriers between the business experience and education; whereas it is therefore of paramount importance that these personal competencies are embedded in the educational system and are part of daily life at all levels; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas cultures that value and reward entrepreneurship competences and entrepreneurial behaviours such as creativity, innovation, initiative, calculated risk-taking, independent thinking and the identification of opportunities, as well as leadership qualities, promote a propensity to develop new solutions to economic, social and environmental challenges by integrating knowledge components within education that bring together theory and practice, thus diminishing barriers between the business experience and education; whereas it is therefore of paramount importance that these personal competencies are embedded in the educational system and are part of daily life at all levels;

| K. | whereas in certain Member States business start-ups (of all types, including social entrepreneurship or business for personal profit) are not sufficiently recognised or included as a career path, and there is little support for aspiring entrepreneurs within the educational system; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas in certain Member States business start-ups (of all types, including social entrepreneurship or business for personal profit) are not sufficiently recognised or included as a career path, and there is little support for aspiring entrepreneurs within the educational system;

| L. | whereas young entrepreneurs face numerous challenges and difficulties, including a lack of experience, of the right skills and of access to finance and infrastructure; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas young entrepreneurs face numerous challenges and difficulties, including a lack of experience, of the right skills and of access to finance and infrastructure;

| M. | whereas recent studies suggest that entrepreneurship competences can be learned and that entrepreneurship education, if correctly designed, implemented and accessible for all, can have a very positive impact on people’s lives and employability, as well as on start-up rates and survival rates of enterprises; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas recent studies suggest that entrepreneurship competences can be learned and that entrepreneurship education, if correctly designed, implemented and accessible for all, can have a very positive impact on people’s lives and employability, as well as on start-up rates and survival rates of enterprises;

| N. | whereas in order to lead to robust conclusions, the measurement of the impact of entrepreneurship education must be carried out with a critical approach, as well as being based on sound evidence and relying on established statistical tools and techniques; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas in order to lead to robust conclusions, the measurement of the impact of entrepreneurship education must be carried out with a critical approach, as well as being based on sound evidence and relying on established statistical tools and techniques;

| O. | whereas entrepreneurship education should incorporate a social dimension including teaching about fair trade, social enterprises and alternative business models such as cooperatives, with a view to achieving a social, inclusive and sustainable economy; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas entrepreneurship education should incorporate a social dimension including teaching about fair trade, social enterprises and alternative business models such as cooperatives, with a view to achieving a social, inclusive and sustainable economy;

| P. | whereas an entrepreneurial mindset enhances a young person’s employability, engenders in that person qualities that are essential for overcoming challenges in both professional and private life, and helps prevent an increase in poverty and social exclusion; whereas easier access to microfinance mechanisms can help achieve these goals; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas an entrepreneurial mindset enhances a young person’s employability, engenders in that person qualities that are essential for overcoming challenges in both professional and private life, and helps prevent an increase in poverty and social exclusion; whereas easier access to microfinance mechanisms can help achieve these goals;

| Q. | whereas education and vocational training as a whole are of primordial importance with regard to each individual’s personal development, and therefore have to be both sufficiently broad in order to lay foundations for lifelong development and deepening of knowledge and for the acquisition of transversal skills, and sufficiently practical, thus allowing individuals to have real careers and a valuable professional and private life; whereas there is a direct correlation between the successful combination of these two aspects of education and a reduction in the risk of youth unemployment; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas education and vocational training as a whole are of primordial importance with regard to each individual’s personal development, and therefore have to be both sufficiently broad in order to lay foundations for lifelong development and deepening of knowledge and for the acquisition of transversal skills, and sufficiently practical, thus allowing individuals to have real careers and a valuable professional and private life; whereas there is a direct correlation between the successful combination of these two aspects of education and a reduction in the risk of youth unemployment;

| R. | whereas the spirit and skills of entrepreneurship can be acquired, learned and developed by every individual; whereas each type and level of education corresponds to a specific window of opportunity for building certain skills and capacities for entrepreneurship as part of the general acquirement of key competences; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas the spirit and skills of entrepreneurship can be acquired, learned and developed by every individual; whereas each type and level of education corresponds to a specific window of opportunity for building certain skills and capacities for entrepreneurship as part of the general acquirement of key competences;

| S. | whereas entrepreneurship skills are linked to other sets of skills such as ICT skills, problem-solving skills and financial literacy, which should be promoted; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas entrepreneurship skills are linked to other sets of skills such as ICT skills, problem-solving skills and financial literacy, which should be promoted;

| T. | whereas education and training are of paramount importance in terms of motivation and possibilities for young people to start their own entrepreneurial projects; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas education and training are of paramount importance in terms of motivation and possibilities for young people to start their own entrepreneurial projects;

| U. | whereas education, as a public good, has to be fully inclusive and integrated, placing special emphasis on providing equal access to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas education, as a public good, has to be fully inclusive and integrated, placing special emphasis on providing equal access to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds;

| V. | whereas young people will be better qualified to engage in business on a transnational scale if they are proficient in foreign languages; |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas young people will be better qualified to engage in business on a transnational scale if they are proficient in foreign languages;

| W. | whereas under-represented and disadvantaged groups need special attention and support throughout their education, also by engaging parents and communities in the educational process, as well as requiring help in order to start, run or grow a business or enterprise; |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas under-represented and disadvantaged groups need special attention and support throughout their education, also by engaging parents and communities in the educational process, as well as requiring help in order to start, run or grow a business or enterprise;

| X. | whereas young people benefit from entrepreneurial training and education as well as from practical entrepreneurial experience, which help develop their skills and talent, enabling them to develop confidence, and contribute to the creation of new businesses, employability and innovation; whereas entrepreneurship is a hugely underutilised option for many young people with disabilities; |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas young people benefit from entrepreneurial training and education as well as from practical entrepreneurial experience, which help develop their skills and talent, enabling them to develop confidence, and contribute to the creation of new businesses, employability and innovation; whereas entrepreneurship is a hugely underutilised option for many young people with disabilities;

| Y. | whereas social and inclusive businesses participate actively in innovative sustainable growth, promote greater cohesion within society and local communities, and can create employment opportunities for young people, including those who are socially vulnerable and those furthest from the labour market; |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas social and inclusive businesses participate actively in innovative sustainable growth, promote greater cohesion within society and local communities, and can create employment opportunities for young people, including those who are socially vulnerable and those furthest from the labour market;

| Z. | whereas not enough people follow through on their ideas to set up a business, and there are, disproportionately, even fewer female than male entrepreneurs (even more so in case of women coming from vulnerable social groups and facing double discrimination), and, whilst women entrepreneurs are on average higher educated than male entrepreneurs, they are also more often active in less innovative, less fast-growing sectors, with smaller companies than those of male entrepreneurs; whereas ways to overcome the factors which particularly discourage women from taking up, or benefiting more from, the option of entrepreneurship must be actively promoted (15); |
| --- | --- |

Z.

whereas not enough people follow through on their ideas to set up a business, and there are, disproportionately, even fewer female than male entrepreneurs (even more so in case of women coming from vulnerable social groups and facing double discrimination), and, whilst women entrepreneurs are on average higher educated than male entrepreneurs, they are also more often active in less innovative, less fast-growing sectors, with smaller companies than those of male entrepreneurs; whereas ways to overcome the factors which particularly discourage women from taking up, or benefiting more from, the option of entrepreneurship must be actively promoted (15);

| AA. | whereas chambers of handicrafts, industry and commerce offer targeted programmes in some Member States to support business start-ups; |
| --- | --- |

AA.

whereas chambers of handicrafts, industry and commerce offer targeted programmes in some Member States to support business start-ups;

| AB. | whereas education and training are mainly national competencies and some Member States have yet to develop a cross-cutting policy or a strategic approach to entrepreneurship education or entrepreneurial curricula and teaching methods; whereas not all teachers and education leaders in Europe are sufficiently trained in entrepreneurship education, either through continuous professional development or through their initial training, which might have an impact on the potential for entrepreneurship becoming sufficiently embedded in education systems (16); |
| --- | --- |

AB.

whereas education and training are mainly national competencies and some Member States have yet to develop a cross-cutting policy or a strategic approach to entrepreneurship education or entrepreneurial curricula and teaching methods; whereas not all teachers and education leaders in Europe are sufficiently trained in entrepreneurship education, either through continuous professional development or through their initial training, which might have an impact on the potential for entrepreneurship becoming sufficiently embedded in education systems (16);

| AC. | whereas teachers should be able to liaise with entrepreneurs and define learning objectives in partnership with them, and be provided with the right support and resources, in order to implement learner-centred strategies and adapt their teaching methods to the needs of their vulnerable students; |
| --- | --- |

AC.

whereas teachers should be able to liaise with entrepreneurs and define learning objectives in partnership with them, and be provided with the right support and resources, in order to implement learner-centred strategies and adapt their teaching methods to the needs of their vulnerable students;

| AD. | whereas non-formal and informal learning activities complement and enrich formal learning by offering various kinds of empowering learning experience, and should therefore be recognised as privileged sources for acquiring and developing entrepreneurship competences; |
| --- | --- |

AD.

whereas non-formal and informal learning activities complement and enrich formal learning by offering various kinds of empowering learning experience, and should therefore be recognised as privileged sources for acquiring and developing entrepreneurship competences;

| AE. | whereas formal and informal learning can play a key role in developing and sustaining entrepreneurial skills, especially amongst marginalised groups; |
| --- | --- |

AE.

whereas formal and informal learning can play a key role in developing and sustaining entrepreneurial skills, especially amongst marginalised groups;

| AF. | whereas non-formal and informal learning activities are particularly relevant to young people with fewer opportunities, providing them with an additional source of learning and a possible route into formal education and training; |
| --- | --- |

AF.

whereas non-formal and informal learning activities are particularly relevant to young people with fewer opportunities, providing them with an additional source of learning and a possible route into formal education and training;

| AG. | whereas teaching by experienced entrepreneurs creates a positive image of entrepreneurship and facilitates the step towards entrepreneurship; |
| --- | --- |

AG.

whereas teaching by experienced entrepreneurs creates a positive image of entrepreneurship and facilitates the step towards entrepreneurship;

| AH. | whereas entrepreneurship, including social entrepreneurship, should be integrated in the training of teachers and career advisers; |
| --- | --- |

AH.

whereas entrepreneurship, including social entrepreneurship, should be integrated in the training of teachers and career advisers;

| AI. | whereas national education systems have been evolving at different paces in reaction to changes on the labour market; |
| --- | --- |

AI.

whereas national education systems have been evolving at different paces in reaction to changes on the labour market;

| AJ. | whereas the Erasmus+ programme, which runs from 2014 to 2020, aims to modernise education, training and youth work across Europe and is open to education, training, youth and sports organisations across all sectors of lifelong learning; whereas it will provide opportunities for over 4 million Europeans to study, train, gain work experience and volunteer abroad; |
| --- | --- |

AJ.

whereas the Erasmus+ programme, which runs from 2014 to 2020, aims to modernise education, training and youth work across Europe and is open to education, training, youth and sports organisations across all sectors of lifelong learning; whereas it will provide opportunities for over 4 million Europeans to study, train, gain work experience and volunteer abroad;

| AK. | whereas entrepreneurship already plays a role in the Erasmus+ programme, being one of the expected results of mobility actions; |
| --- | --- |

AK.

whereas entrepreneurship already plays a role in the Erasmus+ programme, being one of the expected results of mobility actions;

| AL. | whereas it is important to promote and encourage mobility of young entrepreneurs, through programmes, such as Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (2009-2015), that enable young entrepreneurs to take part in cross-border exchanges and to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses, as well as creating opportunities to address gender inequalities in entrepreneurship; whereas more funds need to be allocated to such programmes in order to increase young people's participation; |
| --- | --- |

AL.

whereas it is important to promote and encourage mobility of young entrepreneurs, through programmes, such as Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (2009-2015), that enable young entrepreneurs to take part in cross-border exchanges and to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses, as well as creating opportunities to address gender inequalities in entrepreneurship; whereas more funds need to be allocated to such programmes in order to increase young people's participation;

| AM. | whereas younger people are inclined to express a preference for self-employment, and as many as 45 % of young people aged between 15 and 24 say they would prefer to be self-employed (17); |
| --- | --- |

AM.

whereas younger people are inclined to express a preference for self-employment, and as many as 45 % of young people aged between 15 and 24 say they would prefer to be self-employed (17);

| AN. | whereas the business community at local, national and European level could make more considerable contributions in the form of skills-based volunteering, partnerships with educational institutions, and collaboration with policymakers; |
| --- | --- |

AN.

whereas the business community at local, national and European level could make more considerable contributions in the form of skills-based volunteering, partnerships with educational institutions, and collaboration with policymakers;

| AO. | whereas considerable contributions are made by civil society organisations (non-governmental groups such as trade unions, employers’ associations and other social groups), among them the Junior Achievement — Young Enterprise Europe initiative, which provides informal and lifelong entrepreneurship education and training; whereas these contributions stand in need of further recognition, although they may not lead to a certified formal diploma; whereas such contributions are also made by enterprises providing training for themselves; |
| --- | --- |

AO.

whereas considerable contributions are made by civil society organisations (non-governmental groups such as trade unions, employers’ associations and other social groups), among them the Junior Achievement — Young Enterprise Europe initiative, which provides informal and lifelong entrepreneurship education and training; whereas these contributions stand in need of further recognition, although they may not lead to a certified formal diploma; whereas such contributions are also made by enterprises providing training for themselves;

Emphasis on entrepreneurial skills and competences

| 1. | Acknowledges the role of lifelong learning and international mobility as constituting a key measure in Europe’s response to globalisation and the shift to knowledge-based economies; notes, specifically, the importance of the ‘sense of initiative and entrepreneurship’, as included among the eight ‘Key Competences for Lifelong Learning — A European Reference Framework’, considered to be needed by all individuals for personal fulfilment and development, active European citizenship and participation, social inclusion and employment; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Acknowledges the role of lifelong learning and international mobility as constituting a key measure in Europe’s response to globalisation and the shift to knowledge-based economies; notes, specifically, the importance of the ‘sense of initiative and entrepreneurship’, as included among the eight ‘Key Competences for Lifelong Learning — A European Reference Framework’, considered to be needed by all individuals for personal fulfilment and development, active European citizenship and participation, social inclusion and employment;

| 2. | Calls on the Member States to promote entrepreneurial skills for young people through legislative action aimed at ensuring quality traineeships focusing on quality learning and adequate working conditions as tools to foster employability, as put forward by the Council Recommendation on a Quality Framework for Traineeships; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Member States to promote entrepreneurial skills for young people through legislative action aimed at ensuring quality traineeships focusing on quality learning and adequate working conditions as tools to foster employability, as put forward by the Council Recommendation on a Quality Framework for Traineeships;

| 3. | Emphasises the need for a broad and clear definition of the key competence ‘a sense of initiative and entrepreneurship’, which involves fostering an entrepreneurial mindset characterised by proactiveness, creativity, innovation and risk-taking, as well as the ability to plan and manage projects in order to achieve objectives, and even the idea that the individual is aware of the context of his or her work and is able to seize opportunities that arise, with regard to both entrepreneurship and employment activity (in the latter case referred as ‘intrapreneurship’); has faith in the creative industry sectors and enterprises relating to culture, which can highlight business opportunities, especially for young people; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Emphasises the need for a broad and clear definition of the key competence ‘a sense of initiative and entrepreneurship’, which involves fostering an entrepreneurial mindset characterised by proactiveness, creativity, innovation and risk-taking, as well as the ability to plan and manage projects in order to achieve objectives, and even the idea that the individual is aware of the context of his or her work and is able to seize opportunities that arise, with regard to both entrepreneurship and employment activity (in the latter case referred as ‘intrapreneurship’); has faith in the creative industry sectors and enterprises relating to culture, which can highlight business opportunities, especially for young people;

| 4. | Recalls that the creative industries are amongst the most entrepreneurial sectors, developing transferable skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and resourcefulness; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Recalls that the creative industries are amongst the most entrepreneurial sectors, developing transferable skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and resourcefulness;

| 5. | Stresses the need for a broad approach to entrepreneurship as a set of transversal key competences for personal and professional purposes; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Stresses the need for a broad approach to entrepreneurship as a set of transversal key competences for personal and professional purposes;

| 6. | Stresses the importance of organisational monitoring and auditing skills; encourages in particular the development of social and environmental audit, as an innovative monitoring tool; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Stresses the importance of organisational monitoring and auditing skills; encourages in particular the development of social and environmental audit, as an innovative monitoring tool;

| 7. | Is convinced that entrepreneurial skills and competences as well as transversal, cross-sector, occupation-specific and job-specific skills and competences should be promoted in order to increase the rates of youth self-employment and to provide the young generation with a real opportunity to start their own businesses and to help both themselves and society in general; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Is convinced that entrepreneurial skills and competences as well as transversal, cross-sector, occupation-specific and job-specific skills and competences should be promoted in order to increase the rates of youth self-employment and to provide the young generation with a real opportunity to start their own businesses and to help both themselves and society in general;

| 8. | Is convinced that the next step needed is to specify in detail how the key competences framework can be further implemented appropriately at each level of education for entrepreneurship competence, by including entrepreneurship knowledge, skills and attitudes as a learning outcome of each specific educational and apprenticeship programme; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Is convinced that the next step needed is to specify in detail how the key competences framework can be further implemented appropriately at each level of education for entrepreneurship competence, by including entrepreneurship knowledge, skills and attitudes as a learning outcome of each specific educational and apprenticeship programme;

| 9. | Stresses that at all levels and types of education the teaching of practical entrepreneurship skills and the fostering of motivation, sense of initiative and readiness should be provided, along with a sense of social responsibility; believes that modules in basic finance, economics and business environment should be integrated into school curricula, and should be accompanied by mentoring, tutoring and career guidance for students, including disadvantaged learners, in order to underpin and facilitate their understanding of the entrepreneurial process and develop an entrepreneurial mindset; highlights the role of informal and independent learning, including volunteering, in endowing young people with entrepreneurial spirit and skills; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Stresses that at all levels and types of education the teaching of practical entrepreneurship skills and the fostering of motivation, sense of initiative and readiness should be provided, along with a sense of social responsibility; believes that modules in basic finance, economics and business environment should be integrated into school curricula, and should be accompanied by mentoring, tutoring and career guidance for students, including disadvantaged learners, in order to underpin and facilitate their understanding of the entrepreneurial process and develop an entrepreneurial mindset; highlights the role of informal and independent learning, including volunteering, in endowing young people with entrepreneurial spirit and skills;

| 10. | Calls on the Commission to emphasise the importance and role of different forms of social entrepreneurship, which are often a good way for young Europeans to gain initial experience in business; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Calls on the Commission to emphasise the importance and role of different forms of social entrepreneurship, which are often a good way for young Europeans to gain initial experience in business;

| 11. | Emphasises the need to develop innovative pedagogies that are more participative and learner-centred, in order to encourage the acquisition of a set of transversal competences needed for the development of entrepreneurial mindsets; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Emphasises the need to develop innovative pedagogies that are more participative and learner-centred, in order to encourage the acquisition of a set of transversal competences needed for the development of entrepreneurial mindsets;

| 12. | Recommends encouraging entrepreneurship as part of higher education and in alumni projects, also including social entrepreneurship models; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Recommends encouraging entrepreneurship as part of higher education and in alumni projects, also including social entrepreneurship models;

| 13. | Points out that promoting entrepreneurship through education can only succeed in a meaningful way if economic and social aspects appear in a balanced way in educational strategies; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Points out that promoting entrepreneurship through education can only succeed in a meaningful way if economic and social aspects appear in a balanced way in educational strategies;

| 14. | Emphasises that social inclusion and the fight against poverty can succeed notably via social entrepreneurship, which can boost employment, and by setting an entrepreneurial mindset which will be substantially beneficial for disadvantaged people; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Emphasises that social inclusion and the fight against poverty can succeed notably via social entrepreneurship, which can boost employment, and by setting an entrepreneurial mindset which will be substantially beneficial for disadvantaged people;

| 15. | Stresses that dual training and company-sponsored study programmes have proved to be key in imparting the core competences of companies in those Member States where such programmes operate; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Stresses that dual training and company-sponsored study programmes have proved to be key in imparting the core competences of companies in those Member States where such programmes operate;

| 16. | Encourages full engagement and partnership among all stakeholders, and in particular local entrepreneurial organisations, businesses and educational institutions, in order to share best practices and experiences and improve young people’s entrepreneurial skills and education across the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Encourages full engagement and partnership among all stakeholders, and in particular local entrepreneurial organisations, businesses and educational institutions, in order to share best practices and experiences and improve young people’s entrepreneurial skills and education across the Member States;

| 17. | Stresses that a close link between company training and mainstream education is a successful model which should be strengthened and promoted, throughout Europe and beyond; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Stresses that a close link between company training and mainstream education is a successful model which should be strengthened and promoted, throughout Europe and beyond;

| 18. | Calls for closer collaboration with the private sector and the social partners with a view to encouraging a risk-taking, entrepreneurial and innovative culture (e.g. through structural commitments such as facilities for innovation and the exchange of ideas); |
| --- | --- |

18.

Calls for closer collaboration with the private sector and the social partners with a view to encouraging a risk-taking, entrepreneurial and innovative culture (e.g. through structural commitments such as facilities for innovation and the exchange of ideas);

| 19. | Is convinced that the successful deployment of entrepreneurship competence is more and more dependent on accompanying media and digital competence, and that this interrelationship should receive a greater focus in education and training; emphasises the importance of equipping all young people with ICT competences and with transversal and entrepreneurial skills enabling them to fully exploit the potential of the digital world in order to help them create new forms of developing, imparting and promoting entrepreneurship, thus becoming more able to compete for jobs, become self-employed, learn to better understand their prospective employers’ behaviour and needs, and contribute to the innovative and competitive capability of employer organisation; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Is convinced that the successful deployment of entrepreneurship competence is more and more dependent on accompanying media and digital competence, and that this interrelationship should receive a greater focus in education and training; emphasises the importance of equipping all young people with ICT competences and with transversal and entrepreneurial skills enabling them to fully exploit the potential of the digital world in order to help them create new forms of developing, imparting and promoting entrepreneurship, thus becoming more able to compete for jobs, become self-employed, learn to better understand their prospective employers’ behaviour and needs, and contribute to the innovative and competitive capability of employer organisation;

| 20. | Stresses that entrepreneurship competence should be developed and improved by a lifetime approach, including via work experience and non-formal and informal learning, and that its validation should be enhanced and supported since it contributes to career development; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Stresses that entrepreneurship competence should be developed and improved by a lifetime approach, including via work experience and non-formal and informal learning, and that its validation should be enhanced and supported since it contributes to career development;

| 21. | Recognises that a key element in the teaching of entrepreneurship is the proper preparation of teachers, and in particular the urgent need for high-quality training in order to ensure the authenticity of the educational process; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Recognises that a key element in the teaching of entrepreneurship is the proper preparation of teachers, and in particular the urgent need for high-quality training in order to ensure the authenticity of the educational process;

| 22. | Calls on the Member States to combat barriers to young entrepreneurs with disabilities, through the provision of training for service providers whose responsibilities include supporting people with disabilities, and through the adaptation of the premises on which support is provided in order to make them accessible to those with mobility challenges; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Calls on the Member States to combat barriers to young entrepreneurs with disabilities, through the provision of training for service providers whose responsibilities include supporting people with disabilities, and through the adaptation of the premises on which support is provided in order to make them accessible to those with mobility challenges;

| 23. | Notes that promoting cooperation between secondary and tertiary education would allow increased dialogue among young people and encourage innovation; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Notes that promoting cooperation between secondary and tertiary education would allow increased dialogue among young people and encourage innovation;

| 24. | Stresses the need to improve the entrepreneurial culture within tertiary education by supporting and facilitating the creation of new companies by young people on the basis of academic research (spin-offs), reducing the bureaucratic burden involved in establishing such companies, and creating a clear and supportive regulatory framework for student entrepreneurs; considers that, in this context, schools and universities should allow time and space for, and grant recognition of, initiatives by young people so as to give them the necessary confidence to undertake new projects that may prove useful in setting up independent businesses; welcomes initiatives which reward young people for successful business ventures (e.g. an award for the best student company of the year); further emphasises the importance of companies giving young people the chance to obtain their first direct in-house work experience; reiterates the need to promote company visits and traineeship schemes with such objectives, so as to give young people an overview of the business world; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Stresses the need to improve the entrepreneurial culture within tertiary education by supporting and facilitating the creation of new companies by young people on the basis of academic research (spin-offs), reducing the bureaucratic burden involved in establishing such companies, and creating a clear and supportive regulatory framework for student entrepreneurs; considers that, in this context, schools and universities should allow time and space for, and grant recognition of, initiatives by young people so as to give them the necessary confidence to undertake new projects that may prove useful in setting up independent businesses; welcomes initiatives which reward young people for successful business ventures (e.g. an award for the best student company of the year); further emphasises the importance of companies giving young people the chance to obtain their first direct in-house work experience; reiterates the need to promote company visits and traineeship schemes with such objectives, so as to give young people an overview of the business world;

| 25. | Highlights that the business community has a key role to play in entrepreneurship education and training, providing an experienced-based learning that complement youth's theoretical education; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Highlights that the business community has a key role to play in entrepreneurship education and training, providing an experienced-based learning that complement youth's theoretical education;

| 26. | Stresses the crucial role played by various associations of young businesspeople in fostering entrepreneurship among young people, providing them with the opportunity to develop innovative projects and obtain business experience, and giving them the tools and the necessary confidence to set out as entrepreneurs; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Stresses the crucial role played by various associations of young businesspeople in fostering entrepreneurship among young people, providing them with the opportunity to develop innovative projects and obtain business experience, and giving them the tools and the necessary confidence to set out as entrepreneurs;

Role of the EU institutions — coordination, methodology and financial tools

| 27. | Calls on the Council and the Commission, within their respective competences and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity, to develop methodological support and tools to made be available to national education systems in the area of entrepreneurship education and training, including social entrepreneurship, and to follow a coordinated approach calling on the Member States’ public administrations to cooperate more closely with companies in order to disseminate the key factors needed to improve entrepreneurship; calls on the Commission to increase the amount of support for young entrepreneurs under the European Structural and Investment Funds; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Calls on the Council and the Commission, within their respective competences and in full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity, to develop methodological support and tools to made be available to national education systems in the area of entrepreneurship education and training, including social entrepreneurship, and to follow a coordinated approach calling on the Member States’ public administrations to cooperate more closely with companies in order to disseminate the key factors needed to improve entrepreneurship; calls on the Commission to increase the amount of support for young entrepreneurs under the European Structural and Investment Funds;

| 28. | Calls on the Council and Commission to apply a gender perspective in respect of methodology, communication and financial tools, in order to encourage greater engagement in entrepreneurship by girls and young women; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Calls on the Council and Commission to apply a gender perspective in respect of methodology, communication and financial tools, in order to encourage greater engagement in entrepreneurship by girls and young women;

| 29. | Calls on the Commission to establish and boost entrepreneurial traineeships and exchange programmes, in order to give young people opportunities to gain hands-on experience and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Calls on the Commission to establish and boost entrepreneurial traineeships and exchange programmes, in order to give young people opportunities to gain hands-on experience and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience;

| 30. | Calls on the Commission to elaborate a comprehensive strategy for developing transversal skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, initiative, collaboration, cooperation, self-direction, planning, leadership and team-building, at all levels and in all types of education and training, taking into account that they are beneficial for a broad range of occupations and sectors; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Calls on the Commission to elaborate a comprehensive strategy for developing transversal skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, initiative, collaboration, cooperation, self-direction, planning, leadership and team-building, at all levels and in all types of education and training, taking into account that they are beneficial for a broad range of occupations and sectors;

| 31. | Calls on the Commission to increase the focus on improving the development and assessment of transversal skills, including entrepreneurship and digital competence, within the Erasmus+ programme, while underlining that this programme should not be unilaterally oriented towards considerations of employability and that the low-threshold access to entrepreneurial activities should be maintained, particularly in the area of non-formal and informal education; also calls on the Commission to promote education policy reforms in Member States creating a coherent policy framework for Member States and the EU in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Calls on the Commission to increase the focus on improving the development and assessment of transversal skills, including entrepreneurship and digital competence, within the Erasmus+ programme, while underlining that this programme should not be unilaterally oriented towards considerations of employability and that the low-threshold access to entrepreneurial activities should be maintained, particularly in the area of non-formal and informal education; also calls on the Commission to promote education policy reforms in Member States creating a coherent policy framework for Member States and the EU in this regard;

| 32. | Calls on the Commission to support the monitoring of ICT skills, problem-solving skills and financial literacy; calls on the Commission to carry out longitudinal research in this area; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Calls on the Commission to support the monitoring of ICT skills, problem-solving skills and financial literacy; calls on the Commission to carry out longitudinal research in this area;

| 33. | Calls on the Commission to support partnerships between educational institutions and companies via the use of the European Fund for Strategic Investment and, in particular, the European Social Fund, in order to encourage work-based learning in companies and foster entrepreneurship competences at national and local level; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Calls on the Commission to support partnerships between educational institutions and companies via the use of the European Fund for Strategic Investment and, in particular, the European Social Fund, in order to encourage work-based learning in companies and foster entrepreneurship competences at national and local level;

| 34. | Calls on the Commission to support a European Entrepreneurship Education Network, on lines such as those of the European Entrepreneurship Education NETwork (EE-HUB), established in May 2015 and supported by European organizations and other stakeholders at European, national and local levels, as well as by national education authorities, which will gather and exchange best practices to be shared by educational institutions, educational organisations, vocational training institutions, businesses, authorities and social partners; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Calls on the Commission to support a European Entrepreneurship Education Network, on lines such as those of the European Entrepreneurship Education NETwork (EE-HUB), established in May 2015 and supported by European organizations and other stakeholders at European, national and local levels, as well as by national education authorities, which will gather and exchange best practices to be shared by educational institutions, educational organisations, vocational training institutions, businesses, authorities and social partners;

| 35. | Calls on the Commission to ensure coherent and effective coordination in the area of entrepreneurship education in the context of its broader EU lifelong learning strategy, the EU’s global strategies and the Juncker Commission’s plan; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Calls on the Commission to ensure coherent and effective coordination in the area of entrepreneurship education in the context of its broader EU lifelong learning strategy, the EU’s global strategies and the Juncker Commission’s plan;

| 36. | Proposes that the Commission maintain entrepreneurship education and training as one of the objectives of a future Erasmus+ programme in the next financial period (post-2020) in all its actions, including mobility, to contain the following elements:






  (i) | careful assessment of the impact of existing measures promoting entrepreneurship through education and training and potentially adapt them, while paying special attention to the impact on under-represented and disadvantaged groups; |
| --- | --- | --- |

36.

Proposes that the Commission maintain entrepreneurship education and training as one of the objectives of a future Erasmus+ programme in the next financial period (post-2020) in all its actions, including mobility, to contain the following elements:

(i)

careful assessment of the impact of existing measures promoting entrepreneurship through education and training and potentially adapt them, while paying special attention to the impact on under-represented and disadvantaged groups;

| (ii) | promotion of better-defined learning contents and tools for formal and non-formal education targeting all students — both theoretical modules and practical modules, such as student entrepreneurial projects; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

promotion of better-defined learning contents and tools for formal and non-formal education targeting all students — both theoretical modules and practical modules, such as student entrepreneurial projects;

| (iii) | support for the initial qualifications of teachers, educators, youth workers, coaches and education leaders, and their continuing professional development and empowerment in the entrepreneurship education area; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

support for the initial qualifications of teachers, educators, youth workers, coaches and education leaders, and their continuing professional development and empowerment in the entrepreneurship education area;

| (iv) | promotion of partnerships between educational institutions, enterprises, non-profit organisations, regional and local authorities and non-formal education providers, in order to devise suitable courses and provide students with the requisite practical experience and models; |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

promotion of partnerships between educational institutions, enterprises, non-profit organisations, regional and local authorities and non-formal education providers, in order to devise suitable courses and provide students with the requisite practical experience and models;

| (v) | development of skills in the areas of entrepreneurial processes, financial literacy, ICT literacy and skills, creative thinking, creativity, creative utility, problem- solving and an innovative mindset, self-confidence, confidence in one’s ideas, adaptability, team-building, project management, risk assessment and risk-taking, as well as specific business skills and knowledge; |
| --- | --- |

(v)

development of skills in the areas of entrepreneurial processes, financial literacy, ICT literacy and skills, creative thinking, creativity, creative utility, problem- solving and an innovative mindset, self-confidence, confidence in one’s ideas, adaptability, team-building, project management, risk assessment and risk-taking, as well as specific business skills and knowledge;

| (vi) | removal of all the physical and digital obstacles which people with a disability still have to contend with, since their full integration into the job market could be of key importance to the promotion of a sustainable and cohesive business culture; |
| --- | --- |

(vi)

removal of all the physical and digital obstacles which people with a disability still have to contend with, since their full integration into the job market could be of key importance to the promotion of a sustainable and cohesive business culture;

| (vii) | highlighting of non-formal and informal learning as a privileged environment to acquire entrepreneurship competences; |
| --- | --- |

(vii)

highlighting of non-formal and informal learning as a privileged environment to acquire entrepreneurship competences;

| 37. | Calls on the Commission to investigate and address the factors that discourage women from taking up the option of entrepreneurship, whilst specifically promoting access to funding and support services for young female entrepreneurs; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Calls on the Commission to investigate and address the factors that discourage women from taking up the option of entrepreneurship, whilst specifically promoting access to funding and support services for young female entrepreneurs;

| 38. | Calls on the Commission to coordinate and promote the exchange of best practices between Member States; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls on the Commission to coordinate and promote the exchange of best practices between Member States;

| 39. | Calls on the Commission to encourage better cooperation and exchange of good practices between Member States that have already integrated entrepreneurship education into their curricula and have achieved better progress in promoting youth entrepreneurship and those Member States that are still at the beginning of this process; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Calls on the Commission to encourage better cooperation and exchange of good practices between Member States that have already integrated entrepreneurship education into their curricula and have achieved better progress in promoting youth entrepreneurship and those Member States that are still at the beginning of this process;

| 40. | Calls on the Commission to compile, by the end of 2017, a ‘best practice’ for disseminating entrepreneurial ability and promoting youth entrepreneurship in the Member States, submit a report on this to Parliament, and take the results of this work into account when evaluating its own funding procedures; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Calls on the Commission to compile, by the end of 2017, a ‘best practice’ for disseminating entrepreneurial ability and promoting youth entrepreneurship in the Member States, submit a report on this to Parliament, and take the results of this work into account when evaluating its own funding procedures;

| 41. | Calls on the Member States to promote entrepreneurship education as a way to foster transversal competences for a better management of learners’ personal and professional lives; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Calls on the Member States to promote entrepreneurship education as a way to foster transversal competences for a better management of learners’ personal and professional lives;

| 42. | Calls on the Commission to monitor closely the concrete measures implemented by Member States to support entrepreneurship among young people, to devote special attention to the promotion and publication of information on results, and to encourage and support institutions and organisations in exchanging good practices, sharing ideas, knowledge and experience and forming cross-sectoral strategic partnerships; encourages the Commission and the Member States to develop benchmarks, models and common instruments and projects in order to promote youth entrepreneurship; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Calls on the Commission to monitor closely the concrete measures implemented by Member States to support entrepreneurship among young people, to devote special attention to the promotion and publication of information on results, and to encourage and support institutions and organisations in exchanging good practices, sharing ideas, knowledge and experience and forming cross-sectoral strategic partnerships; encourages the Commission and the Member States to develop benchmarks, models and common instruments and projects in order to promote youth entrepreneurship;

| 43. | Urges the Commission to ensure that no measures taken by the Member States impede the free movement of workers, so that young people who have chosen business careers are able to conduct their activities wherever they wish to in the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Urges the Commission to ensure that no measures taken by the Member States impede the free movement of workers, so that young people who have chosen business careers are able to conduct their activities wherever they wish to in the European Union;

Role of the Member States

| 44. | Calls on the Member States, as well as regional and local authorities, to endeavour to promote the development of training for launching and managing start-ups, including expert mentorship, incubators and accelerators, social enterprise projects working with local communities, and all entrepreneurship-friendly environments which will facilitate young people’s start-ups and enable quick recovery in the event of dropping out of school or from initial failures, thereby helping to create a positive business culture, prevent negative perception of business failure and encourage reattempt, with, additionally, special attention being paid to reaching out to disadvantaged young people; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Calls on the Member States, as well as regional and local authorities, to endeavour to promote the development of training for launching and managing start-ups, including expert mentorship, incubators and accelerators, social enterprise projects working with local communities, and all entrepreneurship-friendly environments which will facilitate young people’s start-ups and enable quick recovery in the event of dropping out of school or from initial failures, thereby helping to create a positive business culture, prevent negative perception of business failure and encourage reattempt, with, additionally, special attention being paid to reaching out to disadvantaged young people;

| 45. | Urges the Member States to ensure that our young entrepreneurs have the access to finance that they require and that they are supported at every stage; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Urges the Member States to ensure that our young entrepreneurs have the access to finance that they require and that they are supported at every stage;

| 46. | Calls on the Member States, as well as regional and local authorities, to make use of the resources of the EU Structural Funds, in particular the European Social Fund, to the full in order to promote entrepreneurship education and training and the development of digital skills at national, regional and local level; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Calls on the Member States, as well as regional and local authorities, to make use of the resources of the EU Structural Funds, in particular the European Social Fund, to the full in order to promote entrepreneurship education and training and the development of digital skills at national, regional and local level;

| 47. | Calls on the Member States, together with regional and local authorities, to use all existing EU-level funding resources, such as the European Social Fund, the European Youth Employment Initiative, the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI), the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme and the EU programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (COSME), to encourage and support initiatives which pursue more effective and better-targeted links between businesses and the education sector; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Calls on the Member States, together with regional and local authorities, to use all existing EU-level funding resources, such as the European Social Fund, the European Youth Employment Initiative, the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI), the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme and the EU programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (COSME), to encourage and support initiatives which pursue more effective and better-targeted links between businesses and the education sector;

| 48. | Calls on the Member States to foster sharing of best practice, encourage both domestic and cross-border partnerships, and support fledgling enterprises and the work of relevant small and medium enterprises networks and development agencies; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Calls on the Member States to foster sharing of best practice, encourage both domestic and cross-border partnerships, and support fledgling enterprises and the work of relevant small and medium enterprises networks and development agencies;

| 49. | Encourages the Member States to provide specific innovative methods to train teachers and mentors in entrepreneurship so as to enable them to foster and encourage entrepreneurial skills, and to consider including entrepreneurship as part of the educational curriculum; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Encourages the Member States to provide specific innovative methods to train teachers and mentors in entrepreneurship so as to enable them to foster and encourage entrepreneurial skills, and to consider including entrepreneurship as part of the educational curriculum;

| 50. | Calls on the Member States to further develop their systems for the recognition and validation of competences acquired in non-formal and informal learning so that their commitment for 2018 is respected, in order to give individuals reorientation and second chance opportunities, as well as boosting self-recognition and further learning; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Calls on the Member States to further develop their systems for the recognition and validation of competences acquired in non-formal and informal learning so that their commitment for 2018 is respected, in order to give individuals reorientation and second chance opportunities, as well as boosting self-recognition and further learning;

| 51. | Calls on the Member States to encourage the involvement of private partners in entrepreneurship education, through funding or providing training, as an aspect of their corporate social responsibility; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Calls on the Member States to encourage the involvement of private partners in entrepreneurship education, through funding or providing training, as an aspect of their corporate social responsibility;

| 52. | Calls on the Member States to eliminate bureaucracy regarding the implementation of business plans by young people, and to consider tax relief measures and measures to encourage them to create their own business ideas; stresses the need for safety valves for start-ups that fail; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Calls on the Member States to eliminate bureaucracy regarding the implementation of business plans by young people, and to consider tax relief measures and measures to encourage them to create their own business ideas; stresses the need for safety valves for start-ups that fail;

| 53. | Stresses the need to address the financial difficulties affecting young entrepreneurs, to facilitate their access to credit and special grants, to reduce existing administrative burdens, and to put in place a regulatory environment and fiscal incentives that encourage the development of youth entrepreneurial initiatives and boost job creation, in order to facilitate the start-up and stabilisation of young entrepreneurs’ business projects; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Stresses the need to address the financial difficulties affecting young entrepreneurs, to facilitate their access to credit and special grants, to reduce existing administrative burdens, and to put in place a regulatory environment and fiscal incentives that encourage the development of youth entrepreneurial initiatives and boost job creation, in order to facilitate the start-up and stabilisation of young entrepreneurs’ business projects;

| 54. | Calls on the Member States to be proactive in improving regulatory frameworks and streamlining administrative procedures for businesses, in particular SMEs and social enterprises, and to promote and monitor the quality of the employment practices of such businesses; points out that social and inclusive businesses create sustainable jobs, contribute to community development, and help promote a sustainable environment and ensure social resilience in times of crisis; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Calls on the Member States to be proactive in improving regulatory frameworks and streamlining administrative procedures for businesses, in particular SMEs and social enterprises, and to promote and monitor the quality of the employment practices of such businesses; points out that social and inclusive businesses create sustainable jobs, contribute to community development, and help promote a sustainable environment and ensure social resilience in times of crisis;

| 55. | Calls for public employment services to be more proactive in providing assistance and advice to businesses, and to young entrepreneurs in particular; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Calls for public employment services to be more proactive in providing assistance and advice to businesses, and to young entrepreneurs in particular;

| 56. | Calls on the Member States, and regional and local authorities, to offer innovative students increased access to scholarships and micro-loan schemes, together with support, information, mentoring, multidisciplinary assistance and peer-to-peer evaluation platforms, in order to enable them to start their own ventures or projects, such as those supported under the Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis of EaSI; calls on the Member States to facilitate access to and return of loans, to promote the use of crowdfunding, to develop partnerships between the local economy, businesses and universities, to enhance the role of businesses in integrating young people into the labour market, and to consolidate the entrepreneurial skills pass (ENP) at various levels of school and university education, especially in partnership with SMEs; urges the Member States to encourage the establishment within universities of business incubators dedicated to sustainable development and future-oriented branches of study; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Calls on the Member States, and regional and local authorities, to offer innovative students increased access to scholarships and micro-loan schemes, together with support, information, mentoring, multidisciplinary assistance and peer-to-peer evaluation platforms, in order to enable them to start their own ventures or projects, such as those supported under the Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis of EaSI; calls on the Member States to facilitate access to and return of loans, to promote the use of crowdfunding, to develop partnerships between the local economy, businesses and universities, to enhance the role of businesses in integrating young people into the labour market, and to consolidate the entrepreneurial skills pass (ENP) at various levels of school and university education, especially in partnership with SMEs; urges the Member States to encourage the establishment within universities of business incubators dedicated to sustainable development and future-oriented branches of study;

| 57. | Calls on the Member States to simplify procedures for non-fraudulent exits and to create a supportive exit environment, so as to send young people a clear message that a failure will not result in a setback with lifelong consequences; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Calls on the Member States to simplify procedures for non-fraudulent exits and to create a supportive exit environment, so as to send young people a clear message that a failure will not result in a setback with lifelong consequences;

| 58. | Calls on the Member States to encourage young people into entrepreneurship by facilitating project-based studies within the education system which cut across disciplines and are delivered in cooperation with companies; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Calls on the Member States to encourage young people into entrepreneurship by facilitating project-based studies within the education system which cut across disciplines and are delivered in cooperation with companies;

| 59. | Calls on the Member States to promote entrepreneurship as a positive career option in the career advice provided within secondary and tertiary education, and to tackle the negative stigma surrounding entrepreneurship as a career option which is prevalent in some Member States; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Calls on the Member States to promote entrepreneurship as a positive career option in the career advice provided within secondary and tertiary education, and to tackle the negative stigma surrounding entrepreneurship as a career option which is prevalent in some Member States;

| 60. | Calls on the Member States to increase awareness of self-employment and business creation for young people with disabilities, through actions such as promoting the career paths of people with disabilities who have already been integrated into the labour market and giving public recognition to entrepreneurs with disabilities; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Calls on the Member States to increase awareness of self-employment and business creation for young people with disabilities, through actions such as promoting the career paths of people with disabilities who have already been integrated into the labour market and giving public recognition to entrepreneurs with disabilities;

Subsequent follow-up steps

| 61. | Urges the Commission to follow up and further develop its work on Entrepreneurship360 (Schools and VET) and on HEInnovate (higher education); |
| --- | --- |

61.

Urges the Commission to follow up and further develop its work on Entrepreneurship360 (Schools and VET) and on HEInnovate (higher education);

| 62. | Calls on the Commission to include measures related to entrepreneurship education into the European Semester evaluation indicators, starting in 2016; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Calls on the Commission to include measures related to entrepreneurship education into the European Semester evaluation indicators, starting in 2016;

| 63. | Calls on the Commission to submit an evaluation report to Parliament by the end of its term on the progress achieved in promoting youth entrepreneurship through education and training and how much it managed to reach out to members of vulnerable social groups; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Calls on the Commission to submit an evaluation report to Parliament by the end of its term on the progress achieved in promoting youth entrepreneurship through education and training and how much it managed to reach out to members of vulnerable social groups;

| 64. | Calls on the Commission to ensure coordination and cooperation at European level in the systematic evaluation of the entrepreneurship programmes and activities in order to allow the comparability of results — for instance. to compare the different patterns of youth entrepreneurship across Member States and the characteristics of youth entrepreneurs in terms of socio-demographic variables such as age, gender and education; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Calls on the Commission to ensure coordination and cooperation at European level in the systematic evaluation of the entrepreneurship programmes and activities in order to allow the comparability of results — for instance. to compare the different patterns of youth entrepreneurship across Member States and the characteristics of youth entrepreneurs in terms of socio-demographic variables such as age, gender and education;

| 65. | Calls on the Commission to promote cooperation on policies across the EU and invite Member States to engage in exchanges of good practices; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Calls on the Commission to promote cooperation on policies across the EU and invite Member States to engage in exchanges of good practices;

o

o o

| 66. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States and the EEA countries, and the Council of Europe. |
| --- | --- |

66.

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

---

(1)  OJ C 17, 20.1.2015, p. 2.

(2)  OJ C 183, 14.6.2014, p. 18.

(3)  OJ C 119, 28.5.2009, p. 2.

(4)  OJ C 120, 26.4.2013, p. 1.

(5)  OJ C 398, 22.12.2012, p. 1.

(6)  OJ C 199, 7.7.2011, p. 1.

(7)  OJ C 311, 19.12.2009, p. 1.

(8)  OJ L 394, 30.12.2006, p. 10.

(9)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0107.

(10)  OJ C 353 E, 3.12.2013, p. 56.

(11)  OJ C 165 E, 11.6.2013, p. 7.

(12)  OJ C 377 E, 7.12.2012, p. 89.

(13)  OJ C 161 E, 31.5.2011, p. 8.

(14)  OJ C 45 E, 23.2.2010, p. 33.

(15)  Commission Report on Progress on equality between women and men in 2013 (SWD(2014)0142), Commission Publication on Statistical Data on Women Entrepreneurs in Europe, September 2014.

(16)  Budapest and Istanbul, European Training Foundation symposium — conclusions.

(17)  Commission: Eurobarometer FL354, ‘Entrepreneurship in the EU and beyond’, 9 January 2013.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/88 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/88

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P8_TA(2015)0293

Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe (2014/2149(INI))

(2017/C 316/08)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Preamble to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) which states that the signatories draw ‘inspiration from the cultural, religious and humanist inheritance of Europe’ and to Article 3(3) TEU, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Preamble to the Treaty on European Union (TEU) which states that the signatories draw ‘inspiration from the cultural, religious and humanist inheritance of Europe’ and to Article 3(3) TEU,

| — | having regard to Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in particular Article 22 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in particular Article 22 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted by UNESCO on 20 October 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted by UNESCO on 20 October 2005,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing the Creative Europe Programme (2014 to 2020) and repealing Decisions No 1718/2006/EC, No 1855/2006/EC and No 1041/2009/EC (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing the Creative Europe Programme (2014 to 2020) and repealing Decisions No 1718/2006/EC, No 1855/2006/EC and No 1041/2009/EC (1),

| — | 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 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

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 (2),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Regional Development Fund and on specific provisions concerning the Investment for growth and jobs goal and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Regional Development Fund and on specific provisions concerning the Investment for growth and jobs goal and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 (3),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) and repealing Decision No 1982/2006/EC (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) and repealing Decision No 1982/2006/EC (4),

| — | having regard to Directive 2014/60/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2014/60/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (5),

| — | having regard to Directive 2013/37/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 amending Directive 2003/98/EC on the re-use of public sector information (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2013/37/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 amending Directive 2003/98/EC on the re-use of public sector information (6),

| — | having regard to the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro Convention) of 13 October 2005 (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro Convention) of 13 October 2005 (7),

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 21 May 2014 on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 21 May 2014 on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe (8),

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 25 November 2014 on participatory governance of cultural heritage (9) and on the Work Plan for Culture for the period 2015-2018 (10) and to the European Year of Cultural Heritage mentioned in the conclusions, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 25 November 2014 on participatory governance of cultural heritage (9) and on the Work Plan for Culture for the period 2015-2018 (10) and to the European Year of Cultural Heritage mentioned in the conclusions,

| — | having regard to the Commission recommendation 2011/711/EU of 27 October 2011 on the digitisation and online accessibility of cultural material and digital preservation (11), |
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—

having regard to the Commission recommendation 2011/711/EU of 27 October 2011 on the digitisation and online accessibility of cultural material and digital preservation (11),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 26 November 2014 entitled ‘An Investment Plan for Europe’ (COM(2014)0903), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 26 November 2014 entitled ‘An Investment Plan for Europe’ (COM(2014)0903),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 22 July 2014 entitled ‘Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe’ (COM(2014)0477), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 22 July 2014 entitled ‘Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe’ (COM(2014)0477),

| — | having regard to the Committee of the Regions’ opinion of November 2014 on the Commission communication ‘Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Committee of the Regions’ opinion of November 2014 on the Commission communication ‘Towards an integrated approach to cultural heritage for Europe’,

| — | 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 Culture and Education and the opinions of the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the Committee on Regional Development (A8-0207/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education and the opinions of the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the Committee on Regional Development (A8-0207/2015),

| A. | whereas culture and cultural heritage are shared resources and are common goods and values that cannot be subject to an exclusive use, and their full potential for sustainable human, social and economic development has yet to be fully recognised and properly exploited, both at the level of EU strategies and the UN post-2015 development goals; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas culture and cultural heritage are shared resources and are common goods and values that cannot be subject to an exclusive use, and their full potential for sustainable human, social and economic development has yet to be fully recognised and properly exploited, both at the level of EU strategies and the UN post-2015 development goals;

| B. | whereas the multiple impacts of culture in societies must be taken into account in the decision-making process; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the multiple impacts of culture in societies must be taken into account in the decision-making process;

| C. | whereas cultural heritage is naturally heterogeneous, reflects cultural and linguistic diversity and pluralism, and affects regional development, social cohesion, agriculture, maritime affairs, the environment, tourism, education, the digital agenda, external relations, customs cooperation and research and innovation; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas cultural heritage is naturally heterogeneous, reflects cultural and linguistic diversity and pluralism, and affects regional development, social cohesion, agriculture, maritime affairs, the environment, tourism, education, the digital agenda, external relations, customs cooperation and research and innovation;

| D. | whereas the promotion of culture, cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue acts as a catalyst for cooperation between Member States; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the promotion of culture, cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue acts as a catalyst for cooperation between Member States;

| E. | whereas enhancing European cultural and linguistic diversity, promoting Europe’s cultural heritage, and strengthening the competitiveness of the European cultural and creative sectors aim to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas enhancing European cultural and linguistic diversity, promoting Europe’s cultural heritage, and strengthening the competitiveness of the European cultural and creative sectors aim to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth;

| F. | whereas heritage resources are long-term assets which have a role of creating value and contribute to skills development and economic growth, through the promotion of tourism, as well as creating jobs; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas heritage resources are long-term assets which have a role of creating value and contribute to skills development and economic growth, through the promotion of tourism, as well as creating jobs;

| G. | whereas cultural heritage projects are often examples of innovative and sustainable economic activities which develop the business and research capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas cultural heritage projects are often examples of innovative and sustainable economic activities which develop the business and research capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);

| H. | whereas cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, plays a significant role in creating, preserving and promoting European culture and values and national, regional, local and individual identity, as well as the contemporary identity of the people of Europe; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, plays a significant role in creating, preserving and promoting European culture and values and national, regional, local and individual identity, as well as the contemporary identity of the people of Europe;

| I. | whereas policies for the maintenance, restoration and conservation, accessibility and exploitation of cultural heritage are primarily national, regional or local responsibilities, but cultural heritage also has a clear European dimension and is directly addressed in several EU policies, including those concerning agriculture, the environment, and research and innovation; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas policies for the maintenance, restoration and conservation, accessibility and exploitation of cultural heritage are primarily national, regional or local responsibilities, but cultural heritage also has a clear European dimension and is directly addressed in several EU policies, including those concerning agriculture, the environment, and research and innovation;

| J. | whereas Article 167 TFEU stipulates that Union action shall contribute to the flowering of the cultures of the Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time ‘bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore’; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas Article 167 TFEU stipulates that Union action shall contribute to the flowering of the cultures of the Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time ‘bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore’;

| K. | whereas Article 167 TFEU states that Union action shall be aimed at improving the knowledge and dissemination of the culture and history of the European peoples, encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, supporting and supplementing their action in the area of the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage of European significance; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas Article 167 TFEU states that Union action shall be aimed at improving the knowledge and dissemination of the culture and history of the European peoples, encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, supporting and supplementing their action in the area of the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage of European significance;

| L. | whereas the Work Plan for Culture adopted by the Council on 25 November 2014 includes heritage as one of the four priorities for EU work on culture for the period 2015-2018; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the Work Plan for Culture adopted by the Council on 25 November 2014 includes heritage as one of the four priorities for EU work on culture for the period 2015-2018;

| M. | whereas the lack of sex-disaggregated cultural data, including in the field of cultural heritage, is a factor concealing the existing gender gaps and challenges from policy-makers and decision-makers; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the lack of sex-disaggregated cultural data, including in the field of cultural heritage, is a factor concealing the existing gender gaps and challenges from policy-makers and decision-makers;

| N. | whereas information on funding opportunities through EU programmes in areas related to cultural heritage — such as local and regional development, cultural cooperation, research, education, support for SMEs and civil society, and tourism — is, while available, fragmented; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas information on funding opportunities through EU programmes in areas related to cultural heritage — such as local and regional development, cultural cooperation, research, education, support for SMEs and civil society, and tourism — is, while available, fragmented;

| O. | whereas the cultural and touristic value of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes in promoting a common European cultural heritage and developing sustainable cultural tourism should be strengthened; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the cultural and touristic value of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes in promoting a common European cultural heritage and developing sustainable cultural tourism should be strengthened;

| P. | whereas the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards promote excellence, inspire through the ‘power of example’, and stimulate the exchange of best practices in the heritage field across Europe; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards promote excellence, inspire through the ‘power of example’, and stimulate the exchange of best practices in the heritage field across Europe;

| Q. | whereas the Venice Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites, the Granada Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe, and the Valletta Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage clearly define internationally recognised standards for cultural heritage restoration and archaeological works (12); |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the Venice Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites, the Granada Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe, and the Valletta Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage clearly define internationally recognised standards for cultural heritage restoration and archaeological works (12);

Integrated approach

| 1. | Considers it of paramount importance to use the available resources for supporting, enhancing and promoting cultural heritage on the basis of an integrated approach, while taking into account the cultural, economic, social, historical, educational, environmental and scientific components; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Considers it of paramount importance to use the available resources for supporting, enhancing and promoting cultural heritage on the basis of an integrated approach, while taking into account the cultural, economic, social, historical, educational, environmental and scientific components;

| 2. | Believes that, with regard to the cultural heritage, an integrated approach is necessary if one wishes to achieve cultural dialogue and mutual understanding; is convinced that such an approach can lead to enhanced social, economic and territorial cohesion, while also contributing to the fulfilment of the goals set in the Europe 2020 strategy; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Believes that, with regard to the cultural heritage, an integrated approach is necessary if one wishes to achieve cultural dialogue and mutual understanding; is convinced that such an approach can lead to enhanced social, economic and territorial cohesion, while also contributing to the fulfilment of the goals set in the Europe 2020 strategy;

| 3. | Addresses, in the context of the development of the new integrated approach to cultural heritage, the following specific recommendations to the Commission:






  (a) | to establish, in line with the current Commission working methods of working across sectors and in a flexible manner, a common approach within the Commission through improved cooperation between the different policy areas dealing with cultural heritage, and to report back to Parliament on the results of this closer cooperation; |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

Addresses, in the context of the development of the new integrated approach to cultural heritage, the following specific recommendations to the Commission:

(a)

to establish, in line with the current Commission working methods of working across sectors and in a flexible manner, a common approach within the Commission through improved cooperation between the different policy areas dealing with cultural heritage, and to report back to Parliament on the results of this closer cooperation;

| (b) | to communicate to potential beneficiaries, in a straightforward and accessible way such as through a single information platform and exchange of best practices in the EU, concerning the existing European funding lines for cultural heritage; |
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(b)

to communicate to potential beneficiaries, in a straightforward and accessible way such as through a single information platform and exchange of best practices in the EU, concerning the existing European funding lines for cultural heritage;

| (c) | to designate, preferably for 2018, a European Year of Cultural Heritage, with an adequate budget and with the aim, amongst other things, of disseminating and increasing awareness and education among future generations in respect of the values of the European cultural heritage and its protection, and to submit the draft programme for the European Year to Parliament no later than 2016; |
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(c)

to designate, preferably for 2018, a European Year of Cultural Heritage, with an adequate budget and with the aim, amongst other things, of disseminating and increasing awareness and education among future generations in respect of the values of the European cultural heritage and its protection, and to submit the draft programme for the European Year to Parliament no later than 2016;

| (d) | to acknowledge, within its political and transversal approach, cultural heritage as both movable and immovable, tangible and intangible, and as a non-renewable resource whose authenticity must be preserved; |
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(d)

to acknowledge, within its political and transversal approach, cultural heritage as both movable and immovable, tangible and intangible, and as a non-renewable resource whose authenticity must be preserved;

| 4. | Asks that a policy framework be set out for the historic environment — known as immovable heritage — in the near future, containing a regulatory framework for monuments, archaeology and historic landscapes in line with Article 4 TFEU; |
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4.

Asks that a policy framework be set out for the historic environment — known as immovable heritage — in the near future, containing a regulatory framework for monuments, archaeology and historic landscapes in line with Article 4 TFEU;

| 5. | Promotes creative contemporary innovation in architecture and design on a basis of respect for both past and present and at the same time ensuring high quality and coherence; |
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5.

Promotes creative contemporary innovation in architecture and design on a basis of respect for both past and present and at the same time ensuring high quality and coherence;

European funding for cultural heritage

| 6. | Notes the Union’s commitment to preserving and enhancing Europe’s cultural heritage through various programmes (Creative Europe, Horizon 2020, Erasmus+, Europe for Citizens), funding (the European Structural and Investment Funds), and actions such as the European Capitals of Culture, the European Heritage Days and the European Heritage Label; proposes even greater EU and Member State involvement in promoting research; |
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6.

Notes the Union’s commitment to preserving and enhancing Europe’s cultural heritage through various programmes (Creative Europe, Horizon 2020, Erasmus+, Europe for Citizens), funding (the European Structural and Investment Funds), and actions such as the European Capitals of Culture, the European Heritage Days and the European Heritage Label; proposes even greater EU and Member State involvement in promoting research;

| 7. | Asks the Commission to:






  (a) | set up a single EU portal dedicated to tangible and intangible cultural heritage, bringing together information from all the EU programmes funding cultural heritage and structured around three main aspects: a database of tangible and intangible cultural objects, including examples of best practices in preservation and promotion with all relevant references; funding opportunities for cultural heritage, as well as data on the state of European cultural heritage and data of importance with regard to conservation, such as, for instance, climate data and details of restoration projects already carried out; and news and links concerning cultural heritage-related policy developments, actions and events; |
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7.

Asks the Commission to:

(a)

set up a single EU portal dedicated to tangible and intangible cultural heritage, bringing together information from all the EU programmes funding cultural heritage and structured around three main aspects: a database of tangible and intangible cultural objects, including examples of best practices in preservation and promotion with all relevant references; funding opportunities for cultural heritage, as well as data on the state of European cultural heritage and data of importance with regard to conservation, such as, for instance, climate data and details of restoration projects already carried out; and news and links concerning cultural heritage-related policy developments, actions and events;

| (b) | support, with dedicated funding, studies, research and pilot measures specifically designed to analyse the impacts of cultural heritage promotion processes, develop specific indicators and benchmarks in relation to the direct and indirect contribution of that heritage to economic and social development processes, and directly support cultural and social innovation integrated into local settings in which cultural heritage can drive development and help improve people’s quality of life; |
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(b)

support, with dedicated funding, studies, research and pilot measures specifically designed to analyse the impacts of cultural heritage promotion processes, develop specific indicators and benchmarks in relation to the direct and indirect contribution of that heritage to economic and social development processes, and directly support cultural and social innovation integrated into local settings in which cultural heritage can drive development and help improve people’s quality of life;

| (c) | strengthen the newly established principle of multifunding, which allows the complementary use of different European funds within the same large-scale project; |
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(c)

strengthen the newly established principle of multifunding, which allows the complementary use of different European funds within the same large-scale project;

| (d) | encourage public-private partnerships; |
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(d)

encourage public-private partnerships;

| (e) | adapt the project management timing requirements for the Structural Funds in order to better accommodate the specific requirements of conservation, restoration and preservation projects; |
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(e)

adapt the project management timing requirements for the Structural Funds in order to better accommodate the specific requirements of conservation, restoration and preservation projects;

| (f) | review the EUR 5 million benchmark in relation to cultural heritage projects submitted in the framework of the small-scale infrastructure action (13), bringing it to at least the same level as UNESCO projects, i.e. EUR 10 million; |
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(f)

review the EUR 5 million benchmark in relation to cultural heritage projects submitted in the framework of the small-scale infrastructure action (13), bringing it to at least the same level as UNESCO projects, i.e. EUR 10 million;

| 8. | Notes that the spirit behind the revision of the ERDF Regulation and, in particular, the principle of integrated funding can, in specific cases, also be put into practice by supporting large-scale projects; recognises, however, the need to promote and support small-scale cultural initiatives, which are of particular importance for endogenous development and can help conserve the cultural heritage and promote local and regional development and socio-economic growth in general; |
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8.

Notes that the spirit behind the revision of the ERDF Regulation and, in particular, the principle of integrated funding can, in specific cases, also be put into practice by supporting large-scale projects; recognises, however, the need to promote and support small-scale cultural initiatives, which are of particular importance for endogenous development and can help conserve the cultural heritage and promote local and regional development and socio-economic growth in general;

| 9. | Urges the Commission to include in the guidelines governing the next generation of structural funds for cultural heritage a compulsory quality control system, to apply throughout a project’s life-cycle; |
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9.

Urges the Commission to include in the guidelines governing the next generation of structural funds for cultural heritage a compulsory quality control system, to apply throughout a project’s life-cycle;

| 10. | Emphasises the role of the Member States in ensuring both a high level of skill and professional know-how among operators and a business structure that is able to ensure that best practices are implemented in terms of safeguarding cultural heritage, also by using appropriate quality control systems as required by the international charters; |
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10.

Emphasises the role of the Member States in ensuring both a high level of skill and professional know-how among operators and a business structure that is able to ensure that best practices are implemented in terms of safeguarding cultural heritage, also by using appropriate quality control systems as required by the international charters;

| 11. | Asks the Commission to ensure that innovative heritage conservation measures and low-impact energy efficiency solutions for historic buildings are treated as eligible in delegated acts, calls for expression of interest and initiatives to develop cohesion policy regulations over the period 2014-2020; |
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11.

Asks the Commission to ensure that innovative heritage conservation measures and low-impact energy efficiency solutions for historic buildings are treated as eligible in delegated acts, calls for expression of interest and initiatives to develop cohesion policy regulations over the period 2014-2020;

| 12. | Invites the Member States to look into possible fiscal incentives in relation to restoration, preservation and conservation work, such as reductions in VAT or other taxes, given that European cultural heritage is also managed by private bodies; |
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12.

Invites the Member States to look into possible fiscal incentives in relation to restoration, preservation and conservation work, such as reductions in VAT or other taxes, given that European cultural heritage is also managed by private bodies;

| 13. | Urges the Commission to take stock of best practices in fiscal policies in Europe and recommend the appropriate ones to the Member States; calls on the Member States to follow those recommendations and exchange best practices between themselves in order to ensure maximum encouragement of private support for tangible and intangible cultural heritage projects and maximise economic development and social cohesion impacts in the relevant local environment; |
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13.

Urges the Commission to take stock of best practices in fiscal policies in Europe and recommend the appropriate ones to the Member States; calls on the Member States to follow those recommendations and exchange best practices between themselves in order to ensure maximum encouragement of private support for tangible and intangible cultural heritage projects and maximise economic development and social cohesion impacts in the relevant local environment;

New governance models

| 14. | Welcomes the Council’s initiative of drafting guidelines for the new participatory governance models for the field of cultural heritage, by promoting the ‘shared resource’ aspect and strengthening links between local, regional, national and European plans; |
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14.

Welcomes the Council’s initiative of drafting guidelines for the new participatory governance models for the field of cultural heritage, by promoting the ‘shared resource’ aspect and strengthening links between local, regional, national and European plans;

| 15. | Asks the Member States to ensure the development of legal tools that allow alternative funding and administration models, such as community involvement, the participation of civil society and public-private partnerships, with a view to implementing actions related to cultural heritage (conservation, restoration, preservation, development and promotion); |
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15.

Asks the Member States to ensure the development of legal tools that allow alternative funding and administration models, such as community involvement, the participation of civil society and public-private partnerships, with a view to implementing actions related to cultural heritage (conservation, restoration, preservation, development and promotion);

| 16. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to initiate a Europe-wide dialogue between policymakers across all levels of governance, together with cultural and creative industries, networks of tourism operators, partnerships between private and public actors, and NGOs; |
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16.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to initiate a Europe-wide dialogue between policymakers across all levels of governance, together with cultural and creative industries, networks of tourism operators, partnerships between private and public actors, and NGOs;

| 17. | Encourages all stakeholders participating in the governance of cultural heritage to strike a balance between sustainable conservation and development of the economic and social potential of cultural heritage; |
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17.

Encourages all stakeholders participating in the governance of cultural heritage to strike a balance between sustainable conservation and development of the economic and social potential of cultural heritage;

| 18. | Highlights the fact that ERDF cultural heritage projects are a practical example of multi-level governance and of the principle of subsidiarity and represent an important element of ERDF spending; stresses the importance of cross-border cultural projects that contribute to increasing economic and social cohesion and encourage inclusion; calls in this context for measures to be taken to strengthen and expand support for funding through public-private partnership agreements; |
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18.

Highlights the fact that ERDF cultural heritage projects are a practical example of multi-level governance and of the principle of subsidiarity and represent an important element of ERDF spending; stresses the importance of cross-border cultural projects that contribute to increasing economic and social cohesion and encourage inclusion; calls in this context for measures to be taken to strengthen and expand support for funding through public-private partnership agreements;

| 19. | Stresses the need for new governance models to include a system of quality control in all alternative forms of funding and administration of cultural heritage; |
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19.

Stresses the need for new governance models to include a system of quality control in all alternative forms of funding and administration of cultural heritage;

| 20. | Urges the Member States to step up controls over expenditure of culture heritage-related components and to foster cooperation in fighting fraud, corruption and any other irregular activity encountered in this area; |
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20.

Urges the Member States to step up controls over expenditure of culture heritage-related components and to foster cooperation in fighting fraud, corruption and any other irregular activity encountered in this area;

| 21. | Proposes that European legislative proposals should be complemented by an impact assessment regarding cultural heritage, and that where the assessment reveals a negative impact cultural heritage should be excluded from the scope of the legislative proposal as an exception; |
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21.

Proposes that European legislative proposals should be complemented by an impact assessment regarding cultural heritage, and that where the assessment reveals a negative impact cultural heritage should be excluded from the scope of the legislative proposal as an exception;

The economic and strategic potential of cultural heritage

| 22. | Notes that cultural heritage contributes to innovative jobs, products, services and processes and can be a source of creative ideas, nurturing the new economy whilst — through appropriate management — having a relatively low impact on the environment; |
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22.

Notes that cultural heritage contributes to innovative jobs, products, services and processes and can be a source of creative ideas, nurturing the new economy whilst — through appropriate management — having a relatively low impact on the environment;

| 23. | Recognises that cultural heritage plays a vital role in several of the Europe 2020 flagship initiatives, such as the Digital Agenda, the Innovation Union, the Agenda for New Skills and Jobs and the industrial policy for the globalisation era; calls, therefore, for greater recognition of the role of European cultural heritage as a strategic resource for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth in the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 strategy; |
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23.

Recognises that cultural heritage plays a vital role in several of the Europe 2020 flagship initiatives, such as the Digital Agenda, the Innovation Union, the Agenda for New Skills and Jobs and the industrial policy for the globalisation era; calls, therefore, for greater recognition of the role of European cultural heritage as a strategic resource for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth in the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 strategy;

| 24. | Notes that the field of cultural heritage has the capacity to create high-skilled jobs; urges the Member States to relay initiatives on developing management and conservation training for workers and researchers in the field of cultural heritage; welcomes, in particular, long-term funding perspectives for networks of researchers, as in the case of the Marie Sklodowska Curie grants; |
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24.

Notes that the field of cultural heritage has the capacity to create high-skilled jobs; urges the Member States to relay initiatives on developing management and conservation training for workers and researchers in the field of cultural heritage; welcomes, in particular, long-term funding perspectives for networks of researchers, as in the case of the Marie Sklodowska Curie grants;

| 25. | Stresses the importance for European tourism of UNESCO-designated tangible or intangible cultural heritage and natural heritage; |
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25.

Stresses the importance for European tourism of UNESCO-designated tangible or intangible cultural heritage and natural heritage;

| 26. | Underlines the possibility of focusing more strongly on cultural tourism in developing macro-regional strategies designed to make it a more integral part of the strategic framework for European cooperation; |
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26.

Underlines the possibility of focusing more strongly on cultural tourism in developing macro-regional strategies designed to make it a more integral part of the strategic framework for European cooperation;

| 27. | Calls on the European institutions and the Member States to promote and support ‘soft travel’ (walking, horse-riding and cycling tours) as a way of opening up new opportunities for cultural and nature-based tourism; |
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27.

Calls on the European institutions and the Member States to promote and support ‘soft travel’ (walking, horse-riding and cycling tours) as a way of opening up new opportunities for cultural and nature-based tourism;

| 28. | Encourages Member States to work together with regional and local authorities in order to maximise the value of cultural heritage in our societies and its contribution to jobs and growth in the EU; |
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28.

Encourages Member States to work together with regional and local authorities in order to maximise the value of cultural heritage in our societies and its contribution to jobs and growth in the EU;

| 29. | Points out that cultural tourism, which accounts for 40 % of European tourism, is a key economic sector in terms of potential for growth and employment, whose development should be further enhanced by the use of new technologies; stresses, however, the importance of preserving cultural and natural heritage by shaping sustainable, less invasive and higher value-added forms of tourism, in which the tourism sector is integrated into local development strategies; |
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29.

Points out that cultural tourism, which accounts for 40 % of European tourism, is a key economic sector in terms of potential for growth and employment, whose development should be further enhanced by the use of new technologies; stresses, however, the importance of preserving cultural and natural heritage by shaping sustainable, less invasive and higher value-added forms of tourism, in which the tourism sector is integrated into local development strategies;

| 30. | Expresses its concern regarding the state of conservation, restoration, preservation and promotion policies for cultural heritage, which is of the greatest importance for European identity; stresses that funding for the safeguarding of cultural heritage has been drastically reduced in some Member States as a consequence of the economic and financial crisis; to this end, calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that adequate funds and initiatives are directed to the valorisation of Europe’s cultural heritage; |
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30.

Expresses its concern regarding the state of conservation, restoration, preservation and promotion policies for cultural heritage, which is of the greatest importance for European identity; stresses that funding for the safeguarding of cultural heritage has been drastically reduced in some Member States as a consequence of the economic and financial crisis; to this end, calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that adequate funds and initiatives are directed to the valorisation of Europe’s cultural heritage;

| 31. | Invites the Commission to promote excellence, innovation and competitiveness in the cultural and creative sectors by supporting the work of artists, creators and cultural professionals; |
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31.

Invites the Commission to promote excellence, innovation and competitiveness in the cultural and creative sectors by supporting the work of artists, creators and cultural professionals;

| 32. | Affirms the urgent need to give cultural heritage its clear place in the Commission’s Investment Plan for Europe; |
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32.

Affirms the urgent need to give cultural heritage its clear place in the Commission’s Investment Plan for Europe;

| 33. | Draws attention to the need to improve the methodological framework in order to have better statistics related to the field of cultural heritage; calls on the Commission to propose a set of indicators that could be used for monitoring and evaluation of the situation of cultural heritage and that would be uniform for all Member States; underlines the need to obtain, to a greater extent, research findings covering all aspects of cultural heritage and to link them so as to counter fragmentation in this area; points in this connection to the potential of ‘big data’ as regards deriving more knowledge from research projects; stresses that in order to assess the actual and potential economic value of the cultural heritage it is essential to collect statistics more systematically; |
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33.

Draws attention to the need to improve the methodological framework in order to have better statistics related to the field of cultural heritage; calls on the Commission to propose a set of indicators that could be used for monitoring and evaluation of the situation of cultural heritage and that would be uniform for all Member States; underlines the need to obtain, to a greater extent, research findings covering all aspects of cultural heritage and to link them so as to counter fragmentation in this area; points in this connection to the potential of ‘big data’ as regards deriving more knowledge from research projects; stresses that in order to assess the actual and potential economic value of the cultural heritage it is essential to collect statistics more systematically;

| 34. | Considers that the Commission should classify companies and entities involved in the various aspects of heritage conservation as constituting a specific sector, using traditional methods with added value that facilitate ecological and sustainable conservation; |
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34.

Considers that the Commission should classify companies and entities involved in the various aspects of heritage conservation as constituting a specific sector, using traditional methods with added value that facilitate ecological and sustainable conservation;

| 35. | Recognises the urgent need to address youth unemployment, and stresses that cultural heritage is an area with potential for more and better employment, where the bridge between education and working life can be strengthened, for example through the development of quality apprenticeships, traineeships and start-ups in SMEs and the social economy; encourages Member States in this respect to develop new and innovative funding opportunities to support management and conservation training and education and mobility for workers and researchers in this sector; |
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35.

Recognises the urgent need to address youth unemployment, and stresses that cultural heritage is an area with potential for more and better employment, where the bridge between education and working life can be strengthened, for example through the development of quality apprenticeships, traineeships and start-ups in SMEs and the social economy; encourages Member States in this respect to develop new and innovative funding opportunities to support management and conservation training and education and mobility for workers and researchers in this sector;

| 36. | Urges the Commission to promote joint cultural heritage and tourism programmes on an integrated and scientific basis, to serve as a benchmark and an example of best practice; |
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36.

Urges the Commission to promote joint cultural heritage and tourism programmes on an integrated and scientific basis, to serve as a benchmark and an example of best practice;

| 37. | Invites the Member States to strategically plan cultural heritage-related projects that can lead to overall regional and local development, international and interregional cooperation programmes, the creation of new jobs, sustainable rural and urban regeneration, and the preservation and promotion of traditional skills related to cultural heritage restoration; |
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37.

Invites the Member States to strategically plan cultural heritage-related projects that can lead to overall regional and local development, international and interregional cooperation programmes, the creation of new jobs, sustainable rural and urban regeneration, and the preservation and promotion of traditional skills related to cultural heritage restoration;

| 38. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to draw up an economic and statistical survey of businesses, management entities and specialist professional activities in the cultural heritage conservation and promotion sector and their specific contribution in terms of production and job creation; |
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38.

Urges the Commission and the Member States to draw up an economic and statistical survey of businesses, management entities and specialist professional activities in the cultural heritage conservation and promotion sector and their specific contribution in terms of production and job creation;

| 39. | Draws attention to the need to create, develop and promote opportunities for mobility and exchange of experiences for those working in the cultural heritage sector, by ensuring that there is genuine professional reciprocity, in line with Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications, through the identification and sharing among Member States of minimum skills levels (ability and knowledge), in particular for the occupation of restorer-curator; calls on the Commission, in this context, to put forward a proposal to extend the appropriate programmes to include mobility of cultural heritage managers and employees (e.g. castle managers) with a view to exchange experiences and best practices; |
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39.

Draws attention to the need to create, develop and promote opportunities for mobility and exchange of experiences for those working in the cultural heritage sector, by ensuring that there is genuine professional reciprocity, in line with Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications, through the identification and sharing among Member States of minimum skills levels (ability and knowledge), in particular for the occupation of restorer-curator; calls on the Commission, in this context, to put forward a proposal to extend the appropriate programmes to include mobility of cultural heritage managers and employees (e.g. castle managers) with a view to exchange experiences and best practices;

| 40. | Calls on the Member States to emphasise the value of their heritage assets by promoting studies to determine the cultural and economic value of the cultural heritage so as to transform the ‘cost’ of its preservation into an ‘investment’ in its value; |
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40.

Calls on the Member States to emphasise the value of their heritage assets by promoting studies to determine the cultural and economic value of the cultural heritage so as to transform the ‘cost’ of its preservation into an ‘investment’ in its value;

| 41. | Invites the Commission to consider the possibility of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) establishing, under its next Strategic Innovation Agenda, a Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KIC) in the field of cultural heritage and creative industries, thus directly supporting a holistic vision of research and innovation; |
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41.

Invites the Commission to consider the possibility of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) establishing, under its next Strategic Innovation Agenda, a Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KIC) in the field of cultural heritage and creative industries, thus directly supporting a holistic vision of research and innovation;

| 42. | Reiterates the importance of promoting in school curricula the inclusion of art, music, theatre and film education as a key to developing knowledge of cultural heritage, artistic practice and expression, and soft skills geared to creativity and innovation; |
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42.

Reiterates the importance of promoting in school curricula the inclusion of art, music, theatre and film education as a key to developing knowledge of cultural heritage, artistic practice and expression, and soft skills geared to creativity and innovation;

| 43. | Encourages the Member States to introduce transdisciplinary themes relating to cultural heritage at various levels of education; |
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43.

Encourages the Member States to introduce transdisciplinary themes relating to cultural heritage at various levels of education;

| 44. | Emphasises the significant potential existing for the development of entrepreneurial activity and of a participative approach in the tourism sector, in particular for tourism SMEs but also for start-ups, the non-profit sector and other organisations that contribute to the preservation, protection and promotion of Europe’s cultural heritage; stresses that, in addition to cultural assets, quality of service and high-level professional skills, the existence of well-trained specialists in the field and online presence are key factors for the success and competitiveness of the European tourism sector; stresses that research, innovation and new technologies, especially in telecommunications, are essential for bringing the cultural heritage closer to the people; also considers that unnecessary burdens on SMEs should be abolished for the sake of their competitiveness, and that legislation which has negative effects on SMEs in the tourism industry should be revised; |
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44.

Emphasises the significant potential existing for the development of entrepreneurial activity and of a participative approach in the tourism sector, in particular for tourism SMEs but also for start-ups, the non-profit sector and other organisations that contribute to the preservation, protection and promotion of Europe’s cultural heritage; stresses that, in addition to cultural assets, quality of service and high-level professional skills, the existence of well-trained specialists in the field and online presence are key factors for the success and competitiveness of the European tourism sector; stresses that research, innovation and new technologies, especially in telecommunications, are essential for bringing the cultural heritage closer to the people; also considers that unnecessary burdens on SMEs should be abolished for the sake of their competitiveness, and that legislation which has negative effects on SMEs in the tourism industry should be revised;

Opportunities and challenges

| 45. | Highlights the potential of the digitisation of cultural heritage, both as a tool for preserving our past and as a source for education research opportunities, quality job creation, better social inclusion, wider access for disabled people or people living in remote areas, and sustainable economic development; stresses that the digitisation of heritage requires a consequent financial effort for small and medium-sized or isolated cultural institutions, and that adequate funding is key to ensuring a larger audience and wider dissemination of this heritage; emphasises that the opportunities afforded by digitisation and new technologies, which would never replace access to the original heritage or the associated social benefits of traditional forms of participation in culture, should not lead to negligence in the conservation of originals or disregard for traditional forms of promoting culture, whether during or after digitisation; |
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45.

Highlights the potential of the digitisation of cultural heritage, both as a tool for preserving our past and as a source for education research opportunities, quality job creation, better social inclusion, wider access for disabled people or people living in remote areas, and sustainable economic development; stresses that the digitisation of heritage requires a consequent financial effort for small and medium-sized or isolated cultural institutions, and that adequate funding is key to ensuring a larger audience and wider dissemination of this heritage; emphasises that the opportunities afforded by digitisation and new technologies, which would never replace access to the original heritage or the associated social benefits of traditional forms of participation in culture, should not lead to negligence in the conservation of originals or disregard for traditional forms of promoting culture, whether during or after digitisation;

| 46. | Supports digital innovation in the arts and heritage sector, and notes that the use of e-infrastructures can engage new audiences and ensure better access to and exploitation of the digital cultural heritage; stresses the relevance of existing tools such as the Europeana website and encourages the improvement of that site’s search criteria with a view to greater user-friendliness; |
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46.

Supports digital innovation in the arts and heritage sector, and notes that the use of e-infrastructures can engage new audiences and ensure better access to and exploitation of the digital cultural heritage; stresses the relevance of existing tools such as the Europeana website and encourages the improvement of that site’s search criteria with a view to greater user-friendliness;

| 47. | Underlines the need to improve the level of digitisation, preservation and online availability of cultural heritage, in particular the European film heritage; |
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47.

Underlines the need to improve the level of digitisation, preservation and online availability of cultural heritage, in particular the European film heritage;

| 48. | Stresses the importance of developing a true democratic and participative narrative for European heritage, including that of religious and ethnic minorities; draws attention to the presence of heritage sites which embed different or contested pasts, and highlights that reconciliation processes should not lead to a suppression of historical consciousness of communities; invites the Member States to reflect on the ethics and methods of presentation of the cultural heritage and to take diversity of interpretations into account; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Stresses the importance of developing a true democratic and participative narrative for European heritage, including that of religious and ethnic minorities; draws attention to the presence of heritage sites which embed different or contested pasts, and highlights that reconciliation processes should not lead to a suppression of historical consciousness of communities; invites the Member States to reflect on the ethics and methods of presentation of the cultural heritage and to take diversity of interpretations into account;

| 49. | Affirms that religious heritage constitutes an intangible part of European cultural heritage; stresses that the importance of places, practices and objects linked to religious practices should not be disregarded in a discourse of European cultural heritage or be subjected to any form of discriminatory treatment; |
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49.

Affirms that religious heritage constitutes an intangible part of European cultural heritage; stresses that the importance of places, practices and objects linked to religious practices should not be disregarded in a discourse of European cultural heritage or be subjected to any form of discriminatory treatment;

| 50. | Considers that historical religious heritage, including architecture and music, must be preserved for its cultural value, regardless of its religious origins; |
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50.

Considers that historical religious heritage, including architecture and music, must be preserved for its cultural value, regardless of its religious origins;

| 51. | Emphasises the importance of intercultural dialogue both within and outside Europe, and believes the Union should promote such dialogue as an appropriate tool against radicalism of whatever origin; |
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51.

Emphasises the importance of intercultural dialogue both within and outside Europe, and believes the Union should promote such dialogue as an appropriate tool against radicalism of whatever origin;

| 52. | Draws attention to the specific characteristics of national minorities in the Member States regarding cultural heritage; calls, accordingly, for the preservation of their cultural heritage and for the promotion and protection of cultural diversity; |
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52.

Draws attention to the specific characteristics of national minorities in the Member States regarding cultural heritage; calls, accordingly, for the preservation of their cultural heritage and for the promotion and protection of cultural diversity;

| 53. | Stresses that cultural discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities should be avoided; |
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53.

Stresses that cultural discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities should be avoided;

| 54. | Stresses the importance of supporting cultural activities of migrant communities; |
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54.

Stresses the importance of supporting cultural activities of migrant communities;

| 55. | Reaffirms the important contribution of cultural heritage to the cultural and creative industries as well as to social inclusion through culture; |
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55.

Reaffirms the important contribution of cultural heritage to the cultural and creative industries as well as to social inclusion through culture;

| 56. | Highlights the importance of improving accessibility to cultural heritage sites for people with disabilities; |
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56.

Highlights the importance of improving accessibility to cultural heritage sites for people with disabilities;

| 57. | Points out the importance of preserving cultural landscapes and, in particular, intangible cultural heritage which represents a living culture and fuels traditional crafts, and calls on the Commission to include this to a larger extent in the respective programmes; |
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57.

Points out the importance of preserving cultural landscapes and, in particular, intangible cultural heritage which represents a living culture and fuels traditional crafts, and calls on the Commission to include this to a larger extent in the respective programmes;

| 58. | Stresses the importance of the gastronomic heritage, which must be protected and supported; considers that the resources allocated to this area can be optimised through interaction with other EU policies, such as the common agricultural policy and consumer protection policy; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Stresses the importance of the gastronomic heritage, which must be protected and supported; considers that the resources allocated to this area can be optimised through interaction with other EU policies, such as the common agricultural policy and consumer protection policy;

| 59. | Points out that the cultural heritage and tourism are mutually beneficial since, on the one hand, the cultural heritage generates substantial earnings for the tourism industry, while, on the other hand, tourism is good for culture, encouraging the display and conservation of cultural assets and generating revenue needed for their preservation; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Points out that the cultural heritage and tourism are mutually beneficial since, on the one hand, the cultural heritage generates substantial earnings for the tourism industry, while, on the other hand, tourism is good for culture, encouraging the display and conservation of cultural assets and generating revenue needed for their preservation;

| 60. | Stresses that cultural tourism has a major role to play in preserving and realising the value of our cultural heritage, which includes not only the physical heritage and landscape, but also the intangible heritage, such as languages and religious and culinary traditions; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Stresses that cultural tourism has a major role to play in preserving and realising the value of our cultural heritage, which includes not only the physical heritage and landscape, but also the intangible heritage, such as languages and religious and culinary traditions;

| 61. | Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to continue to cooperate with a view to implementing, at all the respective levels, the actions aimed at the promotion of cultural heritage and cultural tourism included in the Commission communication of 30 June 2010 entitled ‘Europe, the world’s No 1 tourist destination — a new political framework for tourism in Europe’ (COM(2010)0352); |
| --- | --- |

61.

Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to continue to cooperate with a view to implementing, at all the respective levels, the actions aimed at the promotion of cultural heritage and cultural tourism included in the Commission communication of 30 June 2010 entitled ‘Europe, the world’s No 1 tourist destination — a new political framework for tourism in Europe’ (COM(2010)0352);

| 62. | Points to the significance — in the light of what are profound demographic and societal changes — of our common European cultural heritage and of the planned European year with regard to citizens’ identification with the European Union and to strengthening a sense of community within the Union; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Points to the significance — in the light of what are profound demographic and societal changes — of our common European cultural heritage and of the planned European year with regard to citizens’ identification with the European Union and to strengthening a sense of community within the Union;

| 63. | Is of the opinion that, for the coming generations in particular, an appreciation of Europe’s common cultural heritage provides direction and scope for developing a European identity, and values such as getting along and respecting each other, beyond Member State borders; therefore also recommends that, inter alia when the European Year of Cultural Heritage is being structured, particular account be taken of the younger generation; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Is of the opinion that, for the coming generations in particular, an appreciation of Europe’s common cultural heritage provides direction and scope for developing a European identity, and values such as getting along and respecting each other, beyond Member State borders; therefore also recommends that, inter alia when the European Year of Cultural Heritage is being structured, particular account be taken of the younger generation;

| 64. | Welcomes the great success of the European Capitals of Culture; calls for these cities to be linked as part of a network so as to extend the focus on the areas concerned, to provide for an exchange of experience and good practice, including with a view to helping future candidates, and to facilitate the organisation of events and specific circuits; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Welcomes the great success of the European Capitals of Culture; calls for these cities to be linked as part of a network so as to extend the focus on the areas concerned, to provide for an exchange of experience and good practice, including with a view to helping future candidates, and to facilitate the organisation of events and specific circuits;

| 65. | Encourages the use of cultural heritage as an educational tool to deal with societal issues in order to bring people living in Europe closer together; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Encourages the use of cultural heritage as an educational tool to deal with societal issues in order to bring people living in Europe closer together;

| 66. | Draws attention to the environmental threats affecting an important number of heritage sites within the EU, and urges that the consequences of climate change and human pressure should be takes into account by Member States in their long-term funding strategies for heritage preservation and restoration methods; recommends, in addition, that the Member States and the EU should promote research to a greater extent in this area, inter alia in order to investigate the multiple effects of climate change on cultural heritage in greater detail and to develop counter-measures; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Draws attention to the environmental threats affecting an important number of heritage sites within the EU, and urges that the consequences of climate change and human pressure should be takes into account by Member States in their long-term funding strategies for heritage preservation and restoration methods; recommends, in addition, that the Member States and the EU should promote research to a greater extent in this area, inter alia in order to investigate the multiple effects of climate change on cultural heritage in greater detail and to develop counter-measures;

| 67. | Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to build on ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ initiative, launched by Europa Nostra in conjunction with the European Investment Bank, by identifying further examples of European heritage which are in danger, drawing up action plans and seeking possible sources of funding; points out that developing this initiative is one way to attract private investment in heritage enhancement; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to build on ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ initiative, launched by Europa Nostra in conjunction with the European Investment Bank, by identifying further examples of European heritage which are in danger, drawing up action plans and seeking possible sources of funding; points out that developing this initiative is one way to attract private investment in heritage enhancement;

| 68. | Calls on the Commission to better coordinate and support Member States’ efforts to fight the stealing, smuggling and illegal trafficking of cultural heritage assets inside and outside the EU; asks for the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Calls on the Commission to better coordinate and support Member States’ efforts to fight the stealing, smuggling and illegal trafficking of cultural heritage assets inside and outside the EU; asks for the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State;

| 69. | Recalls the importance of protecting and conserving cultural heritage, not only from the ravages of time but also from hooliganism and despoliation; points out that many archaeological sites are still at risk of despoliation by organised relic hunters, particularly underwater sites where access and surveillance by the authorities is difficult; calls, in this connection, for more effective cooperation between Member States in the identification and recovery of cultural goods and the prevention of illegal trafficking in such items; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Recalls the importance of protecting and conserving cultural heritage, not only from the ravages of time but also from hooliganism and despoliation; points out that many archaeological sites are still at risk of despoliation by organised relic hunters, particularly underwater sites where access and surveillance by the authorities is difficult; calls, in this connection, for more effective cooperation between Member States in the identification and recovery of cultural goods and the prevention of illegal trafficking in such items;

| 70. | Emphasises the role that cultural heritage plays in the Union’s external relations through policy dialogue and cooperation with third countries, and calls on the Member States, the Commission and the Council to revitalise cultural diplomacy; in addition, points to the potential afforded by interdisciplinary research projects with regard to preserving cultural heritage involving Member States and non-EU countries; |
| --- | --- |

70.

Emphasises the role that cultural heritage plays in the Union’s external relations through policy dialogue and cooperation with third countries, and calls on the Member States, the Commission and the Council to revitalise cultural diplomacy; in addition, points to the potential afforded by interdisciplinary research projects with regard to preserving cultural heritage involving Member States and non-EU countries;

| 71. | Calls for a strong commitment on the part of the Member States, the EU and the international community to prevent, protect, document and restore in cases in which EU cultural heritage or that of non-member countries is intentionally threatened and damaged as an act of war and violation of cultural and religious identity, also by cooperating with international organisations such as ICCROM, ICBS (International Committee of the Blue Shield), civil and military authorities, cultural institutions and professional associations; |
| --- | --- |

71.

Calls for a strong commitment on the part of the Member States, the EU and the international community to prevent, protect, document and restore in cases in which EU cultural heritage or that of non-member countries is intentionally threatened and damaged as an act of war and violation of cultural and religious identity, also by cooperating with international organisations such as ICCROM, ICBS (International Committee of the Blue Shield), civil and military authorities, cultural institutions and professional associations;

| 72. | Encourages the adoption of international agreements to prevent illicit trafficking of cultural heritage; highlights the need for the EU, together with the UN and UNESCO, to defend heritage in danger and fight looting and destruction of cultural objects in conflict areas; |
| --- | --- |

72.

Encourages the adoption of international agreements to prevent illicit trafficking of cultural heritage; highlights the need for the EU, together with the UN and UNESCO, to defend heritage in danger and fight looting and destruction of cultural objects in conflict areas;

| 73. | Points to the potential stemming from the know-how available in the EU as regards the preservation of cultural artefacts damaged or destroyed as a result of terrorism and war; |
| --- | --- |

73.

Points to the potential stemming from the know-how available in the EU as regards the preservation of cultural artefacts damaged or destroyed as a result of terrorism and war;

| 74. | Supports the creation of transnational cultural tourism products which reflect common European values and heritage; calls on the Commission to seek greater cooperation with Member States and other organisations which formulate culture and tourism policies, such as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and UNESCO, and to continue to co-finance and promote networks, cross-border regional projects and, in close cooperation with the Council of Europe, the European Cultural Routes, which are the best example of transnational pan-European thematic tourism projects; |
| --- | --- |

74.

Supports the creation of transnational cultural tourism products which reflect common European values and heritage; calls on the Commission to seek greater cooperation with Member States and other organisations which formulate culture and tourism policies, such as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and UNESCO, and to continue to co-finance and promote networks, cross-border regional projects and, in close cooperation with the Council of Europe, the European Cultural Routes, which are the best example of transnational pan-European thematic tourism projects;

o

o o

| 75. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

75.

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

---

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

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

(3)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 289.

(4)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 104.

(5)  OJ L 159, 28.5.2014, p. 1.

(6)  OJ L 175, 27.6.2013, p. 1.

(7)  Adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 13 October 2005; opened for signature to member states in Faro (Portugal) on 27 October of the same year; entered into force on 1 June 2011.

(8)  OJ C 183, 14.6.2014, p. 36.

(9)  OJ C 463, 23.12.2014, p. 1.

(10)  OJ C 463, 23.12.2014, p. 4.

(11)  OJ L 283, 29.10.2011, p. 39.

(12)  Venice Charter adopted by ICOMOS (International Council of Monuments and Sites) in 1965; Granada Convention adopted by the Council of Europe in 1985; Valletta Convention adopted by the Council of Europe in 1992.

(13)  See: Article 3(1)(e) of Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/99 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/99

---

P8_TA(2015)0294

Follow up to the European citizens' initiative Right2Water

European Parliament resolution of 8 September 2015 on the follow-up to the European Citizens’ Initiative Right2Water (2014/2239(INI))

(2017/C 316/09)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Council Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption (1) (hereinafter ‘the Drinking Water Directive’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption (1) (hereinafter ‘the Drinking Water Directive’),

| — | having regard to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (2) (hereinafter ‘the WFD’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (2) (hereinafter ‘the WFD’),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 211/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 on the citizens’ initiative (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 211/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 on the citizens’ initiative (3),

| — | having regard to Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contracts (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contracts (4),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 14 November 2012 entitled ‘A Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources’ (COM(2012)0673), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 14 November 2012 entitled ‘A Blueprint to Safeguard Europe’s Water Resources’ (COM(2012)0673),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 19 March 2014 on the European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Water and sanitation are a human right! Water is a public good, not a commodity!’ (COM(2014)0177) (hereinafter ‘the communication’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 19 March 2014 on the European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Water and sanitation are a human right! Water is a public good, not a commodity!’ (COM(2014)0177) (hereinafter ‘the communication’),

| — | having regard to the Commission’s ‘Synthesis Report on the Quality of Drinking Water in the EU examining the Member States’ reports for the period 2008-2010 under Directive 98/83/EC’ (COM(2014)0363), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s ‘Synthesis Report on the Quality of Drinking Water in the EU examining the Member States’ reports for the period 2008-2010 under Directive 98/83/EC’ (COM(2014)0363),

| — | having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the aforementioned Commission communication of 19 March 2014 (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the aforementioned Commission communication of 19 March 2014 (5),

| — | having regard to the report of the European Environment Agency (EEA) entitled ‘The European environment — state and outlook 2015’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the European Environment Agency (EEA) entitled ‘The European environment — state and outlook 2015’,

| — | having regard to the United Nations General Assembly resolution of 28 July 2010 entitled ‘The human right to water and sanitation’ (6), and the United Nations General Assembly resolution of 18 December 2013 entitled ‘The human right to safe drinking water and sanitation’ (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations General Assembly resolution of 28 July 2010 entitled ‘The human right to water and sanitation’ (6), and the United Nations General Assembly resolution of 18 December 2013 entitled ‘The human right to safe drinking water and sanitation’ (7),

| — | having regard to all the resolutions on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to all the resolutions on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 9 October 2008 on addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts in the European Union (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 9 October 2008 on addressing the challenge of water scarcity and droughts in the European Union (8),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2012 on the implementation of EU water legislation, ahead of a necessary overall approach to European water challenges (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2012 on the implementation of EU water legislation, ahead of a necessary overall approach to European water challenges (9),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 November 2014 on the EU and the global development framework after 2015 (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 November 2014 on the EU and the global development framework after 2015 (10),

| — | 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 the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Petitions (A8-0228/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Petitions (A8-0228/2015),

| A. | whereas ‘Right2Water’ is the first European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) to have met the requirements set out in Regulation (EU) No 211/2011 on the citizens’ initiative and to have been heard by Parliament after receiving the support of almost 1,9 million citizens; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas ‘Right2Water’ is the first European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) to have met the requirements set out in Regulation (EU) No 211/2011 on the citizens’ initiative and to have been heard by Parliament after receiving the support of almost 1,9 million citizens;

| B. | whereas the human right to water and sanitation encompasses the dimensions of availability, accessibility, acceptability, affordability and quality; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the human right to water and sanitation encompasses the dimensions of availability, accessibility, acceptability, affordability and quality;

| C. | whereas the full implementation of the human right to water and sanitation, as recognised by the UN and supported by the EU Member States, is essential for life, and whereas the proper management of water resources plays a crucial role in guaranteeing sustainable water use and safeguarding the world’s natural capital; whereas the combined effects of human activity and climate change mean that the whole of the EU’s Mediterranean region and some Central European regions are now classified as water-scarce, semi-desert regions; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the full implementation of the human right to water and sanitation, as recognised by the UN and supported by the EU Member States, is essential for life, and whereas the proper management of water resources plays a crucial role in guaranteeing sustainable water use and safeguarding the world’s natural capital; whereas the combined effects of human activity and climate change mean that the whole of the EU’s Mediterranean region and some Central European regions are now classified as water-scarce, semi-desert regions;

| D. | whereas, as stated in the EEA’s 2015 report on the state of the environment, loss rates owing to leakages from pipes in Europe currently amount to between 10 % and 40 %; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas, as stated in the EEA’s 2015 report on the state of the environment, loss rates owing to leakages from pipes in Europe currently amount to between 10 % and 40 %;

| E. | whereas access to water is among the keys to achieving sustainable development; whereas focusing development assistance on improving the supply of drinking water and sanitation is an efficient way of pursuing fundamental poverty eradication objectives, as well as promoting social equality, public health, food security and economic growth; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas access to water is among the keys to achieving sustainable development; whereas focusing development assistance on improving the supply of drinking water and sanitation is an efficient way of pursuing fundamental poverty eradication objectives, as well as promoting social equality, public health, food security and economic growth;

| F. | whereas at least 748 million people do not have sustainable access to safe drinking water, and a third of the world population lacks basic sanitation; whereas, as a result, the right to health is threatened and diseases spread, causing suffering and death and posing major impediments to development; whereas about 4 000 children die daily from water-borne diseases or due to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene; whereas the lack of access to potable water kills more children than AIDS, malaria and smallpox combined; whereas there is, however, a clear downward trend in these numbers and their decline can and must be accelerated; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas at least 748 million people do not have sustainable access to safe drinking water, and a third of the world population lacks basic sanitation; whereas, as a result, the right to health is threatened and diseases spread, causing suffering and death and posing major impediments to development; whereas about 4 000 children die daily from water-borne diseases or due to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene; whereas the lack of access to potable water kills more children than AIDS, malaria and smallpox combined; whereas there is, however, a clear downward trend in these numbers and their decline can and must be accelerated;

| G. | whereas access to water also has a security dimension which requires improved regional cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas access to water also has a security dimension which requires improved regional cooperation;

| H. | whereas lack of access to water and sanitation has consequences for the realisation of other human rights; whereas water challenges disproportionately affect women, given that in many developing countries they are traditionally responsible for domestic water supply; whereas women and girls suffer most from the lack of access to adequate and decent sanitation, which often limits their access to education and makes them more vulnerable to diseases; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas lack of access to water and sanitation has consequences for the realisation of other human rights; whereas water challenges disproportionately affect women, given that in many developing countries they are traditionally responsible for domestic water supply; whereas women and girls suffer most from the lack of access to adequate and decent sanitation, which often limits their access to education and makes them more vulnerable to diseases;

| I. | whereas every year, three and a half million people die of water-borne illnesses; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas every year, three and a half million people die of water-borne illnesses;

| J. | whereas the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which entered into force in 2013, created a complaint mechanism allowing individuals or groups to file formal complaints on violations of the human right to water and sanitation, among other rights; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which entered into force in 2013, created a complaint mechanism allowing individuals or groups to file formal complaints on violations of the human right to water and sanitation, among other rights;

| K. | whereas in developing countries and emerging economies, demand for water is increasing from all sectors, in particular for energy and agriculture; whereas climate change, urbanisation and demographic developments may pose a serious threat to water availability in many developing countries, and an estimated two-thirds of the world’s population is expected to live in water-stressed countries by 2025; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas in developing countries and emerging economies, demand for water is increasing from all sectors, in particular for energy and agriculture; whereas climate change, urbanisation and demographic developments may pose a serious threat to water availability in many developing countries, and an estimated two-thirds of the world’s population is expected to live in water-stressed countries by 2025;

| L. | whereas the EU is the largest donor in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector, with 25 % of its annual global humanitarian funding dedicated solely to supporting development partners in this area; whereas, however, a 2012 European Court of Auditors’ Special Report on European Union development assistance for drinking-water supply and basic sanitation in sub-Saharan countries pointed out the need to improve aid effectiveness and the sustainability of the projects supported by the EU; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the EU is the largest donor in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector, with 25 % of its annual global humanitarian funding dedicated solely to supporting development partners in this area; whereas, however, a 2012 European Court of Auditors’ Special Report on European Union development assistance for drinking-water supply and basic sanitation in sub-Saharan countries pointed out the need to improve aid effectiveness and the sustainability of the projects supported by the EU;

| M. | whereas the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe declared that ‘access to water must be recognised as a fundamental human right because it is essential to life on earth and is a resource that must be shared by humankind’; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe declared that ‘access to water must be recognised as a fundamental human right because it is essential to life on earth and is a resource that must be shared by humankind’;

| N. | whereas the privatisation of basic utilities in sub-Saharan Africa in the 1990s has, inter alia, hampered the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on both water and sanitation, as the focus of investors on cost recovery has, among other things, intensified inequalities in the provision of such services, at the expense of low-income households; whereas in light of the failure of water privatisation, the transfer of water services from private companies to local authorities is a growing trend in the water sector all around the world; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the privatisation of basic utilities in sub-Saharan Africa in the 1990s has, inter alia, hampered the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on both water and sanitation, as the focus of investors on cost recovery has, among other things, intensified inequalities in the provision of such services, at the expense of low-income households; whereas in light of the failure of water privatisation, the transfer of water services from private companies to local authorities is a growing trend in the water sector all around the world;

| O. | whereas water provision is a natural monopoly and revenues from the water management cycle should cover and at all times be earmarked for both the costs and the protection of water services and improvement of the water management cycle, on condition that the public interest is safeguarded; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas water provision is a natural monopoly and revenues from the water management cycle should cover and at all times be earmarked for both the costs and the protection of water services and improvement of the water management cycle, on condition that the public interest is safeguarded;

| P. | whereas the absence of adequate water and sanitation has a serious impact on health and social development, especially for children; whereas the contamination of water resources is a major cause of diarrhoea, the second biggest killer of children in developing countries, and leads to other major diseases such as cholera, schistosomiasis, and trachoma; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the absence of adequate water and sanitation has a serious impact on health and social development, especially for children; whereas the contamination of water resources is a major cause of diarrhoea, the second biggest killer of children in developing countries, and leads to other major diseases such as cholera, schistosomiasis, and trachoma;

| Q. | whereas water has social, economic and ecological functions and managing the water cycle correctly for the benefit of all will safeguard its continued and stable availability in the current context of climate change; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas water has social, economic and ecological functions and managing the water cycle correctly for the benefit of all will safeguard its continued and stable availability in the current context of climate change;

| R. | whereas Europe is particularly sensitive to climate change and whereas water is one of the first sectors to be affected; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas Europe is particularly sensitive to climate change and whereas water is one of the first sectors to be affected;

| S. | whereas the ECI was set up as a mechanism of participatory democracy with the aim of encouraging debate at EU level and citizens’ direct involvement in EU decision-making, and is an excellent opportunity for the EU institutions to re-engage with citizens; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas the ECI was set up as a mechanism of participatory democracy with the aim of encouraging debate at EU level and citizens’ direct involvement in EU decision-making, and is an excellent opportunity for the EU institutions to re-engage with citizens;

| T. | whereas Eurobarometer surveys have consistently shown very low levels of trust in the EU among EU citizens in recent years; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas Eurobarometer surveys have consistently shown very low levels of trust in the EU among EU citizens in recent years;

The ECI as an instrument of participatory democracy

| 1. | Takes the view that the ECI is a unique democratic mechanism which has significant potential to help bridge the gap between European and national social and civil society movements, and to promote participatory democracy at the EU level; believes, however, that in order to be able to develop the democratic mechanism even more, an evaluation of past experience and a reform of the citizens’ initiative are indispensable, and that the Commission’s actions — which can include, where appropriate, the possibility of introducing suitable elements into legislative revisions or new legislative proposals — must better reflect the demands of the ECI when these are within its competence, and especially when they express human rights concerns; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Takes the view that the ECI is a unique democratic mechanism which has significant potential to help bridge the gap between European and national social and civil society movements, and to promote participatory democracy at the EU level; believes, however, that in order to be able to develop the democratic mechanism even more, an evaluation of past experience and a reform of the citizens’ initiative are indispensable, and that the Commission’s actions — which can include, where appropriate, the possibility of introducing suitable elements into legislative revisions or new legislative proposals — must better reflect the demands of the ECI when these are within its competence, and especially when they express human rights concerns;

| 2. | Stresses that the Commission should ensure the utmost transparency during the two-month analysis phase, that a successful ECI should receive proper legal support and advice from the Commission and should be properly publicised, and that promoters and supporters should be kept fully informed and updated throughout the ECI process; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Stresses that the Commission should ensure the utmost transparency during the two-month analysis phase, that a successful ECI should receive proper legal support and advice from the Commission and should be properly publicised, and that promoters and supporters should be kept fully informed and updated throughout the ECI process;

| 3. | Insists that the Commission implement the ECI Regulation effectively and proceed with the removal of all administrative burdens encountered by citizens when submitting or supporting an ECI, and urges it to consider implementing a common ECI registration system for all Member States; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Insists that the Commission implement the ECI Regulation effectively and proceed with the removal of all administrative burdens encountered by citizens when submitting or supporting an ECI, and urges it to consider implementing a common ECI registration system for all Member States;

| 4. | Welcomes the fact that the support of almost 1,9 million EU citizens from all Member States for this ECI concurs with the Commission’s decision to exclude water and sanitation services from the Concessions Directive; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Welcomes the fact that the support of almost 1,9 million EU citizens from all Member States for this ECI concurs with the Commission’s decision to exclude water and sanitation services from the Concessions Directive;

| 5. | Calls on the Commission to maintain and confirm the exclusion of water and sanitation services from the Concessions Directive in any eventual review of this directive; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on the Commission to maintain and confirm the exclusion of water and sanitation services from the Concessions Directive in any eventual review of this directive;

| 6. | Considers it regrettable that the communication lacks ambition, does not meet the specific demands made in the ECI and limits itself to reiterating existing commitments; stresses that the response given by the Commission to the Right2Water ECI is insufficient, as it does not make any fresh contribution and does not introduce all the measures that might help to achieve the goals; asks the Commission, with regard to this particular ECI, to lead a comprehensive information campaign on the measures that have already been taken in the field of water and how these measures could contribute to the achievements of the objectives of the Right2Water ECI; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Considers it regrettable that the communication lacks ambition, does not meet the specific demands made in the ECI and limits itself to reiterating existing commitments; stresses that the response given by the Commission to the Right2Water ECI is insufficient, as it does not make any fresh contribution and does not introduce all the measures that might help to achieve the goals; asks the Commission, with regard to this particular ECI, to lead a comprehensive information campaign on the measures that have already been taken in the field of water and how these measures could contribute to the achievements of the objectives of the Right2Water ECI;

| 7. | Considers that many of the petitions concerning water quality and management come from Member States which are not well-represented in the EU-wide public consultation launched in June 2014, and stresses that there may therefore be some inconsistency between the results of the public consultation and the situation highlighted by petitions; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Considers that many of the petitions concerning water quality and management come from Member States which are not well-represented in the EU-wide public consultation launched in June 2014, and stresses that there may therefore be some inconsistency between the results of the public consultation and the situation highlighted by petitions;

| 8. | Hopes that the Commission and the Vice-President responsible for sustainability will make a clear political commitment to ensuring that appropriate action is taken in response to the concerns raised by this ECI; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Hopes that the Commission and the Vice-President responsible for sustainability will make a clear political commitment to ensuring that appropriate action is taken in response to the concerns raised by this ECI;

| 9. | Reiterates the commitment of its Committee on Petitions to give a voice to petitioners on issues concerning fundamental rights, and recalls that the petitioners presenting the Right2Water ECI have expressed their agreement with declaring water a human right that is guaranteed at EU level; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Reiterates the commitment of its Committee on Petitions to give a voice to petitioners on issues concerning fundamental rights, and recalls that the petitioners presenting the Right2Water ECI have expressed their agreement with declaring water a human right that is guaranteed at EU level;

| 10. | Calls on the Commission, in line with the primary objective of the Right2Water ECI, to come forward with legislative proposals, and, if appropriate, a revision of the WFD, that would recognise universal access and the human right to water; advocates, moreover, that universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation be recognised in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Calls on the Commission, in line with the primary objective of the Right2Water ECI, to come forward with legislative proposals, and, if appropriate, a revision of the WFD, that would recognise universal access and the human right to water; advocates, moreover, that universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation be recognised in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

| 11. | Stresses that if the Commission neglects successful and widely supported ECIs in the framework of the democratic mechanism established by the Lisbon Treaty, the EU as such will lose credibility in the eyes of citizens; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Stresses that if the Commission neglects successful and widely supported ECIs in the framework of the democratic mechanism established by the Lisbon Treaty, the EU as such will lose credibility in the eyes of citizens;

| 12. | Calls on the Commission to introduce information and education measures at EU level to promote the culture of water as a common asset, measures to raise awareness and promote more mindful individual behaviour (to save water), measures relating to the conscious development of policies concerning the management of natural resources, and support for public, participatory and transparent management; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls on the Commission to introduce information and education measures at EU level to promote the culture of water as a common asset, measures to raise awareness and promote more mindful individual behaviour (to save water), measures relating to the conscious development of policies concerning the management of natural resources, and support for public, participatory and transparent management;

| 13. | Considers it necessary to frame water policies that encourage the rational use, recycling and reuse of water resources, which are vital issues for integrated management; believes that this will enable costs to be reduced, help save the natural resource and ensure that the environment is properly managed; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Considers it necessary to frame water policies that encourage the rational use, recycling and reuse of water resources, which are vital issues for integrated management; believes that this will enable costs to be reduced, help save the natural resource and ensure that the environment is properly managed;

| 14. | Calls on the Commission to discourage the practices of water grabbing and hydraulic fracturing and make them subject to environmental impact studies; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the Commission to discourage the practices of water grabbing and hydraulic fracturing and make them subject to environmental impact studies;

The right to water and sanitation

| 15. | Recalls that the UN affirms that the human right to water and sanitation entitles everyone to water for personal and domestic uses which is of good quality, safe, physically accessible, affordable, sufficient and acceptable; points out that in accordance with a further UN recommendation, 3 % of household income should be seen as a maximum for water payments where payments apply; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Recalls that the UN affirms that the human right to water and sanitation entitles everyone to water for personal and domestic uses which is of good quality, safe, physically accessible, affordable, sufficient and acceptable; points out that in accordance with a further UN recommendation, 3 % of household income should be seen as a maximum for water payments where payments apply;

| 16. | Backs the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation and stresses the importance of his work and that of his predecessor on recognition of this right; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Backs the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation and stresses the importance of his work and that of his predecessor on recognition of this right;

| 17. | Deplores the fact that in the EU-28 more than 1 million people still lack access to a safe and clean drinking water supply and nearly 2 % of the population lacks access to sanitation, according to the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP), and therefore urges the Commission to act immediately; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Deplores the fact that in the EU-28 more than 1 million people still lack access to a safe and clean drinking water supply and nearly 2 % of the population lacks access to sanitation, according to the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP), and therefore urges the Commission to act immediately;

| 18. | Calls on the Commission to recognise the importance of the human right to water and sanitation and of water as a public good and a fundamental value for all EU citizens and not as a commodity; expresses its concern that since 2008, due to the financial and economic crisis and to the austerity policies which have increased poverty in Europe and the number of low-income households, an increasing number of people have been facing difficulties in paying their water bills and that affordability is becoming a matter of growing concern; rejects water cut-offs and the enforced switching-off of the water supply, and asks Member States to put an immediate end to these situations when they are due to socioeconomic factors in low-income households; welcomes the fact that in some Member States ‘water banks’ or minimum water quotas are being used in an effort to help the most vulnerable with their utility costs, to guarantee water as an inalienable component of fundamental rights; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Calls on the Commission to recognise the importance of the human right to water and sanitation and of water as a public good and a fundamental value for all EU citizens and not as a commodity; expresses its concern that since 2008, due to the financial and economic crisis and to the austerity policies which have increased poverty in Europe and the number of low-income households, an increasing number of people have been facing difficulties in paying their water bills and that affordability is becoming a matter of growing concern; rejects water cut-offs and the enforced switching-off of the water supply, and asks Member States to put an immediate end to these situations when they are due to socioeconomic factors in low-income households; welcomes the fact that in some Member States ‘water banks’ or minimum water quotas are being used in an effort to help the most vulnerable with their utility costs, to guarantee water as an inalienable component of fundamental rights;

| 19. | Calls on the Commission, given the effects of the recent economic crisis, to collaborate with the Member States and regional and local authorities to conduct a study on water poverty issues, including issues of access and affordability; urges the Commission to further support and facilitate cooperation amongst water operators to aid those in less developed and rural areas, in order to support access to good quality water for all citizens in those areas; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the Commission, given the effects of the recent economic crisis, to collaborate with the Member States and regional and local authorities to conduct a study on water poverty issues, including issues of access and affordability; urges the Commission to further support and facilitate cooperation amongst water operators to aid those in less developed and rural areas, in order to support access to good quality water for all citizens in those areas;

| 20. | Calls on the Commission to identify areas in which water shortage is an existing or potential issue, and to help the Member States, regions and areas concerned, in particular rural areas and deprived urban areas, to address this issue properly; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on the Commission to identify areas in which water shortage is an existing or potential issue, and to help the Member States, regions and areas concerned, in particular rural areas and deprived urban areas, to address this issue properly;

| 21. | Stresses that the Commission’s alleged neutrality regarding water ownership and management is in contradiction with the privatisation programmes imposed on some Member States by the Troika; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Stresses that the Commission’s alleged neutrality regarding water ownership and management is in contradiction with the privatisation programmes imposed on some Member States by the Troika;

| 22. | Recognises that, as stated in the WFD, water is not a commodity but a public good that is vital to human life and dignity, and reminds the Commission that Treaty rules require the EU to remain neutral in relation to national decisions governing the ownership regime of water undertakings, therefore it should by no means promote the privatisation of water undertakings in the context of an economic adjustment programme or any other EU procedure of economic policy coordination; given that these are services of general interest and are thus mainly in the public interest, calls on the Commission to permanently exclude water and sanitation and wastewater disposal from internal market rules and from any trade agreement, and to provide them at affordable prices, and calls on both the Commission and the Member States to ensure that they are managed technically, financially and administratively in an efficient, effective and transparent manner; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Recognises that, as stated in the WFD, water is not a commodity but a public good that is vital to human life and dignity, and reminds the Commission that Treaty rules require the EU to remain neutral in relation to national decisions governing the ownership regime of water undertakings, therefore it should by no means promote the privatisation of water undertakings in the context of an economic adjustment programme or any other EU procedure of economic policy coordination; given that these are services of general interest and are thus mainly in the public interest, calls on the Commission to permanently exclude water and sanitation and wastewater disposal from internal market rules and from any trade agreement, and to provide them at affordable prices, and calls on both the Commission and the Member States to ensure that they are managed technically, financially and administratively in an efficient, effective and transparent manner;

| 23. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission to review the governance of water policy and to re-establish it on the basis of active participation, i.e. transparency of the decision-making process and openness towards citizens; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Member States and the Commission to review the governance of water policy and to re-establish it on the basis of active participation, i.e. transparency of the decision-making process and openness towards citizens;

| 24. | Takes the view that, with regard to regulation and control, the public ownership of water needs to be protected by encouraging public, transparent and participatory management models in which, in certain cases only, the public ownership authority would be able to concede some management tasks to private initiatives, on strictly regulated terms and always guaranteeing the right to the resource and to adequate sanitation; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Takes the view that, with regard to regulation and control, the public ownership of water needs to be protected by encouraging public, transparent and participatory management models in which, in certain cases only, the public ownership authority would be able to concede some management tasks to private initiatives, on strictly regulated terms and always guaranteeing the right to the resource and to adequate sanitation;

| 25. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure a comprehensive water supply characterised by affordable prices, high quality and fair working conditions and subject to democratic controls; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure a comprehensive water supply characterised by affordable prices, high quality and fair working conditions and subject to democratic controls;

| 26. | Calls on the Member States to support the promotion of education and awareness-raising campaigns for citizens in order to preserve and save water resources and to ensure greater civic participation; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls on the Member States to support the promotion of education and awareness-raising campaigns for citizens in order to preserve and save water resources and to ensure greater civic participation;

| 27. | Calls on the Member States to ensure non-discrimination in access to water services, ensuring their provision to all, including marginalised user groups; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Calls on the Member States to ensure non-discrimination in access to water services, ensuring their provision to all, including marginalised user groups;

| 28. | Calls on the Commission, the European Investment Bank and the Member States to support municipalities in the EU which lack the necessary capital to access technical assistance, available EU funding and long-term loans at a preferential interest rate, particularly for the purpose of maintaining and renewing water infrastructure in order to ensure the provision of high quality water and extend water and sanitation services to the most vulnerable population groups, including the poor and residents of the outermost and remote regions; stresses the importance of open, democratic and participatory governance to ensure that the most cost-effective solutions with regard to water resources management are implemented for the benefit of society as a whole; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure transparency of the financial resources generated through the water management cycle; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Calls on the Commission, the European Investment Bank and the Member States to support municipalities in the EU which lack the necessary capital to access technical assistance, available EU funding and long-term loans at a preferential interest rate, particularly for the purpose of maintaining and renewing water infrastructure in order to ensure the provision of high quality water and extend water and sanitation services to the most vulnerable population groups, including the poor and residents of the outermost and remote regions; stresses the importance of open, democratic and participatory governance to ensure that the most cost-effective solutions with regard to water resources management are implemented for the benefit of society as a whole; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure transparency of the financial resources generated through the water management cycle;

| 29. | Recognises that water and sanitation services are services of general interest and that water is not a commodity but a common good, and therefore should be provided at affordable prices that respect people’s right to a minimum quality of water and provide for the application of a progressive charge; asks the Member States to ensure that a fair, equitable, transparent and adequate system for water and sanitation charges is applied so that all members of the public are guaranteed access to high quality services irrespective of their income; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Recognises that water and sanitation services are services of general interest and that water is not a commodity but a common good, and therefore should be provided at affordable prices that respect people’s right to a minimum quality of water and provide for the application of a progressive charge; asks the Member States to ensure that a fair, equitable, transparent and adequate system for water and sanitation charges is applied so that all members of the public are guaranteed access to high quality services irrespective of their income;

| 30. | Notes that water needs to be understood as an eco-social asset instead of as a mere production element; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Notes that water needs to be understood as an eco-social asset instead of as a mere production element;

| 31. | Recalls that access to water is essential for agriculture in order to realise the right to adequate food; |
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31.

Recalls that access to water is essential for agriculture in order to realise the right to adequate food;

| 32. | Calls on the Commission to support strongly efforts by Member States to develop and upgrade infrastructure that provides access to irrigation, sewerage and drinking water supply services; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Calls on the Commission to support strongly efforts by Member States to develop and upgrade infrastructure that provides access to irrigation, sewerage and drinking water supply services;

| 33. | Considers that the Drinking Water Directive has greatly contributed to the availability of high-quality drinking water across the EU and calls for decisive action by the Commission and the Member States in order to realise the environmental and health benefits available from favouring tap water consumption; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Considers that the Drinking Water Directive has greatly contributed to the availability of high-quality drinking water across the EU and calls for decisive action by the Commission and the Member States in order to realise the environmental and health benefits available from favouring tap water consumption;

| 34. | Reminds the Member States of their responsibility in implementing EU law; urges them to fully implement the Drinking Water Directive and all related legislation; reminds them to identify their spending priorities and to make full use of the opportunities for EU financial support in the water sector afforded by the new financial programming period (2014-2020), in particular through an investment priority specifically centred on water management; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Reminds the Member States of their responsibility in implementing EU law; urges them to fully implement the Drinking Water Directive and all related legislation; reminds them to identify their spending priorities and to make full use of the opportunities for EU financial support in the water sector afforded by the new financial programming period (2014-2020), in particular through an investment priority specifically centred on water management;

| 35. | Recalls the conclusions of the European Court of Auditors’ Special Report on the integration of EU water policy objectives with the Common Agricultural Policy, which state that ‘the instruments currently used by the CAP to address water concerns have not so far managed to achieve sufficient progress towards the ambitious policy targets set as regards water’; believes that better integration of water policy with other policies, such as those on agriculture, is essential in order to improve water quality across Europe; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Recalls the conclusions of the European Court of Auditors’ Special Report on the integration of EU water policy objectives with the Common Agricultural Policy, which state that ‘the instruments currently used by the CAP to address water concerns have not so far managed to achieve sufficient progress towards the ambitious policy targets set as regards water’; believes that better integration of water policy with other policies, such as those on agriculture, is essential in order to improve water quality across Europe;

| 36. | Highlights the importance of full and effective implementation of the WFD, the Groundwater Directive, the Drinking Water Directive and the Urban Wastewater Directive, and considers it vital to better coordinate their implementation with that of the directives on marine environment, biodiversity and flood protection; is concerned that the Union’s sectoral policy instruments do not sufficiently contribute to achieving the environmental quality standards for priority substances and the phasing-out objective for discharges, emissions and losses of priority hazardous substances in accordance with Article 4(1)(a) and Article 16(6) of the WFD; calls on the Commission and the Member States to bear in mind that water management has to be incorporated as a cross-cutting factor in legislation on other fields quintessential to it, such as energy, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, etc., in order to prevent pollution for example from illegal and unregulated hazardous waste sites or oil extraction or exploration; recalls that cross-compliance under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) sets out statutory management requirements based on existing EU laws relevant to farmers and rules of good agricultural and environmental conditions, including on water; recalls that farmers must abide by these rules in order to receive full CAP payments; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Highlights the importance of full and effective implementation of the WFD, the Groundwater Directive, the Drinking Water Directive and the Urban Wastewater Directive, and considers it vital to better coordinate their implementation with that of the directives on marine environment, biodiversity and flood protection; is concerned that the Union’s sectoral policy instruments do not sufficiently contribute to achieving the environmental quality standards for priority substances and the phasing-out objective for discharges, emissions and losses of priority hazardous substances in accordance with Article 4(1)(a) and Article 16(6) of the WFD; calls on the Commission and the Member States to bear in mind that water management has to be incorporated as a cross-cutting factor in legislation on other fields quintessential to it, such as energy, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, etc., in order to prevent pollution for example from illegal and unregulated hazardous waste sites or oil extraction or exploration; recalls that cross-compliance under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) sets out statutory management requirements based on existing EU laws relevant to farmers and rules of good agricultural and environmental conditions, including on water; recalls that farmers must abide by these rules in order to receive full CAP payments;

| 37. | Calls on the Member States to:






  — | Impose an obligation on water suppliers to indicate the physicochemical characteristics of the water on water bills; |
| --- | --- | --- |

37.

Calls on the Member States to:

—

Impose an obligation on water suppliers to indicate the physicochemical characteristics of the water on water bills;

| — | Draft urban plans according to the availability of water resources; |
| --- | --- |

—

Draft urban plans according to the availability of water resources;

| — | Increase controls and monitoring of pollutants, and plan immediate actions aimed at the removal and sanitisation of toxic substances; |
| --- | --- |

—

Increase controls and monitoring of pollutants, and plan immediate actions aimed at the removal and sanitisation of toxic substances;

| — | Take action to reduce the considerable leakages from pipes in Europe and to renew the inadequate water supply networks; |
| --- | --- |

—

Take action to reduce the considerable leakages from pipes in Europe and to renew the inadequate water supply networks;

| 38. | Considers it necessary to establish a priority order or hierarchy for sustainable water use; calls on the Commission to come forward with an analysis and proposals as appropriate; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Considers it necessary to establish a priority order or hierarchy for sustainable water use; calls on the Commission to come forward with an analysis and proposals as appropriate;

| 39. | Emphasises that Member States have committed themselves to the human right to water through their backing for the UN Declaration and that this right is supported by the majority of citizens and operators in the EU; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Emphasises that Member States have committed themselves to the human right to water through their backing for the UN Declaration and that this right is supported by the majority of citizens and operators in the EU;

| 40. | Stresses that support for the Right2Water ECI and its objectives has been further demonstrated by the large numbers of citizens in countries such as Germany, Austria, Belgium, Slovakia, Slovenia, Greece, Finland, Spain, Luxembourg, Italy and Ireland who have spoken out on the issue of water and its ownership and provision; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Stresses that support for the Right2Water ECI and its objectives has been further demonstrated by the large numbers of citizens in countries such as Germany, Austria, Belgium, Slovakia, Slovenia, Greece, Finland, Spain, Luxembourg, Italy and Ireland who have spoken out on the issue of water and its ownership and provision;

| 41. | Notes that since 1988 its Committee on Petitions has received a significant number of petitions from EU citizens in many Member States expressing their concerns about water supply and quality and wastewater management; draws attention to a number of negative factors deplored by petitioners — such as waste landfills, failure by authorities to control water quality effectively, and irregular or unlawful agricultural and industrial practices — which are responsible for poor water quality and thus have an impact on the environment and on human and animal health; considers that these petitions demonstrate a genuine interest on the part of citizens in the thorough enforcement and further development of sustainable water-related EU legislation; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Notes that since 1988 its Committee on Petitions has received a significant number of petitions from EU citizens in many Member States expressing their concerns about water supply and quality and wastewater management; draws attention to a number of negative factors deplored by petitioners — such as waste landfills, failure by authorities to control water quality effectively, and irregular or unlawful agricultural and industrial practices — which are responsible for poor water quality and thus have an impact on the environment and on human and animal health; considers that these petitions demonstrate a genuine interest on the part of citizens in the thorough enforcement and further development of sustainable water-related EU legislation;

| 42. | Strongly urges the Commission to take the concerns and warnings expressed by citizens in such petitions seriously and to act on them, in particular given the urgent need to address the problem of diminishing water resources as a result of overuse and climate change, while there is still time to prevent pollution and mismanagement; expresses its concern about the number of infringement procedures concerning water quality and management; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Strongly urges the Commission to take the concerns and warnings expressed by citizens in such petitions seriously and to act on them, in particular given the urgent need to address the problem of diminishing water resources as a result of overuse and climate change, while there is still time to prevent pollution and mismanagement; expresses its concern about the number of infringement procedures concerning water quality and management;

| 43. | Calls on the Member States to complete their River Basin Management Plans as a matter of urgency and as a key element in the enforcement of the Water Framework Directive, and to implement them properly with full respect for the overriding ecological criteria; draws attention to the fact that certain Member States are increasingly confronted with damaging floods which have a severe impact on the local population; points out that the River Basin Management Plans under the Water Framework Directive, and the Flood Risk Management Plans under the Floods Directive, afford a great opportunity to exploit synergies between these instruments, thereby helping to provide clean water in sufficient quantities while reducing flood risks; recalls, furthermore, that each Member State should have a central webpage to provide information on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, so as to facilitate an overview of water quality and management; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Calls on the Member States to complete their River Basin Management Plans as a matter of urgency and as a key element in the enforcement of the Water Framework Directive, and to implement them properly with full respect for the overriding ecological criteria; draws attention to the fact that certain Member States are increasingly confronted with damaging floods which have a severe impact on the local population; points out that the River Basin Management Plans under the Water Framework Directive, and the Flood Risk Management Plans under the Floods Directive, afford a great opportunity to exploit synergies between these instruments, thereby helping to provide clean water in sufficient quantities while reducing flood risks; recalls, furthermore, that each Member State should have a central webpage to provide information on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, so as to facilitate an overview of water quality and management;

Water services and the internal market

| 44. | Notes that countries across the EU, including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Germany and Italy, have seen the potential or actual loss of public ownership of water services become a major issue of concern to citizens; recalls that the choice of method of water management is based on the subsidiarity principle, as laid down in Article 14 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in Protocol (No 26) on services of general interest, which highlights the special importance of public services for social and territorial cohesion in the Union; recalls that water supply and sewerage enterprises are services of general interest and have the general mission of ensuring that the entire population is provided with high quality water at socially acceptable prices and minimising the negative environmental impacts of waste water; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Notes that countries across the EU, including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Germany and Italy, have seen the potential or actual loss of public ownership of water services become a major issue of concern to citizens; recalls that the choice of method of water management is based on the subsidiarity principle, as laid down in Article 14 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in Protocol (No 26) on services of general interest, which highlights the special importance of public services for social and territorial cohesion in the Union; recalls that water supply and sewerage enterprises are services of general interest and have the general mission of ensuring that the entire population is provided with high quality water at socially acceptable prices and minimising the negative environmental impacts of waste water;

| 45. | Stresses that, in line with the principle of subsidiarity, the Commission should remain neutral regarding Member States’ decisions relating to the ownership of water services and should not promote the privatisation of water services either through legislation or in any other way; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Stresses that, in line with the principle of subsidiarity, the Commission should remain neutral regarding Member States’ decisions relating to the ownership of water services and should not promote the privatisation of water services either through legislation or in any other way;

| 46. | Recalls that the option of re-municipalising water services should continue to be ensured in the future without any restriction, and may be kept under local management if so chosen by the competent public authorities; recalls that water is a basic human right that should be accessible and affordable to all; highlights that Member States have a duty to ensure that water is guaranteed to all regardless of the operator, while making sure that the operators provide safe drinking water and improved sanitation; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Recalls that the option of re-municipalising water services should continue to be ensured in the future without any restriction, and may be kept under local management if so chosen by the competent public authorities; recalls that water is a basic human right that should be accessible and affordable to all; highlights that Member States have a duty to ensure that water is guaranteed to all regardless of the operator, while making sure that the operators provide safe drinking water and improved sanitation;

| 47. | Stresses that the special character of water and sanitation services, such as production, distribution and treatment, makes it imperative that they be excluded from any trade agreements the EU is negotiating or considering; urges the Commission to grant a legally binding exclusion for water services, sanitation services and wastewater disposal services in the ongoing negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the Trade in Services Agreement; stresses that all future trade and investment agreements should include clauses on genuine access to drinking water for the people of the third country to which the agreement pertains in line with the Union’s long-lasting commitment to sustainable development and human rights, and that genuine access to drinking water for the people of the third country to which the agreement pertains must be a precondition for any future free trade agreements; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Stresses that the special character of water and sanitation services, such as production, distribution and treatment, makes it imperative that they be excluded from any trade agreements the EU is negotiating or considering; urges the Commission to grant a legally binding exclusion for water services, sanitation services and wastewater disposal services in the ongoing negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the Trade in Services Agreement; stresses that all future trade and investment agreements should include clauses on genuine access to drinking water for the people of the third country to which the agreement pertains in line with the Union’s long-lasting commitment to sustainable development and human rights, and that genuine access to drinking water for the people of the third country to which the agreement pertains must be a precondition for any future free trade agreements;

| 48. | Recalls the significant number of petitions opposing the inclusion of essential public services such as water and sanitation in the negotiations for the TTIP; calls on the Commission to increase the accountability of water suppliers; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Recalls the significant number of petitions opposing the inclusion of essential public services such as water and sanitation in the negotiations for the TTIP; calls on the Commission to increase the accountability of water suppliers;

| 49. | Calls on the Commission to act as a facilitator to promote cooperation amongst water operators via sharing of best regulatory and other practices and initiatives, mutual learning and common experience, and by supporting voluntary benchmarking exercises; welcomes the call in the Commission’s communication for increased transparency in the water sector and acknowledges efforts made thus far, whilst noting that any benchmarking exercise should be voluntary given the wide variation amongst water services and regional and local specificities across Europe; further notes that any such exercise which includes only financial indicators should not be considered equivalent to transparency measures and that other criteria crucial for citizens should be included, such as water quality, measures to mitigate affordability problems, information on what proportion of the population has access to adequate water supplies and the levels of public participation in water governance, in a manner comprehensible to both citizens and regulators; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Calls on the Commission to act as a facilitator to promote cooperation amongst water operators via sharing of best regulatory and other practices and initiatives, mutual learning and common experience, and by supporting voluntary benchmarking exercises; welcomes the call in the Commission’s communication for increased transparency in the water sector and acknowledges efforts made thus far, whilst noting that any benchmarking exercise should be voluntary given the wide variation amongst water services and regional and local specificities across Europe; further notes that any such exercise which includes only financial indicators should not be considered equivalent to transparency measures and that other criteria crucial for citizens should be included, such as water quality, measures to mitigate affordability problems, information on what proportion of the population has access to adequate water supplies and the levels of public participation in water governance, in a manner comprehensible to both citizens and regulators;

| 50. | Stresses the importance of national regulatory authorities in ensuring fair and open competition between service providers, facilitating faster implementation of innovative solutions and technical progress, promoting efficiency and quality of water services, and ensuring the protection of consumers’ interests; calls on the Commission to support initiatives for regulatory cooperation in the EU in order to accelerate benchmarking, mutual learning and exchange of best regulatory practices; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Stresses the importance of national regulatory authorities in ensuring fair and open competition between service providers, facilitating faster implementation of innovative solutions and technical progress, promoting efficiency and quality of water services, and ensuring the protection of consumers’ interests; calls on the Commission to support initiatives for regulatory cooperation in the EU in order to accelerate benchmarking, mutual learning and exchange of best regulatory practices;

| 51. | Believes that there should be an assessment of European water and sanitation projects and programmes from the perspective of human rights, with a view to developing appropriate policies, guidelines and practices; invites the Commission to set up a benchmarking system (for water quality, affordability, sustainability, coverage, etc.) in order to improve the quality of public water supply and sanitation services across the EU, and as a way of empowering citizens; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Believes that there should be an assessment of European water and sanitation projects and programmes from the perspective of human rights, with a view to developing appropriate policies, guidelines and practices; invites the Commission to set up a benchmarking system (for water quality, affordability, sustainability, coverage, etc.) in order to improve the quality of public water supply and sanitation services across the EU, and as a way of empowering citizens;

| 52. | Recalls that water and sanitation services concessions are subject to the principles laid down in the Treaty and must therefore be awarded in accordance with the principles of transparency, equal treatment and non-discrimination; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Recalls that water and sanitation services concessions are subject to the principles laid down in the Treaty and must therefore be awarded in accordance with the principles of transparency, equal treatment and non-discrimination;

| 53. | Stresses that production, distribution and treatment of water and sanitation services must remain excluded from the Concessions Directive also in any future revision thereof; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Stresses that production, distribution and treatment of water and sanitation services must remain excluded from the Concessions Directive also in any future revision thereof;

| 54. | Recalls that Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market attracted strong opposition from civil society in many respects, including matters relating to services of general economic interest such as water distribution and supply services and wastewater management; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Recalls that Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market attracted strong opposition from civil society in many respects, including matters relating to services of general economic interest such as water distribution and supply services and wastewater management;

| 55. | Highlights the importance of public-public and public-private partnerships exchanging best practice on the basis of non-profit cooperation among water operators, and welcomes the Commission’s recognition for the first time, in the communication, of the importance of public-public partnerships; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Highlights the importance of public-public and public-private partnerships exchanging best practice on the basis of non-profit cooperation among water operators, and welcomes the Commission’s recognition for the first time, in the communication, of the importance of public-public partnerships;

| 56. | Welcomes the successful efforts of some municipalities to enhance public participation in improving water service provision and the protection of water resources, and recalls that local institutions play an important role in the decision-making process regarding water management; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Welcomes the successful efforts of some municipalities to enhance public participation in improving water service provision and the protection of water resources, and recalls that local institutions play an important role in the decision-making process regarding water management;

| 57. | Calls on the Committee of the Regions to be more involved in this ECI with a view to encouraging greater involvement in the issue on the part of regional authorities; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Calls on the Committee of the Regions to be more involved in this ECI with a view to encouraging greater involvement in the issue on the part of regional authorities;

| 58. | Recalls the obligation to guarantee access to justice and information in environmental matters, and public participation in decision-making, as laid down in the Aarhus Convention; calls, therefore, on the Commission, the Member States and their regional and local authorities to respect the principles and rights enshrined in the Aarhus Convention; recalls that citizens’ awareness of their rights is fundamental to achieving the widest possible participation in the decision-making process; urges the Commission, therefore, to proactively set up a campaign to inform EU citizens about the achievements of the Aarhus Convention in the field of transparency and about the effective tools already at their disposal, and to comply with the provisions referring to the EU institutions; calls on the Commission to develop transparency, accountability and participation criteria as a means to improving the performance, sustainability and cost-effectiveness of water services; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Recalls the obligation to guarantee access to justice and information in environmental matters, and public participation in decision-making, as laid down in the Aarhus Convention; calls, therefore, on the Commission, the Member States and their regional and local authorities to respect the principles and rights enshrined in the Aarhus Convention; recalls that citizens’ awareness of their rights is fundamental to achieving the widest possible participation in the decision-making process; urges the Commission, therefore, to proactively set up a campaign to inform EU citizens about the achievements of the Aarhus Convention in the field of transparency and about the effective tools already at their disposal, and to comply with the provisions referring to the EU institutions; calls on the Commission to develop transparency, accountability and participation criteria as a means to improving the performance, sustainability and cost-effectiveness of water services;

| 59. | Urges the Member States and regional and local authorities to move towards a genuine Social Agreement for Water, with the aim of guaranteeing the availability, stability and safe management of the resource, in particular by enacting policies such as the establishment of water solidarity funds and other mechanisms for social action to support people who are unable to afford access to water and sanitation services so as to meet security of supply requirements and not to endanger the human right to water; encourages all the Member States to introduce social action mechanisms such as those that already exist in some EU countries to safeguard the provision of drinking water for citizens in genuine hardship; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Urges the Member States and regional and local authorities to move towards a genuine Social Agreement for Water, with the aim of guaranteeing the availability, stability and safe management of the resource, in particular by enacting policies such as the establishment of water solidarity funds and other mechanisms for social action to support people who are unable to afford access to water and sanitation services so as to meet security of supply requirements and not to endanger the human right to water; encourages all the Member States to introduce social action mechanisms such as those that already exist in some EU countries to safeguard the provision of drinking water for citizens in genuine hardship;

| 60. | Calls on the Commission to organise sharing of experiences between Member States concerning the social aspect of water policy; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Calls on the Commission to organise sharing of experiences between Member States concerning the social aspect of water policy;

| 61. | Condemns the fact that denial of the provision of water and sanitation to disadvantaged and vulnerable communities is being used in a coercive manner in some Member States; reiterates that in some Member States the closure of public wells by the authorities has made it difficult for the most vulnerable groups to have access to water; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Condemns the fact that denial of the provision of water and sanitation to disadvantaged and vulnerable communities is being used in a coercive manner in some Member States; reiterates that in some Member States the closure of public wells by the authorities has made it difficult for the most vulnerable groups to have access to water;

| 62. | Notes that Member States should pay special attention to the needs of vulnerable groups in society and also to ensuring that those in need have access to affordable quality water; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Notes that Member States should pay special attention to the needs of vulnerable groups in society and also to ensuring that those in need have access to affordable quality water;

| 63. | Calls on each Member State to appoint a water services Ombudsman in order to ensure that water-related issues such as complaints and suggestions on water service quality and access can be processed by an independent body; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Calls on each Member State to appoint a water services Ombudsman in order to ensure that water-related issues such as complaints and suggestions on water service quality and access can be processed by an independent body;

| 64. | Encourages water companies to reinvest economic revenues generated from the water management cycle in maintaining and improving water services and protecting water resources; recalls that the principle of cost recovery of water services includes environmental and resource costs whilst respecting both the principles of fairness, transparency and the human right to water and the obligations of the Member States to implement their cost recovery obligations in the best way possible as long as this does not compromise the purposes and the achievement of the objectives of the WFD; recommends putting an end to practices where economic resources are diverted from the water sector to finance other policies, including when water bills contain concession fees that have not been earmarked for water infrastructure; recalls the worrying state of infrastructure in some Member States where water is being wasted owing to leaks from unsuitable and obsolete distribution networks, and urges the Member States to reinforce investment in improving infrastructure as well as other water services as a premise to guarantee the human right to water in the future; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Encourages water companies to reinvest economic revenues generated from the water management cycle in maintaining and improving water services and protecting water resources; recalls that the principle of cost recovery of water services includes environmental and resource costs whilst respecting both the principles of fairness, transparency and the human right to water and the obligations of the Member States to implement their cost recovery obligations in the best way possible as long as this does not compromise the purposes and the achievement of the objectives of the WFD; recommends putting an end to practices where economic resources are diverted from the water sector to finance other policies, including when water bills contain concession fees that have not been earmarked for water infrastructure; recalls the worrying state of infrastructure in some Member States where water is being wasted owing to leaks from unsuitable and obsolete distribution networks, and urges the Member States to reinforce investment in improving infrastructure as well as other water services as a premise to guarantee the human right to water in the future;

| 65. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that all information on water quality and water management is made available by the competent authorities to the citizens concerned in an easily accessible and understandable form, and that citizens are fully informed and consulted in good time about all water management projects; notes, moreover, that in the public consultation launched by the Commission, 80 % of the participants considered it essential to improve the transparency of water quality monitoring; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that all information on water quality and water management is made available by the competent authorities to the citizens concerned in an easily accessible and understandable form, and that citizens are fully informed and consulted in good time about all water management projects; notes, moreover, that in the public consultation launched by the Commission, 80 % of the participants considered it essential to improve the transparency of water quality monitoring;

| 66. | Calls on the Commission to monitor carefully the use of direct and indirect EU funding for water management projects and to ensure that such funding is used only for the projects for which it was intended, bearing in mind that access to water is pivotal in reducing disparities between EU citizens and enhancing economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU; calls on the Court of Auditors, in this connection, to verify that the criteria relating to efficiency and sustainability are fulfilled satisfactorily; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Calls on the Commission to monitor carefully the use of direct and indirect EU funding for water management projects and to ensure that such funding is used only for the projects for which it was intended, bearing in mind that access to water is pivotal in reducing disparities between EU citizens and enhancing economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU; calls on the Court of Auditors, in this connection, to verify that the criteria relating to efficiency and sustainability are fulfilled satisfactorily;

| 67. | Calls on the Commission to take into consideration the current lack of investment in balanced water management, bearing in mind that water is one of the shared assets of EU citizens; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Calls on the Commission to take into consideration the current lack of investment in balanced water management, bearing in mind that water is one of the shared assets of EU citizens;

| 68. | Calls, therefore, for increased transparency among water operators, in particular through the development of a private and public governance code for water companies in the EU; takes the view that this code should be based on the principle of efficiency and should always be subject to the environmental, economic, infrastructure and public participation provisions of the WFD; also calls for the creation of a national regulator; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Calls, therefore, for increased transparency among water operators, in particular through the development of a private and public governance code for water companies in the EU; takes the view that this code should be based on the principle of efficiency and should always be subject to the environmental, economic, infrastructure and public participation provisions of the WFD; also calls for the creation of a national regulator;

| 69. | Calls on the Commission to respect the principle of subsidiarity and powers and responsibilities in relation to water, with regard to both the various levels of government and to local water associations which manage water services (springs and their upkeep); |
| --- | --- |

69.

Calls on the Commission to respect the principle of subsidiarity and powers and responsibilities in relation to water, with regard to both the various levels of government and to local water associations which manage water services (springs and their upkeep);

| 70. | Regrets that the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive is still not fully implemented in the Member States; calls for Union financial resources to be deployed as a priority in areas where EU environmental legislation is not respected, including wastewater treatment; notes that compliance rates have proven to be higher where costs were recovered and the ‘polluter pays’ principle has been implemented and calls for the Commission to review the adequacy of current instruments to deliver a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment; |
| --- | --- |

70.

Regrets that the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive is still not fully implemented in the Member States; calls for Union financial resources to be deployed as a priority in areas where EU environmental legislation is not respected, including wastewater treatment; notes that compliance rates have proven to be higher where costs were recovered and the ‘polluter pays’ principle has been implemented and calls for the Commission to review the adequacy of current instruments to deliver a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment;

| 71. | Points out that, in the case of water, the services sector offers a huge potential for creating jobs through environmental integration, and for fostering innovation through technology transfer between sectors and through research, development and innovation applied to the entire water cycle; calls, therefore, for particular attention to be paid to boosting the sustainable use of water as renewable energy; |
| --- | --- |

71.

Points out that, in the case of water, the services sector offers a huge potential for creating jobs through environmental integration, and for fostering innovation through technology transfer between sectors and through research, development and innovation applied to the entire water cycle; calls, therefore, for particular attention to be paid to boosting the sustainable use of water as renewable energy;

| 72. | Encourages the Commission to draw up a European legislative framework for the reuse of treated effluent in order, in particular, to protect sensitive activities and areas; calls on the Commission, furthermore, to promote sharing of experience between the health agencies of different Member States; |
| --- | --- |

72.

Encourages the Commission to draw up a European legislative framework for the reuse of treated effluent in order, in particular, to protect sensitive activities and areas; calls on the Commission, furthermore, to promote sharing of experience between the health agencies of different Member States;

| 73. | Urges the Commission, in any revision of the WFD, to ensure that quantitative assessments of water affordability problems become a mandatory requirement of reporting exercises by Member States as regards the implementation of the WFD; |
| --- | --- |

73.

Urges the Commission, in any revision of the WFD, to ensure that quantitative assessments of water affordability problems become a mandatory requirement of reporting exercises by Member States as regards the implementation of the WFD;

| 74. | Asks the Commission to explore the possibility for the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) to monitor and report on any water affordability issues in the 28 Member States; |
| --- | --- |

74.

Asks the Commission to explore the possibility for the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) to monitor and report on any water affordability issues in the 28 Member States;

| 75. | Points out that sound water management is shaping up to be a priority, both ecologically and environmentally, for the decades to come, as it fulfils energy and agriculture requirements and responds to economic and social imperatives; |
| --- | --- |

75.

Points out that sound water management is shaping up to be a priority, both ecologically and environmentally, for the decades to come, as it fulfils energy and agriculture requirements and responds to economic and social imperatives;

Internalisation of the cost of pollution

| 76. | Recalls that, through water bills, EU citizens are bearing the cost of purification of water and water treatment, and stresses that enacting policies that effectively combine and reconcile water resource protection objectives with cost savings, such as ‘control at source’ approaches, are more efficient and financially preferable; recalls that according to the EEA’s 2015 report on the state of the environment, more than 40 % of rivers and coastal waters are affected by diffuse pollution caused by agriculture, while between 20 % and 25 % are subjected to pollution deriving from point sources such as industrial structures, sewage systems and wastewater management networks; highlights the importance of effective implementation of the WFD and the Drinking Water Directive, better coordination as regards their implementation, more coherence when drafting legislation and more proactive measures for saving water resources and substantially increasing water use efficiency across all sectors (industries, households, agriculture, distribution networks); recalls that ensuring sustainable protection of natural areas such as freshwater ecosystems is also key to development and crucial for providing drinking water supplies, and reduces costs for citizens and operators; |
| --- | --- |

76.

Recalls that, through water bills, EU citizens are bearing the cost of purification of water and water treatment, and stresses that enacting policies that effectively combine and reconcile water resource protection objectives with cost savings, such as ‘control at source’ approaches, are more efficient and financially preferable; recalls that according to the EEA’s 2015 report on the state of the environment, more than 40 % of rivers and coastal waters are affected by diffuse pollution caused by agriculture, while between 20 % and 25 % are subjected to pollution deriving from point sources such as industrial structures, sewage systems and wastewater management networks; highlights the importance of effective implementation of the WFD and the Drinking Water Directive, better coordination as regards their implementation, more coherence when drafting legislation and more proactive measures for saving water resources and substantially increasing water use efficiency across all sectors (industries, households, agriculture, distribution networks); recalls that ensuring sustainable protection of natural areas such as freshwater ecosystems is also key to development and crucial for providing drinking water supplies, and reduces costs for citizens and operators;

EU external policy and development policy in the water sector

| 77. | Stresses that EU development policies should fully integrate universal access to water and sanitation via the promotion of public-public and public-private partnerships based on solidarity between water operators and workers in different countries, and make use of a range of instruments to promote best practices by sharing of knowledge, as well as development and cooperation programmes in this sector; reiterates that the development policies of the Member States should recognise the human rights dimension of access to safe drinking water and sanitation and that a rights-based approach requires support for legislative frameworks, financing and the strengthening of the voice of civil society in order to realise these rights in practice; |
| --- | --- |

77.

Stresses that EU development policies should fully integrate universal access to water and sanitation via the promotion of public-public and public-private partnerships based on solidarity between water operators and workers in different countries, and make use of a range of instruments to promote best practices by sharing of knowledge, as well as development and cooperation programmes in this sector; reiterates that the development policies of the Member States should recognise the human rights dimension of access to safe drinking water and sanitation and that a rights-based approach requires support for legislative frameworks, financing and the strengthening of the voice of civil society in order to realise these rights in practice;

| 78. | Reaffirms that access to drinking water in a sufficient quantity and of a sufficient quality is a basic human right and considers that national governments have a duty to carry out this obligation; |
| --- | --- |

78.

Reaffirms that access to drinking water in a sufficient quantity and of a sufficient quality is a basic human right and considers that national governments have a duty to carry out this obligation;

| 79. | Highlights, in accordance with current EU legislation and its requirements, the importance of regular evaluation of the quality, purity and safety of water and water resources within the EU, as well as outside its borders; |
| --- | --- |

79.

Highlights, in accordance with current EU legislation and its requirements, the importance of regular evaluation of the quality, purity and safety of water and water resources within the EU, as well as outside its borders;

| 80. | Underlines that assistance in providing safe drinking water and sanitation should be given high priority in the allocation of EU funds and in assistance programming; calls on the Commission to ensure adequate financial support to capacity-development actions in the water domain, relying on and cooperating with existing international platforms and initiatives; |
| --- | --- |

80.

Underlines that assistance in providing safe drinking water and sanitation should be given high priority in the allocation of EU funds and in assistance programming; calls on the Commission to ensure adequate financial support to capacity-development actions in the water domain, relying on and cooperating with existing international platforms and initiatives;

| 81. | Insists that the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector in developing countries should be given high priority in both official development aid (ODA) and national budgets; recalls that water management is a collective responsibility; favours open-mindedness in relation to different aid modalities, but strict adherence to development effectiveness principles, to policy coherence for development and to an unwavering focus on poverty eradication and the maximisation of the development impact; supports, in this regard, the involvement of local communities in the realisation of projects in developing countries, as well as the principle of community ownership; |
| --- | --- |

81.

Insists that the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector in developing countries should be given high priority in both official development aid (ODA) and national budgets; recalls that water management is a collective responsibility; favours open-mindedness in relation to different aid modalities, but strict adherence to development effectiveness principles, to policy coherence for development and to an unwavering focus on poverty eradication and the maximisation of the development impact; supports, in this regard, the involvement of local communities in the realisation of projects in developing countries, as well as the principle of community ownership;

| 82. | Stresses that although progress towards the Millennium Development Goal on safe drinking water is on track, 748 million people worldwide lack access to an improved water supply and it is estimated that at least 1,8 billion people drink water that is faecally contaminated, and the sanitation target is far from being met; |
| --- | --- |

82.

Stresses that although progress towards the Millennium Development Goal on safe drinking water is on track, 748 million people worldwide lack access to an improved water supply and it is estimated that at least 1,8 billion people drink water that is faecally contaminated, and the sanitation target is far from being met;

| 83. | Recalls that ensuring sustainable management of groundwater is indispensable to poverty reduction and shared prosperity, as groundwater has the potential to provide an improved source of drinking water for millions of urban and rural poor people; |
| --- | --- |

83.

Recalls that ensuring sustainable management of groundwater is indispensable to poverty reduction and shared prosperity, as groundwater has the potential to provide an improved source of drinking water for millions of urban and rural poor people;

| 84. | Calls on the Commission to include water as part of the Agenda for Change, together with sustainable agriculture; |
| --- | --- |

84.

Calls on the Commission to include water as part of the Agenda for Change, together with sustainable agriculture;

| 85. | Considers that water should be at the heart of the work in preparation of two major international events in 2015, namely the post-2015 agenda summit and COP21 on climate change; strongly supports, in this context, the inclusion of ambitious and far-reaching targets for water and sanitation, such as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030, to be adopted in September 2015; reiterates that ending poverty through the post-2015 process is only possible if we ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to clean water, basic sanitation and hygiene; stresses that realisation of all SDGs requires mobilisation of much more financing for development than is currently provided, from both developed and developing countries; calls for the creation of a global monitoring mechanism to track progress in achieving universal access to safe drinking water, the sustainable use and development of water resources and the strengthening of equitable, participatory and accountable water governance in all countries; urges the Commission to ensure that aid is spent effectively and that it is better targeted to the WASH sector in the perspective of the post-2015 development agenda; |
| --- | --- |

85.

Considers that water should be at the heart of the work in preparation of two major international events in 2015, namely the post-2015 agenda summit and COP21 on climate change; strongly supports, in this context, the inclusion of ambitious and far-reaching targets for water and sanitation, such as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030, to be adopted in September 2015; reiterates that ending poverty through the post-2015 process is only possible if we ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to clean water, basic sanitation and hygiene; stresses that realisation of all SDGs requires mobilisation of much more financing for development than is currently provided, from both developed and developing countries; calls for the creation of a global monitoring mechanism to track progress in achieving universal access to safe drinking water, the sustainable use and development of water resources and the strengthening of equitable, participatory and accountable water governance in all countries; urges the Commission to ensure that aid is spent effectively and that it is better targeted to the WASH sector in the perspective of the post-2015 development agenda;

| 86. | Underlines the increased risk of water scarcity due to climate change; urges the Commission and the Member States to include among the topics of COP21 the strategic management of water resources and long-term adaptation plans, in order to incorporate a climate-resilient water approach into the future global climate agreement; emphasises that climate-resilient water infrastructure is key for development and poverty reduction; reiterates that without continuous efforts to mitigate climate change consequences, as well as improved water resources management, the progress towards poverty reduction targets, the Millennium Development Goals, and sustainable development in all its economic, social and environmental dimensions, could be jeopardised; |
| --- | --- |

86.

Underlines the increased risk of water scarcity due to climate change; urges the Commission and the Member States to include among the topics of COP21 the strategic management of water resources and long-term adaptation plans, in order to incorporate a climate-resilient water approach into the future global climate agreement; emphasises that climate-resilient water infrastructure is key for development and poverty reduction; reiterates that without continuous efforts to mitigate climate change consequences, as well as improved water resources management, the progress towards poverty reduction targets, the Millennium Development Goals, and sustainable development in all its economic, social and environmental dimensions, could be jeopardised;

| 87. | Notes with concern that the lack of access to water and sanitation in the developing world can have a disproportionate effect on girls and women, especially those of school-attending age where absenteeism and drop-out rates have been linked to the lack of clean, safe and accessible sanitation; |
| --- | --- |

87.

Notes with concern that the lack of access to water and sanitation in the developing world can have a disproportionate effect on girls and women, especially those of school-attending age where absenteeism and drop-out rates have been linked to the lack of clean, safe and accessible sanitation;

| 88. | Calls for the allocation of Union and Member State funds to reflect the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation, in particular regarding favouring small-scale infrastructure and allocating more funds to operation and maintenance, capacity building and awareness-raising; |
| --- | --- |

88.

Calls for the allocation of Union and Member State funds to reflect the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation, in particular regarding favouring small-scale infrastructure and allocating more funds to operation and maintenance, capacity building and awareness-raising;

| 89. | Notes with concern that, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation, people living in slums generally have to pay more than those living in formal settlements to receive unregulated, poor quality services; urges developing countries to prioritise budget allocations for services for disadvantaged and isolated people; |
| --- | --- |

89.

Notes with concern that, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation, people living in slums generally have to pay more than those living in formal settlements to receive unregulated, poor quality services; urges developing countries to prioritise budget allocations for services for disadvantaged and isolated people;

| 90. | Recalls that the World Health Organisation has stated that, in the initial situation, without the application of the latest innovative water treatment and saving technologies, between 100 and 200 litres of water per day per person is optimal, while noting that 50 to 100 litres is required to ensure that basic needs are met and few health concerns arise; points out that, according to the recognised fundamental human rights, establishing a minimum quota per person is indispensable to satisfy the basic water needs of populations; |
| --- | --- |

90.

Recalls that the World Health Organisation has stated that, in the initial situation, without the application of the latest innovative water treatment and saving technologies, between 100 and 200 litres of water per day per person is optimal, while noting that 50 to 100 litres is required to ensure that basic needs are met and few health concerns arise; points out that, according to the recognised fundamental human rights, establishing a minimum quota per person is indispensable to satisfy the basic water needs of populations;

| 91. | Stresses that access to a basic water requirement should be a non-debatable fundamental human right implicitly and explicitly supported by international law, declarations and state practice; |
| --- | --- |

91.

Stresses that access to a basic water requirement should be a non-debatable fundamental human right implicitly and explicitly supported by international law, declarations and state practice;

| 92. | Calls on governments, international aid agencies, non-governmental organisations and local communities to work to provide all humans with a basic water requirement and to guarantee that water is a human right; |
| --- | --- |

92.

Calls on governments, international aid agencies, non-governmental organisations and local communities to work to provide all humans with a basic water requirement and to guarantee that water is a human right;

| 93. | Calls on the Member States to introduce, in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, a pricing policy that respects people’s right to a minimum quantity of water for living and cracks down on waste, providing for the application of a progressive charge that is proportional to the amount of water used; |
| --- | --- |

93.

Calls on the Member States to introduce, in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, a pricing policy that respects people’s right to a minimum quantity of water for living and cracks down on waste, providing for the application of a progressive charge that is proportional to the amount of water used;

| 94. | Encourages measures to be taken to ensure the rational use of water consumption, in order to avoid squandering; |
| --- | --- |

94.

Encourages measures to be taken to ensure the rational use of water consumption, in order to avoid squandering;

| 95. | Commends certain water operators which dedicate a percentage of their annual turnover to water partnerships in developing countries, and encourages the Member States and the EU to create the necessary legal framework for putting such partnerships in place; |
| --- | --- |

95.

Commends certain water operators which dedicate a percentage of their annual turnover to water partnerships in developing countries, and encourages the Member States and the EU to create the necessary legal framework for putting such partnerships in place;

| 96. | Calls for effective monitoring of projects carried out through external aid; stresses the need to monitor financing strategies and budgets to ensure that allocated funds address existing disparities and inequalities in access to water and respect the human rights principles of non-discrimination, access to information and participation; |
| --- | --- |

96.

Calls for effective monitoring of projects carried out through external aid; stresses the need to monitor financing strategies and budgets to ensure that allocated funds address existing disparities and inequalities in access to water and respect the human rights principles of non-discrimination, access to information and participation;

| 97. | Calls on the Commission to make renewal of ageing drinking water networks a priority in the Investment Plan for Europe by placing these projects on the list of Union projects; stresses the leverage effect which these projects would have on non-relocatable employment, thus helping to stimulate the green economy in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

97.

Calls on the Commission to make renewal of ageing drinking water networks a priority in the Investment Plan for Europe by placing these projects on the list of Union projects; stresses the leverage effect which these projects would have on non-relocatable employment, thus helping to stimulate the green economy in Europe;

| 98. | Calls on the Commission to promote the sharing of knowledge in order for the Member States to conduct surveys of the state of networks, which should make it possible to begin renewal work to put an end to waste; |
| --- | --- |

98.

Calls on the Commission to promote the sharing of knowledge in order for the Member States to conduct surveys of the state of networks, which should make it possible to begin renewal work to put an end to waste;

| 99. | Calls for greater transparency, in order to inform consumers more fully about water and to contribute to more economical management of water resources; to this end, encourages the Commission to continue its work with Member States in order to share national experiences relating to the establishment of water information systems; |
| --- | --- |

99.

Calls for greater transparency, in order to inform consumers more fully about water and to contribute to more economical management of water resources; to this end, encourages the Commission to continue its work with Member States in order to share national experiences relating to the establishment of water information systems;

| 100. | Calls on the Commission to study the desirability of extending to European level the financial support instruments in the sector of international cooperation relating to water and sanitation; |
| --- | --- |

100.

Calls on the Commission to study the desirability of extending to European level the financial support instruments in the sector of international cooperation relating to water and sanitation;

| 101. | Underlines that efficient and equitable management of water resources relies on the capacity of local governments to deliver services; calls, therefore, on the EU to further support the strengthening of water governance and infrastructure in developing countries, while addressing in particular the needs of vulnerable rural populations; |
| --- | --- |

101.

Underlines that efficient and equitable management of water resources relies on the capacity of local governments to deliver services; calls, therefore, on the EU to further support the strengthening of water governance and infrastructure in developing countries, while addressing in particular the needs of vulnerable rural populations;

| 102. | Supports the Global Water Solidarity Platform launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in order to engage local authorities in finding solutions to water challenges; also welcomes the ‘1 % solidarity for water and sanitation’ and other initiatives taken by citizens and authorities in some Member States in order to support projects in developing countries with funds from consumption fees; notes that such initiatives have been put into practice by several water utilities; reiterates its call on the Commission to encourage solidarity arrangements in this and other areas, for example through dissemination of information, facilitation of partnerships and exchanges of experience, including through a potential partnership between the Commission and Member States, with supplementary EU funding being provided for projects implemented via that initiative; in particular, encourages the promotion of public-public partnerships in water facilities in developing countries, in line with the Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA) coordinated by UN Habitat; |
| --- | --- |

102.

Supports the Global Water Solidarity Platform launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in order to engage local authorities in finding solutions to water challenges; also welcomes the ‘1 % solidarity for water and sanitation’ and other initiatives taken by citizens and authorities in some Member States in order to support projects in developing countries with funds from consumption fees; notes that such initiatives have been put into practice by several water utilities; reiterates its call on the Commission to encourage solidarity arrangements in this and other areas, for example through dissemination of information, facilitation of partnerships and exchanges of experience, including through a potential partnership between the Commission and Member States, with supplementary EU funding being provided for projects implemented via that initiative; in particular, encourages the promotion of public-public partnerships in water facilities in developing countries, in line with the Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA) coordinated by UN Habitat;

| 103. | Calls on the Commission to relaunch the ‘Water Facility’ instrument, which has proved to be effective in fostering better access to water services in developing countries by promoting capacity-building measures for local communities; |
| --- | --- |

103.

Calls on the Commission to relaunch the ‘Water Facility’ instrument, which has proved to be effective in fostering better access to water services in developing countries by promoting capacity-building measures for local communities;

| 104. | Welcomes the fact that there is considerable support across Europe for the UN resolution on recognising access to clean water and sanitation as a human right; |
| --- | --- |

104.

Welcomes the fact that there is considerable support across Europe for the UN resolution on recognising access to clean water and sanitation as a human right;

o

o o

| 105. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

105.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 330, 5.12.1998, p. 32.

(2)  OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 65, 11.3.2011, p. 1.

(4)  OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 1.

(5)  OJ C 12, 15.1.2015, p. 33.

(6)  A/RES/64/292.

(7)  A/RES/68/157.

(8)  OJ C 9 E, 15.1.2010, p. 33.

(9)  OJ C 349 E, 29.11.2013, p. 9.

(10)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0059.

---

Wednesday 9 September 2015

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/114 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/114

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P8_TA(2015)0299

Fisheries partnership agreement with Guinea-Bissau: fishing opportunities and financial contribution (resolution)

European Parliament non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea Bissau (11667/2012 — C8-0278/2014 — 2012/0134(NLE) — 2015/2119(INI))

(2017/C 316/10)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Council decision (11667/2012), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Council decision (11667/2012),

| — | having regard to the draft protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (11671/2012), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (11671/2012),

| — | having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43 and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), and (7), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0278/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43 and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), and (7), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0278/2014),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2012 on the EU 2011 Report on Policy Coherence for Development (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2012 on the EU 2011 Report on Policy Coherence for Development (1),

| — | having regard to the ex post evaluation report on the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Guinea-Bissau (Contrat cadre FISH/2006/20, Specific Convention No 27, September 2010), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ex post evaluation report on the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Guinea-Bissau (Contrat cadre FISH/2006/20, Specific Convention No 27, September 2010),

| — | having regard to its legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 (2) on the draft Council decision, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 (2) on the draft Council decision,

| — | having regard to Rule 99(1), second subparagraph, of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 99(1), second subparagraph, of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A8-0236/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A8-0236/2015),

| A. | whereas the overall aim of the Protocol is to enhance fisheries cooperation between the EU and Guinea-Bissau in the interest of both parties by establishing a partnership framework within which to pursue a sustainable fisheries policy while exploiting fishery resources in a responsible and sustainable way in the Guinea-Bissau exclusive economic zone, and to obtain an appropriate share, corresponding to the interests of the EU fleets, of the fishing surpluses available; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the overall aim of the Protocol is to enhance fisheries cooperation between the EU and Guinea-Bissau in the interest of both parties by establishing a partnership framework within which to pursue a sustainable fisheries policy while exploiting fishery resources in a responsible and sustainable way in the Guinea-Bissau exclusive economic zone, and to obtain an appropriate share, corresponding to the interests of the EU fleets, of the fishing surpluses available;

| B. | whereas the European Union should do everything in its power to ensure that sustainable fisheries agreements concluded with third countries are in the mutual interests of both the EU and the third countries concerned, including their local population and their fishing industry; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the European Union should do everything in its power to ensure that sustainable fisheries agreements concluded with third countries are in the mutual interests of both the EU and the third countries concerned, including their local population and their fishing industry;

| C. | whereas the first fisheries agreement between the EEC and Guinea-Bissau dated back to 1980 and whereas from that time until 15 June 2012 the fleets of EEC/EU Member States had access to fishing opportunities in Guinea-Bissau waters for as long as the series of protocols implementing the agreement continued in force; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the first fisheries agreement between the EEC and Guinea-Bissau dated back to 1980 and whereas from that time until 15 June 2012 the fleets of EEC/EU Member States had access to fishing opportunities in Guinea-Bissau waters for as long as the series of protocols implementing the agreement continued in force;

| D. | whereas the fishing opportunities granted to EU fleets under the present Protocol are as follows: 3 700 GRT (gross registered tonnage) for freezer trawlers (shrimp) and 3 500 GRT for freezer trawlers (fin-fish and cephalopods), 28 freezer tuna seiners and longliners, and 12 pole-and-line tuna vessels; whereas the EU–Guinea-Bissau Fisheries Agreement is of great importance as it is one of the EU’s few fisheries agreements allowing access to mixed fisheries; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the fishing opportunities granted to EU fleets under the present Protocol are as follows: 3 700 GRT (gross registered tonnage) for freezer trawlers (shrimp) and 3 500 GRT for freezer trawlers (fin-fish and cephalopods), 28 freezer tuna seiners and longliners, and 12 pole-and-line tuna vessels; whereas the EU–Guinea-Bissau Fisheries Agreement is of great importance as it is one of the EU’s few fisheries agreements allowing access to mixed fisheries;

| E. | whereas transfers of funds to Guinea-Bissau under the Agreement, not least in return for access to resources, account for a substantial portion of Guinea Bissau’s budget; whereas, however, transfers under the heading of sectoral cooperation were suspended at one time, because of certain difficulties with the uptake of aid in Guinea-Bissau; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas transfers of funds to Guinea-Bissau under the Agreement, not least in return for access to resources, account for a substantial portion of Guinea Bissau’s budget; whereas, however, transfers under the heading of sectoral cooperation were suspended at one time, because of certain difficulties with the uptake of aid in Guinea-Bissau;

| F. | whereas Guinea-Bissau faces shortcomings with regard to socio-economic development in general and the fisheries sector in particular, in significant areas including vocational training, the structure of the sector and recognition of the role played by women in the sector; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas Guinea-Bissau faces shortcomings with regard to socio-economic development in general and the fisheries sector in particular, in significant areas including vocational training, the structure of the sector and recognition of the role played by women in the sector;

| G. | whereas, to date, the performance of sectoral cooperation has not been globally satisfactory; whereas, notwithstanding, progress has been recorded in fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance, sanitary inspection capacity and the participation of Guinea Bissau in regional fisheries bodies; whereas there is still room for improvement in terms of ensuring that the agreement does more to promote transparency and accountability in sectoral cooperation and to foster the sustainable development of the Guinea-Bissau fisheries sector and of related industries and activities, so as to ensure that the a greater proportion of the added value created by the exploitation of the country’s natural resources remains in Guinea-Bissau itself; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas, to date, the performance of sectoral cooperation has not been globally satisfactory; whereas, notwithstanding, progress has been recorded in fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance, sanitary inspection capacity and the participation of Guinea Bissau in regional fisheries bodies; whereas there is still room for improvement in terms of ensuring that the agreement does more to promote transparency and accountability in sectoral cooperation and to foster the sustainable development of the Guinea-Bissau fisheries sector and of related industries and activities, so as to ensure that the a greater proportion of the added value created by the exploitation of the country’s natural resources remains in Guinea-Bissau itself;

| H. | whereas the fact that industrial shipowners trans-ship or land their catches outside Guinea-Bissau (in Dakar or on the Canary Islands, for example) is one reason why the economic benefits of industrial fishing are minute and limited to modest job creation (148 local crew members under the previous Protocol); whereas in 2010 there was only one fish-processing plant operating in Guinea-Bissau; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the fact that industrial shipowners trans-ship or land their catches outside Guinea-Bissau (in Dakar or on the Canary Islands, for example) is one reason why the economic benefits of industrial fishing are minute and limited to modest job creation (148 local crew members under the previous Protocol); whereas in 2010 there was only one fish-processing plant operating in Guinea-Bissau;

| I. | whereas although there has recently been some progress, trade in fishery products with the EU has been hampered by Guinea-Bissau’s inability to comply with EU health requirements; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas although there has recently been some progress, trade in fishery products with the EU has been hampered by Guinea-Bissau’s inability to comply with EU health requirements;

| J. | whereas IUU fishing (illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing) in Guinea-Bissau waters is a long-running problem; whereas in 2008 and 2009 the national authorities found 58 vessels operating in breach of the rules, of which 11 had been fishing without a licence and 7 had been fishing in prohibited zones; whereas although some progress has been made and Guinea-Bissau clearly has some means of controlling fishing — including an observer corps and high-speed patrol boats — there are still shortcomings in the fisheries surveillance and control system in Guinea-Bissau’s territorial waters; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas IUU fishing (illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing) in Guinea-Bissau waters is a long-running problem; whereas in 2008 and 2009 the national authorities found 58 vessels operating in breach of the rules, of which 11 had been fishing without a licence and 7 had been fishing in prohibited zones; whereas although some progress has been made and Guinea-Bissau clearly has some means of controlling fishing — including an observer corps and high-speed patrol boats — there are still shortcomings in the fisheries surveillance and control system in Guinea-Bissau’s territorial waters;

| K. | whereas the gaps in knowledge that have been found to exist, both as regards the impact of the Agreement on the marine ecosystem and ensuring that access is limited to the surplus stocks that cannot be caught by local fleets, and owing to the dearth of up-to-date biological data (especially after EU fleets ceased to operate in Guinea-Bissau, in 2012) should be treated as a cause for concern and must be remedied as soon as possible; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the gaps in knowledge that have been found to exist, both as regards the impact of the Agreement on the marine ecosystem and ensuring that access is limited to the surplus stocks that cannot be caught by local fleets, and owing to the dearth of up-to-date biological data (especially after EU fleets ceased to operate in Guinea-Bissau, in 2012) should be treated as a cause for concern and must be remedied as soon as possible;

| L. | whereas Parliament must be immediately and fully informed at all stages of the procedures concerning the Protocol or its renewal; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas Parliament must be immediately and fully informed at all stages of the procedures concerning the Protocol or its renewal;

| 1. | Considers the Agreement to be a matter of great importance both for Guinea-Bissau and for the EU fleets operating in Guinea-Bissau’s waters; believes, therefore, that the results achieved to date in the field of sectoral cooperation have been unsatisfactory and calls on the Commission to take every step required — by installing mechanisms for increased transparency, accountability and participation of beneficiaries in particular small-scale artisanal fishing communities and, if need be by revising and increasing the sectoral support component of the Agreement, as well as finding better and different ways to increase the take-up rate for that support — in order to reverse the trend seen in recent decades; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Considers the Agreement to be a matter of great importance both for Guinea-Bissau and for the EU fleets operating in Guinea-Bissau’s waters; believes, therefore, that the results achieved to date in the field of sectoral cooperation have been unsatisfactory and calls on the Commission to take every step required — by installing mechanisms for increased transparency, accountability and participation of beneficiaries in particular small-scale artisanal fishing communities and, if need be by revising and increasing the sectoral support component of the Agreement, as well as finding better and different ways to increase the take-up rate for that support — in order to reverse the trend seen in recent decades;

| 2. | Maintains that the Agreement has to promote more genuinely sustainable development of Guinea-Bissau’s fisheries sector and of related industries and activities, in particular small scale fisheries that greatly contribute to food security and local livelihoods, increasing the added value that stays in Guinea-Bissau as a result of exploitation of the country’s natural resources; recognises that advances have been made in recent years, but considers that determined and lasting efforts are needed in order to produce noticeable results; believes that the areas to support, not least with technical assistance, could include institutional capacity building, training of fishing professionals, partnerships with artisanal small-scale fisheries, and stronger emphasis on gender policies so as to confer recognition on, and take advantage of, the role of women (distribution and marketing of fish, storage, first-stage processing, etc.); |
| --- | --- |

2.

Maintains that the Agreement has to promote more genuinely sustainable development of Guinea-Bissau’s fisheries sector and of related industries and activities, in particular small scale fisheries that greatly contribute to food security and local livelihoods, increasing the added value that stays in Guinea-Bissau as a result of exploitation of the country’s natural resources; recognises that advances have been made in recent years, but considers that determined and lasting efforts are needed in order to produce noticeable results; believes that the areas to support, not least with technical assistance, could include institutional capacity building, training of fishing professionals, partnerships with artisanal small-scale fisheries, and stronger emphasis on gender policies so as to confer recognition on, and take advantage of, the role of women (distribution and marketing of fish, storage, first-stage processing, etc.);

| 3. | Considers that employment possibilities for local seamen on board EU vessels provided for by the Protocol should be fully exploited; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Considers that employment possibilities for local seamen on board EU vessels provided for by the Protocol should be fully exploited;

| 4. | Considers that measures to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the exclusive economic zone of Guinea Bissau should be reinforced, including by means of improved monitoring, control and surveillance through the extensive use of the satellite-based vessel monitoring system, logbooks, inspectors and the implementation of decisions by regional fisheries organisations; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Considers that measures to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the exclusive economic zone of Guinea Bissau should be reinforced, including by means of improved monitoring, control and surveillance through the extensive use of the satellite-based vessel monitoring system, logbooks, inspectors and the implementation of decisions by regional fisheries organisations;

| 5. | Maintains that sectoral support under the Fisheries Agreement needs to be dovetailed more effectively with development cooperation instruments, especially the European Development Fund (EDF); |
| --- | --- |

5.

Maintains that sectoral support under the Fisheries Agreement needs to be dovetailed more effectively with development cooperation instruments, especially the European Development Fund (EDF);

| 6. | Calls on the Commission, despite the efforts that have been made, to continue helping the Guinea-Bissau authorities improve the fisheries surveillance and control system in Guinea-Bissau waters with a view to intensifying measures to combat IUU fishing; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the Commission, despite the efforts that have been made, to continue helping the Guinea-Bissau authorities improve the fisheries surveillance and control system in Guinea-Bissau waters with a view to intensifying measures to combat IUU fishing;

| 7. | Stresses that this agreement contains a non-discrimination clause; is pleased to see that, in the context of the negotiations, Guinea Bissau has made public the fisheries agreements it has concluded with third countries and that they may be consulted; calls on the Commission to follow closely developments in these agreements and in fishing activities in Guinean waters; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Stresses that this agreement contains a non-discrimination clause; is pleased to see that, in the context of the negotiations, Guinea Bissau has made public the fisheries agreements it has concluded with third countries and that they may be consulted; calls on the Commission to follow closely developments in these agreements and in fishing activities in Guinean waters;

| 8. | Considers it desirable to improve the quantity and accuracy of data on all catches (targeted and bycatch) and, more generally, the conservation status of fishery resources so that the impact of the Agreement on the marine ecosystem and on fishing communities can be gauged more accurately; and believes that Guinea-Bissau should be helped to develop its own means of obtaining such data; calls on the Commission to ensure that the bodies supervising the implementation of the Agreement, including the Joint Scientific Committee, operate on a more regular and transparent basis; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Considers it desirable to improve the quantity and accuracy of data on all catches (targeted and bycatch) and, more generally, the conservation status of fishery resources so that the impact of the Agreement on the marine ecosystem and on fishing communities can be gauged more accurately; and believes that Guinea-Bissau should be helped to develop its own means of obtaining such data; calls on the Commission to ensure that the bodies supervising the implementation of the Agreement, including the Joint Scientific Committee, operate on a more regular and transparent basis;

| 9. | Calls on the Commission to send Parliament the minutes and conclusions of meetings of the Joint Committee provided for in Article 9 of the Agreement, the multi-annual sectoral programme referred to in Article 3 of the new Protocol and the findings of the related annual assessments, and the minutes and conclusions of the meetings provided for in Article 4 of the new Protocol; calls on the Commission to enable representatives of Parliament to attend Joint Committee meetings as observers and to promote the participation of Guinea Bissau fishing communities; and requests that, during the final year of application of the Protocol and before negotiations are opened for its renewal, the Commission submit a full report to Parliament and the Council on its implementation, without imposing unnecessary restrictions on access to that report; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Calls on the Commission to send Parliament the minutes and conclusions of meetings of the Joint Committee provided for in Article 9 of the Agreement, the multi-annual sectoral programme referred to in Article 3 of the new Protocol and the findings of the related annual assessments, and the minutes and conclusions of the meetings provided for in Article 4 of the new Protocol; calls on the Commission to enable representatives of Parliament to attend Joint Committee meetings as observers and to promote the participation of Guinea Bissau fishing communities; and requests that, during the final year of application of the Protocol and before negotiations are opened for its renewal, the Commission submit a full report to Parliament and the Council on its implementation, without imposing unnecessary restrictions on access to that report;

| 10. | Considers that the Commission should endeavour to include in the multiannual sectoral programme provided for in Article 3 of the Protocol objectives leading to the actual development of local fisheries, in particular of artisanal fisheries and of the fish processing industry, including by means of more landings in Guinea-Bissau, and other economic activities and partnerships in the fisheries sector; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Considers that the Commission should endeavour to include in the multiannual sectoral programme provided for in Article 3 of the Protocol objectives leading to the actual development of local fisheries, in particular of artisanal fisheries and of the fish processing industry, including by means of more landings in Guinea-Bissau, and other economic activities and partnerships in the fisheries sector;

| 11. | Considers that the Joint Committee provided for in the Partnership Agreement should ensure that the soundness of all the mechanisms provided for by this Protocol is unquestionable, given the problem of corruption; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Considers that the Joint Committee provided for in the Partnership Agreement should ensure that the soundness of all the mechanisms provided for by this Protocol is unquestionable, given the problem of corruption;

| 12. | Calls on the Commission and the Council, within the limits of their powers, to keep Parliament immediately and fully informed at all stages of the procedures concerning the new Protocol and its renewal, pursuant to Article 13(2) of the Treaty on European Union and Article 218(10) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls on the Commission and the Council, within the limits of their powers, to keep Parliament immediately and fully informed at all stages of the procedures concerning the new Protocol and its renewal, pursuant to Article 13(2) of the Treaty on European Union and Article 218(10) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;

| 13. | 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 Guinea-Bissau. |
| --- | --- |

13.

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 Guinea-Bissau.

---

(1)  OJ C 72 E, 11.3.2014, p. 21.

(2)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0298.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/118 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/118

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P8_TA(2015)0301

Fisheries partnership agreement with Cape Verde: fishing opportunities and financial contribution (resolution)

European Parliament non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde (15848/2014 — C8-0003/2015 — 2014/0329(NLE) — 2015/2100(INI))

(2017/C 316/11)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Council decision (15848/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Council decision (15848/2014),

| — | having regard to the draft Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (15849/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (15849/2014),

| — | having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43, Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), and Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0003/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43, Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), and Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0003/2015),

| — | having regard to Council Decision 2014/948/EU of 15 December 2014 on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application of the Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision 2014/948/EU of 15 December 2014 on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application of the Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (1),

| — | having regard to its legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 (2) on the draft decision, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 (2) on the draft decision,

| — | having regard to the evaluation and analysis of the previous Protocol, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the evaluation and analysis of the previous Protocol,

| — | having regard to Rule 99(1), second subparagraph, of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 99(1), second subparagraph, of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries (A8-0200/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries (A8-0200/2015),

| A. | whereas the general aim of the Protocol is to enhance cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde, thereby creating a partnership framework within which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and sound exploitation of fishery resources in the fishing zone of the Republic of Cape Verde, in the interests of both parties; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the general aim of the Protocol is to enhance cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde, thereby creating a partnership framework within which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and sound exploitation of fishery resources in the fishing zone of the Republic of Cape Verde, in the interests of both parties;

| B. | whereas in the Protocol, the parties agreed to implement a strict monitoring mechanism in order to ensure sustainable exploitation of the resource; whereas this mechanism shall, in particular, be based on a quarterly exchange of data on shark catches; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas in the Protocol, the parties agreed to implement a strict monitoring mechanism in order to ensure sustainable exploitation of the resource; whereas this mechanism shall, in particular, be based on a quarterly exchange of data on shark catches;

| C. | whereas both parties committed to fully respect all recommendations made by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT); |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas both parties committed to fully respect all recommendations made by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT);

| D. | whereas both the ICCAT and the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) defined shark species as a healthy stock, as corroborated by the scientific meeting of both parties to this Protocol; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas both the ICCAT and the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) defined shark species as a healthy stock, as corroborated by the scientific meeting of both parties to this Protocol;

| E. | whereas the new monitoring mechanism, linked with thresholds of 30 % and 40 % of shark catches which trigger additional measures, is, in particular, a step in the right direction; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the new monitoring mechanism, linked with thresholds of 30 % and 40 % of shark catches which trigger additional measures, is, in particular, a step in the right direction;

| F. | whereas the implementation of sectoral support faces delays; whereas the level of achievement is satisfactory, though it is also difficult to determine the impact of European sectoral support compared with other actions carried out in the context of support programmes initiated by other development partners; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the implementation of sectoral support faces delays; whereas the level of achievement is satisfactory, though it is also difficult to determine the impact of European sectoral support compared with other actions carried out in the context of support programmes initiated by other development partners;

| G. | whereas the need is to establish a logical intervention framework to better guide and standardise protocol assessments; whereas this should be carried out notably with regard to sectoral support; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the need is to establish a logical intervention framework to better guide and standardise protocol assessments; whereas this should be carried out notably with regard to sectoral support;

| 1. | Welcomes this new fisheries protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde, adopted in accordance with the sustainability measures of the new common fisheries policy (CFP), from both the environmental and the socioeconomic point of view; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welcomes this new fisheries protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde, adopted in accordance with the sustainability measures of the new common fisheries policy (CFP), from both the environmental and the socioeconomic point of view;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to forward to Parliament the minutes and conclusions of the meetings of the Joint Committee provided for in Article 9 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement, as well as the multiannual sectoral programme provided for in Article 3 of the new protocol; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to forward to Parliament the minutes and conclusions of the meetings of the Joint Committee provided for in Article 9 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement, as well as the multiannual sectoral programme provided for in Article 3 of the new protocol;

| 3. | Calls on the Commission to submit to Parliament and the Council, within the last year of application of the protocol and before the opening of negotiations for its renewal, a full report on its implementation; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Commission to submit to Parliament and the Council, within the last year of application of the protocol and before the opening of negotiations for its renewal, a full report on its implementation;

| 4. | Stresses its concern that there was a significant increase in the catch of shark species during the final years of the previous Protocol; calls on the Commission to report to Parliament on the actions taken by the Joint Committee in response to the science-based study to be carried out as described in Article 4, paragraph 6 of the Annex to the Protocol, in order to have guarantees that this fishery is exploited in a sustainable and responsible way; stresses that Parliament should also be informed about the data obtained as regards shark stocks; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Stresses its concern that there was a significant increase in the catch of shark species during the final years of the previous Protocol; calls on the Commission to report to Parliament on the actions taken by the Joint Committee in response to the science-based study to be carried out as described in Article 4, paragraph 6 of the Annex to the Protocol, in order to have guarantees that this fishery is exploited in a sustainable and responsible way; stresses that Parliament should also be informed about the data obtained as regards shark stocks;

| 5. | Calls on the Commission and the Council, acting within the limits of their respective powers, to keep Parliament immediately and fully informed at all stages of the procedures related to the protocol and its renewal, pursuant to Article 13(2) of the Treaty on European Union and Article 218(10) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on the Commission and the Council, acting within the limits of their respective powers, to keep Parliament immediately and fully informed at all stages of the procedures related to the protocol and its renewal, pursuant to Article 13(2) of the Treaty on European Union and Article 218(10) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;

| 6. | Requests that the Commission evaluate whether the vessels operating under the provisions of this protocol have complied with the relevant reporting requirements; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Requests that the Commission evaluate whether the vessels operating under the provisions of this protocol have complied with the relevant reporting requirements;

| 7. | Asks the Commission to communicate annually with Parliament on the additional international agreements of Cape Verde so that Parliament may monitor all fishing activities in the region, including those that may be contrary to European fisheries policy, for example, shark finning; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Asks the Commission to communicate annually with Parliament on the additional international agreements of Cape Verde so that Parliament may monitor all fishing activities in the region, including those that may be contrary to European fisheries policy, for example, shark finning;

| 8. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Cape Verde. |
| --- | --- |

8.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 369, 24.12.2014, p. 1.

(2)  Texts adopted of that date, P8_TA(2015)0300

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/120 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/120

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P8_TA(2015)0304

Protocol amending the Marrakesh agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (resolution)

European Parliament non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (06040/2015 — C8-0077/2015 — 2015/0029(NLE) — 2015/2067(INI))

(2017/C 316/12)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Council decision (06040/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Council decision (06040/2015),

| — | having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 207(4) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0077/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 207(4) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0077/2015),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 21 November 2013 on the state of play of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) and preparations for the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 21 November 2013 on the state of play of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) and preparations for the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference (1),

| — | having regard to the ACP-EU JPA resolution on regional integration and modernisation of customs for sustainable development in ACP countries, in cooperation with the EU (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ACP-EU JPA resolution on regional integration and modernisation of customs for sustainable development in ACP countries, in cooperation with the EU (2),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘A Global Partnership for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development after 2015’ (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘A Global Partnership for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development after 2015’ (3),

| — | having regard to the results of the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference in Indonesia in December 2013 and the agreement reached there on trade facilitation (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the results of the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference in Indonesia in December 2013 and the agreement reached there on trade facilitation (4),

| — | having regard to the statement by the World Trade Organization (WTO) General Council of 27 November 2014 (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement by the World Trade Organization (WTO) General Council of 27 November 2014 (5),

| — | having regard to the OECD report of February 2014 entitled ‘The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement — Potential Impact on Trade Costs’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the OECD report of February 2014 entitled ‘The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement — Potential Impact on Trade Costs’,

| — | having regard to its legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 (6) on the draft Council decision, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 (6) on the draft Council decision,

| — | having regard to Rule 99(1), second subparagraph, of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 99(1), second subparagraph, of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A8-0238/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A8-0238/2015),

| A. | whereas facilitating trade is primarily a matter for the national authorities, but there is no doubt that in many areas multilateral cooperation can increase gains and reduce costs; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas facilitating trade is primarily a matter for the national authorities, but there is no doubt that in many areas multilateral cooperation can increase gains and reduce costs;

| B. | whereas two thirds of the WTO membership need to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA/agreement) before it can enter into force; whereas, in this regard, it calls for all WTO members to ensure that the agreement can enter into force as soon as possible and in particular before the Tenth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC10) in Nairobi in December 2015; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas two thirds of the WTO membership need to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA/agreement) before it can enter into force; whereas, in this regard, it calls for all WTO members to ensure that the agreement can enter into force as soon as possible and in particular before the Tenth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC10) in Nairobi in December 2015;

| C. | whereas some of the large emerging economies such as China, Brazil and India will not ask for technical assistance; whereas this is to be welcomed as it shows that the assistance available will go to those who are most in need of it; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas some of the large emerging economies such as China, Brazil and India will not ask for technical assistance; whereas this is to be welcomed as it shows that the assistance available will go to those who are most in need of it;

| D. | whereas the EU is working actively to ensure coherence between its various policies (in the areas of trade, cooperation, humanitarian aid, etc.); whereas these policies should be cross-sectoral and be assessed on the basis of impact studies; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the EU is working actively to ensure coherence between its various policies (in the areas of trade, cooperation, humanitarian aid, etc.); whereas these policies should be cross-sectoral and be assessed on the basis of impact studies;

| E. | whereas the EU is committed to promoting free, fair and open trade which is balanced and of mutual benefit for all; whereas the WTO is the natural framework for the continuation and reaffirmation of these principles; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the EU is committed to promoting free, fair and open trade which is balanced and of mutual benefit for all; whereas the WTO is the natural framework for the continuation and reaffirmation of these principles;

| F. | whereas the EU and its Member States are the largest aid donors in the world; whereas financial assistance for the implementation of the TFA is a measure under the initiative ‘Aid for Trade’ and should have no impact on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) share for Official Development Aid (ODA); |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the EU and its Member States are the largest aid donors in the world; whereas financial assistance for the implementation of the TFA is a measure under the initiative ‘Aid for Trade’ and should have no impact on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) share for Official Development Aid (ODA);

| 1. | Welcomes the results of the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference in December 2013, where negotiations were concluded by the 160 WTO members on the TFA; considers the TFA an important milestone, as it is the first multilateral agreement since the establishment of the WTO in 1995 and will create a blueprint for customs modernisation amongst the 161 WTO members; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welcomes the results of the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference in December 2013, where negotiations were concluded by the 160 WTO members on the TFA; considers the TFA an important milestone, as it is the first multilateral agreement since the establishment of the WTO in 1995 and will create a blueprint for customs modernisation amongst the 161 WTO members;

| 2. | Emphasises that the EU remains in favour of the Bali Package decisions being fully and faithfully implemented by all WTO Members which would enable attention to be turned towards the successful conclusion of the negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda (DDA); |
| --- | --- |

2.

Emphasises that the EU remains in favour of the Bali Package decisions being fully and faithfully implemented by all WTO Members which would enable attention to be turned towards the successful conclusion of the negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda (DDA);

| 3. | Acknowledges the benefits that the implementation of this agreement will bring for developing countries given the contribution it will make to a more business-friendly environment, in particular for SMEs; emphasises, in particular, that the agreement ought to reduce uncertainty regarding market entry conditions and the costs of trade by between 12,5 % and 17,5 % (according to estimates — such as those by the OECD) if fully implemented, thus allowing consumers to access a larger and cheaper range of products and businesses to access new markets and improve their competitiveness by increasing efficiency and reducing unnecessary red tape and associated costs; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Acknowledges the benefits that the implementation of this agreement will bring for developing countries given the contribution it will make to a more business-friendly environment, in particular for SMEs; emphasises, in particular, that the agreement ought to reduce uncertainty regarding market entry conditions and the costs of trade by between 12,5 % and 17,5 % (according to estimates — such as those by the OECD) if fully implemented, thus allowing consumers to access a larger and cheaper range of products and businesses to access new markets and improve their competitiveness by increasing efficiency and reducing unnecessary red tape and associated costs;

| 4. | Stresses that implementation of the agreement, in particular by developing countries, will result in the standardisation and simplification of trade-related procedures; points out that the agreement can provide new opportunities to expand the use of innovative technologies and electronic systems, including electronic payment systems, national trade portals and one-stop shops; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Stresses that implementation of the agreement, in particular by developing countries, will result in the standardisation and simplification of trade-related procedures; points out that the agreement can provide new opportunities to expand the use of innovative technologies and electronic systems, including electronic payment systems, national trade portals and one-stop shops;

| 5. | Urges all members of the WTO to try to find a solution without delay for implementing the Bali Package in all its aspects, including the reduction of trade-distorting subsidies, so that the DDA can be concluded for the Tenth WTO Ministerial Conference; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Urges all members of the WTO to try to find a solution without delay for implementing the Bali Package in all its aspects, including the reduction of trade-distorting subsidies, so that the DDA can be concluded for the Tenth WTO Ministerial Conference;

| 6. | Stresses the importance of this agreement from a development perspective, taking into account that special and differential treatment applies whereby developing and least developed countries can decide when the different provisions will be implemented and for which ones technical assistance will be required; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Stresses the importance of this agreement from a development perspective, taking into account that special and differential treatment applies whereby developing and least developed countries can decide when the different provisions will be implemented and for which ones technical assistance will be required;

| 7. | Emphasises that the degree and the timing of implementation of the agreement will determine the benefits that will be derived therefrom; believes that full and faithful implementation that reflects the priorities and concerns of developing countries within the remit of the DDA will be of greatest benefit to all signatories; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Emphasises that the degree and the timing of implementation of the agreement will determine the benefits that will be derived therefrom; believes that full and faithful implementation that reflects the priorities and concerns of developing countries within the remit of the DDA will be of greatest benefit to all signatories;

| 8. | Draws attention to the fact that the agreement contains binding provisions and non-binding guidelines; urges all WTO members to do their utmost to implement both the binding provisions and the guidelines, with a view to bringing trade costs down as far as is possible; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Draws attention to the fact that the agreement contains binding provisions and non-binding guidelines; urges all WTO members to do their utmost to implement both the binding provisions and the guidelines, with a view to bringing trade costs down as far as is possible;

| 9. | Emphasises that a number of requirements under the agreement, notably on transparency and the automated entry and payment of duties, can be a powerful means of addressing border corruption; calls for better cooperation between custom authorities and stresses that greater transparency will lead to a higher level of security and will be a strong incentive for the intensification of trade, in addition to ensuring more effective customs controls; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Emphasises that a number of requirements under the agreement, notably on transparency and the automated entry and payment of duties, can be a powerful means of addressing border corruption; calls for better cooperation between custom authorities and stresses that greater transparency will lead to a higher level of security and will be a strong incentive for the intensification of trade, in addition to ensuring more effective customs controls;

| 10. | Fully supports the EU initiative of targeting EUR 400 million in funding over five years for supporting trade facilitation reforms and projects such as improving the customs systems of developing and least developed countries; recalls that this funding, which will mostly be provided through the Regional Indicative Programmes allocations for regional economic integration, is part of the much wider EU ‘Aid for Trade’ initiative (EUR 3,5 billion EU grants in 2013) and requests regular information be provided to the European Parliament and the Member States in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Fully supports the EU initiative of targeting EUR 400 million in funding over five years for supporting trade facilitation reforms and projects such as improving the customs systems of developing and least developed countries; recalls that this funding, which will mostly be provided through the Regional Indicative Programmes allocations for regional economic integration, is part of the much wider EU ‘Aid for Trade’ initiative (EUR 3,5 billion EU grants in 2013) and requests regular information be provided to the European Parliament and the Member States in this regard;

| 11. | Highlights, however, that this funding should be very well coordinated with the funding coming from other international donors such as UNCTAD, the WTO and the World Bank; stresses that duplication should be avoided as should excessive bureaucracy for requesting countries, which could act as a deterrent for those seeking assistance; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Highlights, however, that this funding should be very well coordinated with the funding coming from other international donors such as UNCTAD, the WTO and the World Bank; stresses that duplication should be avoided as should excessive bureaucracy for requesting countries, which could act as a deterrent for those seeking assistance;

| 12. | Calls also for close cooperation with specialist organisations such as the World Customs Organization (WCO) which can provide valuable practical and technical expertise on a case-by-case basis facilitating development and capacity building within this scope; stresses that the least developed countries in particular can take full advantage of the trading opportunities created by the TFA; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls also for close cooperation with specialist organisations such as the World Customs Organization (WCO) which can provide valuable practical and technical expertise on a case-by-case basis facilitating development and capacity building within this scope; stresses that the least developed countries in particular can take full advantage of the trading opportunities created by the TFA;

| 13. | Underlines the key role that can be played by EU delegations around the world which can work with developing and least developed countries on the ground and asks for the largest possible involvement of these delegations in the disbursement of technical assistance; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Underlines the key role that can be played by EU delegations around the world which can work with developing and least developed countries on the ground and asks for the largest possible involvement of these delegations in the disbursement of technical assistance;

| 14. | Calls on the Commission to do its utmost to support developing and least developed countries in the implementation of their commitments, taking into account the need for flexibility for the implementation of obligations under the agreement; stresses that funding for capacity building should be recipient-driven and based on proper needs assessments; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the Commission to do its utmost to support developing and least developed countries in the implementation of their commitments, taking into account the need for flexibility for the implementation of obligations under the agreement; stresses that funding for capacity building should be recipient-driven and based on proper needs assessments;

| 15. | Recommends that international organisations and the partners of developing and least developed countries collaborate closely in the implementation of category C provisions in order to implement them within the shortest possible time; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Recommends that international organisations and the partners of developing and least developed countries collaborate closely in the implementation of category C provisions in order to implement them within the shortest possible time;

| 16. | Recognises the wide gap that still remains between developed and developing countries’ border procedures, and that poor infrastructure, inefficient customs management, cases of corruption and excessive red tape slow down trade; acknowledges that the TFA and the trade liberalisation process share the same objective of reducing trading costs in order to stimulate economic activity; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Recognises the wide gap that still remains between developed and developing countries’ border procedures, and that poor infrastructure, inefficient customs management, cases of corruption and excessive red tape slow down trade; acknowledges that the TFA and the trade liberalisation process share the same objective of reducing trading costs in order to stimulate economic activity;

| 17. | Recalls that for many developing countries trade facilitation will be the main source of gains in the DDA; welcomes the extensive provisions on special and differential treatment for developing and least-developed countries; suggests that the novel approach of making commitments and their scheduling commensurate with countries’ capacities should serve as a benchmark for future agreements; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Recalls that for many developing countries trade facilitation will be the main source of gains in the DDA; welcomes the extensive provisions on special and differential treatment for developing and least-developed countries; suggests that the novel approach of making commitments and their scheduling commensurate with countries’ capacities should serve as a benchmark for future agreements;

| 18. | Recognises that private sector expertise can play a central role in promoting trade facilitation measures and in providing assistance and support for the implementation of the agreement in developing countries; takes note of a planned USAID initiative for a public-private alliance to this end; calls on the Commission to encourage private sector involvement and to explore possibilities for partnerships with European industries in support of implementing the agreement; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Recognises that private sector expertise can play a central role in promoting trade facilitation measures and in providing assistance and support for the implementation of the agreement in developing countries; takes note of a planned USAID initiative for a public-private alliance to this end; calls on the Commission to encourage private sector involvement and to explore possibilities for partnerships with European industries in support of implementing the agreement;

| 19. | Acknowledges that the implementation of trade facilitation reforms has broader development benefits; notes in this context the key role that customs can play in facilitating the expeditious movement of consignments of disaster relief items; stresses that emergency humanitarian assistance should benefit from simplified customs clearance procedures in order to speed up aid deliveries, and, should moreover be exempt from duties and taxes; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Acknowledges that the implementation of trade facilitation reforms has broader development benefits; notes in this context the key role that customs can play in facilitating the expeditious movement of consignments of disaster relief items; stresses that emergency humanitarian assistance should benefit from simplified customs clearance procedures in order to speed up aid deliveries, and, should moreover be exempt from duties and taxes;

| 20. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the World Trade Organization. |
| --- | --- |

20.

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

---

(1)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0511.

(2)  OJ C 345, 2.10.2014, p. 28.

(3)  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 5 February 2015 (COM(2015)0044).

(4)  The Bali Ministerial Declaration (WT/MIN(13)/DEC); Bali Ministerial Decision on Trade Facilitation Agreement (WT/MIN(13)/36 or WT/L/911 of 11 December 2013). https://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/minist_e/mc9_e/balipackage_e.htm

(5)  Protocol amending the Marrakesh Agreement establishing The World Trade Organization WT/L/940 of 28 November 2014.

(6)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0303.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/124 |
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22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/124

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P8_TA(2015)0307

Urban dimension of EU policies

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on the urban dimension of EU policies (2014/2213(INI))

(2017/C 316/13)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in particular Title XVIII thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in particular Title XVIII thereof,

| — | 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 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

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 (1),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Regional Development Fund and on specific provisions concerning the Investment for growth and jobs goal and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Regional Development Fund and on specific provisions concerning the Investment for growth and jobs goal and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 (2),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1299/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on specific provisions for the support from the European Regional Development Fund to the European territorial cooperation goal (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1299/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on specific provisions for the support from the European Regional Development Fund to the European territorial cooperation goal (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 23 June 2011 on the European urban agenda and its future in cohesion policy (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 23 June 2011 on the European urban agenda and its future in cohesion policy (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 21 February 2008 on the follow-up of the Territorial Agenda and the Leipzig Charter: Towards a European Action Programme for Spatial Development and Territorial Cohesion (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 21 February 2008 on the follow-up of the Territorial Agenda and the Leipzig Charter: Towards a European Action Programme for Spatial Development and Territorial Cohesion (5),

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 18 July 2014 on the urban dimension of EU policies — key features of an EU urban agenda (COM(2014)0490), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 18 July 2014 on the urban dimension of EU policies — key features of an EU urban agenda (COM(2014)0490),

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 18 June 2014 on the Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT): State of Play and Outlook (COM(2014)0368), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 18 June 2014 on the Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT): State of Play and Outlook (COM(2014)0368),

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 3 March 2010 on Europe 2020 — A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth (COM(2010)2020), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 3 March 2010 on Europe 2020 — A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth (COM(2010)2020),

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 10 July 2012 entitled ‘Smart cities and communities — European innovation partnership’ (C(2012)4701), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 10 July 2012 entitled ‘Smart cities and communities — European innovation partnership’ (C(2012)4701),

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 28 October 1998 on Sustainable Urban Development in the European Union: A Framework for Action (COM(1998)0605), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 28 October 1998 on Sustainable Urban Development in the European Union: A Framework for Action (COM(1998)0605),

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 6 May 1997 entitled ‘Towards an urban agenda in the European Union’ (COM(1997)0197), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 6 May 1997 entitled ‘Towards an urban agenda in the European Union’ (COM(1997)0197),

| — | having regard to the Commission’s sixth report on ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion: Investment for jobs and growth — Promoting development and good governance in EU regions and cities’, July 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s sixth report on ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion: Investment for jobs and growth — Promoting development and good governance in EU regions and cities’, July 2014,

| — | having regard to the Commission’s report entitled ‘Cities of tomorrow: Investing in Europe’, Brussels, 17-18 February 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s report entitled ‘Cities of tomorrow: Investing in Europe’, Brussels, 17-18 February 2014,

| — | having regard to the Commission’s report entitled ‘Digital Futures — a journey into 2050 visions and policy challenges, cities, villages and communities’, 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s report entitled ‘Digital Futures — a journey into 2050 visions and policy challenges, cities, villages and communities’, 2014,

| — | having regard to the Commission’s report entitled ‘Cities of tomorrow: Challenges, visions, way forward’, Brussels, October 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s report entitled ‘Cities of tomorrow: Challenges, visions, way forward’, Brussels, October 2011,

| — | having regard to the Declaration of Ministers towards the EU Urban Agenda, adopted at the Informal Meeting of EU Ministers Responsible for Territorial Cohesion and Urban Matters of 10 June 2015 in Riga, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Declaration of Ministers towards the EU Urban Agenda, adopted at the Informal Meeting of EU Ministers Responsible for Territorial Cohesion and Urban Matters of 10 June 2015 in Riga,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions adopted in Brussels on 19 November 2014 on the sixth report on ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion: Investment for jobs and growth’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions adopted in Brussels on 19 November 2014 on the sixth report on ‘Economic, social and territorial cohesion: Investment for jobs and growth’,

| — | having regard to the Presidency Conclusions adopted at the Informal Meeting of Ministers responsible for cohesion policy of 24-25 April 2014 in Athens, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Presidency Conclusions adopted at the Informal Meeting of Ministers responsible for cohesion policy of 24-25 April 2014 in Athens,

| — | having regard to the Polish Presidency Conclusions on the territorial dimension of EU policies and the future cohesion policy, adopted at the Informal Meeting of Ministers responsible for EU cohesion policy, territorial and urban development of 24-25 November 2011 in Poznan, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Polish Presidency Conclusions on the territorial dimension of EU policies and the future cohesion policy, adopted at the Informal Meeting of Ministers responsible for EU cohesion policy, territorial and urban development of 24-25 November 2011 in Poznan,

| — | having regard to the Territorial agenda of the EU 2020, agreed at the Informal Ministerial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Spatial Planning and Territorial Development of 19 May 2011 in Gödöllő, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Territorial agenda of the EU 2020, agreed at the Informal Ministerial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Spatial Planning and Territorial Development of 19 May 2011 in Gödöllő,

| — | having regard to the Toledo Declaration, adopted at the Informal Council Meeting of Ministers on urban development of 22 June 2010 in Toledo, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Toledo Declaration, adopted at the Informal Council Meeting of Ministers on urban development of 22 June 2010 in Toledo,

| — | having regard to the Leipzig Charter on sustainable European cities, adopted at the Informal Council Meeting of Ministers on urban development of 24-25 May 2007 in Leipzig, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Leipzig Charter on sustainable European cities, adopted at the Informal Council Meeting of Ministers on urban development of 24-25 May 2007 in Leipzig,

| — | having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 25 June 2014 on ‘Towards an Integrated Urban Agenda for the EU’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 25 June 2014 on ‘Towards an Integrated Urban Agenda for the EU’,

| — | having regard to the opinion of 23 April 2015 of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on the Communication from the Commission entitled ‘The urban dimension of EU policies — key features of an EU urban agenda’ (COM(2014)0490), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of 23 April 2015 of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on the Communication from the Commission entitled ‘The urban dimension of EU policies — key features of an EU urban agenda’ (COM(2014)0490),

| — | 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 Regional Development and the opinion of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0218/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Regional Development and the opinion of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0218/2015),

| A. | whereas in 2014 half the world population (6) and 72 % of the European population were living in urban areas (7), and by the year 2050 nearly 80 % of the earth’s population will reside in urban areas (8); |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas in 2014 half the world population (6) and 72 % of the European population were living in urban areas (7), and by the year 2050 nearly 80 % of the earth’s population will reside in urban areas (8);

| B. | whereas functional urban areas in the EU comprise a unique polycentric structure built around large, medium-sized and small towns, cities and their surrounding areas, thus going beyond the traditional administrative borders to encompass various territories linked by their economic, social, environmental and demographic challenges; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas functional urban areas in the EU comprise a unique polycentric structure built around large, medium-sized and small towns, cities and their surrounding areas, thus going beyond the traditional administrative borders to encompass various territories linked by their economic, social, environmental and demographic challenges;

| C. | whereas cities, towns and functional urban areas, such as metropolitan areas, not only play an important role in participatory democracy but are also key economic pillars and drivers of jobs for the EU given that innovation and new economic activities often have their origins in the city; whereas they are therefore a major asset for the EU in its relations with other parts of the world but they are also the key areas in which barriers to growth and employment need to be overcome and social exclusion (for example, poorly trained young people in the labour market), lack of accessibility and the degradation of the environment need to be tackled; |
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C.

whereas cities, towns and functional urban areas, such as metropolitan areas, not only play an important role in participatory democracy but are also key economic pillars and drivers of jobs for the EU given that innovation and new economic activities often have their origins in the city; whereas they are therefore a major asset for the EU in its relations with other parts of the world but they are also the key areas in which barriers to growth and employment need to be overcome and social exclusion (for example, poorly trained young people in the labour market), lack of accessibility and the degradation of the environment need to be tackled;

| D. | whereas cities, towns, functional urban areas and regions are responsible for the biggest proportion of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the EU; whereas, on the other hand, they play a key role in the achievement of improved energy efficiency and self-sufficiency and in the development of new initiatives (such as new forms of economic activity) to encourage urban mobility and competitive, environmentally friendly transport systems, thus promoting growth, employment, social and territorial cohesion, health, safety and security; |
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D.

whereas cities, towns, functional urban areas and regions are responsible for the biggest proportion of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the EU; whereas, on the other hand, they play a key role in the achievement of improved energy efficiency and self-sufficiency and in the development of new initiatives (such as new forms of economic activity) to encourage urban mobility and competitive, environmentally friendly transport systems, thus promoting growth, employment, social and territorial cohesion, health, safety and security;

| E. | whereas some cities are seeing their population age and decline, and face problems due to the scale of the facilities and public services they provide, and others have a growing population, which increases pressure on existing facilities and public services (for example, education) and exacerbates other problems such as (youth) unemployment, social exclusion, traffic congestion, urban sprawl and pollution, which significantly increase commuting time and reduce the quality of life of many Europeans; |
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E.

whereas some cities are seeing their population age and decline, and face problems due to the scale of the facilities and public services they provide, and others have a growing population, which increases pressure on existing facilities and public services (for example, education) and exacerbates other problems such as (youth) unemployment, social exclusion, traffic congestion, urban sprawl and pollution, which significantly increase commuting time and reduce the quality of life of many Europeans;

| F. | whereas some of the main challenges which cities face, relating to economic and social development, climate change, transport and demographic change, can only be tackled through partnerships between the cities and their surrounding areas; whereas the expansion of interlinked areas in recent years, due to developments in the fields of transport and communications in particular, creates a need for the development of tools to promote connectivity; |
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F.

whereas some of the main challenges which cities face, relating to economic and social development, climate change, transport and demographic change, can only be tackled through partnerships between the cities and their surrounding areas; whereas the expansion of interlinked areas in recent years, due to developments in the fields of transport and communications in particular, creates a need for the development of tools to promote connectivity;

| G. | whereas European policy initiatives have a direct or indirect impact on the sustainable development of cities and urban policy; |
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G.

whereas European policy initiatives have a direct or indirect impact on the sustainable development of cities and urban policy;

| H. | whereas around 70 % of European policies and legislation are implemented at local and regional level; |
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H.

whereas around 70 % of European policies and legislation are implemented at local and regional level;

| I. | whereas more consistency should be ensured at EU level between different EU policy initiatives and subsidy programmes by making full use of the Common Strategic Framework (Title II, Chapter I, Article 10 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 — Common Provision Regulation) and through better political coordination among and with stakeholders and tiers of government, as the sectoral approach of EU policy can lead to policies and legislation that may not favour functional urban areas; |
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I.

whereas more consistency should be ensured at EU level between different EU policy initiatives and subsidy programmes by making full use of the Common Strategic Framework (Title II, Chapter I, Article 10 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 — Common Provision Regulation) and through better political coordination among and with stakeholders and tiers of government, as the sectoral approach of EU policy can lead to policies and legislation that may not favour functional urban areas;

| J. | whereas in 1997 the Commission published a Communication on an urban agenda for the EU (9), but the role of Europe’s cities in EU policymaking is still under discussion; |
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J.

whereas in 1997 the Commission published a Communication on an urban agenda for the EU (9), but the role of Europe’s cities in EU policymaking is still under discussion;

| K. | whereas in the past, Parliament supported the Commission’s proposal to present an ‘Urban Agenda’ as a framework for future urban policy at European level; |
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K.

whereas in the past, Parliament supported the Commission’s proposal to present an ‘Urban Agenda’ as a framework for future urban policy at European level;

| L. | whereas subsidiarity, as defined in the TFEU, as well as multi-level governance, based on coordinated action by the EU, the Member States and regional and local authorities, and the partnership principle, are essential elements for the correct implementation of all EU policies, and whereas engagement of the resources and competences of local and regional authorities should be reinforced accordingly; |
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L.

whereas subsidiarity, as defined in the TFEU, as well as multi-level governance, based on coordinated action by the EU, the Member States and regional and local authorities, and the partnership principle, are essential elements for the correct implementation of all EU policies, and whereas engagement of the resources and competences of local and regional authorities should be reinforced accordingly;

| M. | whereas the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013) reinforces the urban dimension of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) by allocating at least 5 % of its financial support to integrated actions for sustainable urban development through the delegation of management tasks to urban authorities, in particular giving them more responsibilities for tasks related at least to the selection of operations by creating tools such as integrated territorial investments (ITIs) and community-led local development (CLLD), by allocating a specific budget for ‘innovative actions’ in order to test new solutions in relation to sustainable urban development, and by establishing an urban development network; |
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M.

whereas the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013) reinforces the urban dimension of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) by allocating at least 5 % of its financial support to integrated actions for sustainable urban development through the delegation of management tasks to urban authorities, in particular giving them more responsibilities for tasks related at least to the selection of operations by creating tools such as integrated territorial investments (ITIs) and community-led local development (CLLD), by allocating a specific budget for ‘innovative actions’ in order to test new solutions in relation to sustainable urban development, and by establishing an urban development network;

| N. | whereas the partnership principle laid down in the Common Provision Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013) and the European Code of Conduct obliges the Member States to ensure the early involvement of urban authorities in the EU policymaking process; |
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N.

whereas the partnership principle laid down in the Common Provision Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013) and the European Code of Conduct obliges the Member States to ensure the early involvement of urban authorities in the EU policymaking process;

The urban dimension of EU policies

| 1. | Is of the opinion that EU policies should support and enable towns, cities and functional urban areas to express and attain their full potential as motors of economic growth, employment, social inclusion and sustainable development; believes, therefore, that these towns, cities and functional urban areas need to be more closely associated with the entire European policymaking cycle; |
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1.

Is of the opinion that EU policies should support and enable towns, cities and functional urban areas to express and attain their full potential as motors of economic growth, employment, social inclusion and sustainable development; believes, therefore, that these towns, cities and functional urban areas need to be more closely associated with the entire European policymaking cycle;

| 2. | Asks the Commission and, where appropriate, the Member States to propose ways to introduce an early warning mechanism by adapting available tools and in accordance with Article 6 of the Protocol on the Application of the Principles of Subsidiarity and Proportionality, giving the subnational government the possibility to observe whether the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality have been taken into account, allowing subnational governments to be involved in the policy processes from an early stage and allowing for well-informed territorial development strategies and more efficient implementation of future legislation; |
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2.

Asks the Commission and, where appropriate, the Member States to propose ways to introduce an early warning mechanism by adapting available tools and in accordance with Article 6 of the Protocol on the Application of the Principles of Subsidiarity and Proportionality, giving the subnational government the possibility to observe whether the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality have been taken into account, allowing subnational governments to be involved in the policy processes from an early stage and allowing for well-informed territorial development strategies and more efficient implementation of future legislation;

Towards an integrated European Urban Agenda

| 3. | Welcomes the initiative of the Commission to work towards a European Urban Agenda; supports its establishment as a coherent framework for EU policies with an urban dimension aiming to better link urban solutions with EU challenges, to better adjust sectoral policies and levels of governance, to better target EU funding to the relevant urban challenges and to better assess the territorial impact of sectoral policies; believes that the European Urban Agenda should in particular promote the development of governance solutions best geared to successfully meeting the challenges and objectives of sustainable, economic and socially inclusive development of towns, cities and functional urban areas in Europe; |
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3.

Welcomes the initiative of the Commission to work towards a European Urban Agenda; supports its establishment as a coherent framework for EU policies with an urban dimension aiming to better link urban solutions with EU challenges, to better adjust sectoral policies and levels of governance, to better target EU funding to the relevant urban challenges and to better assess the territorial impact of sectoral policies; believes that the European Urban Agenda should in particular promote the development of governance solutions best geared to successfully meeting the challenges and objectives of sustainable, economic and socially inclusive development of towns, cities and functional urban areas in Europe;

| 4. | Recognises that although there is no explicit EU competence on urban development, a broad range of EU initiatives impact directly/indirectly on towns, cities and functional urban areas; is therefore of the opinion that well-developed and established national and regional urban policies are a prerequisite for a European Urban Agenda; considers that the latter should constitute a strategy addressing towns, cities and functional urban areas in the EU that, in the long term, would develop into an urban policy at EU level; underlines in this context that urban territorial development should be based on balanced territorial organisation with a polycentric urban structure in line with the EU Territorial Agenda 2020; |
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4.

Recognises that although there is no explicit EU competence on urban development, a broad range of EU initiatives impact directly/indirectly on towns, cities and functional urban areas; is therefore of the opinion that well-developed and established national and regional urban policies are a prerequisite for a European Urban Agenda; considers that the latter should constitute a strategy addressing towns, cities and functional urban areas in the EU that, in the long term, would develop into an urban policy at EU level; underlines in this context that urban territorial development should be based on balanced territorial organisation with a polycentric urban structure in line with the EU Territorial Agenda 2020;

| 5. | Is convinced that the European Urban Agenda should be a joint effort by the Commission, the Member States, the local authorities and other stakeholders to rationalise, coordinate and implement EU policies with an urban dimension through a practical, integrated and coordinated, yet flexible, approach, ‘in and with’ the towns, cities and functional urban areas, taking account of the local territorial specificities and respecting each Member State’s institutional architecture; |
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5.

Is convinced that the European Urban Agenda should be a joint effort by the Commission, the Member States, the local authorities and other stakeholders to rationalise, coordinate and implement EU policies with an urban dimension through a practical, integrated and coordinated, yet flexible, approach, ‘in and with’ the towns, cities and functional urban areas, taking account of the local territorial specificities and respecting each Member State’s institutional architecture;

| 6. | Believes that a European Urban Agenda should be fully in line with the EU’s overall objectives and strategy, particularly Europe 2020, and the objectives of territorial cohesion; stresses that administrative borders are becoming less and less pertinent when trying to address development challenges at regional and local level; believes, therefore, that the European Urban Agenda should be inclusive and take clear account of the diversity of territorial entities in the EU and the cross-border and rural-urban linkages, including the services that functional urban areas provide for their surrounding countryside; |
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6.

Believes that a European Urban Agenda should be fully in line with the EU’s overall objectives and strategy, particularly Europe 2020, and the objectives of territorial cohesion; stresses that administrative borders are becoming less and less pertinent when trying to address development challenges at regional and local level; believes, therefore, that the European Urban Agenda should be inclusive and take clear account of the diversity of territorial entities in the EU and the cross-border and rural-urban linkages, including the services that functional urban areas provide for their surrounding countryside;

| 7. | Urges the Commission to come up with a communication detailing the features of the future European Urban Agenda, based on the ‘urban acquis’ and the extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including economic and social partners and civil society organisations; asks the Commission to include the European Urban Agenda in its annual work programme; |
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7.

Urges the Commission to come up with a communication detailing the features of the future European Urban Agenda, based on the ‘urban acquis’ and the extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including economic and social partners and civil society organisations; asks the Commission to include the European Urban Agenda in its annual work programme;

Mainstreaming of an integrated territorial development approach into EU policymaking and legislation

| 8. | Calls on the Commission to apply a more place-based integrated territorial approach when conceptualising new policy initiatives aimed at urban areas, in order to ensure consistency and to empower towns, cities, and functional urban areas to deliver the Europe 2020 objectives of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, by, inter alia, implementing an integrated EU approach to support smart and sustainable projects in European cities, helping to promote social and economic development; |
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8.

Calls on the Commission to apply a more place-based integrated territorial approach when conceptualising new policy initiatives aimed at urban areas, in order to ensure consistency and to empower towns, cities, and functional urban areas to deliver the Europe 2020 objectives of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, by, inter alia, implementing an integrated EU approach to support smart and sustainable projects in European cities, helping to promote social and economic development;

| 9. | Asks the Commission to introduce, as a general rule, a territorial impact assessment on the urban dimension in order to ensure the practical feasibility of all relevant EU policy initiatives at regional and local level, to be receptive to the input from decentralised levels of government when drawing up impact assessments and new policies (‘bottom-up approach’) and to make sure that all relevant sectoral EU policies adequately address the challenges that towns, cities and functional urban areas face; calls on the Commission to concentrate these territorial impact assessments on the following elements: balanced territorial development, territorial integration, aspects of governance, regulation, implementation at local level, and coherence with other policy objectives; |
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9.

Asks the Commission to introduce, as a general rule, a territorial impact assessment on the urban dimension in order to ensure the practical feasibility of all relevant EU policy initiatives at regional and local level, to be receptive to the input from decentralised levels of government when drawing up impact assessments and new policies (‘bottom-up approach’) and to make sure that all relevant sectoral EU policies adequately address the challenges that towns, cities and functional urban areas face; calls on the Commission to concentrate these territorial impact assessments on the following elements: balanced territorial development, territorial integration, aspects of governance, regulation, implementation at local level, and coherence with other policy objectives;

| 10. | Urges the Commission to systematise and analyse all available data and shared conceptual frameworks (‘urban acquis’) in order to prevent duplication and inconsistencies and provide a clear definition of integrated sustainable urban development and thus identify the common coherent and transparent EU objectives in this area; |
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10.

Urges the Commission to systematise and analyse all available data and shared conceptual frameworks (‘urban acquis’) in order to prevent duplication and inconsistencies and provide a clear definition of integrated sustainable urban development and thus identify the common coherent and transparent EU objectives in this area;

| 11. | Is convinced that in order to be able to assess urban areas more accurately than just on the basis of the GDP indicator, sufficient data must be made available; believes, therefore, that Eurostat should provide and compile more detailed local data and that work should continue on the Urban Audit and similar surveys; calls also on the Commission to work on instruments that could measure the progress and impact of an integrated urban agenda at EU level; |
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11.

Is convinced that in order to be able to assess urban areas more accurately than just on the basis of the GDP indicator, sufficient data must be made available; believes, therefore, that Eurostat should provide and compile more detailed local data and that work should continue on the Urban Audit and similar surveys; calls also on the Commission to work on instruments that could measure the progress and impact of an integrated urban agenda at EU level;

| 12. | Encourages the Commission to reduce the red tape related to the implementation of current EU legislation at local level, and to ensure that all future regulation thoroughly analyses the consequences of its implementation at local level; |
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12.

Encourages the Commission to reduce the red tape related to the implementation of current EU legislation at local level, and to ensure that all future regulation thoroughly analyses the consequences of its implementation at local level;

The urban dimension of EU policy instruments and funding

| 13. | Recalls that the EU’s Cohesion Policy and its financial instruments are better equipped to support complex integrated territorial strategies for functional urban areas through shared strategic planning and rules; encourages Member States to make full use of the available new instruments such as ITIs and CLLD, as well as of the new flexible operational programmes (OPs), in order to successfully support the implementation of integrated urban development plans; encourages Member States and the Commission to draw up a coherent set of appropriate indicators to better assess the urban dimension of the implemented operations and initiatives funded by European Structural and Investment Funds; |
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13.

Recalls that the EU’s Cohesion Policy and its financial instruments are better equipped to support complex integrated territorial strategies for functional urban areas through shared strategic planning and rules; encourages Member States to make full use of the available new instruments such as ITIs and CLLD, as well as of the new flexible operational programmes (OPs), in order to successfully support the implementation of integrated urban development plans; encourages Member States and the Commission to draw up a coherent set of appropriate indicators to better assess the urban dimension of the implemented operations and initiatives funded by European Structural and Investment Funds;

| 14. | Highlights the need to exploit to a maximum extent the potential of the macro-regional strategies for successful implementation of the integrated urban approach; calls on the Commission to adequately include and integrate aspects of the European Urban Agenda and to stress the urban dimension within EU macro-regional strategies which represent a model for planning and multi-level governance; |
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14.

Highlights the need to exploit to a maximum extent the potential of the macro-regional strategies for successful implementation of the integrated urban approach; calls on the Commission to adequately include and integrate aspects of the European Urban Agenda and to stress the urban dimension within EU macro-regional strategies which represent a model for planning and multi-level governance;

| 15. | Regrets that, although the new cohesion policy has legally binding urban-related aspects, especially regarding involvement of cities in the programming phase, the actual participation of city and urban representatives in the shaping of the policy is weak, and believes it can be improved by an early involvement in the policy processes, for example through consultation, evaluation and exchange of best practices and experiences; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the application of the partnership principle (also taking into account the European code of conduct on partnership (Article 5.3 of the Common Provision Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013)) when implementing programmes and projects supported by EU funding, with particular attention being given to the involvement of cities, towns and functional urban areas in the preparation, management and governance of the programmes, including at cross-border level; |
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15.

Regrets that, although the new cohesion policy has legally binding urban-related aspects, especially regarding involvement of cities in the programming phase, the actual participation of city and urban representatives in the shaping of the policy is weak, and believes it can be improved by an early involvement in the policy processes, for example through consultation, evaluation and exchange of best practices and experiences; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the application of the partnership principle (also taking into account the European code of conduct on partnership (Article 5.3 of the Common Provision Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013)) when implementing programmes and projects supported by EU funding, with particular attention being given to the involvement of cities, towns and functional urban areas in the preparation, management and governance of the programmes, including at cross-border level;

| 16. | Calls for greater involvement of towns and cities in the Structural and Investment Funds’ programmes; believes that the lessons drawn from this could feed into an important policy recommendation for the development of cohesion policy after 2020; in this context, calls on the Commission to test the implementation of the European Urban Agenda in selected thematic fields, reflecting the challenges of urban areas (‘urban pilot projects’), in particular by ensuring the cross-sectoral coordination of different EU policies, removing existing overlaps and applying the multi-level governance model and conducting territorial impact assessments; asks the Commission to report to Parliament on the progress and results in this respect on a regular basis; |
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16.

Calls for greater involvement of towns and cities in the Structural and Investment Funds’ programmes; believes that the lessons drawn from this could feed into an important policy recommendation for the development of cohesion policy after 2020; in this context, calls on the Commission to test the implementation of the European Urban Agenda in selected thematic fields, reflecting the challenges of urban areas (‘urban pilot projects’), in particular by ensuring the cross-sectoral coordination of different EU policies, removing existing overlaps and applying the multi-level governance model and conducting territorial impact assessments; asks the Commission to report to Parliament on the progress and results in this respect on a regular basis;

| 17. | Asks for better coordination and integration of EU investment policies having the potential to ensure sustainable, integrated and socially inclusive urban development; urges the Commission and the Member States to make full use of the regulatory framework to create synergies between the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), the EU subsidised programmes (such as LIFE, Horizon 2020, Intelligent Energy Europe, etc.) and cohesion policy funds, as well as public (i.e. national) investments, private capital and financial instruments in order to obtain the greatest leverage effect of invested funds; underlines the need to ensure complementarity of all investment policies and enhanced synergy, and to avoid double financing and overlaps; |
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17.

Asks for better coordination and integration of EU investment policies having the potential to ensure sustainable, integrated and socially inclusive urban development; urges the Commission and the Member States to make full use of the regulatory framework to create synergies between the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI), the EU subsidised programmes (such as LIFE, Horizon 2020, Intelligent Energy Europe, etc.) and cohesion policy funds, as well as public (i.e. national) investments, private capital and financial instruments in order to obtain the greatest leverage effect of invested funds; underlines the need to ensure complementarity of all investment policies and enhanced synergy, and to avoid double financing and overlaps;

A new model of multi-level governance

| 18. | Recalls that today’s key economic, social and environmental challenges transcend traditional administrative boundaries, and the growing mismatch between administrative and territorial structures (urban and peri-urban cooperation, urban-rural cooperation, etc.) requires new forms of flexible governance in order to continue the integrated territorial development of functional areas; |
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18.

Recalls that today’s key economic, social and environmental challenges transcend traditional administrative boundaries, and the growing mismatch between administrative and territorial structures (urban and peri-urban cooperation, urban-rural cooperation, etc.) requires new forms of flexible governance in order to continue the integrated territorial development of functional areas;

| 19. | Believes that the European Urban Agenda should be based on a new multi-level governance method, involving the local level more closely at all stages of the policy cycle, thus bringing the policies closer to the realities and making them more consistent with and responsive to the constant transformations in functional urban areas; takes the view, in that connection, that the Committee of the Regions, as the body representing regional and local authorities, should play a role in that process; |
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19.

Believes that the European Urban Agenda should be based on a new multi-level governance method, involving the local level more closely at all stages of the policy cycle, thus bringing the policies closer to the realities and making them more consistent with and responsive to the constant transformations in functional urban areas; takes the view, in that connection, that the Committee of the Regions, as the body representing regional and local authorities, should play a role in that process;

| 20. | Urges the Commission to suggest elements for a new model of multi-level governance based on partnerships and genuine collaboration, going beyond simple stakeholder consultations, a model combining formal governmental structures with informal flexible governance structures that correspond to the new realities of the digitalised ‘network’ society, and which is adapted to the scale at which the challenges exist, a model which improves multi-level cooperation, both vertical and horizontal, with governmental and non-governmental actors at local, regional, national and European level, thus bringing government closer to the citizens and improving the democratic legitimacy of the European project; recommends that this ‘sui generis’ tailor-made model become the working method of the future European Urban Agenda after its acceptance by the partners and after consulting all relevant stakeholders; |
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20.

Urges the Commission to suggest elements for a new model of multi-level governance based on partnerships and genuine collaboration, going beyond simple stakeholder consultations, a model combining formal governmental structures with informal flexible governance structures that correspond to the new realities of the digitalised ‘network’ society, and which is adapted to the scale at which the challenges exist, a model which improves multi-level cooperation, both vertical and horizontal, with governmental and non-governmental actors at local, regional, national and European level, thus bringing government closer to the citizens and improving the democratic legitimacy of the European project; recommends that this ‘sui generis’ tailor-made model become the working method of the future European Urban Agenda after its acceptance by the partners and after consulting all relevant stakeholders;

Knowledge management and data sharing

| 21. | Is of the opinion that urban platforms and networks (such as URBACT, the Urban Development Network) and other programmes for knowledge-sharing between cities (such as Civitas, the Covenant of Mayors, Mayors Adapt, Smart Cities and Communities Initiative, Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities, ManagEnergy) have provided an excellent opportunity for the engagement of local regional and cross-border actors in urban development and knowledge-sharing between actors; urges the Commission to consolidate and ensure better coordination between these platforms in order to allow local actors to better understand them and engage with them in a more efficient way; |
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21.

Is of the opinion that urban platforms and networks (such as URBACT, the Urban Development Network) and other programmes for knowledge-sharing between cities (such as Civitas, the Covenant of Mayors, Mayors Adapt, Smart Cities and Communities Initiative, Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities, ManagEnergy) have provided an excellent opportunity for the engagement of local regional and cross-border actors in urban development and knowledge-sharing between actors; urges the Commission to consolidate and ensure better coordination between these platforms in order to allow local actors to better understand them and engage with them in a more efficient way;

| 22. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to make the most out of the knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities that EU-funded projects and other networking activities between cities provide; encourages the Commission to develop mechanisms for better project result sharing throughout its services and to make sure that the results feed into both national and EU-level policy developments; |
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22.

Urges the Commission and the Member States to make the most out of the knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities that EU-funded projects and other networking activities between cities provide; encourages the Commission to develop mechanisms for better project result sharing throughout its services and to make sure that the results feed into both national and EU-level policy developments;

| 23. | Believes that in order to formulate better-tailored policies the Urban Audit Database needs to be updated and improved; encourages Eurostat and the Commission to provide and compile more detailed data, collected where policies are implemented — in many cases at local level; underlines that the collection of flow data — measuring the relationships between cities and their surrounding areas and within functional urban areas — is also becoming increasingly important in order to improve the understanding of these complex functional areas, and therefore urges the Commission to gather and analyse that data; turning it into evidence for policy developments; |
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23.

Believes that in order to formulate better-tailored policies the Urban Audit Database needs to be updated and improved; encourages Eurostat and the Commission to provide and compile more detailed data, collected where policies are implemented — in many cases at local level; underlines that the collection of flow data — measuring the relationships between cities and their surrounding areas and within functional urban areas — is also becoming increasingly important in order to improve the understanding of these complex functional areas, and therefore urges the Commission to gather and analyse that data; turning it into evidence for policy developments;

Implementing the future European Urban Agenda

| 24. | Believes that in order for the European Urban Agenda to be an effective tool it should be a shared and regularly updated conceptual framework with a thematic focus on a limited number of challenges in the larger context of the Europe 2020 goals of smart, inclusive and sustainable growth; |
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24.

Believes that in order for the European Urban Agenda to be an effective tool it should be a shared and regularly updated conceptual framework with a thematic focus on a limited number of challenges in the larger context of the Europe 2020 goals of smart, inclusive and sustainable growth;

| 25. | Strongly believes that these challenges should respond to the following criteria: (1) are in line with the shared conceptual framework; (2) are major urban challenges with significant impact on cities, towns and functional urban areas in and between Member States; (3) cannot be solved by Member States unilaterally; (4) where an EU approach has a clear added value; asks the Commission to start working on mapping such challenges, but also identifying remaining bottlenecks, policy incoherencies or capacity and knowledge gaps, in close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, particularly those at local level; |
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25.

Strongly believes that these challenges should respond to the following criteria: (1) are in line with the shared conceptual framework; (2) are major urban challenges with significant impact on cities, towns and functional urban areas in and between Member States; (3) cannot be solved by Member States unilaterally; (4) where an EU approach has a clear added value; asks the Commission to start working on mapping such challenges, but also identifying remaining bottlenecks, policy incoherencies or capacity and knowledge gaps, in close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, particularly those at local level;

| 26. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to make sure that a higher degree of cross-sector coordination of policies with an urban dimension is ensured at all levels of government to allow better mainstreaming of integrated urban development; calls on the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), responsible for the EU’s urban policies, in close cooperation with the Commission’s existing Inter-service Group on ‘Urban Development’, to drive this process and to make sure that the urban dimension is taken into account in all relevant new initiatives; asks the President of the European Commission to appoint a political lead within the College of Commissioners to give strategic direction to the Urban Agenda of European policies and to report annually to Parliament on the Urban Agenda; |
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26.

Urges the Commission and the Member States to make sure that a higher degree of cross-sector coordination of policies with an urban dimension is ensured at all levels of government to allow better mainstreaming of integrated urban development; calls on the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), responsible for the EU’s urban policies, in close cooperation with the Commission’s existing Inter-service Group on ‘Urban Development’, to drive this process and to make sure that the urban dimension is taken into account in all relevant new initiatives; asks the President of the European Commission to appoint a political lead within the College of Commissioners to give strategic direction to the Urban Agenda of European policies and to report annually to Parliament on the Urban Agenda;

| 27. | Asks the Commission to designate a special EU urban coordinator, based on already existing services or bodies within the Commission, to monitor and evaluate the practical implementation of such coordination in a horizontal (engaging all relevant policy sectors) and vertical (engaging all levels of government) manner; is of the opinion that the special EU urban coordinator should, with the help of the Commission’s Inter-service Group on ‘Urban Development’, establish a ‘one-stop shop’ on urban policies within the Commission and ensure the proper collection, management and dissemination of data on urban policies within and between Commission services and with various stakeholders in such a way as to establish an awareness-raising mechanism for early warning and early stage involvement of local and regional authorities in policy processes with an impact on towns, cities and functional urban areas; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Asks the Commission to designate a special EU urban coordinator, based on already existing services or bodies within the Commission, to monitor and evaluate the practical implementation of such coordination in a horizontal (engaging all relevant policy sectors) and vertical (engaging all levels of government) manner; is of the opinion that the special EU urban coordinator should, with the help of the Commission’s Inter-service Group on ‘Urban Development’, establish a ‘one-stop shop’ on urban policies within the Commission and ensure the proper collection, management and dissemination of data on urban policies within and between Commission services and with various stakeholders in such a way as to establish an awareness-raising mechanism for early warning and early stage involvement of local and regional authorities in policy processes with an impact on towns, cities and functional urban areas;

| 28. | Encourages the Commission to develop, while using the existing structures and, for example, as part of the ‘urban pilot project’, single points of information in Member States on the urban dimension of EU policies (Urban One-Stop Shops), with the aim of providing comprehensive information in particular on different EU initiatives, guidelines and financial possibilities in relation to urban development; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Encourages the Commission to develop, while using the existing structures and, for example, as part of the ‘urban pilot project’, single points of information in Member States on the urban dimension of EU policies (Urban One-Stop Shops), with the aim of providing comprehensive information in particular on different EU initiatives, guidelines and financial possibilities in relation to urban development;

| 29. | Calls on the Commission to hold a regular urban summit drawing on the ‘Cities of tomorrow’ forum, bringing stakeholders from all levels of governance and different sectors together; believes that such summits should provide a real opportunity for cities to engage in a constructive dialogue with policymakers across the relevant policy areas and should help assess the impact of EU policies on towns, cities and functional urban areas and how best to involve them in the forthcoming initiatives; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Calls on the Commission to hold a regular urban summit drawing on the ‘Cities of tomorrow’ forum, bringing stakeholders from all levels of governance and different sectors together; believes that such summits should provide a real opportunity for cities to engage in a constructive dialogue with policymakers across the relevant policy areas and should help assess the impact of EU policies on towns, cities and functional urban areas and how best to involve them in the forthcoming initiatives;

| 30. | Urges Member States to fully associate cities and functional urban areas with, and involve them in a binding manner in, strategic policy development and programming (such as national reform programmes, partnership agreements and operational programmes); calls on the Member States to strengthen their exchange of experience on national programmes for urban development, which empowers cities to deliver the Europe 2020 objectives, by setting regular informal Council meetings of ministers in charge of urban development; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Urges Member States to fully associate cities and functional urban areas with, and involve them in a binding manner in, strategic policy development and programming (such as national reform programmes, partnership agreements and operational programmes); calls on the Member States to strengthen their exchange of experience on national programmes for urban development, which empowers cities to deliver the Europe 2020 objectives, by setting regular informal Council meetings of ministers in charge of urban development;

External dimension of the European Urban Agenda

| 31. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to take full account of the ongoing preparatory works for the Habitat III agenda and to ensure that the future European Urban Agenda is fully compatible and coordinated with the goals and objectives of this global urban agenda; asks the Commission to regularly inform Parliament about the external dimension of the European Urban Agenda and believes that the urban agenda could become the EU contribution to the international debate on the United Nations’ ‘New Urban Agenda’ and the Habitat III conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in 2016; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Urges the Commission and the Member States to take full account of the ongoing preparatory works for the Habitat III agenda and to ensure that the future European Urban Agenda is fully compatible and coordinated with the goals and objectives of this global urban agenda; asks the Commission to regularly inform Parliament about the external dimension of the European Urban Agenda and believes that the urban agenda could become the EU contribution to the international debate on the United Nations’ ‘New Urban Agenda’ and the Habitat III conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in 2016;

| 32. | Believes that there should be a clear, coherent and open engagement of the EU and the Member States, with consultation and contribution of local and regional authorities, at the International Standards Organisation (ISO) regarding the development of new standards for sustainable urban development, respecting the work on UN universal guidelines for urban and territorial planning; stresses that the new ISO standards should be seen as a supportive and not a normative tool; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Believes that there should be a clear, coherent and open engagement of the EU and the Member States, with consultation and contribution of local and regional authorities, at the International Standards Organisation (ISO) regarding the development of new standards for sustainable urban development, respecting the work on UN universal guidelines for urban and territorial planning; stresses that the new ISO standards should be seen as a supportive and not a normative tool;

o

o o

| 33. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

33.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

---

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

(2)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 289.

(3)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 259.

(4)  OJ C 390 E, 18.12.2012, p. 10.

(5)  OJ C 184 E, 6.8.2009, p. 95.

(6)  Parag Khanna, Beyond City Limits, Foreign Policy, 6 August 2010.

(7)  Eurostat — City Statistics, 2014.

(8)  The Vertical Farm, www.verticalfarm.com.

(9)  Communication from the Commission of 6 May 1997, ‘Towards an urban agenda in the European Union’ (COM(1997)0197).

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/132 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/132

---

P8_TA(2015)0308

Investment for jobs and growth: promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EU

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on ‘Investment for jobs and growth: promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion in the Union’ (2014/2245(INI))

(2017/C 316/14)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission’s sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion entitled ‘Investment for jobs and growth: promoting development and good governance in EU regions and cities’ of 23 July 2014 (hereinafter ‘the Sixth Cohesion Report’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion entitled ‘Investment for jobs and growth: promoting development and good governance in EU regions and cities’ of 23 July 2014 (hereinafter ‘the Sixth Cohesion Report’),

| — | having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and in particular Articles 4, 162, 174 to 178 and 349 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and in particular Articles 4, 162, 174 to 178 and 349 thereof,

| — | 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 (hereinafter ‘the Common Provisions Regulation’) (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

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 (hereinafter ‘the Common Provisions Regulation’) (1),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Regional Development Fund and on specific provisions concerning the Investment for growth and jobs goal and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1301/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Regional Development Fund and on specific provisions concerning the Investment for growth and jobs goal and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 (2),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1304/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Social Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1081/2006 (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1304/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the European Social Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1081/2006 (3),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1299/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on specific provisions for the support from the European Regional Development Fund to the European territorial cooperation goal (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1299/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on specific provisions for the support from the European Regional Development Fund to the European territorial cooperation goal (4),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1302/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 on a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) as regards the clarification, simplification and improvement of the establishment and functioning of such groupings (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1302/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 1082/2006 on a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC) as regards the clarification, simplification and improvement of the establishment and functioning of such groupings (5),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1300/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the Cohesion Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1084/2006 (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1300/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the Cohesion Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1084/2006 (6),

| — | 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 (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

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 (7),

| — | 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 (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

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 (8),

| — | having regard to the ‘Territorial Agenda of the European Union 2020: Towards an Inclusive, Smart and Sustainable Europe of Diverse Regions’, agreed on at the Informal Ministerial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Spatial Planning and Territorial Development meeting in Gödöllő, Hungary, on 19 May 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ‘Territorial Agenda of the European Union 2020: Towards an Inclusive, Smart and Sustainable Europe of Diverse Regions’, agreed on at the Informal Ministerial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Spatial Planning and Territorial Development meeting in Gödöllő, Hungary, on 19 May 2011,

| — | having regard to the Commission’s eighth progress report on economic, social and territorial cohesion entitled ‘The urban and regional dimension of the crisis’ of 26 June 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s eighth progress report on economic, social and territorial cohesion entitled ‘The urban and regional dimension of the crisis’ of 26 June 2013,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 January 2014 on smart specialisation: networking excellence for a sound Cohesion Policy (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 January 2014 on smart specialisation: networking excellence for a sound Cohesion Policy (9),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 January 2014 on EU Member States preparedness to an effective and timely start of the new Cohesion Policy Programming period (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 January 2014 on EU Member States preparedness to an effective and timely start of the new Cohesion Policy Programming period (10),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 26 February 2014 on the European Commission’s 7th and 8th progress reports on the EU Cohesion Policy and the Strategic Report 2013 on programme implementation 2007-2013 (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 26 February 2014 on the European Commission’s 7th and 8th progress reports on the EU Cohesion Policy and the Strategic Report 2013 on programme implementation 2007-2013 (11),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 26 February 2014 on optimising the potential of outermost regions by creating synergies between the Structural Funds and other European Union programmes (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 26 February 2014 on optimising the potential of outermost regions by creating synergies between the Structural Funds and other European Union programmes (12),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 27 November 2014 on delays in the start-up of Cohesion Policy for 2014-2020 (13), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 27 November 2014 on delays in the start-up of Cohesion Policy for 2014-2020 (13),

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission of 19 October 2011 entitled ‘A framework for the next generation of innovative financial instruments — the EU equity and debt platforms’ (COM(2011)0662), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission of 19 October 2011 entitled ‘A framework for the next generation of innovative financial instruments — the EU equity and debt platforms’ (COM(2011)0662),

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission of 26 November 2014 entitled ‘An Investment Plan for Europe’ (COM(2014)0903), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission of 26 November 2014 entitled ‘An Investment Plan for Europe’ (COM(2014)0903),

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission of 13 January 2015 entitled ‘Making the best use of the flexibility within the existing rules of the stability and growth pact’ (COM(2015)0012), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission of 13 January 2015 entitled ‘Making the best use of the flexibility within the existing rules of the stability and growth pact’ (COM(2015)0012),

| — | having regard to the Special Report of the European Court of Auditors entitled ‘Financial Instruments for SMEs co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund’ (Special Report No 2/2012), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Special Report of the European Court of Auditors entitled ‘Financial Instruments for SMEs co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund’ (Special Report No 2/2012),

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions on the sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion: investment for jobs and growth, adopted by the General Affairs (Cohesion) Council on 19 November 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions on the sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion: investment for jobs and growth, adopted by the General Affairs (Cohesion) Council on 19 November 2014,

| — | having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 3 December 2014 on the sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion (14), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 3 December 2014 on the sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion (14),

| — | having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 21 January 2015 on the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion: investment for jobs and growth (15), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 21 January 2015 on the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — Sixth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion: investment for jobs and growth (15),

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission of 9 March 2015 on the 2015 EU Justice Scoreboard (COM(2015)0116), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission of 9 March 2015 on the 2015 EU Justice Scoreboard (COM(2015)0116),

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission of 20 January 2015 entitled ‘Draft Amending Budget No 2 to the General Budget 2015’ (COM(2015)0016), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission of 20 January 2015 entitled ‘Draft Amending Budget No 2 to the General Budget 2015’ (COM(2015)0016),

| — | having regard to the Annual report 2013 on the protection of the EU’s financial interests — Fight against fraud, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Annual report 2013 on the protection of the EU’s financial interests — Fight against fraud,

| — | 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 Regional Development and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, the Committee on Culture and Education and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (A8-0173/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Regional Development and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, the Committee on Culture and Education and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (A8-0173/2015),

| A. | whereas the determining role of EU cohesion policy in reducing regional disparities, promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion among the regions of Member States, and supporting job creation is incontestable; whereas cohesion policy represents the main EU-wide investment policy in the real economy and is an established tool for growth and jobs in the EU, with a budget of over EUR 350 billion until 2020; whereas, during the economic crisis, cohesion policy is proving to be an essential instrument for maintaining investment levels in the various Member States; whereas in some Member States it forms the principal source of public investment; whereas the concrete and visible nature of the results of cohesion policy has been confirmed by many different evaluation methods; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the determining role of EU cohesion policy in reducing regional disparities, promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion among the regions of Member States, and supporting job creation is incontestable; whereas cohesion policy represents the main EU-wide investment policy in the real economy and is an established tool for growth and jobs in the EU, with a budget of over EUR 350 billion until 2020; whereas, during the economic crisis, cohesion policy is proving to be an essential instrument for maintaining investment levels in the various Member States; whereas in some Member States it forms the principal source of public investment; whereas the concrete and visible nature of the results of cohesion policy has been confirmed by many different evaluation methods;

| B. | whereas the latest figures for 2013 portray long-term unemployment in the Union at a historically high level of 5,1 % of the labour force; whereas long-term unemployment has crucial consequences for individuals throughout their lives and can become structural, particularly in peripheral regions; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the latest figures for 2013 portray long-term unemployment in the Union at a historically high level of 5,1 % of the labour force; whereas long-term unemployment has crucial consequences for individuals throughout their lives and can become structural, particularly in peripheral regions;

| C. | whereas there has recently been a 15 % decline in public investment in the Union in real terms, and whereas many regions, especially those facing demographic challenges, have been unable to contribute adequately to the Europe 2020 targets, in particular the headline target of reaching 75 % employment by 2020, the target of decreasing poverty by 20 million people and the target of limiting early-school leaving; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas there has recently been a 15 % decline in public investment in the Union in real terms, and whereas many regions, especially those facing demographic challenges, have been unable to contribute adequately to the Europe 2020 targets, in particular the headline target of reaching 75 % employment by 2020, the target of decreasing poverty by 20 million people and the target of limiting early-school leaving;

| D. | whereas it is justifiable that the goals of cohesion policy have evolved over time, in response to the new challenges and threats facing the EU, and that the policy itself has become more closely linked to the overall policy agenda of the EU; whereas, nevertheless, the original role of cohesion policy — the strengthening of economic, social and territorial cohesion in all EU regions, and particularly of less developed and the least favoured regions — should be reinforced; whereas cohesion policy ought not to be regarded as merely an instrument to attain the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy and other EU development strategies but also as an investment policy in the territories; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas it is justifiable that the goals of cohesion policy have evolved over time, in response to the new challenges and threats facing the EU, and that the policy itself has become more closely linked to the overall policy agenda of the EU; whereas, nevertheless, the original role of cohesion policy — the strengthening of economic, social and territorial cohesion in all EU regions, and particularly of less developed and the least favoured regions — should be reinforced; whereas cohesion policy ought not to be regarded as merely an instrument to attain the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy and other EU development strategies but also as an investment policy in the territories;

| E. | whereas, according to the Sixth Cohesion Report, the economic crisis has had a negative effect on the long-term trend towards a narrowing of regional disparities and, despite some positive tendencies, at the beginning of the new programming period disparities between regions of many different kinds remain wide; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas, according to the Sixth Cohesion Report, the economic crisis has had a negative effect on the long-term trend towards a narrowing of regional disparities and, despite some positive tendencies, at the beginning of the new programming period disparities between regions of many different kinds remain wide;

| F. | whereas through thematic concentration, cohesion policy resources are targeted at a limited number of strategic goals with growth-enhancing, job creation, social inclusion, environmental and climate change potential; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas through thematic concentration, cohesion policy resources are targeted at a limited number of strategic goals with growth-enhancing, job creation, social inclusion, environmental and climate change potential;

| G. | whereas high rates of growth and regional economic convergence cannot be achieved without good governance, given the need for more effective involvement of all partners at national, regional and local level, in line with the principle of multitier government and including the social partners and civil society organisations; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas high rates of growth and regional economic convergence cannot be achieved without good governance, given the need for more effective involvement of all partners at national, regional and local level, in line with the principle of multitier government and including the social partners and civil society organisations;

| H. | whereas the Partnership Agreements and Operational Programmes are strategic tools to guide investments in Member States and regions, provided for in Articles 14, 16 and 29 of the Common Provisions Regulation with a timeline for their submission and adoption, according to which Partnership Agreements should have been adopted by the end of August 2014, and Operational Programmes by the end of January 2015, at the latest; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the Partnership Agreements and Operational Programmes are strategic tools to guide investments in Member States and regions, provided for in Articles 14, 16 and 29 of the Common Provisions Regulation with a timeline for their submission and adoption, according to which Partnership Agreements should have been adopted by the end of August 2014, and Operational Programmes by the end of January 2015, at the latest;

| I. | whereas the informal Council that met in Gödöllő, Hungary, in 2011 has asked the successive Council presidencies of 2015 and 2016 to evaluate and consider whether the EU Territorial Agenda 2020 should be reviewed, taking account of how it works in practice, and then eventually lead any such review; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the informal Council that met in Gödöllő, Hungary, in 2011 has asked the successive Council presidencies of 2015 and 2016 to evaluate and consider whether the EU Territorial Agenda 2020 should be reviewed, taking account of how it works in practice, and then eventually lead any such review;

| J. | whereas, according to Article 175 TFEU, Member States shall conduct their economic policies and shall coordinate them in such a way as to attain the objectives of overall harmonious development and strengthening of economic, social and territorial cohesion, and whereas the new Investment Plan for Europe shall therefore also contribute to these objectives; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas, according to Article 175 TFEU, Member States shall conduct their economic policies and shall coordinate them in such a way as to attain the objectives of overall harmonious development and strengthening of economic, social and territorial cohesion, and whereas the new Investment Plan for Europe shall therefore also contribute to these objectives;

Achievements and challenges of cohesion policy in the context of the economic and financial crisis (programming period 2007-2013)

| 1. | Underlines that cohesion policy is the main instrument of the European Union aimed at reducing the economic, social and territorial disparities across European regions, boosting their competitiveness, tackling climate change and energy dependence, while at the same time contributing to the achievement of the Europe 2020 strategy goals; underlines that even though they have been difficult for some Member States and regions to co-finance, cohesion policy investments have cushioned significantly the negative effects of the economic and financial crisis, and have given stability to regions by ensuring the flow of funding when national and regional public and private investments have fallen sharply; underlines that cohesion policy funding was equivalent to 21 % of public investment in the EU as a whole and to 57 % in the cohesion countries taken together; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Underlines that cohesion policy is the main instrument of the European Union aimed at reducing the economic, social and territorial disparities across European regions, boosting their competitiveness, tackling climate change and energy dependence, while at the same time contributing to the achievement of the Europe 2020 strategy goals; underlines that even though they have been difficult for some Member States and regions to co-finance, cohesion policy investments have cushioned significantly the negative effects of the economic and financial crisis, and have given stability to regions by ensuring the flow of funding when national and regional public and private investments have fallen sharply; underlines that cohesion policy funding was equivalent to 21 % of public investment in the EU as a whole and to 57 % in the cohesion countries taken together;

| 2. | Highlights that cohesion policy has proven its capacity to react quickly with flexible measures to tackle the investment gap for Member States and regions, such as reducing national co-financing and providing additional advance payments, as well as redirecting 13 % of total funding (EUR 45 billion) to support economic activity and employment with direct effects; considers it essential, therefore, to carry out a substantial in-depth medium-term review of objectives and funding levels in line with any developments affecting the social and economic situation of the Member States or any of their regions; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Highlights that cohesion policy has proven its capacity to react quickly with flexible measures to tackle the investment gap for Member States and regions, such as reducing national co-financing and providing additional advance payments, as well as redirecting 13 % of total funding (EUR 45 billion) to support economic activity and employment with direct effects; considers it essential, therefore, to carry out a substantial in-depth medium-term review of objectives and funding levels in line with any developments affecting the social and economic situation of the Member States or any of their regions;

| 3. | Underlines that the Treaty on European Union includes the objective of promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion and solidarity among Member States (Article 3 TEU); |
| --- | --- |

3.

Underlines that the Treaty on European Union includes the objective of promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion and solidarity among Member States (Article 3 TEU);

| 4. | Welcomes the recent reform of cohesion policy aimed at tackling these challenges, based on a coherent strategic framework for 2014-2020 with clear objectives and incentives for all Operational Programmes; calls on all actors, especially the main authorities involved, to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of the new legislative framework for cohesion policy by strongly focusing on achievement of better performance and results; calls on all actors involved to establish properly functioning, multilevel governance and coordination mechanisms to ensure consistency between programmes, support to the Europe 2020 strategy and the Country Specific Recommendations; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Welcomes the recent reform of cohesion policy aimed at tackling these challenges, based on a coherent strategic framework for 2014-2020 with clear objectives and incentives for all Operational Programmes; calls on all actors, especially the main authorities involved, to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of the new legislative framework for cohesion policy by strongly focusing on achievement of better performance and results; calls on all actors involved to establish properly functioning, multilevel governance and coordination mechanisms to ensure consistency between programmes, support to the Europe 2020 strategy and the Country Specific Recommendations;

| 5. | Stresses that a stable fiscal and economic — as well as an efficient regulatory, administrative and institutional — environment is crucial for the effectiveness of cohesion policy, but this must not undermine the achievement of its aims and objectives; recalls, in this respect, that a suspension of payments, as provided for in Article 23 of the Common Provisions Regulation, could undermine national, regional and local authorities’ capacity to plan effectively and implement the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) for the 2014-2020 period; emphasises that, in order to achieve both the cohesion and Europe 2020 objectives, the policy must be aligned closely with sectoral policies and synergies shall be achieved with other EU investment schemes; recalls, however, that in line with Article 175 TFEU all economic policies shall pursue the attainment of the objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Stresses that a stable fiscal and economic — as well as an efficient regulatory, administrative and institutional — environment is crucial for the effectiveness of cohesion policy, but this must not undermine the achievement of its aims and objectives; recalls, in this respect, that a suspension of payments, as provided for in Article 23 of the Common Provisions Regulation, could undermine national, regional and local authorities’ capacity to plan effectively and implement the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) for the 2014-2020 period; emphasises that, in order to achieve both the cohesion and Europe 2020 objectives, the policy must be aligned closely with sectoral policies and synergies shall be achieved with other EU investment schemes; recalls, however, that in line with Article 175 TFEU all economic policies shall pursue the attainment of the objectives of economic, social and territorial cohesion;

| 6. | Underlines that increasing administrative capacity for programming, implementation and evaluation in the Member States is crucial for timely and successful performance of cohesion policy; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Underlines that increasing administrative capacity for programming, implementation and evaluation in the Member States is crucial for timely and successful performance of cohesion policy;

| 7. | Points out that although cohesion policy has softened the impact of the crisis, regional disparities remain high and that the cohesion policy objective to reduce economic, social and territorial disparities, providing special support to less developed regions, has not yet been reached everywhere; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Points out that although cohesion policy has softened the impact of the crisis, regional disparities remain high and that the cohesion policy objective to reduce economic, social and territorial disparities, providing special support to less developed regions, has not yet been reached everywhere;

| 8. | Points out that, despite the crisis and the fact that local finances have been put under great pressure, local and regional authorities have had to continue to meet the demands of citizens for more accessible public services of higher quality; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Points out that, despite the crisis and the fact that local finances have been put under great pressure, local and regional authorities have had to continue to meet the demands of citizens for more accessible public services of higher quality;

| 9. | Underlines the importance of reindustrialising the EU in order to ensure that industrial production represents a share of at least 20 % of Member States’ GDP by 2020; recalls, therefore, the importance of proactively supporting and strengthening the principles of competitiveness, sustainability and regulatory reliability in order to promote jobs and growth within Europe; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Underlines the importance of reindustrialising the EU in order to ensure that industrial production represents a share of at least 20 % of Member States’ GDP by 2020; recalls, therefore, the importance of proactively supporting and strengthening the principles of competitiveness, sustainability and regulatory reliability in order to promote jobs and growth within Europe;

Implementation and payment problems

| 10. | Expresses its serious concern about the significant structural delays in the start-up of the cohesion policy programming periods, resulting from delay in the adoption of Operational Programmes, including through the carry-over procedure; notes that this delay may increase the pressure on payments, especially in 2017 and 2018, and thereby add to concerns over the regrettable backlog in payments, amounting to ca EUR 25 billion for the 2007-2013 programming period; notes that even though — when seen in a wider context — the situation in the cohesion policy is better than in rural development or fisheries, this concern remains as, for several Member States, a significant number of programmes have yet to be adopted; stresses that these delays may undermine the credibility of the EU budget and the cohesion policy, its effectiveness and sustainability, challenging national, regional and local authorities’ capacity to finalise implementation of the 2007-2013 period and to plan effectively and implement the ESIF for the 2014-2020 period; welcomes the recent efforts of the Member States and the Commission in this respect, but calls on the Commission to do its utmost to make sure that all remaining Operational Programmes are adopted without further delays, since the multiannual financial framework (MFF) revision necessary to use unallocated 2014 resources, and the accompanying Draft Amending Budget, have already been approved by Parliament; |
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10.

Expresses its serious concern about the significant structural delays in the start-up of the cohesion policy programming periods, resulting from delay in the adoption of Operational Programmes, including through the carry-over procedure; notes that this delay may increase the pressure on payments, especially in 2017 and 2018, and thereby add to concerns over the regrettable backlog in payments, amounting to ca EUR 25 billion for the 2007-2013 programming period; notes that even though — when seen in a wider context — the situation in the cohesion policy is better than in rural development or fisheries, this concern remains as, for several Member States, a significant number of programmes have yet to be adopted; stresses that these delays may undermine the credibility of the EU budget and the cohesion policy, its effectiveness and sustainability, challenging national, regional and local authorities’ capacity to finalise implementation of the 2007-2013 period and to plan effectively and implement the ESIF for the 2014-2020 period; welcomes the recent efforts of the Member States and the Commission in this respect, but calls on the Commission to do its utmost to make sure that all remaining Operational Programmes are adopted without further delays, since the multiannual financial framework (MFF) revision necessary to use unallocated 2014 resources, and the accompanying Draft Amending Budget, have already been approved by Parliament;

| 11. | Recalls that the issue of the persistent payments backlog concerns cohesion policy more than any other EU policy area, with EUR 24,8 billion of unpaid bills at the end of 2014 for the European Social Fund (ESF), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF) 2007-2013 programmes, i.e. a 5,6 % increase compared with 2013; encourages the Commission to use all available means to cover these outstanding bills; underlines that this situation hits first and foremost the smallest and most vulnerable beneficiaries of cohesion policy, such as SMEs, NGOs and associations, as their capacity to pre-finance expenditure is limited; |
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11.

Recalls that the issue of the persistent payments backlog concerns cohesion policy more than any other EU policy area, with EUR 24,8 billion of unpaid bills at the end of 2014 for the European Social Fund (ESF), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF) 2007-2013 programmes, i.e. a 5,6 % increase compared with 2013; encourages the Commission to use all available means to cover these outstanding bills; underlines that this situation hits first and foremost the smallest and most vulnerable beneficiaries of cohesion policy, such as SMEs, NGOs and associations, as their capacity to pre-finance expenditure is limited;

| 12. | Welcomes the fact that the Council, the Commission and Parliament have arrived at an agreement to reduce the level of unpaid bills, particularly in cohesion policy, at year-end down to its structural level in the course of the MFF, as laid down in the joint statement accompanying the 2015 budgetary agreement, and takes note of the Commission’s ‘Elements of a payment plan to bring the EU budget back onto a sustainable track’ received on 23 March 2015; reminds the Commission of its commitment to put forward a payment plan as soon as possible, and in any event before the presentation of the 2016 draft budget; furthermore, reminds all institutions of their commitment to agree on and implement such a plan as of 2015 and by the mid-term revision of the current MFF; |
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12.

Welcomes the fact that the Council, the Commission and Parliament have arrived at an agreement to reduce the level of unpaid bills, particularly in cohesion policy, at year-end down to its structural level in the course of the MFF, as laid down in the joint statement accompanying the 2015 budgetary agreement, and takes note of the Commission’s ‘Elements of a payment plan to bring the EU budget back onto a sustainable track’ received on 23 March 2015; reminds the Commission of its commitment to put forward a payment plan as soon as possible, and in any event before the presentation of the 2016 draft budget; furthermore, reminds all institutions of their commitment to agree on and implement such a plan as of 2015 and by the mid-term revision of the current MFF;

| 13. | Underlines the fact that the proposed revision of the MFF ceilings (16) transferring EUR 11,2 billion in commitments for sub-total heading 1b under Article 19(2) of the MFF Regulation, and the carryover (17) of EUR 8,5 billion in commitments under Article 13(2)(a) of the Financial Regulation from 2014 to 2015, avoid cancelling these appropriations in heading 1b, but neither genuinely address the underlying problem of the delays in programming, nor change the fact that chronically delayed implementation and systematic late payment can pose significant challenges to final beneficiaries; |
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13.

Underlines the fact that the proposed revision of the MFF ceilings (16) transferring EUR 11,2 billion in commitments for sub-total heading 1b under Article 19(2) of the MFF Regulation, and the carryover (17) of EUR 8,5 billion in commitments under Article 13(2)(a) of the Financial Regulation from 2014 to 2015, avoid cancelling these appropriations in heading 1b, but neither genuinely address the underlying problem of the delays in programming, nor change the fact that chronically delayed implementation and systematic late payment can pose significant challenges to final beneficiaries;

| 14. | Underlines that the aforementioned backlog under Heading 1b of the EU budget is in fact the most important immediate factor endangering the implementation of cohesion policy, both in the previous and, prospectively, in the current 2014-2020 programming period; reiterates that the impact of this backlog is felt forcefully by the cohesion policy actors on the ground, sometimes to the extreme; calls, therefore, on the Commission to elaborate a roadmap envisaging a specific timeline of concrete, step-by-step policy actions, backed up by singled-out budgetary means, in order to reduce, and then eliminate, the backlog; hopes the Council will finally realise the seriousness and unsustainability of the situation, and be ready to contribute actively to finding a stable solution to the problem; is convinced that the first objective of these actions ought to be making 2015 the year in which this backlog reduction is felt in a tangible manner; |
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14.

Underlines that the aforementioned backlog under Heading 1b of the EU budget is in fact the most important immediate factor endangering the implementation of cohesion policy, both in the previous and, prospectively, in the current 2014-2020 programming period; reiterates that the impact of this backlog is felt forcefully by the cohesion policy actors on the ground, sometimes to the extreme; calls, therefore, on the Commission to elaborate a roadmap envisaging a specific timeline of concrete, step-by-step policy actions, backed up by singled-out budgetary means, in order to reduce, and then eliminate, the backlog; hopes the Council will finally realise the seriousness and unsustainability of the situation, and be ready to contribute actively to finding a stable solution to the problem; is convinced that the first objective of these actions ought to be making 2015 the year in which this backlog reduction is felt in a tangible manner;

| 15. | Stresses that it is imperative to start the implementation of the Operational Programmes as soon as they are adopted, in order to maximise the results of the investments, boost job creation, raise productivity growth and contribute to the Union’s climate and energy targets, and that the Commission and the Member States should do their utmost to speed up their adoption, without any prejudice to their quality; demands that the Commission — while keeping a high focus on the need to keep up the fight against fraud — analyses all possible ways of streamlining its internal procedures in order to speed up procedures based on the two scenarios envisaged for the adoption of Operational Programmes, to avoid any further delays in the start of implementation; |
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15.

Stresses that it is imperative to start the implementation of the Operational Programmes as soon as they are adopted, in order to maximise the results of the investments, boost job creation, raise productivity growth and contribute to the Union’s climate and energy targets, and that the Commission and the Member States should do their utmost to speed up their adoption, without any prejudice to their quality; demands that the Commission — while keeping a high focus on the need to keep up the fight against fraud — analyses all possible ways of streamlining its internal procedures in order to speed up procedures based on the two scenarios envisaged for the adoption of Operational Programmes, to avoid any further delays in the start of implementation;

| 16. | Asks the Commission, in view of the above: to present to Parliament the measures it envisages to facilitate, as soon as possible, the implementation of the Operational Programmes, especially in order to avoid decommitments of funds in 2017, together with a proposed timeline; to explain the impact of the delay in payments on the start of implementation of the new Operational Programmes; and to put forward solutions to limit the damage as far as possible; demands, furthermore, that the Commission, in the context of the report on the outcome of the negotiations provided for in Article 16(3) of the Common Provisions Regulation, analyses the possible impact of the belated start-up of the 2014-2020 cohesion policy on growth and jobs, and that it provides recommendations based on the lessons learnt; |
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16.

Asks the Commission, in view of the above: to present to Parliament the measures it envisages to facilitate, as soon as possible, the implementation of the Operational Programmes, especially in order to avoid decommitments of funds in 2017, together with a proposed timeline; to explain the impact of the delay in payments on the start of implementation of the new Operational Programmes; and to put forward solutions to limit the damage as far as possible; demands, furthermore, that the Commission, in the context of the report on the outcome of the negotiations provided for in Article 16(3) of the Common Provisions Regulation, analyses the possible impact of the belated start-up of the 2014-2020 cohesion policy on growth and jobs, and that it provides recommendations based on the lessons learnt;

| 17. | Considers that the 2014-2020 MFF resulting from the Commission’s proposed modification of the MFF Regulation, carrying over to 2015 alone appropriations not allocated in 2014, significantly increases the risk of de-commitment in 2018 in respect of programmes not adopted in 2014, and hence fails to encourage the full take-up of EU resources or effective support for EU investment in growth and jobs; calls on the Commission, in drawing up the 2017 strategic report provided for in Article 53 of the Common Provisions Regulation, to propose, sufficiently well in advance, appropriate legislative and other measures, so as to avoid the risk of decommitment; |
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17.

Considers that the 2014-2020 MFF resulting from the Commission’s proposed modification of the MFF Regulation, carrying over to 2015 alone appropriations not allocated in 2014, significantly increases the risk of de-commitment in 2018 in respect of programmes not adopted in 2014, and hence fails to encourage the full take-up of EU resources or effective support for EU investment in growth and jobs; calls on the Commission, in drawing up the 2017 strategic report provided for in Article 53 of the Common Provisions Regulation, to propose, sufficiently well in advance, appropriate legislative and other measures, so as to avoid the risk of decommitment;

| 18. | Is concerned about the low absorption of funds in the 2007-2013 programming period in certain Member States and warns that the underlying reasons should be tackled in order to avoid recurrence of the same problems in the next period; underlines that administrative capacity is essential for the effective and efficient implementation of cohesion policy; stresses that instability in the civil service, combined with weak policy coordination, may undermine the successful implementation of the ESIF and pose a threat to effective policy management overall; |
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18.

Is concerned about the low absorption of funds in the 2007-2013 programming period in certain Member States and warns that the underlying reasons should be tackled in order to avoid recurrence of the same problems in the next period; underlines that administrative capacity is essential for the effective and efficient implementation of cohesion policy; stresses that instability in the civil service, combined with weak policy coordination, may undermine the successful implementation of the ESIF and pose a threat to effective policy management overall;

| 19. | Suggests that, for the preparation of the next programming period, regulatory provisions concerning programming could be introduced separately and in advance of budgetary proposals, thus decoupling debates about content and money and leaving enough time for thorough preparations of programmes; recalls that even though the regulatory provisions are very extensive, this would not provide Member States and regions with complete assurances and may be a source of differing interpretations; notes that there is still room for simplifying regulatory provisions; |
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19.

Suggests that, for the preparation of the next programming period, regulatory provisions concerning programming could be introduced separately and in advance of budgetary proposals, thus decoupling debates about content and money and leaving enough time for thorough preparations of programmes; recalls that even though the regulatory provisions are very extensive, this would not provide Member States and regions with complete assurances and may be a source of differing interpretations; notes that there is still room for simplifying regulatory provisions;

| 20. | Calls on the Commission to consider carefully — taking into account the possible repercussions for growth and jobs — the application of financial corrections or suspension of payments; |
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20.

Calls on the Commission to consider carefully — taking into account the possible repercussions for growth and jobs — the application of financial corrections or suspension of payments;

Cohesion policy at the core of smart, sustainable and inclusive investments 2014-2020

| 21. | Reiterates the original role of cohesion policy to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion and reduce regional disparities, providing particular support to less developed regions; underlines that by its nature and original set up, as stipulated in the Treaty, the policy contributes inherently to the objectives of the Union, in particular to the Europe 2020 goals of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as to the fundamental Treaty objective of strengthening territorial cohesion; |
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21.

Reiterates the original role of cohesion policy to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion and reduce regional disparities, providing particular support to less developed regions; underlines that by its nature and original set up, as stipulated in the Treaty, the policy contributes inherently to the objectives of the Union, in particular to the Europe 2020 goals of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as to the fundamental Treaty objective of strengthening territorial cohesion;

| 22. | Welcomes the new European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) and its potential leverage effect; underlines that the EFSI’s main objective should be to ensure economic, social and territorial cohesion, and that it should therefore benefit all the regions of the EU; highlights the need to ensure the additionality of EFSI’s resources — and, hence, the complementarity and synergy between it and ESIF, while keeping each financially separate from the other — and, in the same vein, advises the parties concerned to build on the experiences gained from the implementation of the European Economic Recovery Plan in 2008, in particular regarding smart investments; |
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22.

Welcomes the new European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) and its potential leverage effect; underlines that the EFSI’s main objective should be to ensure economic, social and territorial cohesion, and that it should therefore benefit all the regions of the EU; highlights the need to ensure the additionality of EFSI’s resources — and, hence, the complementarity and synergy between it and ESIF, while keeping each financially separate from the other — and, in the same vein, advises the parties concerned to build on the experiences gained from the implementation of the European Economic Recovery Plan in 2008, in particular regarding smart investments;

| 23. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure enhanced coordination and consistency among all EU investment and development policies, and in particular the cohesion policy, as well as among ESIF, other EU funds and the national and regional funding instruments, in order to ensure complementarity and enhanced synergy, avoid overlaps and duplication of support, and guarantee a high European added value of EU funding; invites the Commission to report on synergies in the forthcoming Cohesion Reports; suggests that the implementation of the new EU investment plan builds on the experiences of the three joint initiatives JEREMIE, JESSICA and JASMINE, which allowed an increase in the delivery of Structural Funds from EUR 1,2 billion in 2000-2006 to EUR 8,4 billion in 2007-2012; calls for a broad and detailed analysis to be undertaken in consultation with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF); |
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23.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure enhanced coordination and consistency among all EU investment and development policies, and in particular the cohesion policy, as well as among ESIF, other EU funds and the national and regional funding instruments, in order to ensure complementarity and enhanced synergy, avoid overlaps and duplication of support, and guarantee a high European added value of EU funding; invites the Commission to report on synergies in the forthcoming Cohesion Reports; suggests that the implementation of the new EU investment plan builds on the experiences of the three joint initiatives JEREMIE, JESSICA and JASMINE, which allowed an increase in the delivery of Structural Funds from EUR 1,2 billion in 2000-2006 to EUR 8,4 billion in 2007-2012; calls for a broad and detailed analysis to be undertaken in consultation with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF);

| 24. | Underlines that cohesion policy legislation provides for the extended use of financial instruments — in order to double their contribution to about EUR 25-30 billion in 2014-2020 — by extending their thematic scope and offering more flexibility to Member States and regions; highlights the role of financial instruments in mobilising additional public or private co-investments in order to address market failures in line with the Europe 2020 strategy and with cohesion policy priorities; supports, in particular, the risk-sharing ‘SME initiative’, and calls on the Commission to make all efforts to make financial instruments easily usable and tempting for Member States and regions, thus ensuring that the doubling of contributions to financial instruments is achieved on its own merits and that stakeholder ownership of this target is well established; emphasises the need to ensure transparency, accountability and scrutiny for financial instruments that involve EU money; |
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24.

Underlines that cohesion policy legislation provides for the extended use of financial instruments — in order to double their contribution to about EUR 25-30 billion in 2014-2020 — by extending their thematic scope and offering more flexibility to Member States and regions; highlights the role of financial instruments in mobilising additional public or private co-investments in order to address market failures in line with the Europe 2020 strategy and with cohesion policy priorities; supports, in particular, the risk-sharing ‘SME initiative’, and calls on the Commission to make all efforts to make financial instruments easily usable and tempting for Member States and regions, thus ensuring that the doubling of contributions to financial instruments is achieved on its own merits and that stakeholder ownership of this target is well established; emphasises the need to ensure transparency, accountability and scrutiny for financial instruments that involve EU money;

| 25. | Warns, however, that the EFSI should not undermine the strategic coherence and long-term perspective of cohesion policy programming; stresses that a re-direction of Structural Funds would be counterproductive and can therefore not be accepted, as it would put their effectiveness — and the development of the regions — at risk; points out that the financial allocations to Member States agreed on under Heading 1b in the MFF for 2014-2020 cannot be modified for the purposes of the EFSI; emphasises that the replacement of grants by loans, equity or guarantees, while having certain advantages, must be carried out with caution, taking into account regional disparities and the diversity of practices and experiences between regions concerning the use of financial instruments; points out that the regions most in need of investment stimuli often have low administrative and absorption capacities; |
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25.

Warns, however, that the EFSI should not undermine the strategic coherence and long-term perspective of cohesion policy programming; stresses that a re-direction of Structural Funds would be counterproductive and can therefore not be accepted, as it would put their effectiveness — and the development of the regions — at risk; points out that the financial allocations to Member States agreed on under Heading 1b in the MFF for 2014-2020 cannot be modified for the purposes of the EFSI; emphasises that the replacement of grants by loans, equity or guarantees, while having certain advantages, must be carried out with caution, taking into account regional disparities and the diversity of practices and experiences between regions concerning the use of financial instruments; points out that the regions most in need of investment stimuli often have low administrative and absorption capacities;

| 26. | Warns that the flexibility allowed in selecting projects for EFSI funding poses a risk that investments are channelled to more developed Member States, undermining the economic, social and territorial cohesion; asks the Commission to monitor closely the relationship between EFSI and ESIF; |
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26.

Warns that the flexibility allowed in selecting projects for EFSI funding poses a risk that investments are channelled to more developed Member States, undermining the economic, social and territorial cohesion; asks the Commission to monitor closely the relationship between EFSI and ESIF;

Effectiveness, efficiency and performance orientation of cohesion policy 2014-2020

| 27. | Highlights the importance of all measures aimed at increasing the effectiveness, simplification, efficiency, and result and performance orientation of cohesion policy that should ensure a shift from funds absorption criteria towards quality of spending and high added value of the co-financed operations; suggests in this respect to come forward with technical adjustments of the ESIF regulations concerned; |
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27.

Highlights the importance of all measures aimed at increasing the effectiveness, simplification, efficiency, and result and performance orientation of cohesion policy that should ensure a shift from funds absorption criteria towards quality of spending and high added value of the co-financed operations; suggests in this respect to come forward with technical adjustments of the ESIF regulations concerned;

| 28. | Welcomes the thematic concentration in support of investments in smart, sustainable and inclusive growth aimed at creating growth and jobs, tackling climate change and energy dependence, and reducing poverty and social exclusion, as well as the enhanced focus on results and measurability in the 2014-2020 programmes, which should contribute to further increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of cohesion policy; maintains, at the same time, the requirement of greater flexibility for the regions, depending on local and regional specificities, especially in the context of the severe crisis, in order to reduce the development gaps between the various regions of the Union; calls for a genuinely integrated and territorial approach to target programmes and projects that address the needs on the ground; |
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28.

Welcomes the thematic concentration in support of investments in smart, sustainable and inclusive growth aimed at creating growth and jobs, tackling climate change and energy dependence, and reducing poverty and social exclusion, as well as the enhanced focus on results and measurability in the 2014-2020 programmes, which should contribute to further increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of cohesion policy; maintains, at the same time, the requirement of greater flexibility for the regions, depending on local and regional specificities, especially in the context of the severe crisis, in order to reduce the development gaps between the various regions of the Union; calls for a genuinely integrated and territorial approach to target programmes and projects that address the needs on the ground;

| 29. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure coherence between National Reform Programmes and Operational Programmes with the aim of addressing the Country Specific Recommendations adequately and of providing alignment with the economic governance procedures, thus limiting the risk of early reprogramming; |
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29.

Calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure coherence between National Reform Programmes and Operational Programmes with the aim of addressing the Country Specific Recommendations adequately and of providing alignment with the economic governance procedures, thus limiting the risk of early reprogramming;

| 30. | Recalls, in this context, Parliament’s initial opposition, and emphasises its responsibility to be fully involved, to control and to scrutinise; demands that the Commission and the Council provide full, transparent and timely information on the criteria for, and on the entire procedure that could trigger reprogramming or a suspension of commitments or payments of, the ESIF in accordance with Article 23(15) of the Common Provisions Regulation; points out that the decision on the suspension of commitments or payments should be taken as a last resort, when all other options have been exhausted and after assessments have been made of possible repercussions on growth and jobs, because suspending commitments or payments could have serious consequences for national, regional, and local authorities, as well as for the achievement of cohesion policy goals as a whole; considers that the aim of macroeconomic conditionality should be to make cohesion policy more sustainable and efficient, and rejects the idea that regions, localities or citizens should be penalised for macroeconomic decisions taken by national governments; draws attention to the possibly considerable administrative workload entailed in reprogramming of funds; recalls that a proposal for re-programming submitted in accordance with Article 23(4) of that regulation requires the prior consultation of the monitoring committee concerned as referred to in Article 49(3) of the same regulation; |
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30.

Recalls, in this context, Parliament’s initial opposition, and emphasises its responsibility to be fully involved, to control and to scrutinise; demands that the Commission and the Council provide full, transparent and timely information on the criteria for, and on the entire procedure that could trigger reprogramming or a suspension of commitments or payments of, the ESIF in accordance with Article 23(15) of the Common Provisions Regulation; points out that the decision on the suspension of commitments or payments should be taken as a last resort, when all other options have been exhausted and after assessments have been made of possible repercussions on growth and jobs, because suspending commitments or payments could have serious consequences for national, regional, and local authorities, as well as for the achievement of cohesion policy goals as a whole; considers that the aim of macroeconomic conditionality should be to make cohesion policy more sustainable and efficient, and rejects the idea that regions, localities or citizens should be penalised for macroeconomic decisions taken by national governments; draws attention to the possibly considerable administrative workload entailed in reprogramming of funds; recalls that a proposal for re-programming submitted in accordance with Article 23(4) of that regulation requires the prior consultation of the monitoring committee concerned as referred to in Article 49(3) of the same regulation;

| 31. | Points out that irregularities stem to a considerable degree from complex requirements and regulations; underlines that the number of irregularities in the implementation of cohesion programmes could be reduced through the simplification of management and procedures, early transposition of the newly adopted relevant directives and reinforcement of administrative capacity, notably in the less developed regions; stresses, therefore, the need to minimise the administrative burden for beneficiaries when ensuring the verifications necessary to ensure proper use of ESIF appropriations, as well as the need for efforts to optimise and improve the flexibility of management and control systems, place greater focus on risk assessment and correct the allocation of responsibilities among all authorities, while at the same time not undermining established strengthened control procedures, in order to prevent irregularities more effectively and, as a consequence, avoid financial corrections and interruptions in, and suspensions of, payments; is concerned about the low rates of disbursement of financial instruments to beneficiaries, in particular in view of the objective to increase the use of these instruments; asks, in this regard, the Member States, the managing authorities and other relevant stakeholders working with these financial instruments to make full use of the technical assistance provided through the Financial Instruments-Technical Advisory Platform (FI-TAP) and the fi-compass; |
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31.

Points out that irregularities stem to a considerable degree from complex requirements and regulations; underlines that the number of irregularities in the implementation of cohesion programmes could be reduced through the simplification of management and procedures, early transposition of the newly adopted relevant directives and reinforcement of administrative capacity, notably in the less developed regions; stresses, therefore, the need to minimise the administrative burden for beneficiaries when ensuring the verifications necessary to ensure proper use of ESIF appropriations, as well as the need for efforts to optimise and improve the flexibility of management and control systems, place greater focus on risk assessment and correct the allocation of responsibilities among all authorities, while at the same time not undermining established strengthened control procedures, in order to prevent irregularities more effectively and, as a consequence, avoid financial corrections and interruptions in, and suspensions of, payments; is concerned about the low rates of disbursement of financial instruments to beneficiaries, in particular in view of the objective to increase the use of these instruments; asks, in this regard, the Member States, the managing authorities and other relevant stakeholders working with these financial instruments to make full use of the technical assistance provided through the Financial Instruments-Technical Advisory Platform (FI-TAP) and the fi-compass;

Employment, SMEs, youth and education

| 32. | Stresses that the ESIF could make a significant contribution to reversing the negative social consequences of the crisis, and that, for this to happen, an integrated approach offered by multi-fund programming should be facilitated and simplified, with more efficient coordination of, and greater flexibility among, the funds, allowing for better exploitation of the synergies between the ESF and the ERDF in particular; emphasises that investments funded by the ESF cannot produce optimal results if the relevant infrastructure and appropriate institutions are not in place; draws attention to the fact that the ESIF can effectively support social inclusion, and should therefore be mobilised to help the integration of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, such as Roma and persons with disabilities, as well as to support the transition from institutional to community-based services for children and adults; |
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32.

Stresses that the ESIF could make a significant contribution to reversing the negative social consequences of the crisis, and that, for this to happen, an integrated approach offered by multi-fund programming should be facilitated and simplified, with more efficient coordination of, and greater flexibility among, the funds, allowing for better exploitation of the synergies between the ESF and the ERDF in particular; emphasises that investments funded by the ESF cannot produce optimal results if the relevant infrastructure and appropriate institutions are not in place; draws attention to the fact that the ESIF can effectively support social inclusion, and should therefore be mobilised to help the integration of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, such as Roma and persons with disabilities, as well as to support the transition from institutional to community-based services for children and adults;

| 33. | Calls on the Commission to pay special attention to the situation of minority groups across the Union, as they are subject to all forms of social exclusion and are therefore more likely to suffer from structural unemployment; considers that any policy planning towards social cohesion in the Union must take into account the integration of minorities; |
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33.

Calls on the Commission to pay special attention to the situation of minority groups across the Union, as they are subject to all forms of social exclusion and are therefore more likely to suffer from structural unemployment; considers that any policy planning towards social cohesion in the Union must take into account the integration of minorities;

| 34. | Emphasises the key role of SMEs in job creation and points to their potential for promoting smart growth and the digital and low-carbon economies; calls for a favourable regulatory environment that is conducive to the setting-up and running of such enterprises, especially those launched by young people and those situated in rural areas; underlines the importance of cutting bureaucratic burdens imposed on SMEs and of facilitating their access to finance, as well as the need to support programmes and training that promote the development of entrepreneurial skills; |
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34.

Emphasises the key role of SMEs in job creation and points to their potential for promoting smart growth and the digital and low-carbon economies; calls for a favourable regulatory environment that is conducive to the setting-up and running of such enterprises, especially those launched by young people and those situated in rural areas; underlines the importance of cutting bureaucratic burdens imposed on SMEs and of facilitating their access to finance, as well as the need to support programmes and training that promote the development of entrepreneurial skills;

| 35. | Underlines that SMEs make up 99 % of the EU’s corporate fabric and account for 80 % of jobs in the Union; |
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35.

Underlines that SMEs make up 99 % of the EU’s corporate fabric and account for 80 % of jobs in the Union;

| 36. | Expresses its concern over the too low ceiling (EUR 5 million) set by the Commission on ERDF support to small-scale cultural and sustainable tourism infrastructures, defined, moreover, as total costs rather than eligible costs, and stresses the strong positive impact that such projects can have on regional development in terms of socio-economic impact, social inclusion and attractiveness; |
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36.

Expresses its concern over the too low ceiling (EUR 5 million) set by the Commission on ERDF support to small-scale cultural and sustainable tourism infrastructures, defined, moreover, as total costs rather than eligible costs, and stresses the strong positive impact that such projects can have on regional development in terms of socio-economic impact, social inclusion and attractiveness;

| 37. | Agrees with the Commission’s analysis that economic and social priorities, in particular as regards economic growth, on the one hand, and social inclusion, education and sustainable development, on the other, could be better balanced in some Member States, underpinned by a meaningful dialogue with partners and stakeholders; emphasises that a clear strategy for improving Member States’ institutional framework in terms of administrative capacity and quality of justice is a key determining factor for success in achieving these priorities; |
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37.

Agrees with the Commission’s analysis that economic and social priorities, in particular as regards economic growth, on the one hand, and social inclusion, education and sustainable development, on the other, could be better balanced in some Member States, underpinned by a meaningful dialogue with partners and stakeholders; emphasises that a clear strategy for improving Member States’ institutional framework in terms of administrative capacity and quality of justice is a key determining factor for success in achieving these priorities;

| 38. | Stresses the importance of the ESF, with the Youth Guarantee and the Youth Employment Initiative, which must sustain as many viable job-creation projects as possible, for instance in the form of business initiatives; |
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38.

Stresses the importance of the ESF, with the Youth Guarantee and the Youth Employment Initiative, which must sustain as many viable job-creation projects as possible, for instance in the form of business initiatives;

| 39. | Warns that the alarming rates of youth unemployment threaten to bring about the loss of an entire generation, especially in less developed regions and those regions which have been hit hardest by the crisis and unemployment; insists that advancing the integration of young people into the job market must remain a top priority, to the attainment of which the active contribution of the EU is indispensable, and to which the integrated use of the ESF, the ERDF, the Cohesion Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) can make a major contribution; considers that a more results-oriented approach should be taken in this regard in order to ensure the most effective use of available resources, thereby boosting employment and competitiveness, generating more revenue and benefiting the entire EU economy; underlines, in this context, the vital role of the Youth Guarantee in helping young people under 25 either to find a good quality job or to acquire the education, skills and experience needed to find employment; highlights that all resources needed to implement the Youth Guarantee and the other measures covered by the YEI must be provided as soon as possible; believes that clear and readily understandable impact indicators should be used by which the contribution of EU funds to growth and employment can be gauged properly; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Warns that the alarming rates of youth unemployment threaten to bring about the loss of an entire generation, especially in less developed regions and those regions which have been hit hardest by the crisis and unemployment; insists that advancing the integration of young people into the job market must remain a top priority, to the attainment of which the active contribution of the EU is indispensable, and to which the integrated use of the ESF, the ERDF, the Cohesion Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) can make a major contribution; considers that a more results-oriented approach should be taken in this regard in order to ensure the most effective use of available resources, thereby boosting employment and competitiveness, generating more revenue and benefiting the entire EU economy; underlines, in this context, the vital role of the Youth Guarantee in helping young people under 25 either to find a good quality job or to acquire the education, skills and experience needed to find employment; highlights that all resources needed to implement the Youth Guarantee and the other measures covered by the YEI must be provided as soon as possible; believes that clear and readily understandable impact indicators should be used by which the contribution of EU funds to growth and employment can be gauged properly;

| 40. | Maintains that efforts must continue to be made to find further ways of improving performance as regards youth employment, given that, notwithstanding the adoption of the ESF Regulation and the Youth Employment Initiative, the results have not been good; points out that the EU is politically committed to providing immediate support for the integration of young people into the job market; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Maintains that efforts must continue to be made to find further ways of improving performance as regards youth employment, given that, notwithstanding the adoption of the ESF Regulation and the Youth Employment Initiative, the results have not been good; points out that the EU is politically committed to providing immediate support for the integration of young people into the job market;

| 41. | Emphasises that, on account of changes in production patterns and an ageing population, the role of the ESF, and of investments in adapting workers’ skills, have grown significantly; strongly believes that, in this respect, the ESF should be complementary to national approaches in the Member States; calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure that available resources are used as effectively and efficiently as possible with a view to ensuring workers’ employability, social inclusion and gender equality; underlines, at the same time, that training programmes financed under the ESF should also be tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs and staff at managerial level, in order to ensure the sustainable development of companies — especially SMEs — that generate a majority of the job opportunities in the Union; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Emphasises that, on account of changes in production patterns and an ageing population, the role of the ESF, and of investments in adapting workers’ skills, have grown significantly; strongly believes that, in this respect, the ESF should be complementary to national approaches in the Member States; calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure that available resources are used as effectively and efficiently as possible with a view to ensuring workers’ employability, social inclusion and gender equality; underlines, at the same time, that training programmes financed under the ESF should also be tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs and staff at managerial level, in order to ensure the sustainable development of companies — especially SMEs — that generate a majority of the job opportunities in the Union;

| 42. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission to continue to work, in particular, to improve and extend the EURES platform as an effective tool for facilitating worker mobility in Europe, in particular cross-border mobility, by improving workers' knowledge of the Union labour market, informing them of job opportunities and helping them with formalities; encourages the Member States to develop and support EURES networks, not least in recognition of the fact that cross-border workers are the first to be hit by adaptation problems and difficulties in securing recognition of professional qualifications; notes that by bringing together public employment services, the social partners, local and regional authorities as well as other private stakeholders, these networks facilitate and support cross-border mobility; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Calls on the Member States and the Commission to continue to work, in particular, to improve and extend the EURES platform as an effective tool for facilitating worker mobility in Europe, in particular cross-border mobility, by improving workers' knowledge of the Union labour market, informing them of job opportunities and helping them with formalities; encourages the Member States to develop and support EURES networks, not least in recognition of the fact that cross-border workers are the first to be hit by adaptation problems and difficulties in securing recognition of professional qualifications; notes that by bringing together public employment services, the social partners, local and regional authorities as well as other private stakeholders, these networks facilitate and support cross-border mobility;

| 43. | Emphasises the need to direct the creation of quality jobs with the assistance of new technologies; is of the opinion that the Commission should link the reduction of unemployment with the Digital Agenda and Horizon 2020 tools; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Emphasises the need to direct the creation of quality jobs with the assistance of new technologies; is of the opinion that the Commission should link the reduction of unemployment with the Digital Agenda and Horizon 2020 tools;

| 44. | Points out that the number of early school leavers in the Union is still very high and is affecting the youth unemployment rate; stresses that this problem needs to be tackled by modernising education systems and curricula, making use of ESF assistance; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Points out that the number of early school leavers in the Union is still very high and is affecting the youth unemployment rate; stresses that this problem needs to be tackled by modernising education systems and curricula, making use of ESF assistance;

| 45. | Points out that without effective cooperation between educational institutions and labour market players it will be impossible to remedy the high level of unemployment among young graduates in the EU; stresses, in particular, that through teaching of the knowledge and skills needed on the labour market, the youth employment rate has been raised and social differences narrowed; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Points out that without effective cooperation between educational institutions and labour market players it will be impossible to remedy the high level of unemployment among young graduates in the EU; stresses, in particular, that through teaching of the knowledge and skills needed on the labour market, the youth employment rate has been raised and social differences narrowed;

| 46. | Underlines the importance of the gender dimension in job creation; calls on the Commission to allocate sufficient funding to tackle unemployment among women; is of the opinion that women could benefit from technological advances allowing for more flexible working hours, and calls on the Commission to invest in this area; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Underlines the importance of the gender dimension in job creation; calls on the Commission to allocate sufficient funding to tackle unemployment among women; is of the opinion that women could benefit from technological advances allowing for more flexible working hours, and calls on the Commission to invest in this area;

| 47. | Reaffirms the need to establish childcare facilities for young children so as to boost the presence of women in the labour market, and calls, therefore, on the Commission to support innovative projects in this direction; points out that investment in public infrastructures, such as childcare facilities, increases the chances for women to take active part in the economy and the labour market; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Reaffirms the need to establish childcare facilities for young children so as to boost the presence of women in the labour market, and calls, therefore, on the Commission to support innovative projects in this direction; points out that investment in public infrastructures, such as childcare facilities, increases the chances for women to take active part in the economy and the labour market;

| 48. | Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States — with a view to achieving goals related to employment and social inclusion — to take into account the needs of women returning from maternity leave, motivate employers to recruit women after maternity leave, facilitate flexible working arrangements, and promote further education (lifelong learning) enabling women smoothly to resume their professional careers; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States — with a view to achieving goals related to employment and social inclusion — to take into account the needs of women returning from maternity leave, motivate employers to recruit women after maternity leave, facilitate flexible working arrangements, and promote further education (lifelong learning) enabling women smoothly to resume their professional careers;

Governance of the policy

| 49. | Emphasises that cohesion policy needs to be conducted within the spirit of properly functioning multi-level governance, combined with an effective set-up for responding to the requests of the public and businesses, and with transparent and innovative public procurement, all of which is crucial to enhancing the policy’s impact; stresses, in this regard, that, notwithstanding the importance of decisions taken at EU and Member State levels, local and regional authorities often have primary administrative responsibility for public investment, and that cohesion policy is a vital tool enabling these authorities to play a key role in the EU; reiterates, hereby, the need for widespread implementation of the partnership principle as detailed in the Common Provision Regulation and the Code of Conduct on Partnership; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Emphasises that cohesion policy needs to be conducted within the spirit of properly functioning multi-level governance, combined with an effective set-up for responding to the requests of the public and businesses, and with transparent and innovative public procurement, all of which is crucial to enhancing the policy’s impact; stresses, in this regard, that, notwithstanding the importance of decisions taken at EU and Member State levels, local and regional authorities often have primary administrative responsibility for public investment, and that cohesion policy is a vital tool enabling these authorities to play a key role in the EU; reiterates, hereby, the need for widespread implementation of the partnership principle as detailed in the Common Provision Regulation and the Code of Conduct on Partnership;

| 50. | Recommends that cohesion policy resources and knowledge be used to bolster the administrative capacity of public authorities in a significant way, especially at local and regional levels, including through greater use of new technologies and a drive for more streamlined procedures, so that their ability to offer quality services to the public is improved; calls on the Commission to define forms of administrative assistance on key issues, such as setting targets for initiatives, assessing their results through appropriate indicators and determining the next steps to be taken to help establish an administrative culture based on monitoring and evaluation across the EU; considers it important to ensure that assistance is given to local and regional authorities on the innovative financial instruments, which are crucial to increasing resources and investments, and on public procurement, which should increasingly feature as a public administration tool for spurring innovation and creativity; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Recommends that cohesion policy resources and knowledge be used to bolster the administrative capacity of public authorities in a significant way, especially at local and regional levels, including through greater use of new technologies and a drive for more streamlined procedures, so that their ability to offer quality services to the public is improved; calls on the Commission to define forms of administrative assistance on key issues, such as setting targets for initiatives, assessing their results through appropriate indicators and determining the next steps to be taken to help establish an administrative culture based on monitoring and evaluation across the EU; considers it important to ensure that assistance is given to local and regional authorities on the innovative financial instruments, which are crucial to increasing resources and investments, and on public procurement, which should increasingly feature as a public administration tool for spurring innovation and creativity;

| 51. | Regrets that the Sixth Cohesion Report does not include an in-depth assessment on the achievements of the technical assistance facility JASPERS, which during the 2007-2013 period provided the Member States with the technical expertise needed to prepare high-quality major projects for co-financing with EU funds; welcomes the launch of the JASPERS Networking Platform for capacity-building activities in 2013 and the establishment in 2014 of the Networking and Competence Centre division for delivery of specialist expertise in project preparation for the programming period 2014-2020; welcomes the establishment of a Competence Centre on administrative capacity building regarding ESIF that should contribute to enhancing the capacity of all authorities in the Member States involved in the management and implementation of ESIF; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Regrets that the Sixth Cohesion Report does not include an in-depth assessment on the achievements of the technical assistance facility JASPERS, which during the 2007-2013 period provided the Member States with the technical expertise needed to prepare high-quality major projects for co-financing with EU funds; welcomes the launch of the JASPERS Networking Platform for capacity-building activities in 2013 and the establishment in 2014 of the Networking and Competence Centre division for delivery of specialist expertise in project preparation for the programming period 2014-2020; welcomes the establishment of a Competence Centre on administrative capacity building regarding ESIF that should contribute to enhancing the capacity of all authorities in the Member States involved in the management and implementation of ESIF;

| 52. | Welcomes the fact that the Commission is increasingly paying attention to the role of governance, and agrees that good governance and high-quality public services –including the absence of corruption — are essential for a stable investment environment; calls for high ambitions when it comes to making cohesion policy spending less prone to fraudulent use, and for strict application of anti-fraud measures; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Welcomes the fact that the Commission is increasingly paying attention to the role of governance, and agrees that good governance and high-quality public services –including the absence of corruption — are essential for a stable investment environment; calls for high ambitions when it comes to making cohesion policy spending less prone to fraudulent use, and for strict application of anti-fraud measures;

| 53. | Is convinced that the Code of Conduct on Partnership will strengthen participation within the regions throughout all stages, in form and substance, and must be fully implemented, as it has a fundamental role to play in boosting the effects of cohesion policy and consolidating its impact on the ground; congratulates those Member States and regions that have managed to involve their partners in the preparation of the Partnership Agreements and Operational Programmes in accordance with the Code of Conduct on Partnership; raises serious concerns, however, about the numerous cases of weak application of the partnership principle, and calls on the Commission not to approve programmes in which the involvement of partners has not been sufficient; stresses the importance of disseminating examples of good practices in organising partnerships, as detailed in the Code of Conduct; asks, furthermore, the Commission to present, on a regular basis, a report to Parliament assessing the state-of-play of the implementation of the partnership principle; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Is convinced that the Code of Conduct on Partnership will strengthen participation within the regions throughout all stages, in form and substance, and must be fully implemented, as it has a fundamental role to play in boosting the effects of cohesion policy and consolidating its impact on the ground; congratulates those Member States and regions that have managed to involve their partners in the preparation of the Partnership Agreements and Operational Programmes in accordance with the Code of Conduct on Partnership; raises serious concerns, however, about the numerous cases of weak application of the partnership principle, and calls on the Commission not to approve programmes in which the involvement of partners has not been sufficient; stresses the importance of disseminating examples of good practices in organising partnerships, as detailed in the Code of Conduct; asks, furthermore, the Commission to present, on a regular basis, a report to Parliament assessing the state-of-play of the implementation of the partnership principle;

Territorial dimension

| 54. | Notes with concern the relative lack of references to the territorial approach, and in particular to cross-border cooperation, in the Sixth Cohesion Report, despite the fact that it is an essential tool for strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion; points out that the inclusion of all the cross-border and macro-regional aspects would have had an enriching effect, as far as e.g. infrastructure, labour markets and mobility, the environment (including a joint contingency plan), water use and disposal, waste management, health care, research and development, tourism, public services and governance are concerned, as all of these areas include remarkable cross-border elements and potential; is of the opinion that in the programming period 2014-2020, the performance of European border and cross-border regions in coming to terms with the crisis — by growing smarter, more inclusive and more sustainable — will improve considerably; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Notes with concern the relative lack of references to the territorial approach, and in particular to cross-border cooperation, in the Sixth Cohesion Report, despite the fact that it is an essential tool for strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion; points out that the inclusion of all the cross-border and macro-regional aspects would have had an enriching effect, as far as e.g. infrastructure, labour markets and mobility, the environment (including a joint contingency plan), water use and disposal, waste management, health care, research and development, tourism, public services and governance are concerned, as all of these areas include remarkable cross-border elements and potential; is of the opinion that in the programming period 2014-2020, the performance of European border and cross-border regions in coming to terms with the crisis — by growing smarter, more inclusive and more sustainable — will improve considerably;

| 55. | Stresses that the integrated and territorial approach is essential, in particular when it comes to environmental and energy matters; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Stresses that the integrated and territorial approach is essential, in particular when it comes to environmental and energy matters;

| 56. | Welcomes the introduction of new tools for coordinating stakeholders and integrating EU policies, and for focusing investments on the real needs on the ground, such as the Integrated Territorial Investments and the Community-Led Local Development instruments, seeking balanced territorial development; points to the importance of adopting instruments for assessing the territorial impact of policies, the main objective of which is to consider the territorial impact of EU policies on local and regional authorities, and to draw greater attention to that impact in the legislative process, while noting the existing challenges to implementing integrated territorial approaches, given the remaining regulatory differences across the EU funds and the greatly varying degree of empowerment of regional and local communities among Member States and managing authorities; calls for an overall, integrated EU investment strategy, and a strengthening of the EU Territorial Agenda 2020, adopted under the Hungarian Presidency in 2011 and scheduled to be evaluated by the presidencies of 2015, which includes the EU Urban Agenda; is of the opinion that particular attention should be paid to strengthening the role of small- and medium-sized urban areas; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Welcomes the introduction of new tools for coordinating stakeholders and integrating EU policies, and for focusing investments on the real needs on the ground, such as the Integrated Territorial Investments and the Community-Led Local Development instruments, seeking balanced territorial development; points to the importance of adopting instruments for assessing the territorial impact of policies, the main objective of which is to consider the territorial impact of EU policies on local and regional authorities, and to draw greater attention to that impact in the legislative process, while noting the existing challenges to implementing integrated territorial approaches, given the remaining regulatory differences across the EU funds and the greatly varying degree of empowerment of regional and local communities among Member States and managing authorities; calls for an overall, integrated EU investment strategy, and a strengthening of the EU Territorial Agenda 2020, adopted under the Hungarian Presidency in 2011 and scheduled to be evaluated by the presidencies of 2015, which includes the EU Urban Agenda; is of the opinion that particular attention should be paid to strengthening the role of small- and medium-sized urban areas;

| 57. | Notes with concern the lack of reference to how the principles and priorities of the EU Territorial Agenda 2020 have been taken into account through the implementation of 2007-2013 cohesion policy programmes; calls for appropriate evaluation mechanisms to be undertaken during the 2014-2020 period so that an assessment can be made of the territorial dimension of cohesion policy; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Notes with concern the lack of reference to how the principles and priorities of the EU Territorial Agenda 2020 have been taken into account through the implementation of 2007-2013 cohesion policy programmes; calls for appropriate evaluation mechanisms to be undertaken during the 2014-2020 period so that an assessment can be made of the territorial dimension of cohesion policy;

| 58. | Approves, nevertheless, of the fact that urban issues are highlighted by the report, given the importance of cities in the globalised economy and their potential impact in terms of sustainability; notes the commitment of European regions and cities to make the transition to greener growth, as embodied by the Covenant of Mayors; suggests that the major gaps in development between rural and urban areas should also be duly addressed, as should the problems in metropolitan regions, which are showing resilience while remaining vulnerable; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Approves, nevertheless, of the fact that urban issues are highlighted by the report, given the importance of cities in the globalised economy and their potential impact in terms of sustainability; notes the commitment of European regions and cities to make the transition to greener growth, as embodied by the Covenant of Mayors; suggests that the major gaps in development between rural and urban areas should also be duly addressed, as should the problems in metropolitan regions, which are showing resilience while remaining vulnerable;

| 59. | Regrets that the Sixth Cohesion Report does not refer to polycentric territorial development as a key element of achieving territorial cohesion and territorial competitiveness in line with the EU Territorial Agenda 2020 and the 2013 ESPON Report ‘Making Europe Open and Polycentric’; highlights the role of small and medium-sized towns and the importance of enhancing the functional links of the urban centres with their surrounding areas to achieve balanced territorial development; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Regrets that the Sixth Cohesion Report does not refer to polycentric territorial development as a key element of achieving territorial cohesion and territorial competitiveness in line with the EU Territorial Agenda 2020 and the 2013 ESPON Report ‘Making Europe Open and Polycentric’; highlights the role of small and medium-sized towns and the importance of enhancing the functional links of the urban centres with their surrounding areas to achieve balanced territorial development;

| 60. | Calls for greater respect for Article 174 TFEU on territorial cohesion, in particular in rural areas, with attention duly paid to the important relationship between cohesion policy and rural development, in particular as regards areas affected by industrial transition, and regions that suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as outermost regions, northernmost regions with low population density, and island, cross-border and mountain regions; recommends that consideration be given as well to other demographic challenges that have a major impact on regions, such as depopulation, an ageing population and highly dispersed populations; asks the Commission to pay particular attention to the most geographically and demographically disadvantaged areas when implementing cohesion policy; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Calls for greater respect for Article 174 TFEU on territorial cohesion, in particular in rural areas, with attention duly paid to the important relationship between cohesion policy and rural development, in particular as regards areas affected by industrial transition, and regions that suffer from severe and permanent natural or demographic handicaps, such as outermost regions, northernmost regions with low population density, and island, cross-border and mountain regions; recommends that consideration be given as well to other demographic challenges that have a major impact on regions, such as depopulation, an ageing population and highly dispersed populations; asks the Commission to pay particular attention to the most geographically and demographically disadvantaged areas when implementing cohesion policy;

| 61. | Is of the opinion that the Sixth Cohesion Report pays insufficient attention to European Territorial Cooperation (ETC), given that this has been a fully-fledged cohesion policy objective since the 2007-2013 programming period; recalls the potential of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) not only as an instrument for managing cross-border governance, but also as a means of contributing to a comprehensively integrated territorial development; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Is of the opinion that the Sixth Cohesion Report pays insufficient attention to European Territorial Cooperation (ETC), given that this has been a fully-fledged cohesion policy objective since the 2007-2013 programming period; recalls the potential of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) not only as an instrument for managing cross-border governance, but also as a means of contributing to a comprehensively integrated territorial development;

| 62. | Calls for closer coordination between cohesion policy, the Instrument for Pre-accession and the EU Neighbourhood Policy, as well as for better assessment and dissemination of the results of projects; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Calls for closer coordination between cohesion policy, the Instrument for Pre-accession and the EU Neighbourhood Policy, as well as for better assessment and dissemination of the results of projects;

Cohesion policy in the long-term perspective

| 63. | Recalls, in view of all of the above, the necessity for a new dynamic to be given to the EU cohesion policy debate; states that the 2019 European Parliament election year will be decisive, as the then newly-elected Parliament, and new Commission, will have to deal with the termination of the Europe 2020 strategy and an upcoming new MFF, as well as to ensure the future of cohesion policy after 2020 with an adequate budget and prepare new legislation for cohesion policy; notes that the cohesion policy debate must take into account the serious time constraints and delays experienced at the beginning of the current programming period; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Recalls, in view of all of the above, the necessity for a new dynamic to be given to the EU cohesion policy debate; states that the 2019 European Parliament election year will be decisive, as the then newly-elected Parliament, and new Commission, will have to deal with the termination of the Europe 2020 strategy and an upcoming new MFF, as well as to ensure the future of cohesion policy after 2020 with an adequate budget and prepare new legislation for cohesion policy; notes that the cohesion policy debate must take into account the serious time constraints and delays experienced at the beginning of the current programming period;

| 64. | Stresses the crucial importance of administrative capacities; calls on policy makers at all governance levels to favour targeted technical assistance for the implementation of cohesion policies in general, and in particular for the extended use of financial instruments in combination with the ESIF; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Stresses the crucial importance of administrative capacities; calls on policy makers at all governance levels to favour targeted technical assistance for the implementation of cohesion policies in general, and in particular for the extended use of financial instruments in combination with the ESIF;

| 65. | Considers that cohesion policy measures have an essential role to play in reducing internal competitive disparities and structural imbalances in regions that need it most; calls on the Commission to consider pre-financing in order to facilitate the full use of funds by the Member States concerned in the 2014-2020 period, while always ensuring that the principle of budgetary accountability is upheld; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Considers that cohesion policy measures have an essential role to play in reducing internal competitive disparities and structural imbalances in regions that need it most; calls on the Commission to consider pre-financing in order to facilitate the full use of funds by the Member States concerned in the 2014-2020 period, while always ensuring that the principle of budgetary accountability is upheld;

| 66. | Calls on the Member States to conduct regular, high-level political debate within the national parliaments on the effectiveness, efficiency and timely implementation of the ESIF and on the contribution of cohesion policy to the fulfilment of macroeconomic objectives; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Calls on the Member States to conduct regular, high-level political debate within the national parliaments on the effectiveness, efficiency and timely implementation of the ESIF and on the contribution of cohesion policy to the fulfilment of macroeconomic objectives;

| 67. | Calls for regular Council meetings to be held with the ministers for cohesion policy, to address the need to monitor, and to respond to, the constant challenges facing the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the EU; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Calls for regular Council meetings to be held with the ministers for cohesion policy, to address the need to monitor, and to respond to, the constant challenges facing the economic, social and territorial cohesion of the EU;

o

o o

| 68. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

68.

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

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

(2)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 289.

(3)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 470.

(4)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 259.

(5)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 303.

(6)  OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 281.

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

(8)  OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1.

(9)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0002.

(10)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0015.

(11)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0132.

(12)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0133.

(13)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0068.

(14)  OJ C 19, 21.1.2015, p. 9.

(15)  OJ C 242, 23.7.2015, p. 43.

(16)  Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 1311/2013 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (COM(2015)0015, 20.1.2015).

(17)  Commission Decision on non-automatic carryover from 2014 to 2015 and commitment appropriations to be made available again in 2015 (C(2015)0827, 11.2.2015).

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/145 |
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22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/145

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P8_TA(2015)0309

Assessment of the 2012 European Year for active ageing and solidarity between generations

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on the Report on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (2014/2255(INI))

(2017/C 316/15)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Decision No 940/2011/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2011 on the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (2012) (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Decision No 940/2011/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2011 on the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (2012) (1),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (2),

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Article 25 thereof on the rights of older people, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Article 25 thereof on the rights of older people,

| — | having regard to the Commission final report on the European Summit on Innovation for Active and Healthy Ageing of 9-10 March 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission final report on the European Summit on Innovation for Active and Healthy Ageing of 9-10 March 2015,

| — | having regard to the Commission background paper of 23 February 2015 entitled ‘Growing the Silver Economy in Europe’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission background paper of 23 February 2015 entitled ‘Growing the Silver Economy in Europe’,

| — | having regard to the Commission report of 15 September 2014 on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (COM(2014)0562), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission report of 15 September 2014 on the implementation, results and overall assessment of the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (COM(2014)0562),

| — | having regard to the Commission report entitled ‘The 2015 Ageing Report. Economic and budgetary projections for the 28 EU Member States (2013-2060)’ (European Economy 3|2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission report entitled ‘The 2015 Ageing Report. Economic and budgetary projections for the 28 EU Member States (2013-2060)’ (European Economy 3|2015),

| — | having regard to the Commission report of 17 January 2014 entitled ‘Joint Report on the application of Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (“Racial Equality Directive”) and of Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (“Employment Equality Directive”)’ (COM(2014)0002), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission report of 17 January 2014 entitled ‘Joint Report on the application of Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (“Racial Equality Directive”) and of Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation (“Employment Equality Directive”)’ (COM(2014)0002),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 20 February 2013 entitled ‘Towards Social Investment for Growth and Cohesion — including implementing the European Social Fund 2014-2020’ (COM(2013)0083), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 20 February 2013 entitled ‘Towards Social Investment for Growth and Cohesion — including implementing the European Social Fund 2014-2020’ (COM(2013)0083),

| — | having regard to the Commission’s Policy Roadmap for the 2014 Implementation of the Social Investment Package, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s Policy Roadmap for the 2014 Implementation of the Social Investment Package,

| — | having regard to the Commission White Paper of 16 February 2012 entitled ‘An Agenda for Adequate, Safe and Sustainable Pensions’ (COM(2012)0055), |
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—

having regard to the Commission White Paper of 16 February 2012 entitled ‘An Agenda for Adequate, Safe and Sustainable Pensions’ (COM(2012)0055),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 29 February 2012 entitled ‘Taking forward the Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing’ (COM(2012)0083), |
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—

having regard to the Commission communication of 29 February 2012 entitled ‘Taking forward the Strategic Implementation Plan of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing’ (COM(2012)0083),

| — | having regard to the Council declaration of 7 December 2012 on ‘the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (2012): The Way Forward’, |
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—

having regard to the Council declaration of 7 December 2012 on ‘the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (2012): The Way Forward’,

| — | having regard to the report jointly prepared by the Social Protection Committee and the Commission of 10 October 2014 entitled ‘Adequate social protection for long-term care needs in an ageing society’, |
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—

having regard to the report jointly prepared by the Social Protection Committee and the Commission of 10 October 2014 entitled ‘Adequate social protection for long-term care needs in an ageing society’,

| — | having regard to the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) report of 31 October 2014 on ‘Access to healthcare in times of crisis’, |
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—

having regard to the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) report of 31 October 2014 on ‘Access to healthcare in times of crisis’,

| — | having regard to the work currently being undertaken by the UN Working Group on Ageing towards a Convention on the protection of the rights of older people, |
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—

having regard to the work currently being undertaken by the UN Working Group on Ageing towards a Convention on the protection of the rights of older people,

| — | having regard to the Eurofound Foundation Findings report entitled ‘Work preferences after 50’ (2014), |
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—

having regard to the Eurofound Foundation Findings report entitled ‘Work preferences after 50’ (2014),

| — | having regard to the Eurofound Foundation Focus document entitled ‘Sustainable work: Toward better and longer working lives’ (December 2014), |
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—

having regard to the Eurofound Foundation Focus document entitled ‘Sustainable work: Toward better and longer working lives’ (December 2014),

| — | having regard to the European Parliamentary Research Service in-depth analysis of March 2015 entitled ‘European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (2012)’, |
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—

having regard to the European Parliamentary Research Service in-depth analysis of March 2015 entitled ‘European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (2012)’,

| — | having regard to the Ecorys final report of 15 April 2014 entitled ‘Evaluation of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations’, |
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—

having regard to the Ecorys final report of 15 April 2014 entitled ‘Evaluation of the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations’,

| — | having regard to the EY2012 Stakeholders’ Coalition ‘Roadmap towards and beyond the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012 (EY2012)’, of 10 December 2012, |
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—

having regard to the EY2012 Stakeholders’ Coalition ‘Roadmap towards and beyond the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations 2012 (EY2012)’, of 10 December 2012,

| — | having regard to Special Eurobarometer 378 of January 2012, entitled ‘Active Ageing’, |
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—

having regard to Special Eurobarometer 378 of January 2012, entitled ‘Active Ageing’,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 4 July 2013 on Impact of the crisis on access to care for vulnerable groups (3), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 4 July 2013 on Impact of the crisis on access to care for vulnerable groups (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 21 May 2013 on an Agenda for Adequate, Safe and Sustainable Pensions (4), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 21 May 2013 on an Agenda for Adequate, Safe and Sustainable Pensions (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 11 November 2010 on the demographic challenge and solidarity between generations (5), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 11 November 2010 on the demographic challenge and solidarity between generations (5),

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

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0241/2015), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0241/2015),

| A. | whereas the objective of the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (EY 2012) was to raise awareness of the value of active ageing, to stimulate the exchange of information, to promote active ageing policies and to create a framework for concrete action by the Union and its Member States, and by all stakeholders in the public and private sector; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the objective of the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (EY 2012) was to raise awareness of the value of active ageing, to stimulate the exchange of information, to promote active ageing policies and to create a framework for concrete action by the Union and its Member States, and by all stakeholders in the public and private sector;

| B. | whereas it is expected that by 2050 the average age of people in the EU will be over 50; |
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B.

whereas it is expected that by 2050 the average age of people in the EU will be over 50;

| C. | whereas the EU is facing unprecedented demographic, social and structural changes that have to be addressed without delay; whereas the general ageing of the population is accompanied by the growth of social welfare, health- and care-related needs for elderly people and their families, and the long-term quality and sustainability of public services in the EU will largely depend on the action that is taken over the next few years; |
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C.

whereas the EU is facing unprecedented demographic, social and structural changes that have to be addressed without delay; whereas the general ageing of the population is accompanied by the growth of social welfare, health- and care-related needs for elderly people and their families, and the long-term quality and sustainability of public services in the EU will largely depend on the action that is taken over the next few years;

| D. | whereas the increase in average life expectancy should be seen as a gain for civilisation and a factor of social progress; |
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D.

whereas the increase in average life expectancy should be seen as a gain for civilisation and a factor of social progress;

| E. | whereas in 2006 the Demographic Change Regions Network, which includes some 40 European regions, was set up, and whereas that network aims to raise awareness of how important challenges such as ageing and a declining population are for the EU and its economic and social cohesion; |
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E.

whereas in 2006 the Demographic Change Regions Network, which includes some 40 European regions, was set up, and whereas that network aims to raise awareness of how important challenges such as ageing and a declining population are for the EU and its economic and social cohesion;

| F. | whereas the average number of children per woman in the EU is lower than the threshold of generation renewal, the economic crisis has been a factor in the reduction of the birth rate and life expectancy could grow by an additional five years by 2050; |
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F.

whereas the average number of children per woman in the EU is lower than the threshold of generation renewal, the economic crisis has been a factor in the reduction of the birth rate and life expectancy could grow by an additional five years by 2050;

| G. | whereas active ageing is one of the major challenges of the 21st century; |
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G.

whereas active ageing is one of the major challenges of the 21st century;

| H. | whereas, in addition to the phenomenon of ageing, there is an ever-increasing number of European regions in which demographic decline is occurring as a result of falling birth rates, combined with population decline and high rates of ageing, dependence and decline in the number of people in work; whereas all of these phenomena are exacerbated in the rural areas of the regions concerned, as it is common for people to leave rural areas and move to large or medium-sized cities; |
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H.

whereas, in addition to the phenomenon of ageing, there is an ever-increasing number of European regions in which demographic decline is occurring as a result of falling birth rates, combined with population decline and high rates of ageing, dependence and decline in the number of people in work; whereas all of these phenomena are exacerbated in the rural areas of the regions concerned, as it is common for people to leave rural areas and move to large or medium-sized cities;

| I. | whereas active ageing and solidarity between generations are key to achieving the Europe 2020 goals and targets and bringing about a competitive, prosperous and inclusive Europe; |
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I.

whereas active ageing and solidarity between generations are key to achieving the Europe 2020 goals and targets and bringing about a competitive, prosperous and inclusive Europe;

| J. | whereas the success of active ageing policies is strongly linked to the effectiveness of a range of non-discrimination, social protection, social inclusion and public health policies developed throughout the lifecycle of EU citizens and workers; |
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J.

whereas the success of active ageing policies is strongly linked to the effectiveness of a range of non-discrimination, social protection, social inclusion and public health policies developed throughout the lifecycle of EU citizens and workers;

| K. | whereas, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the word ‘active’ refers to continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs, not just the ability to be physically active or to participate in the labour force, and whereas, consequently, older people who retire from work, and people who retire because of invalidity or illness, can remain active contributors to their families, peers, communities and nations; |
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K.

whereas, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the word ‘active’ refers to continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs, not just the ability to be physically active or to participate in the labour force, and whereas, consequently, older people who retire from work, and people who retire because of invalidity or illness, can remain active contributors to their families, peers, communities and nations;

| L. | whereas a holistic approach is needed, taking into account the different elements that contribute to making work sustainable over the life course for all individuals and for society as a whole; |
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L.

whereas a holistic approach is needed, taking into account the different elements that contribute to making work sustainable over the life course for all individuals and for society as a whole;

| M. | whereas different groups of workers experience different working conditions, leading to occupational health inequalities; |
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M.

whereas different groups of workers experience different working conditions, leading to occupational health inequalities;

| N. | whereas immense visible discrepancies exist between Member States and regional and local authorities as regards active ageing policies and policies on social protection in old age, support infrastructure and budgetary resources; |
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N.

whereas immense visible discrepancies exist between Member States and regional and local authorities as regards active ageing policies and policies on social protection in old age, support infrastructure and budgetary resources;

| O. | whereas active and healthy ageing creates new social needs, requiring investment in diversified public services, both existing services and new services that are yet to be created, and of course in the field of health and care for the elderly, and whereas it unlocks new potential in relation to the enjoyment and extension of leisure and rest time; |
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O.

whereas active and healthy ageing creates new social needs, requiring investment in diversified public services, both existing services and new services that are yet to be created, and of course in the field of health and care for the elderly, and whereas it unlocks new potential in relation to the enjoyment and extension of leisure and rest time;

| P. | whereas the financial and economic crisis had an impact on the increase of poverty levels among the elderly, and whereas poverty, or being at risk of poverty and social exclusion, poses not only health risks, but also hampers any possibility for active ageing; |
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P.

whereas the financial and economic crisis had an impact on the increase of poverty levels among the elderly, and whereas poverty, or being at risk of poverty and social exclusion, poses not only health risks, but also hampers any possibility for active ageing;

| Q. | whereas there are some 125 000 occupational pension funds operating across the EU, holding assets worth EUR 2,500 billion on behalf of around 75 million Europeans, which represents 20 % of the EU’s working-age population; |
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Q.

whereas there are some 125 000 occupational pension funds operating across the EU, holding assets worth EUR 2,500 billion on behalf of around 75 million Europeans, which represents 20 % of the EU’s working-age population;

| R. | whereas one of the basic principles of a human society is solidarity between generations; whereas, as average life expectancy grows longer and longer, intergenerational relations are becoming increasingly important; whereas the economy and society need the life experience, commitment and ideas of all generations if they are to achieve their goals; |
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R.

whereas one of the basic principles of a human society is solidarity between generations; whereas, as average life expectancy grows longer and longer, intergenerational relations are becoming increasingly important; whereas the economy and society need the life experience, commitment and ideas of all generations if they are to achieve their goals;

| S. | whereas active participation in lifelong learning and sport programmes greatly contributes to creating a genuine culture of active ageing, allowing the population not only to adapt their skills throughout the course of life to the changing requirements of the labour market, but also to stay healthy, active and participative in society in a more general sense; |
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S.

whereas active participation in lifelong learning and sport programmes greatly contributes to creating a genuine culture of active ageing, allowing the population not only to adapt their skills throughout the course of life to the changing requirements of the labour market, but also to stay healthy, active and participative in society in a more general sense;

| T. | whereas older women represent 20 % of the EU population and this percentage will continue to increase according to the current demographic trends; whereas in most EU countries older women are at higher risk of poverty than older men — on average 21 % for women and 16 % for men; whereas the gender pension gap in the EU is 39 %; |
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T.

whereas older women represent 20 % of the EU population and this percentage will continue to increase according to the current demographic trends; whereas in most EU countries older women are at higher risk of poverty than older men — on average 21 % for women and 16 % for men; whereas the gender pension gap in the EU is 39 %;

| U. | whereas accessible technologies can enable and facilitate access to the labour market, an independent life and participation in all aspects of society; whereas today, however, over 69 % of people who lack basic digital skills are aged over 55; whereas owing to the lack of accessibility, the rapid evolution of ICT and poor digital literacy, many older people and people with disabilities are at great risk of not taking full advantage of the future Digital Single Market; |
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U.

whereas accessible technologies can enable and facilitate access to the labour market, an independent life and participation in all aspects of society; whereas today, however, over 69 % of people who lack basic digital skills are aged over 55; whereas owing to the lack of accessibility, the rapid evolution of ICT and poor digital literacy, many older people and people with disabilities are at great risk of not taking full advantage of the future Digital Single Market;

| 1. | Recognises that EY 2012 provided important political momentum which helped to open a discussion of the challenges of active ageing and intergenerational solidarity in Europe; |
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1.

Recognises that EY 2012 provided important political momentum which helped to open a discussion of the challenges of active ageing and intergenerational solidarity in Europe;

| 2. | Defines intergenerational justice as the equal distribution of benefits and burdens between the generations; considers that functional cooperation between the generations is based on solidarity and must be informed by mutual respect, responsibility and a willingness to care for one another; |
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2.

Defines intergenerational justice as the equal distribution of benefits and burdens between the generations; considers that functional cooperation between the generations is based on solidarity and must be informed by mutual respect, responsibility and a willingness to care for one another;

| 3. | Notes that the specific objectives of EY 2012 were partly achieved, with the best results being in the area of awareness-raising initiatives and events; |
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3.

Notes that the specific objectives of EY 2012 were partly achieved, with the best results being in the area of awareness-raising initiatives and events;

| 4. | Notes and welcomes the fact that it has become clear through the EY2012 events and initiatives that older people are not a burden on the economy and society, but rather — through their experience, their achievements and their knowledge — an asset; |
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4.

Notes and welcomes the fact that it has become clear through the EY2012 events and initiatives that older people are not a burden on the economy and society, but rather — through their experience, their achievements and their knowledge — an asset;

| 5. | Points out that EY 2012 succeeded in its goal of mobilising relevant actors around active ageing and intergenerational solidarity; considers it regrettable, however, that the objective of establishing new networks for sharing resources, projects and ideas among the public sector, private sector and civil society was rarely achieved; regrets the fact that the involvement of social partners was variable and that private businesses were not reached to any significant extent; stresses the need to improve capacity building in order to promote the active participation of senior citizens in society; |
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5.

Points out that EY 2012 succeeded in its goal of mobilising relevant actors around active ageing and intergenerational solidarity; considers it regrettable, however, that the objective of establishing new networks for sharing resources, projects and ideas among the public sector, private sector and civil society was rarely achieved; regrets the fact that the involvement of social partners was variable and that private businesses were not reached to any significant extent; stresses the need to improve capacity building in order to promote the active participation of senior citizens in society;

| 6. | Welcomes the fact that EY 2012 helped to refine national policy agendas on active ageing, stimulated the exchange of good practices between Member States, increased the number of initiatives to promote active ageing and strengthened stakeholders’ knowledge and skills; |
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6.

Welcomes the fact that EY 2012 helped to refine national policy agendas on active ageing, stimulated the exchange of good practices between Member States, increased the number of initiatives to promote active ageing and strengthened stakeholders’ knowledge and skills;

| 7. | Stresses that reliable statistics on the situation of older people and demographic changes are needed to develop better targeted and effective active ageing strategies; calls on the Commission to ensure comprehensive high-quality data collection on the societal status of older people, their health, rights and standard of living; |
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7.

Stresses that reliable statistics on the situation of older people and demographic changes are needed to develop better targeted and effective active ageing strategies; calls on the Commission to ensure comprehensive high-quality data collection on the societal status of older people, their health, rights and standard of living;

| 8. | Considers it very important that the initiatives launched as part of EY 2012 be followed up and transformed into a strong political commitment followed by concrete action to ensure social inclusion, active participation and the well-being of all generations, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality; recalls that EU legislation concerning ageing policies must be effectively implemented in order to combat and prevent discrimination in all spheres of life against both younger and older people; |
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8.

Considers it very important that the initiatives launched as part of EY 2012 be followed up and transformed into a strong political commitment followed by concrete action to ensure social inclusion, active participation and the well-being of all generations, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality; recalls that EU legislation concerning ageing policies must be effectively implemented in order to combat and prevent discrimination in all spheres of life against both younger and older people;

| 9. | Highlights the need to intensify the coordination triangle made up of the decision-making level (including the EU, national, regional and local levels), civil society and the private sector, including industries which provide innovative goods and services in support of independent living; |
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9.

Highlights the need to intensify the coordination triangle made up of the decision-making level (including the EU, national, regional and local levels), civil society and the private sector, including industries which provide innovative goods and services in support of independent living;

| 10. | Calls on the Commission to carry out a study on demographic decline, which is affecting an increasing number of regions in various EU countries, and to draw up a communication on the problem and on the steps that could be taken at European level, at Member State level, and in the regions affected, to address the challenge of demographic decline; |
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10.

Calls on the Commission to carry out a study on demographic decline, which is affecting an increasing number of regions in various EU countries, and to draw up a communication on the problem and on the steps that could be taken at European level, at Member State level, and in the regions affected, to address the challenge of demographic decline;

| 11. | Emphasises that regions with serious natural or demographic disadvantages — such as, for example, sparsely populated regions, islands and mountain areas — are hit especially hard by the problems associated with ageing, and have fewer resources and less infrastructure in place with which to promote active ageing; calls for consideration to be given to whether stimulus plans are useful in addressing the problem of ageing, which is generally made worse by parallel processes of depopulation affecting many of the regions concerned, and which can pose a threat to the survival of those areas; |
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11.

Emphasises that regions with serious natural or demographic disadvantages — such as, for example, sparsely populated regions, islands and mountain areas — are hit especially hard by the problems associated with ageing, and have fewer resources and less infrastructure in place with which to promote active ageing; calls for consideration to be given to whether stimulus plans are useful in addressing the problem of ageing, which is generally made worse by parallel processes of depopulation affecting many of the regions concerned, and which can pose a threat to the survival of those areas;

| 12. | Considers it regrettable that the relatively late approval of EY 2012 resulted in contracting and implementation delays, as a result of which certain events, such as the Seniorforce Day initiative, did not realise their full potential; notes the smaller budget allocated to the EY 2012 compared with previous EYs and the consequently scarcer resources to implement EY 2012’s objectives; |
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12.

Considers it regrettable that the relatively late approval of EY 2012 resulted in contracting and implementation delays, as a result of which certain events, such as the Seniorforce Day initiative, did not realise their full potential; notes the smaller budget allocated to the EY 2012 compared with previous EYs and the consequently scarcer resources to implement EY 2012’s objectives;

| 13. | Recalls that active ageing is, inter alia, the process of optimising opportunities for health and for participation in society in order to ensure that people can retain a good standard of living and quality of life as they age; takes the view that active ageing policies should increase people’s potential for physical, social and mental well-being throughout the course of their lives so as to allow better social inclusion and greater participation in society; highlights the fact that active ageing also means better access to health, long-term care and social services, which have come under pressure in some cases during the crisis, and to lifelong learning, participation in society and cultural activities, boosting existing social infrastructure such as homes and day centres, the elimination of age discrimination and stereotypes, action to combat poverty and social exclusion, and greater awareness of the value of active and healthy ageing; |
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13.

Recalls that active ageing is, inter alia, the process of optimising opportunities for health and for participation in society in order to ensure that people can retain a good standard of living and quality of life as they age; takes the view that active ageing policies should increase people’s potential for physical, social and mental well-being throughout the course of their lives so as to allow better social inclusion and greater participation in society; highlights the fact that active ageing also means better access to health, long-term care and social services, which have come under pressure in some cases during the crisis, and to lifelong learning, participation in society and cultural activities, boosting existing social infrastructure such as homes and day centres, the elimination of age discrimination and stereotypes, action to combat poverty and social exclusion, and greater awareness of the value of active and healthy ageing;

| 14. | Recommends to all the Member States that, through their social security systems, they promote and strengthen high-quality public infrastructure for the elderly (homes, day centres and home support), where elderly people are seen as active participants rather than passive recipients of the initiatives in which they take part; |
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14.

Recommends to all the Member States that, through their social security systems, they promote and strengthen high-quality public infrastructure for the elderly (homes, day centres and home support), where elderly people are seen as active participants rather than passive recipients of the initiatives in which they take part;

| 15. | Takes the view that a European strategy on dementia needs to be developed, which should include measures for assistance to the families of the patients, information campaigns, awareness raising and exchange of best practices between Member States; |
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15.

Takes the view that a European strategy on dementia needs to be developed, which should include measures for assistance to the families of the patients, information campaigns, awareness raising and exchange of best practices between Member States;

| 16. | Calls on the Commission to study the worrying problem of unemployment among people over the age of 50 and the ever rising level of long-term unemployment, and, in conjunction with the Member States, regional and local authorities and social partners, to look into the circumstances and personal situations of older people who are unemployed and to develop effective tools for keeping workers who belong to this vulnerable category in the labour market, offering opportunities for lifelong learning and upgrading of skills, in-work training and accessible and affordable learning programmes and promoting intergenerational training and transfer of knowledge at work for all; |
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16.

Calls on the Commission to study the worrying problem of unemployment among people over the age of 50 and the ever rising level of long-term unemployment, and, in conjunction with the Member States, regional and local authorities and social partners, to look into the circumstances and personal situations of older people who are unemployed and to develop effective tools for keeping workers who belong to this vulnerable category in the labour market, offering opportunities for lifelong learning and upgrading of skills, in-work training and accessible and affordable learning programmes and promoting intergenerational training and transfer of knowledge at work for all;

| 17. | Stresses that consideration should be given in this connection above all to programmes such as ‘generational mentoring’, in which exchanges are encouraged between older experts and the younger generation at work and in training; points out that mixed-aged teams should be supported in the work process and outstanding projects should be rewarded; considers that incentives for businesses to hire more older workers could be put in place by Member States, and that, as a matter of principle, older workers should not be treated less favourably than younger workers with regard to vocational and continuing training; stresses in particular the importance of adapting workplaces to the needs of older workers and providing more opportunities for older workers to work part time in line with their preferences, as well as facilitating longer working lives for those who want and are able to work for longer; takes the view that special retirement plans for older long-term unemployed people should be set up, striking a balance between these people’s need for social stability and that of social security systems; |
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17.

Stresses that consideration should be given in this connection above all to programmes such as ‘generational mentoring’, in which exchanges are encouraged between older experts and the younger generation at work and in training; points out that mixed-aged teams should be supported in the work process and outstanding projects should be rewarded; considers that incentives for businesses to hire more older workers could be put in place by Member States, and that, as a matter of principle, older workers should not be treated less favourably than younger workers with regard to vocational and continuing training; stresses in particular the importance of adapting workplaces to the needs of older workers and providing more opportunities for older workers to work part time in line with their preferences, as well as facilitating longer working lives for those who want and are able to work for longer; takes the view that special retirement plans for older long-term unemployed people should be set up, striking a balance between these people’s need for social stability and that of social security systems;

| 18. | Considers it regrettable that older people are still often exposed to age discrimination, stereotypes and barriers; calls on the Member States, therefore, to correctly implement Council Directive 2000/78/EC on equal treatment in employment and occupation without delay; notes that the proposal for the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive (6) has been blocked in the Council since 2008 and calls on the Member States to find a solution as soon as possible; |
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18.

Considers it regrettable that older people are still often exposed to age discrimination, stereotypes and barriers; calls on the Member States, therefore, to correctly implement Council Directive 2000/78/EC on equal treatment in employment and occupation without delay; notes that the proposal for the Horizontal Equal Treatment Directive (6) has been blocked in the Council since 2008 and calls on the Member States to find a solution as soon as possible;

| 19. | Strongly rejects, however, the consideration of active ageing policies solely as an instrument to maintain the employability of older workers, and urges the Member States to make all the necessary assessments and efforts to shift to a lifecycle approach and, where appropriate, reform the pension system, while making every effort to stabilise the rules on retirement, taking into account actual unemployment rates among the population above the age of 50 before changing the mandatory pension age; believes that linking the retirement age only to life expectancy fails to take account of the importance of labour market trends and should not, therefore, be the only instrument used to tackle the challenge of an ageing society; considers that instead, through their employment protection legislation and systems of wage formation, Member States should support the recruitment of older workers in particular before their statutory retirement age, as unemployment would have further negative effects on their retirement income, and that Member States should ensure sustainable social protection systems; |
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19.

Strongly rejects, however, the consideration of active ageing policies solely as an instrument to maintain the employability of older workers, and urges the Member States to make all the necessary assessments and efforts to shift to a lifecycle approach and, where appropriate, reform the pension system, while making every effort to stabilise the rules on retirement, taking into account actual unemployment rates among the population above the age of 50 before changing the mandatory pension age; believes that linking the retirement age only to life expectancy fails to take account of the importance of labour market trends and should not, therefore, be the only instrument used to tackle the challenge of an ageing society; considers that instead, through their employment protection legislation and systems of wage formation, Member States should support the recruitment of older workers in particular before their statutory retirement age, as unemployment would have further negative effects on their retirement income, and that Member States should ensure sustainable social protection systems;

| 20. | Calls on the Member States to ensure sustainability of public pension schemes and to guarantee individual and adequate pension income and rights for all to ensure a dignified life in old age — including those who have taken justified career breaks, mainly women; stresses the importance of adequate supervision and independent audits of occupational pension funds for safe and sustainable pensions; |
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20.

Calls on the Member States to ensure sustainability of public pension schemes and to guarantee individual and adequate pension income and rights for all to ensure a dignified life in old age — including those who have taken justified career breaks, mainly women; stresses the importance of adequate supervision and independent audits of occupational pension funds for safe and sustainable pensions;

| 21. | Stresses that older people must be given the opportunity to play a key role in helping their families, and draws attention to the valuable voluntary work performed by older people; |
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21.

Stresses that older people must be given the opportunity to play a key role in helping their families, and draws attention to the valuable voluntary work performed by older people;

| 22. | Stresses the importance of accessible technologies for ageing European societies and calls on the Commission to develop an inclusive Digital Single Market strategy by ensuring that accessibility is mainstreamed throughout the strategy and linked with the promotion of the ‘silver economy’ in Europe; |
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22.

Stresses the importance of accessible technologies for ageing European societies and calls on the Commission to develop an inclusive Digital Single Market strategy by ensuring that accessibility is mainstreamed throughout the strategy and linked with the promotion of the ‘silver economy’ in Europe;

| 23. | Welcomes the fact that active and healthy ageing is one of the European Social Fund’s investment priorities for the 2014-2020 programming period, as stated in Regulation (EU) No 1304/2013; calls on the Member States to use the resources allocated effectively; recalls that funding for projects to promote active ageing is also available under programmes such as the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), Horizon 2020, Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) and the Health Programme; calls for better coordination between the programmes and various instruments made available by the EU for the promotion of active ageing and intergenerational solidarity, and calls, in line with the priorities of Horizon 2020, for the creation of a European research priority entitled ‘Applied Health and Active-Ageing Sciences’; |
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23.

Welcomes the fact that active and healthy ageing is one of the European Social Fund’s investment priorities for the 2014-2020 programming period, as stated in Regulation (EU) No 1304/2013; calls on the Member States to use the resources allocated effectively; recalls that funding for projects to promote active ageing is also available under programmes such as the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), Horizon 2020, Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) and the Health Programme; calls for better coordination between the programmes and various instruments made available by the EU for the promotion of active ageing and intergenerational solidarity, and calls, in line with the priorities of Horizon 2020, for the creation of a European research priority entitled ‘Applied Health and Active-Ageing Sciences’;

| 24. | Calls on the Member States to use available European Social Fund (ESF), ESIF and EaSI funding to provide financial assistance to self-help programmes run by organisations for older people, who are sharing their energy, knowledge, experiences and wisdom with each other and helping people in need, thereby contributing to active and healthy ageing, and living independently for a longer time; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Calls on the Member States to use available European Social Fund (ESF), ESIF and EaSI funding to provide financial assistance to self-help programmes run by organisations for older people, who are sharing their energy, knowledge, experiences and wisdom with each other and helping people in need, thereby contributing to active and healthy ageing, and living independently for a longer time;

| 25. | Recalls the Commission’s Budget Review 2010 which identified ‘EU added value’ as one of its core principles; insists that this principle must represent the cornerstone of all expenditures and that EU funding, particularly that under the ESF, should not be used to subsidise national approaches but to provide additional support to Member States’ active ageing programmes; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Recalls the Commission’s Budget Review 2010 which identified ‘EU added value’ as one of its core principles; insists that this principle must represent the cornerstone of all expenditures and that EU funding, particularly that under the ESF, should not be used to subsidise national approaches but to provide additional support to Member States’ active ageing programmes;

| 26. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve the targeting of funds for active ageing, together with the effectiveness of funds absorption; further urges the Commission to explore the feasibility and added value of a new European financial instrument to address the problem of reintegrating dismissed middle-aged workers; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve the targeting of funds for active ageing, together with the effectiveness of funds absorption; further urges the Commission to explore the feasibility and added value of a new European financial instrument to address the problem of reintegrating dismissed middle-aged workers;

| 27. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to collect complete and reliable data allowing assessment of the effectiveness of ESF spending on older workers; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to collect complete and reliable data allowing assessment of the effectiveness of ESF spending on older workers;

| 28. | Calls on the Commission to assess the feasibility and added value of a new EU financial instrument to provide a minimum income for all EU citizens below the poverty line; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Calls on the Commission to assess the feasibility and added value of a new EU financial instrument to provide a minimum income for all EU citizens below the poverty line;

| 29. | Recommends to the Member States that they draw up and implement public policies and programmes that will not only improve physical health but also promote mental health and social ties; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Recommends to the Member States that they draw up and implement public policies and programmes that will not only improve physical health but also promote mental health and social ties;

| 30. | Considers it essential to support older people in living independently and actively for as long as possible, as set out in Article 25 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, by developing and maintaining people-oriented and demand-driven public support, assistance and care services and by improving the connection between these services; calls, therefore, on the Member States to ensure affordable, accessible and non-discriminatory health care and to prioritise prevention in their health care policies; calls, therefore, on the Commission to implement the Social Investment Package, to keep healthy ageing and the adequacy and quality of long-term care high on the political agenda, and to analyse the affordability of health care for older people, collect data on waiting times in health care systems across the EU and propose guidelines for maximum waiting times; considers it essential to promote personal and individual responsibility for one’s own health, with a marked increase in the level of information on health care and national motivation campaigns, as well as to encourage cooperation on health literacy in order to empower older persons to take care of their health; recalls that we should devote greater attention to innovative technological solutions and tools; finally, recognises the importance of effective dissemination of information relating to local services and entitlements in achieving this goal; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Considers it essential to support older people in living independently and actively for as long as possible, as set out in Article 25 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, by developing and maintaining people-oriented and demand-driven public support, assistance and care services and by improving the connection between these services; calls, therefore, on the Member States to ensure affordable, accessible and non-discriminatory health care and to prioritise prevention in their health care policies; calls, therefore, on the Commission to implement the Social Investment Package, to keep healthy ageing and the adequacy and quality of long-term care high on the political agenda, and to analyse the affordability of health care for older people, collect data on waiting times in health care systems across the EU and propose guidelines for maximum waiting times; considers it essential to promote personal and individual responsibility for one’s own health, with a marked increase in the level of information on health care and national motivation campaigns, as well as to encourage cooperation on health literacy in order to empower older persons to take care of their health; recalls that we should devote greater attention to innovative technological solutions and tools; finally, recognises the importance of effective dissemination of information relating to local services and entitlements in achieving this goal;

| 31. | Calls on the Commission to follow up the conclusions of the joint report entitled ‘Adequate social protection for long-term care needs in an ageing society’ and to present concrete proposals without delay; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Calls on the Commission to follow up the conclusions of the joint report entitled ‘Adequate social protection for long-term care needs in an ageing society’ and to present concrete proposals without delay;

| 32. | Believes that priority should be given to integrating elderly people within their families; suggests to the Commission that it explore the potential offered by family businesses and the corresponding work in the field of care for the elderly; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Believes that priority should be given to integrating elderly people within their families; suggests to the Commission that it explore the potential offered by family businesses and the corresponding work in the field of care for the elderly;

| 33. | Points out that more effective public transport is one of the top priorities for older people for the creation of age-friendly environments (7), supporting an independent life and access to basic services; calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve the accessibility and interoperability of transport systems; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Points out that more effective public transport is one of the top priorities for older people for the creation of age-friendly environments (7), supporting an independent life and access to basic services; calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve the accessibility and interoperability of transport systems;

| 34. | Welcomes the Commission background paper entitled ‘Growing the Silver Economy in Europe’ and reiterates the need to further develop the ‘silver economy’, which caters to the wishes and needs of the ageing population on the basis of the economic opportunities arising from the public and consumer expenditure related to population ageing and from specific products, services, innovative solutions and needs, resulting in new jobs and growth and taking into account the needs of the most vulnerable socioeconomic groups; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Welcomes the Commission background paper entitled ‘Growing the Silver Economy in Europe’ and reiterates the need to further develop the ‘silver economy’, which caters to the wishes and needs of the ageing population on the basis of the economic opportunities arising from the public and consumer expenditure related to population ageing and from specific products, services, innovative solutions and needs, resulting in new jobs and growth and taking into account the needs of the most vulnerable socioeconomic groups;

| 35. | Notes that a one-sided rejuvenation of workforces does not lead to more innovation, but represents a waste of experience, knowledge and skills; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Notes that a one-sided rejuvenation of workforces does not lead to more innovation, but represents a waste of experience, knowledge and skills;

| 36. | Takes the view that older people should be a fully fledged part of society and that their participation in daily life, including public life, should be supported; considers, furthermore, that an active dialogue and exchange of experiences between young and elderly people should be encouraged; highlights the role of intergenerational projects in this context; supports, furthermore, the right of elderly people to lead a life of dignity and independence, as set out in Article 25 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; also believes that the active political participation of representatives of the younger and older generations should be secured at all EU levels, wherever generation interests may be affected; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Takes the view that older people should be a fully fledged part of society and that their participation in daily life, including public life, should be supported; considers, furthermore, that an active dialogue and exchange of experiences between young and elderly people should be encouraged; highlights the role of intergenerational projects in this context; supports, furthermore, the right of elderly people to lead a life of dignity and independence, as set out in Article 25 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; also believes that the active political participation of representatives of the younger and older generations should be secured at all EU levels, wherever generation interests may be affected;

| 37. | Draws attention also to the valuable social role that older people play by imparting values and experience to others and providing pointers on how to approach community life; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Draws attention also to the valuable social role that older people play by imparting values and experience to others and providing pointers on how to approach community life;

| 38. | Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to adopt a positive position within the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing to ensure that older citizens can fully enjoy their human rights; invites the Commission to closely cooperate with the UN Independent Expert on the Rights of Older Persons and with older people’s representative organisations in the EU; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to adopt a positive position within the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing to ensure that older citizens can fully enjoy their human rights; invites the Commission to closely cooperate with the UN Independent Expert on the Rights of Older Persons and with older people’s representative organisations in the EU;

| 39. | Deplores the fact that people’s patterns of employment are becoming increasingly uneven and insecure as a result of temporary work, the growth of short-term contracts, marginal employment and unemployment; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Deplores the fact that people’s patterns of employment are becoming increasingly uneven and insecure as a result of temporary work, the growth of short-term contracts, marginal employment and unemployment;

| 40. | Welcomes the forthcoming EU Covenant on Demographic Change as a major outcome of EY 2012 and of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing; asks the Commission to identify areas within the EU budget where savings and efficiencies can be made in order to provide funding for the covenant, which is an open, large and independent network bringing together local and regional stakeholders committed to tackling European demographic change by promoting age-friendly environments in close cooperation with the World Health Organisation (WHO); |
| --- | --- |

40.

Welcomes the forthcoming EU Covenant on Demographic Change as a major outcome of EY 2012 and of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing; asks the Commission to identify areas within the EU budget where savings and efficiencies can be made in order to provide funding for the covenant, which is an open, large and independent network bringing together local and regional stakeholders committed to tackling European demographic change by promoting age-friendly environments in close cooperation with the World Health Organisation (WHO);

| 41. | Calls on the Commission to adopt an EU Strategy on Demographic Change to coordinate EU action in various areas in order to ensure synergies and maximise their positive impact on Europe’s citizens, economy and job creation, as well as protect the human rights of older persons in all EU policies; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Calls on the Commission to adopt an EU Strategy on Demographic Change to coordinate EU action in various areas in order to ensure synergies and maximise their positive impact on Europe’s citizens, economy and job creation, as well as protect the human rights of older persons in all EU policies;

| 42. | Believes that demographic challenges are not adequately addressed at European level; calls, therefore, on the forthcoming Presidencies of the Council of the EU to put this item back on the EU agenda and work out strong policy responses; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Believes that demographic challenges are not adequately addressed at European level; calls, therefore, on the forthcoming Presidencies of the Council of the EU to put this item back on the EU agenda and work out strong policy responses;

| 43. | Stresses that demographic change should not be advanced as a justification for the dismantling of social entitlements and services; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Stresses that demographic change should not be advanced as a justification for the dismantling of social entitlements and services;

| 44. | Welcomes the Guiding Principles on Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations developed jointly by the Social Protection Committee and the Employment Committee; welcomes in particular the role of the Social Protection Committee in enabling a direct exchange of experience among Member States, including in respect of long-term care and pensions; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Welcomes the Guiding Principles on Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations developed jointly by the Social Protection Committee and the Employment Committee; welcomes in particular the role of the Social Protection Committee in enabling a direct exchange of experience among Member States, including in respect of long-term care and pensions;

| 45. | Welcomes the Active Ageing Index, which aims to capture the untapped potential of older people for more active participation in employment and social life and for independent living, together with the ongoing follow-up project being conducted by the Commission in conjunction with the UN Economic Committee for Europe; encourages the Member States to set targets based on the Active Ageing Index which are to be achieved through comprehensive active ageing strategies, and to monitor progress towards those targets; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Welcomes the Active Ageing Index, which aims to capture the untapped potential of older people for more active participation in employment and social life and for independent living, together with the ongoing follow-up project being conducted by the Commission in conjunction with the UN Economic Committee for Europe; encourages the Member States to set targets based on the Active Ageing Index which are to be achieved through comprehensive active ageing strategies, and to monitor progress towards those targets;

| 46. | Points out that promoting age-friendly environments is an essential tool for supporting older workers and jobseekers and promoting inclusive societies that offer equal opportunities to all; welcomes, in this connection, the Commission’s joint management project with the WHO aimed at adapting the WHO Global Age-friendly Cities guide to the European context; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Points out that promoting age-friendly environments is an essential tool for supporting older workers and jobseekers and promoting inclusive societies that offer equal opportunities to all; welcomes, in this connection, the Commission’s joint management project with the WHO aimed at adapting the WHO Global Age-friendly Cities guide to the European context;

| 47. | Believes that a UN Convention to protect the rights of older persons will improve the lives of older persons by guaranteeing them equal access to political, economic, health care and cultural rights, and would represent an important platform to create an attitude shift towards ageing on a global scale; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Believes that a UN Convention to protect the rights of older persons will improve the lives of older persons by guaranteeing them equal access to political, economic, health care and cultural rights, and would represent an important platform to create an attitude shift towards ageing on a global scale;

| 48. | Calls on the Commission to adopt an Action Plan on elder abuse, taking stock of the European Quality Framework for Long-Term Care developed by the WeDO Partnership and addressing the issue of the rights of older persons in need of care and assistance; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Calls on the Commission to adopt an Action Plan on elder abuse, taking stock of the European Quality Framework for Long-Term Care developed by the WeDO Partnership and addressing the issue of the rights of older persons in need of care and assistance;

| 49. | Regrets that the Commission has not yet addressed age inequalities in the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Disability Strategy; calls, therefore, on the Commission to raise awareness of and address the rights of older persons with disabilities and the age discrimination they suffer, and to ensure that the application of the UNCRPD does not leave older people behind; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Regrets that the Commission has not yet addressed age inequalities in the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Disability Strategy; calls, therefore, on the Commission to raise awareness of and address the rights of older persons with disabilities and the age discrimination they suffer, and to ensure that the application of the UNCRPD does not leave older people behind;

| 50. | Calls on the Commission to release the long-awaited European Accessibility Act to ensure that transport, housing and ICT-based products and services, including the ones offered with the ‘silver economy’, are accessible to older persons; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Calls on the Commission to release the long-awaited European Accessibility Act to ensure that transport, housing and ICT-based products and services, including the ones offered with the ‘silver economy’, are accessible to older persons;

| 51. | Calls on the Commission to issue country-specific recommendations addressing the adequacy, sustainability and fairness of economic reforms in the field of employment, pensions, social inclusion and long-term care within the European Semester framework; calls on the Commission to better assess the social impact of economic reforms, notably in the context of population ageing; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Calls on the Commission to issue country-specific recommendations addressing the adequacy, sustainability and fairness of economic reforms in the field of employment, pensions, social inclusion and long-term care within the European Semester framework; calls on the Commission to better assess the social impact of economic reforms, notably in the context of population ageing;

| 52. | Stresses the importance of volunteering, which cannot be taken for granted and should therefore have its added social value taken into greater consideration, and which promotes intercultural learning and intergenerational solidarity, fosters active ageing and lifelong civic participation, and enables older people to display a commitment to society, thereby improving their quality of life, well-being and general state of health; encourages the development of more flexible and inclusive approaches to participation in volunteering programmes; in this context, regrets the discontinuation of the Grundtvig programme which supported older volunteers; recalls the importance of European and transnational networks of associations and public and private bodies working to foster the integration of elderly people, which should be given particular support, and urges the Commission to acknowledge the value of successful EU programmes which combined civic participation with EU-wide group exchanges involving older people; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Stresses the importance of volunteering, which cannot be taken for granted and should therefore have its added social value taken into greater consideration, and which promotes intercultural learning and intergenerational solidarity, fosters active ageing and lifelong civic participation, and enables older people to display a commitment to society, thereby improving their quality of life, well-being and general state of health; encourages the development of more flexible and inclusive approaches to participation in volunteering programmes; in this context, regrets the discontinuation of the Grundtvig programme which supported older volunteers; recalls the importance of European and transnational networks of associations and public and private bodies working to foster the integration of elderly people, which should be given particular support, and urges the Commission to acknowledge the value of successful EU programmes which combined civic participation with EU-wide group exchanges involving older people;

| 53. | Stresses that a policy for justice between the generations must aim to create the necessary tools for conducting an open and frank intergenerational dialogue with a view to achieving win-win situations; calls on the Commission and the Member States to work intensively on such tools in order to create solidarity; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Stresses that a policy for justice between the generations must aim to create the necessary tools for conducting an open and frank intergenerational dialogue with a view to achieving win-win situations; calls on the Commission and the Member States to work intensively on such tools in order to create solidarity;

| 54. | Stresses the importance of social enterprises that help to provide services for the elderly and look after their health and participation in society; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Stresses the importance of social enterprises that help to provide services for the elderly and look after their health and participation in society;

| 55. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

55.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 246, 23.9.2011, p. 5.

(2)  OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 16.

(3)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0328.

(4)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0204.

(5)  OJ C 74 E, 13.3.2012, p. 19.

(6)  Proposal for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation (COM(2008)0426).

(7)  European Commission (2012). Special Eurobarometer 378 on Active Ageing.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/155 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/155

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P8_TA(2015)0310

Implementation of the 2011 White paper on transport

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on the implementation of the 2011 White Paper on Transport: taking stock and the way forward towards sustainable mobility (2015/2005(INI))

(2017/C 316/16)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission White Paper entitled ‘Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area — Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system’ (COM(2011)0144), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission White Paper entitled ‘Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area — Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system’ (COM(2011)0144),

| — | having regard to the public hearing entitled ‘White Paper on Transport: taking stock and the way forward towards sustainable mobility’ held by its Committee on Transport and Tourism on 17 March 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the public hearing entitled ‘White Paper on Transport: taking stock and the way forward towards sustainable mobility’ held by its Committee on Transport and Tourism on 17 March 2015,

| — | having regard to the European Economic and Social Committee Opinion of 22 April 2015 entitled ‘Roadmap to a single European transport area — progress and challenges’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Economic and Social Committee Opinion of 22 April 2015 entitled ‘Roadmap to a single European transport area — progress and challenges’,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 December 2011 on the Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area — Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 December 2011 on the Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area — Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 6 July 2010 on a sustainable future for transport (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 6 July 2010 on a sustainable future for transport (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 July 2007 on Keeping Europe moving – Sustainable mobility for our continent (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 July 2007 on Keeping Europe moving – Sustainable mobility for our continent (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 February 2003 on the Commission White Paper ‘European transport policy for 2010: time to decide’ (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 February 2003 on the Commission White Paper ‘European transport policy for 2010: time to decide’ (4),

| — | having regard to the Commission White Paper entitled ‘European Transport Policy for 2010: time to decide’ (COM(2001)0370), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission White Paper entitled ‘European Transport Policy for 2010: time to decide’ (COM(2001)0370),

| — | having regard to the upcoming COP21 Climate Conference in December 2015 in Paris, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the upcoming COP21 Climate Conference in December 2015 in Paris,

| — | having regard to the Energy Union Package and its Communication entitled ‘A Framework Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy’ (COM(2015)0080), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Energy Union Package and its Communication entitled ‘A Framework Strategy for a Resilient Energy Union with a Forward-Looking Climate Change Policy’ (COM(2015)0080),

| — | having regard to the European Council conclusions of 23 and 24 October 2014 on the 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Council conclusions of 23 and 24 October 2014 on the 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘A Digital Single Market Strategy for Europe’ (COM(2015)0192), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘A Digital Single Market Strategy for Europe’ (COM(2015)0192),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Together towards competitive and resource-efficient urban mobility’ (COM(2013)0913), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Together towards competitive and resource-efficient urban mobility’ (COM(2013)0913),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 27 September 2011 on European road safety 2011-2020 (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 27 September 2011 on European road safety 2011-2020 (5),

| — | 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 Transport and Tourism (A8-0246/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (A8-0246/2015),

| A. | whereas the White Paper on Transport set an ambitious agenda for the transformation of the European transport system and the creation of a genuine Single European Transport Area; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the White Paper on Transport set an ambitious agenda for the transformation of the European transport system and the creation of a genuine Single European Transport Area;

| B. | whereas the transport sector represents a driving force of the EU economy, employing around 10 million people and accounting for about 5 % of GDP, which should remain a frontrunner in generating further economic growth and job creation, and promoting competitiveness, sustainable development and territorial cohesion; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the transport sector represents a driving force of the EU economy, employing around 10 million people and accounting for about 5 % of GDP, which should remain a frontrunner in generating further economic growth and job creation, and promoting competitiveness, sustainable development and territorial cohesion;

| C. | whereas transport is a sector where Europe is a world leader, in both manufacturing and transport operations, and it is crucial that European transport continues to develop, invest and renew itself in a sustainable manner, in order to maintain its technological leadership at global level, continue exporting its standards worldwide and maintain its competitive position in all transport modes within a global economy ever more characterised by the emergence of powerful new players and new business models; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas transport is a sector where Europe is a world leader, in both manufacturing and transport operations, and it is crucial that European transport continues to develop, invest and renew itself in a sustainable manner, in order to maintain its technological leadership at global level, continue exporting its standards worldwide and maintain its competitive position in all transport modes within a global economy ever more characterised by the emergence of powerful new players and new business models;

| D. | whereas the premises of our society are changing as a result of digitalisation, urbanisation, globalisation and demographic change, and we need a shift in existing transport policy paradigms that can cope with the challenges of the future; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the premises of our society are changing as a result of digitalisation, urbanisation, globalisation and demographic change, and we need a shift in existing transport policy paradigms that can cope with the challenges of the future;

| E. | whereas transport is fundamental to the free movement of people, goods and services, on which the single market is based, and free movement is both a powerful driving force for integration within the Union and a key factor in the performance of European industry and commerce; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas transport is fundamental to the free movement of people, goods and services, on which the single market is based, and free movement is both a powerful driving force for integration within the Union and a key factor in the performance of European industry and commerce;

| F. | whereas transport continues to be nearly fully dependent on fossil fuels and is the only sector where greenhouse gas emissions have grown over the last 25 years, and without the recent economic downturn emissions growth could have been even bigger; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas transport continues to be nearly fully dependent on fossil fuels and is the only sector where greenhouse gas emissions have grown over the last 25 years, and without the recent economic downturn emissions growth could have been even bigger;

| G. | whereas there is an urgent need to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of the transport system and reduce its dependence on oil and fossil energy resources in a cost-efficient manner without sacrificing its competitiveness and curbing mobility, in line with the objectives set in the White Paper; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas there is an urgent need to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of the transport system and reduce its dependence on oil and fossil energy resources in a cost-efficient manner without sacrificing its competitiveness and curbing mobility, in line with the objectives set in the White Paper;

| H. | whereas advanced sustainable biofuels, particularly those produced from processing waste and residues in line with the waste management hierarchy (6), represent an untapped potential for reducing the European transport system’s dependence on oil and for curbing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas advanced sustainable biofuels, particularly those produced from processing waste and residues in line with the waste management hierarchy (6), represent an untapped potential for reducing the European transport system’s dependence on oil and for curbing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector;

| I. | whereas it is essential to ensure the successful development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) within the agreed time frames, to effectively link the transport networks of all EU regions, connecting the geographically peripheral regions to the centre of the EU, and to eliminate disparities between levels of infrastructure development and maintenance, in particular between the eastern and western parts of the Union; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas it is essential to ensure the successful development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) within the agreed time frames, to effectively link the transport networks of all EU regions, connecting the geographically peripheral regions to the centre of the EU, and to eliminate disparities between levels of infrastructure development and maintenance, in particular between the eastern and western parts of the Union;

| J. | whereas investment in transport infrastructure has a positive impact on economic growth, job creation and trade, and it is therefore necessary to eliminate barriers which hinder private investment in transport infrastructure; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas investment in transport infrastructure has a positive impact on economic growth, job creation and trade, and it is therefore necessary to eliminate barriers which hinder private investment in transport infrastructure;

| K. | whereas transport infrastructure generally requires long-term financing, and levels of investment have fallen in recent times owing to a lack of confidence among lawmakers, project developers and the financial sector; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas transport infrastructure generally requires long-term financing, and levels of investment have fallen in recent times owing to a lack of confidence among lawmakers, project developers and the financial sector;

| L. | whereas there has for many years been serious under-investment in public transport infrastructure across the EU, and whereas improved facilities for pedestrians, elderly people and passengers with reduced mobility are part of Union's goals and require additional funds; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas there has for many years been serious under-investment in public transport infrastructure across the EU, and whereas improved facilities for pedestrians, elderly people and passengers with reduced mobility are part of Union's goals and require additional funds;

| M. | whereas one of the main objectives of the White Paper should be to make people and their rights as passengers the central objective of transport policy; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas one of the main objectives of the White Paper should be to make people and their rights as passengers the central objective of transport policy;

| N. | whereas innovation and intelligent transport systems should play a major role in the development of a modern, efficient, sustainable and interoperable European transport system that is accessible to all; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas innovation and intelligent transport systems should play a major role in the development of a modern, efficient, sustainable and interoperable European transport system that is accessible to all;

| O. | whereas multimodal networks and the integration of different transport modes and services are potentially beneficial for improving passenger and freight transport connections and efficiency, thus helping to reduce carbon and other harmful emissions; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas multimodal networks and the integration of different transport modes and services are potentially beneficial for improving passenger and freight transport connections and efficiency, thus helping to reduce carbon and other harmful emissions;

| P. | whereas the creation of a genuine Single European Transport Area will not be possible without effective implementation of EU legislation by Member States and, where necessary, simplification of the existing regulatory framework to ensure legal clarity and improved enforcement; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the creation of a genuine Single European Transport Area will not be possible without effective implementation of EU legislation by Member States and, where necessary, simplification of the existing regulatory framework to ensure legal clarity and improved enforcement;

| Q. | whereas it is necessary to eliminate all the residual barriers, technical incompatibilities and burdensome administrative procedures that impede the achievement of a fully integrated transport system, and to oppose any new measures introduced by Member States which create barriers to the free movement of goods and services; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas it is necessary to eliminate all the residual barriers, technical incompatibilities and burdensome administrative procedures that impede the achievement of a fully integrated transport system, and to oppose any new measures introduced by Member States which create barriers to the free movement of goods and services;

| R. | whereas further market opening needs to go hand in hand with quality jobs and decent working conditions, a high standard of services and fair competition in all the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas further market opening needs to go hand in hand with quality jobs and decent working conditions, a high standard of services and fair competition in all the Member States;

| S. | whereas the last report from the Commission on Road Safety in the European Union (7) revealed that the number of road fatalities in Europe decreased by 1 % in 2014, a considerably lower figure than the 8 % drop recorded in 2012 and again in 2013; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas the last report from the Commission on Road Safety in the European Union (7) revealed that the number of road fatalities in Europe decreased by 1 % in 2014, a considerably lower figure than the 8 % drop recorded in 2012 and again in 2013;

Implementation and mid-term review of the White Paper

| 1. | Welcomes the Commission’s intention to carry out a mid-term review of the White Paper, with the aim of assessing the progress achieved and proposing further actions to reach its objectives; considers that, while it is too early to fully assess the impact of a number of policy measures taken since the adoption of the White Paper, a stocktaking exercise is necessary to obtain an overview of the state of play in the implementation of the 40 initiatives and 131 action points listed in its Annex; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welcomes the Commission’s intention to carry out a mid-term review of the White Paper, with the aim of assessing the progress achieved and proposing further actions to reach its objectives; considers that, while it is too early to fully assess the impact of a number of policy measures taken since the adoption of the White Paper, a stocktaking exercise is necessary to obtain an overview of the state of play in the implementation of the 40 initiatives and 131 action points listed in its Annex;

| 2. | Reiterates its support for the targets set out in the White Paper and the ‘Ten goals for a competitive and resource-efficient transport system: benchmarks for achieving the 60 % GHG emission reduction target’; stresses that the mid-term review should maintain at least the level of ambition of the goals set in 2011 and propose concrete, realistic and evidence-based measures and initiatives to increase, speed up and streamline the efforts to meet them; calls on the Commission to evaluate the extent to which the list of actions set out in the White Paper is sufficient to achieve its overarching goals, and to propose additional legislative measures; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Reiterates its support for the targets set out in the White Paper and the ‘Ten goals for a competitive and resource-efficient transport system: benchmarks for achieving the 60 % GHG emission reduction target’; stresses that the mid-term review should maintain at least the level of ambition of the goals set in 2011 and propose concrete, realistic and evidence-based measures and initiatives to increase, speed up and streamline the efforts to meet them; calls on the Commission to evaluate the extent to which the list of actions set out in the White Paper is sufficient to achieve its overarching goals, and to propose additional legislative measures;

| 3. | Calls on the Commission to update the emission reduction targets in the White Paper in line with Parliament’s resolution of 5 February 2014 on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies (8) and the European Council conclusions of 23 and 24 October 2014 on the 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework, and to propose measures aimed at further reduction of transport emissions, in order to help Member States reach the overall ‘binding EU target of an at least 40 % domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990’ (‘with the reductions in the ETS and non-ETS sectors amounting to 43 % and 30 % by 2030 compared to 2005, respectively’); |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Commission to update the emission reduction targets in the White Paper in line with Parliament’s resolution of 5 February 2014 on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies (8) and the European Council conclusions of 23 and 24 October 2014 on the 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework, and to propose measures aimed at further reduction of transport emissions, in order to help Member States reach the overall ‘binding EU target of an at least 40 % domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990’ (‘with the reductions in the ETS and non-ETS sectors amounting to 43 % and 30 % by 2030 compared to 2005, respectively’);

| 4. | Stresses that the 2030 reduction target for GHG emissions from transport should be set at a level that will allow the achievement of the long-term target of the White Paper of an at least 60 % reduction of GHG emissions from transport by 2050; calls in this context on the Commission to propose a comprehensive strategy for the decarbonisation of transport; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Stresses that the 2030 reduction target for GHG emissions from transport should be set at a level that will allow the achievement of the long-term target of the White Paper of an at least 60 % reduction of GHG emissions from transport by 2050; calls in this context on the Commission to propose a comprehensive strategy for the decarbonisation of transport;

General principles: modal shift and co-modality

| 5. | Stresses that a European sustainable mobility policy needs to build on a broad range of policy tools to shift towards the least polluting and most energy-efficient modes of transport in a cost-efficient manner; points out that shifting the balance between modes of transport is not an end in itself but is necessary to disconnect mobility from the adverse effects of the present transport system such as congestion, air pollution, noise, accidents and climate change; acknowledges that the modal shift policy has not so far delivered satisfactory results; stresses, therefore, that all modes of transport must be optimised and become more environmentally friendly, safe and energy-efficient in order to achieve a high level of both mobility and environmental protection; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Stresses that a European sustainable mobility policy needs to build on a broad range of policy tools to shift towards the least polluting and most energy-efficient modes of transport in a cost-efficient manner; points out that shifting the balance between modes of transport is not an end in itself but is necessary to disconnect mobility from the adverse effects of the present transport system such as congestion, air pollution, noise, accidents and climate change; acknowledges that the modal shift policy has not so far delivered satisfactory results; stresses, therefore, that all modes of transport must be optimised and become more environmentally friendly, safe and energy-efficient in order to achieve a high level of both mobility and environmental protection;

| 6. | Considers that the development of passenger and freight transport is largely dependent on the effective use of the various modes of transport, and that European transport policy should therefore be based on efficient co-modality, where the use of the most energy-efficient and sustainable transport modes should be prioritised where possible; believes that this will lead to an optimal rebalancing between the different transport modes, and will provide for interoperability within and between the modes, promote more sustainable transport and logistics chains and enhance seamless traffic flows across modes and nodes; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Considers that the development of passenger and freight transport is largely dependent on the effective use of the various modes of transport, and that European transport policy should therefore be based on efficient co-modality, where the use of the most energy-efficient and sustainable transport modes should be prioritised where possible; believes that this will lead to an optimal rebalancing between the different transport modes, and will provide for interoperability within and between the modes, promote more sustainable transport and logistics chains and enhance seamless traffic flows across modes and nodes;

Modern infrastructure and smart funding

| 7. | Calls on the Commission to submit proposals to provide for the internalisation of the external costs of all modes of freight and passenger transport, by applying a common, coherent and transparent EU methodology and taking into account the specificity of each mode, including a coherent analysis of externalities that have already been internalised so as to avoid double taxation; calls for concrete measures to ensure a wider application of the ‘user pays’ and ‘polluter pays’ principles, including guidelines and best practices, and for a level playing field to be ensured between transport modes, abolishing environmentally harmful tax subsidies where appropriate, while maintaining the competitiveness of all EU regions; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the Commission to submit proposals to provide for the internalisation of the external costs of all modes of freight and passenger transport, by applying a common, coherent and transparent EU methodology and taking into account the specificity of each mode, including a coherent analysis of externalities that have already been internalised so as to avoid double taxation; calls for concrete measures to ensure a wider application of the ‘user pays’ and ‘polluter pays’ principles, including guidelines and best practices, and for a level playing field to be ensured between transport modes, abolishing environmentally harmful tax subsidies where appropriate, while maintaining the competitiveness of all EU regions;

| 8. | Calls on the Commission to propose a general framework for national road charging schemes for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, which should be non-discriminatory for third-country residents and prioritise distance-based charging; invites the Member States to earmark the revenue from infrastructure charges for the building and maintenance of safe transport infrastructure and the mitigation of transport-related environmental problems; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the Commission to propose a general framework for national road charging schemes for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, which should be non-discriminatory for third-country residents and prioritise distance-based charging; invites the Member States to earmark the revenue from infrastructure charges for the building and maintenance of safe transport infrastructure and the mitigation of transport-related environmental problems;

| 9. | Emphasises that the completion of the Trans-European Transport Network remains one of the preconditions for a more sustainable, efficient, seamless multimodal transport system and a more balanced distribution of freight and passengers among transport modes; stresses that the selection of projects eligible for EU funding must focus on the nine core network corridors, the completion of missing links, in particular cross-border sections, the elimination of bottlenecks, the upgrading of existing infrastructure, innovative transport solutions, interoperability, and the development of multimodal terminals and urban nodes; it should also put greater emphasis on European added value, on the development of infrastructure for the connectivity of the peripheral, island, mountainous and outermost regions, and on support for projects connecting the Trans-European Transport Network with infrastructure networks of neighbouring and candidate countries; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Emphasises that the completion of the Trans-European Transport Network remains one of the preconditions for a more sustainable, efficient, seamless multimodal transport system and a more balanced distribution of freight and passengers among transport modes; stresses that the selection of projects eligible for EU funding must focus on the nine core network corridors, the completion of missing links, in particular cross-border sections, the elimination of bottlenecks, the upgrading of existing infrastructure, innovative transport solutions, interoperability, and the development of multimodal terminals and urban nodes; it should also put greater emphasis on European added value, on the development of infrastructure for the connectivity of the peripheral, island, mountainous and outermost regions, and on support for projects connecting the Trans-European Transport Network with infrastructure networks of neighbouring and candidate countries;

| 10. | Considers that EU funding must reflect the real investment needs for completing the TEN-T core network by 2030, and that the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) instrument and other means of financing should stimulate investment in transport infrastructure following the criteria set out in the TEN-T guidelines and CEF, giving priority to sustainable means of transport such as rail, inland waterways and short sea shipping; emphasises that co-funded projects should reflect the need for infrastructure that benefits the Union in terms of competitiveness and economic, social and territorial cohesion, that minimises the impact on the environment, that is resilient to the possible impact of climate change and that guarantees the health and safety of users; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Considers that EU funding must reflect the real investment needs for completing the TEN-T core network by 2030, and that the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) instrument and other means of financing should stimulate investment in transport infrastructure following the criteria set out in the TEN-T guidelines and CEF, giving priority to sustainable means of transport such as rail, inland waterways and short sea shipping; emphasises that co-funded projects should reflect the need for infrastructure that benefits the Union in terms of competitiveness and economic, social and territorial cohesion, that minimises the impact on the environment, that is resilient to the possible impact of climate change and that guarantees the health and safety of users;

| 11. | Calls for a drastic increase in the funds allocated to the Connecting Europe Facility and for more European competences in the preparation, implementation and financing of transnational transport planning and infrastructure financing; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Calls for a drastic increase in the funds allocated to the Connecting Europe Facility and for more European competences in the preparation, implementation and financing of transnational transport planning and infrastructure financing;

| 12. | Stresses that the quality of road infrastructure, which has a direct impact on road safety, differs significantly across the EU and that more than 90 per cent of road accident deaths in the Member States occur on urban and rural roads; stresses that efficient financing of this type of infrastructure must be further promoted through different EU policies and instruments, especially in the cohesion countries; stresses also the need for proper maintenance of the existing infrastructure, including the secondary road network; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Stresses that the quality of road infrastructure, which has a direct impact on road safety, differs significantly across the EU and that more than 90 per cent of road accident deaths in the Member States occur on urban and rural roads; stresses that efficient financing of this type of infrastructure must be further promoted through different EU policies and instruments, especially in the cohesion countries; stresses also the need for proper maintenance of the existing infrastructure, including the secondary road network;

| 13. | Stresses that the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), proposed by the Commission as part of the Juncker Investment Plan for Europe, should give priority to sustainable transport and to infrastructure projects of vital importance that deliver high societal, economic and environmental value, and should target projects that promote high-quality job creation, long-term growth, competitiveness, innovation and territorial cohesion, including sustainable urban projects and rail projects, in accordance with EU transport policy goals and legislation (TEN-T guidelines, CEF); in this context, new ways of funding such as public-private partnerships and concessions deserve more attention and application; stresses that the process for selecting projects to be funded by EFSI should be transparent and involve relevant stakeholders from the public and private sector; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Stresses that the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), proposed by the Commission as part of the Juncker Investment Plan for Europe, should give priority to sustainable transport and to infrastructure projects of vital importance that deliver high societal, economic and environmental value, and should target projects that promote high-quality job creation, long-term growth, competitiveness, innovation and territorial cohesion, including sustainable urban projects and rail projects, in accordance with EU transport policy goals and legislation (TEN-T guidelines, CEF); in this context, new ways of funding such as public-private partnerships and concessions deserve more attention and application; stresses that the process for selecting projects to be funded by EFSI should be transparent and involve relevant stakeholders from the public and private sector;

| 14. | Considers that EFSI should be funded as a priority from non-allocated resources within the EU budget and only as a last resort from the non-used funds of programmes under heading 1A of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2014-2020; emphasises that the financing of the guarantee fund should be reviewed in the framework of the 2016 mid-term review of the MFF and, on the basis of the analysis of the performance and execution rates of the different programmes, alternative funding options should be identified in order to minimise to the greatest possible extent redeployment of funds from heading 1A for the 2016-2020 period; stresses that the European Parliament and the Council should also explore ways to compensate to the largest possible extent for redeployments from EU programmes agreed in the framework of the annual budgetary procedure as a source of financing for EFSI in the years preceding the MFF mid-term review; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Considers that EFSI should be funded as a priority from non-allocated resources within the EU budget and only as a last resort from the non-used funds of programmes under heading 1A of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2014-2020; emphasises that the financing of the guarantee fund should be reviewed in the framework of the 2016 mid-term review of the MFF and, on the basis of the analysis of the performance and execution rates of the different programmes, alternative funding options should be identified in order to minimise to the greatest possible extent redeployment of funds from heading 1A for the 2016-2020 period; stresses that the European Parliament and the Council should also explore ways to compensate to the largest possible extent for redeployments from EU programmes agreed in the framework of the annual budgetary procedure as a source of financing for EFSI in the years preceding the MFF mid-term review;

| 15. | Reaffirms its support for innovative financial instruments that allow public spending to be optimised by better mobilisation of private financing, but recalls that many projects in the transport sector do not generate enough revenue to rely exclusively on these types of instrument, and thus require support in the form of subsidies; |
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15.

Reaffirms its support for innovative financial instruments that allow public spending to be optimised by better mobilisation of private financing, but recalls that many projects in the transport sector do not generate enough revenue to rely exclusively on these types of instrument, and thus require support in the form of subsidies;

| 16. | Stresses that the rapid deployment and application of intelligent transport systems is necessary to allow a more efficient, sustainable and safe use of vehicles and of the existing infrastructure and to provide additional capacity without the time, cost and land-take required for the construction of new infrastructure; stresses the importance of effective use of frequencies and interoperability between intelligent transport systems to enable seamless traffic flows across modes and nodes; calls for the timely implementation of the deployment and exploitation phases of the EU Satellite Navigation Programmes, and the effective development of transport applications within the Galileo and EGNOS systems; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Stresses that the rapid deployment and application of intelligent transport systems is necessary to allow a more efficient, sustainable and safe use of vehicles and of the existing infrastructure and to provide additional capacity without the time, cost and land-take required for the construction of new infrastructure; stresses the importance of effective use of frequencies and interoperability between intelligent transport systems to enable seamless traffic flows across modes and nodes; calls for the timely implementation of the deployment and exploitation phases of the EU Satellite Navigation Programmes, and the effective development of transport applications within the Galileo and EGNOS systems;

Sustainable transport and urban mobility

| 17. | Stresses that improving energy efficiency should be one of the top priorities of the European transport policy; states that there is an acute need to improve the resource efficiency of the transport system as a whole, with a view to more efficient use of existing capacity, improving the utilisation rate of vehicles and ensuring that public financing is allocated at national and EU level to measures with the highest impact; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Stresses that improving energy efficiency should be one of the top priorities of the European transport policy; states that there is an acute need to improve the resource efficiency of the transport system as a whole, with a view to more efficient use of existing capacity, improving the utilisation rate of vehicles and ensuring that public financing is allocated at national and EU level to measures with the highest impact;

| 18. | Emphasises the importance of promoting electro-mobility and electric public transport systems, coupled with the introduction of renewable energy sources in the electricity sector, giving priority to the further electrification of the rail network and the promotion of tramways, electric buses (trolleybuses), electric cars, electric two-/three-/four- wheelers, e-bikes and small electric boats; stresses the potential of modern aerial tramways (cable cars), as an inexpensive and easy-to-build means of transportation, to expand the capacity of urban public transport systems; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Emphasises the importance of promoting electro-mobility and electric public transport systems, coupled with the introduction of renewable energy sources in the electricity sector, giving priority to the further electrification of the rail network and the promotion of tramways, electric buses (trolleybuses), electric cars, electric two-/three-/four- wheelers, e-bikes and small electric boats; stresses the potential of modern aerial tramways (cable cars), as an inexpensive and easy-to-build means of transportation, to expand the capacity of urban public transport systems;

| 19. | Emphasises the importance of promoting the introduction of alternative fuels and propulsion systems, in particular those for which Europe has a major technological advantage, in order to reduce transport’s dependence on fossil fuels, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; deplores the fact that those technologies have still not been sufficiently deployed, especially in public transport; |
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19.

Emphasises the importance of promoting the introduction of alternative fuels and propulsion systems, in particular those for which Europe has a major technological advantage, in order to reduce transport’s dependence on fossil fuels, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; deplores the fact that those technologies have still not been sufficiently deployed, especially in public transport;

| 20. | Notes that public transport usage in urban areas is not clearly stated among the ten goals of the White Paper; believes that a new goal should be set of doubling public transport use in urban areas by 2030; stresses in that regard that measures should be taken to provide for facilities and infrastructure to facilitate safe door-to-door mobility of public transport users, including elderly or disabled people and cyclists who use public transport for part of their ride; underlines that achieving this goal requires appropriate investment, especially in order to ensure consistent maintenance and expansion of public transport infrastructure; urges the Member States, therefore, to provide adequate, long-term, reliable funding for urban public transport infrastructure projects; |
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20.

Notes that public transport usage in urban areas is not clearly stated among the ten goals of the White Paper; believes that a new goal should be set of doubling public transport use in urban areas by 2030; stresses in that regard that measures should be taken to provide for facilities and infrastructure to facilitate safe door-to-door mobility of public transport users, including elderly or disabled people and cyclists who use public transport for part of their ride; underlines that achieving this goal requires appropriate investment, especially in order to ensure consistent maintenance and expansion of public transport infrastructure; urges the Member States, therefore, to provide adequate, long-term, reliable funding for urban public transport infrastructure projects;

| 21. | Calls on the Commission to assist local, regional and national authorities and stakeholders to explore existing and new EU funding opportunities for public transport and develop innovative public-private partnership schemes; draws attention to the lessons to be learnt from the European Court of Auditors special report (No 1/2014) entitled ‘Effectiveness of EU-supported public urban transport projects’, which assessed the implementation and effectiveness of urban public transport projects co-financed by EU structural funds and the extent to which they meet user needs and achieve their objectives in terms of utilisation; |
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21.

Calls on the Commission to assist local, regional and national authorities and stakeholders to explore existing and new EU funding opportunities for public transport and develop innovative public-private partnership schemes; draws attention to the lessons to be learnt from the European Court of Auditors special report (No 1/2014) entitled ‘Effectiveness of EU-supported public urban transport projects’, which assessed the implementation and effectiveness of urban public transport projects co-financed by EU structural funds and the extent to which they meet user needs and achieve their objectives in terms of utilisation;

| 22. | Emphasises the importance of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) as a tool to help cities make more efficient use of transport infrastructure and services and improve integration into the urban area of the different mobility modes in a sustainable manner, thereby contributing to the reduction of air and noise pollution, CO2 emissions, congestion and road accidents; calls on the Commission to continue supporting the development and promotion of SUMPs; stresses that the European structural and investment funds should be used more systematically for cities that have developed an integrated local transport plan, such as a SUMP, and identified the appropriate actions in accordance with the criteria set out in the relevant legislation; |
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22.

Emphasises the importance of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) as a tool to help cities make more efficient use of transport infrastructure and services and improve integration into the urban area of the different mobility modes in a sustainable manner, thereby contributing to the reduction of air and noise pollution, CO2 emissions, congestion and road accidents; calls on the Commission to continue supporting the development and promotion of SUMPs; stresses that the European structural and investment funds should be used more systematically for cities that have developed an integrated local transport plan, such as a SUMP, and identified the appropriate actions in accordance with the criteria set out in the relevant legislation;

| 23. | Calls on the Commission to work with public transport operators and authorities with the aim of providing travel information to users through different media, including information addressing the needs of people with disabilities, and to play a greater role in identifying EU-wide best practices and conditions for improving urban public transport systems; calls also on the Commission and the Member States to safeguard the obligation for urban transport systems to connect city centres with their peripheral areas; |
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23.

Calls on the Commission to work with public transport operators and authorities with the aim of providing travel information to users through different media, including information addressing the needs of people with disabilities, and to play a greater role in identifying EU-wide best practices and conditions for improving urban public transport systems; calls also on the Commission and the Member States to safeguard the obligation for urban transport systems to connect city centres with their peripheral areas;

| 24. | Stresses that urban areas need a certain degree of flexibility to enable them to meet their obligations under EU law in full respect of the principle of subsidiarity and to ensure that mobility solutions are adapted to their specific circumstances; |
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24.

Stresses that urban areas need a certain degree of flexibility to enable them to meet their obligations under EU law in full respect of the principle of subsidiarity and to ensure that mobility solutions are adapted to their specific circumstances;

| 25. | Stresses that the behaviour of transport users is key to the development of a more sustainable transport system; calls for initiatives that motivate and enable users, especially young people, to use safer and more sustainable means of transport (walking, cycling, including bike sharing and renting, public transport, car sharing, carpooling), which should be deployed within a safe infrastructure, and for journey planning and real-time information to be made available in order to facilitate the intermodal use of different transport modes through Intelligent Transport Systems; calls on the Commission to identify best-practice examples of combining multiple modes of transport with the potential to be implemented in other urban agglomerations; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Stresses that the behaviour of transport users is key to the development of a more sustainable transport system; calls for initiatives that motivate and enable users, especially young people, to use safer and more sustainable means of transport (walking, cycling, including bike sharing and renting, public transport, car sharing, carpooling), which should be deployed within a safe infrastructure, and for journey planning and real-time information to be made available in order to facilitate the intermodal use of different transport modes through Intelligent Transport Systems; calls on the Commission to identify best-practice examples of combining multiple modes of transport with the potential to be implemented in other urban agglomerations;

| 26. | Stresses the need for better national and EU transport data on the behaviour of transport users, in particular as regards walking, cycling and gender-differentiated travel patterns, to be used by local authorities when defining their urban mobility policies; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Stresses the need for better national and EU transport data on the behaviour of transport users, in particular as regards walking, cycling and gender-differentiated travel patterns, to be used by local authorities when defining their urban mobility policies;

| 27. | Emphasises the importance of taking steps to support regional programmes for creating and expanding cycling networks in large European regions, in order to encourage citizens to take more responsibility in environmental matters, to give everyone the opportunity to cycle, and to reduce noise pollution, congestion and urban pollution; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Emphasises the importance of taking steps to support regional programmes for creating and expanding cycling networks in large European regions, in order to encourage citizens to take more responsibility in environmental matters, to give everyone the opportunity to cycle, and to reduce noise pollution, congestion and urban pollution;

| 28. | Highlights the importance of analysing the positive effects on society of new forms of mobility supported by the Sharing Economy model, including ride-sharing; considers it important that there is a sharing of best practices among Member States so that regulatory adjustment is made to take account of these door-to-door mobility innovation platforms; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Highlights the importance of analysing the positive effects on society of new forms of mobility supported by the Sharing Economy model, including ride-sharing; considers it important that there is a sharing of best practices among Member States so that regulatory adjustment is made to take account of these door-to-door mobility innovation platforms;

| 29. | Calls on the Commission to monitor the situation in the different Member States as regards the operation of transportation network companies that match drivers to passengers (Uber being the most prominent example), and to carry out an assessment of the legal, social, economic and environmental consequences arising from the operation of such companies, accompanied, if appropriate, by relevant measures or recommendations for developing innovative new services in Europe, taking into account the existing taxi services; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Calls on the Commission to monitor the situation in the different Member States as regards the operation of transportation network companies that match drivers to passengers (Uber being the most prominent example), and to carry out an assessment of the legal, social, economic and environmental consequences arising from the operation of such companies, accompanied, if appropriate, by relevant measures or recommendations for developing innovative new services in Europe, taking into account the existing taxi services;

| 30. | Calls on the Commission to require the Member States to provide conditions of fair competition between shared transportation companies and traditional taxi and intercity transport companies as regards compliance with tax legislation, safety, public service obligations and employment conditions; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Calls on the Commission to require the Member States to provide conditions of fair competition between shared transportation companies and traditional taxi and intercity transport companies as regards compliance with tax legislation, safety, public service obligations and employment conditions;

| 31. | Stresses that powered two-wheelers (motorcycles, scooters and mopeds) and, increasingly, e-powered two- and three-wheelers play a significant role in sustainable mobility, especially in urban areas where they contribute to tackling congestion and parking problems as well as providing a solution for small logistics; insists, therefore, that the specific design and afferent benefits of these vehicles should be adequately taken into account and reflected in EU transport legislation and guidelines; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Stresses that powered two-wheelers (motorcycles, scooters and mopeds) and, increasingly, e-powered two- and three-wheelers play a significant role in sustainable mobility, especially in urban areas where they contribute to tackling congestion and parking problems as well as providing a solution for small logistics; insists, therefore, that the specific design and afferent benefits of these vehicles should be adequately taken into account and reflected in EU transport legislation and guidelines;

| 32. | Calls for better optimisation of the supply chain in urban areas; urban freight vehicles contribute disproportionately to air and noise pollution and have a negative impact on congestion; urban logistics should foster optimisation of transport and cost-effective introduction of new types of operations, technologies and business models; better selection of modes and vehicles can ensure that a transport solution is optimally matched with the specific requirements of the shipment and the city in question; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Calls for better optimisation of the supply chain in urban areas; urban freight vehicles contribute disproportionately to air and noise pollution and have a negative impact on congestion; urban logistics should foster optimisation of transport and cost-effective introduction of new types of operations, technologies and business models; better selection of modes and vehicles can ensure that a transport solution is optimally matched with the specific requirements of the shipment and the city in question;

| 33. | Stresses the importance of logistics depots located on the edge of urban areas, enabling goods to be transported to their destination in a coordinated way using the most energy-efficient modes of transport; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Stresses the importance of logistics depots located on the edge of urban areas, enabling goods to be transported to their destination in a coordinated way using the most energy-efficient modes of transport;

Placing people at the heart of transport policy

| 34. | Calls, with regard to road safety, for:






  — | the swift adoption of a 2020 target of a 40 % reduction in the number of people seriously injured, accompanied by a fully fledged EU strategy; calls on the Member States to provide without delay all relevant statistical data so as to enable the Commission to set that target and strategy, |
| --- | --- | --- |

34.

Calls, with regard to road safety, for:

—

the swift adoption of a 2020 target of a 40 % reduction in the number of people seriously injured, accompanied by a fully fledged EU strategy; calls on the Member States to provide without delay all relevant statistical data so as to enable the Commission to set that target and strategy,

| — | a strengthening of actions aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries on the road, with particular attention to the main causes, including driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, excessive speed and not wearing seatbelts, |
| --- | --- |

—

a strengthening of actions aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries on the road, with particular attention to the main causes, including driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, excessive speed and not wearing seatbelts,

| — | action to attain the 2020 road safety target of less than 15 000 fatalities, through the introduction and implementation of cost-effective road safety measures at EU and national level, |
| --- | --- |

—

action to attain the 2020 road safety target of less than 15 000 fatalities, through the introduction and implementation of cost-effective road safety measures at EU and national level,

| — | actions to reduce accidents among vulnerable users, in particular users of two-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians in urban environments and older drivers, |
| --- | --- |

—

actions to reduce accidents among vulnerable users, in particular users of two-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians in urban environments and older drivers,

| — | road safety measures within the upcoming Road Package and a mid-term review of the Commission’s Road Safety Programme 2011-2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

road safety measures within the upcoming Road Package and a mid-term review of the Commission’s Road Safety Programme 2011-2020,

| — | a review of Directive (EU) 2015/413 facilitating cross-border exchange of information on road-safety-related traffic offences, and efforts to extend its application to the EU’s neighbouring countries, |
| --- | --- |

—

a review of Directive (EU) 2015/413 facilitating cross-border exchange of information on road-safety-related traffic offences, and efforts to extend its application to the EU’s neighbouring countries,

| — | the extension, within the revision of Directive 2008/96/EC on road infrastructure safety management, of its four main measures to other parts of the road network, including all parts of motorways and rural and urban roads, |
| --- | --- |

—

the extension, within the revision of Directive 2008/96/EC on road infrastructure safety management, of its four main measures to other parts of the road network, including all parts of motorways and rural and urban roads,

| — | actions to be prioritised, as suggested by the Action Plan and defined by the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Directive (2010/40/EU), with regard to vulnerable road users, |
| --- | --- |

—

actions to be prioritised, as suggested by the Action Plan and defined by the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Directive (2010/40/EU), with regard to vulnerable road users,

| — | a review of the Professional Drivers Training and Qualification Directive with the aim of clarifying its provisions, and the promotion and development of post-licence training schemes for all vehicle users, |
| --- | --- |

—

a review of the Professional Drivers Training and Qualification Directive with the aim of clarifying its provisions, and the promotion and development of post-licence training schemes for all vehicle users,

| — | a proposal by 2016 to review the General Safety Regulation ((EC) No 661/2009) and the Pedestrian Protection Regulation ((EC) No 78/2009) in order to establish mandatory rules for heavy goods vehicles’ (HGVs’) cab design and safety, direct vision, crash performance and pedestrian protection, prioritising vulnerable road users, |
| --- | --- |

—

a proposal by 2016 to review the General Safety Regulation ((EC) No 661/2009) and the Pedestrian Protection Regulation ((EC) No 78/2009) in order to establish mandatory rules for heavy goods vehicles’ (HGVs’) cab design and safety, direct vision, crash performance and pedestrian protection, prioritising vulnerable road users,

| — | greater application in new passenger cars and commercial vehicles of driver assistance safety systems such as automated emergency braking (AEA), distance warning, lane departure warning (LDW), tyre wear indicators, overridable intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) and eCall, coupled with cooperative intelligent transport systems, |
| --- | --- |

—

greater application in new passenger cars and commercial vehicles of driver assistance safety systems such as automated emergency braking (AEA), distance warning, lane departure warning (LDW), tyre wear indicators, overridable intelligent speed adaptation (ISA) and eCall, coupled with cooperative intelligent transport systems,

| — | a review of the third Driving Licence Directive, in order to introduce:






  — | mandatory training for drivers in new vehicle functions (driver assistance systems), |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

a review of the third Driving Licence Directive, in order to introduce:

—

mandatory training for drivers in new vehicle functions (driver assistance systems),

| — | a second phase for obtaining a driving licence, |
| --- | --- |

—

a second phase for obtaining a driving licence,

| — | lifelong road safety education, |
| --- | --- |

—

lifelong road safety education,

| — | a fitness test for drivers, and |
| --- | --- |

—

a fitness test for drivers, and

| — | a medical/psychological examination for traffic offenders as regards, for instance, alcohol, drugs or aggression, |
| --- | --- |

—

a medical/psychological examination for traffic offenders as regards, for instance, alcohol, drugs or aggression,

| — | a harmonised EU blood alcohol concentration limit of 0,0 for new drivers in the first two years and for professional drivers; |
| --- | --- |

—

a harmonised EU blood alcohol concentration limit of 0,0 for new drivers in the first two years and for professional drivers;

| 35. | Stresses that although significant improvements have been achieved in road safety over the past years, differences between Members States still persist and further measures are needed to attain the long-term Vision Zero objective; notes that road safety goes hand in hand with respectful behaviour by all road users, and that education in families and schools should play a greater role in achieving that objective; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Stresses that although significant improvements have been achieved in road safety over the past years, differences between Members States still persist and further measures are needed to attain the long-term Vision Zero objective; notes that road safety goes hand in hand with respectful behaviour by all road users, and that education in families and schools should play a greater role in achieving that objective;

| 36. | Stresses the need to complete the established legislative framework for passenger rights with measures aimed at eliminating all possible loopholes in the legislation, covering passengers on multimodal journeys and ensuring fair intermodal competition, while taking account of specific differences between transport modes, legal responsibility for the individual sections of the journey and the interaction between the various modes; reiterates its call for a Charter of Passenger Rights that would set out the fundamental passenger rights applicable to all modes of transport, taking account of the specificities of each mode and containing a separate section on multimodal journeys, so as to improve the visibility of EU rules and ensure better enforcement; calls for initiatives to promote and make available to passengers multimodal travel information, planning and ticketing services; asks also for measures to improve the quality of transport and facilitate barrier-free accessibility for elderly people, passengers with reduced mobility and disabled passengers, and for greater consideration to be given to passengers’ special needs, such as those of cyclists transporting their bicycles on trains; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Stresses the need to complete the established legislative framework for passenger rights with measures aimed at eliminating all possible loopholes in the legislation, covering passengers on multimodal journeys and ensuring fair intermodal competition, while taking account of specific differences between transport modes, legal responsibility for the individual sections of the journey and the interaction between the various modes; reiterates its call for a Charter of Passenger Rights that would set out the fundamental passenger rights applicable to all modes of transport, taking account of the specificities of each mode and containing a separate section on multimodal journeys, so as to improve the visibility of EU rules and ensure better enforcement; calls for initiatives to promote and make available to passengers multimodal travel information, planning and ticketing services; asks also for measures to improve the quality of transport and facilitate barrier-free accessibility for elderly people, passengers with reduced mobility and disabled passengers, and for greater consideration to be given to passengers’ special needs, such as those of cyclists transporting their bicycles on trains;

| 37. | Calls, in connection with the fundamental right of everyone to individual mobility, especially people with disabilities and the elderly, for more investment in research and development of appropriate driver-assistance systems; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Calls, in connection with the fundamental right of everyone to individual mobility, especially people with disabilities and the elderly, for more investment in research and development of appropriate driver-assistance systems;

| 38. | Notes that improving the availability of free or low-cost broadband, cellular networks, Wi-Fi and other digital services on public transport and at stations would improve personal mobility; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Notes that improving the availability of free or low-cost broadband, cellular networks, Wi-Fi and other digital services on public transport and at stations would improve personal mobility;

| 39. | Calls for an EU Roadmap aimed at establishing the framework for a European seamless multimodal passenger transport system; this Roadmap should identify key European multimodal passenger corridors under the existing TEN-T network, bring together public and private resources, align existing initiatives and concentrate EU funding support; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Calls for an EU Roadmap aimed at establishing the framework for a European seamless multimodal passenger transport system; this Roadmap should identify key European multimodal passenger corridors under the existing TEN-T network, bring together public and private resources, align existing initiatives and concentrate EU funding support;

| 40. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to address the quality of work in all transport modes, with respect in particular to training, certification, working conditions and career development, with a view to creating quality jobs, developing the necessary skills and strengthening the competitiveness and mobility of EU transport operators; stresses the importance of resolving the issue of labour turnover and of an ageing workforce in the transport sector, and the urgent need to make working in the sector attractive to new generations; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to address the quality of work in all transport modes, with respect in particular to training, certification, working conditions and career development, with a view to creating quality jobs, developing the necessary skills and strengthening the competitiveness and mobility of EU transport operators; stresses the importance of resolving the issue of labour turnover and of an ageing workforce in the transport sector, and the urgent need to make working in the sector attractive to new generations;

| 41. | Emphasises the crucial importance of ensuring equal and fair treatment, good terms and working conditions and a safe working environment for transport workers; calls on the Commission, therefore, to present concrete and immediate measures/initiatives to address social aspects in the various transport modes, with the aim of promoting high-quality jobs and working conditions for transport workers and ensuring fair and undistorted competition between transport operators; urges the Commission to closely monitor the application and enforcement of EU social legislation by Member States in all transport modes; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Emphasises the crucial importance of ensuring equal and fair treatment, good terms and working conditions and a safe working environment for transport workers; calls on the Commission, therefore, to present concrete and immediate measures/initiatives to address social aspects in the various transport modes, with the aim of promoting high-quality jobs and working conditions for transport workers and ensuring fair and undistorted competition between transport operators; urges the Commission to closely monitor the application and enforcement of EU social legislation by Member States in all transport modes;

| 42. | Stresses that measures are also necessary to boost women’s participation in the transport labour market, remove possible existing barriers, and ensure equal treatment of men and women by addressing existing remuneration and advancement gaps; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Stresses that measures are also necessary to boost women’s participation in the transport labour market, remove possible existing barriers, and ensure equal treatment of men and women by addressing existing remuneration and advancement gaps;

| 43. | Urges the Commission to ensure that proposals on the opening-up of services in all transport markets go hand in hand with the proper enforcement of EU social legislation and, where necessary, with support measures to avoid disparities between social conditions in the different Member States; stresses that the opening-up of transport markets should not lead to social dumping, poorer-quality services, less public service, unnecessary administrative burdens, unfair business practices or distortion of fair competition; it should, also, put an end to the fragmentation of the internal market and prevent the creation of monopolies or a race to the bottom with respect to the social protection of transport workers; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Urges the Commission to ensure that proposals on the opening-up of services in all transport markets go hand in hand with the proper enforcement of EU social legislation and, where necessary, with support measures to avoid disparities between social conditions in the different Member States; stresses that the opening-up of transport markets should not lead to social dumping, poorer-quality services, less public service, unnecessary administrative burdens, unfair business practices or distortion of fair competition; it should, also, put an end to the fragmentation of the internal market and prevent the creation of monopolies or a race to the bottom with respect to the social protection of transport workers;

A competitive, efficient, safe, integrated and interoperable transport system

| 44. | Emphasises that digitalisation is vital to improving the efficiency and productivity of the transport sector; stresses the need to make better use of the opportunities offered by digital technologies, and to promote new transport services, as well as new business and distribution models, in order to foster growth, competiveness and jobs; stresses also the need to provide an enabling regulatory framework for pilot projects aimed at the deployment of intelligent automated transport in Europe; notes in this regard the key role of SMEs and start-ups in fostering innovation in the transport sector; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Emphasises that digitalisation is vital to improving the efficiency and productivity of the transport sector; stresses the need to make better use of the opportunities offered by digital technologies, and to promote new transport services, as well as new business and distribution models, in order to foster growth, competiveness and jobs; stresses also the need to provide an enabling regulatory framework for pilot projects aimed at the deployment of intelligent automated transport in Europe; notes in this regard the key role of SMEs and start-ups in fostering innovation in the transport sector;

| 45. | Calls on the Commission to put the integrated approach (interoperability, inter-connectivity and intermodality), including ICT systems, at the heart of the review of the White Paper; reminds the Commission, furthermore, to combine technological advances with behavioural change in order to obtain an ambitious modal shift, as well as transport avoidance, through green logistics, proper mobility management tools and the application of digitalisation; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Calls on the Commission to put the integrated approach (interoperability, inter-connectivity and intermodality), including ICT systems, at the heart of the review of the White Paper; reminds the Commission, furthermore, to combine technological advances with behavioural change in order to obtain an ambitious modal shift, as well as transport avoidance, through green logistics, proper mobility management tools and the application of digitalisation;

| 46. | Stresses that a European sustainable mobility policy must look at synergies between all transport modes, corridors and networks, and focus on the needs of key nodes, urban areas, interconnectivity points, transhipment platforms and ports; mobility should be envisaged as a system rather than a collection of individual modes; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Stresses that a European sustainable mobility policy must look at synergies between all transport modes, corridors and networks, and focus on the needs of key nodes, urban areas, interconnectivity points, transhipment platforms and ports; mobility should be envisaged as a system rather than a collection of individual modes;

| 47. | Calls for standardisation of intermodal loading units, taking into account the loading units used in global transport and the dimensions of transport vehicles, and for uniform provisions on loading safety, in order to optimise multi-modal transport and improve safety; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Calls for standardisation of intermodal loading units, taking into account the loading units used in global transport and the dimensions of transport vehicles, and for uniform provisions on loading safety, in order to optimise multi-modal transport and improve safety;

| 48. | Insists that bureaucratic hurdles should be reduced for all forms of transport; calls for greater simplification and harmonisation of documents and administrative and customs procedures, which should be practical, efficient and workable for all parties along the logistics chain; calls on the Commission to submit a proposal for establishing an electronic framework for multimodal transport of goods (e-Freight), achieving paperless, seamless information flows along the whole transport logistics chain, taking into account existing well-functioning tools and synergies, global developments and best practices; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Insists that bureaucratic hurdles should be reduced for all forms of transport; calls for greater simplification and harmonisation of documents and administrative and customs procedures, which should be practical, efficient and workable for all parties along the logistics chain; calls on the Commission to submit a proposal for establishing an electronic framework for multimodal transport of goods (e-Freight), achieving paperless, seamless information flows along the whole transport logistics chain, taking into account existing well-functioning tools and synergies, global developments and best practices;

| 49. | Calls for the introduction of a new goal, accompanied by the necessary measures, of shifting 50 % of the current transport of dangerous goods within the EU towards more sustainable transport modes such as rail and inland waterways by 2030 in full compliance with Directive 2008/68/EC on the inland transport of dangerous goods; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Calls for the introduction of a new goal, accompanied by the necessary measures, of shifting 50 % of the current transport of dangerous goods within the EU towards more sustainable transport modes such as rail and inland waterways by 2030 in full compliance with Directive 2008/68/EC on the inland transport of dangerous goods;

| 50. | Calls on the Commission to streamline the rules for the intermodal transport of dangerous goods so as to ensure interoperability between the different modes; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Calls on the Commission to streamline the rules for the intermodal transport of dangerous goods so as to ensure interoperability between the different modes;

| 51. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to explore the potential and support the deployment of tube freight transportation and cycle logistics as promising concepts for a sustainable transport system; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Urges the Commission and the Member States to explore the potential and support the deployment of tube freight transportation and cycle logistics as promising concepts for a sustainable transport system;

| 52. | Highlights the key role played by the transport sector in developing tourism, in particular in those regions of the Union which are more remote and currently very difficult to access; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Highlights the key role played by the transport sector in developing tourism, in particular in those regions of the Union which are more remote and currently very difficult to access;

| 53. | Underlines that European hubs connect Europe with the rest of the world and that Europe needs to maintain its direct connectivity to all parts of the world, providing direct flights by European carriers from their hubs to overseas destinations and maintaining jobs and growth in the European aviation sector; stresses that flights within the EU not only provide mobility in the internal market but also play a vital role as feeder flights to maintain connectivity at EU hubs; EU policy must ensure an efficient and competitive feeder network to strengthen European hubs by reducing costs to globally competitive levels and ensuring fair competition with carriers from third countries; the EU Member States need a coherent and common policy in order not to further lose direct connectivity between Europe, Asia and Africa to hubs in the Gulf and Turkey; asks the Commission, therefore, to implement these goals in all EU aviation legislation and to apply them in negotiations with third countries; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Underlines that European hubs connect Europe with the rest of the world and that Europe needs to maintain its direct connectivity to all parts of the world, providing direct flights by European carriers from their hubs to overseas destinations and maintaining jobs and growth in the European aviation sector; stresses that flights within the EU not only provide mobility in the internal market but also play a vital role as feeder flights to maintain connectivity at EU hubs; EU policy must ensure an efficient and competitive feeder network to strengthen European hubs by reducing costs to globally competitive levels and ensuring fair competition with carriers from third countries; the EU Member States need a coherent and common policy in order not to further lose direct connectivity between Europe, Asia and Africa to hubs in the Gulf and Turkey; asks the Commission, therefore, to implement these goals in all EU aviation legislation and to apply them in negotiations with third countries;

| 54. | Calls for an enhanced research and technology policy with the aim of promoting innovation in the transport sector; considers that this policy, which must be accompanied by appropriate funding, should be drawn up in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, including citizens and representatives of users, in order to understand the needs of the sector and, accordingly, improve the allocation of EU funding, in particular through the Horizon 2020 programme; takes the view that priority should be given to projects with a clear European added-value which aim at decarbonising transport and promoting energy-efficient modes of transport (including walking and cycling), increasing the efficiency and transparency of the supply chain, enhancing transport accessibility, safety and security, improving traffic management and reducing administrative burdens; takes the view that particular attention should also be paid to disruptive technologies in the field of transport, for example in the form of automated or remote-controlled vehicles such as drones and driverless vehicles; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Calls for an enhanced research and technology policy with the aim of promoting innovation in the transport sector; considers that this policy, which must be accompanied by appropriate funding, should be drawn up in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, including citizens and representatives of users, in order to understand the needs of the sector and, accordingly, improve the allocation of EU funding, in particular through the Horizon 2020 programme; takes the view that priority should be given to projects with a clear European added-value which aim at decarbonising transport and promoting energy-efficient modes of transport (including walking and cycling), increasing the efficiency and transparency of the supply chain, enhancing transport accessibility, safety and security, improving traffic management and reducing administrative burdens; takes the view that particular attention should also be paid to disruptive technologies in the field of transport, for example in the form of automated or remote-controlled vehicles such as drones and driverless vehicles;

| 55. | Calls for the same level of effort in the area of education to encourage the appearance of new studies and training processes, in particular at professional and higher levels, focused on the new skills and professions that will emerge as a result of intelligent mobility; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Calls for the same level of effort in the area of education to encourage the appearance of new studies and training processes, in particular at professional and higher levels, focused on the new skills and professions that will emerge as a result of intelligent mobility;

| 56. | Stresses the importance of supporting EU framework programmes for research, development and innovation in order to achieve cleaner fuels and a high degree of technological advance, for example in relation to refined biofuels; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Stresses the importance of supporting EU framework programmes for research, development and innovation in order to achieve cleaner fuels and a high degree of technological advance, for example in relation to refined biofuels;

| 57. | Asks within the framework of the REFIT programme and during subsequent evaluations of European legislation for a general review of European driving licence and safety conditions and of transport-related reporting requirements with a view to achieving a substantial decrease in administrative burdens; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Asks within the framework of the REFIT programme and during subsequent evaluations of European legislation for a general review of European driving licence and safety conditions and of transport-related reporting requirements with a view to achieving a substantial decrease in administrative burdens;

| 58. | Recognises the importance of interference-free radio frequencies, in particular as regards the enforcement of driving time and rest periods of road transport workers and the deployment of intelligent transport systems; calls on the Commission to create, where necessary, the relevant regulatory framework; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Recognises the importance of interference-free radio frequencies, in particular as regards the enforcement of driving time and rest periods of road transport workers and the deployment of intelligent transport systems; calls on the Commission to create, where necessary, the relevant regulatory framework;

The global dimension of transport

| 59. | Stresses that the creation of a European transport area is an important priority which depends to a large extent on international acceptance under agreements negotiated globally with our trade partners for all transport modes, particularly in connection with air and maritime transport, and that the EU should play an increasingly formative role in the relevant international bodies; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Stresses that the creation of a European transport area is an important priority which depends to a large extent on international acceptance under agreements negotiated globally with our trade partners for all transport modes, particularly in connection with air and maritime transport, and that the EU should play an increasingly formative role in the relevant international bodies;

| 60. | Takes the view that the EU must maintain its leading role in the global efforts to reduce transport emissions in the framework of the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21) by promoting at global level the decarbonisation of transport and the development of sustainable modes of transport, thus contributing to achieving the internationally agreed goal of keeping global warming below 2 oC; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Takes the view that the EU must maintain its leading role in the global efforts to reduce transport emissions in the framework of the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21) by promoting at global level the decarbonisation of transport and the development of sustainable modes of transport, thus contributing to achieving the internationally agreed goal of keeping global warming below 2 oC;

| 61. | Calls for a more integrated approach between Member States on the possibility of applying a reciprocity principle in our commercial relations with third countries and for an examination within the EU funding policy for transport of whether additional funding from third countries is appropriate; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Calls for a more integrated approach between Member States on the possibility of applying a reciprocity principle in our commercial relations with third countries and for an examination within the EU funding policy for transport of whether additional funding from third countries is appropriate;

| 62. | Emphasises that the exploitation of international resources for the development of our transport system (oil, lithium, precious metals, biofuels) should respect the legitimate interests of the people who live in the areas from which these resources are traded and imported; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Emphasises that the exploitation of international resources for the development of our transport system (oil, lithium, precious metals, biofuels) should respect the legitimate interests of the people who live in the areas from which these resources are traded and imported;

Integration of all transport modes within the vision of a more efficient, sustainable, competitive, accessible, user- and citizen-friendly transport system

| 63. | Calls, with regard to air transport, for:






  — | addressing the major challenges to competition in the European air sector posed by the decline in direct connectivity between Europe and the rest of the world, limited airport capacity in view of the forthcoming increase in air traffic, and widening of the range of air services provided by non-EU companies, |
| --- | --- | --- |

63.

Calls, with regard to air transport, for:

—

addressing the major challenges to competition in the European air sector posed by the decline in direct connectivity between Europe and the rest of the world, limited airport capacity in view of the forthcoming increase in air traffic, and widening of the range of air services provided by non-EU companies,

| — | a revision of Regulation (EC) No 868/2004 in order to safeguard fair competition in EU external aviation relations and reinforce the competitive position of the EU aviation industry, ensure reciprocity and eliminate unfair practices, including subsidies that distort the market, |
| --- | --- |

—

a revision of Regulation (EC) No 868/2004 in order to safeguard fair competition in EU external aviation relations and reinforce the competitive position of the EU aviation industry, ensure reciprocity and eliminate unfair practices, including subsidies that distort the market,

| — | an Aviation Dialogue with the Gulf States and Turkey with a view to enhancing financial transparency and safeguarding fair competition; inclusion of ‘fair competition clauses’ in air transport agreements, detailed provisions on subsidies, unfair practices and competition, and efficient means of action in the event of non-compliance with those provisions, |
| --- | --- |

—

an Aviation Dialogue with the Gulf States and Turkey with a view to enhancing financial transparency and safeguarding fair competition; inclusion of ‘fair competition clauses’ in air transport agreements, detailed provisions on subsidies, unfair practices and competition, and efficient means of action in the event of non-compliance with those provisions,

| — | speeding-up of the process for the conclusion, where necessary, of new aviation agreements with the EU’s major trading partners such as neighbouring countries, BRICs, ASEAN countries and Mexico, including provisions for improved market access for air cargo services, |
| --- | --- |

—

speeding-up of the process for the conclusion, where necessary, of new aviation agreements with the EU’s major trading partners such as neighbouring countries, BRICs, ASEAN countries and Mexico, including provisions for improved market access for air cargo services,

| — | a review of the regulatory and fiscal policies of the EU and the Member States to strengthen the competitiveness of the European aviation industry and ensure fair competition with airlines from third countries; calls, therefore, on the Commission to review and eliminate any unilateral EU provisions that distort competition and to urge Member States to act accordingly with regard to similar national provisions, |
| --- | --- |

—

a review of the regulatory and fiscal policies of the EU and the Member States to strengthen the competitiveness of the European aviation industry and ensure fair competition with airlines from third countries; calls, therefore, on the Commission to review and eliminate any unilateral EU provisions that distort competition and to urge Member States to act accordingly with regard to similar national provisions,

| — | completion of the internal market for aviation by removing barriers introduced by Member States for EU carriers wishing to operate from their Member State of registration to a third country via another Member State, |
| --- | --- |

—

completion of the internal market for aviation by removing barriers introduced by Member States for EU carriers wishing to operate from their Member State of registration to a third country via another Member State,

| — | coherent and effective development of an EU airport network, which must include, firstly, the main airports (‘hubs’) and, secondly, a well-served, viable and supported network of local, provincial and regional airports, which are essential to the growth and development of the territories concerned, in particular remote areas and outermost regions, which are often accessible only by air transport; the drawing up of a legislative framework for the development and maximisation of the untapped potential of regional airports and of new infrastructure in crowded airports, |
| --- | --- |

—

coherent and effective development of an EU airport network, which must include, firstly, the main airports (‘hubs’) and, secondly, a well-served, viable and supported network of local, provincial and regional airports, which are essential to the growth and development of the territories concerned, in particular remote areas and outermost regions, which are often accessible only by air transport; the drawing up of a legislative framework for the development and maximisation of the untapped potential of regional airports and of new infrastructure in crowded airports,

| — | approval of EU-funded projects that are part of the TEN-T core network as a priority, |
| --- | --- |

—

approval of EU-funded projects that are part of the TEN-T core network as a priority,

| — | a thorough preparation and swift adoption of a comprehensive Aviation Package, including: a new regulatory framework on civil drones that ensures safety, security and fundamental rights while fostering the economic potential that civil drones offer to European businesses, especially SMEs and start-ups; revision of the EASA Regulation to clarify its role vis-à-vis national aviation authorities and strengthen its abilities to oversee aviation safety in all Member States, including their remote regions, and promote EU rules and standards globally, |
| --- | --- |

—

a thorough preparation and swift adoption of a comprehensive Aviation Package, including: a new regulatory framework on civil drones that ensures safety, security and fundamental rights while fostering the economic potential that civil drones offer to European businesses, especially SMEs and start-ups; revision of the EASA Regulation to clarify its role vis-à-vis national aviation authorities and strengthen its abilities to oversee aviation safety in all Member States, including their remote regions, and promote EU rules and standards globally,

| — | all necessary actions by the Member States to accelerate the implementation of the Single European Sky, through the adoption of the SES2+ package, the full implementation and operation of functional airspace blocks (FABs) and the deployment of the future air traffic management system (SESAR), so as to defragment the EU airspace with a view to reducing flight delays, improving safety and mitigating the environmental impact of air transport, |
| --- | --- |

—

all necessary actions by the Member States to accelerate the implementation of the Single European Sky, through the adoption of the SES2+ package, the full implementation and operation of functional airspace blocks (FABs) and the deployment of the future air traffic management system (SESAR), so as to defragment the EU airspace with a view to reducing flight delays, improving safety and mitigating the environmental impact of air transport,

| — | swift adoption by the Council of its position on the revision of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 on air passenger rights, and Regulation (EEC) No 95/93 on the allocation of slots, |
| --- | --- |

—

swift adoption by the Council of its position on the revision of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 and Regulation (EC) No 2027/97 on air passenger rights, and Regulation (EEC) No 95/93 on the allocation of slots,

| — | enhancement of the negotiations within the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on the development of a global market-based mechanism addressing international aviation emissions, |
| --- | --- |

—

enhancement of the negotiations within the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on the development of a global market-based mechanism addressing international aviation emissions,

| — | introduction of international sustainability criteria for renewable aviation jet fuel, |
| --- | --- |

—

introduction of international sustainability criteria for renewable aviation jet fuel,

| — | support for aeronautical research and development through the Horizon 2020 and Clean Sky programmes, in order to develop new and cleaner technologies resulting in less noisy and more fuel-efficient aircraft, to promote new types of aircraft such as drones and to create growth and jobs in the European aviation industry, |
| --- | --- |

—

support for aeronautical research and development through the Horizon 2020 and Clean Sky programmes, in order to develop new and cleaner technologies resulting in less noisy and more fuel-efficient aircraft, to promote new types of aircraft such as drones and to create growth and jobs in the European aviation industry,

| — | a thorough review by the Commission and the Member States of their strategy and policies on aviation safety and security with a view to moving gradually to a risk-based approach for the benefit of passengers, |
| --- | --- |

—

a thorough review by the Commission and the Member States of their strategy and policies on aviation safety and security with a view to moving gradually to a risk-based approach for the benefit of passengers,

| — | enhancement of EU-wide aviation safety performance in the field of aircraft manufacturing, training and licensing of crews, flight operations, air traffic management and air navigation services, |
| --- | --- |

—

enhancement of EU-wide aviation safety performance in the field of aircraft manufacturing, training and licensing of crews, flight operations, air traffic management and air navigation services,

| — | an assessment of the possible safety measures necessary for avoiding air accidents like that of Germanwings Flight 9525 that occurred in the Alps in March 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

an assessment of the possible safety measures necessary for avoiding air accidents like that of Germanwings Flight 9525 that occurred in the Alps in March 2015,

| — | a Commission proposal including measures to enhance safety and social rules, particularly flight and rest times, in order to avoid fatigue and improve the quality of cabin air, |
| --- | --- |

—

a Commission proposal including measures to enhance safety and social rules, particularly flight and rest times, in order to avoid fatigue and improve the quality of cabin air,

| — | the development of a coordinated set of rules governing flight schools and the registration of flight hours for pilots active in the EU, ensuring a more effective control and evaluation of employment conditions in the airline industry, |
| --- | --- |

—

the development of a coordinated set of rules governing flight schools and the registration of flight hours for pilots active in the EU, ensuring a more effective control and evaluation of employment conditions in the airline industry,

| — | sharing of general aviation data with Eurostat by Member States, in particular concerning numbers of aeroplanes, pilots and flight hours, so as to improve the applicable regulations, with special emphasis on air safety, |
| --- | --- |

—

sharing of general aviation data with Eurostat by Member States, in particular concerning numbers of aeroplanes, pilots and flight hours, so as to improve the applicable regulations, with special emphasis on air safety,

| — | a constructive social dialogue between aviation stakeholders so as to address the new challenges deriving from the introduction of new technologies that will require jobs in the aviation sector to adapt accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

—

a constructive social dialogue between aviation stakeholders so as to address the new challenges deriving from the introduction of new technologies that will require jobs in the aviation sector to adapt accordingly,

| — | measures against the increase of socially problematic business practices such as ‘flags of convenience’ and different forms of atypical employment and outsourcing; revision of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 to ensure proper enforcement and application of national social legislation and collective agreements for airlines having operational bases on EU territory; a revised definition of a company’s ‘principal place of business’ so as to require airlines to demonstrate substantial aviation activities in a country; EASA recommendations requiring at least 50 per cent of maintenance technicians to be directly employed, to cover all categories of ground staff, pilots and cabin crew; |
| --- | --- |

—

measures against the increase of socially problematic business practices such as ‘flags of convenience’ and different forms of atypical employment and outsourcing; revision of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 to ensure proper enforcement and application of national social legislation and collective agreements for airlines having operational bases on EU territory; a revised definition of a company’s ‘principal place of business’ so as to require airlines to demonstrate substantial aviation activities in a country; EASA recommendations requiring at least 50 per cent of maintenance technicians to be directly employed, to cover all categories of ground staff, pilots and cabin crew;

| 64. | Calls, with regard to road transport, for:






  — | effective national policy frameworks aimed at the development of the market as regards the use of electric vehicles and alternative fuels (electricity, hydrogen, natural gas (compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG)), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), synthetic and paraffinic fuels, and sustainable biofuels, especially those produced from processing waste and residues, including molasses-based ethanol), and the rapid deployment of the necessary refuelling/recharging infrastructure; exchange of best practices between existing projects in the different Member States with regard to the market for alternative fuels and city distribution; an EU Action Plan for the implementation of the strategy set out in the Commission communication entitled ‘Clean Power for Transport: A European alternative fuels strategy’ in order to achieve the broadest possible use of alternative fuels for transport and to promote sustainable electric mobility throughout the Union, |
| --- | --- | --- |

64.

Calls, with regard to road transport, for:

—

effective national policy frameworks aimed at the development of the market as regards the use of electric vehicles and alternative fuels (electricity, hydrogen, natural gas (compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG)), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), synthetic and paraffinic fuels, and sustainable biofuels, especially those produced from processing waste and residues, including molasses-based ethanol), and the rapid deployment of the necessary refuelling/recharging infrastructure; exchange of best practices between existing projects in the different Member States with regard to the market for alternative fuels and city distribution; an EU Action Plan for the implementation of the strategy set out in the Commission communication entitled ‘Clean Power for Transport: A European alternative fuels strategy’ in order to achieve the broadest possible use of alternative fuels for transport and to promote sustainable electric mobility throughout the Union,

| — | an overall 40 % increase by 2020, as compared with 2010 figures, in the number of secure parking spaces for heavy-duty vehicles on the Trans-European Transport Network and improvements in their quality and hygiene standards, |
| --- | --- |

—

an overall 40 % increase by 2020, as compared with 2010 figures, in the number of secure parking spaces for heavy-duty vehicles on the Trans-European Transport Network and improvements in their quality and hygiene standards,

| — | initiatives to ensure interoperability of electronic road toll systems, |
| --- | --- |

—

initiatives to ensure interoperability of electronic road toll systems,

| — | an evaluation by the Commission of the different car road-charging schemes and their compatibility with the EU Treaties, in particular the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of residency, |
| --- | --- |

—

an evaluation by the Commission of the different car road-charging schemes and their compatibility with the EU Treaties, in particular the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of residency,

| — | approval as a priority of EU-funded infrastructure projects completing the road network that is part of the TEN-T core network, |
| --- | --- |

—

approval as a priority of EU-funded infrastructure projects completing the road network that is part of the TEN-T core network,

| — | an EU roadmap for cycling to be included in the Commission Work Programme 2016, |
| --- | --- |

—

an EU roadmap for cycling to be included in the Commission Work Programme 2016,

| — | a legislative proposal setting mandatory limits on average CO2 emissions from new passenger cars and vans for the period beyond 2020, maintaining a clear long-term emissions-reduction trajectory, |
| --- | --- |

—

a legislative proposal setting mandatory limits on average CO2 emissions from new passenger cars and vans for the period beyond 2020, maintaining a clear long-term emissions-reduction trajectory,

| — | the timely completion of a simulation tool measuring in an accurate, reliable and cost-efficient manner the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of heavy-duty vehicles (trucks, buses and coaches), to be followed, if appropriate, by a legislative proposal setting mandatory limits on average CO2 emissions from newly registered heavy-duty vehicles as is already the case for cars and vans; further measures to incentivise the market uptake of the most efficient vehicles and promote best practices to reduce fuel consumption, |
| --- | --- |

—

the timely completion of a simulation tool measuring in an accurate, reliable and cost-efficient manner the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of heavy-duty vehicles (trucks, buses and coaches), to be followed, if appropriate, by a legislative proposal setting mandatory limits on average CO2 emissions from newly registered heavy-duty vehicles as is already the case for cars and vans; further measures to incentivise the market uptake of the most efficient vehicles and promote best practices to reduce fuel consumption,

| — | measures to increase the fuel efficiency of, and reduce CO2 emissions from, heavy-duty vehicles, including further use of training in eco-driving, improved transport logistics and intelligent infrastructure, and greater use of alternative fuels, |
| --- | --- |

—

measures to increase the fuel efficiency of, and reduce CO2 emissions from, heavy-duty vehicles, including further use of training in eco-driving, improved transport logistics and intelligent infrastructure, and greater use of alternative fuels,

| — | a revised test cycle, with more robust conformity testing requirements, for the measurement of CO2 and pollutant emissions from vehicles, replacing the currently used ‘New European Driving Cycle’, to ensure that the emissions and fuel consumption of vehicles are measured by means of a testing procedure that reflects real-world driving conditions, |
| --- | --- |

—

a revised test cycle, with more robust conformity testing requirements, for the measurement of CO2 and pollutant emissions from vehicles, replacing the currently used ‘New European Driving Cycle’, to ensure that the emissions and fuel consumption of vehicles are measured by means of a testing procedure that reflects real-world driving conditions,

| — | the Commission to start working without undue delay on the review of Directive (EU) 2015/719 on maximum authorised weights and dimensions, so that, at the latest by 2020, a report can be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council which takes into consideration specific characteristics of certain market segments such as specialised car transporters used within the sector of finished vehicle logistics, |
| --- | --- |

—

the Commission to start working without undue delay on the review of Directive (EU) 2015/719 on maximum authorised weights and dimensions, so that, at the latest by 2020, a report can be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council which takes into consideration specific characteristics of certain market segments such as specialised car transporters used within the sector of finished vehicle logistics,

| — | the adoption of a social code for mobile road transport workers, addressing also the problem of disguised self-employment, to take better account of the specific nature of international road transport workers and ensure fair competition, |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption of a social code for mobile road transport workers, addressing also the problem of disguised self-employment, to take better account of the specific nature of international road transport workers and ensure fair competition,

| — | better enforcement, evaluation and, if necessary, clarification or review of the common rules for access to the international road haulage market (Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009), |
| --- | --- |

—

better enforcement, evaluation and, if necessary, clarification or review of the common rules for access to the international road haulage market (Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009),

| — | measures to ensure the compliance of national provisions with EU law in the field of cross-border transport, |
| --- | --- |

—

measures to ensure the compliance of national provisions with EU law in the field of cross-border transport,

| — | considering the creation of a European Road Transport Agency to ensure proper implementation of EU legislation and promote standardisation across all Member States, |
| --- | --- |

—

considering the creation of a European Road Transport Agency to ensure proper implementation of EU legislation and promote standardisation across all Member States,

| — | measures to ensure legal clarity and better implementation of rules concerning working conditions, social and welfare rights, wages and social responsibility, so as to guarantee high social standards in road haulage across the EU; calls on the Commission to take measures against illegal practices that lead to unfair competition and encourage social dumping; the road haulage sector should be regarded as a specific sector, given the high mobility of its workers and the need of drivers to spend weekly rest periods at home, |
| --- | --- |

—

measures to ensure legal clarity and better implementation of rules concerning working conditions, social and welfare rights, wages and social responsibility, so as to guarantee high social standards in road haulage across the EU; calls on the Commission to take measures against illegal practices that lead to unfair competition and encourage social dumping; the road haulage sector should be regarded as a specific sector, given the high mobility of its workers and the need of drivers to spend weekly rest periods at home,

| — | adjustment of the application of the principles of the internal market which effectively separate freedom to provide services from freedom of establishment, with the aim of ensuring that activities by an undertaking in a Member State in which it is not established are strictly temporary; |
| --- | --- |

—

adjustment of the application of the principles of the internal market which effectively separate freedom to provide services from freedom of establishment, with the aim of ensuring that activities by an undertaking in a Member State in which it is not established are strictly temporary;

| 65. | Calls, with regard to rail transport, for:






  — | the completion of the Single European Railway Area through swift adoption of the 4th Railway Package, ensuring a balanced opening-up of the domestic rail passenger market, independence of infrastructure managers, competitive tendering for public-service contracts, the highest level of rail safety and interoperability, and sufficient human and financial resources for the European Railway Agency to ensure that it is fully operational and able to perform its mission as a one-stop shop for vehicle authorisation and safety certification; the 4th Railway Package should ensure a high level of quality and efficiency of rail services, safeguard the economic equilibrium of public-service obligations and promote high standards for working conditions and territorial cohesion; its adoption should be followed by quick transposition and implementation by the Member States, |
| --- | --- | --- |

65.

Calls, with regard to rail transport, for:

—

the completion of the Single European Railway Area through swift adoption of the 4th Railway Package, ensuring a balanced opening-up of the domestic rail passenger market, independence of infrastructure managers, competitive tendering for public-service contracts, the highest level of rail safety and interoperability, and sufficient human and financial resources for the European Railway Agency to ensure that it is fully operational and able to perform its mission as a one-stop shop for vehicle authorisation and safety certification; the 4th Railway Package should ensure a high level of quality and efficiency of rail services, safeguard the economic equilibrium of public-service obligations and promote high standards for working conditions and territorial cohesion; its adoption should be followed by quick transposition and implementation by the Member States,

| — | adoption by the Commission of a rail strategy proposing new measures to reach the 2030 and 2050 modal shift targets laid down in the ‘Ten goals for a competitive and resource-efficient transport system’ of the White Paper, |
| --- | --- |

—

adoption by the Commission of a rail strategy proposing new measures to reach the 2030 and 2050 modal shift targets laid down in the ‘Ten goals for a competitive and resource-efficient transport system’ of the White Paper,

| — | solid, sufficient, transparent and predictable long-term funding, with simplified rules and procedures for access to EU funding, so as to improve national and cross-border rail infrastructure quality and capacity, prioritising the maintenance and upgrading of existing infrastructure, and enabling the provision of reliable, safe, accessible and sustainable services by rail freight and passenger operators, |
| --- | --- |

—

solid, sufficient, transparent and predictable long-term funding, with simplified rules and procedures for access to EU funding, so as to improve national and cross-border rail infrastructure quality and capacity, prioritising the maintenance and upgrading of existing infrastructure, and enabling the provision of reliable, safe, accessible and sustainable services by rail freight and passenger operators,

| — | a detailed analysis of the reasons for which the European railway area is characterised by a large number of missing links across the borders of Member States; calls for measures and incentives by the Commission for the revitalisation as a matter of the highest urgency of local, regional and national trans-border rail connections that were dismantled or abandoned during WWII and the post-war area, despite their economic interest or usefulness to the public, as well as urgent construction of those that have been planned but not completed, so as to remove existing bottlenecks and missing links in cross-border regions; revitalisation and maintenance of secondary railway lines which feed into national core networks and European corridors; initiatives to find new functions for disused networks, such as transporting freight or providing new services for tourists, |
| --- | --- |

—

a detailed analysis of the reasons for which the European railway area is characterised by a large number of missing links across the borders of Member States; calls for measures and incentives by the Commission for the revitalisation as a matter of the highest urgency of local, regional and national trans-border rail connections that were dismantled or abandoned during WWII and the post-war area, despite their economic interest or usefulness to the public, as well as urgent construction of those that have been planned but not completed, so as to remove existing bottlenecks and missing links in cross-border regions; revitalisation and maintenance of secondary railway lines which feed into national core networks and European corridors; initiatives to find new functions for disused networks, such as transporting freight or providing new services for tourists,

| — | approval as a priority of EU-funded infrastructure projects that complete the rail network which is part of the TEN-T core network and of the projects approved under the CEF, |
| --- | --- |

—

approval as a priority of EU-funded infrastructure projects that complete the rail network which is part of the TEN-T core network and of the projects approved under the CEF,

| — | expanding the role of the Commission in order to achieve the effective and speedy completion of the TEN-T railway corridors, which have been planned but postponed by Member States in spite of their usefulness in social and economic terms, |
| --- | --- |

—

expanding the role of the Commission in order to achieve the effective and speedy completion of the TEN-T railway corridors, which have been planned but postponed by Member States in spite of their usefulness in social and economic terms,

| — | a fact-finding study of the social, economic and environmental benefits of continuing support for national and international overnight rail services, and, where appropriate, revitalisation of those services, as well as of inter-city cross-border services, for instance in the context of public-service obligations and tendering procedures, |
| --- | --- |

—

a fact-finding study of the social, economic and environmental benefits of continuing support for national and international overnight rail services, and, where appropriate, revitalisation of those services, as well as of inter-city cross-border services, for instance in the context of public-service obligations and tendering procedures,

| — | all necessary actions by the Member States, the Commission and rail stakeholders for the implementation of the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking, in order to accelerate the integration of advanced technologies into innovative rail product solutions, increase the attractiveness of rail transport and bolster the position of the European railway industry, |
| --- | --- |

—

all necessary actions by the Member States, the Commission and rail stakeholders for the implementation of the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking, in order to accelerate the integration of advanced technologies into innovative rail product solutions, increase the attractiveness of rail transport and bolster the position of the European railway industry,

| — | actions aimed at making the European railway network genuinely interoperable, decreasing persistent technical barriers, promoting technical solutions that enable trains to use tracks of various gauges, and ensuring that the different height restrictions in the EU do not constitute an additional obstacle, |
| --- | --- |

—

actions aimed at making the European railway network genuinely interoperable, decreasing persistent technical barriers, promoting technical solutions that enable trains to use tracks of various gauges, and ensuring that the different height restrictions in the EU do not constitute an additional obstacle,

| — | the deployment of the European rail traffic management system (ERTMS) on all TEN-T core network corridors as a priority, including the corresponding on-board equipment on locomotives, |
| --- | --- |

—

the deployment of the European rail traffic management system (ERTMS) on all TEN-T core network corridors as a priority, including the corresponding on-board equipment on locomotives,

| — | the rapid implementation of Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 regarding the establishment of international rail corridors for competitive freight, and the development or improvement of the One-Stop Shops (OSS) for the coordination of those corridors, |
| --- | --- |

—

the rapid implementation of Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 regarding the establishment of international rail corridors for competitive freight, and the development or improvement of the One-Stop Shops (OSS) for the coordination of those corridors,

| — | reduction of rail freight noise by retrofitting freight wagons and improving rail infrastructure through targeted public funding; submission by the Commission of a proposal providing for an EU-wide ban on excessively noisy freight wagons by 2020, |
| --- | --- |

—

reduction of rail freight noise by retrofitting freight wagons and improving rail infrastructure through targeted public funding; submission by the Commission of a proposal providing for an EU-wide ban on excessively noisy freight wagons by 2020,

| — | the development and implementation of integrated ticketing systems for national and international rail transport, and the elimination of extra charges applicable to rail passengers travelling cross-border, |
| --- | --- |

—

the development and implementation of integrated ticketing systems for national and international rail transport, and the elimination of extra charges applicable to rail passengers travelling cross-border,

| — | the removal of barriers that prevent the European railway industry (manufacturers of rolling-stock, rail infrastructure and signalling systems) from bidding for public contracts in non-EU countries; |
| --- | --- |

—

the removal of barriers that prevent the European railway industry (manufacturers of rolling-stock, rail infrastructure and signalling systems) from bidding for public contracts in non-EU countries;

| 66. | Calls, with regard to maritime transport, for:






  — | measures to facilitate the formalities for ships operating between EU ports with a view to establishing a real European Maritime Transport Space without Barriers (‘Blue Belt’), |
| --- | --- | --- |

66.

Calls, with regard to maritime transport, for:

—

measures to facilitate the formalities for ships operating between EU ports with a view to establishing a real European Maritime Transport Space without Barriers (‘Blue Belt’),

| — | better coordination between the maritime and customs authorities at all levels in order to streamline information flows and limit unnecessary administrative burdens and customs formalities, |
| --- | --- |

—

better coordination between the maritime and customs authorities at all levels in order to streamline information flows and limit unnecessary administrative burdens and customs formalities,

| — | measures to develop the potential of motorways of the sea as part of the Trans-European Transport Network, |
| --- | --- |

—

measures to develop the potential of motorways of the sea as part of the Trans-European Transport Network,

| — | additional measures to maintain and further develop attractive, safe and sustainable quality shipping and to ensure open maritime markets and access to cargoes without restrictions, |
| --- | --- |

—

additional measures to maintain and further develop attractive, safe and sustainable quality shipping and to ensure open maritime markets and access to cargoes without restrictions,

| — | measures to support and coordinate the adaptation of port gateways and logistic systems for larger ships and promote better port connections, in particular with rail and inland waterways; facilitation of port investments through the mobilisation of various sources of EU funding so as to increase the capacity of EU ports, upgrade the existing infrastructure, develop multimodal terminals and promote the creation of smart ports using intelligent transport systems, and of smart port cities; measures to improve seaport infrastructure, in particular in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, in order to shift freight from road to sea in those areas, |
| --- | --- |

—

measures to support and coordinate the adaptation of port gateways and logistic systems for larger ships and promote better port connections, in particular with rail and inland waterways; facilitation of port investments through the mobilisation of various sources of EU funding so as to increase the capacity of EU ports, upgrade the existing infrastructure, develop multimodal terminals and promote the creation of smart ports using intelligent transport systems, and of smart port cities; measures to improve seaport infrastructure, in particular in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, in order to shift freight from road to sea in those areas,

| — | an assurance that the maritime ports of the core network will be connected with the railway and road and, where possible, inland waterway transport infrastructure of the Trans-European Transport Network by 2030, except where physical constraints prevent such connection, |
| --- | --- |

—

an assurance that the maritime ports of the core network will be connected with the railway and road and, where possible, inland waterway transport infrastructure of the Trans-European Transport Network by 2030, except where physical constraints prevent such connection,

| — | more clarity and coherence on the application of state aid rules to ports in order to create a pragmatic, predictable and stable environment which enables long-term port investment strategies, reduces administrative burdens and minimises procedural time frames, |
| --- | --- |

—

more clarity and coherence on the application of state aid rules to ports in order to create a pragmatic, predictable and stable environment which enables long-term port investment strategies, reduces administrative burdens and minimises procedural time frames,

| — | advancing with the Commission proposal for a regulation establishing a framework on market access to port services and financial transparency of ports, in order to modernise and improve the quality and efficiency of port services, strengthen competition and create framework conditions to attract investment in ports, |
| --- | --- |

—

advancing with the Commission proposal for a regulation establishing a framework on market access to port services and financial transparency of ports, in order to modernise and improve the quality and efficiency of port services, strengthen competition and create framework conditions to attract investment in ports,

| — | setting a global binding target in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to reach the objective of the White Paper for an at least 40 % reduction in CO2 emissions from maritime bunker fuels by 2050, to be supported by an EU intermediate target for 2030; enhancement of the negotiations within the IMO on the development of a global market-based mechanism addressing international maritime emissions, such as an emissions pricing mechanism; in the event that an international agreement on a global monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system for greenhouse gas emissions or on global measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport is reached, the Commission to review Regulation (EU) 2015/757 and, if appropriate, to propose amendments to this regulation in order to ensure alignment with the international agreement, |
| --- | --- |

—

setting a global binding target in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to reach the objective of the White Paper for an at least 40 % reduction in CO2 emissions from maritime bunker fuels by 2050, to be supported by an EU intermediate target for 2030; enhancement of the negotiations within the IMO on the development of a global market-based mechanism addressing international maritime emissions, such as an emissions pricing mechanism; in the event that an international agreement on a global monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system for greenhouse gas emissions or on global measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport is reached, the Commission to review Regulation (EU) 2015/757 and, if appropriate, to propose amendments to this regulation in order to ensure alignment with the international agreement,

| — | consideration of the extension of the sulphur limits for marine fuel applicable to SOx Emission Control Areas (SECAs), and of the relevant IMO rules, to the entire European maritime area, |
| --- | --- |

—

consideration of the extension of the sulphur limits for marine fuel applicable to SOx Emission Control Areas (SECAs), and of the relevant IMO rules, to the entire European maritime area,

| — | promotion of emission abatement technologies and energy efficiency measures through financial incentives and targeted support measures, with particular focus on the use of alternative fuels, as well as promotion of slow-steaming measures, which are reported to have great potential for reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, |
| --- | --- |

—

promotion of emission abatement technologies and energy efficiency measures through financial incentives and targeted support measures, with particular focus on the use of alternative fuels, as well as promotion of slow-steaming measures, which are reported to have great potential for reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions,

| — | actions supporting the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in sea and inland ports, including the provision of LNG bunkering facilities and shore-side electricity, |
| --- | --- |

—

actions supporting the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in sea and inland ports, including the provision of LNG bunkering facilities and shore-side electricity,

| — | a legislative proposal to modernise passenger ship safety legislation; better implementation and, if appropriate, review of the Third Maritime Safety Package to strengthen the prevention of accidents at sea and the management of their consequences, |
| --- | --- |

—

a legislative proposal to modernise passenger ship safety legislation; better implementation and, if appropriate, review of the Third Maritime Safety Package to strengthen the prevention of accidents at sea and the management of their consequences,

| — | a legislative proposal seeking to clarify the liability and compensation regime in view of the growing phenomenon of containers being lost at sea, based on a system enabling identification of the owners of such containers; |
| --- | --- |

—

a legislative proposal seeking to clarify the liability and compensation regime in view of the growing phenomenon of containers being lost at sea, based on a system enabling identification of the owners of such containers;

| 67. | Calls, with regard to inland waterway transport, for:






  — | the establishment of an appropriate framework to optimise the internal market for inland waterway transport and to remove barriers that prevent its increased use, |
| --- | --- | --- |

67.

Calls, with regard to inland waterway transport, for:

—

the establishment of an appropriate framework to optimise the internal market for inland waterway transport and to remove barriers that prevent its increased use,

| — | full implementation of the Naiades II action programme, with special attention to infrastructure, river information services deployment and innovation; an assessment of the programme by 2017 and, if necessary, adaptation of the proposed measures to ensure that the objectives of the programme are achieved, |
| --- | --- |

—

full implementation of the Naiades II action programme, with special attention to infrastructure, river information services deployment and innovation; an assessment of the programme by 2017 and, if necessary, adaptation of the proposed measures to ensure that the objectives of the programme are achieved,

| — | approval of EU-funded projects regarding inland waterways that are part of the TEN-T core network, |
| --- | --- |

—

approval of EU-funded projects regarding inland waterways that are part of the TEN-T core network,

| — | proper upgrade and all-year-round maintenance of, and elimination of bottlenecks in, inland waterways that are part of the TEN-T core network corridors by 2025, in compliance with EU environmental legislation, in order to safeguard adequate service levels, |
| --- | --- |

—

proper upgrade and all-year-round maintenance of, and elimination of bottlenecks in, inland waterways that are part of the TEN-T core network corridors by 2025, in compliance with EU environmental legislation, in order to safeguard adequate service levels,

| — | greater support by the Commission and the Member States for the promotion of innovation in inland waterway transport under Horizon 2020 and the Connection Europe Facility, the use of alternative fuels and the technical and environmental adaptation of the fleet to reduce greenhouse emissions, |
| --- | --- |

—

greater support by the Commission and the Member States for the promotion of innovation in inland waterway transport under Horizon 2020 and the Connection Europe Facility, the use of alternative fuels and the technical and environmental adaptation of the fleet to reduce greenhouse emissions,

| — | integration of inland waterway transport into multimodal transport and logistics, as well as into sustainable urban mobility plans and policies in European cities crossed by waterways, and enhancement of the role of inland ports in urban freight distribution, |
| --- | --- |

—

integration of inland waterway transport into multimodal transport and logistics, as well as into sustainable urban mobility plans and policies in European cities crossed by waterways, and enhancement of the role of inland ports in urban freight distribution,

| — | a swift review of Directive 2005/44/EC on harmonised river information services (RIS), ensuring full deployment of RIS by 2020 and connection to other cooperative intelligent transport systems, |
| --- | --- |

—

a swift review of Directive 2005/44/EC on harmonised river information services (RIS), ensuring full deployment of RIS by 2020 and connection to other cooperative intelligent transport systems,

| — | convergence, where appropriate, of the governance and regulatory systems of the Rhine and the Danube to develop an efficient, multimodal, sustainable transport system along Europe’s main inland waterways, |
| --- | --- |

—

convergence, where appropriate, of the governance and regulatory systems of the Rhine and the Danube to develop an efficient, multimodal, sustainable transport system along Europe’s main inland waterways,

| — | involvement of the Commission in the allocation of EU funds and the coordination of the implementation of projects included in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, |
| --- | --- |

—

involvement of the Commission in the allocation of EU funds and the coordination of the implementation of projects included in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region,

| — | a legislative proposal on the recognition and modernisation of professional qualifications in inland navigation and consideration of measures to attract more young people to this sector; |
| --- | --- |

—

a legislative proposal on the recognition and modernisation of professional qualifications in inland navigation and consideration of measures to attract more young people to this sector;

o

o o

| 68. | Calls on the Commission to take into account the proposals contained in this resolution in the mid-term review of the White Paper and future initiatives in the transport area; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Calls on the Commission to take into account the proposals contained in this resolution in the mid-term review of the White Paper and future initiatives in the transport area;

| 69. | Urges the Commission to monitor progress towards reaching the goals of the White Paper, and to report every five years on its implementation; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Urges the Commission to monitor progress towards reaching the goals of the White Paper, and to report every five years on its implementation;

| 70. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

70.

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

---

(1)  OJ C 168 E, 14.6.2013, p. 72.

(2)  OJ C 351 E, 2.12.2011, p. 13.

(3)  OJ C 175 E, 10.7.2008, p. 556.

(4)  OJ C 43 E, 19.2.2004, p. 250.

(5)  OJ C 56 E, 26.2.2013, p. 54.

(6)  As defined in Article 4 of Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives.

(7)  Road safety in the European Union, European Commission, March 2015.

(8)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0094.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/173 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/173

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P8_TA(2015)0311

Women's careers in science and university

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on women’s careers in science and universities, and glass ceilings encountered (2014/2251(INI))

(2017/C 316/17)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and Articles 8, 10, 19 and 157 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and Articles 8, 10, 19 and 157 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),

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

—

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

| — | having regard to Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (1),

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

—

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

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

—

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

| — | having regard to the European Pact for Gender Equality (2011-2020) adopted by the Council on 7 March 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Pact for Gender Equality (2011-2020) adopted by the Council on 7 March 2011,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 15 September 2014 entitled ‘European Research Area Progress Report 2014’ (COM(2014)0575), |
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—

having regard to the Commission communication of 15 September 2014 entitled ‘European Research Area Progress Report 2014’ (COM(2014)0575),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 17 February 1999 entitled ‘Women and Science: Mobilising women to enrich European research’ (COM(1999)0076), |
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—

having regard to the Commission communication of 17 February 1999 entitled ‘Women and Science: Mobilising women to enrich European research’ (COM(1999)0076),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 17 July 2012 entitled ‘A Reinforced European Research Area Partnership for Excellence and Growth’ (COM(2012)0392), |
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—

having regard to the Commission communication of 17 July 2012 entitled ‘A Reinforced European Research Area Partnership for Excellence and Growth’ (COM(2012)0392),

| — | having regard to the Commission report of 3 September 2014 entitled ‘Gender Equality Policies in Public Research’ and based on a survey of the members of the Helsinki Group (the Commission’s advisory group on gender, research and innovation), |
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—

having regard to the Commission report of 3 September 2014 entitled ‘Gender Equality Policies in Public Research’ and based on a survey of the members of the Helsinki Group (the Commission’s advisory group on gender, research and innovation),

| — | having regard to the ‘She Figures 2012 — Gender in Research and Innovation Statistics and Indicators’, published by the Commission in 2013, |
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—

having regard to the ‘She Figures 2012 — Gender in Research and Innovation Statistics and Indicators’, published by the Commission in 2013,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 5 December 2014 on ‘The European research area — Progress Report 2014’, |
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—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 5 December 2014 on ‘The European research area — Progress Report 2014’,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 29 May 2015 on the European Research Area Roadmap 2015-2020, |
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—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 29 May 2015 on the European Research Area Roadmap 2015-2020,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 10 March 2015 on progress on equality between women and men in the European Union in 2013 (2), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 10 March 2015 on progress on equality between women and men in the European Union in 2013 (2),

| — | having regard to Article 40 of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, |
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—

having regard to Article 40 of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women,

| — | having regard to its position of 21 November 2013 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) (3), |
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—

having regard to its position of 21 November 2013 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing Horizon 2020 — the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020) (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 21 May 2008 on women and science (4), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 21 May 2008 on women and science (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 3 February 2000 on the Commission communication entitled ‘Women and science — Mobilising women to enrich European research’ (5), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 3 February 2000 on the Commission communication entitled ‘Women and science — Mobilising women to enrich European research’ (5),

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

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (A8-0235/2015), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (A8-0235/2015),

| A. | whereas gender equality is a fundamental principle of the European Union, enshrined in the Treaty on European Union, and is one of the Union’s objectives and tasks; |
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A.

whereas gender equality is a fundamental principle of the European Union, enshrined in the Treaty on European Union, and is one of the Union’s objectives and tasks;

| B. | whereas gender equality is a basic precondition for the full enjoyment of human rights by women and girls and is essential for their empowerment and the achievement of a sustainable and inclusive society; whereas the insufficient use of human capital decreases potential advantage for research and innovation-related business and for overall economic development, as well as having devastating social consequences; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas gender equality is a basic precondition for the full enjoyment of human rights by women and girls and is essential for their empowerment and the achievement of a sustainable and inclusive society; whereas the insufficient use of human capital decreases potential advantage for research and innovation-related business and for overall economic development, as well as having devastating social consequences;

| C. | whereas ensuring that women and men are equal partners and have the same rights and responsibilities and the same working opportunities and that their contribution to society is equally valued and respected is of the utmost importance; |
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C.

whereas ensuring that women and men are equal partners and have the same rights and responsibilities and the same working opportunities and that their contribution to society is equally valued and respected is of the utmost importance;

| D. | whereas according to the available statistics and surveys, women are under-represented in most scientific, engineering and management posts and at higher hierarchical levels, even in sectors where they form a majority such as the educational sector; whereas women are hugely under-represented in STEM-related educational fields and careers, accounting for just 24 % of science and engineering professionals; whereas female representation varies depending on the STEM specialism, for example, the chemistry specialism faces a retention problem whilst engineering and physics face a recruitment problem; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas according to the available statistics and surveys, women are under-represented in most scientific, engineering and management posts and at higher hierarchical levels, even in sectors where they form a majority such as the educational sector; whereas women are hugely under-represented in STEM-related educational fields and careers, accounting for just 24 % of science and engineering professionals; whereas female representation varies depending on the STEM specialism, for example, the chemistry specialism faces a retention problem whilst engineering and physics face a recruitment problem;

| E. | whereas science is of key importance to Europe in economic terms and needs constantly growing teams that are capable, inter alia, of the ground-breaking research essential for increased productivity and competitiveness, and the existence of a sufficient number of individuals with STEM skills is an essential precondition for implementing the European Agenda for Growth and Jobs and the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy; whereas demand for STEM professionals is expected to grow until 2025, while the latest available statistics reveal an ageing research sector; whereas positive cross-fertilisation between STEM subjects and the arts and humanities (STEAM) holds enormous economic, social, and cultural potential, and women researchers and innovators are well placed to develop links from STEM to STEAM; whereas female researchers are an asset for the EU, which needs all available resources in order to recover definitively from the economic and financial crisis and be able to face the changes in society as a whole; whereas there is a need to promote and facilitate women's career development and a higher presence of young people, especially women students and academics, in STEM fields; |
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E.

whereas science is of key importance to Europe in economic terms and needs constantly growing teams that are capable, inter alia, of the ground-breaking research essential for increased productivity and competitiveness, and the existence of a sufficient number of individuals with STEM skills is an essential precondition for implementing the European Agenda for Growth and Jobs and the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy; whereas demand for STEM professionals is expected to grow until 2025, while the latest available statistics reveal an ageing research sector; whereas positive cross-fertilisation between STEM subjects and the arts and humanities (STEAM) holds enormous economic, social, and cultural potential, and women researchers and innovators are well placed to develop links from STEM to STEAM; whereas female researchers are an asset for the EU, which needs all available resources in order to recover definitively from the economic and financial crisis and be able to face the changes in society as a whole; whereas there is a need to promote and facilitate women's career development and a higher presence of young people, especially women students and academics, in STEM fields;

| F. | whereas there have been some positive developments regarding female researchers and their share has been growing faster than that of men in recent years, but the numbers of women researchers are still significantly lower than those for men, with the biggest gap being in the business sector; |
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F.

whereas there have been some positive developments regarding female researchers and their share has been growing faster than that of men in recent years, but the numbers of women researchers are still significantly lower than those for men, with the biggest gap being in the business sector;

| G. | whereas academic careers for women remain markedly characterised by strong vertical segregation, with only a very low proportion of women occupying the highest academic posts; whereas according to the 2012 She Figures women account for only 10 % of university rectors; |
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G.

whereas academic careers for women remain markedly characterised by strong vertical segregation, with only a very low proportion of women occupying the highest academic posts; whereas according to the 2012 She Figures women account for only 10 % of university rectors;

| H. | whereas few Member States appear to have provisions on gender equality in their legal framework governing research, and little attention is paid to integrating the gender dimension into national research programmes; |
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H.

whereas few Member States appear to have provisions on gender equality in their legal framework governing research, and little attention is paid to integrating the gender dimension into national research programmes;

| I. | whereas women still encounter obstacles in setting up their own business owing to the persistence of prejudices and stereotypes; whereas there is a need to promote and support greater entrepreneurship among women and develop an environment in which female entrepreneurs and family businesses can prosper and in which enterprise is rewarded by taking the necessary measures based on an exchange of best practice and by paying particular attention to mothers; |
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I.

whereas women still encounter obstacles in setting up their own business owing to the persistence of prejudices and stereotypes; whereas there is a need to promote and support greater entrepreneurship among women and develop an environment in which female entrepreneurs and family businesses can prosper and in which enterprise is rewarded by taking the necessary measures based on an exchange of best practice and by paying particular attention to mothers;

| J. | whereas the reasons for this situation are numerous and complex, including negative stereotypes and prejudices and conscious and unconscious bias; |
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J.

whereas the reasons for this situation are numerous and complex, including negative stereotypes and prejudices and conscious and unconscious bias;

| K. | whereas statistics consistently show that girls become disengaged from STEM subjects at school and are less likely to pursue a science-related degree at university; whereas there is no one single explanation for the low levels of women in STEM and reasons include: lack of knowledge about STEM careers on the part of teachers in schools, a lack of female role models, a high number of precarious short- term contracts, unconscious bias on interview panels, women being less likely than men to put themselves forward for senior positions, and a tendency for women to be steered into teaching and pastoral roles rather than research and academia; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas statistics consistently show that girls become disengaged from STEM subjects at school and are less likely to pursue a science-related degree at university; whereas there is no one single explanation for the low levels of women in STEM and reasons include: lack of knowledge about STEM careers on the part of teachers in schools, a lack of female role models, a high number of precarious short- term contracts, unconscious bias on interview panels, women being less likely than men to put themselves forward for senior positions, and a tendency for women to be steered into teaching and pastoral roles rather than research and academia;

| L. | whereas women working in research, as in all other areas, are forced to assume a higher share of obligations related to parenting or their families than their male counterparts, and, therefore, all proposed measures have to take into account the possibility of successfully reconciling professional and family life for women so as to include men in these spheres; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas women working in research, as in all other areas, are forced to assume a higher share of obligations related to parenting or their families than their male counterparts, and, therefore, all proposed measures have to take into account the possibility of successfully reconciling professional and family life for women so as to include men in these spheres;

| M. | whereas despite all ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and equal opportunities, women still experience unequal access to research positions, funding, publishing and academic awards, and are also affected by rigid criteria for promotion and recognition and lack of funding or suitable policies to support them, the prospects for young female scientists being particularly bleak; whereas all these are factors potentially contributing to the ‘brain drain’, a situation requiring radical rather than simple measures; whereas, furthermore, cooperation on a collective level is of utmost importance and should be undertaken and incentivised both at a personal level and within society; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas despite all ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and equal opportunities, women still experience unequal access to research positions, funding, publishing and academic awards, and are also affected by rigid criteria for promotion and recognition and lack of funding or suitable policies to support them, the prospects for young female scientists being particularly bleak; whereas all these are factors potentially contributing to the ‘brain drain’, a situation requiring radical rather than simple measures; whereas, furthermore, cooperation on a collective level is of utmost importance and should be undertaken and incentivised both at a personal level and within society;

| N. | whereas the de facto low position of women in the scientific field in society, without this necessarily being justified by any objective criteria, as well as gender relations and gender-based stereotypes need to be revised and revalued; whereas offering women a wider range of career prospects and altering educational models could make a substantial contribution to narrowing the gender pay gap, for example by increasing the number of female scientists and engineers; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the de facto low position of women in the scientific field in society, without this necessarily being justified by any objective criteria, as well as gender relations and gender-based stereotypes need to be revised and revalued; whereas offering women a wider range of career prospects and altering educational models could make a substantial contribution to narrowing the gender pay gap, for example by increasing the number of female scientists and engineers;

| O. | whereas the Commission is already committed to ensuring 40 % representation of the under-represented sex in the membership of all its expert groups, panels and committees, and, in particular, will apply this to the specific programme Horizon 2020; |
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O.

whereas the Commission is already committed to ensuring 40 % representation of the under-represented sex in the membership of all its expert groups, panels and committees, and, in particular, will apply this to the specific programme Horizon 2020;

| P. | whereas the most recent Council conclusions on reinforcing human resources in science and technology in the European Research Area have recognised the importance of promoting gender equality in research and the inclusion of women in positions of responsibility, and this has been the case since 2005, but the Council has made no further statement on the matter; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the most recent Council conclusions on reinforcing human resources in science and technology in the European Research Area have recognised the importance of promoting gender equality in research and the inclusion of women in positions of responsibility, and this has been the case since 2005, but the Council has made no further statement on the matter;

| Q. | whereas the European Research Area Roadmap 2015-2020 calls on the Commission and the Member States to start translating national equality legislation into effective action, in order to address gender imbalances in research institutions and decision-making bodies and integrate the gender dimension better into R&D policies, programmes and projects; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the European Research Area Roadmap 2015-2020 calls on the Commission and the Member States to start translating national equality legislation into effective action, in order to address gender imbalances in research institutions and decision-making bodies and integrate the gender dimension better into R&D policies, programmes and projects;

| R. | whereas the Istanbul Convention contains a commitment to addressing the root causes of violence and promoting greater equality between women and men by changing attitudes and eliminating stereotypes not only at the level of individuals, but also at the level of higher education institutions as well as in university and college campuses, which are not immune to gender-based violence, so that women can be free from violence and the fear it generates, which often prevents them from participating fully in academic and social life; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas the Istanbul Convention contains a commitment to addressing the root causes of violence and promoting greater equality between women and men by changing attitudes and eliminating stereotypes not only at the level of individuals, but also at the level of higher education institutions as well as in university and college campuses, which are not immune to gender-based violence, so that women can be free from violence and the fear it generates, which often prevents them from participating fully in academic and social life;

| S. | whereas the European Institute for Gender Equality can play a fundamental role in monitoring the development of the gender pay gap in science and research, analysing its causes and assessing the impact of legislation; |
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S.

whereas the European Institute for Gender Equality can play a fundamental role in monitoring the development of the gender pay gap in science and research, analysing its causes and assessing the impact of legislation;

Gender equality in academic positions

| 1. | Notes that despite positive changes in recent years, gender equality in science and academia has still not been achieved, with the situation varying across Member States, fields of research and academic grade; points out the strikingly low presence of women in the highest academic and decision-making positions in scientific institutions and universities, which indicates the existence of a glass ceiling, that is, invisible barriers based on prejudices which stand in the way of women accessing positions of responsibility; |
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1.

Notes that despite positive changes in recent years, gender equality in science and academia has still not been achieved, with the situation varying across Member States, fields of research and academic grade; points out the strikingly low presence of women in the highest academic and decision-making positions in scientific institutions and universities, which indicates the existence of a glass ceiling, that is, invisible barriers based on prejudices which stand in the way of women accessing positions of responsibility;

| 2. | Deplores the fact that there is evidence of gender segregation in university and school hierarchies in Europe and other advanced economies which is both horizontal and vertical in nature, and that while 59 % of university graduates in the EU-28 are women, they account for only 18 % of full university professors; |
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2.

Deplores the fact that there is evidence of gender segregation in university and school hierarchies in Europe and other advanced economies which is both horizontal and vertical in nature, and that while 59 % of university graduates in the EU-28 are women, they account for only 18 % of full university professors;

| 3. | Reiterates that gender equality is one of the principles on which the EU is founded and has to be respected also in the field of research and academia; stresses that all forms of direct or indirect discrimination against women must be eliminated; |
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3.

Reiterates that gender equality is one of the principles on which the EU is founded and has to be respected also in the field of research and academia; stresses that all forms of direct or indirect discrimination against women must be eliminated;

| 4. | Notes that the lack of women in science and research has resulted in a male default in R&D, and that in particular: (a) there are no female crash dummies; (b) medical research is usually carried out on male subjects; (c) radiation dosage calculations are based on the absorption rate of a middle-aged male; and (d) in the majority of anatomy textbooks images are of a man's body; |
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4.

Notes that the lack of women in science and research has resulted in a male default in R&D, and that in particular: (a) there are no female crash dummies; (b) medical research is usually carried out on male subjects; (c) radiation dosage calculations are based on the absorption rate of a middle-aged male; and (d) in the majority of anatomy textbooks images are of a man's body;

| 5. | Regrets that unequal access for women to research positions, funding and publishing still persists, including a unadjusted gender pay gap in the area of science and academia, despite legal provisions on equal treatment and non-discrimination on the labour market, including provisions on equal pay, being in place in the EU and Member States; |
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5.

Regrets that unequal access for women to research positions, funding and publishing still persists, including a unadjusted gender pay gap in the area of science and academia, despite legal provisions on equal treatment and non-discrimination on the labour market, including provisions on equal pay, being in place in the EU and Member States;

Positive measures

| 6. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to analyse the existing legal provisions with the aim of properly implementing and, if necessary, revising them in order to enforce equal treatment of women and men; urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure compliance with the principle of non-discrimination, considered as a target of the European Union by the Lisbon Treaty, in all types of employment contract or funding, as well as the legal right to equal pay for equal work for all elements of remuneration granted to men and women, including grants and scholarships, by, for example, ensuring wage transparency; |
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6.

Urges the Commission and the Member States to analyse the existing legal provisions with the aim of properly implementing and, if necessary, revising them in order to enforce equal treatment of women and men; urges the Commission and the Member States to ensure compliance with the principle of non-discrimination, considered as a target of the European Union by the Lisbon Treaty, in all types of employment contract or funding, as well as the legal right to equal pay for equal work for all elements of remuneration granted to men and women, including grants and scholarships, by, for example, ensuring wage transparency;

| 7. | Notes that besides the enforcement of legal provisions, cultural and institutional barriers that generate direct or indirect discrimination against women in scientific careers and decision-making have to be removed in order to achieve gender equality; considers that these forms of discrimination, negative prejudices and conscious or unconscious stereotypes build on attitudes and standards which are continually reproduced, and that institutional changes can help remove them; calls on the Commission to introduce and support sensitisation campaigns and programmes and initiatives to reduce these barriers, both in the academic world and in society in general; |
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7.

Notes that besides the enforcement of legal provisions, cultural and institutional barriers that generate direct or indirect discrimination against women in scientific careers and decision-making have to be removed in order to achieve gender equality; considers that these forms of discrimination, negative prejudices and conscious or unconscious stereotypes build on attitudes and standards which are continually reproduced, and that institutional changes can help remove them; calls on the Commission to introduce and support sensitisation campaigns and programmes and initiatives to reduce these barriers, both in the academic world and in society in general;

| 8. | Criticises once again the fact that women are still paid less than men for the same work, also in the field of research and science as a consequence of their unequal representation; |
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8.

Criticises once again the fact that women are still paid less than men for the same work, also in the field of research and science as a consequence of their unequal representation;

| 9. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to include support for and promotion of peer support networks and the sharing of best practices across Europe and beyond; |
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9.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to include support for and promotion of peer support networks and the sharing of best practices across Europe and beyond;

| 10. | Stresses that sensitisation campaigns should target men as well as women, since they (consciously or unconsciously) reproduce gender stereotypes which can cause women to internalise cultural and institutional barriers to career progress in science; |
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10.

Stresses that sensitisation campaigns should target men as well as women, since they (consciously or unconsciously) reproduce gender stereotypes which can cause women to internalise cultural and institutional barriers to career progress in science;

| 11. | Urges the Commission to build on existing programmes and initiatives and to step up positive campaigns aimed at girls and women, encouraging them to enter academic and research careers in all scientific fields, with a special focus on engineering and the technology sector, where, despite recent positive changes, the participation of women remains below average; |
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11.

Urges the Commission to build on existing programmes and initiatives and to step up positive campaigns aimed at girls and women, encouraging them to enter academic and research careers in all scientific fields, with a special focus on engineering and the technology sector, where, despite recent positive changes, the participation of women remains below average;

| 12. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote educational programmes which encourage synergies and positive links between STEM subjects and the arts and humanities and promote a gender perspective, facilitating the role women can play in making these links; |
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12.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote educational programmes which encourage synergies and positive links between STEM subjects and the arts and humanities and promote a gender perspective, facilitating the role women can play in making these links;

| 13. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote positive female role models at all levels of education, including compulsory schooling and through to further and higher education and postgraduate level, and also in informal education and youth work; recognises that promoting positive female role models includes taking measures to emphasise the historical and contemporary achievements of women in science and technology, entrepreneurship, and decision-making positions; notes that such measures may include specific focus on International Women's Day, Science Weeks, and making use of existing best practice from Member States and across the world; |
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13.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote positive female role models at all levels of education, including compulsory schooling and through to further and higher education and postgraduate level, and also in informal education and youth work; recognises that promoting positive female role models includes taking measures to emphasise the historical and contemporary achievements of women in science and technology, entrepreneurship, and decision-making positions; notes that such measures may include specific focus on International Women's Day, Science Weeks, and making use of existing best practice from Member States and across the world;

| 14. | Calls on the Commission, the Member States and relevant stakeholders to strengthen initiatives and programmes encouraging women to continue their scientific and academic careers, such as coaching and networking programmes and supporting female scientists — in particular young female scientists — participating in research programmes and grant applications, as well as supporting the individual careers of female researchers and the advancement of their careers to the highest grades; believes women should also be encouraged to apply for decision-making positions, while at the same time action must be taken to combat all types of barriers that make it hard or impossible to apply; |
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14.

Calls on the Commission, the Member States and relevant stakeholders to strengthen initiatives and programmes encouraging women to continue their scientific and academic careers, such as coaching and networking programmes and supporting female scientists — in particular young female scientists — participating in research programmes and grant applications, as well as supporting the individual careers of female researchers and the advancement of their careers to the highest grades; believes women should also be encouraged to apply for decision-making positions, while at the same time action must be taken to combat all types of barriers that make it hard or impossible to apply;

| 15. | Urges the Commission and the Member States, when designing any gender equality strategy in higher education, to include specific consideration for women who face multiple discrimination, such as LGBTI women, women with disabilities, women from minority or migrant backgrounds, refugees, and women carers; |
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15.

Urges the Commission and the Member States, when designing any gender equality strategy in higher education, to include specific consideration for women who face multiple discrimination, such as LGBTI women, women with disabilities, women from minority or migrant backgrounds, refugees, and women carers;

| 16. | Urges the Member States to develop effective and attractive STEM curricular and teaching methods to keep girls engaged in science, and to recognise and invest in teachers as drivers of cultural change, with their potential to boost the continuing participation of girls in science at school; |
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16.

Urges the Member States to develop effective and attractive STEM curricular and teaching methods to keep girls engaged in science, and to recognise and invest in teachers as drivers of cultural change, with their potential to boost the continuing participation of girls in science at school;

| 17. | Urges the Member States to recognise the potential of quality career guidance and of engaging in training to encourage girls to continue STEM subjects at university; |
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17.

Urges the Member States to recognise the potential of quality career guidance and of engaging in training to encourage girls to continue STEM subjects at university;

Balancing professional and personal life

| 18. | Underlines that the need to successfully reconcile professional and family obligations often represents a major barrier that specifically affects women advancing their scientific and academic careers, and is one of the main reasons for them dropping out of those careers; |
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18.

Underlines that the need to successfully reconcile professional and family obligations often represents a major barrier that specifically affects women advancing their scientific and academic careers, and is one of the main reasons for them dropping out of those careers;

| 19. | Calls for more flexible working conditions for both male and female researchers, allowing them to combine work with family life, and for elimination of the gender pay gap in the interests of gender equality; |
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19.

Calls for more flexible working conditions for both male and female researchers, allowing them to combine work with family life, and for elimination of the gender pay gap in the interests of gender equality;

| 20. | Calls on the Commission, the Member States, research funding organisations and other stakeholders to design programmes to actively encourage women to continue their careers after maternity or parental leave, and to provide funding for re-entry programmes which should be tailored to the needs of each institution and include the training needed to keep up with scientific developments, as well as allowing more flexibility regarding women's scientific production following the birth or adoption of a child and providing adequate childcare services, also encouraging the integration of men into family life; these measures should also be applied to researchers working on individual stipends and staff on externally funded research projects; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on the Commission, the Member States, research funding organisations and other stakeholders to design programmes to actively encourage women to continue their careers after maternity or parental leave, and to provide funding for re-entry programmes which should be tailored to the needs of each institution and include the training needed to keep up with scientific developments, as well as allowing more flexibility regarding women's scientific production following the birth or adoption of a child and providing adequate childcare services, also encouraging the integration of men into family life; these measures should also be applied to researchers working on individual stipends and staff on externally funded research projects;

| 21. | Encourages the Member States and regions to promote the development of family-friendly universities and research institutes; |
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21.

Encourages the Member States and regions to promote the development of family-friendly universities and research institutes;

| 22. | Urges the Commission to recognise the need for adequate paternity leave and paternity pay so that it is affordable for men to take time off to care for a child and to help combat the norm of the woman being the parent to take a career break, in order to overcome a major barrier to women advancing their careers in science and academia; |
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22.

Urges the Commission to recognise the need for adequate paternity leave and paternity pay so that it is affordable for men to take time off to care for a child and to help combat the norm of the woman being the parent to take a career break, in order to overcome a major barrier to women advancing their careers in science and academia;

Institutional changes and projects

| 23. | Takes note of the fact that, in addition to encouraging individual women’s careers, institutional changes are needed in order to overcome the barriers to gender equality, especially with regard to vertical segregation and the participation of women in decision-making committees; |
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23.

Takes note of the fact that, in addition to encouraging individual women’s careers, institutional changes are needed in order to overcome the barriers to gender equality, especially with regard to vertical segregation and the participation of women in decision-making committees;

| 24. | Stresses the need for institutional involvement in supporting and encouraging these changes by setting new standards, addressing questions arising and monitoring progress, so as to enable female scientists to take advantage of available information and, at the same time, make an active contribution to the European Research Area; |
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24.

Stresses the need for institutional involvement in supporting and encouraging these changes by setting new standards, addressing questions arising and monitoring progress, so as to enable female scientists to take advantage of available information and, at the same time, make an active contribution to the European Research Area;

| 25. | Urges the Commission to propose a recommendation to Member States containing common guidelines on institutional change to promote gender equality in universities and research institutions; |
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25.

Urges the Commission to propose a recommendation to Member States containing common guidelines on institutional change to promote gender equality in universities and research institutions;

| 26. | Believes there is a need for the systematisation of available information regarding gender distribution and the position of female scientists in the Member States in order to promote gender equality in all public and private research institutions; considers that there is a need for consensus regarding further action to encourage projects relating to female scientists; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Believes there is a need for the systematisation of available information regarding gender distribution and the position of female scientists in the Member States in order to promote gender equality in all public and private research institutions; considers that there is a need for consensus regarding further action to encourage projects relating to female scientists;

| 27. | Urges the Commission to step up its coordination role regarding the gender mainstreaming initiatives within the European Research Area, and to raise awareness and offer relevant training aimed at stakeholders regarding the importance of gender mainstreaming in science and academia; stresses the need for measures to encourage true gender equality regarding academic and scientific career development; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Urges the Commission to step up its coordination role regarding the gender mainstreaming initiatives within the European Research Area, and to raise awareness and offer relevant training aimed at stakeholders regarding the importance of gender mainstreaming in science and academia; stresses the need for measures to encourage true gender equality regarding academic and scientific career development;

| 28. | Welcomes the fact that the Commission is financing the creation of gender equality plans through projects under the 7th Framework Programme and Horizon 2020, and also welcomes the joint project of the Commission and the European Institute for Gender Equality for creating an on-line tool for gender equality plans as a means of identifying and sharing best practices with relevant stakeholders; underlines that proposed best practices should take into account the independence of universities and research organisations and the variety of their organisational structures across the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Welcomes the fact that the Commission is financing the creation of gender equality plans through projects under the 7th Framework Programme and Horizon 2020, and also welcomes the joint project of the Commission and the European Institute for Gender Equality for creating an on-line tool for gender equality plans as a means of identifying and sharing best practices with relevant stakeholders; underlines that proposed best practices should take into account the independence of universities and research organisations and the variety of their organisational structures across the Member States;

| 29. | Invites the Member States to engage in partnerships with research organisations and universities to foster cultural and institutional changes on gender; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Invites the Member States to engage in partnerships with research organisations and universities to foster cultural and institutional changes on gender;

| 30. | Calls on Member States to work with academic institutions to provide support and more opportunities for career progression at key transition points such as between Ph.D., postdoctoral and lectureship posts; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Calls on Member States to work with academic institutions to provide support and more opportunities for career progression at key transition points such as between Ph.D., postdoctoral and lectureship posts;

| 31. | Stresses the need for full integration of the gender dimension in research and gender balance in participation into Horizon 2020; believes that this will require renewed efforts to integrate the gender dimension into the formulation and implementation of the next work programme; welcomes the creation of the Horizon 2020 Advisory Group on Gender (AGG); strongly believes that the objectives of Horizon 2020 will only be reached with the full participation of women scientists; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Stresses the need for full integration of the gender dimension in research and gender balance in participation into Horizon 2020; believes that this will require renewed efforts to integrate the gender dimension into the formulation and implementation of the next work programme; welcomes the creation of the Horizon 2020 Advisory Group on Gender (AGG); strongly believes that the objectives of Horizon 2020 will only be reached with the full participation of women scientists;

| 32. | Calls on the Member States to work with academic institutions to proactively encourage women to apply for positions and ensure female representation on interview panels where possible; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Calls on the Member States to work with academic institutions to proactively encourage women to apply for positions and ensure female representation on interview panels where possible;

| 33. | Strongly believes that the gender dimension is a source of added value for research and provides a return on investment; highlights that gender analysis can foster innovation and multidisciplinary cooperation in science and technology; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Strongly believes that the gender dimension is a source of added value for research and provides a return on investment; highlights that gender analysis can foster innovation and multidisciplinary cooperation in science and technology;

Steps forward

| 34. | Calls on the Member States to provide incentives to research institutes and universities to introduce and apply gender equality plans, to introduce a gender dimension in their national research programmes, to remove legal and other barriers to the recruitment, retention and career progression of female researchers, and to implement comprehensive strategies for structural change in order to overcome the existing gaps in research institutions and programmes; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Calls on the Member States to provide incentives to research institutes and universities to introduce and apply gender equality plans, to introduce a gender dimension in their national research programmes, to remove legal and other barriers to the recruitment, retention and career progression of female researchers, and to implement comprehensive strategies for structural change in order to overcome the existing gaps in research institutions and programmes;

| 35. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to address gender imbalances in the decision-making process and within the bodies responsible for hiring and promoting researchers, and to consider the creation of gender equality plans as a precondition for access to public funding in research, science and academia, in particular by encouraging research and science establishments to produce reports on their efforts to integrate women scientists and by ensuring open and transparent selection and promotion processes; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to address gender imbalances in the decision-making process and within the bodies responsible for hiring and promoting researchers, and to consider the creation of gender equality plans as a precondition for access to public funding in research, science and academia, in particular by encouraging research and science establishments to produce reports on their efforts to integrate women scientists and by ensuring open and transparent selection and promotion processes;

| 36. | Recognises that gender equality strategies in higher education must also address the phenomena of gender-based violence; calls on the Commission and the Member States to devise strategies to address gender-based violence on university and college campuses, including awareness-raising, facilitating access to justice for women affected, and involving male students, academics and staff in the fight against violence; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Recognises that gender equality strategies in higher education must also address the phenomena of gender-based violence; calls on the Commission and the Member States to devise strategies to address gender-based violence on university and college campuses, including awareness-raising, facilitating access to justice for women affected, and involving male students, academics and staff in the fight against violence;

| 37. | Calls on the Member States to encourage employers to take measures to combat all forms of workplace mobbing affecting women, which may lead to victims being discouraged and, finally, resigning; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Calls on the Member States to encourage employers to take measures to combat all forms of workplace mobbing affecting women, which may lead to victims being discouraged and, finally, resigning;

| 38. | Encourages Member States to facilitate regular communication between national ministers for universities and science and ministers for equality, or the appropriate equivalent, so as to develop national policies which encourage and support women in science and academia; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Encourages Member States to facilitate regular communication between national ministers for universities and science and ministers for equality, or the appropriate equivalent, so as to develop national policies which encourage and support women in science and academia;

| 39. | Calls on the Member States to involve media and the private sector in eradicating gender stereotypes and promoting mutual respect; emphasises the role of the media in perpetuating or fighting to dispel gender stereotypes, and the media’s potential for proactively promoting positive role models for women and girls which should be encouraged; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Calls on the Member States to involve media and the private sector in eradicating gender stereotypes and promoting mutual respect; emphasises the role of the media in perpetuating or fighting to dispel gender stereotypes, and the media’s potential for proactively promoting positive role models for women and girls which should be encouraged;

| 40. | Calls on the Commission and the European Institute for Gender Equality to further develop the existing methodology for maintaining gender-disaggregated statistics for all academic and scientific activity, in addition to human resources statistics, and to develop valid indicators for measuring institutional change processes, both nationally and across the European research area; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Calls on the Commission and the European Institute for Gender Equality to further develop the existing methodology for maintaining gender-disaggregated statistics for all academic and scientific activity, in addition to human resources statistics, and to develop valid indicators for measuring institutional change processes, both nationally and across the European research area;

| 41. | Calls on the Member States, the academic sector and all relevant stakeholders to introduce specialised programmes in education, and in particular tertiary education, in order to highlight the significance of gender equality; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Calls on the Member States, the academic sector and all relevant stakeholders to introduce specialised programmes in education, and in particular tertiary education, in order to highlight the significance of gender equality;

| 42. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to consistently apply gender -balanced budgeting to all programmes and measures providing funding in the area of science, academia and research, and to develop guidelines and methods for monitoring and assessing the inclusion of the gender dimension in these areas; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to consistently apply gender -balanced budgeting to all programmes and measures providing funding in the area of science, academia and research, and to develop guidelines and methods for monitoring and assessing the inclusion of the gender dimension in these areas;

| 43. | Calls on the Member States to develop statistical measures to monitor the destinations of women leaving academia in order to enhance policymaking by academic institutions and governments in related areas; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Calls on the Member States to develop statistical measures to monitor the destinations of women leaving academia in order to enhance policymaking by academic institutions and governments in related areas;

| 44. | Encourages the Member States to consider providing positive recognition of academic institutions that have taken measures to address gender inequality; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Encourages the Member States to consider providing positive recognition of academic institutions that have taken measures to address gender inequality;

| 45. | Asks the Commission to integrate the gender dimension into scientific and technological content in order to put an end to subtle forms of discrimination, by means of incentives to take sex and gender into account in research development; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Asks the Commission to integrate the gender dimension into scientific and technological content in order to put an end to subtle forms of discrimination, by means of incentives to take sex and gender into account in research development;

Getting involved

| 46. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to further strengthen networking among female scientists at national, regional and EU level; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to further strengthen networking among female scientists at national, regional and EU level;

| 47. | Encourages the Member States to consider implementing mentoring schemes with a particular focus on encouraging women to apply for funding grants, promotions or other opportunities and supporting them through that process; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Encourages the Member States to consider implementing mentoring schemes with a particular focus on encouraging women to apply for funding grants, promotions or other opportunities and supporting them through that process;

| 48. | Reiterates the importance of ensuring increased participation of women in decision-making and of ensuring gender balance on evaluation panels, selection boards and all other relevant committees, as well as nominated panels and committees taking decisions related to recruitment, funding, research programmes and publishing; believes that research institutions and universities should be encouraged to introduce targets for the participation of women in such bodies; calls on the Commission and the Member States in this regard to base themselves on the Commission’s proposal for a directive on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures (6), with a view to proposing similar legislative measures concerning senior positions for women in science and academia; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Reiterates the importance of ensuring increased participation of women in decision-making and of ensuring gender balance on evaluation panels, selection boards and all other relevant committees, as well as nominated panels and committees taking decisions related to recruitment, funding, research programmes and publishing; believes that research institutions and universities should be encouraged to introduce targets for the participation of women in such bodies; calls on the Commission and the Member States in this regard to base themselves on the Commission’s proposal for a directive on improving the gender balance among non-executive directors of companies listed on stock exchanges and related measures (6), with a view to proposing similar legislative measures concerning senior positions for women in science and academia;

| 49. | Calls on the Council to adopt, during the Luxembourg presidency, conclusions concerning gender equality in research in order to ensure greater representation and participation of women in the decision-making process in the research sector; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Calls on the Council to adopt, during the Luxembourg presidency, conclusions concerning gender equality in research in order to ensure greater representation and participation of women in the decision-making process in the research sector;

| 50. | Calls on Parliament to introduce a ‘Women and Science in Europe’ prize, to be awarded to employers (undertakings, institutions or authorities), that lead the way in promoting women in academic and scientific circles, supporting female managers and ensuring equal pay; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Calls on Parliament to introduce a ‘Women and Science in Europe’ prize, to be awarded to employers (undertakings, institutions or authorities), that lead the way in promoting women in academic and scientific circles, supporting female managers and ensuring equal pay;

| 51. | Call on the Commission to promote, through information campaigns, the schemes and programmes intended to increase women’s participation in scientific research; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Call on the Commission to promote, through information campaigns, the schemes and programmes intended to increase women’s participation in scientific research;

o

o o

| 52. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

52.

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

---

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

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

(3)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0499.

(4)  OJ C 279 E, 19.11.2009, p. 40.

(5)  OJ C 309, 27.10.2000, p. 57.

(6)  COM(2012)0614.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/182 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/182

---

P8_TA(2015)0312

Empowering girls through education in the EU

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on empowering girls through education in the EU (2014/2250(INI))

(2017/C 316/18)

The European Parliament,

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

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948,

| — | having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child,

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

—

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

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

—

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

| — | having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) of 18 December 1979, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) of 18 December 1979,

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

—

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

| — | having regard to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women on 15 September 1995 and to the subsequent outcome documents adopted at the United Nations Beijing + 5 (2005), Beijing + 15 (2010) and Beijing + 20 (2015) special sessions, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women on 15 September 1995 and to the subsequent outcome documents adopted at the United Nations Beijing + 5 (2005), Beijing + 15 (2010) and Beijing + 20 (2015) special sessions,

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

—

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

| — | having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) of May 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) of May 2011,

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

—

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

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2013 on eliminating gender stereotypes in the EU (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2013 on eliminating gender stereotypes in the EU (1),

| — | having regard to Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation, and to Council Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation, and to Council Directive 2004/113/EC of 13 December 2004 implementing the principle of equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services,

| — | having regard to Directive 2002/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2002 amending Council Directive 76/207/EEC on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2002/73/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2002 amending Council Directive 76/207/EEC on the implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women as regards access to employment, vocational training and promotion, and working conditions,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 10 March 2015 on progress on equality between women and men in the European Union in 2013 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 10 March 2015 on progress on equality between women and men in the European Union in 2013 (2),

| — | having regard to the independent report of 2009 commissioned by the Commission’s Directorate-General for Education and Culture (DG EAC), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the independent report of 2009 commissioned by the Commission’s Directorate-General for Education and Culture (DG EAC),

| — | having regard to Recommendation CM/Rec(2007)13 of 10 October 2007, by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to the Member States, on gender mainstreaming in education, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Recommendation CM/Rec(2007)13 of 10 October 2007, by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to the Member States, on gender mainstreaming in education,

| — | having regard to the ‘Compilation of good practices to promote an education free from gender stereotypes and identifying ways to implement the measures which are included in the Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation on gender mainstreaming in education’ (revised 12 March 2015), promoted by the Council of Europe, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ‘Compilation of good practices to promote an education free from gender stereotypes and identifying ways to implement the measures which are included in the Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation on gender mainstreaming in education’ (revised 12 March 2015), promoted by the Council of Europe,

| — | having regard to Recommendation Rec(2003)3 of the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe to the Member States on balanced participation of women and men in political and public decision- making, adopted on 12 March 2003, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Recommendation Rec(2003)3 of the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe to the Member States on balanced participation of women and men in political and public decision- making, adopted on 12 March 2003,

| — | having regard to the communication from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) entitled ‘Women and the World of Work’, for International Women’s Day 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) entitled ‘Women and the World of Work’, for International Women’s Day 2015,

| — | having regard to the ‘European Union lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender survey’ published by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) in 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ‘European Union lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender survey’ published by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) in 2013,

| — | 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 Women’s Rights and Gender Equality and the opinion of the Committee on Culture and Education (A8-0206/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality and the opinion of the Committee on Culture and Education (A8-0206/2015),

| A. | whereas education is the foundation of responsible citizenship, is essential to ensure gender equality and empowerment of girls, and is a fundamental human right and the right of every child; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas education is the foundation of responsible citizenship, is essential to ensure gender equality and empowerment of girls, and is a fundamental human right and the right of every child;

| B. | whereas education and training of girls and women is an important European value, a fundamental human right and an essential element for the empowerment of girls and women on the social, cultural and professional levels, as well as for the full enjoyment of all other social, economic, cultural and political rights and subsequently the prevention of violence against women and girls; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas education and training of girls and women is an important European value, a fundamental human right and an essential element for the empowerment of girls and women on the social, cultural and professional levels, as well as for the full enjoyment of all other social, economic, cultural and political rights and subsequently the prevention of violence against women and girls;

| C. | whereas education can transform a society and contribute to social, economic, political and gender equality; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas education can transform a society and contribute to social, economic, political and gender equality;

| D. | whereas according to a study conducted by Parliament’s Directorate-General for Internal Policies, 30 million girls of primary school age are excluded from the education system worldwide; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas according to a study conducted by Parliament’s Directorate-General for Internal Policies, 30 million girls of primary school age are excluded from the education system worldwide;

| E. | whereas poverty, social exclusion and the inadequacy or poor availability of pre-school, school and out-of-school networks are among the biggest obstacles preventing girls from gaining access to education; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas poverty, social exclusion and the inadequacy or poor availability of pre-school, school and out-of-school networks are among the biggest obstacles preventing girls from gaining access to education;

| F. | whereas only states are able to provide free compulsory universal education, which is a sine qua non for guaranteeing equal opportunities for both sexes; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas only states are able to provide free compulsory universal education, which is a sine qua non for guaranteeing equal opportunities for both sexes;

| G. | whereas budget cuts in the education sector, stemming to a large extent from the austerity policies advocated by the EU, are jeopardising free high-quality public education and thus serving to exacerbate inequalities; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas budget cuts in the education sector, stemming to a large extent from the austerity policies advocated by the EU, are jeopardising free high-quality public education and thus serving to exacerbate inequalities;

| H. | whereas quality public education should be free and available to all children, without any discrimination and regardless of their residence status; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas quality public education should be free and available to all children, without any discrimination and regardless of their residence status;

| I. | whereas poverty has a strong influence on equal access to education due to the costs, both direct and indirect, of sending children to school, and access to education, in particular higher education, is especially difficult for young people from low-income families, which leads to a reinforcement of the traditional preference for education for boys; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas poverty has a strong influence on equal access to education due to the costs, both direct and indirect, of sending children to school, and access to education, in particular higher education, is especially difficult for young people from low-income families, which leads to a reinforcement of the traditional preference for education for boys;

| J. | whereas gender stereotypes assign different, determined and limited roles to women and men and these roles are shaped through a multiplicity of social variables and disseminated or reproduced by parents, education and media; whereas these gender roles are integrated by individuals during the socialisation phases of childhood and adolescence and therefore influence their lives and might limit women’s and men’s personal development; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas gender stereotypes assign different, determined and limited roles to women and men and these roles are shaped through a multiplicity of social variables and disseminated or reproduced by parents, education and media; whereas these gender roles are integrated by individuals during the socialisation phases of childhood and adolescence and therefore influence their lives and might limit women’s and men’s personal development;

| K. | whereas the impact of gender stereotypes on education and training and decisions made by students at school can influence choices throughout their lives and subsequently has strong implications for the labour market, where women still face both horizontal and vertical segregation; whereas this contributes to certain sectors still being considered ‘male’ and their pay levels consequently being higher than those of sectors considered ‘female’; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the impact of gender stereotypes on education and training and decisions made by students at school can influence choices throughout their lives and subsequently has strong implications for the labour market, where women still face both horizontal and vertical segregation; whereas this contributes to certain sectors still being considered ‘male’ and their pay levels consequently being higher than those of sectors considered ‘female’;

| L. | considering the significant influence of the social environment, family attitudes, peers, role models and teachers, as well as of centres for tutoring and advice on course choice, on the selection of students‘ study areas and changing gender stereotypes, and given that teachers as agents of social change, by their attitudes and teaching practices, are essential to the promotion of gender equality, diversity and mutual understanding and respect; also considering that schoolteachers can reach out to parents and raise their awareness on gender equality and their children’s potential; |
| --- | --- |

L.

considering the significant influence of the social environment, family attitudes, peers, role models and teachers, as well as of centres for tutoring and advice on course choice, on the selection of students‘ study areas and changing gender stereotypes, and given that teachers as agents of social change, by their attitudes and teaching practices, are essential to the promotion of gender equality, diversity and mutual understanding and respect; also considering that schoolteachers can reach out to parents and raise their awareness on gender equality and their children’s potential;

| M. | whereas gender equality should be incorporated into all levels and facets of education in order to promote, among girls and boys, women and men, the values of justice and democratic citizenship, in order to build a genuine partnership between the genders with regard to both public and private spheres; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas gender equality should be incorporated into all levels and facets of education in order to promote, among girls and boys, women and men, the values of justice and democratic citizenship, in order to build a genuine partnership between the genders with regard to both public and private spheres;

| N. | whereas there is a need for more women role models in male-dominated fields such as science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and entrepreneurship, and mentoring networks and peer-to-peer learning are effective in empowering girls in these fields; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas there is a need for more women role models in male-dominated fields such as science, engineering, technology, mathematics, and entrepreneurship, and mentoring networks and peer-to-peer learning are effective in empowering girls in these fields;

| O. | whereas the available data attest that women are less well rewarded financially for their qualifications and experience than men and women continue to be responsible for the greater part of care for family and other dependents, which limits their access to paid full-time employment; whereas gender equality should involve the recognition of all the work done by women and the education of boys and men in the tasks which are traditionally feminised; whereas progress on childcare support and maternity and paternity leave policies throughout Europe will contribute to women’s employment prospects, economic empowerment, and the fight against gender stereotypes, thus empowering girls at all levels of education; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the available data attest that women are less well rewarded financially for their qualifications and experience than men and women continue to be responsible for the greater part of care for family and other dependents, which limits their access to paid full-time employment; whereas gender equality should involve the recognition of all the work done by women and the education of boys and men in the tasks which are traditionally feminised; whereas progress on childcare support and maternity and paternity leave policies throughout Europe will contribute to women’s employment prospects, economic empowerment, and the fight against gender stereotypes, thus empowering girls at all levels of education;

| P. | whereas, even though more women have advanced secondary school diplomas and higher education degrees, both their educational fields and their professional activities are mainly related to tasks aimed at reproducing and extending existing social and economic structures, and there is a need to increase the presence of women both in vocational education and in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)-related sectors; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas, even though more women have advanced secondary school diplomas and higher education degrees, both their educational fields and their professional activities are mainly related to tasks aimed at reproducing and extending existing social and economic structures, and there is a need to increase the presence of women both in vocational education and in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)-related sectors;

| Q. | whereas a more equal allocation of educational resources would result in greater access for girls to the labour market, and a balanced participation of women and men in the working market could foster the EU’s economic prospects; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas a more equal allocation of educational resources would result in greater access for girls to the labour market, and a balanced participation of women and men in the working market could foster the EU’s economic prospects;

| R. | whereas European and national authorities should encourage gender equality in educational institutions by all possible means, and gender education should be a fundamental part of the curriculum and school programmes; whereas European and national authorities must ensure that teaching materials do not contain discriminatory content; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas European and national authorities should encourage gender equality in educational institutions by all possible means, and gender education should be a fundamental part of the curriculum and school programmes; whereas European and national authorities must ensure that teaching materials do not contain discriminatory content;

| S. | whereas the formal curriculum reflects the cultural and social perspective of each Member State and influences the construction of girls’ and boys’ identity; whereas the informal curriculum complements the formal curriculum while the hidden curriculum is common to all situational definitions of the curriculum; whereas all these types of curricula are important in the construction of girls’ and boys’ identity, and local authorities, through their proximity to educational institutions, have a key role to play in informal education; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas the formal curriculum reflects the cultural and social perspective of each Member State and influences the construction of girls’ and boys’ identity; whereas the informal curriculum complements the formal curriculum while the hidden curriculum is common to all situational definitions of the curriculum; whereas all these types of curricula are important in the construction of girls’ and boys’ identity, and local authorities, through their proximity to educational institutions, have a key role to play in informal education;

| T. | whereas, in order to fight gender inequality, constant pedagogical supervision of curricula, development aims and learning outcomes, content, strategies, materials, evaluation, disciplinary programmes and lesson plans is essential, as well as monitoring and evaluation by educational research centres and specialists in gender equality; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas, in order to fight gender inequality, constant pedagogical supervision of curricula, development aims and learning outcomes, content, strategies, materials, evaluation, disciplinary programmes and lesson plans is essential, as well as monitoring and evaluation by educational research centres and specialists in gender equality;

| U. | whereas violence against women is the main impediment to equality between women and men and can be combated through education; whereas not all Member States have ratified the Istanbul Convention and the EU has responsibilities in terms of initiating and funding projects that promote gender equality; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas violence against women is the main impediment to equality between women and men and can be combated through education; whereas not all Member States have ratified the Istanbul Convention and the EU has responsibilities in terms of initiating and funding projects that promote gender equality;

| V. | whereas school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) includes acts of sexual, physical and/or psychological violence inflicted on children because of gendered stereotypes and social norms; whereas SRGBV is a major barrier to access, participation and attainment; |
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V.

whereas school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) includes acts of sexual, physical and/or psychological violence inflicted on children because of gendered stereotypes and social norms; whereas SRGBV is a major barrier to access, participation and attainment;

| W. | whereas women and girls with disabilities and/or special educational needs are exposed to multiple discrimination; whereas the situation of girls can only be improved when access to high-quality education and training is equal and not determined or hindered by this discrimination and is fully in keeping with the principles of inclusion; |
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W.

whereas women and girls with disabilities and/or special educational needs are exposed to multiple discrimination; whereas the situation of girls can only be improved when access to high-quality education and training is equal and not determined or hindered by this discrimination and is fully in keeping with the principles of inclusion;

| X. | whereas significant disproportionalities exist in the identification of special educational needs (SEN); whereas boys are universally more likely to be identified as having special needs, especially ‘non-normative’ difficulties such as attention deficiency syndrome (ADS) or dyslexia where professional judgment plays a larger role in identification; |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas significant disproportionalities exist in the identification of special educational needs (SEN); whereas boys are universally more likely to be identified as having special needs, especially ‘non-normative’ difficulties such as attention deficiency syndrome (ADS) or dyslexia where professional judgment plays a larger role in identification;

| Y. | whereas 17 % of adults worldwide, two-thirds (493 million) of them women, are unable to read or write (3); |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas 17 % of adults worldwide, two-thirds (493 million) of them women, are unable to read or write (3);

General recommendations

| 1. | Calls on the Member States to implement and improve measures to apply gender equality at all levels of the education system, and to fully integrate improving awareness of gender issues into teacher training, but also for all categories of school professionals, e.g. school doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and pedagogues, as well as to ensure the creation of mechanisms throughout the education system to facilitate the promotion, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of gender equality in educational institutions; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Calls on the Member States to implement and improve measures to apply gender equality at all levels of the education system, and to fully integrate improving awareness of gender issues into teacher training, but also for all categories of school professionals, e.g. school doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and pedagogues, as well as to ensure the creation of mechanisms throughout the education system to facilitate the promotion, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of gender equality in educational institutions;

| 2. | Calls on the Member States to promote the democratisation of education and the other conditions necessary in order to ensure that education, whether provided through schools or by other means of instruction, helps to bring about gender equality and equal opportunities, overcome economic, social, and cultural inequalities, foster personal development and a spirit of tolerance, solidarity, and responsibility, and facilitate social progress and democratic participation in the life of the community; |
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2.

Calls on the Member States to promote the democratisation of education and the other conditions necessary in order to ensure that education, whether provided through schools or by other means of instruction, helps to bring about gender equality and equal opportunities, overcome economic, social, and cultural inequalities, foster personal development and a spirit of tolerance, solidarity, and responsibility, and facilitate social progress and democratic participation in the life of the community;

| 3. | Calls on the Member States to ensure that the goals of their education systems include education in respect for fundamental rights and freedoms and in equal rights and opportunities for women and men and that their systems’ quality principles include the elimination of the obstacles to genuine equality between women and men and the promotion of full equality between them; |
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3.

Calls on the Member States to ensure that the goals of their education systems include education in respect for fundamental rights and freedoms and in equal rights and opportunities for women and men and that their systems’ quality principles include the elimination of the obstacles to genuine equality between women and men and the promotion of full equality between them;

| 4. | Calls for the promotion of a holistic approach to formal and informal education in schools, and of a sensitive approach to the inclusion of human rights, human dignity, gender equality and the development of self-esteem and assertiveness which encourages autonomous and informed decision-making for girls and women, both at a personal and at a professional level; recognises that education for gender equality must complement civic education for democratic values, and be embedded in a rights-based gender-sensitive learning environment, where girls and boys can learn about their rights and experience democratic processes in schools and in informal learning environments by, for example, participating in the democratic governance of their schools; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls for the promotion of a holistic approach to formal and informal education in schools, and of a sensitive approach to the inclusion of human rights, human dignity, gender equality and the development of self-esteem and assertiveness which encourages autonomous and informed decision-making for girls and women, both at a personal and at a professional level; recognises that education for gender equality must complement civic education for democratic values, and be embedded in a rights-based gender-sensitive learning environment, where girls and boys can learn about their rights and experience democratic processes in schools and in informal learning environments by, for example, participating in the democratic governance of their schools;

| 5. | Calls on educational policymakers in the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the commitment to gender equality goes beyond declarations of principles and political intentions, and is manifested in substantial increases in the efforts and resources invested in it, recalling the primary importance of education in effecting cultural change; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on educational policymakers in the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the commitment to gender equality goes beyond declarations of principles and political intentions, and is manifested in substantial increases in the efforts and resources invested in it, recalling the primary importance of education in effecting cultural change;

| 6. | Points out that while women represent the majority (60 %) of higher education graduates in the EU, their employment rate and promotion trajectories do not reflect their full potential; stresses that the achievement of inclusive and long-term economic growth depends on closing the gap between women’s educational attainment and their position in the labour market, primarily through overcoming horizontal and vertical segregation; |
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6.

Points out that while women represent the majority (60 %) of higher education graduates in the EU, their employment rate and promotion trajectories do not reflect their full potential; stresses that the achievement of inclusive and long-term economic growth depends on closing the gap between women’s educational attainment and their position in the labour market, primarily through overcoming horizontal and vertical segregation;

| 7. | Emphasises that education is an important tool for enabling women to participate fully in social and economic development; stresses that lifelong learning measures are key to providing women with skills that can enable them to return to employment or improve their employment, income and working conditions; |
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7.

Emphasises that education is an important tool for enabling women to participate fully in social and economic development; stresses that lifelong learning measures are key to providing women with skills that can enable them to return to employment or improve their employment, income and working conditions;

| 8. | Calls on the Member States to increase essential investment in education in order that everyone may benefit from free public education of high quality; |
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8.

Calls on the Member States to increase essential investment in education in order that everyone may benefit from free public education of high quality;

| 9. | Calls on the Member States to ensure that their education authorities guarantee an equal right to education for women and men by actively incorporating the principle of equal treatment into educational goals and actions, thus preventing the emergence of inequalities between women and men as a result of sexist conduct and associated social stereotyping; |
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9.

Calls on the Member States to ensure that their education authorities guarantee an equal right to education for women and men by actively incorporating the principle of equal treatment into educational goals and actions, thus preventing the emergence of inequalities between women and men as a result of sexist conduct and associated social stereotyping;

| 10. | Asks the Commission to ensure that this recommendation be put to the national institutions responsible for implementing central, regional and local education policies, school management bodies and regional and local authorities; |
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10.

Asks the Commission to ensure that this recommendation be put to the national institutions responsible for implementing central, regional and local education policies, school management bodies and regional and local authorities;

| 11. | Stresses the need to promote equal gender representation in terms of the leadership and management of bodies responsible for the oversight and governance of educational establishments, especially among school managers and heads and where there is under-representation as in STEM subjects, as this will provide role models for girls; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Stresses the need to promote equal gender representation in terms of the leadership and management of bodies responsible for the oversight and governance of educational establishments, especially among school managers and heads and where there is under-representation as in STEM subjects, as this will provide role models for girls;

| 12. | Stresses that girls who are not allowed to attend school are more exposed to domestic violence; |
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12.

Stresses that girls who are not allowed to attend school are more exposed to domestic violence;

| 13. | Urges the Commission to initiate as soon as possible the procedure for EU accession to the Istanbul Convention; calls on the Member States to ratify the Convention, and also calls for the EU and the Member States to work together for gender equality in the Union’s external relations; underlines the close links between gender stereotypes and bullying, cyberbullying and violence against women, and the need to fight these from an early age; stresses that the Istanbul Convention calls for signatories to include teaching materials on issues such as non-stereotyped gender roles, mutual respect, non-violent conflict resolution in interpersonal relationships, gender-based violence and the right to personal integrity, adapted to the evolving capacity of learners, in formal curricula and at all levels of education; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Urges the Commission to initiate as soon as possible the procedure for EU accession to the Istanbul Convention; calls on the Member States to ratify the Convention, and also calls for the EU and the Member States to work together for gender equality in the Union’s external relations; underlines the close links between gender stereotypes and bullying, cyberbullying and violence against women, and the need to fight these from an early age; stresses that the Istanbul Convention calls for signatories to include teaching materials on issues such as non-stereotyped gender roles, mutual respect, non-violent conflict resolution in interpersonal relationships, gender-based violence and the right to personal integrity, adapted to the evolving capacity of learners, in formal curricula and at all levels of education;

| 14. | Encourages all Member States to invest consistently in information, awareness-raising and educational campaigns and to improve the provision of career guidance for girls and boys, addressing stereotyped perceptions of gender roles, as well as gender stereotypes in vocational and professional orientation, notably in science and new technologies; recalls that this would reduce gender segregation on the labour market and strengthen the position of women whilst permitting them to benefit fully from the human capital represented by girls and women in the EU and promoting discussions of educational and career choices in schools and in the classroom; |
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14.

Encourages all Member States to invest consistently in information, awareness-raising and educational campaigns and to improve the provision of career guidance for girls and boys, addressing stereotyped perceptions of gender roles, as well as gender stereotypes in vocational and professional orientation, notably in science and new technologies; recalls that this would reduce gender segregation on the labour market and strengthen the position of women whilst permitting them to benefit fully from the human capital represented by girls and women in the EU and promoting discussions of educational and career choices in schools and in the classroom;

| 15. | Recalls the role of educational teams in assisting and advising families in relation to children’s school careers, with the aim of setting them on a path which matches their skills, talents and tastes; stresses that the stage at which advice on school careers is given is a decisive one and a time when gender stereotypes may come into play, and that this can lastingly affect girls’ ability to pursue a professional career that will facilitate their personal development and emancipation; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Recalls the role of educational teams in assisting and advising families in relation to children’s school careers, with the aim of setting them on a path which matches their skills, talents and tastes; stresses that the stage at which advice on school careers is given is a decisive one and a time when gender stereotypes may come into play, and that this can lastingly affect girls’ ability to pursue a professional career that will facilitate their personal development and emancipation;

| 16. | Calls on the Commission to organise, via the Member States, specific awareness training programmes targeting girls regarding their participation in higher education and possible courses of study, with corresponding job opportunities on the basis of their aptitudes, in order to encourage them to pursue career options which have been traditionally male-dominated and to boost the self-confidence of the new generation of women; underlines that informal education plays a key role in confidence-building for girls and young women; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls on the Commission to organise, via the Member States, specific awareness training programmes targeting girls regarding their participation in higher education and possible courses of study, with corresponding job opportunities on the basis of their aptitudes, in order to encourage them to pursue career options which have been traditionally male-dominated and to boost the self-confidence of the new generation of women; underlines that informal education plays a key role in confidence-building for girls and young women;

| 17. | Calls on the Member States to draw on ESI funds to support programmes which work actively with the parents of children from excluded communities and to encourage meaningful and stimulating activities outside school hours and during the school holidays; |
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17.

Calls on the Member States to draw on ESI funds to support programmes which work actively with the parents of children from excluded communities and to encourage meaningful and stimulating activities outside school hours and during the school holidays;

| 18. | Calls on the Member States to encourage the promotion of public networks of nurseries and crèches, the pre-school education system, and public leisure services for children; |
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18.

Calls on the Member States to encourage the promotion of public networks of nurseries and crèches, the pre-school education system, and public leisure services for children;

| 19. | Calls on the Member States to improve the quality of education and professional training for people with disabilities and/or special educational needs (SEN), as well as reducing their high dropout rates, and to respect the principles of inclusive education, with an emphasis on these pupils’ active participation, and to improve their integration in society and in the general education system where possible; calls for the immediate improvement of teacher training to this end and the integration of a gender perspective into such training, as well as in the identification of learning difficulties, including the development of gender-sensitive screening tools and of specific gender-mainstreamed education programmes in order to provide the women and girls concerned with better opportunities when seeking employment and to empower them to overcome multiple discrimination; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the Member States to improve the quality of education and professional training for people with disabilities and/or special educational needs (SEN), as well as reducing their high dropout rates, and to respect the principles of inclusive education, with an emphasis on these pupils’ active participation, and to improve their integration in society and in the general education system where possible; calls for the immediate improvement of teacher training to this end and the integration of a gender perspective into such training, as well as in the identification of learning difficulties, including the development of gender-sensitive screening tools and of specific gender-mainstreamed education programmes in order to provide the women and girls concerned with better opportunities when seeking employment and to empower them to overcome multiple discrimination;

| 20. | Calls on the Member States to ensure equal access to education for girls and boys, regardless of their age, gender, socio-economic status, cultural background or religion, and emphasises the need for European, national, and local institutions to promote specific programmes to integrate marginalised communities in general in schools as well as, in particular, girls from those communities, since they often face multiple discrimination, and all minorities in European society; highlights the importance of ensuring that girls complete their secondary education, and emphasises the need for financial assistance programmes for economically disadvantaged families in order to prevent students dropping out of school, particularly girls; |
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20.

Calls on the Member States to ensure equal access to education for girls and boys, regardless of their age, gender, socio-economic status, cultural background or religion, and emphasises the need for European, national, and local institutions to promote specific programmes to integrate marginalised communities in general in schools as well as, in particular, girls from those communities, since they often face multiple discrimination, and all minorities in European society; highlights the importance of ensuring that girls complete their secondary education, and emphasises the need for financial assistance programmes for economically disadvantaged families in order to prevent students dropping out of school, particularly girls;

| 21. | Calls on the Member States to provide the active support necessary to ensure that migrant women and their families can be taught the language of their host country in locally based, free public education services; |
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21.

Calls on the Member States to provide the active support necessary to ensure that migrant women and their families can be taught the language of their host country in locally based, free public education services;

| 22. | Calls on the Member States to develop specific programmes to ensure that Roma girls and young women remain in primary, secondary and higher education, and also to put in place special measures for teenage mothers and early school leaver girls, to support uninterrupted education in particular, and to provide work-based training; further calls on the Member States and the Commission to take these measures into account when coordinating and evaluating the National Roma Integration Strategies; |
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22.

Calls on the Member States to develop specific programmes to ensure that Roma girls and young women remain in primary, secondary and higher education, and also to put in place special measures for teenage mothers and early school leaver girls, to support uninterrupted education in particular, and to provide work-based training; further calls on the Member States and the Commission to take these measures into account when coordinating and evaluating the National Roma Integration Strategies;

| 23. | Stresses the importance of including in development cooperation projects measures targeting the education of girls and women; |
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23.

Stresses the importance of including in development cooperation projects measures targeting the education of girls and women;

| 24. | Stresses the importance of focusing particular attention on the principle of equality between women and men within curricula and at all stages of education; |
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24.

Stresses the importance of focusing particular attention on the principle of equality between women and men within curricula and at all stages of education;

Curriculum and training

| 25. | Insists on paying proper attention to gender equality in all its forms, in curricula, development aims and learning outcomes, content, school programmes and lesson plans, as well as on the need to assess the place of women in school curricula in various disciplines, highlighting their role in the content taught; considers that gender equality in education should explicitly address the principle of equality and must include a range of issues, such as literacy, bullying, violence, hate speech, human rights and civic education; |
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25.

Insists on paying proper attention to gender equality in all its forms, in curricula, development aims and learning outcomes, content, school programmes and lesson plans, as well as on the need to assess the place of women in school curricula in various disciplines, highlighting their role in the content taught; considers that gender equality in education should explicitly address the principle of equality and must include a range of issues, such as literacy, bullying, violence, hate speech, human rights and civic education;

| 26. | Stresses that education must help girls and boys to develop into individuals who are aware, balanced, respectful of other people and capable of empathy and mutual respect, in order to prevent discrimination, aggression and bullying; |
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26.

Stresses that education must help girls and boys to develop into individuals who are aware, balanced, respectful of other people and capable of empathy and mutual respect, in order to prevent discrimination, aggression and bullying;

| 27. | Stresses that schools should help to develop an intercultural approach to education, in order to promote openness, mutual respect and intercultural and interreligious dialogue; |
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27.

Stresses that schools should help to develop an intercultural approach to education, in order to promote openness, mutual respect and intercultural and interreligious dialogue;

| 28. | Encourages the competent authorities in the Member States to promote gender equality in their comprehensive sex and relationship education programmes, including teaching girls and boys about relationships based on consent, respect and reciprocity, as well as in sport and leisure activities, where stereotypes and expectations based on gender can affect the self-image, health, acquisition of skills, intellectual development, social integration and identity construction of girls and boys; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Encourages the competent authorities in the Member States to promote gender equality in their comprehensive sex and relationship education programmes, including teaching girls and boys about relationships based on consent, respect and reciprocity, as well as in sport and leisure activities, where stereotypes and expectations based on gender can affect the self-image, health, acquisition of skills, intellectual development, social integration and identity construction of girls and boys;

| 29. | Recognises that sensitive, age-appropriate, and scientifically accurate sex and relationship education is an essential tool in the empowerment of girls and boys, helping them to make well-informed choices and contributing to wider public health priorities such as reducing unplanned pregnancies, reducing maternal and infant mortality, prevention and earlier treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and reducing the gaps in health inequality; encourages Member States to consider making age-appropriate comprehensive sex and relationship education compulsory in their school curricula for all primary and secondary school children, and stresses the importance of training of teachers with a special emphasis on respect for girls and women as well as on gender equality; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Recognises that sensitive, age-appropriate, and scientifically accurate sex and relationship education is an essential tool in the empowerment of girls and boys, helping them to make well-informed choices and contributing to wider public health priorities such as reducing unplanned pregnancies, reducing maternal and infant mortality, prevention and earlier treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and reducing the gaps in health inequality; encourages Member States to consider making age-appropriate comprehensive sex and relationship education compulsory in their school curricula for all primary and secondary school children, and stresses the importance of training of teachers with a special emphasis on respect for girls and women as well as on gender equality;

| 30. | Calls for the implementation of sex and relationship education in curricular programmes aimed at empowering girls through awareness and control over their own bodies, while calling for all other curricular subjects to maintain coherence with these principles; |
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30.

Calls for the implementation of sex and relationship education in curricular programmes aimed at empowering girls through awareness and control over their own bodies, while calling for all other curricular subjects to maintain coherence with these principles;

| 31. | Calls on the Commission to combat discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in educational settings; urges the Commission to support the inclusion of objective information on LGBTI issues in school curricula; urges the Commission to facilitate peer learning amongst Member States in tackling homophobic and transphobic bullying and harassment; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Calls on the Commission to combat discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity in educational settings; urges the Commission to support the inclusion of objective information on LGBTI issues in school curricula; urges the Commission to facilitate peer learning amongst Member States in tackling homophobic and transphobic bullying and harassment;

| 32. | Encourages girls and boys in the education process to take an equal interest in all subjects, beyond gendered stereotypes, in particular as regards scientific and technical subjects, including boys’ learning about activities regarded as female, in areas such as domestic work and care, whilst also encouraging equal participation and representation in collective decision-making and school management, as well as in all extracurricular activities; calls on those involved to ensure that funding for these effective activities is protected; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Encourages girls and boys in the education process to take an equal interest in all subjects, beyond gendered stereotypes, in particular as regards scientific and technical subjects, including boys’ learning about activities regarded as female, in areas such as domestic work and care, whilst also encouraging equal participation and representation in collective decision-making and school management, as well as in all extracurricular activities; calls on those involved to ensure that funding for these effective activities is protected;

| 33. | Notes the need for measures to encourage the specific promotion of women in the fields of culture and the production and dissemination of artistic and intellectual works, combating the structural and widespread discrimination experienced by women in this sphere, fostering a balanced representation of women and men in public artistic and cultural activities, and providing for financial support and positive actions to correct situations of inequality in these areas; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Notes the need for measures to encourage the specific promotion of women in the fields of culture and the production and dissemination of artistic and intellectual works, combating the structural and widespread discrimination experienced by women in this sphere, fostering a balanced representation of women and men in public artistic and cultural activities, and providing for financial support and positive actions to correct situations of inequality in these areas;

| 34. | Calls for the development of equal access, use of, and education on Information and Communication Technologies for girls and boys from pre-school education upwards, paying special attention to children and young people from rural areas, marginalised communities, and those with special needs, in order to improve digital literacy, disseminate effective educational policy instruments and improve teacher training so as to increase the number of female students and graduates in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; in this context, welcomes all initiatives and programmes aiming to attract girls to those areas of study and the corresponding research careers; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Calls for the development of equal access, use of, and education on Information and Communication Technologies for girls and boys from pre-school education upwards, paying special attention to children and young people from rural areas, marginalised communities, and those with special needs, in order to improve digital literacy, disseminate effective educational policy instruments and improve teacher training so as to increase the number of female students and graduates in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; in this context, welcomes all initiatives and programmes aiming to attract girls to those areas of study and the corresponding research careers;

| 35. | Stresses the importance of putting in place educational measures with a view to recognising, and teaching people about, the role of women in history, science, politics, literature, the arts, education, etc.; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Stresses the importance of putting in place educational measures with a view to recognising, and teaching people about, the role of women in history, science, politics, literature, the arts, education, etc.;

| 36. | Calls for every effort to be made to ensure that employment in the area of early childhood education, primary education and care is promoted as a valuable occupation for both women and men; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Calls for every effort to be made to ensure that employment in the area of early childhood education, primary education and care is promoted as a valuable occupation for both women and men;

| 37. | Calls on the Member States to develop or reinforce national regulations with a view to countering the negative influence of stereotyped gender roles arising from values conveyed through the media and advertising, which too often undermine the work done in schools in these areas; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Calls on the Member States to develop or reinforce national regulations with a view to countering the negative influence of stereotyped gender roles arising from values conveyed through the media and advertising, which too often undermine the work done in schools in these areas;

| 38. | Calls for complementary activities which strengthen the formal curriculum with regard to gender equality and training for entrepreneurship, as well as the implementation of informal education programmes for gender education in the community via local authorities; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls for complementary activities which strengthen the formal curriculum with regard to gender equality and training for entrepreneurship, as well as the implementation of informal education programmes for gender education in the community via local authorities;

| 39. | Calls for a renewed impetus to be given to accrediting informal education with a certificate of competence, and to providing a high-standard certificate of work-based learning in relation to vocational education, as this will assist girls and women in finding better jobs and entering or returning to the labour market, while ensuring that females are treated equally with males in terms of dignity and competence; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Calls for a renewed impetus to be given to accrediting informal education with a certificate of competence, and to providing a high-standard certificate of work-based learning in relation to vocational education, as this will assist girls and women in finding better jobs and entering or returning to the labour market, while ensuring that females are treated equally with males in terms of dignity and competence;

| 40. | Calls on the authors and publishers of educational materials to be aware of the need to make gender equality a criterion for the production of these materials, recommending the use of teams of teachers and students in the creation of training materials on gender equality, and to seek advice from experts in the field of gender equality and gender-aware tutoring; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Calls on the authors and publishers of educational materials to be aware of the need to make gender equality a criterion for the production of these materials, recommending the use of teams of teachers and students in the creation of training materials on gender equality, and to seek advice from experts in the field of gender equality and gender-aware tutoring;

| 41. | Calls on the Member States to prepare and disseminate guidelines for schools, education policymakers, teachers and those responsible for setting the curriculum in order to embrace a gender perspective and gender equality, and to ensure the elimination of stereotypes and sexist distortions that textbooks and teaching materials may include in their content, language or illustrations, encouraging them also to combat this sexism in literature, film, music, games, media, advertising and other areas that can contribute decisively to changing the attitudes, behaviour and identity of girls and boys; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Calls on the Member States to prepare and disseminate guidelines for schools, education policymakers, teachers and those responsible for setting the curriculum in order to embrace a gender perspective and gender equality, and to ensure the elimination of stereotypes and sexist distortions that textbooks and teaching materials may include in their content, language or illustrations, encouraging them also to combat this sexism in literature, film, music, games, media, advertising and other areas that can contribute decisively to changing the attitudes, behaviour and identity of girls and boys;

| 42. | Acknowledges that teachers play a major role in the formation of educational identities and have a significant impact on aspects of gendered behaviour in school; recalls that much has still to be done to empower teachers with regard to how they can best promote gender equality; insists, therefore, on the need to ensure comprehensive initial and ongoing equality training for teachers at all levels of formal and informal education, including peer learning and cooperation with external organisations and agencies, in order to build awareness of the impact of gender roles and stereotypes on their students’ self-confidence and their subject choices during their studies; stresses that girls need to have positive female and male role models in schools and universities so that they can identify and make the best use of their own potential without fear of discrimination or ambiguity on grounds of gender; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Acknowledges that teachers play a major role in the formation of educational identities and have a significant impact on aspects of gendered behaviour in school; recalls that much has still to be done to empower teachers with regard to how they can best promote gender equality; insists, therefore, on the need to ensure comprehensive initial and ongoing equality training for teachers at all levels of formal and informal education, including peer learning and cooperation with external organisations and agencies, in order to build awareness of the impact of gender roles and stereotypes on their students’ self-confidence and their subject choices during their studies; stresses that girls need to have positive female and male role models in schools and universities so that they can identify and make the best use of their own potential without fear of discrimination or ambiguity on grounds of gender;

| 43. | Stresses the need to integrate the study and application of the principle of equality between women and men into both initial and ongoing training of teachers, in order to remove any obstacles to realising students’ full potential, irrespective of gender; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Stresses the need to integrate the study and application of the principle of equality between women and men into both initial and ongoing training of teachers, in order to remove any obstacles to realising students’ full potential, irrespective of gender;

| 44. | Strongly believes in the transformative potential of education in championing gender equality; recognises that formal and informal education programmes must address and fight against gender-based violence, gender discrimination, harassment, homophobia and transphobia in all their forms, including forms of cyberbullying or online harassment; recognises that education for gender equality and against gender-based violence depends upon school environments that are safe and free from violence; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Strongly believes in the transformative potential of education in championing gender equality; recognises that formal and informal education programmes must address and fight against gender-based violence, gender discrimination, harassment, homophobia and transphobia in all their forms, including forms of cyberbullying or online harassment; recognises that education for gender equality and against gender-based violence depends upon school environments that are safe and free from violence;

| 45. | Stresses the need to organise awareness-raising initiatives, training and integration of the gender perspective, for all involved in education policy and also for parents and employers; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Stresses the need to organise awareness-raising initiatives, training and integration of the gender perspective, for all involved in education policy and also for parents and employers;

| 46. | Calls on the Member States to take an intergenerational approach to education, and to ensure equal access to formal and informal education by integrating the supply of affordable and quality childcare in their educational systems, as well as care for the elderly and other dependents; calls on the Member States to engage in initiatives that reduce direct and indirect educational costs and to increase the capacity of all nurseries and crèches, pre-school, school and after-school networks, in due respect of the principles of inclusion for children living in poverty or at risk of poverty; emphasises the importance of this in order to help all women and men, including single parents, balance family life with work and guarantee women’s participation in lifelong learning and vocational education and training whilst subsequently creating role models for girls’ empowerment; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Calls on the Member States to take an intergenerational approach to education, and to ensure equal access to formal and informal education by integrating the supply of affordable and quality childcare in their educational systems, as well as care for the elderly and other dependents; calls on the Member States to engage in initiatives that reduce direct and indirect educational costs and to increase the capacity of all nurseries and crèches, pre-school, school and after-school networks, in due respect of the principles of inclusion for children living in poverty or at risk of poverty; emphasises the importance of this in order to help all women and men, including single parents, balance family life with work and guarantee women’s participation in lifelong learning and vocational education and training whilst subsequently creating role models for girls’ empowerment;

| 47. | Emphasises that any strategy for promoting gender equality and for the empowerment of girls and women must actively involve and engage boys and men; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Emphasises that any strategy for promoting gender equality and for the empowerment of girls and women must actively involve and engage boys and men;

| 48. | Highlights the importance of public authorities promoting courses about and research into the significance and scope of gender equality, as part of third-level education, notably by including gender equality-related subjects in syllabuses, introducing specific postgraduate courses and furthering specialised studies and research in the field; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Highlights the importance of public authorities promoting courses about and research into the significance and scope of gender equality, as part of third-level education, notably by including gender equality-related subjects in syllabuses, introducing specific postgraduate courses and furthering specialised studies and research in the field;

| 49. | Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to make progress on the mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of vocational qualifications issued in the various Member States, and on coordinating and harmonising national rules on access to various professions, so that emigrant women from within or outside the Union can get jobs appropriate to their training and qualifications; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to make progress on the mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and other evidence of vocational qualifications issued in the various Member States, and on coordinating and harmonising national rules on access to various professions, so that emigrant women from within or outside the Union can get jobs appropriate to their training and qualifications;

Investment, monitoring and evaluation

| 50. | Notes the need for monitoring and evaluation by independent bodies of the progress made as a result of the adoption of gender equality policies in educational institutions, as well as the need for ongoing communication of information to local, regional, national and European policymakers, on all measures taken and progress made in this area, and the urgent need to convert the gender perspective into an internal and external evaluation element of educational institutions; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Notes the need for monitoring and evaluation by independent bodies of the progress made as a result of the adoption of gender equality policies in educational institutions, as well as the need for ongoing communication of information to local, regional, national and European policymakers, on all measures taken and progress made in this area, and the urgent need to convert the gender perspective into an internal and external evaluation element of educational institutions;

| 51. | Highlights the important role of cooperation among different educational administrative bodies and of exchanges of good practice in terms of developing projects and programmes for promoting awareness of the principles of co-education and meaningful equality between women and men, and disseminating them among members of the education community; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Highlights the important role of cooperation among different educational administrative bodies and of exchanges of good practice in terms of developing projects and programmes for promoting awareness of the principles of co-education and meaningful equality between women and men, and disseminating them among members of the education community;

| 52. | Calls on the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) to continue its work on putting together comparable gender-disaggregated data and scoreboards in all policy areas, including in the field of education, and reiterates the importance of conducting impact studies for educational policies to address gender inequalities, providing qualitative and quantitative instruments for the assessment of this impact, and following a budgetary strategy based on gender in order to promote both access and the right to educational resources; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Calls on the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) to continue its work on putting together comparable gender-disaggregated data and scoreboards in all policy areas, including in the field of education, and reiterates the importance of conducting impact studies for educational policies to address gender inequalities, providing qualitative and quantitative instruments for the assessment of this impact, and following a budgetary strategy based on gender in order to promote both access and the right to educational resources;

| 53. | Recognises that it is of fundamental importance to assess the impact of future education legislation on gender equality and, where necessary, to revise existing laws in accordance with this principle; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Recognises that it is of fundamental importance to assess the impact of future education legislation on gender equality and, where necessary, to revise existing laws in accordance with this principle;

| 54. | Stresses that the monitoring procedures for implementing gender equality programmes and the respective assessment must be carried out by educational research centres in close cooperation with experts in gender issues, the bodies set up by the EU and local authorities; Calls for quantitative and qualitative gender-disaggregated data to be collected by the Member States and the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Stresses that the monitoring procedures for implementing gender equality programmes and the respective assessment must be carried out by educational research centres in close cooperation with experts in gender issues, the bodies set up by the EU and local authorities; Calls for quantitative and qualitative gender-disaggregated data to be collected by the Member States and the Commission;

| 55. | Suggests the creation of an Annual European Award for Gender Equality for educational institutions which have excelled in attaining this objective, and encourages Member States to do the same at national level; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Suggests the creation of an Annual European Award for Gender Equality for educational institutions which have excelled in attaining this objective, and encourages Member States to do the same at national level;

| 56. | Stresses the need to draw up plans of action and to allocate resources for the implementation of gender-specific educational projects as well as gender-sensitive educational structures, recommending the use of European instruments available for this purpose, namely the Investment Plan, the Horizon 2020 Programme, and the EU Structural Funds, including the European Social Fund; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Stresses the need to draw up plans of action and to allocate resources for the implementation of gender-specific educational projects as well as gender-sensitive educational structures, recommending the use of European instruments available for this purpose, namely the Investment Plan, the Horizon 2020 Programme, and the EU Structural Funds, including the European Social Fund;

o

o o

| 57. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

57.

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

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

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

(3)  https://europa.eu/eyd2015/en/eu-european-parliament/posts/every-girl-and-woman-has-right-education

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/192 |
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22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/192

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P8_TA(2015)0313

EEA-Switzerland: Obstacles with regard to the full implementation of the internal market

European Parliament resolution of 9 September 2015 on EEA-Switzerland: Obstacles with regard to the full implementation of the internal market (2015/2061(INI))

(2017/C 316/19)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Free Trade Agreement of 22 July 1972 between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Free Trade Agreement of 22 July 1972 between the European Economic Community and the Swiss Confederation,

| — | having regard to the Agreement of 21 June 1999 between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the free movement of persons, and in particular its Annex I on free movement of persons and Annex III on the recognition of professional qualifications, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Agreement of 21 June 1999 between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the free movement of persons, and in particular its Annex I on free movement of persons and Annex III on the recognition of professional qualifications,

| — | having regard to the Agreement of 25 June 2009 between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the simplification of inspections and formalities in respect of the carriage of goods and on customs security measures, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Agreement of 25 June 2009 between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the simplification of inspections and formalities in respect of the carriage of goods and on customs security measures,

| — | having regard to the Agreement of 21 June 1999 between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on mutual recognition in relation to conformity assessment, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Agreement of 21 June 1999 between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on mutual recognition in relation to conformity assessment,

| — | having regard to the Agreement of 21 June 1999 between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on certain aspects of government procurement, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Agreement of 21 June 1999 between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on certain aspects of government procurement,

| — | having regard to the Protocol of 27 May 2008 to the Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the free movement of persons regarding the participation, as contracting parties, of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania pursuant to their accession to the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Protocol of 27 May 2008 to the Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the free movement of persons regarding the participation, as contracting parties, of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania pursuant to their accession to the European Union,

| — | having regard to the Protocol of 26 October 2004 to the Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the free movement of persons regarding the participation, as contracting parties, of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic pursuant to their accession to the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Protocol of 26 October 2004 to the Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the free movement of persons regarding the participation, as contracting parties, of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic pursuant to their accession to the European Union,

| — | having regard to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Agreement on the European Economic Area,

| — | having regard to Directive 2006/123/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on services in the internal market (the ‘Services Directive’) (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2006/123/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on services in the internal market (the ‘Services Directive’) (1),

| — | having regard to Directive 2013/55/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 on the recognition of professional qualifications (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2013/55/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 on the recognition of professional qualifications (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 7 September 2010 on EEA-Switzerland: Obstacles with regard to the full implementation of the internal market (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 7 September 2010 on EEA-Switzerland: Obstacles with regard to the full implementation of the internal market (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2014 on the 2012 Progress Report on Iceland and the post-election perspectives (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2014 on the 2012 Progress Report on Iceland and the post-election perspectives (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 11 March 2015 on Single Market governance within the European Semester 2015 (5), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 11 March 2015 on Single Market governance within the European Semester 2015 (5),

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

having regard to the Council conclusions of 21 March 2014,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 16 December 2014 on a homogenous extended single market and EU relations with Non-EU Western European countries, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 16 December 2014 on a homogenous extended single market and EU relations with Non-EU Western European countries,

| — | having regard to the Conclusions adopted by the EEA Council at its 42nd meeting of 19 November 2014, |
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—

having regard to the Conclusions adopted by the EEA Council at its 42nd meeting of 19 November 2014,

| — | having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document of 7 December 2012 on a review of the functioning of the European Economic Area (SWD(2012)0425), |
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—

having regard to the Commission Staff Working Document of 7 December 2012 on a review of the functioning of the European Economic Area (SWD(2012)0425),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 20 November 2012 on EU relations with the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino — Options for closer integration with the EU (COM(2012)0680), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 20 November 2012 on EU relations with the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino — Options for closer integration with the EU (COM(2012)0680),

| — | having regard to the Report from the Commission of 18 November 2013 on EU Relations with the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino: Options for their participation in the Internal Market, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Report from the Commission of 18 November 2013 on EU Relations with the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco and the Republic of San Marino: Options for their participation in the Internal Market,

| — | having regard to the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee Report on the Annual Report on the Functioning of the EEA Agreement in 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee Report on the Annual Report on the Functioning of the EEA Agreement in 2013,

| — | having regard to the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee resolution of 30 May 2013 on the future of the EEA and the EU’s relations with the small-sized countries and Switzerland, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee resolution of 30 May 2013 on the future of the EEA and the EU’s relations with the small-sized countries and Switzerland,

| — | having regard to the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee resolution of 26 March 2014 on single market governance, |
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—

having regard to the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee resolution of 26 March 2014 on single market governance,

| — | having regard to the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee resolution of 17 March 2015 on industrial policy in Europe, |
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—

having regard to the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee resolution of 17 March 2015 on industrial policy in Europe,

| — | having regard to the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee resolution of 17 March 2015 on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and its possible implications for the EEA EFTA States, |
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—

having regard to the European Economic Area Joint Parliamentary Committee resolution of 17 March 2015 on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and its possible implications for the EEA EFTA States,

| — | having regard to the Swiss Foreign Policy Report of 14 January 2015, |
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—

having regard to the Swiss Foreign Policy Report of 14 January 2015,

| — | having regard to the 35th EEA EFTA States Internal Market Scoreboard, |
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—

having regard to the 35th EEA EFTA States Internal Market Scoreboard,

| — | having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in particular Article 217 giving the Union the right to conclude international agreements, |
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—

having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in particular Article 217 giving the Union the right to conclude international agreements,

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

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the opinion of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0244/2015), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the opinion of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0244/2015),

| A. | whereas the four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) constitute major trade partners of the European Union (EU), Switzerland and Norway being respectively the fourth and the fifth most important EU trade partners by volume; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) constitute major trade partners of the European Union (EU), Switzerland and Norway being respectively the fourth and the fifth most important EU trade partners by volume;

| B. | whereas relations between the EU and three EFTA member states (Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway) are based on the European Economic Area (EEA), which provides for participation in the internal market, with the EEA Agreement managed and monitored in a highly institutionalised framework; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas relations between the EU and three EFTA member states (Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway) are based on the European Economic Area (EEA), which provides for participation in the internal market, with the EEA Agreement managed and monitored in a highly institutionalised framework;

| C. | whereas Switzerland’s participation in the EEA Agreement was contested by a popular vote in 1992 and therefore relations between Switzerland and the EU are currently based on more than 100 sectoral agreements that provide for a far-reaching degree of integration; |
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C.

whereas Switzerland’s participation in the EEA Agreement was contested by a popular vote in 1992 and therefore relations between Switzerland and the EU are currently based on more than 100 sectoral agreements that provide for a far-reaching degree of integration;

| D. | whereas a well-functioning and effective single market, based on a highly competitive social market economy, is needed to boost growth and competitiveness and to create jobs to revitalise the European economy, but single market legislation must be properly transposed, implemented and enforced in order to bring about its full benefits in the EU Member States and EEA EFTA states; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas a well-functioning and effective single market, based on a highly competitive social market economy, is needed to boost growth and competitiveness and to create jobs to revitalise the European economy, but single market legislation must be properly transposed, implemented and enforced in order to bring about its full benefits in the EU Member States and EEA EFTA states;

Introduction

| 1. | Considers the EEA Agreement a key factor for economic growth and the most far-reaching, comprehensive instrument to extend the single market to third countries; believes that taking into account the internal developments in the EU, it has proven to be a solid, efficient and well-functioning agreement ensuring the integrity of the single market also in the long term; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Considers the EEA Agreement a key factor for economic growth and the most far-reaching, comprehensive instrument to extend the single market to third countries; believes that taking into account the internal developments in the EU, it has proven to be a solid, efficient and well-functioning agreement ensuring the integrity of the single market also in the long term;

| 2. | Acknowledges that the strong relations between the EU, the EEA EFTA countries and Switzerland go beyond economic integration and the extension of the single market, and contribute to stability and prosperity to the benefit of all citizens and businesses, including SMEs; underlines the importance of ensuring the proper functioning of the single market in order to create a level playing field and generate new jobs; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Acknowledges that the strong relations between the EU, the EEA EFTA countries and Switzerland go beyond economic integration and the extension of the single market, and contribute to stability and prosperity to the benefit of all citizens and businesses, including SMEs; underlines the importance of ensuring the proper functioning of the single market in order to create a level playing field and generate new jobs;

Implementation of Single Market legislation: EEA EFTA countries

| 3. | Notes with concern that according to the EEA EFTA States Internal Market Scoreboard, the current average transposition deficit of the three EFTA states has increased to 2 % from 1,9 % in July 2014; |
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3.

Notes with concern that according to the EEA EFTA States Internal Market Scoreboard, the current average transposition deficit of the three EFTA states has increased to 2 % from 1,9 % in July 2014;

| 4. | Welcomes the considerable efforts made with regard to improving the swift incorporation of the relevant Acquis into the EEA Agreement as well as the recent agreement on the principles for the incorporation of the EU Regulations establishing the European Supervisory Authorities in the area of financial services; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Welcomes the considerable efforts made with regard to improving the swift incorporation of the relevant Acquis into the EEA Agreement as well as the recent agreement on the principles for the incorporation of the EU Regulations establishing the European Supervisory Authorities in the area of financial services;

| 5. | Points out that the EEA EFTA states are involved in many EU programmes and agencies and in practical cooperation measures, such as the Internal Market Information System or SOLVIT, and contribute to EU cohesion through the EEA and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism; takes the view that this cooperation fosters the effective functioning of an enlarged single market; encourages the EU and EEA EFTA states to further develop preventive tools and answers to possible threats with a view to ensuring the functioning of the internal energy market; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Points out that the EEA EFTA states are involved in many EU programmes and agencies and in practical cooperation measures, such as the Internal Market Information System or SOLVIT, and contribute to EU cohesion through the EEA and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism; takes the view that this cooperation fosters the effective functioning of an enlarged single market; encourages the EU and EEA EFTA states to further develop preventive tools and answers to possible threats with a view to ensuring the functioning of the internal energy market;

| 6. | Considers that timely and as close to simultaneously as possible implementation of the relevant single market legislation by the EEA EFTA states is essential and that this process could be further improved and accelerated; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Considers that timely and as close to simultaneously as possible implementation of the relevant single market legislation by the EEA EFTA states is essential and that this process could be further improved and accelerated;

| 7. | Stresses that the backlog of legal acts pending incorporation remains a concern, and therefore urges the EEA EFTA states to step up their efforts in close cooperation with the EU in order to uphold the integrity of the Single Market; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Stresses that the backlog of legal acts pending incorporation remains a concern, and therefore urges the EEA EFTA states to step up their efforts in close cooperation with the EU in order to uphold the integrity of the Single Market;

| 8. | Acknowledges that prior agreement by all the EEA EFTA states regarding the determination of EEA-relevance is necessary and that technical adaptations may be required before incorporation; is concerned, however, that the many requests for adaptations and exceptions are leading to delays and may fragment the Single Market; calls strongly on these countries to remedy this situation and to work closely with the EU in order to ensure a level playing field in the extended single market; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Acknowledges that prior agreement by all the EEA EFTA states regarding the determination of EEA-relevance is necessary and that technical adaptations may be required before incorporation; is concerned, however, that the many requests for adaptations and exceptions are leading to delays and may fragment the Single Market; calls strongly on these countries to remedy this situation and to work closely with the EU in order to ensure a level playing field in the extended single market;

| 9. | Points out that since the signing of the EEA agreement the EU has resorted to an increased use of agencies; welcomes that the EEA EFTA states participate in the operations of these agencies; calls on the EEA EFTA states and the Commission to continue to improve this cooperation and participation; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Points out that since the signing of the EEA agreement the EU has resorted to an increased use of agencies; welcomes that the EEA EFTA states participate in the operations of these agencies; calls on the EEA EFTA states and the Commission to continue to improve this cooperation and participation;

| 10. | Points out that the EU and the USA are currently negotiating a comprehensive free trade and investment agreement; emphasises that, under the terms of the EEA Agreement, the EEA EFTA states apply single market rules and that the impact of a successful trade and investment partnership would probably also affect the EEA EFTA states; emphasises, further, that the conclusion of TTIP must not lead to new trade barriers being set up between the EU and the EEA EFTA states; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Points out that the EU and the USA are currently negotiating a comprehensive free trade and investment agreement; emphasises that, under the terms of the EEA Agreement, the EEA EFTA states apply single market rules and that the impact of a successful trade and investment partnership would probably also affect the EEA EFTA states; emphasises, further, that the conclusion of TTIP must not lead to new trade barriers being set up between the EU and the EEA EFTA states;

Principality of Liechtenstein

| 11. | Is concerned that Liechtenstein’s transposition deficit increased from 0,7 % to 1,2 %; is concerned, further, by the fact that its legislation concerning the entry and residence rights of certain family members of EEA nationals and the restrictions imposed on EEA nationals residing in Liechtenstein from taking up employment in another EEA state, which Liechtenstein sees as an arrangement based on special quota rules under the EEA Agreement, does not seem to be fully in line with EEA law; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Is concerned that Liechtenstein’s transposition deficit increased from 0,7 % to 1,2 %; is concerned, further, by the fact that its legislation concerning the entry and residence rights of certain family members of EEA nationals and the restrictions imposed on EEA nationals residing in Liechtenstein from taking up employment in another EEA state, which Liechtenstein sees as an arrangement based on special quota rules under the EEA Agreement, does not seem to be fully in line with EEA law;

Republic of Iceland

| 12. | Takes note of the letter of 12 March 2015 sent by the Icelandic Government on its position as a candidate country for EU membership; strongly urges Iceland to step up its efforts to fulfil its obligations under the EEA Agreement given that it has a transposition deficit of 2,8 %, which is the highest of all the states concerned; encourages the EU and Iceland to further strengthen the cooperation inter alia on disaster preparedness in the North Atlantic area and to allocate resources to counter related challenges; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Takes note of the letter of 12 March 2015 sent by the Icelandic Government on its position as a candidate country for EU membership; strongly urges Iceland to step up its efforts to fulfil its obligations under the EEA Agreement given that it has a transposition deficit of 2,8 %, which is the highest of all the states concerned; encourages the EU and Iceland to further strengthen the cooperation inter alia on disaster preparedness in the North Atlantic area and to allocate resources to counter related challenges;

Kingdom of Norway

| 13. | Welcomes the fact that Norway, with whom ties have strengthened over the past years, is part of the Frontrunners initiative, which aims to improve the single market; notes, however, that the transposition deficit has increased to 2 % and urges Norway to step up its efforts in this regard in particular with a view to completing the internal energy market; encourages the intensification of the cooperation inter alia on energy policy; points out that there are still issues of increased import duties on certain products which need to be assessed; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Welcomes the fact that Norway, with whom ties have strengthened over the past years, is part of the Frontrunners initiative, which aims to improve the single market; notes, however, that the transposition deficit has increased to 2 % and urges Norway to step up its efforts in this regard in particular with a view to completing the internal energy market; encourages the intensification of the cooperation inter alia on energy policy; points out that there are still issues of increased import duties on certain products which need to be assessed;

Principality of Andorra, Principality of Monaco, Republic of San Marino

| 14. | Acknowledges that closer relations could bring mutual benefits in particular at regional and local levels in neighbouring EU regions, and therefore welcomes the opening of negotiations on association agreements as a significant step forward with regard to their participation in the single market and possibly areas going beyond, while taking into account the particular nature of these countries; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Acknowledges that closer relations could bring mutual benefits in particular at regional and local levels in neighbouring EU regions, and therefore welcomes the opening of negotiations on association agreements as a significant step forward with regard to their participation in the single market and possibly areas going beyond, while taking into account the particular nature of these countries;

Implementation of Single Market legislation: Swiss Confederation

| 15. | Commends the strong, continuously flourishing and longstanding relations between the EU and Switzerland, which have contributed to peace, prosperity and growth in Europe over the past decades; is convinced that these relations can be deepened to the benefit of both parties by comprehensively revising the sectoral agreements in full compliance with the fundamental principles of the EU and can extend the numerous commonalities and mutual interests; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Commends the strong, continuously flourishing and longstanding relations between the EU and Switzerland, which have contributed to peace, prosperity and growth in Europe over the past decades; is convinced that these relations can be deepened to the benefit of both parties by comprehensively revising the sectoral agreements in full compliance with the fundamental principles of the EU and can extend the numerous commonalities and mutual interests;

| 16. | Welcomes in this context the opening of the negotiations in May 2014 for an institutional framework as a precondition for the further development of a bilateral approach; stresses that without such a framework agreement no further agreements on Swiss participation in the internal market will be concluded; urges the Swiss Government to step up its efforts to progress with the negotiations on the outstanding issues; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Welcomes in this context the opening of the negotiations in May 2014 for an institutional framework as a precondition for the further development of a bilateral approach; stresses that without such a framework agreement no further agreements on Swiss participation in the internal market will be concluded; urges the Swiss Government to step up its efforts to progress with the negotiations on the outstanding issues;

| 17. | Takes note of the outcome of the popular initiative of 9 February 2014‘Against Mass Immigration’ and the decisions taken on 11 February 2015 by the Swiss Federal Council in relation to its implementation of a draft implementing law and new flanking measures; points out that this runs counter to obligations stemming from the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (FMPA) and expects Switzerland to respect these obligations; points out that the question of migration of citizens from third countries should not be confused with the free movement of persons as enshrined in the Treaties; stresses that the unilateral measures taken by Switzerland in order to avoid discrimination against Croatian citizens fall short of replacing the ratification of the Protocol extending the FMPA to include Croatia and that ratifying that Protocol would clear the way for Switzerland’s involvement in the Horizon 2020 programme to continue and be extended after 2016 in order to promote researchers’ access to Horizon 2020 funding; calls upon the Commission to work with Switzerland and the Member States to find a satisfactory solution that respects the provisions of the concerned agreements and adhering to the rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Takes note of the outcome of the popular initiative of 9 February 2014‘Against Mass Immigration’ and the decisions taken on 11 February 2015 by the Swiss Federal Council in relation to its implementation of a draft implementing law and new flanking measures; points out that this runs counter to obligations stemming from the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (FMPA) and expects Switzerland to respect these obligations; points out that the question of migration of citizens from third countries should not be confused with the free movement of persons as enshrined in the Treaties; stresses that the unilateral measures taken by Switzerland in order to avoid discrimination against Croatian citizens fall short of replacing the ratification of the Protocol extending the FMPA to include Croatia and that ratifying that Protocol would clear the way for Switzerland’s involvement in the Horizon 2020 programme to continue and be extended after 2016 in order to promote researchers’ access to Horizon 2020 funding; calls upon the Commission to work with Switzerland and the Member States to find a satisfactory solution that respects the provisions of the concerned agreements and adhering to the rule of law;

| 18. | Reiterates that the free movement of persons is one of the fundamental freedoms and a pillar of the single market and that it always has been an inseparable part of and precondition for the bilateral approach between the EU and Switzerland; therefore fully supports the EU’s rejection of July 2014 of the Swiss Authorities’ request to renegotiate the FMPA with a view to introducing a quota or a national preference system; notes with concern reports concerning the application by some firms and cantons of a national preference system, and points out that such a practice is at odds with the agreement on freedom of movement; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Reiterates that the free movement of persons is one of the fundamental freedoms and a pillar of the single market and that it always has been an inseparable part of and precondition for the bilateral approach between the EU and Switzerland; therefore fully supports the EU’s rejection of July 2014 of the Swiss Authorities’ request to renegotiate the FMPA with a view to introducing a quota or a national preference system; notes with concern reports concerning the application by some firms and cantons of a national preference system, and points out that such a practice is at odds with the agreement on freedom of movement;

| 19. | Notes that restrictions to the free movement of persons as required by referendum in Switzerland risk creating an imbalance and undermining the benefits of the agreements for the EU Member States; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Notes that restrictions to the free movement of persons as required by referendum in Switzerland risk creating an imbalance and undermining the benefits of the agreements for the EU Member States;

| 20. | Notes that Switzerland introduced transitional arrangements following the suspension of the negotiations on Swiss participation in the Erasmus+ programme; is concerned that these measures will probably have an impact on movements of higher-education students between the EU and Switzerland; calls on Switzerland and the EU to make every effort to satisfy the requirements laid down for their participation in the Erasmus+ programme, in order to guarantee exchange reciprocity and not penalise young people; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Notes that Switzerland introduced transitional arrangements following the suspension of the negotiations on Swiss participation in the Erasmus+ programme; is concerned that these measures will probably have an impact on movements of higher-education students between the EU and Switzerland; calls on Switzerland and the EU to make every effort to satisfy the requirements laid down for their participation in the Erasmus+ programme, in order to guarantee exchange reciprocity and not penalise young people;

| 21. | Urges that the current practice whereby taxi firms from EU Member States can provide services in Switzerland without restriction should continue, as it has long contributed to economic development in Swiss border regions and is mutually beneficial; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Urges that the current practice whereby taxi firms from EU Member States can provide services in Switzerland without restriction should continue, as it has long contributed to economic development in Swiss border regions and is mutually beneficial;

| 22. | Calls on the Commission to scrutinise more closely the implications of the purchase and leasing of land by Swiss farmers in EU border regions; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Calls on the Commission to scrutinise more closely the implications of the purchase and leasing of land by Swiss farmers in EU border regions;

| 23. | Deplores the introduction and subsequent consolidation of unilateral flanking measures by Switzerland in the context of the agreement on the free movement of persons, such as the charging of fees to cover administrative costs, the requirement to give bank guarantees or a combination of such measures, as these are seriously hampering the provision of services in Switzerland under the agreement, in particular by SMEs; calls on Switzerland, accordingly, to revise these measures in order to bring them into line with the agreement on freedom of movement; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Deplores the introduction and subsequent consolidation of unilateral flanking measures by Switzerland in the context of the agreement on the free movement of persons, such as the charging of fees to cover administrative costs, the requirement to give bank guarantees or a combination of such measures, as these are seriously hampering the provision of services in Switzerland under the agreement, in particular by SMEs; calls on Switzerland, accordingly, to revise these measures in order to bring them into line with the agreement on freedom of movement;

| 24. | Takes the view that the implementation in 2013 of Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications was long overdue and calls for a swift incorporation of Directive 2013/55/EU in the annex to the agreement on freedom of movement in the expectation that Switzerland will find ways of ensuring that the agreement remains in force; notes that Annex II to the Agreement on the free movement of persons was updated recently with a view to securing more effective coordination of EU and Swiss social security systems; calls on Switzerland to continue to implement EU law as it is required to do; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Takes the view that the implementation in 2013 of Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications was long overdue and calls for a swift incorporation of Directive 2013/55/EU in the annex to the agreement on freedom of movement in the expectation that Switzerland will find ways of ensuring that the agreement remains in force; notes that Annex II to the Agreement on the free movement of persons was updated recently with a view to securing more effective coordination of EU and Swiss social security systems; calls on Switzerland to continue to implement EU law as it is required to do;

| 25. | Takes the view that reciprocity and fairness between the EEA and Switzerland are necessary with regard to their use of the single market; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Takes the view that reciprocity and fairness between the EEA and Switzerland are necessary with regard to their use of the single market;

| 26. | Calls on the Commission, in future, to consider all the implications for EU regions bordering on Switzerland of the introduction of new rules, such as the recent amendment of Article 561 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 laying down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code, which seeks to impose tight restrictions on the use for private purposes by employees resident in the customs territory of the EU of company cars registered in a third country; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls on the Commission, in future, to consider all the implications for EU regions bordering on Switzerland of the introduction of new rules, such as the recent amendment of Article 561 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 laying down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code, which seeks to impose tight restrictions on the use for private purposes by employees resident in the customs territory of the EU of company cars registered in a third country;

| 27. | Notes that in overall terms cooperation under the Agreement on mutual recognition in relation to conformity assessment (MRA) is satisfactory, but that the functioning of the agreement could be substantially improved if Switzerland were to pledge to update it consistently in line with developments in EU law; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Notes that in overall terms cooperation under the Agreement on mutual recognition in relation to conformity assessment (MRA) is satisfactory, but that the functioning of the agreement could be substantially improved if Switzerland were to pledge to update it consistently in line with developments in EU law;

| 28. | Calls for the obstacles to cross-border professional mobility to be removed in order to deepen the internal market; stresses, to that end, the importance of promoting language learning and providing better information and practical support to jobseekers, in particular through the EURES network, in Switzerland and in all the EEA countries; welcomes, therefore, Switzerland’s active involvement in EURES network activities, in particular in cross-border regions; calls on Switzerland to continue to build up its transnational and cross-border EURES services, in accordance with the current EURES Regulation, with a view to enhancing worker mobility and creating a genuinely integrated employment market between the EU and Switzerland; with a view, to enhancing worker mobility, also encourages efforts to identify a broad range of emerging industries and key growth sectors in which the EEA countries, Switzerland and the Member States should focus on developing their skills base, in order to better match skills and qualifications with supply and demand; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Calls for the obstacles to cross-border professional mobility to be removed in order to deepen the internal market; stresses, to that end, the importance of promoting language learning and providing better information and practical support to jobseekers, in particular through the EURES network, in Switzerland and in all the EEA countries; welcomes, therefore, Switzerland’s active involvement in EURES network activities, in particular in cross-border regions; calls on Switzerland to continue to build up its transnational and cross-border EURES services, in accordance with the current EURES Regulation, with a view to enhancing worker mobility and creating a genuinely integrated employment market between the EU and Switzerland; with a view, to enhancing worker mobility, also encourages efforts to identify a broad range of emerging industries and key growth sectors in which the EEA countries, Switzerland and the Member States should focus on developing their skills base, in order to better match skills and qualifications with supply and demand;

o

o o

| 29. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

29.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 376, 27.12.2006, p. 36.

(2)  OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 132.

(3)  OJ C 308 E, 20.10.2011, p. 18.

(4)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0041.

(5)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0069.

---

Thursday 10 September 2015

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/198 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/198

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P8_TA(2015)0314

Russia, in particular the cases of Eston Kohver, Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on Russia, in particular the cases of Eston Kohver, Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko (2015/2838(RSP))

(2017/C 316/20)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Russian constitution, in particular Article 118 thereof, which states that justice in the Russian Federation is 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 Russian constitution, in particular Article 118 thereof, which states that justice in the Russian Federation is 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 its resolution of 12 March 2015 on the murder of the Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov and the state of democracy in Russia (1), and to its previous reports and resolutions on Russia, especially its resolutions of 15 January 2015 on Russia, in particular in the case of Alexei Navalny (2), of 30 April 2015 on the case of Nadiya Savchenko (3), and of 10 June 2015 on the state of EU-Russia relations (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 March 2015 on the murder of the Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov and the state of democracy in Russia (1), and to its previous reports and resolutions on Russia, especially its resolutions of 15 January 2015 on Russia, in particular in the case of Alexei Navalny (2), of 30 April 2015 on the case of Nadiya Savchenko (3), and of 10 June 2015 on the state of EU-Russia relations (4),

| — | having regard to the statement of 19 August 2015 by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), Federica Mogherini, on the verdict against Estonian police officer Eston Kohver, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of 19 August 2015 by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), Federica Mogherini, on the verdict against Estonian police officer Eston Kohver,

| — | having regard to the statement of 25 August 2015 by the VP/HR on the sentencing by a Russian court of Ukrainian citizens Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of 25 August 2015 by the VP/HR on the sentencing by a Russian court of Ukrainian citizens Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko,

| — | having regard to its previous reports and resolutions on Russia, in particular its recommendation of 23 October 2012 to the Council on establishing common visa restrictions for Russian officials involved in the Sergei Magnitsky case (5), its resolutions of 13 June 2013 on the rule of law in Russia (6), of 13 March 2014 on Russia: sentencing of demonstrators involved in the Bolotnaya Square events (7) and of 23 October 2014 on the closing-down of the NGO ‘Memorial’ (winner of the 2009 Sakharov Prize) in Russia (8), and its recommendation to the Council of 2 April 2014 on establishing common visa restrictions for Russian officials involved in the Sergei Magnitsky case (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous reports and resolutions on Russia, in particular its recommendation of 23 October 2012 to the Council on establishing common visa restrictions for Russian officials involved in the Sergei Magnitsky case (5), its resolutions of 13 June 2013 on the rule of law in Russia (6), of 13 March 2014 on Russia: sentencing of demonstrators involved in the Bolotnaya Square events (7) and of 23 October 2014 on the closing-down of the NGO ‘Memorial’ (winner of the 2009 Sakharov Prize) in Russia (8), and its recommendation to the Council of 2 April 2014 on establishing common visa restrictions for Russian officials involved in the Sergei Magnitsky case (9),

| — | having regard to the seventh periodic report of the Russian Federation (10) considered by the United Nations Human Rights Committee at its 3136th and 3137th meetings (11), held on 16 and 17 March 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the seventh periodic report of the Russian Federation (10) considered by the United Nations Human Rights Committee at its 3136th and 3137th meetings (11), held on 16 and 17 March 2015,

| — | 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 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 United Nations, has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights; whereas, as a result of numerous serious violations of the rule of law and the adoption of restrictive laws during recent months, there are grave concerns about Russia’s compliance with international and national obligations; and whereas the European Union has repeatedly offered additional assistance and expertise to help Russia to 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 United Nations, has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights; whereas, as a result of numerous serious violations of the rule of law and the adoption of restrictive laws during recent months, there are grave concerns about Russia’s compliance with international and national obligations; and whereas the European Union has repeatedly offered additional assistance and expertise to help Russia to modernise and abide by its constitutional and legal order, in line with Council of Europe standards;

| B. | whereas Estonian police officer Eston Kohver was abducted in September 2014 from Estonian territory by the FSB and subsequently illegally detained in Russia, an action which constitutes a clear and serious violation of international law; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas Estonian police officer Eston Kohver was abducted in September 2014 from Estonian territory by the FSB and subsequently illegally detained in Russia, an action which constitutes a clear and serious violation of international law;

| C. | whereas the Ukrainian film-maker Oleg Sentsov and the civic activist Olexandr Kolchenko, who opposed the illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by Russia, were arrested in May 2014 in relation to alleged activities conducted in Crimea; whereas they were treated as Russian citizens despite holding Ukrainian citizenship; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the Ukrainian film-maker Oleg Sentsov and the civic activist Olexandr Kolchenko, who opposed the illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula by Russia, were arrested in May 2014 in relation to alleged activities conducted in Crimea; whereas they were treated as Russian citizens despite holding Ukrainian citizenship;

| D. | whereas in the case of both Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko there have been allegations of torture and severe mistreatment leading to the illegal extraction of depositions which have subsequently been given legal value; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas in the case of both Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko there have been allegations of torture and severe mistreatment leading to the illegal extraction of depositions which have subsequently been given legal value;

| E. | whereas Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko were tried in a military court for crimes over which civilian courts have full jurisdiction; whereas the trial was marred by numerous and grave procedural violations; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko were tried in a military court for crimes over which civilian courts have full jurisdiction; whereas the trial was marred by numerous and grave procedural violations;

| F. | whereas the UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Gabriela Knaul, in her report released in April 2014 following an official visit to the Russian Federation, expressed strong concern about allegations of direct and indirect threats to, and improper influence, interference and pressure on, the judiciary; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the UN Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Gabriela Knaul, in her report released in April 2014 following an official visit to the Russian Federation, expressed strong concern about allegations of direct and indirect threats to, and improper influence, interference and pressure on, the judiciary;

| G. | whereas there is an increasing need for a firm, coherent and comprehensive EU policy towards Russia that is respected by all the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas there is an increasing need for a firm, coherent and comprehensive EU policy towards Russia that is respected by all the Member States;

| H. | whereas the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements envisaged the release and exchange of all hostages and of all those unlawfully detained, on the basis of the ‘all for all’ principle; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements envisaged the release and exchange of all hostages and of all those unlawfully detained, on the basis of the ‘all for all’ principle;

| I. | whereas several trials and judicial proceedings over the last few years, including in the Navalny, Magnitsky and Khodorkovsky cases, have cast doubt on the independence and impartiality of the judicial institutions of the Russian Federation; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas several trials and judicial proceedings over the last few years, including in the Navalny, Magnitsky and Khodorkovsky cases, have cast doubt on the independence and impartiality of the judicial institutions of the Russian Federation;

| J. | whereas the EU has repeatedly offered additional assistance and expertise, through the Partnership for Modernisation, to support Russia’s efforts to democratise and abide by its constitutional and legal order, in line with Council of Europe standards; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the EU has repeatedly offered additional assistance and expertise, through the Partnership for Modernisation, to support Russia’s efforts to democratise and abide by its constitutional and legal order, in line with Council of Europe standards;

| 1. | Strongly condemns the judgment handed down by the Pskov regional court as well as the entire trial of Estonian police officer Eston Kohver, who was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment after his abduction in 2014 from the territory of Estonia, which is part of the EU; considers the case to be in breach of international law and of elementary standards of justice; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Strongly condemns the judgment handed down by the Pskov regional court as well as the entire trial of Estonian police officer Eston Kohver, who was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment after his abduction in 2014 from the territory of Estonia, which is part of the EU; considers the case to be in breach of international law and of elementary standards of justice;

| 2. | Urges the Russian Federation to act in accordance with its international obligations, to release Eston Kohver immediately and to guarantee his safe return to Estonia; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Urges the Russian Federation to act in accordance with its international obligations, to release Eston Kohver immediately and to guarantee his safe return to Estonia;

| 3. | Expresses its deeply held belief that from the very beginning Eston Kohver was not afforded the right to a fair trial, given that there was no public hearing of the case, that the Estonian consul was not allowed to be present at the hearings, that Eston Kohver was deprived of adequate legal aid, that — moreover — he was refused visits from his wife and family, and that he has been ordered to undergo unfounded psychiatric examination, the details of which remain unknown; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Expresses its deeply held belief that from the very beginning Eston Kohver was not afforded the right to a fair trial, given that there was no public hearing of the case, that the Estonian consul was not allowed to be present at the hearings, that Eston Kohver was deprived of adequate legal aid, that — moreover — he was refused visits from his wife and family, and that he has been ordered to undergo unfounded psychiatric examination, the details of which remain unknown;

| 4. | Strongly condemns the illegal sentencing and imprisonment of Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko; calls on the Russian Federation to release them immediately and guarantee their safe return to Ukraine; demands that the Russian authorities immediately investigate, in an impartial and effective manner, the allegations of torture made by defendants and witnesses in the case, which were rejected by the prosecutor during the trial; calls for this investigation also to be opened to international observers; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Strongly condemns the illegal sentencing and imprisonment of Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko; calls on the Russian Federation to release them immediately and guarantee their safe return to Ukraine; demands that the Russian authorities immediately investigate, in an impartial and effective manner, the allegations of torture made by defendants and witnesses in the case, which were rejected by the prosecutor during the trial; calls for this investigation also to be opened to international observers;

| 5. | Calls for the release of all illegally detained Ukrainian citizens, including Nadiya Savchenko, this being in line with the agreed Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements and the commitment to release all hostages and all those detained in connection with the conflict in Ukraine; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls for the release of all illegally detained Ukrainian citizens, including Nadiya Savchenko, this being in line with the agreed Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements and the commitment to release all hostages and all those detained in connection with the conflict in Ukraine;

| 6. | Deplores the fact that in the Russian Federation law and justice are being used as political instruments in breach of international law and standards, thus allowing the sentencing of the Ukrainian film-maker Oleg Sentsov and of Olexandr Kolchenko to 20 years’ and 10 years’ imprisonment respectively for expressing their views reflecting an active pro-Ukrainian position against the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation; points out, in any case, that they should not have been tried in a military court and that all testimony gained through torture and other illegal methods should be excluded; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Deplores the fact that in the Russian Federation law and justice are being used as political instruments in breach of international law and standards, thus allowing the sentencing of the Ukrainian film-maker Oleg Sentsov and of Olexandr Kolchenko to 20 years’ and 10 years’ imprisonment respectively for expressing their views reflecting an active pro-Ukrainian position against the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation; points out, in any case, that they should not have been tried in a military court and that all testimony gained through torture and other illegal methods should be excluded;

| 7. | Strongly condemns the blatant violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and Estonia through the illegal kidnapping of citizens of both countries so that they could be charged before a Russian court; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Strongly condemns the blatant violation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and Estonia through the illegal kidnapping of citizens of both countries so that they could be charged before a Russian court;

| 8. | Emphasises that Russian courts are not competent to judge acts committed outside the internationally recognised territory of Russia, and points out that the judicial proceedings in all three cases should not be regarded as legitimate; calls on the Council and the Commission to address these cases in their contacts with the Russian authorities and to report back to Parliament; calls on the Member States to do the same in bilateral meetings; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Emphasises that Russian courts are not competent to judge acts committed outside the internationally recognised territory of Russia, and points out that the judicial proceedings in all three cases should not be regarded as legitimate; calls on the Council and the Commission to address these cases in their contacts with the Russian authorities and to report back to Parliament; calls on the Member States to do the same in bilateral meetings;

| 9. | Emphasises that the Russian authorities and judicial personnel bear full responsibility for the safety and well-being of those detained, and that their right to family visits, to contact with their diplomatic representatives, to adequate medical assistance, to judicial and consular counsel and to comprehensive access for both them and their legal representatives to all documents and evidence pertaining to the charges against them must be fully respected; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Emphasises that the Russian authorities and judicial personnel bear full responsibility for the safety and well-being of those detained, and that their right to family visits, to contact with their diplomatic representatives, to adequate medical assistance, to judicial and consular counsel and to comprehensive access for both them and their legal representatives to all documents and evidence pertaining to the charges against them must be fully respected;

| 10. | Reiterates its condemnation of the government’s continued crackdown on dissidents by targeting independent NGOs through the so-called ‘foreign agents law’ and the persistent and multiform repression of activists, political opponents and critics of the regime; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Reiterates its condemnation of the government’s continued crackdown on dissidents by targeting independent NGOs through the so-called ‘foreign agents law’ and the persistent and multiform repression of activists, political opponents and critics of the regime;

| 11. | Reminds Russia of the importance of full compliance with its international legal obligations, and of the fact that judicial decisions have to be taken in an effective and impartial manner and must be independent, comply fully with the law and be based on legitimate evidence, without any political interference; takes the view that the Russian Federation, as a member of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, should honour the obligations to which it has signed up; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Reminds Russia of the importance of full compliance with its international legal obligations, and of the fact that judicial decisions have to be taken in an effective and impartial manner and must be independent, comply fully with the law and be based on legitimate evidence, without any political interference; takes the view that the Russian Federation, as a member of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, should honour the obligations to which it has signed up;

| 12. | Calls on the Council to establish a common EU list of the officials responsible for the abduction, illegal detention and sentencing of Eston Kohver, Nadiya Savchenko, Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko, to impose and implement an EU-wide visa ban on these officials, and to freeze any financial assets that they, or their immediate family, may hold within the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls on the Council to establish a common EU list of the officials responsible for the abduction, illegal detention and sentencing of Eston Kohver, Nadiya Savchenko, Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Kolchenko, to impose and implement an EU-wide visa ban on these officials, and to freeze any financial assets that they, or their immediate family, may hold within the European Union;

| 13. | Calls for increased permanent monitoring of human rights violations in Russia and in the territories currently annexed by Russia; expresses its deep concern at the deteriorating state of human rights and calls on the Russian authorities to respect such rights, including the right of freedom of expression, association and assembly and the rule of law, in Russia and in Crimea following its illegal annexation; notes that Russia continues to breach the European Convention on Human Rights; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Calls for increased permanent monitoring of human rights violations in Russia and in the territories currently annexed by Russia; expresses its deep concern at the deteriorating state of human rights and calls on the Russian authorities to respect such rights, including the right of freedom of expression, association and assembly and the rule of law, in Russia and in Crimea following its illegal annexation; notes that Russia continues to breach the European Convention on Human Rights;

| 14. | Urges the President of the European Council and the VP/HR to come up with a comprehensive policy strategy which would enable the EU to regain the initiative and to pursue a more clear-cut policy towards Russia; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Urges the President of the European Council and the VP/HR to come up with a comprehensive policy strategy which would enable the EU to regain the initiative and to pursue a more clear-cut policy towards Russia;

| 15. | 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. |
| --- | --- |

15.

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)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0074.

(2)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0006.

(3)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0186.

(4)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0225.

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

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

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

(8)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0039.

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

(10)  CCPR/C/RUS/7.

(11)  CCPR/C/SR.3136 and 3137.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/202 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/202

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P8_TA(2015)0315

Angola

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on Angola (2015/2839(RSP))

(2017/C 316/21)

The European Parliament,

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

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Angola,

| — | having regard to the statement of 12 May 2015 by the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Angola, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of 12 May 2015 by the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Angola,

| — | having regard to the joint statement of 17 October 2014 following the 1st Angola-European Union Ministerial Meeting, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint statement of 17 October 2014 following the 1st Angola-European Union Ministerial Meeting,

| — | having regard to the EU-Angola Joint Way Forward document of 23 July 2012, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU-Angola Joint Way Forward document of 23 July 2012,

| — | having regard to the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders and on Freedom of Expression, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders and on Freedom of Expression,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of June 2014 on the 10th anniversary of the EU Guidelines, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of June 2014 on the 10th anniversary of the EU Guidelines,

| — | having regard to Article 21 TEU and the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights, in which the EU commits to ‘continue to throw its full weight behind advocates of liberty, democracy and human rights throughout the world’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 21 TEU and the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights, in which the EU commits to ‘continue to throw its full weight behind advocates of liberty, democracy and human rights throughout the world’,

| — | having regard to the Cotonou Partnership Agreement signed in June 2000, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Cotonou Partnership Agreement signed in June 2000,

| — | having regard to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

| — | having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,

| — | having regard to 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 in recent months the Angolan Government has intensified its clampdown on any suspected challenge to its authority, thus violating human rights as enshrined in the Angolan constitution; whereas freedom of association and assembly in Angola continue to be suppressed and there is growing concern that the military and intelligence services have become the driving forces behind the arrest and prosecution of human rights activists; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas in recent months the Angolan Government has intensified its clampdown on any suspected challenge to its authority, thus violating human rights as enshrined in the Angolan constitution; whereas freedom of association and assembly in Angola continue to be suppressed and there is growing concern that the military and intelligence services have become the driving forces behind the arrest and prosecution of human rights activists;

| B. | whereas on 14 March 2015 human rights activist José Marcos Mavungo was arrested without a warrant, and on 28 August 2015 prosecutor António Nito asked the court in the Angolan province of Cabinda to sentence Mavungo to 12 years imprisonment on the charge of inciting rebellion, despite no evidence being presented that he had committed any crime; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas on 14 March 2015 human rights activist José Marcos Mavungo was arrested without a warrant, and on 28 August 2015 prosecutor António Nito asked the court in the Angolan province of Cabinda to sentence Mavungo to 12 years imprisonment on the charge of inciting rebellion, despite no evidence being presented that he had committed any crime;

| C. | whereas lawyer Arão Bula Tempo was arrested on the same day for alleged involvement in the organisation of the same protest; whereas Arão Bula Tempo was subsequently released on 13 May 2015 pending his trial on sedition charges; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas lawyer Arão Bula Tempo was arrested on the same day for alleged involvement in the organisation of the same protest; whereas Arão Bula Tempo was subsequently released on 13 May 2015 pending his trial on sedition charges;

| D. | whereas the journalist and human rights activist Rafael Marques was condemned on 28 May 2015 to a 6-month jail term suspended for two years for the publication in 2011 of the book, ‘Blood Diamonds: Corruption and Torture in Angola’, which detailed more than 100 killings and hundreds of cases of torture allegedly perpetrated by security guards and soldiers in the diamond fields of the Lundas region; whereas the complaints submitted by Marques to the Public Prosecutor concerning human rights violations in the Lundas region were not subject to investigation; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the journalist and human rights activist Rafael Marques was condemned on 28 May 2015 to a 6-month jail term suspended for two years for the publication in 2011 of the book, ‘Blood Diamonds: Corruption and Torture in Angola’, which detailed more than 100 killings and hundreds of cases of torture allegedly perpetrated by security guards and soldiers in the diamond fields of the Lundas region; whereas the complaints submitted by Marques to the Public Prosecutor concerning human rights violations in the Lundas region were not subject to investigation;

| E. | whereas 15 youth activists were arrested between 20 and 24 June 2015 in connection with a private political discussion; whereas Captain Zenóbio Lázaro Muhondo Zumba was subsequently arrested on 30 June 2015 on the grounds of alleged links with the 15 activists arrested; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas 15 youth activists were arrested between 20 and 24 June 2015 in connection with a private political discussion; whereas Captain Zenóbio Lázaro Muhondo Zumba was subsequently arrested on 30 June 2015 on the grounds of alleged links with the 15 activists arrested;

| F. | whereas all those detained were illegally and arbitrarily arrested and accused of preparing a rebellion and a coup attempt against the President and other government members; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas all those detained were illegally and arbitrarily arrested and accused of preparing a rebellion and a coup attempt against the President and other government members;

| G. | whereas the 15 activists detained are held in pre-trial detention, have not been formally charged, are without full access to legal counsel and visits from family members attempting to provide food, and are held in solitary confinement; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the 15 activists detained are held in pre-trial detention, have not been formally charged, are without full access to legal counsel and visits from family members attempting to provide food, and are held in solitary confinement;

| H. | whereas the activists were arrested and had their homes raided without the authorities presenting any warrant; whereas it has been reported that they were subject to physical and psychological torture as well as death threats; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the activists were arrested and had their homes raided without the authorities presenting any warrant; whereas it has been reported that they were subject to physical and psychological torture as well as death threats;

| I. | whereas the authorities are making threats against the mothers of the young prisoners who are getting mobilised, and the ruling MPLA party has prevented demonstrations by supporters to ask for their release; whereas a peaceful demonstration by relatives of the prisoners in Luanda on 8 August 2015 was met with attacks and violent repression by the security forces on the ground; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the authorities are making threats against the mothers of the young prisoners who are getting mobilised, and the ruling MPLA party has prevented demonstrations by supporters to ask for their release; whereas a peaceful demonstration by relatives of the prisoners in Luanda on 8 August 2015 was met with attacks and violent repression by the security forces on the ground;

| J. | whereas in July 2015 four human rights defenders and a Radio Deutsche Welle correspondent were temporarily detained while visiting other activists in a prison in the Luanda province, on the accusation of intending to make politics in prison; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas in July 2015 four human rights defenders and a Radio Deutsche Welle correspondent were temporarily detained while visiting other activists in a prison in the Luanda province, on the accusation of intending to make politics in prison;

| K. | whereas the right to peaceful protest and the right of association and expression are recognised in the Angolan constitution; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the right to peaceful protest and the right of association and expression are recognised in the Angolan constitution;

| L. | whereas there have been reports of a massacre in Huambo in April 2015 by the police forces of followers of the religious sect Luz do Mundo; whereas the figures reported by diverging sources range from dozens to thousands of deaths and many displaced persons; whereas for months the Government has failed to address the urgency of conducting an independent investigation, while fiercely denying the high figures; whereas the Ombudsman is currently preparing a report on the events; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas there have been reports of a massacre in Huambo in April 2015 by the police forces of followers of the religious sect Luz do Mundo; whereas the figures reported by diverging sources range from dozens to thousands of deaths and many displaced persons; whereas for months the Government has failed to address the urgency of conducting an independent investigation, while fiercely denying the high figures; whereas the Ombudsman is currently preparing a report on the events;

| M. | whereas the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an international inquiry into the incident, which sparked the Government to open a judicial investigation; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an international inquiry into the incident, which sparked the Government to open a judicial investigation;

| N. | whereas the Government of Angola has also stepped up both mass and small-scale forced evictions in Luanda and other cities in order to remove people living in informal settlements and eliminate street traders, including pregnant women and women with children; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the Government of Angola has also stepped up both mass and small-scale forced evictions in Luanda and other cities in order to remove people living in informal settlements and eliminate street traders, including pregnant women and women with children;

| O. | whereas new legislation was introduced in March 2015 outlining increased control over non-governmental organisations; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas new legislation was introduced in March 2015 outlining increased control over non-governmental organisations;

| P. | whereas civil society has repeatedly denounced the link between corruption, the depletion and misappropriation of natural resources by the ruling elite and human rights abuses committed against those who pose a threat to and denounce the status quo; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas civil society has repeatedly denounced the link between corruption, the depletion and misappropriation of natural resources by the ruling elite and human rights abuses committed against those who pose a threat to and denounce the status quo;

| Q. | whereas, despite commitments by the Angolan Government to step up efforts to improve its anti-money laundering/combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) system and some progress made, the Financial Action Task Force — an intergovernmental organisation founded in 1989 on the initiative of the G7 to develop policies to combat money laundering — continues to identify strategic deficiencies in Angola’s AML/CFT system; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas, despite commitments by the Angolan Government to step up efforts to improve its anti-money laundering/combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) system and some progress made, the Financial Action Task Force — an intergovernmental organisation founded in 1989 on the initiative of the G7 to develop policies to combat money laundering — continues to identify strategic deficiencies in Angola’s AML/CFT system;

| R. | whereas independent reports have established that oil income, the Government’s main resource, has not been directed towards sustainable development or local communities, while the ruling elite has become richer; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas independent reports have established that oil income, the Government’s main resource, has not been directed towards sustainable development or local communities, while the ruling elite has become richer;

| S. | whereas Angola has vast mineral and petroleum reserves, and is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, especially since the end of the civil war; whereas its economic growth is highly uneven, with the majority of the nation’s wealth concentrated in a disproportionately small sector of the population; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas Angola has vast mineral and petroleum reserves, and is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, especially since the end of the civil war; whereas its economic growth is highly uneven, with the majority of the nation’s wealth concentrated in a disproportionately small sector of the population;

| T. | whereas the economic crisis in the country following the sharp drop in oil revenues is likely to trigger further social unrest and protests against the government; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas the economic crisis in the country following the sharp drop in oil revenues is likely to trigger further social unrest and protests against the government;

| U. | whereas in October 2014 Angola reaffirmed its commitment to the political dialogue and cooperation agreed in the EU-Angola Joint Way Forward document, in which good governance, democracy and human rights are essential pillars; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas in October 2014 Angola reaffirmed its commitment to the political dialogue and cooperation agreed in the EU-Angola Joint Way Forward document, in which good governance, democracy and human rights are essential pillars;

| V. | whereas, in accordance with Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and Angola, the exchange of information on good governance and human rights takes place within a formal political dialogue at least once a year in the framework of the 2012 EU-Angola Joint Way Forward document; |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas, in accordance with Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and Angola, the exchange of information on good governance and human rights takes place within a formal political dialogue at least once a year in the framework of the 2012 EU-Angola Joint Way Forward document;

| 1. | Is deeply concerned about the fast deteriorating situation in terms of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic space in Angola, as well as the serious abuses by the security forces and the lack of independence of the judiciary; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is deeply concerned about the fast deteriorating situation in terms of human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic space in Angola, as well as the serious abuses by the security forces and the lack of independence of the judiciary;

| 2. | Calls on the Angolan authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all human rights defenders, including Marcos Mavungo and the 15+1 activists arrested in June 2015, and to drop all charges against them; calls also for the immediate and unconditional release of any other activists, prisoners of conscience or political opponents arbitrarily arrested and detained solely for their political views, journalistic work or participation in peaceful activities; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Angolan authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all human rights defenders, including Marcos Mavungo and the 15+1 activists arrested in June 2015, and to drop all charges against them; calls also for the immediate and unconditional release of any other activists, prisoners of conscience or political opponents arbitrarily arrested and detained solely for their political views, journalistic work or participation in peaceful activities;

| 3. | Urges the authorities to ensure that no acts of torture or ill-treatment are performed on the detainees and to guarantee full protection and access to their families and lawyers; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Urges the authorities to ensure that no acts of torture or ill-treatment are performed on the detainees and to guarantee full protection and access to their families and lawyers;

| 4. | Calls on the Angolan authorities to immediately put an end to cases of arbitrary arrest, illegal detentions and torture by the police and security forces; reiterates that prompt, impartial and thorough investigations must be carried out into all allegations of human rights violations, including torture, by police and security forces and that the perpetrators be brought to justice; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls on the Angolan authorities to immediately put an end to cases of arbitrary arrest, illegal detentions and torture by the police and security forces; reiterates that prompt, impartial and thorough investigations must be carried out into all allegations of human rights violations, including torture, by police and security forces and that the perpetrators be brought to justice;

| 5. | Is gravely concerned by the continuous attempts to limit freedom of expression and media freedom, peaceful assembly and association, and the increased breaches of these freedoms by the authorities, and calls on the Angolan authorities to ensure the immediate and unconditional upholding of these freedoms; further calls on them to fully implement the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international and regional human rights instruments ratified by Angola; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Is gravely concerned by the continuous attempts to limit freedom of expression and media freedom, peaceful assembly and association, and the increased breaches of these freedoms by the authorities, and calls on the Angolan authorities to ensure the immediate and unconditional upholding of these freedoms; further calls on them to fully implement the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international and regional human rights instruments ratified by Angola;

| 6. | Asks the EU Delegation in Luanda to deliver on the EEAS’s commitments to support and protect human rights defenders (HRDs) worldwide through concrete, visible steps that especially include trial observation, political and material support to HRDs, their lawyers and families and systematic engagement by the EU and its Member States with the Angolan authorities on human rights at all levels of relations, including at the highest level; further asks the Delegation to step up the political dialogue with the Angolan Government in all political, trade and development relations, to ensure that it upholds its national and international human rights commitments as promised during the 1st EU-Angola Ministerial Meeting of October 2014; urges it to use all appropriate tools and instruments, including the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, to do so; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Asks the EU Delegation in Luanda to deliver on the EEAS’s commitments to support and protect human rights defenders (HRDs) worldwide through concrete, visible steps that especially include trial observation, political and material support to HRDs, their lawyers and families and systematic engagement by the EU and its Member States with the Angolan authorities on human rights at all levels of relations, including at the highest level; further asks the Delegation to step up the political dialogue with the Angolan Government in all political, trade and development relations, to ensure that it upholds its national and international human rights commitments as promised during the 1st EU-Angola Ministerial Meeting of October 2014; urges it to use all appropriate tools and instruments, including the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, to do so;

| 7. | Calls on the EU and the Member States to acknowledge the high level of corruption by the Angolan authorities which seriously undermines respect for human rights and development, to implement the principles of the human rights approach toolbox ahead of any dealings with Angola, and to review the focal sectors of its National Indicative Programme under the 11th EDF; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the EU and the Member States to acknowledge the high level of corruption by the Angolan authorities which seriously undermines respect for human rights and development, to implement the principles of the human rights approach toolbox ahead of any dealings with Angola, and to review the focal sectors of its National Indicative Programme under the 11th EDF;

| 8. | Regrets the fact that, despite the completion of a national survey in 2007 and a major mine action programme, the extent of the APL/ERW threat is still not known with confidence; urges the EU to monitor, control and evaluate the effective use of funds and to ensure that the allocated budget is used in an efficient and targeted manner so that land is cleared as it should be; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Regrets the fact that, despite the completion of a national survey in 2007 and a major mine action programme, the extent of the APL/ERW threat is still not known with confidence; urges the EU to monitor, control and evaluate the effective use of funds and to ensure that the allocated budget is used in an efficient and targeted manner so that land is cleared as it should be;

| 9. | Urges the Angolan judicial authorities to assert their independence from any political instrumentalisation and to ensure the protection of rights recognised by legal instruments, such as access to justice and the right to a fair trial; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Urges the Angolan judicial authorities to assert their independence from any political instrumentalisation and to ensure the protection of rights recognised by legal instruments, such as access to justice and the right to a fair trial;

| 10. | Urges the Angolan Government to conduct an urgent, transparent and credible inquiry into the Huambo massacre, and to provide support to the survivors who have been displaced; echoes the UN calls for an international and independent complementary investigation; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Urges the Angolan Government to conduct an urgent, transparent and credible inquiry into the Huambo massacre, and to provide support to the survivors who have been displaced; echoes the UN calls for an international and independent complementary investigation;

| 11. | Remains concerned that measures to combat violence against women and children have not been implemented; calls on the authorities to strengthen the fight against harmful traditional practices, such as the stigmatisation of children accused of sorcery; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Remains concerned that measures to combat violence against women and children have not been implemented; calls on the authorities to strengthen the fight against harmful traditional practices, such as the stigmatisation of children accused of sorcery;

| 12. | Recalls the commitment made by Angola under the Cotonou Agreement to respect democracy, the rule of law and human rights principles which include freedom of expression and freedom of the media, good governance and transparency in political offices; urges the Angolan Government to uphold these provisions in accordance with Articles 11b, 96 and 97 of the Cotonou Agreement and, failing that, asks the European Commission to launch the relevant procedure in accordance with Articles 8, 9 and 96 of the Cotonou Agreement; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Recalls the commitment made by Angola under the Cotonou Agreement to respect democracy, the rule of law and human rights principles which include freedom of expression and freedom of the media, good governance and transparency in political offices; urges the Angolan Government to uphold these provisions in accordance with Articles 11b, 96 and 97 of the Cotonou Agreement and, failing that, asks the European Commission to launch the relevant procedure in accordance with Articles 8, 9 and 96 of the Cotonou Agreement;

| 13. | Urges the EU and the Member States to address the transparency of trade in all natural resources, including oil, and notably to fully implement and monitor the existing legislation on country-by-country reporting; calls on the Angolan authorities and foreign companies to help strengthen governance in the extractive sector by abiding by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and to review the implementation of the Kimberley Process; further calls on the Angolan Government to submit a plan to join the Open Government Partnership and henceforth to lay out a concrete plan to fight corruption, increase transparency and enhance public accountability; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Urges the EU and the Member States to address the transparency of trade in all natural resources, including oil, and notably to fully implement and monitor the existing legislation on country-by-country reporting; calls on the Angolan authorities and foreign companies to help strengthen governance in the extractive sector by abiding by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and to review the implementation of the Kimberley Process; further calls on the Angolan Government to submit a plan to join the Open Government Partnership and henceforth to lay out a concrete plan to fight corruption, increase transparency and enhance public accountability;

| 14. | Encourages EU and US cooperation and coordination on implementation of Section 1504 of the Dodd-Frank Act; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Encourages EU and US cooperation and coordination on implementation of Section 1504 of the Dodd-Frank Act;

| 15. | Calls on Member States’ national administrations and supervisory authorities to step up vigilance of compliance with European anti-money laundering legislation, including due diligence normative principles and proper risk analysis, especially involving Politically Exposed Persons originating from Angola; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls on Member States’ national administrations and supervisory authorities to step up vigilance of compliance with European anti-money laundering legislation, including due diligence normative principles and proper risk analysis, especially involving Politically Exposed Persons originating from Angola;

| 16. | Welcomes the Angolan Government’s acknowledgement of problems in relation to compensation in cases of land seizure, and welcomes the media reports which suggest that the distribution and compensation mechanisms are improving; encourages the Government to continue its efforts in this direction; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Welcomes the Angolan Government’s acknowledgement of problems in relation to compensation in cases of land seizure, and welcomes the media reports which suggest that the distribution and compensation mechanisms are improving; encourages the Government to continue its efforts in this direction;

| 17. | 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 African Union, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, the governments of the countries of the SADC region, the President and Parliament of Angola, the US Government, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the UN Human Rights Council, and the ACP-EU JPA. |
| --- | --- |

17.

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 African Union, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, the governments of the countries of the SADC region, the President and Parliament of Angola, the US Government, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the UN Human Rights Council, and the ACP-EU JPA.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/207 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/207

---

P8_TA(2015)0316

Azerbaijan

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on Azerbaijan (2015/2840(RSP))

(2017/C 316/22)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Azerbaijan, in particular those concerning the human rights situation and the rule of law, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Azerbaijan, in particular those concerning the human rights situation and the rule of law,

| — | having regard to the established relationship between the EU and Azerbaijan, which took effect in 1999, as represented by the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action Plan, the creation of the Eastern Partnership (EaP), the negotiations on the EU-Azerbaijan association agreement and Azerbaijan’s participation in the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the established relationship between the EU and Azerbaijan, which took effect in 1999, as represented by the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action Plan, the creation of the Eastern Partnership (EaP), the negotiations on the EU-Azerbaijan association agreement and Azerbaijan’s participation in the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly,

| — | having regard to the 2014 ENP country progress report on Azerbaijan of 25 March 2015 (SWD(2015)0064), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2014 ENP country progress report on Azerbaijan of 25 March 2015 (SWD(2015)0064),

| — | having regard to the EU-Azerbaijan ENP Action Plan, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU-Azerbaijan ENP Action Plan,

| — | having regard to the remarks of 22 July 2015 by the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, following his meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the remarks of 22 July 2015 by the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, following his meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev,

| — | having regard to the visit to Baku of the EU Special Representative on Human Rights, Stavros Lambrinidis, from 23 to 26 February 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the visit to Baku of the EU Special Representative on Human Rights, Stavros Lambrinidis, from 23 to 26 February 2015,

| — | having regard to the statement of 8 September 2015 by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, condemning the ongoing crackdown on civil society and independent voices in Azerbaijan, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of 8 September 2015 by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, condemning the ongoing crackdown on civil society and independent voices in Azerbaijan,

| — | having regard to the statements by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and Commissioner Johannes Hahn with regard to the recent detention, imprisonment, sentencing and murders of leading journalists and human rights defenders in Azerbaijan, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statements by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and Commissioner Johannes Hahn with regard to the recent detention, imprisonment, sentencing and murders of leading journalists and human rights defenders in Azerbaijan,

| — | having regard to the EU statement of 19 August 2015 on human rights in Azerbaijan at OSCE Special Permanent Council meeting No 1064 in Vienna, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU statement of 19 August 2015 on human rights in Azerbaijan at OSCE Special Permanent Council meeting No 1064 in Vienna,

| — | having regard to the recent statements by the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, on the case of Khadija Ismayilova, the cases of Leyla Yunus, director of the Institute for Peace and Democracy in Azerbaijan, and her husband, Arif Yunus, and the murder of the Azerbaijani journalist Rasim Aliyev, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recent statements by the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, on the case of Khadija Ismayilova, the cases of Leyla Yunus, director of the Institute for Peace and Democracy in Azerbaijan, and her husband, Arif Yunus, and the murder of the Azerbaijani journalist Rasim Aliyev,

| — | having regard to the Helsinki Declaration adopted by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly at its annual session between 5 July and 9 July 2015, which ‘condemns the continued persecution and imprisonment on politically motivated charges of journalists and human rights defenders in several OSCE participating States and expresses its concern at the continued misuse of tax and administrative legislation to justify these acts’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Helsinki Declaration adopted by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly at its annual session between 5 July and 9 July 2015, which ‘condemns the continued persecution and imprisonment on politically motivated charges of journalists and human rights defenders in several OSCE participating States and expresses its concern at the continued misuse of tax and administrative legislation to justify these acts’,

| — | having regard to the resolution of 23 June 2015 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the functioning of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the resolution of 23 June 2015 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on the functioning of democratic institutions in Azerbaijan,

| — | having regard to the opinion of 15 December 2014 of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission stating that the recent amendments to the law on non-governmental organisations ‘further restrict the operation of NGOs in Azerbaijan’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of 15 December 2014 of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission stating that the recent amendments to the law on non-governmental organisations ‘further restrict the operation of NGOs in Azerbaijan’,

| — | having regard to the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, and to the Council conclusions of 23 June 2014 on the tenth anniversary of those guidelines, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, and to the Council conclusions of 23 June 2014 on the tenth anniversary of those guidelines,

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

—

having regard to the provisions of 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 overall human rights situation in Azerbaijan has deteriorated continuously over the last few years, with growing intimidation and repression and intensification of the practice of criminal prosecution of NGO leaders, human rights defenders, journalists and other civil society representatives; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the overall human rights situation in Azerbaijan has deteriorated continuously over the last few years, with growing intimidation and repression and intensification of the practice of criminal prosecution of NGO leaders, human rights defenders, journalists and other civil society representatives;

| B. | whereas the award-winning investigative journalist for RFE/RL Khadija Ismayilova was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on alleged charges of misappropriation, embezzlement and tax evasion after publishing several stories of corruption concerning the President’s family; whereas human rights defenders Leyla and Arif Yunus were sentenced to eight and a half and seven years’ imprisonment respectively on charges including fraud and tax evasion in a trial that fell far short of international standards; whereas the well-known human rights activist Rasul Jafarov and the highly respected human rights lawyer Intigam Aliyev were sentenced on similar charges, following trials marred by due process violations, and are currently serving prison sentences of six years and three months and seven and a half years respectively; whereas numerous other prominent Azerbaijani civil society figures remain imprisoned, including Anar Mammadli, Rauf Mirkadirov, Ömar Mammadov, Tofiq Yaqublu, Ilgar Mammadov, Nijat Aliyev, Araz Guliyev, Parviz Hashimli, Seymur Hezi, Hilal Mammadov and Taleh Khasmammadov, and whereas the health of some of these prisoners is steadily deteriorating; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the award-winning investigative journalist for RFE/RL Khadija Ismayilova was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on alleged charges of misappropriation, embezzlement and tax evasion after publishing several stories of corruption concerning the President’s family; whereas human rights defenders Leyla and Arif Yunus were sentenced to eight and a half and seven years’ imprisonment respectively on charges including fraud and tax evasion in a trial that fell far short of international standards; whereas the well-known human rights activist Rasul Jafarov and the highly respected human rights lawyer Intigam Aliyev were sentenced on similar charges, following trials marred by due process violations, and are currently serving prison sentences of six years and three months and seven and a half years respectively; whereas numerous other prominent Azerbaijani civil society figures remain imprisoned, including Anar Mammadli, Rauf Mirkadirov, Ömar Mammadov, Tofiq Yaqublu, Ilgar Mammadov, Nijat Aliyev, Araz Guliyev, Parviz Hashimli, Seymur Hezi, Hilal Mammadov and Taleh Khasmammadov, and whereas the health of some of these prisoners is steadily deteriorating;

| C. | whereas Leyla Yunus and Rasul Jafarov, before they were themselves arrested, led a group of prominent Azerbaijani human rights defenders and experts that produced a list of nearly one hundred Azerbaijanis who qualify as political prisoners under the definition adopted by the Council of Europe in 2012; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas Leyla Yunus and Rasul Jafarov, before they were themselves arrested, led a group of prominent Azerbaijani human rights defenders and experts that produced a list of nearly one hundred Azerbaijanis who qualify as political prisoners under the definition adopted by the Council of Europe in 2012;

| D. | whereas journalists and civil society leaders are being subjected to continuous intimidation and harassment, among them Emin Milli, Director of Meydan TV, who has received death threats and members of whose family have been arrested on trumped-up charges, as well as journalists working with Meydan TV in Azerbaijan; whereas the founder of the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and human rights defender, Emin Huseynov, has sought refuge in Switzerland after facing trumped-up charges and has had his Azerbaijani citizenship revoked; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas journalists and civil society leaders are being subjected to continuous intimidation and harassment, among them Emin Milli, Director of Meydan TV, who has received death threats and members of whose family have been arrested on trumped-up charges, as well as journalists working with Meydan TV in Azerbaijan; whereas the founder of the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and human rights defender, Emin Huseynov, has sought refuge in Switzerland after facing trumped-up charges and has had his Azerbaijani citizenship revoked;

| E. | whereas many more journalists and civil society activists are faced with legal proceedings, travel bans and restrictions on their freedom of movement in relation to their human rights activities; whereas the Azerbaijani government is also clamping down on independent groups through restrictive new laws regulating NGOs; whereas because of these laws many groups have been effectively forced to shut down after their bank accounts were frozen or their sources of funding blocked following the government’s refusal to authorise new grants from foreign donor organisations; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas many more journalists and civil society activists are faced with legal proceedings, travel bans and restrictions on their freedom of movement in relation to their human rights activities; whereas the Azerbaijani government is also clamping down on independent groups through restrictive new laws regulating NGOs; whereas because of these laws many groups have been effectively forced to shut down after their bank accounts were frozen or their sources of funding blocked following the government’s refusal to authorise new grants from foreign donor organisations;

| F. | whereas peaceful protesters have been effectively banned from demonstrating in central Baku since 2006, and new, harsh fines and longer periods of administrative detention for those who organise or participate in unauthorised public gatherings have recently been introduced; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas peaceful protesters have been effectively banned from demonstrating in central Baku since 2006, and new, harsh fines and longer periods of administrative detention for those who organise or participate in unauthorised public gatherings have recently been introduced;

| G. | whereas the chair of the IRFS, the journalist Rasim Aliyev, died in a Baku hospital after being severely beaten, following continuous threats and intimidation in the aftermath of his criticisms of President Aliyev via social media; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the chair of the IRFS, the journalist Rasim Aliyev, died in a Baku hospital after being severely beaten, following continuous threats and intimidation in the aftermath of his criticisms of President Aliyev via social media;

| H. | whereas Azerbaijan is one of the founding members of the Eastern Partnership; whereas the EU and Eastern European leaders have on numerous occasions reaffirmed that the Eastern Partnership is based on a community of values and on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law; whereas Azerbaijan aspires to step up and deepen its relations with the EU, aiming at a strategic partnership; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas Azerbaijan is one of the founding members of the Eastern Partnership; whereas the EU and Eastern European leaders have on numerous occasions reaffirmed that the Eastern Partnership is based on a community of values and on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law; whereas Azerbaijan aspires to step up and deepen its relations with the EU, aiming at a strategic partnership;

| I. | whereas in 2014 the EU was unable to disburse 11 of its 13 grants to NGOs because of the restrictive legislation, and continues to encounter severe limitations on its ability to fund independent civil society groups and activists in Azerbaijan; whereas many of the EU grantees are either in prison — e.g. the human rights lawyer Intigam Aliyev — or have fled the country and closed their operations; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas in 2014 the EU was unable to disburse 11 of its 13 grants to NGOs because of the restrictive legislation, and continues to encounter severe limitations on its ability to fund independent civil society groups and activists in Azerbaijan; whereas many of the EU grantees are either in prison — e.g. the human rights lawyer Intigam Aliyev — or have fled the country and closed their operations;

| J. | whereas the OSCE office in Baku was closed on 4 July 2015 following the Azerbaijani authorities’ decision to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Azerbaijan and the OSCE; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the OSCE office in Baku was closed on 4 July 2015 following the Azerbaijani authorities’ decision to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Azerbaijan and the OSCE;

| K. | whereas Freedom House considers Azerbaijan to be ‘not free’, rating its press as ‘not free’ and its internet as ‘partially free’; whereas Azerbaijan has suffered the greatest decline in democratic governance in all of Eurasia over the past ten years; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas Freedom House considers Azerbaijan to be ‘not free’, rating its press as ‘not free’ and its internet as ‘partially free’; whereas Azerbaijan has suffered the greatest decline in democratic governance in all of Eurasia over the past ten years;

| L. | whereas in November 2015 Azerbaijan will hold parliamentary elections; whereas the European Parliament declined to send an Election Observation Mission, as the assessment was that the background for holding free and fair elections does not exist and limitations on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association in the country make it impossible to create a level playing field for candidates and to organise a genuinely competitive vote; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas in November 2015 Azerbaijan will hold parliamentary elections; whereas the European Parliament declined to send an Election Observation Mission, as the assessment was that the background for holding free and fair elections does not exist and limitations on the freedoms of expression, assembly and association in the country make it impossible to create a level playing field for candidates and to organise a genuinely competitive vote;

| M. | whereas sectoral cooperation is mutually beneficial, especially in the energy sector; whereas Azerbaijan has the potential to become one of the EU’s major commercial partners; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas sectoral cooperation is mutually beneficial, especially in the energy sector; whereas Azerbaijan has the potential to become one of the EU’s major commercial partners;

| 1. | Expresses its serious concern over the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in the country, and recalls that the EU attaches special importance to human rights and fundamental freedoms in the context of bilateral cooperation, as key elements of the Eastern Partnership and also as foundational pillars of international organisations such as the Council of Europe and the OCSE, of both of which Azerbaijan is a member; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Expresses its serious concern over the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in the country, and recalls that the EU attaches special importance to human rights and fundamental freedoms in the context of bilateral cooperation, as key elements of the Eastern Partnership and also as foundational pillars of international organisations such as the Council of Europe and the OCSE, of both of which Azerbaijan is a member;

| 2. | Calls for the immediate and unconditional release from jail of all political prisoners, human rights defenders, journalists and other civil society activists, including Khadija Ismayilova, Leyla Yunus and Arif Yunus, Anar Mammadli, Rasul Jafarov, Intigam Aliyev, Rauf Mirkadirov, Ömar Mammadov, Tofiq Yaqublu, Nijat Aliyev, Araz Guliyev, Parviz Hashimli, Seymur Hezi, Hilal Mammadov, Taleh Khasmammadov and Ilgar Mammadov, in line with the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), and calls for all charges against them to be dropped and for the full restoration of their political and civil rights and public image; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls for the immediate and unconditional release from jail of all political prisoners, human rights defenders, journalists and other civil society activists, including Khadija Ismayilova, Leyla Yunus and Arif Yunus, Anar Mammadli, Rasul Jafarov, Intigam Aliyev, Rauf Mirkadirov, Ömar Mammadov, Tofiq Yaqublu, Nijat Aliyev, Araz Guliyev, Parviz Hashimli, Seymur Hezi, Hilal Mammadov, Taleh Khasmammadov and Ilgar Mammadov, in line with the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), and calls for all charges against them to be dropped and for the full restoration of their political and civil rights and public image;

| 3. | Strongly condemns the unprecedented repression against civil society in Azerbaijan; reiterates its deep concern for the fate of the colleagues of those imprisoned who are still free but are under criminal investigation, in the light of reports from human rights defenders and domestic and international NGOs of the alleged use of fabricated charges against political figures, activists and journalists; urges the Azerbaijani authorities to end the practices of selective criminal prosecution and imprisonment of journalists, human rights defenders and others who criticise the government, and to ensure that all persons detained, including journalists, political and civil society activists, enjoy full due process rights, in particular access to a lawyer of their choosing and access to their families, and are covered by other fair trial norms; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Strongly condemns the unprecedented repression against civil society in Azerbaijan; reiterates its deep concern for the fate of the colleagues of those imprisoned who are still free but are under criminal investigation, in the light of reports from human rights defenders and domestic and international NGOs of the alleged use of fabricated charges against political figures, activists and journalists; urges the Azerbaijani authorities to end the practices of selective criminal prosecution and imprisonment of journalists, human rights defenders and others who criticise the government, and to ensure that all persons detained, including journalists, political and civil society activists, enjoy full due process rights, in particular access to a lawyer of their choosing and access to their families, and are covered by other fair trial norms;

| 4. | Welcomes the possibility granted by the Azerbaijani authorities to a European medical team to visit Leyla and Arif Yunus, and calls for their release, also for humanitarian reasons; draws attention to the conditions of imprisonment of Leyla and Arif Yunus and Intigam Aliyev, which have led to the serious deterioration of their health with possibly life-threatening consequences; calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to allow a European medical team to examine Intigam Aliyev and to ensure that all prisoners receive proper healthcare when needed; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Welcomes the possibility granted by the Azerbaijani authorities to a European medical team to visit Leyla and Arif Yunus, and calls for their release, also for humanitarian reasons; draws attention to the conditions of imprisonment of Leyla and Arif Yunus and Intigam Aliyev, which have led to the serious deterioration of their health with possibly life-threatening consequences; calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to allow a European medical team to examine Intigam Aliyev and to ensure that all prisoners receive proper healthcare when needed;

| 5. | Calls for a prompt investigation into the death of the journalist and IRFS chair Rasim Aliyev; notes with concern the allegations put forward by a group of journalists that Mr Aliyev died because he had not received appropriate assistance from the doctors assigned to him in the hospital; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls for a prompt investigation into the death of the journalist and IRFS chair Rasim Aliyev; notes with concern the allegations put forward by a group of journalists that Mr Aliyev died because he had not received appropriate assistance from the doctors assigned to him in the hospital;

| 6. | Reminds the authorities in Azerbaijan that the wellbeing of the population, which entails respect for rights and freedoms, is an essential component of sustainable economic growth; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Reminds the authorities in Azerbaijan that the wellbeing of the population, which entails respect for rights and freedoms, is an essential component of sustainable economic growth;

| 7. | Calls upon Azerbaijan to respect and implement its commitments undertaken as a member of the Council of Europe; reiterates its call on the Azerbaijani authorities to comply with all rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) concerning Azerbaijan; calls for the ruling of 16 June 2015 and all other ECHR rulings to be complied with; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls upon Azerbaijan to respect and implement its commitments undertaken as a member of the Council of Europe; reiterates its call on the Azerbaijani authorities to comply with all rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) concerning Azerbaijan; calls for the ruling of 16 June 2015 and all other ECHR rulings to be complied with;

| 8. | Urges the government of Azerbaijan to fully cooperate with and implement the recommendations of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission and Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN special procedures in regard to human rights defenders, the rights of freedom of association and peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and arbitrary detention, with the aim of amending its legislation and adapting its practices in full conformity with the conclusions of the experts; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Urges the government of Azerbaijan to fully cooperate with and implement the recommendations of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission and Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN special procedures in regard to human rights defenders, the rights of freedom of association and peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and arbitrary detention, with the aim of amending its legislation and adapting its practices in full conformity with the conclusions of the experts;

| 9. | Calls on the government of Azerbaijan to immediately end its crackdown on civil society and human rights work, ensuring that independent civil society groups and activists can operate without undue hindrance or fear of persecution, including by repealing the laws severely restricting civil society, unfreezing bank accounts of non-governmental groups and their leaders, and allowing access to foreign funding; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Calls on the government of Azerbaijan to immediately end its crackdown on civil society and human rights work, ensuring that independent civil society groups and activists can operate without undue hindrance or fear of persecution, including by repealing the laws severely restricting civil society, unfreezing bank accounts of non-governmental groups and their leaders, and allowing access to foreign funding;

| 10. | Deplores the continued actions taken by the Azerbaijani government to curb contacts between civil society groups, youth activists and intellectuals in Armenia and Azerbaijan, which are of extreme importance for bridging the long hostility between the two countries; in this regard, again recalls the important work done in this area by Leyla and Arif Yunus; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Deplores the continued actions taken by the Azerbaijani government to curb contacts between civil society groups, youth activists and intellectuals in Armenia and Azerbaijan, which are of extreme importance for bridging the long hostility between the two countries; in this regard, again recalls the important work done in this area by Leyla and Arif Yunus;

| 11. | Calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to respect freedom of the press and media, both in legislation and in practice and both online and offline, to guarantee freedom of expression in line with international standards and to end censorship of criticism of the government via media outlets; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to respect freedom of the press and media, both in legislation and in practice and both online and offline, to guarantee freedom of expression in line with international standards and to end censorship of criticism of the government via media outlets;

| 12. | Is extremely concerned over the situation of LGBTI people in Azerbaijan; strongly condemns political hate speech against LGBTI people coming from the highest levels; calls on the Azerbaijani government to stop obstructing and intimidating human rights defenders working for the rights of LGBTI people; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Is extremely concerned over the situation of LGBTI people in Azerbaijan; strongly condemns political hate speech against LGBTI people coming from the highest levels; calls on the Azerbaijani government to stop obstructing and intimidating human rights defenders working for the rights of LGBTI people;

| 13. | Underlines the importance of serious and mutually respectful dialogue between the EU and the government of Azerbaijan, the opposition forces and civil society; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Underlines the importance of serious and mutually respectful dialogue between the EU and the government of Azerbaijan, the opposition forces and civil society;

| 14. | Reiterates that the negotiations for a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Azerbaijan should be immediately put on hold as long the government fails to take concrete steps in advancing respect for universal human rights; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Reiterates that the negotiations for a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Azerbaijan should be immediately put on hold as long the government fails to take concrete steps in advancing respect for universal human rights;

| 15. | Calls on the Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to strictly apply the ‘more for more’ principle, with a specific focus on the situation of human rights defenders, in line with the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, the independence of the judiciary, democratic reforms and fundamental rights and freedoms, and to clearly lay down the consequences of lagging behind on reforms; calls on the Commission to review and suspend temporarily, if needed, all funding not related to human rights, civil society and grassroots level people-to-people cooperation granted to Azerbaijan through the European Neighbourhood Instrument, in light of the abovementioned incidents of human rights defenders being targeted for documenting human rights violations in Azerbaijan; calls on the Commission and the Member States to maintain funding for people-to-people contacts and cooperation in such areas as civil society, education and academia, as well as youth and student exchanges; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls on the Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to strictly apply the ‘more for more’ principle, with a specific focus on the situation of human rights defenders, in line with the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders, the independence of the judiciary, democratic reforms and fundamental rights and freedoms, and to clearly lay down the consequences of lagging behind on reforms; calls on the Commission to review and suspend temporarily, if needed, all funding not related to human rights, civil society and grassroots level people-to-people cooperation granted to Azerbaijan through the European Neighbourhood Instrument, in light of the abovementioned incidents of human rights defenders being targeted for documenting human rights violations in Azerbaijan; calls on the Commission and the Member States to maintain funding for people-to-people contacts and cooperation in such areas as civil society, education and academia, as well as youth and student exchanges;

| 16. | Calls on the Council, the Commission, and the VP/HR to mount a strong and unified response to the crackdown under way in Azerbaijan, in order to make it clear that the prevailing situation is wholly unacceptable and that it cannot be ‘business as usual’ until the government releases all those imprisoned on politically motivated charges and ends the ongoing crackdown against independent civil society groups; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls on the Council, the Commission, and the VP/HR to mount a strong and unified response to the crackdown under way in Azerbaijan, in order to make it clear that the prevailing situation is wholly unacceptable and that it cannot be ‘business as usual’ until the government releases all those imprisoned on politically motivated charges and ends the ongoing crackdown against independent civil society groups;

| 17. | Urges the European companies that operate in Azerbaijan to be outspoken in demanding high human rights standards and to adopt high standards of corporate social responsibility, taking into account the impact of their actions on the human rights situation in the country; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Urges the European companies that operate in Azerbaijan to be outspoken in demanding high human rights standards and to adopt high standards of corporate social responsibility, taking into account the impact of their actions on the human rights situation in the country;

| 18. | Regrets that the EU-Azerbaijan human rights dialogue has not made any substantial progress as regards the human rights situation in the country; calls on the EEAS to step up this dialogue with a view to making it effective and result-oriented, and to report regularly to Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Regrets that the EU-Azerbaijan human rights dialogue has not made any substantial progress as regards the human rights situation in the country; calls on the EEAS to step up this dialogue with a view to making it effective and result-oriented, and to report regularly to Parliament;

| 19. | Calls on the EU authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the corruption allegations against President Aliyev and members of his family revealed by the work of the investigative journalist Khadija Ismaylova; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the EU authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the corruption allegations against President Aliyev and members of his family revealed by the work of the investigative journalist Khadija Ismaylova;

| 20. | Calls on the Council to avoid double standards in relation to the EaP countries, and to consider, in this regard, targeted sanctions and visa bans on all politicians, officials and judges involved in the political persecutions; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on the Council to avoid double standards in relation to the EaP countries, and to consider, in this regard, targeted sanctions and visa bans on all politicians, officials and judges involved in the political persecutions;

| 21. | Calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to cooperate with and facilitate visits by representatives of regional organisations such as the Council of Europe and the OCSE; strongly deplores the decision by the Azerbaijani authorities to close the OCSE offices in Baku; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to cooperate with and facilitate visits by representatives of regional organisations such as the Council of Europe and the OCSE; strongly deplores the decision by the Azerbaijani authorities to close the OCSE offices in Baku;

| 22. | Notes that independent election monitors, including the long-term OSCE observation mission and national ones, have documented major breaches of electoral standards in Azerbaijan for all presidential and parliamentary elections since and including the presidential election of October 2003; expresses its serious concern as to whether the conditions are in place for a free and fair vote on 1 November 2015, given that leaders of opposition parties have been imprisoned, media and journalists are not allowed to operate freely and without intimidation, and a climate of fear is prevalent; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Notes that independent election monitors, including the long-term OSCE observation mission and national ones, have documented major breaches of electoral standards in Azerbaijan for all presidential and parliamentary elections since and including the presidential election of October 2003; expresses its serious concern as to whether the conditions are in place for a free and fair vote on 1 November 2015, given that leaders of opposition parties have been imprisoned, media and journalists are not allowed to operate freely and without intimidation, and a climate of fear is prevalent;

| 23. | Calls on the EEAS and the Member States to refrain from election observation activities for the time being. Notes that an ODIHR mission is currently on the ground and it would be of the utmost importance to know its analysis of the situation in the country; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the EEAS and the Member States to refrain from election observation activities for the time being. Notes that an ODIHR mission is currently on the ground and it would be of the utmost importance to know its analysis of the situation in the country;

| 24. | Recalls its decision to send a European Parliament delegation to Azerbaijan, and stresses the importance of sending this delegation as soon as possible in order to engage with the Azerbaijani authorities on urgent issues such as human rights and the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Recalls its decision to send a European Parliament delegation to Azerbaijan, and stresses the importance of sending this delegation as soon as possible in order to engage with the Azerbaijani authorities on urgent issues such as human rights and the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh;

| 25. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the European External Action Service, the European Council, the Commission, the government and parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the UN Human Rights Council. |
| --- | --- |

25.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the European External Action Service, the European Council, the Commission, the government and parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the UN Human Rights Council.

---

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/212 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/212

---

P8_TA(2015)0317

Migration and refugees in Europe

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on migration and refugees in Europe (2015/2833(RSP))

(2017/C 316/23)

The European Parliament,

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

—

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

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

—

having regard to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,

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

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948,

| — | having regard to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the additional protocol thereto, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the additional protocol thereto,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 9 October 2013 on EU and Member State measures to tackle the flow of refugees as a result of the conflict in Syria (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 9 October 2013 on EU and Member State measures to tackle the flow of refugees as a result of the conflict in Syria (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2013 on migratory flows in the Mediterranean, with particular attention to the tragic events off Lampedusa (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2013 on migratory flows in the Mediterranean, with particular attention to the tragic events off Lampedusa (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 17 December 2014 on the situation in the Mediterranean and the need for a holistic EU approach to migration (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 17 December 2014 on the situation in the Mediterranean and the need for a holistic EU approach to migration (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 29 April 2015 on the latest tragedies in the Mediterranean and EU migration and asylum policies (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 29 April 2015 on the latest tragedies in the Mediterranean and EU migration and asylum policies (4),

| — | having regard to the Commission’s European Agenda on Migration of 13 May 2015 (COM(2015)0240), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission’s European Agenda on Migration of 13 May 2015 (COM(2015)0240),

| — | having regard to the ten-point action plan on migration of the Joint Foreign and Home Affairs Council of 20 April 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ten-point action plan on migration of the Joint Foreign and Home Affairs Council of 20 April 2015,

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the European Council Special Summit on the Mediterranean refugee crisis of 23 April 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the European Council Special Summit on the Mediterranean refugee crisis of 23 April 2015,

| — | having regard to the report of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) of April 2012 entitled ‘Lives lost in the Mediterranean Sea’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) of April 2012 entitled ‘Lives lost in the Mediterranean Sea’,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 20 July 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 20 July 2015,

| — | having regard to the EU-Horn of Africa Migration Route Initiative, or ‘Khartoum Process’, adopted on 28 November 2014 by African Union and EU Member States and institutions, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU-Horn of Africa Migration Route Initiative, or ‘Khartoum Process’, adopted on 28 November 2014 by African Union and EU Member States and institutions,

| — | having regard to the reports of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, in particular that entitled ‘Banking on mobility over a generation: follow-up to the regional study on the management of the external borders of the European Union and its impact on the human rights of migrants’, published in May 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the reports of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants, in particular that entitled ‘Banking on mobility over a generation: follow-up to the regional study on the management of the external borders of the European Union and its impact on the human rights of migrants’, published in May 2015,

| — | having regard to the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) Annual Report on the Situation of Asylum in the European Union 2014, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) Annual Report on the Situation of Asylum in the European Union 2014,

| — | having regard to the debate on migration and refugees in Europe held in Parliament on 9 September 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the debate on migration and refugees in Europe held in Parliament on 9 September 2015,

| — | having regard to Rule 123(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 123(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas, as a consequence of persistent conflicts, regional instability and human rights violations, an unprecedented number of people are seeking protection in the EU; whereas the number of asylum applications concerning children has increased by 75 % since last year; whereas the summer period has demonstrated once again that migration is not a temporary issue and that the surge in refugee numbers looks set to continue, highlighting once more the urgent need to do everything possible to save the lives of people who are fleeing their countries and are in danger, and the fact that the Member States should abide by their international obligations, including rescue obligations at sea; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, as a consequence of persistent conflicts, regional instability and human rights violations, an unprecedented number of people are seeking protection in the EU; whereas the number of asylum applications concerning children has increased by 75 % since last year; whereas the summer period has demonstrated once again that migration is not a temporary issue and that the surge in refugee numbers looks set to continue, highlighting once more the urgent need to do everything possible to save the lives of people who are fleeing their countries and are in danger, and the fact that the Member States should abide by their international obligations, including rescue obligations at sea;

| B. | whereas 2 800 women, men and children have been reported dead or missing in 2015 in their attempt to reach a safe place in Europe, according to UNHCR data; whereas refugees and migrants are also losing their lives making their way over land in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas 2 800 women, men and children have been reported dead or missing in 2015 in their attempt to reach a safe place in Europe, according to UNHCR data; whereas refugees and migrants are also losing their lives making their way over land in Europe;

| C. | whereas smugglers and human traffickers exploit irregular migration and put at risk the lives of immigrants for their own business profits, are responsible for thousands of deaths and pose a serious challenge to the EU and the Member States; whereas traffickers generate profits of EUR 20 billion per year from their criminal activities; whereas, according to Europol, organised criminal groups actively facilitating the transport of irregular migrants across the Mediterranean Sea have been linked to human trafficking, drugs, firearms and terrorism; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas smugglers and human traffickers exploit irregular migration and put at risk the lives of immigrants for their own business profits, are responsible for thousands of deaths and pose a serious challenge to the EU and the Member States; whereas traffickers generate profits of EUR 20 billion per year from their criminal activities; whereas, according to Europol, organised criminal groups actively facilitating the transport of irregular migrants across the Mediterranean Sea have been linked to human trafficking, drugs, firearms and terrorism;

| D. | whereas the main countries of origin of asylum seekers in 2015 are Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea and Iraq, according to FRONTEX data; whereas the vast majority of people fleeing these countries to Europe are granted protection, according to Eurostat; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the main countries of origin of asylum seekers in 2015 are Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea and Iraq, according to FRONTEX data; whereas the vast majority of people fleeing these countries to Europe are granted protection, according to Eurostat;

| E. | whereas regional instability and conflict and the rise of IS/Da’esh in neighbouring conflict areas are having an impact on the mass influx of migrants and flows of displaced people and, therefore, on the number of individuals attempting to reach the EU; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas regional instability and conflict and the rise of IS/Da’esh in neighbouring conflict areas are having an impact on the mass influx of migrants and flows of displaced people and, therefore, on the number of individuals attempting to reach the EU;

| F. | whereas the last European Council meeting, held on 25-26 June 2015, and the subsequent Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on 20 July 2015 failed to produce an agreement on a binding redistribution mechanism for the relocation and resettlement of people, and instead settled for a voluntary mechanism; whereas Member States failed to reach an agreement on providing 40 000 places for the relocation of refugees from Greece and Italy and instead pledged only 32 256 places; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the last European Council meeting, held on 25-26 June 2015, and the subsequent Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on 20 July 2015 failed to produce an agreement on a binding redistribution mechanism for the relocation and resettlement of people, and instead settled for a voluntary mechanism; whereas Member States failed to reach an agreement on providing 40 000 places for the relocation of refugees from Greece and Italy and instead pledged only 32 256 places;

| G. | whereas on 3 September 2015 European Council President Donald Tusk called for at least 100 000 refugees to be redistributed; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas on 3 September 2015 European Council President Donald Tusk called for at least 100 000 refugees to be redistributed;

| H. | whereas, instead of the current ad hoc decision making, it is necessary to develop a longer-term approach to asylum and migration; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas, instead of the current ad hoc decision making, it is necessary to develop a longer-term approach to asylum and migration;

| I. | whereas many citizens are demonstrating an unprecedented level of solidarity with refugees, warmly welcoming them and providing an impressive level of support; whereas European citizens are thereby showing that protection of those in need and compassion remain truly European values; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas many citizens are demonstrating an unprecedented level of solidarity with refugees, warmly welcoming them and providing an impressive level of support; whereas European citizens are thereby showing that protection of those in need and compassion remain truly European values;

| J. | whereas the current situation has highlighted a regrettable lack of solidarity on the part of governments towards asylum-seekers, and insufficiently coordinated and coherent action; whereas this is leading to a chaotic situation and human rights violations; whereas the different positions taken by individual Member States continue to highlight the fact that the EU has 28 fragmented migration policies; whereas the lack of unified asylum procedures and standards in the Member States leads to differing levels of protection, and in some cases even to inadequate guarantees for asylum seekers; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the current situation has highlighted a regrettable lack of solidarity on the part of governments towards asylum-seekers, and insufficiently coordinated and coherent action; whereas this is leading to a chaotic situation and human rights violations; whereas the different positions taken by individual Member States continue to highlight the fact that the EU has 28 fragmented migration policies; whereas the lack of unified asylum procedures and standards in the Member States leads to differing levels of protection, and in some cases even to inadequate guarantees for asylum seekers;

| K. | whereas some Member States and their leaders have taken a proactive approach and demonstrated preparedness and a willingness to receive refugees and establish a permanent and mandatory mechanism for allocating refugees among all Member States; whereas other Member States should follow this good example; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas some Member States and their leaders have taken a proactive approach and demonstrated preparedness and a willingness to receive refugees and establish a permanent and mandatory mechanism for allocating refugees among all Member States; whereas other Member States should follow this good example;

| L. | whereas the strategic report on a holistic approach to migration by its Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will address EU asylum and migration policy in its entirety; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the strategic report on a holistic approach to migration by its Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs will address EU asylum and migration policy in its entirety;

| M. | whereas under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (Geneva Convention) people may seek asylum regardless of their country of origin, as long as they have a well-founded fear of being persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (Geneva Convention) people may seek asylum regardless of their country of origin, as long as they have a well-founded fear of being persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion;

| 1. | Expresses its deep regret and sorrow at the tragic loss of lives of people seeking asylum in the EU; urges the EU and the Member States to do everything possible to prevent further loss of life at sea or on land; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Expresses its deep regret and sorrow at the tragic loss of lives of people seeking asylum in the EU; urges the EU and the Member States to do everything possible to prevent further loss of life at sea or on land;

| 2. | Expresses its solidarity with the high number of refugees and migrants who are victims of conflicts, grave violations of human rights, tangible governance failures and harsh repression; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Expresses its solidarity with the high number of refugees and migrants who are victims of conflicts, grave violations of human rights, tangible governance failures and harsh repression;

| 3. | Welcomes the efforts of civil society groups and individuals all over Europe who are mobilising in large numbers to welcome and provide aid to refugees and migrants; encourages European citizens to keep up their support and engagement for a humanitarian response to the refugee crisis; believes that such actions demonstrate true adherence to European values and are a sign of hope for the future of Europe; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Welcomes the efforts of civil society groups and individuals all over Europe who are mobilising in large numbers to welcome and provide aid to refugees and migrants; encourages European citizens to keep up their support and engagement for a humanitarian response to the refugee crisis; believes that such actions demonstrate true adherence to European values and are a sign of hope for the future of Europe;

| 4. | Reiterates its support for its resolution of 29 April 2015 on the latest tragedies in the Mediterranean and EU migration and asylum policies; recalls the need for the EU to base its immediate response to the current refugee situation on solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility, as stated in Article 80 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and on a holistic approach that takes into account safe and legal migration and full respect for fundamental rights and values; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Reiterates its support for its resolution of 29 April 2015 on the latest tragedies in the Mediterranean and EU migration and asylum policies; recalls the need for the EU to base its immediate response to the current refugee situation on solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility, as stated in Article 80 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and on a holistic approach that takes into account safe and legal migration and full respect for fundamental rights and values;

| 5. | Reiterates its commitment to open borders within the Schengen area, while ensuring effective management of external borders; stresses that the free movement of people within the Schengen area has been one of the biggest achievements of European integration; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Reiterates its commitment to open borders within the Schengen area, while ensuring effective management of external borders; stresses that the free movement of people within the Schengen area has been one of the biggest achievements of European integration;

| 6. | Welcomes the Commission’s initiatives on relocation and resettlement, including the new one for emergency relocation of an increased number of asylum seekers in need of international protection, covering Greece, Italy and Hungary; endorses the announcement by the Commission of a permanent relocation mechanism, to be activated in emergency situations, taking into account the number of refugees present in the Member State, which is based on Article 78(2) of the TFEU; is prepared to deal with the new emergency relocation scheme under a fast-track procedure and declares its intention to advance all other measures proposed by the Commission in parallel, so as to ensure that Member States do not delay the permanent relocation scheme; reminds the Council that Parliament is strongly in favour of a binding relocation mechanism which, as far as possible, takes into account the preferences of refugees; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Welcomes the Commission’s initiatives on relocation and resettlement, including the new one for emergency relocation of an increased number of asylum seekers in need of international protection, covering Greece, Italy and Hungary; endorses the announcement by the Commission of a permanent relocation mechanism, to be activated in emergency situations, taking into account the number of refugees present in the Member State, which is based on Article 78(2) of the TFEU; is prepared to deal with the new emergency relocation scheme under a fast-track procedure and declares its intention to advance all other measures proposed by the Commission in parallel, so as to ensure that Member States do not delay the permanent relocation scheme; reminds the Council that Parliament is strongly in favour of a binding relocation mechanism which, as far as possible, takes into account the preferences of refugees;

| 7. | Welcomes the operational support which the Commission will provide to frontline Member States such as Greece, Italy and Hungary via ‘Hotspots’ by using expertise from the EU agencies such as FRONTEX, EASO and the European police office (Europol), to help Member States with the registration of people arriving; reminds the Member States that the success of such registration centres depends on their willingness to relocate refugees from the ‘Hotspots’ to their territories; believes that such an approach should clearly provide for effective mechanisms for the identification of people with specific needs and for their onward referral to services; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Welcomes the operational support which the Commission will provide to frontline Member States such as Greece, Italy and Hungary via ‘Hotspots’ by using expertise from the EU agencies such as FRONTEX, EASO and the European police office (Europol), to help Member States with the registration of people arriving; reminds the Member States that the success of such registration centres depends on their willingness to relocate refugees from the ‘Hotspots’ to their territories; believes that such an approach should clearly provide for effective mechanisms for the identification of people with specific needs and for their onward referral to services;

| 8. | Notes the Commission proposal to strengthen the ‘safe country of origin’ provision of the Asylum Procedure Directive by establishing a common EU list of safe countries of origin; understands that this approach could limit the procedural rights of citizens of those countries; recalls that the acceptance rate for asylum applications varies greatly from one Member State to another, including as regards particular countries of origin; requests that steps be taken to ensure that this approach does not undermine the principle of non-refoulement and the individual right to asylum, especially that of people belonging to vulnerable groups; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Notes the Commission proposal to strengthen the ‘safe country of origin’ provision of the Asylum Procedure Directive by establishing a common EU list of safe countries of origin; understands that this approach could limit the procedural rights of citizens of those countries; recalls that the acceptance rate for asylum applications varies greatly from one Member State to another, including as regards particular countries of origin; requests that steps be taken to ensure that this approach does not undermine the principle of non-refoulement and the individual right to asylum, especially that of people belonging to vulnerable groups;

| 9. | Reiterates its calls on the Commission to amend the existing Dublin Regulation in order to include a permanent, binding system of distribution of asylum seekers among the 28 Member States, using a fair, compulsory allocation key, while taking into account the prospects of integration and the needs and specific circumstances of asylum seekers themselves; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Reiterates its calls on the Commission to amend the existing Dublin Regulation in order to include a permanent, binding system of distribution of asylum seekers among the 28 Member States, using a fair, compulsory allocation key, while taking into account the prospects of integration and the needs and specific circumstances of asylum seekers themselves;

| 10. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to create significant budgetary room and readiness in the 2016 budget and multiannual financial framework (MFF) provisions, enabling more swift and substantial support to EASO and the Member States as regards their actions for reception and integration of refugees, including in the framework of the relocation and resettlement schemes; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to create significant budgetary room and readiness in the 2016 budget and multiannual financial framework (MFF) provisions, enabling more swift and substantial support to EASO and the Member States as regards their actions for reception and integration of refugees, including in the framework of the relocation and resettlement schemes;

| 11. | Calls for rapid and full transposition and effective implementation of the Common European Asylum System by all participating Member States; urges the Commission to make sure that all Member States are properly implementing EU legislation in order to ensure that common effective, consistent and humane standards are applied across the EU taking into account the best interests of the child; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Calls for rapid and full transposition and effective implementation of the Common European Asylum System by all participating Member States; urges the Commission to make sure that all Member States are properly implementing EU legislation in order to ensure that common effective, consistent and humane standards are applied across the EU taking into account the best interests of the child;

| 12. | Believes that the implementation of the Return Directive should go hand in hand with respect for the procedures and standards that allow Europe to ensure humane and dignified treatment of returnees, in line with the principle of non-refoulement; recalls that voluntary returns should be prioritised over forced returns; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Believes that the implementation of the Return Directive should go hand in hand with respect for the procedures and standards that allow Europe to ensure humane and dignified treatment of returnees, in line with the principle of non-refoulement; recalls that voluntary returns should be prioritised over forced returns;

| 13. | Recalls that the possibilities for people in need of protection to legally enter the EU are very limited, and deplores the fact that they have no other option but to resort to criminal smugglers and dangerous routes to find protection in Europe, as a result of, among other factors, the building of fences and sealing-off of external borders; considers it therefore a high priority that the EU and its Member Statescreate safe and legal avenues for refugees, such as humanitarian corridors and humanitarian visas; stresses that, in addition to a compulsory resettlement programme, Member States should agree to provide other tools, such as enhanced family reunification, private sponsorship schemes and flexible visa arrangements, including for study and work; believes that it is necessary to amend the Visa Code by including more specific common provisions on humanitarian visas; asks Member States to make it possible to apply for asylum at their embassies and consular offices; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Recalls that the possibilities for people in need of protection to legally enter the EU are very limited, and deplores the fact that they have no other option but to resort to criminal smugglers and dangerous routes to find protection in Europe, as a result of, among other factors, the building of fences and sealing-off of external borders; considers it therefore a high priority that the EU and its Member Statescreate safe and legal avenues for refugees, such as humanitarian corridors and humanitarian visas; stresses that, in addition to a compulsory resettlement programme, Member States should agree to provide other tools, such as enhanced family reunification, private sponsorship schemes and flexible visa arrangements, including for study and work; believes that it is necessary to amend the Visa Code by including more specific common provisions on humanitarian visas; asks Member States to make it possible to apply for asylum at their embassies and consular offices;

| 14. | Recalls that the Member States should lay down strong criminal sanctions against human trafficking and smuggling, both into and across the EU; calls on the Member States to combat criminal networks of smugglers, but in the meantime not to penalise those who voluntarily help migrants on humanitarian grounds, including carriers, by asking the Commission to consider revising Council Directive 2001/51/EC; takes note of the EUNAVFOR Med operation against smugglers and traffickers in the Mediterranean; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Recalls that the Member States should lay down strong criminal sanctions against human trafficking and smuggling, both into and across the EU; calls on the Member States to combat criminal networks of smugglers, but in the meantime not to penalise those who voluntarily help migrants on humanitarian grounds, including carriers, by asking the Commission to consider revising Council Directive 2001/51/EC; takes note of the EUNAVFOR Med operation against smugglers and traffickers in the Mediterranean;

| 15. | Regrets that the leaders of some Member States and the far-right parties are using the current situation to fuel anti-migration sentiments while blaming the EU for the crisis, and that this is giving rise to growing numbers of violent actions against migrants; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take urgent steps against violent actions and hate speech targeting migrants; also calls on the leaders of the EU and the Member States to take a clear stance in favour of European solidarity and respect for human dignity; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Regrets that the leaders of some Member States and the far-right parties are using the current situation to fuel anti-migration sentiments while blaming the EU for the crisis, and that this is giving rise to growing numbers of violent actions against migrants; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take urgent steps against violent actions and hate speech targeting migrants; also calls on the leaders of the EU and the Member States to take a clear stance in favour of European solidarity and respect for human dignity;

| 16. | Recalls that migration is a global and complex phenomenon which also requires a long-term approach that addresses its root causes, such as poverty, inequality, injustice, climate change, corruption, ill-governance and armed conflict; urges the Commission and the Council to focus the Valletta Summit in November 2015 on such root causes; underlines the need for a comprehensive EU approach, strengthening the coherence of its internal and external policies, and notably its common foreign and security policy, development policy and migration policy; questions plans to link development aid to more border controls or readmission agreements by third countries; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Recalls that migration is a global and complex phenomenon which also requires a long-term approach that addresses its root causes, such as poverty, inequality, injustice, climate change, corruption, ill-governance and armed conflict; urges the Commission and the Council to focus the Valletta Summit in November 2015 on such root causes; underlines the need for a comprehensive EU approach, strengthening the coherence of its internal and external policies, and notably its common foreign and security policy, development policy and migration policy; questions plans to link development aid to more border controls or readmission agreements by third countries;

| 17. | Asks the EU, its Member States and other international donors to deliver urgently on the pledges made at the Financing for Development Conference held in July 2015 in Addis Ababa, and stresses the need to refocus development policy on building peaceful societies, combating corruption and promoting good governance, as specified in Sustainable Development Goal 16 of the post-2015 global development framework; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Asks the EU, its Member States and other international donors to deliver urgently on the pledges made at the Financing for Development Conference held in July 2015 in Addis Ababa, and stresses the need to refocus development policy on building peaceful societies, combating corruption and promoting good governance, as specified in Sustainable Development Goal 16 of the post-2015 global development framework;

| 18. | Urges the EU, its Member States and the international community to reinforce their role in conflict resolution and, in particular, help find sustainable political solutions in regions in conflict, such as Iraq, Syria and Libya and the Middle East, and to strengthen political dialogue, including with regional organisations, encompassing all human rights elements, in order to support inclusive and democratic institutions and the rule of law, to build the resilience of local communities and to foster social and democratic development in the countries of origin and among their peoples; calls in this regard for greater cooperation with countries in the region within the Arab League and the African Union in order to manage, resettle and grant asylum to persons in need of protection; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Urges the EU, its Member States and the international community to reinforce their role in conflict resolution and, in particular, help find sustainable political solutions in regions in conflict, such as Iraq, Syria and Libya and the Middle East, and to strengthen political dialogue, including with regional organisations, encompassing all human rights elements, in order to support inclusive and democratic institutions and the rule of law, to build the resilience of local communities and to foster social and democratic development in the countries of origin and among their peoples; calls in this regard for greater cooperation with countries in the region within the Arab League and the African Union in order to manage, resettle and grant asylum to persons in need of protection;

| 19. | Calls on the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to convene an international conference on the refugee crisis, with the participation of the EU, its Member States, UN-related agencies, the United States, relevant international NGOs and Arab states, among others, with the aim of establishing a common global humanitarian aid strategy; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to convene an international conference on the refugee crisis, with the participation of the EU, its Member States, UN-related agencies, the United States, relevant international NGOs and Arab states, among others, with the aim of establishing a common global humanitarian aid strategy;

| 20. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

20.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

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(1)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0414.

(2)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0448.

(3)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0105.

(4)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0176.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/217 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/217

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P8_TA(2015)0318

The EU's role in the Middle East peace process

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on the EU’s role in the Middle East peace process (2015/2685(RSP))

(2017/C 316/24)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on the Middle East peace process, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on the Middle East peace process,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 20 July 2015 on the Middle East peace process, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 20 July 2015 on the Middle East peace process,

| — | having regard to recent statements by the Vice-President/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and her spokesperson on Israel, the occupied Palestinian Territory, the Middle East peace process and the EU’s support for the UN Relief and Works Agency, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to recent statements by the Vice-President/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and her spokesperson on Israel, the occupied Palestinian Territory, the Middle East peace process and the EU’s support for the UN Relief and Works Agency,

| — | having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the State of Israel, of the other part, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the State of Israel, of the other part,

| — | having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Interim Association Agreement on trade and cooperation between the European Community, of the one part, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, of the other part, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Euro-Mediterranean Interim Association Agreement on trade and cooperation between the European Community, of the one part, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation for the benefit of the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, of the other part,

| — | having regard to relevant UN General Assembly and UN Security Council resolutions, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to relevant UN General Assembly and UN Security Council resolutions,

| — | having regard to the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 1949,

| — | having regard to the EU Guidelines on Promoting Compliance with International Humanitarian Law, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Guidelines on Promoting Compliance with International Humanitarian Law,

| — | having regard to Rule 123(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 123(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas achieving peace in the Middle East remains a key priority for the international community and an indispensable element for regional stability and security; whereas efforts are being made in the UN Security Council to resume the peace process; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas achieving peace in the Middle East remains a key priority for the international community and an indispensable element for regional stability and security; whereas efforts are being made in the UN Security Council to resume the peace process;

| B. | whereas the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is to be viewed in the larger context of the Arab-Israeli conflict; whereas the EU considers that peace in the Middle East requires a comprehensive regional solution; whereas the violent crisis in Syria, the rise of Da’esh, increasing radicalism and the spread of terrorism in the Middle East are creating significant security threats for Israel and the entire region and further aggravating the suffering of Palestinians, but are also creating shared interests between the Arab states and Israel, while the nuclear deal with Iran, in which the EU played a significant role, offers a unique momentum for the peace process, which should not be missed; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is to be viewed in the larger context of the Arab-Israeli conflict; whereas the EU considers that peace in the Middle East requires a comprehensive regional solution; whereas the violent crisis in Syria, the rise of Da’esh, increasing radicalism and the spread of terrorism in the Middle East are creating significant security threats for Israel and the entire region and further aggravating the suffering of Palestinians, but are also creating shared interests between the Arab states and Israel, while the nuclear deal with Iran, in which the EU played a significant role, offers a unique momentum for the peace process, which should not be missed;

| C. | whereas the EU has repeatedly confirmed its support for the two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states and with the secure State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and called for the resumption of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the EU has repeatedly confirmed its support for the two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states and with the secure State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security, and called for the resumption of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority;

| D. | whereas the EU is Israel’s largest trading partner and the biggest aid provider to the Palestinians; whereas the Vice-President/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), Federica Mogherini, has on several occasions expressed her commitment to renewing and intensifying the EU’s role in the Middle East peace process; whereas in April 2015 Fernando Gentilini was appointed the new EU Special Representative for the Middle East peace process; whereas the EU, despite its ambition and commitment to play an effective role in this field, has yet to develop a comprehensive and coherent vision of its engagement in the Middle East peace process, which should reflect the rapidly changing regional context; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the EU is Israel’s largest trading partner and the biggest aid provider to the Palestinians; whereas the Vice-President/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), Federica Mogherini, has on several occasions expressed her commitment to renewing and intensifying the EU’s role in the Middle East peace process; whereas in April 2015 Fernando Gentilini was appointed the new EU Special Representative for the Middle East peace process; whereas the EU, despite its ambition and commitment to play an effective role in this field, has yet to develop a comprehensive and coherent vision of its engagement in the Middle East peace process, which should reflect the rapidly changing regional context;

| 1. | Is deeply concerned at the persisting stalemate in the Middle East peace process, and calls for the resumption of credible peace efforts without delay; calls on both Israelis and Palestinians to avoid steps which could spark further escalation, including hate speech and incitement in the public arena as well as unilateral measures which could prejudge the outcome of negotiations and threaten the viability of the two-state solution; underlines the fact that any lasting solution to the conflict can only be achieved in a regional context with the involvement of all relevant regional stakeholders and the support of the international community; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is deeply concerned at the persisting stalemate in the Middle East peace process, and calls for the resumption of credible peace efforts without delay; calls on both Israelis and Palestinians to avoid steps which could spark further escalation, including hate speech and incitement in the public arena as well as unilateral measures which could prejudge the outcome of negotiations and threaten the viability of the two-state solution; underlines the fact that any lasting solution to the conflict can only be achieved in a regional context with the involvement of all relevant regional stakeholders and the support of the international community;

| 2. | Reiterates its strong support for the two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with mutually agreed land swaps and Jerusalem as the capital of both states, with the secure State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition, on the basis of the right of self-determination and full respect of international law; stresses that non-violent means and respect for human rights and humanitarian law are the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Reiterates its strong support for the two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with mutually agreed land swaps and Jerusalem as the capital of both states, with the secure State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition, on the basis of the right of self-determination and full respect of international law; stresses that non-violent means and respect for human rights and humanitarian law are the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians;

| 3. | Stresses that preserving the viability of the two-state solution through concrete action and ensuring full respect for the rights of civilians on both sides must be an immediate priority for the EU and the international community; looks forward to the launching of the EU’s structured dialogue with Israel on the situation in the West Bank and the preservation of the two-state solution, which should also cover the issue of settlements; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Stresses that preserving the viability of the two-state solution through concrete action and ensuring full respect for the rights of civilians on both sides must be an immediate priority for the EU and the international community; looks forward to the launching of the EU’s structured dialogue with Israel on the situation in the West Bank and the preservation of the two-state solution, which should also cover the issue of settlements;

| 4. | Welcomes the positive role and necessary support that the EU wishes to provide in facilitating the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the larger Arab-Israeli conflict through peaceful and constructive means, which serve the EU’s interests of security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East; calls, however, for a fresh EU approach that genuinely serves the interests of peace and security of both Israelis and Palestinians; welcomes the personal commitment of the VP/HR and the appointment of the new EU Special Representative for the Middle East peace process, and supports their efforts in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Welcomes the positive role and necessary support that the EU wishes to provide in facilitating the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the larger Arab-Israeli conflict through peaceful and constructive means, which serve the EU’s interests of security, stability and prosperity in the Middle East; calls, however, for a fresh EU approach that genuinely serves the interests of peace and security of both Israelis and Palestinians; welcomes the personal commitment of the VP/HR and the appointment of the new EU Special Representative for the Middle East peace process, and supports their efforts in this regard;

| 5. | Welcomes the EU’s commitment to work actively on a renewed multilateral approach to the peace process in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, and to actively support the parties to restore confidence and create an environment of trust necessary to engage in meaningful negotiations as soon as possible; notes that the EU considers that the establishment of an international support group is a possible way to contribute to this end; stresses that the EU is ready to engage in joint work with regional partners on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Welcomes the EU’s commitment to work actively on a renewed multilateral approach to the peace process in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, and to actively support the parties to restore confidence and create an environment of trust necessary to engage in meaningful negotiations as soon as possible; notes that the EU considers that the establishment of an international support group is a possible way to contribute to this end; stresses that the EU is ready to engage in joint work with regional partners on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative;

| 6. | Urges the VP/HR and the EU Special Representative to make better use of the political relations and institutional expertise of the EU and its Member States, based as they are on Europe’s geographical proximity, historical ties and intensive economic exchanges with the Middle East region, in order to play a genuine political role in the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, and between Arab states and Israel in a broader context; reminds the Member States of their duty to actively contribute to the shaping of a united EU position in addressing the Middle East peace process, and to refrain from any unilateral initiative weakening EU action; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Urges the VP/HR and the EU Special Representative to make better use of the political relations and institutional expertise of the EU and its Member States, based as they are on Europe’s geographical proximity, historical ties and intensive economic exchanges with the Middle East region, in order to play a genuine political role in the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians, and between Arab states and Israel in a broader context; reminds the Member States of their duty to actively contribute to the shaping of a united EU position in addressing the Middle East peace process, and to refrain from any unilateral initiative weakening EU action;

| 7. | Supports the efforts in the UN Security Council to resume peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians; urges the EU, however, to fulfil its responsibilities as an influential player and to take a bold and comprehensive peace initiative for the region; considers that the EU should play a key role in redefining the Quartet’s objectives — which should be refocused on finding a political solution to the conflict — and format; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Supports the efforts in the UN Security Council to resume peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians; urges the EU, however, to fulfil its responsibilities as an influential player and to take a bold and comprehensive peace initiative for the region; considers that the EU should play a key role in redefining the Quartet’s objectives — which should be refocused on finding a political solution to the conflict — and format;

| 8. | Condemns the continued expansion of Israeli settlements, which violates international humanitarian law, fuels Palestinian resentment and undermines the viability and prospects of the two-state solution, and calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately halt and reverse their settlement policy; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Condemns the continued expansion of Israeli settlements, which violates international humanitarian law, fuels Palestinian resentment and undermines the viability and prospects of the two-state solution, and calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately halt and reverse their settlement policy;

| 9. | Welcomes the EU’s commitment — in the spirit of differentiation between Israel and its activities in the occupied Palestinian Territory — to ensuring that all agreements between the EU and Israel must unequivocally and explicitly indicate their inapplicability to the territories occupied by Israel in 1967, as reiterated in the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of 20 July 2015; takes note of the Commission Guidelines of 19 July 2013 on the eligibility of Israeli entities and their activities in the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967 for grants, prizes and financial instruments funded by the EU from 2014 onwards, and of the letter sent to the VP/HR by 16 EU Foreign Ministers on 13 April 2015, encouraging her to take the lead within the Commission with a view to completing the work on EU-wide guidelines on the labelling of Israeli settlement produce; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Welcomes the EU’s commitment — in the spirit of differentiation between Israel and its activities in the occupied Palestinian Territory — to ensuring that all agreements between the EU and Israel must unequivocally and explicitly indicate their inapplicability to the territories occupied by Israel in 1967, as reiterated in the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of 20 July 2015; takes note of the Commission Guidelines of 19 July 2013 on the eligibility of Israeli entities and their activities in the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967 for grants, prizes and financial instruments funded by the EU from 2014 onwards, and of the letter sent to the VP/HR by 16 EU Foreign Ministers on 13 April 2015, encouraging her to take the lead within the Commission with a view to completing the work on EU-wide guidelines on the labelling of Israeli settlement produce;

| 10. | Stresses the responsibility of the relevant EU authorities in continuing to ensure that no EU funding can be directly or indirectly diverted to terrorist organisations or activities; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Stresses the responsibility of the relevant EU authorities in continuing to ensure that no EU funding can be directly or indirectly diverted to terrorist organisations or activities;

| 11. | Stresses that rocket fire by militant groups into Israeli territory is unacceptable, and underlines the danger of escalation; stresses the imperative need for the EU to work in partnership with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and Jordan towards preventing the re-arming of terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and their smuggling of weapons, manufacturing of rockets and building of tunnels; stresses once more the overwhelming need for all terrorist groups in Gaza to disarm, in line with the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of July 2014; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Stresses that rocket fire by militant groups into Israeli territory is unacceptable, and underlines the danger of escalation; stresses the imperative need for the EU to work in partnership with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and Jordan towards preventing the re-arming of terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and their smuggling of weapons, manufacturing of rockets and building of tunnels; stresses once more the overwhelming need for all terrorist groups in Gaza to disarm, in line with the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of July 2014;

| 12. | Is deeply concerned at increasing settler violence in the West Bank; welcomes the widespread condemnation by the Israeli leadership of the recent arson attack against the Dawabshah family in the village of Duma, but reminds Israel of its full responsibility to protect the Palestinian population and to bring all perpetrators of settler violence to justice; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Is deeply concerned at increasing settler violence in the West Bank; welcomes the widespread condemnation by the Israeli leadership of the recent arson attack against the Dawabshah family in the village of Duma, but reminds Israel of its full responsibility to protect the Palestinian population and to bring all perpetrators of settler violence to justice;

| 13. | Welcomes the work done by the common security and defence policy (CSDP) police and rule of law mission (EUPOL COPPS) in the occupied Palestinian Territory in assisting the Palestinian Authority in building the institutions of a future State of Palestine in the areas of policing and criminal justice; calls for the reactivation of the CSDP border assistance mission (EUBAM Rafah), with a more ambitious mandate and adequate means and personnel, in order to play a concrete role in the control of the Gaza Strip’s borders with Egypt and Israel; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Welcomes the work done by the common security and defence policy (CSDP) police and rule of law mission (EUPOL COPPS) in the occupied Palestinian Territory in assisting the Palestinian Authority in building the institutions of a future State of Palestine in the areas of policing and criminal justice; calls for the reactivation of the CSDP border assistance mission (EUBAM Rafah), with a more ambitious mandate and adequate means and personnel, in order to play a concrete role in the control of the Gaza Strip’s borders with Egypt and Israel;

| 14. | Calls on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission to report back to Parliament on the destruction of, and damage caused to, EU-funded structures and projects in the occupied Palestinian Territory; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission to report back to Parliament on the destruction of, and damage caused to, EU-funded structures and projects in the occupied Palestinian Territory;

| 15. | Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to provide funding and protection to NGOs in the region whose political goals are in line with the overall goals of the Middle East peace process, and urges EU authorities to engage with their relevant counterparts on this matter; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to provide funding and protection to NGOs in the region whose political goals are in line with the overall goals of the Middle East peace process, and urges EU authorities to engage with their relevant counterparts on this matter;

| 16. | Reiterates its call for an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip and for the urgent reconstruction and rehabilitation of the area after the summer 2014 war, which must be a humanitarian aid priority for the EU and the international community; commends the heroic work of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in this regard; urges donors to disburse as soon as possible their financial commitments made at the Cairo International Conference on Palestine (‘Reconstructing Gaza’) of 12 October 2014; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Reiterates its call for an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip and for the urgent reconstruction and rehabilitation of the area after the summer 2014 war, which must be a humanitarian aid priority for the EU and the international community; commends the heroic work of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in this regard; urges donors to disburse as soon as possible their financial commitments made at the Cairo International Conference on Palestine (‘Reconstructing Gaza’) of 12 October 2014;

| 17. | Welcomes the recent steps taken by Israel to ease restrictions on Gaza, but deplores the continued restrictions on the entry of building materials; underlines the importance of taking further positive measures — while addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns — to enable the full delivery of humanitarian aid, reconstruction and economic recovery; urges the Member States to fulfil their pledges to support the trilateral mechanism for the monitoring and checking of the reconstruction materials concerned; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Welcomes the recent steps taken by Israel to ease restrictions on Gaza, but deplores the continued restrictions on the entry of building materials; underlines the importance of taking further positive measures — while addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns — to enable the full delivery of humanitarian aid, reconstruction and economic recovery; urges the Member States to fulfil their pledges to support the trilateral mechanism for the monitoring and checking of the reconstruction materials concerned;

| 18. | Urges the VP/HR to work for the full implementation of the recommendations made in the report of the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza conflict, including the recommendation to support actively the work of the International Criminal Court; welcomes the unanimous vote by those EU Member States which are part of the UN Human Rights Council in favour of the latter’s resolution of 3 July 2015 on ‘Ensuring accountability and justice for all violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem’; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Urges the VP/HR to work for the full implementation of the recommendations made in the report of the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza conflict, including the recommendation to support actively the work of the International Criminal Court; welcomes the unanimous vote by those EU Member States which are part of the UN Human Rights Council in favour of the latter’s resolution of 3 July 2015 on ‘Ensuring accountability and justice for all violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem’;

| 19. | Stresses that intra-Palestinian reconciliation is an important element for reaching the two-state solution, and deplores continued Palestinian disunity; supports the EU’s call on the Palestinian factions to make reconciliation and the return of the Palestinian Authority to the Gaza Strip a top priority; urges Palestinian forces to resume efforts towards reconciliation without delay, notably through the holding of the long-overdue presidential and legislative elections; emphasises that the Palestinian Authority must take greater responsibility in this regard and assume its government function in Gaza, including in the fields of security and civil administration and through its presence at the crossing points; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Stresses that intra-Palestinian reconciliation is an important element for reaching the two-state solution, and deplores continued Palestinian disunity; supports the EU’s call on the Palestinian factions to make reconciliation and the return of the Palestinian Authority to the Gaza Strip a top priority; urges Palestinian forces to resume efforts towards reconciliation without delay, notably through the holding of the long-overdue presidential and legislative elections; emphasises that the Palestinian Authority must take greater responsibility in this regard and assume its government function in Gaza, including in the fields of security and civil administration and through its presence at the crossing points;

| 20. | Calls on all parties involved in the conflict to respect fully the rights of detainees and prisoners, including of those on hunger strike; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on all parties involved in the conflict to respect fully the rights of detainees and prisoners, including of those on hunger strike;

| 21. | Expresses its deep concern at UNRWA’s serious funding crisis; calls for increased EU financial support for UNRWA and urges all other donors to live up to their promises to the agency, and UNRWA to continue to improve its management, but calls also for the underlying core issue of Palestine refugees to be addressed; commends and congratulates UNRWA for its extraordinary efforts which made it possible to declare the 2015/2016 school year open for Palestine refugee pupils; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Expresses its deep concern at UNRWA’s serious funding crisis; calls for increased EU financial support for UNRWA and urges all other donors to live up to their promises to the agency, and UNRWA to continue to improve its management, but calls also for the underlying core issue of Palestine refugees to be addressed; commends and congratulates UNRWA for its extraordinary efforts which made it possible to declare the 2015/2016 school year open for Palestine refugee pupils;

| 22. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the EU Special Representative for the Middle East peace process, the parliaments and governments of the Member States, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Knesset, the President and Government of Israel, the Palestinian Legislative Council and the Palestinian Authority, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, the respective parliaments and governments of Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, and the Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency. |
| --- | --- |

22.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the EU Special Representative for the Middle East peace process, the parliaments and governments of the Member States, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Knesset, the President and Government of Israel, the Palestinian Legislative Council and the Palestinian Authority, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, the respective parliaments and governments of Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, and the Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/221 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/221

---

P8_TA(2015)0319

Situation in Belarus

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on the situation in Belarus (2015/2834(RSP))

(2017/C 316/25)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions and recommendations on Belarus, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions and recommendations on Belarus,

| — | having regard to the Eastern Partnership summit held in Riga in May 2015 and to its declaration, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Eastern Partnership summit held in Riga in May 2015 and to its declaration,

| — | having regard to the dialogue on human rights between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus of 28 July 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the dialogue on human rights between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus of 28 July 2015,

| — | having regard to the release of six political prisoners by the Belarusian authorities on 22 August 2015 and to the following statement by Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and the Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, on the release of political prisoners in Belarus of 22 August 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the release of six political prisoners by the Belarusian authorities on 22 August 2015 and to the following statement by Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and the Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, on the release of political prisoners in Belarus of 22 August 2015,

| — | having regard to the forthcoming presidential elections scheduled for 11 October 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the forthcoming presidential elections scheduled for 11 October 2015,

| — | having regard to Rule 123(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 123(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas, despite a noticeable intensification of contacts between Belarus and the EU and the United States, violations of human rights persist in Belarus, including intimidation of human rights defenders, police raids on human rights organisations and seizure of their equipment, and forceful removals from Belarus, as confirmed in the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, despite a noticeable intensification of contacts between Belarus and the EU and the United States, violations of human rights persist in Belarus, including intimidation of human rights defenders, police raids on human rights organisations and seizure of their equipment, and forceful removals from Belarus, as confirmed in the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus;

| B. | whereas the first official visit of Parliament’s Delegation for relations with Belarus since 2002 took place in Minsk on 18 and 19 June 2015; whereas the European Parliament currently has no official relations with the Belarusian Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the first official visit of Parliament’s Delegation for relations with Belarus since 2002 took place in Minsk on 18 and 19 June 2015; whereas the European Parliament currently has no official relations with the Belarusian Parliament;

| C. | whereas a significant improvement in the freedom of speech and freedom of the media, respect for the political rights of ordinary citizens and opposition activists alike and respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights are all prerequisites for better relations between the EU and Belarus; whereas the European Union remains strongly committed to further defending human rights in Belarus, including freedom of speech and media; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas a significant improvement in the freedom of speech and freedom of the media, respect for the political rights of ordinary citizens and opposition activists alike and respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights are all prerequisites for better relations between the EU and Belarus; whereas the European Union remains strongly committed to further defending human rights in Belarus, including freedom of speech and media;

| D. | whereas progress has been made in cooperation on some sectoral policies such as higher education, vocational training, the digital market, the energy sector, food safety and culture, having a positive impact on starting a constructive debate in Belarusian society on necessary reforms in the country and on awareness about the EU; whereas the EU must make sure, however, that its resources are not used to suppress civil society organisations, human rights defenders, freelance journalists and opposition leaders; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas progress has been made in cooperation on some sectoral policies such as higher education, vocational training, the digital market, the energy sector, food safety and culture, having a positive impact on starting a constructive debate in Belarusian society on necessary reforms in the country and on awareness about the EU; whereas the EU must make sure, however, that its resources are not used to suppress civil society organisations, human rights defenders, freelance journalists and opposition leaders;

| E. | whereas since 1994 no free and fair elections in Belarus have been conducted under electoral legislation in line with internationally recognised standards, and whereas the current law gives an enormous advantage to the incumbent president; whereas the OSCE/ODIHR has deployed its long-term election observation mission throughout Belarus and will coordinate the work of short-term observers; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas since 1994 no free and fair elections in Belarus have been conducted under electoral legislation in line with internationally recognised standards, and whereas the current law gives an enormous advantage to the incumbent president; whereas the OSCE/ODIHR has deployed its long-term election observation mission throughout Belarus and will coordinate the work of short-term observers;

| F. | whereas on 2 April 2015 President Lukashenko signed Decree No. 3 ‘On the prevention of social dependency’, which provides for compulsory labour for unemployed persons under the threat of payment of a special fee to the state budget or administrative liability in the form of a fine or administrative arrest; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas on 2 April 2015 President Lukashenko signed Decree No. 3 ‘On the prevention of social dependency’, which provides for compulsory labour for unemployed persons under the threat of payment of a special fee to the state budget or administrative liability in the form of a fine or administrative arrest;

| G. | whereas on 1 January 2015 a new law regulating all forms of media was introduced; whereas this law enables the government to shut down any mass media outlets, including online media, if they publish content it deems ‘unsuitable’; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas on 1 January 2015 a new law regulating all forms of media was introduced; whereas this law enables the government to shut down any mass media outlets, including online media, if they publish content it deems ‘unsuitable’;

| H. | whereas the Belarusian authorities have finally released all six political prisoners, including former presidential candidates, after years of denying their existence; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the Belarusian authorities have finally released all six political prisoners, including former presidential candidates, after years of denying their existence;

| I. | whereas on 13 July and 31 July 2015 the Council revised the restrictive measures towards Belarus and amended the visa-ban and asset-freeze list, removing some officials and companies therefrom; whereas175 individuals, including Alexander Lukashenko, are currently subject to entry bans and all of them plus 18 economic entities are subject to asset freezes within the EU; whereas an assessment of the EU’s restrictive measures is due to take place in the coming months, taking into account the latest developments and all other factors on the basis of which the restrictive measures were taken; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas on 13 July and 31 July 2015 the Council revised the restrictive measures towards Belarus and amended the visa-ban and asset-freeze list, removing some officials and companies therefrom; whereas175 individuals, including Alexander Lukashenko, are currently subject to entry bans and all of them plus 18 economic entities are subject to asset freezes within the EU; whereas an assessment of the EU’s restrictive measures is due to take place in the coming months, taking into account the latest developments and all other factors on the basis of which the restrictive measures were taken;

| J. | whereas on 28 July 2015 the EU and the Republic of Belarus held a dialogue on human rights in Brussels focused on a range of issues, which included the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution, freedom of expression, assembly and association, the death penalty, the fight against torture and ill-treatment, and children’s rights; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas on 28 July 2015 the EU and the Republic of Belarus held a dialogue on human rights in Brussels focused on a range of issues, which included the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution, freedom of expression, assembly and association, the death penalty, the fight against torture and ill-treatment, and children’s rights;

| K. | whereas Belarus played a constructive role in facilitating agreement on the ceasefire in Ukraine; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas Belarus played a constructive role in facilitating agreement on the ceasefire in Ukraine;

| L. | whereas the conflict in Ukraine has deepened fears in Belarusian society of a destabilisation of the internal situation as a result of a power change; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the conflict in Ukraine has deepened fears in Belarusian society of a destabilisation of the internal situation as a result of a power change;

| M. | whereas Belarus remains the only country in Europe to carry out capital punishment; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas Belarus remains the only country in Europe to carry out capital punishment;

| 1. | Remains deeply concerned by the human rights and fundamental freedoms situation in Belarus, as well as by the shortcomings observed during previous elections by independent international observers and the active persecution of the opposition leaders after the elections; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Remains deeply concerned by the human rights and fundamental freedoms situation in Belarus, as well as by the shortcomings observed during previous elections by independent international observers and the active persecution of the opposition leaders after the elections;

| 2. | Welcomes the recent release of the remaining political prisoners; calls on the Belarusian Government to rehabilitate the released political prisoners and to fully restore their civil and political rights; stresses that this could be a potential first step towards improving relations between the European Union and Belarus; points out, however, that similar steps in the past were rather token gestures and neither contributed to improving the situation of Belarusian society nor improved relations with the EU; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Welcomes the recent release of the remaining political prisoners; calls on the Belarusian Government to rehabilitate the released political prisoners and to fully restore their civil and political rights; stresses that this could be a potential first step towards improving relations between the European Union and Belarus; points out, however, that similar steps in the past were rather token gestures and neither contributed to improving the situation of Belarusian society nor improved relations with the EU;

| 3. | Calls on Belarus to conduct the upcoming presidential elections in accordance with internationally recognised standards, to give the opposition unfettered access to all government-controlled means of communication and to allow it to participate in the elections on an equal footing, in particular by creating independent election commissions and allowing an adequate representation therein on all levels and a transparent vote count; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on Belarus to conduct the upcoming presidential elections in accordance with internationally recognised standards, to give the opposition unfettered access to all government-controlled means of communication and to allow it to participate in the elections on an equal footing, in particular by creating independent election commissions and allowing an adequate representation therein on all levels and a transparent vote count;

| 4. | Expects the authorities to stop the harassment of independent media for political reasons; urges a stop to the practice of administrative prosecution and the arbitrary use of Article 22.9, Part 2, of the Administrative Code against freelance journalists for working with foreign media without accreditation, which restrict the right to freedom of expression and the dissemination of information; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Expects the authorities to stop the harassment of independent media for political reasons; urges a stop to the practice of administrative prosecution and the arbitrary use of Article 22.9, Part 2, of the Administrative Code against freelance journalists for working with foreign media without accreditation, which restrict the right to freedom of expression and the dissemination of information;

| 5. | Expresses its concern about the recent detention and ongoing criminal prosecution of youth activists Maksim Piakarski, Vadzim Zharomski and Viachaslau Kasinerau on suspicion of ‘malicious hooliganism’ as disproportionate, and strongly condemns the violence they have suffered; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Expresses its concern about the recent detention and ongoing criminal prosecution of youth activists Maksim Piakarski, Vadzim Zharomski and Viachaslau Kasinerau on suspicion of ‘malicious hooliganism’ as disproportionate, and strongly condemns the violence they have suffered;

| 6. | Recalls that ten people have been executed in Belarus since 2010, with three executions in 2014 alone and a new death sentence handed down on 18 March 2015; in this context urges Belarus, the only country in Europe still applying capital punishment, to join a global moratorium on the execution of the death penalty as a first step towards its permanent abolition; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Recalls that ten people have been executed in Belarus since 2010, with three executions in 2014 alone and a new death sentence handed down on 18 March 2015; in this context urges Belarus, the only country in Europe still applying capital punishment, to join a global moratorium on the execution of the death penalty as a first step towards its permanent abolition;

| 7. | Calls on the Government of Belarus to respect the recommendations of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on the abolition of elements of forced labour in the country; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the Government of Belarus to respect the recommendations of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on the abolition of elements of forced labour in the country;

| 8. | Draws attention to the situation of national minorities in the country and their cultural organisations, whose leaders have at times been replaced by those preferred by the state authorities, thus violating one of the basic human freedoms: freedom of association; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Draws attention to the situation of national minorities in the country and their cultural organisations, whose leaders have at times been replaced by those preferred by the state authorities, thus violating one of the basic human freedoms: freedom of association;

| 9. | Reiterates its call on the Belarusian authorities to ensure, in all circumstances, respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international and regional human rights instruments ratified by Belarus; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Reiterates its call on the Belarusian authorities to ensure, in all circumstances, respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international and regional human rights instruments ratified by Belarus;

| 10. | Notes the holding of the sixth round of consultations between the EU and Belarus on modernisation issues in Brussels on 3 September 2015, when the delegations discussed the prospects for cooperation in key areas, on the basis of agreements reached in 2014 and 2015; urges the EEAS and the Council to ensure that any participation by the authorities in the Dialogue on Modernisation, alongside and on an equal basis with the democratic opposition and civil society, takes place with full respect for democratic principles, with a view to developing a sustainable competitive economy and fostering democratic reforms, as well as a pluralistic society and the rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Notes the holding of the sixth round of consultations between the EU and Belarus on modernisation issues in Brussels on 3 September 2015, when the delegations discussed the prospects for cooperation in key areas, on the basis of agreements reached in 2014 and 2015; urges the EEAS and the Council to ensure that any participation by the authorities in the Dialogue on Modernisation, alongside and on an equal basis with the democratic opposition and civil society, takes place with full respect for democratic principles, with a view to developing a sustainable competitive economy and fostering democratic reforms, as well as a pluralistic society and the rule of law;

| 11. | Supports the Commission in its policy of ‘critical engagement’ with the Belarusian authorities and expresses its readiness to contribute to it also via Parliament’s Delegation for relations with Belarus; recalls, however, that the EU must remain vigilant with regard to where its resources are allocated and make sure that they do not contribute to worsening the situation of the opposition and civil society; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Supports the Commission in its policy of ‘critical engagement’ with the Belarusian authorities and expresses its readiness to contribute to it also via Parliament’s Delegation for relations with Belarus; recalls, however, that the EU must remain vigilant with regard to where its resources are allocated and make sure that they do not contribute to worsening the situation of the opposition and civil society;

| 12. | Reiterates its call on the Commission to support, with financial and political means, the efforts of Belarusian civil society, independent media and non-governmental organisations in Belarus to support the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Reiterates its call on the Commission to support, with financial and political means, the efforts of Belarusian civil society, independent media and non-governmental organisations in Belarus to support the democratic aspirations of the Belarusian people;

| 13. | Welcomes the progress observed in sectoral cooperation with Belarus in the areas of higher education, vocational training, the digital market, the energy sector, food safety and culture, among others; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Welcomes the progress observed in sectoral cooperation with Belarus in the areas of higher education, vocational training, the digital market, the energy sector, food safety and culture, among others;

| 14. | Notes the launch in January 2014 of the negotiations on visa facilitation aimed at improving people-to-people contact and encouraging civil society; stresses the need to speed up progress in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Notes the launch in January 2014 of the negotiations on visa facilitation aimed at improving people-to-people contact and encouraging civil society; stresses the need to speed up progress in this regard;

| 15. | Recognises the increase in the use of the Belarusian language in public life; notes the Ministry of Education’s plans to foster the use of the Belarusian language in education, as well as the publication of legislative acts by the Constitutional Court in both Russian and Belarusian; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Recognises the increase in the use of the Belarusian language in public life; notes the Ministry of Education’s plans to foster the use of the Belarusian language in education, as well as the publication of legislative acts by the Constitutional Court in both Russian and Belarusian;

| 16. | Calls on the European External Action Service and on the Commission to find new ways to support civil society organisations in Belarus; stresses, in this regard, the need to support all independent sources of information for Belarusian society, including media broadcasting in the Belarusian language from abroad; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls on the European External Action Service and on the Commission to find new ways to support civil society organisations in Belarus; stresses, in this regard, the need to support all independent sources of information for Belarusian society, including media broadcasting in the Belarusian language from abroad;

| 17. | 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 (VP/HR), the European External Action Service, the Council, the Commission and the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

17.

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 (VP/HR), the European External Action Service, the Council, the Commission and the Member States.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/224 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/224

---

P8_TA(2015)0320

Social entrepreneurship and social innovation in combating unemployment

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation in combating unemployment (2014/2236(INI))

(2017/C 316/26)

The European Parliament,

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

—

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

| — | having regard to its resolution of 6 February 2013 entitled ‘Corporate social responsibility: accountable, transparent and responsible business behaviour and sustainable growth’ (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 6 February 2013 entitled ‘Corporate social responsibility: accountable, transparent and responsible business behaviour and sustainable growth’ (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 19 February 2009 on Social Economy (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 19 February 2009 on Social Economy (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 2 July 2013 on the contribution of cooperatives to overcoming the crisis (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 2 July 2013 on the contribution of cooperatives to overcoming the crisis (3),

| — | having regard to Article 184 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 184 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 346/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2013 on European social entrepreneurship funds, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 346/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2013 on European social entrepreneurship funds,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 20 November 2012 on the Social Business Initiative — creating a favourable climate for social enterprises, key stakeholders in the social economy and innovation (4), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 20 November 2012 on the Social Business Initiative — creating a favourable climate for social enterprises, key stakeholders in the social economy and innovation (4),

| — | having regard to its declaration of 10 March 2011 (5), |
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—

having regard to its declaration of 10 March 2011 (5),

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 20 May 2014 on promoting youth entrepreneurship to foster social inclusion of young people (6), |
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—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 20 May 2014 on promoting youth entrepreneurship to foster social inclusion of young people (6),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on a European Union Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (‘EaSI’), which introduced the microfinance and social entrepreneurship axis, |
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—

having regard to Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on a European Union Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (‘EaSI’), which introduced the microfinance and social entrepreneurship axis,

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission of 25 October 2011 to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, entitled ‘Social Business Initiative’ (COM(2011)0682), |
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—

having regard to the communication from the Commission of 25 October 2011 to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, entitled ‘Social Business Initiative’ (COM(2011)0682),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 6 May 2015 entitled ‘A Digital Single Market Strategy for Europe’ (COM(2015)0192), |
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—

having regard to the Commission communication of 6 May 2015 entitled ‘A Digital Single Market Strategy for Europe’ (COM(2015)0192),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 20 February 2013 entitled ‘Towards Social Investment for Growth and Cohesion — including implementing the European Social Fund 2014-2020’ (COM(2013)0083), |
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—

having regard to the Commission communication of 20 February 2013 entitled ‘Towards Social Investment for Growth and Cohesion — including implementing the European Social Fund 2014-2020’ (COM(2013)0083),

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

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0247/2015), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0247/2015),

| A. | whereas the social and solidarity-based economy provides employment for more than 14 million people, representing around 6,5 % of workers in the EU; whereas there are 2 million social and solidarity-based economy enterprises in the EU, representing 10 % of undertakings in the Union; |
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A.

whereas the social and solidarity-based economy provides employment for more than 14 million people, representing around 6,5 % of workers in the EU; whereas there are 2 million social and solidarity-based economy enterprises in the EU, representing 10 % of undertakings in the Union;

| B. | whereas, as a consequence of the economic and financial crisis, levels of poverty and social exclusion have increased, as have long-term unemployment, youth unemployment and social inequalities; |
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B.

whereas, as a consequence of the economic and financial crisis, levels of poverty and social exclusion have increased, as have long-term unemployment, youth unemployment and social inequalities;

| C. | whereas those most affected by the economic and financial crisis have been the most excluded and disadvantaged groups on the labour market, such as people with disabilities, young people, older people, women, the long-term unemployed and disadvantaged workers; |
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C.

whereas those most affected by the economic and financial crisis have been the most excluded and disadvantaged groups on the labour market, such as people with disabilities, young people, older people, women, the long-term unemployed and disadvantaged workers;

| D. | whereas the economic and financial crisis should be seen as an opportunity to work towards a more sustainable EU economic model paying greater regard to social and territorial cohesion and environmental sustainability; whereas any improvement in the economic and financial situation should be complemented by strong support for inclusive, sustainable, quality employment; whereas the social and solidarity-based economy can contribute to achieving this goal and should also be regarded as a driver in this transition, able to help balance social, environmental and economic issues; |
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D.

whereas the economic and financial crisis should be seen as an opportunity to work towards a more sustainable EU economic model paying greater regard to social and territorial cohesion and environmental sustainability; whereas any improvement in the economic and financial situation should be complemented by strong support for inclusive, sustainable, quality employment; whereas the social and solidarity-based economy can contribute to achieving this goal and should also be regarded as a driver in this transition, able to help balance social, environmental and economic issues;

| E. | whereas social support and health service providers, many of which are social enterprises, represent one of the key job growth areas in the EU, having created 1,3 million jobs between 2009 and 2013; whereas this demonstrates the sector's dual ability both to create new jobs, even in times of crisis, and to strengthen social and territorial cohesion in Europe, in particular by helping bring service users into employment; |
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E.

whereas social support and health service providers, many of which are social enterprises, represent one of the key job growth areas in the EU, having created 1,3 million jobs between 2009 and 2013; whereas this demonstrates the sector's dual ability both to create new jobs, even in times of crisis, and to strengthen social and territorial cohesion in Europe, in particular by helping bring service users into employment;

| F. | whereas the conference ‘Unlocking the potential of the social economy for EU growth’, held in Rome on 17 and 18 November 2014, recognised that the social and solidarity-based economy plays a key role in European countries and contributes to achieving a number of key EU goals, such as job creation and preservation, social cohesion, social innovation, rural and regional development and environmental protection; |
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F.

whereas the conference ‘Unlocking the potential of the social economy for EU growth’, held in Rome on 17 and 18 November 2014, recognised that the social and solidarity-based economy plays a key role in European countries and contributes to achieving a number of key EU goals, such as job creation and preservation, social cohesion, social innovation, rural and regional development and environmental protection;

| G. | whereas increasing the employment rate in the 20-64 age range from 69 % to at least 75 % and reducing by 25 % the number of people in Europe living below national poverty thresholds by taking more than 20 million people out of poverty, are targets of the Europe 2020 strategy which have not so far been attained; |
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G.

whereas increasing the employment rate in the 20-64 age range from 69 % to at least 75 % and reducing by 25 % the number of people in Europe living below national poverty thresholds by taking more than 20 million people out of poverty, are targets of the Europe 2020 strategy which have not so far been attained;

| H. | whereas the Strasbourg Declaration of January 2014 states that social enterprises must play a greater role in the future of Europe; |
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H.

whereas the Strasbourg Declaration of January 2014 states that social enterprises must play a greater role in the future of Europe;

| I. | whereas the EU is the region with the largest elderly population and the lowest population growth in the world; whereas, according to forecasts, by 2050 the average age of EU citizens will be over 50; whereas the ageing population and demographic change pose a challenge to social welfare systems; |
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I.

whereas the EU is the region with the largest elderly population and the lowest population growth in the world; whereas, according to forecasts, by 2050 the average age of EU citizens will be over 50; whereas the ageing population and demographic change pose a challenge to social welfare systems;

| J. | whereas social and solidarity-based economy enterprises not only aim to improve economic and social conditions, but can also offer flexible and innovative working conditions and may be more capable of adapting to economic and social circumstances; |
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J.

whereas social and solidarity-based economy enterprises not only aim to improve economic and social conditions, but can also offer flexible and innovative working conditions and may be more capable of adapting to economic and social circumstances;

| K. | whereas social and solidarity-based economy enterprises are characterised by their democratic governance arrangements, the strong involvement of their members or partners in the management of the enterprise, and a high level of transparency in their operations, and respond to the growing public demand for ethical, social and environment-friendly business behaviour; |
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K.

whereas social and solidarity-based economy enterprises are characterised by their democratic governance arrangements, the strong involvement of their members or partners in the management of the enterprise, and a high level of transparency in their operations, and respond to the growing public demand for ethical, social and environment-friendly business behaviour;

| L. | whereas social and solidarity-based economy enterprises comprise a wide range of companies, and most of these enterprises are not recognised by a European-level legal framework, but only at national level in some Member States, with different legal forms; |
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L.

whereas social and solidarity-based economy enterprises comprise a wide range of companies, and most of these enterprises are not recognised by a European-level legal framework, but only at national level in some Member States, with different legal forms;

| M. | whereas cooperatives are providing high-quality jobs that are not vulnerable to relocation, are open to everyone and are surviving the crisis; whereas thanks to their cooperative business model they increased turnover and growth during the crisis, with fewer bankruptcies and redundancies; |
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M.

whereas cooperatives are providing high-quality jobs that are not vulnerable to relocation, are open to everyone and are surviving the crisis; whereas thanks to their cooperative business model they increased turnover and growth during the crisis, with fewer bankruptcies and redundancies;

| N. | whereas Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013 on a European Union Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) defines ‘social enterprises’ and ‘social innovations’ in its Article 2(1) and 2(5); |
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N.

whereas Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013 on a European Union Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) defines ‘social enterprises’ and ‘social innovations’ in its Article 2(1) and 2(5);

| O. | whereas social innovation refers to the development and implementation of new ideas, whether they be products, services or social organisation models, that are designed to meet new social, territorial and environmental demands and challenges, such as the ageing population, depopulation, balancing work and family life, managing diversity, tackling youth unemployment, the integration of those most excluded from the labour market, and combating climate change; |
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O.

whereas social innovation refers to the development and implementation of new ideas, whether they be products, services or social organisation models, that are designed to meet new social, territorial and environmental demands and challenges, such as the ageing population, depopulation, balancing work and family life, managing diversity, tackling youth unemployment, the integration of those most excluded from the labour market, and combating climate change;

| P. | whereas social investments are investments in people designed to strengthen their skills and capacities and support them in fully participating in employment and social life; whereas social investments generally refer to policies in the areas of education, childcare, healthcare, training, job-search assistance and rehabilitation; |
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P.

whereas social investments are investments in people designed to strengthen their skills and capacities and support them in fully participating in employment and social life; whereas social investments generally refer to policies in the areas of education, childcare, healthcare, training, job-search assistance and rehabilitation;

| Q. | whereas the lack of recognition faced by social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, which are sometimes not even recognised as economic stakeholders, makes it more difficult for them to access both public and private financing; whereas the Structural Funds and European programmes should contribute to modernising economic structures, including the social and solidarity-based economy, which is represented by different types and sizes of undertakings (cooperatives, mutual societies, foundations, associations and new forms of social and solidarity-based economy enterprises), most of them SMEs and micro-enterprises; |
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Q.

whereas the lack of recognition faced by social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, which are sometimes not even recognised as economic stakeholders, makes it more difficult for them to access both public and private financing; whereas the Structural Funds and European programmes should contribute to modernising economic structures, including the social and solidarity-based economy, which is represented by different types and sizes of undertakings (cooperatives, mutual societies, foundations, associations and new forms of social and solidarity-based economy enterprises), most of them SMEs and micro-enterprises;

| R. | whereas education and training must be priority areas in terms of fostering the entrepreneurial culture among young people; |
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R.

whereas education and training must be priority areas in terms of fostering the entrepreneurial culture among young people;

| S. | whereas the gender gap in social entrepreneurship is smaller than in traditional forms of entrepreneurship; whereas women social entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the reduction of social exclusion and the creation of new development opportunities; |
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S.

whereas the gender gap in social entrepreneurship is smaller than in traditional forms of entrepreneurship; whereas women social entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the reduction of social exclusion and the creation of new development opportunities;

| T. | having regard to the need to provide training and retraining in the social sector for the long-term unemployed in order to afford them new opportunities in an innovative environment such as that of the social and solidarity-based economy; |
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T.

having regard to the need to provide training and retraining in the social sector for the long-term unemployed in order to afford them new opportunities in an innovative environment such as that of the social and solidarity-based economy;

| U. | whereas social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, and in particular training and placement enterprises, offer job opportunities especially for those most excluded from the labour market, for whom unemployment often turns into long-term unemployment; whereas Member States could consider ways of supporting social and solidarity-based economy enterprises that recruit unemployed people or benefit claimants, including by, where applicable, reductions in taxes and social premiums; |
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U.

whereas social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, and in particular training and placement enterprises, offer job opportunities especially for those most excluded from the labour market, for whom unemployment often turns into long-term unemployment; whereas Member States could consider ways of supporting social and solidarity-based economy enterprises that recruit unemployed people or benefit claimants, including by, where applicable, reductions in taxes and social premiums;

| V. | whereas the complementary and supplementary effect of the social and solidarity-based economy is also important alongside other measures promoting employment; whereas greater attention must be focused on solutions promoting the reintegration into the job market of people lacking the most basic capabilities and competitive wherewithal, so that they can later benefit from the advantages offered by the more innovative solutions of the social and solidarity-based economy; |
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V.

whereas the complementary and supplementary effect of the social and solidarity-based economy is also important alongside other measures promoting employment; whereas greater attention must be focused on solutions promoting the reintegration into the job market of people lacking the most basic capabilities and competitive wherewithal, so that they can later benefit from the advantages offered by the more innovative solutions of the social and solidarity-based economy;

| W. | whereas social dialogue is essential for the functioning of the EU's social market economy, and is crucial for promoting both competitiveness and fairness; whereas social dialogue and the consultation of social partners within the EU's policy-making represent a major social innovation; |
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W.

whereas social dialogue is essential for the functioning of the EU's social market economy, and is crucial for promoting both competitiveness and fairness; whereas social dialogue and the consultation of social partners within the EU's policy-making represent a major social innovation;

| X. | whereas procurement often takes the form of large one-off tenders for services or supplies which may exclude smaller actors; |
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X.

whereas procurement often takes the form of large one-off tenders for services or supplies which may exclude smaller actors;

Introduction

| 1. | Notes that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, which do not necessarily have to be non-profit organisations, are enterprises whose purpose is to achieve their social goal, which may be to create jobs for vulnerable groups, provide services for their members, or more generally create a positive social and environmental impact, and which reinvest their profits primarily in order to achieve those objectives; points out that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises are characterised by their commitment to upholding the following values:






  — | the primacy of individual and social goals over the interests of capital; |
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1.

Notes that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, which do not necessarily have to be non-profit organisations, are enterprises whose purpose is to achieve their social goal, which may be to create jobs for vulnerable groups, provide services for their members, or more generally create a positive social and environmental impact, and which reinvest their profits primarily in order to achieve those objectives; points out that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises are characterised by their commitment to upholding the following values:

—

the primacy of individual and social goals over the interests of capital;

| — | democratic governance by members; |
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democratic governance by members;

| — | the conjunction of the interests of members and users with the general interest; |
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the conjunction of the interests of members and users with the general interest;

| — | the safeguarding and application of the principles of solidarity and responsibility; |
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—

the safeguarding and application of the principles of solidarity and responsibility;

| — | the reinvestment of surplus funds in long-term development objectives, or in the provision of services of interest to members or of services of general interest; |
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—

the reinvestment of surplus funds in long-term development objectives, or in the provision of services of interest to members or of services of general interest;

| — | voluntary and open membership; |
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voluntary and open membership;

| — | autonomous management independent of the public authorities; |
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autonomous management independent of the public authorities;

| 2. | Believes that the Commission should recognise the diversity of social enterprises and ensure that actions are taken at EU level to support social and solidarity-based enterprises of all types; |
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2.

Believes that the Commission should recognise the diversity of social enterprises and ensure that actions are taken at EU level to support social and solidarity-based enterprises of all types;

| 3. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to consistently implement all the measures set out in the 2012 Social Business Initiative without delay; calls on the Commission to put forward a second stage of the initiative as soon as possible, in partnership with Member States and local and regional authorities, civil society organisations and key players in the social and solidarity-based economy, which would broaden and deepen its scope; |
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3.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to consistently implement all the measures set out in the 2012 Social Business Initiative without delay; calls on the Commission to put forward a second stage of the initiative as soon as possible, in partnership with Member States and local and regional authorities, civil society organisations and key players in the social and solidarity-based economy, which would broaden and deepen its scope;

| 4. | Notes that the social and solidarity-based economy cannot replace the welfare state and public services; |
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4.

Notes that the social and solidarity-based economy cannot replace the welfare state and public services;

| 5. | Notes that the social entrepreneurship model often appeals to young people and gives them an opportunity to provide innovative responses to the current economic, social and environmental challenges; |
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5.

Notes that the social entrepreneurship model often appeals to young people and gives them an opportunity to provide innovative responses to the current economic, social and environmental challenges;

| 6. | Points out that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises have a strong local and regional basis, which gives them the advantage of being more aware of specific needs and able to offer products and services, most of them community-based, which match those needs, thus improving social and territorial cohesion; considers that the cooperation of social and solidarity-based economy enterprises across national and sectoral boundaries must be promoted so as to enable the exchange of knowledge and practices in such a way that the growth of such enterprises in particular can be supported; |
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6.

Points out that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises have a strong local and regional basis, which gives them the advantage of being more aware of specific needs and able to offer products and services, most of them community-based, which match those needs, thus improving social and territorial cohesion; considers that the cooperation of social and solidarity-based economy enterprises across national and sectoral boundaries must be promoted so as to enable the exchange of knowledge and practices in such a way that the growth of such enterprises in particular can be supported;

| 7. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to propose plans and measures to improve territorial organisation, especially in areas with permanent natural or demographic handicaps, which will not only help establish and develop social and solidarity-based economy enterprises and the promotion of social innovation and entrepreneurship, but will also help strengthen social and territorial cohesion in the EU and make it easier to meet the demographic challenges facing the Union; |
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7.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to propose plans and measures to improve territorial organisation, especially in areas with permanent natural or demographic handicaps, which will not only help establish and develop social and solidarity-based economy enterprises and the promotion of social innovation and entrepreneurship, but will also help strengthen social and territorial cohesion in the EU and make it easier to meet the demographic challenges facing the Union;

| 8. | Warmly welcomes the increase in the number of conventional enterprises which apply corporate social responsibility strategies as part of their business plans; stresses, however, that applying such strategies is not in itself a sufficient condition for being considered a social and solidarity-based economy enterprise; |
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8.

Warmly welcomes the increase in the number of conventional enterprises which apply corporate social responsibility strategies as part of their business plans; stresses, however, that applying such strategies is not in itself a sufficient condition for being considered a social and solidarity-based economy enterprise;

| 9. | Believes it is important to determine the origins of the smaller gender gap in social entrepreneurship so that these factors can be taken into account by policy-makers whilst promoting social and traditional entrepreneurship; |
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9.

Believes it is important to determine the origins of the smaller gender gap in social entrepreneurship so that these factors can be taken into account by policy-makers whilst promoting social and traditional entrepreneurship;

| 10. | Believes that social innovation makes a significant contribution towards laying the foundations for a type of growth which serves a more sustainable, inclusive society generating economic, social and territorial cohesion; notes that social innovation must have the aim of improving the quality of services in an efficient manner rather than simply lowering costs; |
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10.

Believes that social innovation makes a significant contribution towards laying the foundations for a type of growth which serves a more sustainable, inclusive society generating economic, social and territorial cohesion; notes that social innovation must have the aim of improving the quality of services in an efficient manner rather than simply lowering costs;

| 11. | Welcomes the fact that four EU Member States (Spain, France, Portugal and Belgium) have national legislation concerning the social and solidarity-based economy, while Poland has launched a strategy to develop the social and solidarity-based economy and Romania is discussing the adoption of legislation to regulate the social and solidarity-based economy; |
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11.

Welcomes the fact that four EU Member States (Spain, France, Portugal and Belgium) have national legislation concerning the social and solidarity-based economy, while Poland has launched a strategy to develop the social and solidarity-based economy and Romania is discussing the adoption of legislation to regulate the social and solidarity-based economy;

| 12. | Believes that the Commission should recognise and support the role of not-for-profit social service providers, both politically and financially; |
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12.

Believes that the Commission should recognise and support the role of not-for-profit social service providers, both politically and financially;

| 13. | Highlights the need to promote an exchange of practices among innovative social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, schools, the academic world, and social investment stakeholders, also taking into account societal needs, in order to boost entrepreneurial skills and strengthen the conditions that will enable social and solidarity-based economy enterprises to develop and grow, as well as creating social innovation poles; considers it important to take into consideration the views of stakeholders, including the social partners and consumer organisations; calls on the Member States to promote the cooperative enterprise model; |
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13.

Highlights the need to promote an exchange of practices among innovative social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, schools, the academic world, and social investment stakeholders, also taking into account societal needs, in order to boost entrepreneurial skills and strengthen the conditions that will enable social and solidarity-based economy enterprises to develop and grow, as well as creating social innovation poles; considers it important to take into consideration the views of stakeholders, including the social partners and consumer organisations; calls on the Member States to promote the cooperative enterprise model;

| 14. | Stresses the need for cooperation between all Member States in order to create the necessary framework conditions for a system of social innovation in all Member States, as the social and solidarity-based economy alone cannot combat the symptoms and causes of the most pressing social problems; |
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14.

Stresses the need for cooperation between all Member States in order to create the necessary framework conditions for a system of social innovation in all Member States, as the social and solidarity-based economy alone cannot combat the symptoms and causes of the most pressing social problems;

The Europe 2020 strategy

| 15. | Recognises that the EU remains far from achieving the targets set in the Europe 2020 strategy, particularly those relating to employment, innovation and the reduction of poverty and social exclusion; notes that the social and solidarity-based economy contributes not only to a more sustainable, smart and inclusive economic model, but also to the European social model, and is part of the single market, deserving to be strongly recognised and supported by the EU and the Member States, as provided for in the constitutions of some Member States and various key EU documents; asks, therefore, that consideration be given to taking the social and solidarity-based economy into account when revising the Europe 2020 strategy, given the significant contribution it can make to meeting the strategy’s goals; |
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15.

Recognises that the EU remains far from achieving the targets set in the Europe 2020 strategy, particularly those relating to employment, innovation and the reduction of poverty and social exclusion; notes that the social and solidarity-based economy contributes not only to a more sustainable, smart and inclusive economic model, but also to the European social model, and is part of the single market, deserving to be strongly recognised and supported by the EU and the Member States, as provided for in the constitutions of some Member States and various key EU documents; asks, therefore, that consideration be given to taking the social and solidarity-based economy into account when revising the Europe 2020 strategy, given the significant contribution it can make to meeting the strategy’s goals;

| 16. | Points out that demographic trends are bound up with new models of consumption, and that the ageing of the population in developed countries is making growing demands on social services, but will also provide opportunities to create socially responsible businesses; |
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16.

Points out that demographic trends are bound up with new models of consumption, and that the ageing of the population in developed countries is making growing demands on social services, but will also provide opportunities to create socially responsible businesses;

| 17. | Emphasises that, given its social and inclusive nature, the social and solidarity-based economy offers jobs to the groups most often excluded from the open labour market, thereby contributing to solidarity and social cohesion as well as to economic growth; |
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17.

Emphasises that, given its social and inclusive nature, the social and solidarity-based economy offers jobs to the groups most often excluded from the open labour market, thereby contributing to solidarity and social cohesion as well as to economic growth;

| 18. | Believes that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises can develop processes that allow more efficient, responsible and transparent management of shrinking resources, and can further the implementation of socially responsible measures; |
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18.

Believes that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises can develop processes that allow more efficient, responsible and transparent management of shrinking resources, and can further the implementation of socially responsible measures;

| 19. | Calls on the Member States to better integrate social and solidarity-based economy enterprises into action plans for employment and social integration, as well as into the National Reform Programmes, with a view to unlocking and exploiting their job creation potential and the contribution they can make to meeting the Europe 2020 headline targets; |
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19.

Calls on the Member States to better integrate social and solidarity-based economy enterprises into action plans for employment and social integration, as well as into the National Reform Programmes, with a view to unlocking and exploiting their job creation potential and the contribution they can make to meeting the Europe 2020 headline targets;

| 20. | Welcomes the fact that the pre-financing budget for the Youth Employment Initiative has been increased to 30 %; calls on the Member States to coordinate measures to promote social entrepreneurship with their national Youth Guarantee Implementation Plans; calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage social entrepreneurship and innovation in the ESF's national Operational Programmes; urges that the Youth Guarantee schemes be implemented effectively and efficiently; |
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20.

Welcomes the fact that the pre-financing budget for the Youth Employment Initiative has been increased to 30 %; calls on the Member States to coordinate measures to promote social entrepreneurship with their national Youth Guarantee Implementation Plans; calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage social entrepreneurship and innovation in the ESF's national Operational Programmes; urges that the Youth Guarantee schemes be implemented effectively and efficiently;

Public procurement

| 21. | Points out that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises face difficulties in accessing public procurement, such as barriers related to size and financial capability; calls for the swift and effective implementation of the new public procurement and concession directives (Directives 2014/24/EU, 2014/25/EU and 2014/23/EU) in order to achieve greater participation by social and solidarity-based economy enterprises in tendering procedures for public contracts, improve the earmarking of contracts for such enterprises, foster their role, and promote social inclusion and social innovation; calls for action to facilitate the participation of such enterprises in public procurement by providing appropriate advice, simplifying procedures and drawing up tenders in a way that makes them accessible to smaller operators; calls for bids to be rewarded that offer the most economic and social value rather than the lowest price in public procurement, with social or environmental criteria being included in public procurement contracts; |
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21.

Points out that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises face difficulties in accessing public procurement, such as barriers related to size and financial capability; calls for the swift and effective implementation of the new public procurement and concession directives (Directives 2014/24/EU, 2014/25/EU and 2014/23/EU) in order to achieve greater participation by social and solidarity-based economy enterprises in tendering procedures for public contracts, improve the earmarking of contracts for such enterprises, foster their role, and promote social inclusion and social innovation; calls for action to facilitate the participation of such enterprises in public procurement by providing appropriate advice, simplifying procedures and drawing up tenders in a way that makes them accessible to smaller operators; calls for bids to be rewarded that offer the most economic and social value rather than the lowest price in public procurement, with social or environmental criteria being included in public procurement contracts;

| 22. | Welcomes the reform of the public procurement and concession directives, which includes social clauses and criteria in order to promote social inclusion and social innovation and contracts earmarked to foster the employment of the most disadvantaged people on the labour market; calls on the Member States to implement these procurement principles properly in all tendering and selection procedures, with wide use of the MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender), in compliance with environmental, social and labour law obligations; urges the Member States to include social clauses and criteria in public procurement procedures in order to strengthen the position of disadvantaged people on the labour market, reduce administrative burdens, simplify procedures and take more effective measures against corruption; |
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22.

Welcomes the reform of the public procurement and concession directives, which includes social clauses and criteria in order to promote social inclusion and social innovation and contracts earmarked to foster the employment of the most disadvantaged people on the labour market; calls on the Member States to implement these procurement principles properly in all tendering and selection procedures, with wide use of the MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender), in compliance with environmental, social and labour law obligations; urges the Member States to include social clauses and criteria in public procurement procedures in order to strengthen the position of disadvantaged people on the labour market, reduce administrative burdens, simplify procedures and take more effective measures against corruption;

| 23. | Regrets that the Commission Digital Single Market strategy for Europe fails to mention social and solidarity-based economy enterprises and their potential contribution to the achievement of the Union's goals; deplores the failure of that strategy to take account of the need to ensure full, equal and unrestricted access for all to new digital technologies, markets and telecommunications, in particular with regard to people with disabilities; highlights that technology-based social and solidarity-based economy enterprises can play a crucial role in tackling societal challenges in a straightforward and cost-effective way; |
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23.

Regrets that the Commission Digital Single Market strategy for Europe fails to mention social and solidarity-based economy enterprises and their potential contribution to the achievement of the Union's goals; deplores the failure of that strategy to take account of the need to ensure full, equal and unrestricted access for all to new digital technologies, markets and telecommunications, in particular with regard to people with disabilities; highlights that technology-based social and solidarity-based economy enterprises can play a crucial role in tackling societal challenges in a straightforward and cost-effective way;

Financing

| 24. | Regrets the fact that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises encounter even more difficulties than traditional enterprises in securing financing, whether through public or private channels, and therefore calls for public authorities and financial service providers to develop a wide range of appropriate financial instruments which will effectively support social enterprises at all stages of their business development, particularly during their foundation, and to create a framework to bring together potential investors and specialised funds; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Regrets the fact that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises encounter even more difficulties than traditional enterprises in securing financing, whether through public or private channels, and therefore calls for public authorities and financial service providers to develop a wide range of appropriate financial instruments which will effectively support social enterprises at all stages of their business development, particularly during their foundation, and to create a framework to bring together potential investors and specialised funds;

| 25. | Points out that access to financing is hindered by the fact that financial intermediary managers have little knowledge of the actual situation of social and solidarity-based economy enterprises; stresses the need to improve training for these managers with regard to such enterprises, so as to facilitate their access to financing; calls, therefore, for the introduction of a European trustmark for ‘social entrepreneurship’ enabling investors to identify funds with a portfolio comprising social enterprises, with particular reference to the European Fund for Social Entrepreneurship; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Points out that access to financing is hindered by the fact that financial intermediary managers have little knowledge of the actual situation of social and solidarity-based economy enterprises; stresses the need to improve training for these managers with regard to such enterprises, so as to facilitate their access to financing; calls, therefore, for the introduction of a European trustmark for ‘social entrepreneurship’ enabling investors to identify funds with a portfolio comprising social enterprises, with particular reference to the European Fund for Social Entrepreneurship;

| 26. | Stresses the need to provide greater stimulus for the creation of, and support for, social enterprise networks in order to promote synergies in the organisation, exchange and dissemination of technologies and the development of services among producers in different regions; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Stresses the need to provide greater stimulus for the creation of, and support for, social enterprise networks in order to promote synergies in the organisation, exchange and dissemination of technologies and the development of services among producers in different regions;

| 27. | Stresses the need to promote a more structured dialogue between SMEs, social and solidarity-based enterprises and financial institutions, by means of dedicated on-line platforms; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Stresses the need to promote a more structured dialogue between SMEs, social and solidarity-based enterprises and financial institutions, by means of dedicated on-line platforms;

| 28. | Welcomes the adoption of the regulation on European social entrepreneurship funds; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Welcomes the adoption of the regulation on European social entrepreneurship funds;

| 29. | Welcomes the fact that part of the funding for the EaSI programme is earmarked to help provide access to finance for social and solidarity-based economy enterprises; highlights the role to be played by the social entrepreneurship axis of EaSI, the ESF and all other relevant EU programmes in improving the functioning of such enterprises; highlights the need for greater awareness-raising with regard to funding opportunities; calls on the Member States to establish national contact points or one-stop shops to help social and solidarity-based economy actors access the EU's funding schemes; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Welcomes the fact that part of the funding for the EaSI programme is earmarked to help provide access to finance for social and solidarity-based economy enterprises; highlights the role to be played by the social entrepreneurship axis of EaSI, the ESF and all other relevant EU programmes in improving the functioning of such enterprises; highlights the need for greater awareness-raising with regard to funding opportunities; calls on the Member States to establish national contact points or one-stop shops to help social and solidarity-based economy actors access the EU's funding schemes;

| 30. | Calls on the Commission to review the ceiling for loans to social enterprises laid down under EaSI, and to determine whether this reflects market conditions; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Calls on the Commission to review the ceiling for loans to social enterprises laid down under EaSI, and to determine whether this reflects market conditions;

| 31. | Highlights the need to support social and solidarity-based economy enterprises with sufficient financial resources at local, regional, national and EU level, creating synergies among the various types of enterprises; calls on the Member States and the Commission to acknowledge the fact that the requisite funding must be made available; considers it necessary, therefore, to improve access to financing for the social and solidarity-based economy by various means, such as European funds, risk capital funds, microcredit and crowdfunding; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Highlights the need to support social and solidarity-based economy enterprises with sufficient financial resources at local, regional, national and EU level, creating synergies among the various types of enterprises; calls on the Member States and the Commission to acknowledge the fact that the requisite funding must be made available; considers it necessary, therefore, to improve access to financing for the social and solidarity-based economy by various means, such as European funds, risk capital funds, microcredit and crowdfunding;

| 32. | Calls on Member States to reinforce public services (for example health and education) through local authorities, using them as a driving force to improve the quality of services so as to provide job opportunities and raise the level of the services provided with the aim of reducing poverty and social exclusion; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Calls on Member States to reinforce public services (for example health and education) through local authorities, using them as a driving force to improve the quality of services so as to provide job opportunities and raise the level of the services provided with the aim of reducing poverty and social exclusion;

| 33. | Points out that the state aid rules should not constitute an impediment for public funding to social and solidarity-based economy enterprises and social services; in this sense, calls on the Commission to be flexible in the application of state aid rules for such enterprises and services, and to help ensure that local and regional authorities understand and apply correctly state aid targeted thereon; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Points out that the state aid rules should not constitute an impediment for public funding to social and solidarity-based economy enterprises and social services; in this sense, calls on the Commission to be flexible in the application of state aid rules for such enterprises and services, and to help ensure that local and regional authorities understand and apply correctly state aid targeted thereon;

| 34. | Regrets that the regulation establishing the European Fund for Strategic Investment only refers to the social and solidarity-based economy sector in its recitals; calls on the Commission to continue promoting the social investment approach as presented in the Social Investment Package, and for projects relating to the social and solidarity-based economy to be taken into account when assessing European Strategic Investment Fund projects; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Regrets that the regulation establishing the European Fund for Strategic Investment only refers to the social and solidarity-based economy sector in its recitals; calls on the Commission to continue promoting the social investment approach as presented in the Social Investment Package, and for projects relating to the social and solidarity-based economy to be taken into account when assessing European Strategic Investment Fund projects;

| 35. | Criticises the fact that training and placement enterprises, set up on the basis of partnerships between social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, are generally prevented from accessing funds intended for SMEs; calls on the Commission to propose a new exception to the legal definition of ‘SME’, similar to those which already apply to public investment corporations, venture capital firms and non-profit-making universities and research centres, so that a training and placement enterprise can be classified as an autonomous enterprise even if another enterprise holds, alone or jointly with other enterprises, more than 25 % of its capital or of the voting rights on its administrative board; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Criticises the fact that training and placement enterprises, set up on the basis of partnerships between social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, are generally prevented from accessing funds intended for SMEs; calls on the Commission to propose a new exception to the legal definition of ‘SME’, similar to those which already apply to public investment corporations, venture capital firms and non-profit-making universities and research centres, so that a training and placement enterprise can be classified as an autonomous enterprise even if another enterprise holds, alone or jointly with other enterprises, more than 25 % of its capital or of the voting rights on its administrative board;

Training

| 36. | Calls on the Member States to promote an entrepreneurial culture and the cooperative enterprise model and to include social entrepreneurship, as well as the principles of the social and solidarity-based economy, in education and training curricula; also invites them to encourage the establishment of business incubators within universities for social and solidarity-based economy enterprises; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Calls on the Member States to promote an entrepreneurial culture and the cooperative enterprise model and to include social entrepreneurship, as well as the principles of the social and solidarity-based economy, in education and training curricula; also invites them to encourage the establishment of business incubators within universities for social and solidarity-based economy enterprises;

| 37. | Points out that the social and solidarity-based economy could help considerably to reduce youth unemployment in the EU; calls on the Member States to promote greater participation of social and solidarity-based economy enterprises in education and training programmes in the Member States, in particular through dual training systems; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Points out that the social and solidarity-based economy could help considerably to reduce youth unemployment in the EU; calls on the Member States to promote greater participation of social and solidarity-based economy enterprises in education and training programmes in the Member States, in particular through dual training systems;

| 38. | Calls on the Member States to equip employment centres to provide effective information for people intending to work in the social and solidarity-based enterprise sector; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls on the Member States to equip employment centres to provide effective information for people intending to work in the social and solidarity-based enterprise sector;

| 39. | Points out that some social and solidarity-based economy enterprises are competitive and are at the forefront of their sector, while others require specialised knowledge in order to launch, develop and manage their enterprises; calls on the Member States to develop training programmes targeted on and specifically tailored to entrepreneurs in the social sector, with particular reference to groups with lower employment rates such as women, young or disadvantaged workers, with a view to developing basic business management skills and knowledge; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Points out that some social and solidarity-based economy enterprises are competitive and are at the forefront of their sector, while others require specialised knowledge in order to launch, develop and manage their enterprises; calls on the Member States to develop training programmes targeted on and specifically tailored to entrepreneurs in the social sector, with particular reference to groups with lower employment rates such as women, young or disadvantaged workers, with a view to developing basic business management skills and knowledge;

| 40. | Calls on the Member States to promote lifelong learning and career guidance for older workers, the long-term unemployed and people with disabilities via social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, and thus to help them move into the labour market; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Calls on the Member States to promote lifelong learning and career guidance for older workers, the long-term unemployed and people with disabilities via social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, and thus to help them move into the labour market;

| 41. | Points out that a proper understanding of human rights is essential for achieving the social aims of social and solidarity-based enterprises; calls on the Member States, therefore, to draw up training programmes to acquaint specialists in the social sphere with the proper implementation of human rights principles in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Points out that a proper understanding of human rights is essential for achieving the social aims of social and solidarity-based enterprises; calls on the Member States, therefore, to draw up training programmes to acquaint specialists in the social sphere with the proper implementation of human rights principles in Europe;

| 42. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to fully exploit the potential of programmes such as Erasmus +, thereby encouraging exchanges of students and teachers as well as other innovative entrepreneurs; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to fully exploit the potential of programmes such as Erasmus +, thereby encouraging exchanges of students and teachers as well as other innovative entrepreneurs;

| 43. | Points out that sectors with a wide margin for growth and job creation, such as the ‘white’ and ‘green’ sectors, are those in which the social and solidarity-based economy is very much present; urges the Member States, accordingly, to promote education and training in those sectors; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Points out that sectors with a wide margin for growth and job creation, such as the ‘white’ and ‘green’ sectors, are those in which the social and solidarity-based economy is very much present; urges the Member States, accordingly, to promote education and training in those sectors;

Support and promotion

| 44. | Deeply regrets the low level of recognition of the social and solidarity-based economy at European level; takes the view that improving the collection of gender-disaggregated data and the exchange of information and best practice at European level, together with greater media coverage of the social and solidarity-based economy and its achievements, would help to boost society's involvement in the social and solidarity-based economy, thus securing it more understanding and recognition and raising its profile; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Deeply regrets the low level of recognition of the social and solidarity-based economy at European level; takes the view that improving the collection of gender-disaggregated data and the exchange of information and best practice at European level, together with greater media coverage of the social and solidarity-based economy and its achievements, would help to boost society's involvement in the social and solidarity-based economy, thus securing it more understanding and recognition and raising its profile;

| 45. | Is in favour of creating a multilingual digital platform for exchanging information aimed at social enterprises, business incubators, business clusters and investors in social enterprises, and of facilitating information-sharing and access to support from EU programmes; believes that the development of such a platform should be preceded by consultations with interested groups; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Is in favour of creating a multilingual digital platform for exchanging information aimed at social enterprises, business incubators, business clusters and investors in social enterprises, and of facilitating information-sharing and access to support from EU programmes; believes that the development of such a platform should be preceded by consultations with interested groups;

| 46. | Calls on the Commission to carry out a comparative analysis of national certification and labelling systems for the social and solidarity-based economy and to facilitate the exchange of best practice, in close cooperation with social and solidarity-based economy enterprises; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Calls on the Commission to carry out a comparative analysis of national certification and labelling systems for the social and solidarity-based economy and to facilitate the exchange of best practice, in close cooperation with social and solidarity-based economy enterprises;

| 47. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote the creation of business incubators for social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, and to implement and effectively promote the internet platform for data exchange between social investors and social entrepreneurs (the Social Innovation Europe Platform), details of which have been agreed on; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote the creation of business incubators for social and solidarity-based economy enterprises, and to implement and effectively promote the internet platform for data exchange between social investors and social entrepreneurs (the Social Innovation Europe Platform), details of which have been agreed on;

| 48. | Calls on the Member States to enhance the exchange of best practice with regard to possible ways of supporting social and solidarity-based economy enterprises and to social investment including, where applicable, tax reliefs or incentives for such enterprises which deal with vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Calls on the Member States to enhance the exchange of best practice with regard to possible ways of supporting social and solidarity-based economy enterprises and to social investment including, where applicable, tax reliefs or incentives for such enterprises which deal with vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities;

| 49. | Calls on the Commission to monitor closely the practical measures taken by the Member States to guarantee people who have opted for social and solidarity-based entrepreneurship the same rights as other workers in the areas of social and health protection and job security; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Calls on the Commission to monitor closely the practical measures taken by the Member States to guarantee people who have opted for social and solidarity-based entrepreneurship the same rights as other workers in the areas of social and health protection and job security;

| 50. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that no measure taken by the Member States poses an obstacle to the free movement of workers, so that people who have opted for social and solidarity-based entrepreneurship can carry on their activities wherever they wish to in the territory of the Union; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that no measure taken by the Member States poses an obstacle to the free movement of workers, so that people who have opted for social and solidarity-based entrepreneurship can carry on their activities wherever they wish to in the territory of the Union;

| 51. | Supports the idea that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises could form a specific company category with its own legal status, defined as having other objectives than simply profit for shareholders; calls on the Commission, in line with the Rome Strategy adopted by European representatives of the social and solidarity-based Economy, to come forward with a legal framework for such enterprises, to be achieved by means of the European statute for cooperative societies, associations, foundations and mutual societies; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Supports the idea that social and solidarity-based economy enterprises could form a specific company category with its own legal status, defined as having other objectives than simply profit for shareholders; calls on the Commission, in line with the Rome Strategy adopted by European representatives of the social and solidarity-based Economy, to come forward with a legal framework for such enterprises, to be achieved by means of the European statute for cooperative societies, associations, foundations and mutual societies;

| 52. | Calls on the Commission to enhance social dialogue in the social and solidarity-based economy, in order to facilitate social innovation and the improvement of working conditions and to ensure full recognition of the job creation potential of the sector; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Calls on the Commission to enhance social dialogue in the social and solidarity-based economy, in order to facilitate social innovation and the improvement of working conditions and to ensure full recognition of the job creation potential of the sector;

o

o o

| 53. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

53.

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

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(1)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0049.

(2)  OJ C 76 E, 25.3.2010, p. 16.

(3)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0301.

(4)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0429.

(5)  OJ C 199 E, 7.7.2012, p. 187.

(6)  OJ C 183, 14.6.2014, p. 18.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/233 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/233

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P8_TA(2015)0321

Creating a competitive EU labour market for the 21st century

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on creating a competitive EU labour market for the 21st century: matching skills and qualifications with demand and job opportunities, as a way to recover from the crisis (2014/2235(INI))

(2017/C 316/27)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 22 October 2014 on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: implementation of 2014 priorities (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 22 October 2014 on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: implementation of 2014 priorities (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 April 2014 on ‘How can the European Union contribute to creating a hospitable environment for enterprises, businesses and start-ups to create jobs?’ (2), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 15 April 2014 on ‘How can the European Union contribute to creating a hospitable environment for enterprises, businesses and start-ups to create jobs?’ (2),

| — | having regard to its position of 29 April 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1304/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council on the European Social Fund, as regards an increase of the initial pre-financing amount paid to operational programmes supported by the Youth Employment Initiative (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its position of 29 April 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1304/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council on the European Social Fund, as regards an increase of the initial pre-financing amount paid to operational programmes supported by the Youth Employment Initiative (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 17 July 2014 on Youth Employment (4), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 17 July 2014 on Youth Employment (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2014 on respect for the fundamental right of freedom of movement in the EU (5), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2014 on respect for the fundamental right of freedom of movement in the EU (5),

| — | having regard to one of the priorities of the European Council conclusions of 26-27 June 2014: to help develop skills, and unlock talent and life changes for all by promoting the right skills for the modern economy and lifelong learning, |
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—

having regard to one of the priorities of the European Council conclusions of 26-27 June 2014: to help develop skills, and unlock talent and life changes for all by promoting the right skills for the modern economy and lifelong learning,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal of 17 January 2014 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a European network of Employment Services, workers’ access to mobility services and the further integration of labour markets (COM(2014)0006), |
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—

having regard to the Commission proposal of 17 January 2014 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a European network of Employment Services, workers’ access to mobility services and the further integration of labour markets (COM(2014)0006),

| — | having regard to the Council Recommendation of 20 December 2012 on the validation of learning outcomes of non-formal and informal learning (6), |
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—

having regard to the Council Recommendation of 20 December 2012 on the validation of learning outcomes of non-formal and informal learning (6),

| — | having regard to Recommendation 2006/962/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning (7), |
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—

having regard to Recommendation 2006/962/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning (7),

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

having regard to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the opinion of the Committee on Culture and Education (A8-0222/2015), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the opinion of the Committee on Culture and Education (A8-0222/2015),

| A. | whereas the existence of occupations where job vacancies cannot be filled owing to a lack of qualified workers varies greatly from one Member State to another; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the existence of occupations where job vacancies cannot be filled owing to a lack of qualified workers varies greatly from one Member State to another;

| B. | whereas, according to the Commission (8), up to 12,4 million people have been out of work for more than a year and, of those, 6 million for more than two years; whereas long-term unemployment has a negative impact on economic growth and the sustainability of social welfare systems and can become a structural problem; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, according to the Commission (8), up to 12,4 million people have been out of work for more than a year and, of those, 6 million for more than two years; whereas long-term unemployment has a negative impact on economic growth and the sustainability of social welfare systems and can become a structural problem;

| C. | whereas labour market rigidities and the lack of internal demand and investment are having a negative impact on job creation, while a competitive EU labour market that takes into account these three factors can contribute to achieving the Europe 2020 employment and anti-poverty and social exclusion targets; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas labour market rigidities and the lack of internal demand and investment are having a negative impact on job creation, while a competitive EU labour market that takes into account these three factors can contribute to achieving the Europe 2020 employment and anti-poverty and social exclusion targets;

| D. | whereas the demand for lower-qualified workers is falling while the demand for highly qualified workers is increasing considerably; whereas this shift in the EU labour market requires action to be taken on workers’ skills and initial and vocational training; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the demand for lower-qualified workers is falling while the demand for highly qualified workers is increasing considerably; whereas this shift in the EU labour market requires action to be taken on workers’ skills and initial and vocational training;

| E. | whereas, in 2012, one in three European employees were either over- or under-qualified for their jobs (9); and whereas young employees are typically more likely to be formally over-qualified, whilst also more likely than older workers to work in jobs less matched to their skills; |
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E.

whereas, in 2012, one in three European employees were either over- or under-qualified for their jobs (9); and whereas young employees are typically more likely to be formally over-qualified, whilst also more likely than older workers to work in jobs less matched to their skills;

| F. | whereas some studies suggest that a relevant part of the existing jobs will disappear or greatly diminish in quantity as a result of automatisation; |
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F.

whereas some studies suggest that a relevant part of the existing jobs will disappear or greatly diminish in quantity as a result of automatisation;

| G. | whereas the drive towards a higher-skilled economy means that over the next five years many more businesses expect to increase the number of jobs requiring leadership, management and higher skills; |
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G.

whereas the drive towards a higher-skilled economy means that over the next five years many more businesses expect to increase the number of jobs requiring leadership, management and higher skills;

| H. | whereas the mobility of European workers enhances their employability and improves competitiveness in the EU labour market; |
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H.

whereas the mobility of European workers enhances their employability and improves competitiveness in the EU labour market;

The economic crisis and its aftermath

| 1. | Notes that in the wake of the European economic and financial crisis and the consequent economic slowdown, a number of Member States are struggling with high unemployment levels (EU 28: 9,8 %) as well as public debt, low growth and insufficient investment; notes the cuts in public expenditure; is further concerned that in many Member States youth unemployment rates (EU 28: 20,9 %) are much higher and cases of improvement and lower rates are rare; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Notes that in the wake of the European economic and financial crisis and the consequent economic slowdown, a number of Member States are struggling with high unemployment levels (EU 28: 9,8 %) as well as public debt, low growth and insufficient investment; notes the cuts in public expenditure; is further concerned that in many Member States youth unemployment rates (EU 28: 20,9 %) are much higher and cases of improvement and lower rates are rare;

| 2. | Considers that ambitious economic and social policies and labour market reforms are needed in order to boost smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and create more jobs leading towards quality and sustainable employment; further stresses the need for sustainable social welfare systems which include upgrading the skills of the unemployed, fostering the employability of people lacking or having really low qualifications, as well as for incentives and opportunities to work; |
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2.

Considers that ambitious economic and social policies and labour market reforms are needed in order to boost smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and create more jobs leading towards quality and sustainable employment; further stresses the need for sustainable social welfare systems which include upgrading the skills of the unemployed, fostering the employability of people lacking or having really low qualifications, as well as for incentives and opportunities to work;

Situation on the EU labour market

| 3. | Notes that even if labour supply is sufficient to match labour demand, there might still be qualitative shortages, as those looking for work may not be suitable for any given vacant position as a result of a mismatch between sector, occupation or skills requirements; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Notes that even if labour supply is sufficient to match labour demand, there might still be qualitative shortages, as those looking for work may not be suitable for any given vacant position as a result of a mismatch between sector, occupation or skills requirements;

| 4. | Is concerned that unemployment rates in the EU remain relatively high (March 2015, EU 28: 9,8 %), and have significantly decreased only in a few countries, and draws attention to the considerable differences between Member States, with the lowest unemployment rates being in Germany and Austria (around 5 %) and the highest in Greece and Spain (at 26 % and 23 % respectively (10)); whereas these huge disparities increase the risk of labour market fragmentation both within and between the Member States, which might undermine the EU’s economic stability and social cohesion; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Is concerned that unemployment rates in the EU remain relatively high (March 2015, EU 28: 9,8 %), and have significantly decreased only in a few countries, and draws attention to the considerable differences between Member States, with the lowest unemployment rates being in Germany and Austria (around 5 %) and the highest in Greece and Spain (at 26 % and 23 % respectively (10)); whereas these huge disparities increase the risk of labour market fragmentation both within and between the Member States, which might undermine the EU’s economic stability and social cohesion;

| 5. | Draws attention to the fact that the average employment rate for women in the EU is more than 10 percentage points lower than that of men, and stresses that the achievement of the 75 % employment rate target as outlined in the Europe 2020 strategy is conditional upon increasing the employment rate for women through policies aimed at reconciliation of work and home duties in particular; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Draws attention to the fact that the average employment rate for women in the EU is more than 10 percentage points lower than that of men, and stresses that the achievement of the 75 % employment rate target as outlined in the Europe 2020 strategy is conditional upon increasing the employment rate for women through policies aimed at reconciliation of work and home duties in particular;

| 6. | Notes that youth unemployment varies significantly across the EU, with unemployment rates among young people aged 16 to 25 being higher than 50 % in some Member States; stresses that high levels of youth unemployment, in addition to the fact that they affect an entire generation, jeopardise the balance between generations; |
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6.

Notes that youth unemployment varies significantly across the EU, with unemployment rates among young people aged 16 to 25 being higher than 50 % in some Member States; stresses that high levels of youth unemployment, in addition to the fact that they affect an entire generation, jeopardise the balance between generations;

| 7. | Highlights that there is still a 26 % difference in the rate of employment for people with disabilities compared to the average EU employment rate, with the employment rate for people with disabilities standing lower than 50 %; |
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7.

Highlights that there is still a 26 % difference in the rate of employment for people with disabilities compared to the average EU employment rate, with the employment rate for people with disabilities standing lower than 50 %;

| 8. | Is deeply concerned about the levels of youth unemployment in Europe; underlines in this regard the importance of dual education such as vocational training and apprenticeships in matching the skills of young people with the demands of the labour market; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Is deeply concerned about the levels of youth unemployment in Europe; underlines in this regard the importance of dual education such as vocational training and apprenticeships in matching the skills of young people with the demands of the labour market;

| 9. | Stresses that elements such as a skilled work force, the capacity to innovate, increasing purchasing power and a stable socio-economic and political environment are indispensable in order to harvest a good investment climate; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Stresses that elements such as a skilled work force, the capacity to innovate, increasing purchasing power and a stable socio-economic and political environment are indispensable in order to harvest a good investment climate;

| 10. | Notes the high level of long-term unemployment, warning of the need to combat it immediately, in view of the resilience with which it is associated; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Notes the high level of long-term unemployment, warning of the need to combat it immediately, in view of the resilience with which it is associated;

| 11. | Notes that several important challenges are affecting Europe’s labour market, including globalisation, ageing society, rapid technological changes such as digitisation and robotisation, mismatches between skills and jobs and increasing demand for highly skilled workers, with a surplus supply of low-skilled workers, causing wage polarisation; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Notes that several important challenges are affecting Europe’s labour market, including globalisation, ageing society, rapid technological changes such as digitisation and robotisation, mismatches between skills and jobs and increasing demand for highly skilled workers, with a surplus supply of low-skilled workers, causing wage polarisation;

| 12. | Notes, however, the risks highlighted by CEDEFOP regarding the perpetuation of skills mismatch and skills obsolescence due to low demand driving high unemployment; |
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12.

Notes, however, the risks highlighted by CEDEFOP regarding the perpetuation of skills mismatch and skills obsolescence due to low demand driving high unemployment;

| 13. | Highlights the considerable differences in job openings between Member States, underlines in this regard that job openings are a crucial element of a dynamic labour market which matches skills and jobs and which creates opportunities and possibilities for businesses and employees, and is deeply concerned about the static situation in the labour markets in some Member States; calls therefore for a European benchmark on job openings in the Member States; data for such a benchmark could be collected yearly through the Labour Force Survey and should, as a minimum, measure: the number of job openings in a Member State; the average duration of unemployment; |
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13.

Highlights the considerable differences in job openings between Member States, underlines in this regard that job openings are a crucial element of a dynamic labour market which matches skills and jobs and which creates opportunities and possibilities for businesses and employees, and is deeply concerned about the static situation in the labour markets in some Member States; calls therefore for a European benchmark on job openings in the Member States; data for such a benchmark could be collected yearly through the Labour Force Survey and should, as a minimum, measure: the number of job openings in a Member State; the average duration of unemployment;

| 14. | Points out that Europe has 24 million unemployed people, including 7,5 million NEETs, on the one hand, and on the other two million vacancies, and that European companies are affected by a huge lack of skilled people and labour force with transferable skills; |
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14.

Points out that Europe has 24 million unemployed people, including 7,5 million NEETs, on the one hand, and on the other two million vacancies, and that European companies are affected by a huge lack of skilled people and labour force with transferable skills;

| 15. | Points out that, despite high unemployment rates in some Member States and unfilled job vacancies in others, intra-EU labour mobility remains low (EU 27: 0,29 %), as a result inter alia of existing barriers, and by international comparison, being almost 10 times lower than that of the United States and 5 times lower than in Australia; draws attention to the seven million EU citizens living or working, as of 2013, in a Member State other than their country of citizenship; recalls also that there are currently two million unfilled vacancies in the EU; emphasises, therefore, the need for fair labour mobility in the Union in order to fill this gap; |
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15.

Points out that, despite high unemployment rates in some Member States and unfilled job vacancies in others, intra-EU labour mobility remains low (EU 27: 0,29 %), as a result inter alia of existing barriers, and by international comparison, being almost 10 times lower than that of the United States and 5 times lower than in Australia; draws attention to the seven million EU citizens living or working, as of 2013, in a Member State other than their country of citizenship; recalls also that there are currently two million unfilled vacancies in the EU; emphasises, therefore, the need for fair labour mobility in the Union in order to fill this gap;

| 16. | Notes that the EU labour market can assist in absorbing the large pockets of unemployment existing in various regions of Europe; |
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16.

Notes that the EU labour market can assist in absorbing the large pockets of unemployment existing in various regions of Europe;

| 17. | Believes that the EU labour market shall adapt to the culture, production model and business structure of the various regions of Europe, and that the differences between them shall be taken into account when adopting measures to make the labour market more flexible; |
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17.

Believes that the EU labour market shall adapt to the culture, production model and business structure of the various regions of Europe, and that the differences between them shall be taken into account when adopting measures to make the labour market more flexible;

| 18. | Recalls that in an economic downturn individuals face bigger challenges in finding jobs, and that at times they have to accept jobs with lower educational requirements than those which they hold; stresses that growth through the creation of high-skill jobs and efforts to stimulate job creation through the facilitation of investment in new sectors are therefore relevant means of mitigating the prevalence of over-qualification within EU economies; |
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18.

Recalls that in an economic downturn individuals face bigger challenges in finding jobs, and that at times they have to accept jobs with lower educational requirements than those which they hold; stresses that growth through the creation of high-skill jobs and efforts to stimulate job creation through the facilitation of investment in new sectors are therefore relevant means of mitigating the prevalence of over-qualification within EU economies;

Fostering a competitive EU labour market

| 19. | Believes that in order to achieve a competitive EU labour market, ambitious reforms are needed which increase inclusiveness, smart flexibility, innovation and mobility, strengthen the role of social dialogue, stimulate the creation of more jobs leading towards quality and sustainable employment, boost productivity and contribute to the development of human capital, in the light of constantly changing labour markets and production patterns; |
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19.

Believes that in order to achieve a competitive EU labour market, ambitious reforms are needed which increase inclusiveness, smart flexibility, innovation and mobility, strengthen the role of social dialogue, stimulate the creation of more jobs leading towards quality and sustainable employment, boost productivity and contribute to the development of human capital, in the light of constantly changing labour markets and production patterns;

| 20. | Stresses the need for continued efforts to bring education, training and labour markets together, and reiterates that generating smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, competitiveness and job creation in Europe should be achieved through a holistic approach that reflects labour market needs and supports vulnerable groups by improving working conditions and providing incentives; |
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20.

Stresses the need for continued efforts to bring education, training and labour markets together, and reiterates that generating smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, competitiveness and job creation in Europe should be achieved through a holistic approach that reflects labour market needs and supports vulnerable groups by improving working conditions and providing incentives;

| 21. | Stresses that public employment services have an important role in ensuring that the return to job growth does not come at the expense of lower-quality skills matches; |
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21.

Stresses that public employment services have an important role in ensuring that the return to job growth does not come at the expense of lower-quality skills matches;

| 22. | Recalls the importance of making employment law more comprehensible for workers and employers, of eliminating barriers to employment and of promoting legal security for companies and employees; |
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22.

Recalls the importance of making employment law more comprehensible for workers and employers, of eliminating barriers to employment and of promoting legal security for companies and employees;

| 23. | Stresses that young people often face increasing difficulties in their transition from education to work and, therefore, are usually more vulnerable to unemployment, and are more likely to be in low-quality and precarious jobs; |
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23.

Stresses that young people often face increasing difficulties in their transition from education to work and, therefore, are usually more vulnerable to unemployment, and are more likely to be in low-quality and precarious jobs;

| 24. | Highlights the importance of the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) initiative, which identifies and categorises skills, competences, qualifications and occupations relevant for the EU labour market and education and training, in 25 European languages; |
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24.

Highlights the importance of the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) initiative, which identifies and categorises skills, competences, qualifications and occupations relevant for the EU labour market and education and training, in 25 European languages;

| 25. | Stresses the importance of human development, career flexibility and personal engagement; recalls in this respect that professional mobility is an essential factor and that substantial investment is needed to actively support employability and adaptability and prevent skills depletion among the unemployed; |
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25.

Stresses the importance of human development, career flexibility and personal engagement; recalls in this respect that professional mobility is an essential factor and that substantial investment is needed to actively support employability and adaptability and prevent skills depletion among the unemployed;

| 26. | Underlines the importance of social investments which aim is to create an activating state that provides workers with instruments enabling them to adapt easily to changing social and economic conditions and to the demands of the labour markets; |
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26.

Underlines the importance of social investments which aim is to create an activating state that provides workers with instruments enabling them to adapt easily to changing social and economic conditions and to the demands of the labour markets;

| 27. | Believes that an internationally competitive skills base will enable Member States to capture high-value segments of the global market; |
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27.

Believes that an internationally competitive skills base will enable Member States to capture high-value segments of the global market;

| 28. | Stresses that the circular economy has the potential to create millions of jobs across the EU and to lead to sustainable and inclusive growth; |
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28.

Stresses that the circular economy has the potential to create millions of jobs across the EU and to lead to sustainable and inclusive growth;

| 29. | Recalls the importance of the mobility of workers, geographically and across sectors, as a choice for a competitive labour market, and stresses the need to reduce the administrative and linguistic barriers that are liable to restrict it, and to further develop tools to facilitate mobility such as swift recognition of formal, non-formal or informal qualifications between Member States, the European Qualifications Framework, the European CV and the European Skills Passport, as well as providing sector-specific language courses and training on intercultural communication; encourages the raising of awareness of, and further improvement of, the EU-wide EURES job portal by ensuring, in particular, that a sufficient number of EURES advisors are trained and distributed equally throughout EU territory in order to make EURES an essential tool in the EU job market; stresses the importance of enhanced cooperation among national public employment services and the future inclusion of private employment services and other stakeholders in the EURES network; stresses the importance of EU initiatives aimed at stimulating mobility and creating opportunities, such as ERASMUS+, the European Qualifications Framework, the Europass CV, the European Skills Passport, the European Job Mobility Portal (EURES), the Knowledge Alliances and the European Alliance for Apprenticeships; calls for better promotion of these initiatives with a view to improving the labour market in Europe; |
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29.

Recalls the importance of the mobility of workers, geographically and across sectors, as a choice for a competitive labour market, and stresses the need to reduce the administrative and linguistic barriers that are liable to restrict it, and to further develop tools to facilitate mobility such as swift recognition of formal, non-formal or informal qualifications between Member States, the European Qualifications Framework, the European CV and the European Skills Passport, as well as providing sector-specific language courses and training on intercultural communication; encourages the raising of awareness of, and further improvement of, the EU-wide EURES job portal by ensuring, in particular, that a sufficient number of EURES advisors are trained and distributed equally throughout EU territory in order to make EURES an essential tool in the EU job market; stresses the importance of enhanced cooperation among national public employment services and the future inclusion of private employment services and other stakeholders in the EURES network; stresses the importance of EU initiatives aimed at stimulating mobility and creating opportunities, such as ERASMUS+, the European Qualifications Framework, the Europass CV, the European Skills Passport, the European Job Mobility Portal (EURES), the Knowledge Alliances and the European Alliance for Apprenticeships; calls for better promotion of these initiatives with a view to improving the labour market in Europe;

| 30. | Reiterates that the great economic potential of women needs to be unlocked in Europe, and that it is necessary to create the appropriate conditions for women to progress in their career and pursue higher positions in companies or start their own businesses; stresses that there is a need to close the gap between women’s educational attainment and their participation and position in the labour market; recalls the importance of gender equality, including eradicating the gender pay gap and raising the employment rate for women, as well as reinforcing work-life balance policies, as a part of achieving the Europe 2020 employment targets; |
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30.

Reiterates that the great economic potential of women needs to be unlocked in Europe, and that it is necessary to create the appropriate conditions for women to progress in their career and pursue higher positions in companies or start their own businesses; stresses that there is a need to close the gap between women’s educational attainment and their participation and position in the labour market; recalls the importance of gender equality, including eradicating the gender pay gap and raising the employment rate for women, as well as reinforcing work-life balance policies, as a part of achieving the Europe 2020 employment targets;

| 31. | Welcomes the positive results achieved by the Your First Eures Job (YfEj) pilot job mobility scheme, which can effectively reach young people and develop tailored services for both jobseekers and employers; highlights the positive spillovers between the YfEj scheme and EURES; |
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31.

Welcomes the positive results achieved by the Your First Eures Job (YfEj) pilot job mobility scheme, which can effectively reach young people and develop tailored services for both jobseekers and employers; highlights the positive spillovers between the YfEj scheme and EURES;

| 32. | Against this background, stresses the importance of active labour policies, lifelong learning and improving people’s ability to adapt to technological change; calls on the Member States to increase the scope and efficiency of active labour market policies; |
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32.

Against this background, stresses the importance of active labour policies, lifelong learning and improving people’s ability to adapt to technological change; calls on the Member States to increase the scope and efficiency of active labour market policies;

| 33. | Considers that a coherent and comprehensive strategy towards more effective and mutually beneficial forms of work organisation, by making full use of workers’ knowledge potential and increasing the quality of their jobs, will help labour market resilience; more participative and empowering forms of work organisation could be developed to strengthen employees’ involvement in innovation and support workers’ involvement and skills use development and, as a consequence, companies’ performance; |
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33.

Considers that a coherent and comprehensive strategy towards more effective and mutually beneficial forms of work organisation, by making full use of workers’ knowledge potential and increasing the quality of their jobs, will help labour market resilience; more participative and empowering forms of work organisation could be developed to strengthen employees’ involvement in innovation and support workers’ involvement and skills use development and, as a consequence, companies’ performance;

| 34. | Stresses, that given the predicted rapid labour market changes, it is in the youth of today that education and training investment is necessary; stresses that skills policies should not be aimed at fulfilling labour market needs only, but at equipping the individual with the necessary transversal competences to develop as active and responsible citizens; calls on the Commission and the Member States to respect the fact that education and training are neither merely a labour market instrument nor meant to educate future workers, but constitute first and foremost a fundamental right and have a value in themselves; |
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34.

Stresses, that given the predicted rapid labour market changes, it is in the youth of today that education and training investment is necessary; stresses that skills policies should not be aimed at fulfilling labour market needs only, but at equipping the individual with the necessary transversal competences to develop as active and responsible citizens; calls on the Commission and the Member States to respect the fact that education and training are neither merely a labour market instrument nor meant to educate future workers, but constitute first and foremost a fundamental right and have a value in themselves;

Anticipation of future skills needs

| 35. | Believes that, in order to anticipate future skills needs, labour market stakeholders, including employers’ and employees’ organisations, and education and training providers must be strongly involved at all levels, in particular in designing, implementing and evaluating vocational qualification programmes, which provide an effective transition from formal education to work-based learning; |
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35.

Believes that, in order to anticipate future skills needs, labour market stakeholders, including employers’ and employees’ organisations, and education and training providers must be strongly involved at all levels, in particular in designing, implementing and evaluating vocational qualification programmes, which provide an effective transition from formal education to work-based learning;

| 36. | Calls for a better understanding of present and future skills needs, and for the enhancement of the existing EU Skills Panorama, in order to better identify skills gaps and deficits in specific sectors, occupations and regions, and to ensure that the information about evolving skills needs is gathered, processed and disseminated among decision-makers and public authorities, education and training providers, and employers, so that future trends can be more effectively anticipated; |
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36.

Calls for a better understanding of present and future skills needs, and for the enhancement of the existing EU Skills Panorama, in order to better identify skills gaps and deficits in specific sectors, occupations and regions, and to ensure that the information about evolving skills needs is gathered, processed and disseminated among decision-makers and public authorities, education and training providers, and employers, so that future trends can be more effectively anticipated;

| 37. | Believes that education is crucial for driving research and innovation output, thus furthering the possibilities for job creation in highly skilled sectors and in turn boosting the competitiveness of the European economy; |
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37.

Believes that education is crucial for driving research and innovation output, thus furthering the possibilities for job creation in highly skilled sectors and in turn boosting the competitiveness of the European economy;

| 38. | Stresses the importance of more integrated partnerships and trust between schools, higher education establishments, businesses and other relevant authorities with a view to estimating labour needs for the future, reviewing and implementing new vocational training programmes and fostering cooperation and exchange of good practices between Member States and regional and local authorities, including by monitoring the imbalances on the labour market at regional and local level; recalls that at the same time social responsibility on the part of all stakeholders is needed, as well as their involvement in further developing monitoring and forecasting tools; |
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38.

Stresses the importance of more integrated partnerships and trust between schools, higher education establishments, businesses and other relevant authorities with a view to estimating labour needs for the future, reviewing and implementing new vocational training programmes and fostering cooperation and exchange of good practices between Member States and regional and local authorities, including by monitoring the imbalances on the labour market at regional and local level; recalls that at the same time social responsibility on the part of all stakeholders is needed, as well as their involvement in further developing monitoring and forecasting tools;

| 39. | Believes that Member States have an important role to play in ensuring there is an adequate supply of science and maths teachers in order to equip young people with knowledge and enthusiasm for STEM subjects; |
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39.

Believes that Member States have an important role to play in ensuring there is an adequate supply of science and maths teachers in order to equip young people with knowledge and enthusiasm for STEM subjects;

| 40. | Stresses the importance of addressing the needs of children at school from a very young age; recommends that the Member States adopt innovative measures and incorporate them into learning processes in- and outside of school, and reform or update school environments, teaching methods and teacher competences; suggests that school curricula in Member States be adapted to include class visits to other countries during the school year, taking education beyond the classroom at a very early stage; |
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40.

Stresses the importance of addressing the needs of children at school from a very young age; recommends that the Member States adopt innovative measures and incorporate them into learning processes in- and outside of school, and reform or update school environments, teaching methods and teacher competences; suggests that school curricula in Member States be adapted to include class visits to other countries during the school year, taking education beyond the classroom at a very early stage;

The importance of continuous education and training for all labour market actors

| 41. | Recalls that the right to education is a fundamental right and stresses the need to strive for a more flexible and individual approach to career development and lifelong education and training across one’s personal career path, and recognises the role that both public and private parties can play in providing this, while recognising that guidance and counselling which address individual needs and focus on the evaluation and expansion of individual skills must be a core element of education and skills policies from an early stage; |
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41.

Recalls that the right to education is a fundamental right and stresses the need to strive for a more flexible and individual approach to career development and lifelong education and training across one’s personal career path, and recognises the role that both public and private parties can play in providing this, while recognising that guidance and counselling which address individual needs and focus on the evaluation and expansion of individual skills must be a core element of education and skills policies from an early stage;

| 42. | Recognises the importance of fostering work-based learning apprenticeships as an alternative route to employment; |
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42.

Recognises the importance of fostering work-based learning apprenticeships as an alternative route to employment;

| 43. | Notes that the European policies for Lifelong Guidance have had a considerable impact on national guidance policies and that effective lifelong guidance requires programmes in a cross-cutting perspective at all levels; |
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43.

Notes that the European policies for Lifelong Guidance have had a considerable impact on national guidance policies and that effective lifelong guidance requires programmes in a cross-cutting perspective at all levels;

| 44. | Notes that a variety of pathways must be available to young people, and that the definitions of such pathways (internships, traineeships) vary across Europe; |
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44.

Notes that a variety of pathways must be available to young people, and that the definitions of such pathways (internships, traineeships) vary across Europe;

| 45. | Believes that training and requalification programmes for the unemployed, especially for the long-term unemployed, as well as skills assessment programmes, should be offered to people to enhance their chances on the labour market and should be designed and implemented in close cooperation with employers’ associations and trade unions, organisations representing the unemployed, and private and public employment services, with a view to better aligning workers’ new skills with the future needs of the labour market; stresses that special programmes need to be developed and implemented to help the reintegration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market; |
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45.

Believes that training and requalification programmes for the unemployed, especially for the long-term unemployed, as well as skills assessment programmes, should be offered to people to enhance their chances on the labour market and should be designed and implemented in close cooperation with employers’ associations and trade unions, organisations representing the unemployed, and private and public employment services, with a view to better aligning workers’ new skills with the future needs of the labour market; stresses that special programmes need to be developed and implemented to help the reintegration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market;

| 46. | Highlights the need for the Commission to strengthen the monitoring of the Youth Guarantee National Implementation Plans and their effective deployment on the ground; with a view to this, calls on the Commission to elaborate clear and unambiguous Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to Member States with regard to the implementation of the Youth Guarantee and the quality of employment; |
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46.

Highlights the need for the Commission to strengthen the monitoring of the Youth Guarantee National Implementation Plans and their effective deployment on the ground; with a view to this, calls on the Commission to elaborate clear and unambiguous Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to Member States with regard to the implementation of the Youth Guarantee and the quality of employment;

| 47. | Highlights the European Court of Auditors’ concerns as expressed in its report ‘Young and unemployed in Europe: obstacles ahead for the EU’s Youth Guarantee’, regarding in particular the adequacy of total funding for the scheme, the definition of a ‘good-quality offer’, and the way the Commission monitors and reports on the results; |
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47.

Highlights the European Court of Auditors’ concerns as expressed in its report ‘Young and unemployed in Europe: obstacles ahead for the EU’s Youth Guarantee’, regarding in particular the adequacy of total funding for the scheme, the definition of a ‘good-quality offer’, and the way the Commission monitors and reports on the results;

| 48. | Recalls that it is of utmost importance to give tailor-made guidance and counselling to jobseekers on how to look for a job or on which further education and training to undertake in order to ensure that their skills and competences are transferable, recognised and validated through ‘competences passports’ such as the Europass, reflecting the skills and competences acquired through formal, non-formal and informal learning, and that the guidance given to jobseekers should have the particular aim of optimising their employment opportunities; |
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48.

Recalls that it is of utmost importance to give tailor-made guidance and counselling to jobseekers on how to look for a job or on which further education and training to undertake in order to ensure that their skills and competences are transferable, recognised and validated through ‘competences passports’ such as the Europass, reflecting the skills and competences acquired through formal, non-formal and informal learning, and that the guidance given to jobseekers should have the particular aim of optimising their employment opportunities;

| 49. | Underlines the need to increase the adaptability of the workforce as a way to counter future shortages; calls on the Member States to use the structural funds, especially the European Social Fund, for this purpose; |
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49.

Underlines the need to increase the adaptability of the workforce as a way to counter future shortages; calls on the Member States to use the structural funds, especially the European Social Fund, for this purpose;

| 50. | Stresses that the right to education and training is of special importance to the long-term unemployed; recalls that the long-term unemployed benefit most from approach targeting their specific needs and not from standard measures; stresses that the long-term unemployed need to know about their right to training, that measures targeting them need to respect take-up options and that training needs to be affordable and decent and to address their actual needs; recalls that if these conditions are met, the long-term unemployed will be able to use upskilling as an opportunity to improve their working and living conditions; |
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50.

Stresses that the right to education and training is of special importance to the long-term unemployed; recalls that the long-term unemployed benefit most from approach targeting their specific needs and not from standard measures; stresses that the long-term unemployed need to know about their right to training, that measures targeting them need to respect take-up options and that training needs to be affordable and decent and to address their actual needs; recalls that if these conditions are met, the long-term unemployed will be able to use upskilling as an opportunity to improve their working and living conditions;

| 51. | Stresses the importance of the Youth Guarantee as a tool to assist young people in the school-to-work transition and to acquire the education, skills and experience required to find a good-quality job through an apprenticeship, traineeship or continued education; |
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51.

Stresses the importance of the Youth Guarantee as a tool to assist young people in the school-to-work transition and to acquire the education, skills and experience required to find a good-quality job through an apprenticeship, traineeship or continued education;

| 52. | Emphasises the importance of ensuring equal opportunities, and access to education and training, particularly for disadvantaged groups, and of providing effective support in the fight against social exclusion and in facilitating access to work; |
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52.

Emphasises the importance of ensuring equal opportunities, and access to education and training, particularly for disadvantaged groups, and of providing effective support in the fight against social exclusion and in facilitating access to work;

Strengthening connections between education and employment

| 53. | Stresses the need to strengthen, and better target, measures aimed at reducing the rate of early school leaving (ESL) to below 10 % by 2020, as agreed in the Europe 2020 strategy, taking into account that ESL is a persistent problem in the EU that has a detrimental impact on the employability and social integration of the young people concerned; |
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53.

Stresses the need to strengthen, and better target, measures aimed at reducing the rate of early school leaving (ESL) to below 10 % by 2020, as agreed in the Europe 2020 strategy, taking into account that ESL is a persistent problem in the EU that has a detrimental impact on the employability and social integration of the young people concerned;

| 54. | Believes that dual vocational training through apprenticeships and similar work-based learning systems should be given more consideration and should prioritise quality, without academic bias, as it tends to favour integration into the labour market and a smoother transition from education to work and has proved to be effective in fostering youth employment; |
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54.

Believes that dual vocational training through apprenticeships and similar work-based learning systems should be given more consideration and should prioritise quality, without academic bias, as it tends to favour integration into the labour market and a smoother transition from education to work and has proved to be effective in fostering youth employment;

| 55. | Believes that the vocational training systems that exist today are the result of certain historical and cultural forces and have been shaped by prevailing legal norms, traditions, pedagogical principles and institutional structures; |
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55.

Believes that the vocational training systems that exist today are the result of certain historical and cultural forces and have been shaped by prevailing legal norms, traditions, pedagogical principles and institutional structures;

| 56. | Highlights the highly concerning data on the rate of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), which in the majority of Member States exceeds 10 %; stresses the direct link between high levels of youth unemployment and early school leaving; stresses that without urgent and decisive action at both European and national level a whole generation of young Europeans risks being deprived of sufficient levels of education and training and therefore being excluded from the labour market, with dramatic repercussions for the social fabric, social and territorial cohesion, and the sustainability of the European economic model as a whole; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Highlights the highly concerning data on the rate of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), which in the majority of Member States exceeds 10 %; stresses the direct link between high levels of youth unemployment and early school leaving; stresses that without urgent and decisive action at both European and national level a whole generation of young Europeans risks being deprived of sufficient levels of education and training and therefore being excluded from the labour market, with dramatic repercussions for the social fabric, social and territorial cohesion, and the sustainability of the European economic model as a whole;

| 57. | Underlines that each national vocational training system is a tool for achieving certain objectives which can differ from one country to another, and that each one can therefore be judged only by its success in achieving those objectives; stresses that exporting a vocational training system from one country to another is possible only if conditions in the respective countries are comparable or can be adapted; |
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57.

Underlines that each national vocational training system is a tool for achieving certain objectives which can differ from one country to another, and that each one can therefore be judged only by its success in achieving those objectives; stresses that exporting a vocational training system from one country to another is possible only if conditions in the respective countries are comparable or can be adapted;

| 58. | Reiterates the importance of vocational education and training (VET) for enhancing employability and clearing the pathway to professional qualifications for young people; calls on the Commission and the Member States to reinforce the relevance of VET to labour market needs by making them an integral part of the education system, and to guarantee high qualification standards and quality assurance in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Reiterates the importance of vocational education and training (VET) for enhancing employability and clearing the pathway to professional qualifications for young people; calls on the Commission and the Member States to reinforce the relevance of VET to labour market needs by making them an integral part of the education system, and to guarantee high qualification standards and quality assurance in this regard;

| 59. | Points out that alongside two million unfilled job vacancies in the EU, there are many over-qualified unemployed young people whose skills do not match the demands of the labour market; underlines, therefore, the importance of better synergies between education systems and the labour market, including exposure to the workplace, internships and cooperation with businesses, in order to promote and significantly increase the employment level and to create innovative clusters; stresses the important role businesses can play by engaging with the educational systems in their Member States; emphasises that a comprehensive long-term strategy, paired with immediate measures, is needed to adapt education systems at all levels, including vocational training, to the current and future needs of the labour market; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Points out that alongside two million unfilled job vacancies in the EU, there are many over-qualified unemployed young people whose skills do not match the demands of the labour market; underlines, therefore, the importance of better synergies between education systems and the labour market, including exposure to the workplace, internships and cooperation with businesses, in order to promote and significantly increase the employment level and to create innovative clusters; stresses the important role businesses can play by engaging with the educational systems in their Member States; emphasises that a comprehensive long-term strategy, paired with immediate measures, is needed to adapt education systems at all levels, including vocational training, to the current and future needs of the labour market;

| 60. | Welcomes the Commission’s initiative of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), which aims to bring together public authorities, businesses, social partners, VET providers, youth representatives and other key actors in order to promote apprenticeship schemes and initiatives across Europe; |
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60.

Welcomes the Commission’s initiative of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), which aims to bring together public authorities, businesses, social partners, VET providers, youth representatives and other key actors in order to promote apprenticeship schemes and initiatives across Europe;

| 61. | Highlights the importance of dual education and training programmes, combining theory with practical training, as a key element in developing skills and competencies that respond to labour market needs, and encourages the Member States to integrate such programmes into their curricula in order to provide the practical experience needed to facilitate a smooth transition from education and training to the labour market; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Highlights the importance of dual education and training programmes, combining theory with practical training, as a key element in developing skills and competencies that respond to labour market needs, and encourages the Member States to integrate such programmes into their curricula in order to provide the practical experience needed to facilitate a smooth transition from education and training to the labour market;

| 62. | Stresses the importance of career orientation and work experience through assessment and career advice that focuses on individual skills and needs and is provided by highly qualified employment counsellors and peer counsellors, in order to ensure that young people are equipped with the right information, advice and guidance to make sound career choices; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Stresses the importance of career orientation and work experience through assessment and career advice that focuses on individual skills and needs and is provided by highly qualified employment counsellors and peer counsellors, in order to ensure that young people are equipped with the right information, advice and guidance to make sound career choices;

| 63. | Highlights the important role that education and training institutions play in developing students’ skills and competences; calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop high-quality and targeted career guidance throughout the education cycle to help young people take the right decisions with regard to their education and career choices; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Highlights the important role that education and training institutions play in developing students’ skills and competences; calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop high-quality and targeted career guidance throughout the education cycle to help young people take the right decisions with regard to their education and career choices;

| 64. | Notes that for a successful transition to employment, it is of great importance to take informed decisions, develop a sense of initiative and increase motivation and self-awareness, whilst appropriate support in this regard should also be made available; stresses the importance of quality transitions, including the transitions from education to work, between jobs, and between employment and career breaks; |
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64.

Notes that for a successful transition to employment, it is of great importance to take informed decisions, develop a sense of initiative and increase motivation and self-awareness, whilst appropriate support in this regard should also be made available; stresses the importance of quality transitions, including the transitions from education to work, between jobs, and between employment and career breaks;

| 65. | Recalls that investing in education and in developing skills that respond to the demands of the labour market and society is essential for growth and competitiveness, as well as for European awareness, personal development and self-confidence; points out that entrepreneurship requires the development of transversal skills such as creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and a sense of initiative which contribute to young people’s personal and professional development and facilitate their earlier entry into the job market; stresses that such investment should be supported by stronger synergies between European and national initiatives, involving the various education and training sectors, as well as other relevant sectors, such as employment, social policy, youth policy and culture, along with closer collaboration with all the stakeholders concerned, such as the social partners and businesses, with a view to keeping curricula in tune with labour market needs; |
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65.

Recalls that investing in education and in developing skills that respond to the demands of the labour market and society is essential for growth and competitiveness, as well as for European awareness, personal development and self-confidence; points out that entrepreneurship requires the development of transversal skills such as creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and a sense of initiative which contribute to young people’s personal and professional development and facilitate their earlier entry into the job market; stresses that such investment should be supported by stronger synergies between European and national initiatives, involving the various education and training sectors, as well as other relevant sectors, such as employment, social policy, youth policy and culture, along with closer collaboration with all the stakeholders concerned, such as the social partners and businesses, with a view to keeping curricula in tune with labour market needs;

| 66. | Reiterates the Member States’ commitment to investing in higher education, and calls in the light of this for a gradual improvement in education and training standards across the European education systems; calls on the Member States to recognise education as an essential investment, to commit to investing at least 2 % of their GDP in the sector, and to safeguard it from spending cuts; calls on the Commission to strengthen further the role of education in the Europa 2020 strategy by associating the overall objectives of the Education and Training 2020 (ET 2020) strategic framework with the review of Europe 2020; |
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66.

Reiterates the Member States’ commitment to investing in higher education, and calls in the light of this for a gradual improvement in education and training standards across the European education systems; calls on the Member States to recognise education as an essential investment, to commit to investing at least 2 % of their GDP in the sector, and to safeguard it from spending cuts; calls on the Commission to strengthen further the role of education in the Europa 2020 strategy by associating the overall objectives of the Education and Training 2020 (ET 2020) strategic framework with the review of Europe 2020;

| 67. | Stresses that lifelong investment in human capital and skills, and — in particular — in upskilling the existing workforce and unskilled workers, is essential in order to combat long-term unemployment and provide wider access to quality jobs; calls on the EU to set clear goals on lifelong learning methods for missing skills, and to expand training and education in communication, languages and digital skills for older workers and, in particular, for low-skilled workers over the age of 30 and early school leavers |
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67.

Stresses that lifelong investment in human capital and skills, and — in particular — in upskilling the existing workforce and unskilled workers, is essential in order to combat long-term unemployment and provide wider access to quality jobs; calls on the EU to set clear goals on lifelong learning methods for missing skills, and to expand training and education in communication, languages and digital skills for older workers and, in particular, for low-skilled workers over the age of 30 and early school leavers

| 68. | Stresses the need for adequate financing and take-up, by the Member States, regional and local authorities and individual employers, of quality traineeship and apprenticeship schemes, as well as of school-based learning; recalls that these programmes should comply with minimum standards of social protection; |
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68.

Stresses the need for adequate financing and take-up, by the Member States, regional and local authorities and individual employers, of quality traineeship and apprenticeship schemes, as well as of school-based learning; recalls that these programmes should comply with minimum standards of social protection;

| 69. | Believes that close and systematic partnerships at local, regional and national level between public authorities, and employers’ and employees’ representatives, including public and private employment services, and educational and training institutions, are needed in order to develop long term-strategies for the national labour markets concerned and to find the best ways of tackling the problem of skills mismatches in all its dimensions, and calls on the Member States to promote such cooperation; |
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69.

Believes that close and systematic partnerships at local, regional and national level between public authorities, and employers’ and employees’ representatives, including public and private employment services, and educational and training institutions, are needed in order to develop long term-strategies for the national labour markets concerned and to find the best ways of tackling the problem of skills mismatches in all its dimensions, and calls on the Member States to promote such cooperation;

| 70. | Believes that the Youth Guarantee is a first step towards a rights-based approach to young people’s needs with regard to employment; recalls the obligation of employers to participate in the process of providing young people with accessible vocational training programmes and quality internships; stresses that the qualitative aspect of decent work for young people must not be compromised, and that the core labour and other standards related to the quality of work, such as working time, the minimum wage, social security, and occupational health and safety, must be central considerations in the efforts that are made; |
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70.

Believes that the Youth Guarantee is a first step towards a rights-based approach to young people’s needs with regard to employment; recalls the obligation of employers to participate in the process of providing young people with accessible vocational training programmes and quality internships; stresses that the qualitative aspect of decent work for young people must not be compromised, and that the core labour and other standards related to the quality of work, such as working time, the minimum wage, social security, and occupational health and safety, must be central considerations in the efforts that are made;

Fostering labour mobility

| 71. | Recalls that there are currently two million unfilled vacancies in the EU; emphasises the need for labour mobility in the Union in order to fill this gap, and reiterates the importance of ERASMUS+ and EURES in this respect; |
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71.

Recalls that there are currently two million unfilled vacancies in the EU; emphasises the need for labour mobility in the Union in order to fill this gap, and reiterates the importance of ERASMUS+ and EURES in this respect;

| 72. | Recalls the importance of facilitating the mobility of border workers by providing more information on the existence of EURES cross-border partnerships, which are designed to encourage and remove obstacles to mobility for cross-border workers by supplying them with information and advice on job opportunities and living and working conditions on either side of the border; in that respect, EURES-T is an important tool for better controlling potential sources of new jobs and moving towards a more integrated EU labour market; |
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72.

Recalls the importance of facilitating the mobility of border workers by providing more information on the existence of EURES cross-border partnerships, which are designed to encourage and remove obstacles to mobility for cross-border workers by supplying them with information and advice on job opportunities and living and working conditions on either side of the border; in that respect, EURES-T is an important tool for better controlling potential sources of new jobs and moving towards a more integrated EU labour market;

| 73. | Recalls the mobility of skilled workers from third countries as one of the responses to demographic challenges, labour market shortages and mismatches, as well as to the need to minimise the effects of brain-drain; |
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73.

Recalls the mobility of skilled workers from third countries as one of the responses to demographic challenges, labour market shortages and mismatches, as well as to the need to minimise the effects of brain-drain;

| 74. | Notes that the EU is built on the principle of free movement of workers; calls for the study and use of foreign languages to be encouraged with a view to increasing mobility; points to the importance of making language learning, especially where European languages are concerned, an element of lifelong learning to be encouraged as a means of facilitating worker mobility and widening the range of job prospects; |
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74.

Notes that the EU is built on the principle of free movement of workers; calls for the study and use of foreign languages to be encouraged with a view to increasing mobility; points to the importance of making language learning, especially where European languages are concerned, an element of lifelong learning to be encouraged as a means of facilitating worker mobility and widening the range of job prospects;

Exchange and validation of best practices in the EU

| 75. | Stresses the need to exchange and validate best practices between Member States, and regional and local authorities, as well as to compare and measure their effectiveness, in particular in relation to dual and vocational education and apprenticeship and traineeship systems and curricula, learning outcomes of non-formal and informal learning, and lifelong learning strategies, while acknowledging the specificities of each labour market and education system; points to the Euro Apprenticeship platform as one of the key tools for developing European partnerships and exchanging best practices regarding apprenticeships; |
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75.

Stresses the need to exchange and validate best practices between Member States, and regional and local authorities, as well as to compare and measure their effectiveness, in particular in relation to dual and vocational education and apprenticeship and traineeship systems and curricula, learning outcomes of non-formal and informal learning, and lifelong learning strategies, while acknowledging the specificities of each labour market and education system; points to the Euro Apprenticeship platform as one of the key tools for developing European partnerships and exchanging best practices regarding apprenticeships;

| 76. | Highlights the important role of non-formal and informal learning, volunteering and lifelong learning in developing skills and qualifications, particularly transversal skills such as entrepreneurial skills, ICT, and personal and language competences that are widely applicable; calls on the EU to improve access to adult learning and second-chance education; calls for the validation and recognition of non-formal and informal learning by employers and education providers; |
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76.

Highlights the important role of non-formal and informal learning, volunteering and lifelong learning in developing skills and qualifications, particularly transversal skills such as entrepreneurial skills, ICT, and personal and language competences that are widely applicable; calls on the EU to improve access to adult learning and second-chance education; calls for the validation and recognition of non-formal and informal learning by employers and education providers;

| 77. | Points to the importance of revitalising the Bologna Process by taking the opportunity offered by the May 2015 Yerevan Ministerial Conference to embark on new and more advanced forms of cooperation, to be implemented without delay; |
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77.

Points to the importance of revitalising the Bologna Process by taking the opportunity offered by the May 2015 Yerevan Ministerial Conference to embark on new and more advanced forms of cooperation, to be implemented without delay;

| 78. | Believes that the Commission should ensure that the Erasmus+ programme — with all its different actions, including the sport component of the programme — is properly implemented; considers it important to simplify the access arrangements so that the programme can reach as many individuals and organisations as possible; |
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78.

Believes that the Commission should ensure that the Erasmus+ programme — with all its different actions, including the sport component of the programme — is properly implemented; considers it important to simplify the access arrangements so that the programme can reach as many individuals and organisations as possible;

Nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among citizens: SMEs and micro-enterprises

| 79. | Believes there is a need to improve leadership, financial management and fostering of entrepreneurial education from an early age, and for supportive, extensive and quality preschool systems for disadvantaged families, with a view to realising young people’s potential so that they are equipped to become not only employees, but employers, and enabled to start new businesses and take advantage of new markets; |
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79.

Believes there is a need to improve leadership, financial management and fostering of entrepreneurial education from an early age, and for supportive, extensive and quality preschool systems for disadvantaged families, with a view to realising young people’s potential so that they are equipped to become not only employees, but employers, and enabled to start new businesses and take advantage of new markets;

| 80. | Welcomes schemes such as Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs aimed at helping new entrepreneurs to acquire the relevant skills for managing a business, and believes that such programmes should be further promoted in order to help more young entrepreneurs become established and succeed; believes that special support measures should be introduced for young entrepreneurs to facilitate their access to information, as well as finance and funding, including one-stop-shop services offering information and support and targeting young people in existing entrepreneurial support bodies; |
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80.

Welcomes schemes such as Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs aimed at helping new entrepreneurs to acquire the relevant skills for managing a business, and believes that such programmes should be further promoted in order to help more young entrepreneurs become established and succeed; believes that special support measures should be introduced for young entrepreneurs to facilitate their access to information, as well as finance and funding, including one-stop-shop services offering information and support and targeting young people in existing entrepreneurial support bodies;

| 81. | Believes that non-formal education, particularly as developed in youth organisations, fosters creativity, a sense of initiative and self-responsibility, and can increase young people’s chances on the labour market; |
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81.

Believes that non-formal education, particularly as developed in youth organisations, fosters creativity, a sense of initiative and self-responsibility, and can increase young people’s chances on the labour market;

| 82. | Stresses the need to include elements of entrepreneurial training at all levels of education and training, since instilling the entrepreneurial spirit among the young at an early stage is an effective way of combating unemployment, especially youth unemployment; urges, in this regard, active dialogue and cooperation between the academic and business communities aimed at developing educational programmes that equip young people with the requisite skills and competences; |
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82.

Stresses the need to include elements of entrepreneurial training at all levels of education and training, since instilling the entrepreneurial spirit among the young at an early stage is an effective way of combating unemployment, especially youth unemployment; urges, in this regard, active dialogue and cooperation between the academic and business communities aimed at developing educational programmes that equip young people with the requisite skills and competences;

| 83. | Calls for a forward-looking and output-oriented European Skills Strategy to guide national skills strategies, and to integrate them in the National Jobs Plans while providing a comprehensive framework for the sectorial action plans proposed in the Employment Package; |
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83.

Calls for a forward-looking and output-oriented European Skills Strategy to guide national skills strategies, and to integrate them in the National Jobs Plans while providing a comprehensive framework for the sectorial action plans proposed in the Employment Package;

| 84. | Underlines the need for support and incentive measures for start-ups, SMEs, micro-enterprises and social economy actors in order to facilitate their establishment and operation, as well as the necessity to embed and act upon the principle of better regulation and to facilitate the hiring of a qualified labour force and training of employees; to this end, stresses that the tax burden should be shifted away from labour to other sources of taxation that are less detrimental to employment and growth, while protecting adequate social protection; |
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84.

Underlines the need for support and incentive measures for start-ups, SMEs, micro-enterprises and social economy actors in order to facilitate their establishment and operation, as well as the necessity to embed and act upon the principle of better regulation and to facilitate the hiring of a qualified labour force and training of employees; to this end, stresses that the tax burden should be shifted away from labour to other sources of taxation that are less detrimental to employment and growth, while protecting adequate social protection;

| 85. | Calls on Member States to reduce the tax burden on labour; |
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85.

Calls on Member States to reduce the tax burden on labour;

| 86. | Recalls that almost 99 % of European companies are SMEs, which are an essential driving force behind the creation of a competitive labour market in the EU; this being the case, stresses the importance of basing EU legislation on the ‘Think Small First’ principle in order to remove the bureaucratic obstacles with which SMEs are confronted and to enable them to achieve their full job-creation potential; |
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86.

Recalls that almost 99 % of European companies are SMEs, which are an essential driving force behind the creation of a competitive labour market in the EU; this being the case, stresses the importance of basing EU legislation on the ‘Think Small First’ principle in order to remove the bureaucratic obstacles with which SMEs are confronted and to enable them to achieve their full job-creation potential;

| 87. | Believes that entrepreneurs should invest in training and apprenticeships for employees and that incentives should be introduced and further developed where appropriate for this purpose, as this will enable them to expand and create new job places; believes that the development of employer networks can help SMEs and micro-enterprises to access the training provision and support they need; |
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87.

Believes that entrepreneurs should invest in training and apprenticeships for employees and that incentives should be introduced and further developed where appropriate for this purpose, as this will enable them to expand and create new job places; believes that the development of employer networks can help SMEs and micro-enterprises to access the training provision and support they need;

Innovation and digitalisation: new skills and jobs

| 88. | Stresses the importance of innovation and digitisation for growth, productivity and a fairer, more sustainable and inclusive society, and, in this connection, the need to provide knowledge, creativity and skills, as well as motivation and determination on the part of employees and prospective employees and employers, with a view to creating innovative, creative and digital products and services; stresses the need to close the ‘digital divide’ and digital skills as part of lifelong learning and to integrate new media and new technologies into curricula; stresses, further, the need to develop innovative ways of learning and to extend the availability of online and distance learning through open educational resources (OER) that facilitate equal access to education and training for everyone; |
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88.

Stresses the importance of innovation and digitisation for growth, productivity and a fairer, more sustainable and inclusive society, and, in this connection, the need to provide knowledge, creativity and skills, as well as motivation and determination on the part of employees and prospective employees and employers, with a view to creating innovative, creative and digital products and services; stresses the need to close the ‘digital divide’ and digital skills as part of lifelong learning and to integrate new media and new technologies into curricula; stresses, further, the need to develop innovative ways of learning and to extend the availability of online and distance learning through open educational resources (OER) that facilitate equal access to education and training for everyone;

| 89. | Stresses the need to identify a broad range of emerging industries and key growth sectors in which Member States should focus on developing their skills base; |
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89.

Stresses the need to identify a broad range of emerging industries and key growth sectors in which Member States should focus on developing their skills base;

| 90. | Highlights the job creation potential offered by completing the digital single market, building the energy union, creating jobs through investing in research and development and innovation, promoting social entrepreneurship and the social economy, upskilling workers in the health and social care sector, and fostering improved transport networks; |
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90.

Highlights the job creation potential offered by completing the digital single market, building the energy union, creating jobs through investing in research and development and innovation, promoting social entrepreneurship and the social economy, upskilling workers in the health and social care sector, and fostering improved transport networks;

| 91. | Highlights the recent trend of companies returning production and services to the EU and the opportunities this brings for job creation, particularly for young people; believes that the economies of the EU have a unique opportunity to accelerate this trend of reshoring jobs by ensuring that the skills of our workforce match the needs of businesses; |
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91.

Highlights the recent trend of companies returning production and services to the EU and the opportunities this brings for job creation, particularly for young people; believes that the economies of the EU have a unique opportunity to accelerate this trend of reshoring jobs by ensuring that the skills of our workforce match the needs of businesses;

| 92. | Underlines the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) studies and highlights the role they have in enabling Europe to play an important part on the global stage with regard to advancing technology developments; |
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92.

Underlines the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) studies and highlights the role they have in enabling Europe to play an important part on the global stage with regard to advancing technology developments;

| 93. | Supports the Commission's initiative in cooperation with the Trio Presidency to promote an entrepreneurial mindset in Europe and develop transferable skills for life; |
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93.

Supports the Commission's initiative in cooperation with the Trio Presidency to promote an entrepreneurial mindset in Europe and develop transferable skills for life;

| 94. | Highlights the fact that the EU faces a shortage of skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while it has an over-supply of social science graduates; is of the opinion that supplementary initiatives at European and national level are necessary to respond to the bottlenecks in STEM-related jobs and studies; recommends that the Commission and the Member States take measures to enhance the attractiveness and value of STEM subjects and to encourage young people, including women, to take up STEM studies; |
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94.

Highlights the fact that the EU faces a shortage of skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while it has an over-supply of social science graduates; is of the opinion that supplementary initiatives at European and national level are necessary to respond to the bottlenecks in STEM-related jobs and studies; recommends that the Commission and the Member States take measures to enhance the attractiveness and value of STEM subjects and to encourage young people, including women, to take up STEM studies;

| 95. | Points out that even in the 21st century there is still a place for traditional know-how that creates stable jobs that cannot be outsourced and underpins a number of fields in which Europe excels; calls for support that allows these traditional skills to be preserved and passed on to future generations through training, combining them, whenever possible, with new kinds of know-how, including digital skills, in order to maximise their potential; |
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95.

Points out that even in the 21st century there is still a place for traditional know-how that creates stable jobs that cannot be outsourced and underpins a number of fields in which Europe excels; calls for support that allows these traditional skills to be preserved and passed on to future generations through training, combining them, whenever possible, with new kinds of know-how, including digital skills, in order to maximise their potential;

Measures regarding younger and older workers and workers with disabilities

| 96. | Stresses the need for, and importance of, special measures and support for employers, in particular SMEs, to help them enhance quality and sustainable employment, ensure work-based training and offer career-development opportunities for groups that are disadvantaged on the labour market, such as young people, elderly workers, women, migrants, disabled people and the long-term unemployed; recognises and supports the role of both public and private employment services in promoting competitive labour markets; recalls the importance of social and economic responsibility on the part of employers and educational institutions vis-à-vis all employees and society; believes that such social responsibility should also be required of institutions responsible for education and training; |
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96.

Stresses the need for, and importance of, special measures and support for employers, in particular SMEs, to help them enhance quality and sustainable employment, ensure work-based training and offer career-development opportunities for groups that are disadvantaged on the labour market, such as young people, elderly workers, women, migrants, disabled people and the long-term unemployed; recognises and supports the role of both public and private employment services in promoting competitive labour markets; recalls the importance of social and economic responsibility on the part of employers and educational institutions vis-à-vis all employees and society; believes that such social responsibility should also be required of institutions responsible for education and training;

| 97. | Recognises the challenges young people face when entering the labour market, recalls the importance of their obtaining their first work experience during their studies so as to gain employability skills and make the transition from school to work more efficiently and effectively; points to the potential underlying youth entrepreneurship, and therefore appeals to the responsibility of employers and Member States to provide young people with the chance to gain such experience and to support young people in getting the right skills; emphasises, further, the importance of cooperation between schools and employers in this respect, and calls on the EU institutions and Member States to become more business-friendly and to support young people in transforming their ideas into successful business plans; |
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97.

Recognises the challenges young people face when entering the labour market, recalls the importance of their obtaining their first work experience during their studies so as to gain employability skills and make the transition from school to work more efficiently and effectively; points to the potential underlying youth entrepreneurship, and therefore appeals to the responsibility of employers and Member States to provide young people with the chance to gain such experience and to support young people in getting the right skills; emphasises, further, the importance of cooperation between schools and employers in this respect, and calls on the EU institutions and Member States to become more business-friendly and to support young people in transforming their ideas into successful business plans;

Policy proposals and Recommendations

| 98. | Calls on the Commission, the Member States, and regional and local authorities to invest in innovative and promising new economic sectors in order to encourage investment in the EU with a view to boosting growth and new, quality, sustainable employment, leading towards a fairer, sustainable and inclusive society; further emphasises the importance of the Member States’ implementing economic and financial measures and carrying out labour market reforms that are based on clear, data-based and measurable indicators whose effectiveness can be proved; |
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98.

Calls on the Commission, the Member States, and regional and local authorities to invest in innovative and promising new economic sectors in order to encourage investment in the EU with a view to boosting growth and new, quality, sustainable employment, leading towards a fairer, sustainable and inclusive society; further emphasises the importance of the Member States’ implementing economic and financial measures and carrying out labour market reforms that are based on clear, data-based and measurable indicators whose effectiveness can be proved;

| 99. | Calls on the Member States to ensure that, in addition to promoting the creation of quality jobs, the labour market reforms are designed to reduce segmentation, bring vulnerable groups into the labour market, promote gender equality, reduce in-work poverty and provide adequate social protection for all workers, including the self-employed; |
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99.

Calls on the Member States to ensure that, in addition to promoting the creation of quality jobs, the labour market reforms are designed to reduce segmentation, bring vulnerable groups into the labour market, promote gender equality, reduce in-work poverty and provide adequate social protection for all workers, including the self-employed;

| 100. | Calls on the Member States to invest in early childhood education, and in early teaching of foreign languages and of information and communication technologies in primary schools; |
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100.

Calls on the Member States to invest in early childhood education, and in early teaching of foreign languages and of information and communication technologies in primary schools;

| 101. | Calls on the Member States to take full account of the importance of automatisation as a trend that may erode the quantitative importance of many jobs, and to direct their training programmes for the unemployed into learning skills that are useful in non-routine jobs; |
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101.

Calls on the Member States to take full account of the importance of automatisation as a trend that may erode the quantitative importance of many jobs, and to direct their training programmes for the unemployed into learning skills that are useful in non-routine jobs;

| 102. | Calls on the Member States and regional and local authorities to learn about best practices and to take the step from these to policy actions that increase employment rates and reduce poverty and inequality, and undertake more ambitious reforms which draw on those practices; calls further on the Member States to compare and measure the effectiveness of such practices, to ensure the right balance between adaptability and security for workers and businesses, and to take into consideration the specificities of labour markets and education systems in the Member States; |
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102.

Calls on the Member States and regional and local authorities to learn about best practices and to take the step from these to policy actions that increase employment rates and reduce poverty and inequality, and undertake more ambitious reforms which draw on those practices; calls further on the Member States to compare and measure the effectiveness of such practices, to ensure the right balance between adaptability and security for workers and businesses, and to take into consideration the specificities of labour markets and education systems in the Member States;

| 103. | Calls on cities and regions to focus on quality education and training, fighting early school leaving and combating youth unemployment, because young people urgently need new prospects and the utmost should be done to support them; |
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103.

Calls on cities and regions to focus on quality education and training, fighting early school leaving and combating youth unemployment, because young people urgently need new prospects and the utmost should be done to support them;

| 104. | Calls on Member States to develop collective approaches such as employers networks in order to help break through the barriers that prevent employers from pursuing more ambitious plans for workforce development; |
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104.

Calls on Member States to develop collective approaches such as employers networks in order to help break through the barriers that prevent employers from pursuing more ambitious plans for workforce development;

| 105. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to foster and support social enterprises that take into account their responsibility towards the environment, consumers and employees; |
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105.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to foster and support social enterprises that take into account their responsibility towards the environment, consumers and employees;

| 106. | Calls on the Member States to introduce a minimum wage with a view to addressing pay inequalities using a base level for each Member State to ensure a decent income via legal means or by way of an agreement, in line with national practice; |
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106.

Calls on the Member States to introduce a minimum wage with a view to addressing pay inequalities using a base level for each Member State to ensure a decent income via legal means or by way of an agreement, in line with national practice;

| 107. | Calls on the Member States to include leadership, management, entrepreneurial and financial education, business start-up advice and communication technologies in their education programmes, including lifelong learning strategies, and to prioritise the further development of vocational training and education (VET) programmes, including enhancing European craftsmanship, while taking into consideration the differences between Member States as regards labour market and education systems, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach; |
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107.

Calls on the Member States to include leadership, management, entrepreneurial and financial education, business start-up advice and communication technologies in their education programmes, including lifelong learning strategies, and to prioritise the further development of vocational training and education (VET) programmes, including enhancing European craftsmanship, while taking into consideration the differences between Member States as regards labour market and education systems, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach;

| 108. | Petitions the Commission to develop a European platform for recognition and validation of skills common to specific activities and professions, which incorporates the recognition of skills acquired through volunteer work; |
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108.

Petitions the Commission to develop a European platform for recognition and validation of skills common to specific activities and professions, which incorporates the recognition of skills acquired through volunteer work;

| 109. | Calls on the Member States to implement the 2012 Council Recommendation on the validation of non-formal and informal learning as a way to recognise competences acquired through non-formal education, particularly in the volunteer and youth sector, and to support the implementation of lifelong learning policies; |
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109.

Calls on the Member States to implement the 2012 Council Recommendation on the validation of non-formal and informal learning as a way to recognise competences acquired through non-formal education, particularly in the volunteer and youth sector, and to support the implementation of lifelong learning policies;

| 110. | Calls on the Member States to support the close and systematic involvement of labour market stakeholders, including employers’ and employees’ organisations, training institutions, and public and private employment services at local, regional and national level, including by facilitating communication and information sharing between them, in order to foster closer links between education and training and the workplace, to better match supply and demand and to anticipate and plan for future skills needs and qualifications in the labour market; |
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110.

Calls on the Member States to support the close and systematic involvement of labour market stakeholders, including employers’ and employees’ organisations, training institutions, and public and private employment services at local, regional and national level, including by facilitating communication and information sharing between them, in order to foster closer links between education and training and the workplace, to better match supply and demand and to anticipate and plan for future skills needs and qualifications in the labour market;

| 111. | Calls on the Commission, the Member States and regional and local authorities to provide financial and economic incentives that support participation in continuous education and training in order to guarantee a skilled future workforce; recommends that such incentives be based on measurable and data-based indicators whose effectiveness can be proved; |
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111.

Calls on the Commission, the Member States and regional and local authorities to provide financial and economic incentives that support participation in continuous education and training in order to guarantee a skilled future workforce; recommends that such incentives be based on measurable and data-based indicators whose effectiveness can be proved;

| 112. | Calls on the Member States to provide appropriate training and ensure the ongoing professional development of teachers and education leaders in order to help them use the most appropriate teaching methods and enable the development of 21st-century skills and competencies among Europe’s young people; stresses, further, the importance of providing teachers with experience-based know-how that combines practice with theory, especially with regard to new technologies and digitisation, so that they can convey this knowledge to students; |
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112.

Calls on the Member States to provide appropriate training and ensure the ongoing professional development of teachers and education leaders in order to help them use the most appropriate teaching methods and enable the development of 21st-century skills and competencies among Europe’s young people; stresses, further, the importance of providing teachers with experience-based know-how that combines practice with theory, especially with regard to new technologies and digitisation, so that they can convey this knowledge to students;

| 113. | Calls on the Member States and the EU to take swift concrete steps to implement policies and current legislation on mutual recognition of qualifications and academic titles across the EU, as a means of fostering fair intra-EU labour mobility and addressing the problem of unfilled vacancies; |
| --- | --- |

113.

Calls on the Member States and the EU to take swift concrete steps to implement policies and current legislation on mutual recognition of qualifications and academic titles across the EU, as a means of fostering fair intra-EU labour mobility and addressing the problem of unfilled vacancies;

| 114. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to provide forecasts regarding changing labour markets, particularly in relation to challenges arising from globalisation, as well as forecasts on jobs and skills per Member State and broadly across the sectors; |
| --- | --- |

114.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to provide forecasts regarding changing labour markets, particularly in relation to challenges arising from globalisation, as well as forecasts on jobs and skills per Member State and broadly across the sectors;

o

o o

| 115. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

115.

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

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(1)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0038.

(2)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0394.

(3)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0110.

(4)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0010.

(5)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0037.

(6)  OJ C 398, 22.12.2012, p. 1.

(7)  OJ L 394, 30.12.2006, p. 10.

(8)  According to the Commission’s Employment and Social Situation: Quarterly Review of March 2015.

(9)  European Commission (2013), Employment and Social Developments in Europe.

(10)  According to the Commission’s Employment and Social Situation: Quarterly Review of 13 April 2015.

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| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/246 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/246

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P8_TA(2015)0322

30th and 31st annual reports on monitoring the application of EU law (2012-2013)

European Parliament resolution of 10 September 2015 on the 30th and 31st annual reports on monitoring the application of EU Law (2012-2013) (2014/2253(INI))

(2017/C 316/28)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the 30th annual report on monitoring the application of EU law (2012) (COM(2013)0726), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 30th annual report on monitoring the application of EU law (2012) (COM(2013)0726),

| — | having regard to the 31st annual report on monitoring the application of EU law (2013) (COM(2014)0612), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 31st annual report on monitoring the application of EU law (2013) (COM(2014)0612),

| — | having regard to the report by the Commission entitled ‘EU Pilot Evaluation Report’ (COM(2010)0070), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report by the Commission entitled ‘EU Pilot Evaluation Report’ (COM(2010)0070),

| — | having regard to the report by the Commission entitled ‘Second Evaluation Report on EU Pilot’ (COM(2011)0930), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report by the Commission entitled ‘Second Evaluation Report on EU Pilot’ (COM(2011)0930),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 20 March 2002 on relations with the complainant in respect of infringements of Community law (COM(2002)0141), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 20 March 2002 on relations with the complainant in respect of infringements of Community law (COM(2002)0141),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 2 April 2012 entitled ‘Updating the handling of relations with the complainant in respect of the application of Union law’ (COM(2012)0154), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 2 April 2012 entitled ‘Updating the handling of relations with the complainant in respect of the application of Union law’ (COM(2012)0154),

| — | having regard to the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 4 February 2014 on the 29th annual report on monitoring the application of European Union law (2011) (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 4 February 2014 on the 29th annual report on monitoring the application of European Union law (2011) (2),

| — | having regard to the study: ‘The impact of the crisis on fundamental rights across Member States of the EU — Comparative analysis’ (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the study: ‘The impact of the crisis on fundamental rights across Member States of the EU — Comparative analysis’ (3),

| — | having regard to the Better Regulation package adopted by the Commission on 19 May 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Better Regulation package adopted by the Commission on 19 May 2015,

| — | having regard to Rules 52 and 132(2) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 52 and 132(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and the Committee on Petitions (A8-0242/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and the Committee on Petitions (A8-0242/2015),

| A. | whereas Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) defines the fundamental role of the Commission as ‘guardian of the Treaties’; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) defines the fundamental role of the Commission as ‘guardian of the Treaties’;

| B. | whereas, according to Article 6(1) TEU, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) has the same legal value as the Treaties, and is addressed to the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union and the Member States when they are implementing Union law (Article 51(1) CFREU); |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, according to Article 6(1) TEU, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) has the same legal value as the Treaties, and is addressed to the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union and the Member States when they are implementing Union law (Article 51(1) CFREU);

| C. | whereas, according to Article 258 (1) and (2) TFEU, the Commission shall deliver a reasoned opinion to a Member State when it considers that the latter has failed to fulfil an obligation under the Treaties, and may bring the matter before the Court of Justice if the Member State in question does not comply with the opinion within a deadline set by the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas, according to Article 258 (1) and (2) TFEU, the Commission shall deliver a reasoned opinion to a Member State when it considers that the latter has failed to fulfil an obligation under the Treaties, and may bring the matter before the Court of Justice if the Member State in question does not comply with the opinion within a deadline set by the Commission;

| D. | whereas the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission provides for sharing of information concerning all infringement procedures based on letters of formal notice, but does not cover the informal EU Pilot procedure which precedes the opening of formal infringement proceedings; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission provides for sharing of information concerning all infringement procedures based on letters of formal notice, but does not cover the informal EU Pilot procedure which precedes the opening of formal infringement proceedings;

| E. | whereas Article 41 CFREU defines the right to good administration as the right of every person to have his or her affairs handled impartially, fairly and within a reasonable time by the institutions, and Article 298 TFEU stipulates that, in carrying out their missions, the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union shall have the support of an open, efficient and independent European administration; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas Article 41 CFREU defines the right to good administration as the right of every person to have his or her affairs handled impartially, fairly and within a reasonable time by the institutions, and Article 298 TFEU stipulates that, in carrying out their missions, the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union shall have the support of an open, efficient and independent European administration;

| F. | whereas Article 51 CFREU limits Member States’ obligation of compliance with the Charter to situations where they are implementing EU law, but does not provide for such a limitation of the obligations stemming from the Charter for EU institutions, bodies, offices or agencies; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas Article 51 CFREU limits Member States’ obligation of compliance with the Charter to situations where they are implementing EU law, but does not provide for such a limitation of the obligations stemming from the Charter for EU institutions, bodies, offices or agencies;

| G. | whereas, in the context of the recent financial crisis, Member States have had to take measures jeopardising primary EU law, most notably provisions on protection of social and economic rights; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas, in the context of the recent financial crisis, Member States have had to take measures jeopardising primary EU law, most notably provisions on protection of social and economic rights;

| 1. | Notes that, in line with the Joint Political Declaration of 27 October 2011 of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on explanatory documents, the Commission has reported to the two co-legislators on the implementation of the declaration; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Notes that, in line with the Joint Political Declaration of 27 October 2011 of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on explanatory documents, the Commission has reported to the two co-legislators on the implementation of the declaration;

| 2. | Welcomes the Commission’s 30th and 31st annual reports on the application of EU law, and notes that according to these reports the four fields in which Member States were mostly subject to transposition infringement proceedings in 2012 were transport, protection of health and consumers, protection of the environment, and issues related to the internal market and services, whereas in 2013 the most problematic areas were the environment, protection of health and consumers, the internal market and services, and transport; recalls, however, that this ex post evaluation does not replace the Commission's duty to monitor in an effective and timely fashion the application and implementation of EU law, and notes that Parliament could assist in reviewing the implementation of legislation through its scrutiny of the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Welcomes the Commission’s 30th and 31st annual reports on the application of EU law, and notes that according to these reports the four fields in which Member States were mostly subject to transposition infringement proceedings in 2012 were transport, protection of health and consumers, protection of the environment, and issues related to the internal market and services, whereas in 2013 the most problematic areas were the environment, protection of health and consumers, the internal market and services, and transport; recalls, however, that this ex post evaluation does not replace the Commission's duty to monitor in an effective and timely fashion the application and implementation of EU law, and notes that Parliament could assist in reviewing the implementation of legislation through its scrutiny of the Commission;

| 3. | Points out that in a European Union founded on the rule of law and on the certainty and predictability of laws, EU citizens must, as of right, be the first to be made aware, in a clear, accessible, transparent and timely manner (via the internet and by other means), whether and which national laws have been adopted in transposition of EU laws, and which national authorities are responsible for ensuring they are correctly implemented; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Points out that in a European Union founded on the rule of law and on the certainty and predictability of laws, EU citizens must, as of right, be the first to be made aware, in a clear, accessible, transparent and timely manner (via the internet and by other means), whether and which national laws have been adopted in transposition of EU laws, and which national authorities are responsible for ensuring they are correctly implemented;

| 4. | Notes that citizens and businesses expect a simple, predictable and reliable regulatory framework; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Notes that citizens and businesses expect a simple, predictable and reliable regulatory framework;

| 5. | Urges the Commission, when drafting and assessing legislation, to take greater account of the burden it may impose on SMEs; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Urges the Commission, when drafting and assessing legislation, to take greater account of the burden it may impose on SMEs;

| 6. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to coordinate their efforts at an earlier stage of the legislative process with a view to ensuring that the end result can be implemented more effectively; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to coordinate their efforts at an earlier stage of the legislative process with a view to ensuring that the end result can be implemented more effectively;

| 7. | Notes that late transposition, incorrect transposition and bad application of EU law can result in differentiation between Member States and distort the level playing field across the EU; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Notes that late transposition, incorrect transposition and bad application of EU law can result in differentiation between Member States and distort the level playing field across the EU;

| 8. | Calls on the Commission to treat all Member States equally, regardless of their size or when they joined the EU; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the Commission to treat all Member States equally, regardless of their size or when they joined the EU;

| 9. | Notes that the implementation and transposition of EU law remain uneven across Member States; notes that citizens who wish to live, work or do business in another Member State face the daily reality of ongoing difficulties arising from the uneven implementation of EU law in the legal systems of the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Notes that the implementation and transposition of EU law remain uneven across Member States; notes that citizens who wish to live, work or do business in another Member State face the daily reality of ongoing difficulties arising from the uneven implementation of EU law in the legal systems of the Member States;

| 10. | Recalls that the Commission is, according to Article 17 TEU, responsible for ensuring the application of Union law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (Article 6(1) TEU), whose provisions are addressed to the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union and to the Member States when they are implementing Union law (Article 51(1) CFREU); recalls that the Commission has the power to bring infringement proceedings under Articles 258 to 260 TFEU in order to ensure respect for EU law; calls on the Commission, however, to facilitate Parliament’s exercise of its role as co-legislator by providing it with adequate information and remaining accountable to it; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Recalls that the Commission is, according to Article 17 TEU, responsible for ensuring the application of Union law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (Article 6(1) TEU), whose provisions are addressed to the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union and to the Member States when they are implementing Union law (Article 51(1) CFREU); recalls that the Commission has the power to bring infringement proceedings under Articles 258 to 260 TFEU in order to ensure respect for EU law; calls on the Commission, however, to facilitate Parliament’s exercise of its role as co-legislator by providing it with adequate information and remaining accountable to it;

| 11. | Notes that a total of 731 infringement cases were closed because the Member State in question had demonstrated its compliance with EU law; points out that the Court of Justice delivered 52 judgments under Article 258 TFEU in 2013, of which 31 (59,6 %) were handed down against Member States; recalls, to put these statistics into perspective, that to date 3 274 (87,3 %) infringement judgments delivered by the Court have been in the Commission’s favour; asks the Commission to pay special attention to the actual enforcement of all these judgments; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Notes that a total of 731 infringement cases were closed because the Member State in question had demonstrated its compliance with EU law; points out that the Court of Justice delivered 52 judgments under Article 258 TFEU in 2013, of which 31 (59,6 %) were handed down against Member States; recalls, to put these statistics into perspective, that to date 3 274 (87,3 %) infringement judgments delivered by the Court have been in the Commission’s favour; asks the Commission to pay special attention to the actual enforcement of all these judgments;

| 12. | Welcomes the Commission’s increasing use of implementation plans for new pieces of EU legislation addressed to the Member States, since this increases the probability of timely and correct implementation, pre-empts transposition and application problems, and, in turn, has an impact on the number of relevant petitions submitted; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Welcomes the Commission’s increasing use of implementation plans for new pieces of EU legislation addressed to the Member States, since this increases the probability of timely and correct implementation, pre-empts transposition and application problems, and, in turn, has an impact on the number of relevant petitions submitted;

| 13. | Reiterates the need for the Commission to focus on effective problem-solving, effective management and preventive measures, but suggests that it should also think of new ways, other than formal infringement procedures, of improving the transposition and enforcement of EU law; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Reiterates the need for the Commission to focus on effective problem-solving, effective management and preventive measures, but suggests that it should also think of new ways, other than formal infringement procedures, of improving the transposition and enforcement of EU law;

| 14. | Maintains that EU legislation must be transposed properly and promptly into the legal order of each Member State; urges Member State authorities to avoid the practice of ‘gold-plating’, as this often gives rise to marked divergences in the implementation process at Member State level, which, in turn, weakens respect for Union law as citizens become aware of significant variations across the EU; points to the need further to intensify cooperation between Members of the European Parliament and the European affairs committees of national and regional parliaments; warmly welcomes the innovation in the Lisbon Treaty under which the Court of Justice, on a request from the Commission, may impose penalties on Member States for late transposition without needing to wait for a second ruling; urges the EU institutions (Council, Commission, ECB) to respect primary EU law (the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights) when establishing rules of secondary law or adopting policies on economic and social matters which affect human rights and the common good; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Maintains that EU legislation must be transposed properly and promptly into the legal order of each Member State; urges Member State authorities to avoid the practice of ‘gold-plating’, as this often gives rise to marked divergences in the implementation process at Member State level, which, in turn, weakens respect for Union law as citizens become aware of significant variations across the EU; points to the need further to intensify cooperation between Members of the European Parliament and the European affairs committees of national and regional parliaments; warmly welcomes the innovation in the Lisbon Treaty under which the Court of Justice, on a request from the Commission, may impose penalties on Member States for late transposition without needing to wait for a second ruling; urges the EU institutions (Council, Commission, ECB) to respect primary EU law (the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights) when establishing rules of secondary law or adopting policies on economic and social matters which affect human rights and the common good;

| 15. | Notes the Commission’s use of the term ‘gold-plating’, which refers to obligations that go beyond EU requirements, that is, an excess of norms, guidelines and procedures accumulated at national, regional and local levels interfering with the expected policy goals; calls on the Commission to clearly define the term; stresses that such a definition must make it clear that Member States have the right to set stricter standards where necessary, while taking into account the fact that better harmonisation in the implementation of EU environmental law is important for the functioning of the internal market; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Notes the Commission’s use of the term ‘gold-plating’, which refers to obligations that go beyond EU requirements, that is, an excess of norms, guidelines and procedures accumulated at national, regional and local levels interfering with the expected policy goals; calls on the Commission to clearly define the term; stresses that such a definition must make it clear that Member States have the right to set stricter standards where necessary, while taking into account the fact that better harmonisation in the implementation of EU environmental law is important for the functioning of the internal market;

| 16. | Notes that the decrease in late transposition infringements in 2012 compared to the previous year was mainly due to the fact that there were fewer directives to transpose in 2012 compared with previous years; recognises, however, that the statistics for 2013 show a real decrease in late transposition infringements, with the number of such infringements reaching a 5-year low at the end of that year, which could be seen as a positive outcome of the introduction in Article 260(3) TFEU of the ‘fast-track’ procedure for penalties in cases of non-transposition; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Notes that the decrease in late transposition infringements in 2012 compared to the previous year was mainly due to the fact that there were fewer directives to transpose in 2012 compared with previous years; recognises, however, that the statistics for 2013 show a real decrease in late transposition infringements, with the number of such infringements reaching a 5-year low at the end of that year, which could be seen as a positive outcome of the introduction in Article 260(3) TFEU of the ‘fast-track’ procedure for penalties in cases of non-transposition;

| 17. | Notes that the decrease in late transposition infringements in 2013, 2012 and over the last five years can be explained by the use of EU Pilot and other mechanisms (including SOLVIT 2), and by the introduction in Article 260(3) TFEU of the ‘fast-track’ procedure for penalties in cases of non-transposition; stresses that the timely transposition of directives should remain a top priority within the Commission and that transposition deadlines have to be enforced; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Notes that the decrease in late transposition infringements in 2013, 2012 and over the last five years can be explained by the use of EU Pilot and other mechanisms (including SOLVIT 2), and by the introduction in Article 260(3) TFEU of the ‘fast-track’ procedure for penalties in cases of non-transposition; stresses that the timely transposition of directives should remain a top priority within the Commission and that transposition deadlines have to be enforced;

| 18. | Points out that the increase in the number of new EU Pilot files, in particular relating to the environment, taxation, justice and customs, during the period under examination, as well as the decrease in the number of open infringement cases, point to a positive tendency in Member States as regards the implementation of EU law, demonstrating that EU Pilot has proved to be effective in achieving early resolution of potential infringements; considers, nevertheless, that more efforts should be made in the field of enforcement of EU law in order to strengthen its transparency and its oversight by complainants and interested parties, and regrets that, despite its repeated requests, Parliament still has inadequate access to information about the EU Pilot procedure and pending cases; notes the need to reinforce the legal status and strengthen the legitimacy of EU Pilot, and considers that this can be achieved through more transparency and greater participation by complainants and by the European Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Points out that the increase in the number of new EU Pilot files, in particular relating to the environment, taxation, justice and customs, during the period under examination, as well as the decrease in the number of open infringement cases, point to a positive tendency in Member States as regards the implementation of EU law, demonstrating that EU Pilot has proved to be effective in achieving early resolution of potential infringements; considers, nevertheless, that more efforts should be made in the field of enforcement of EU law in order to strengthen its transparency and its oversight by complainants and interested parties, and regrets that, despite its repeated requests, Parliament still has inadequate access to information about the EU Pilot procedure and pending cases; notes the need to reinforce the legal status and strengthen the legitimacy of EU Pilot, and considers that this can be achieved through more transparency and greater participation by complainants and by the European Parliament;

| 19. | Calls, therefore, once again on the Commission to propose binding rules in the form of a regulation under the new legal basis of Article 298 TFEU, so as to ensure full respect for the citizens' right to good administration as set out in Article 41 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls, therefore, once again on the Commission to propose binding rules in the form of a regulation under the new legal basis of Article 298 TFEU, so as to ensure full respect for the citizens' right to good administration as set out in Article 41 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights;

| 20. | Recognises that the primary responsibility for the correct implementation and application of EU law lies with the Member States, and stresses the European institutions' duty to respect primary EU law when they produce secondary EU law or decide, implement and impose on Member States social, economic or other policies, and also emphasises their duty to assist Member States by all means available in their efforts to respect democratic and social values and to transpose EU legislation in times of austerity and economic constraints recalls that the EU institutions are bound by the principle of subsidiarity and the prerogatives of the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Recognises that the primary responsibility for the correct implementation and application of EU law lies with the Member States, and stresses the European institutions' duty to respect primary EU law when they produce secondary EU law or decide, implement and impose on Member States social, economic or other policies, and also emphasises their duty to assist Member States by all means available in their efforts to respect democratic and social values and to transpose EU legislation in times of austerity and economic constraints recalls that the EU institutions are bound by the principle of subsidiarity and the prerogatives of the Member States;

| 21. | Expresses its concern that the austerity measures imposed on over-indebted EU Member States, and which were subsequently incorporated in acts of secondary EU law before being transposed into domestic legislation, during the period covered by the two annual reports under examination, and in particular the drastic cuts in public spending, have had the effect of significantly reducing the capacity of Member States’ administration and judiciary to assume their responsibility to correctly implement EU law; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Expresses its concern that the austerity measures imposed on over-indebted EU Member States, and which were subsequently incorporated in acts of secondary EU law before being transposed into domestic legislation, during the period covered by the two annual reports under examination, and in particular the drastic cuts in public spending, have had the effect of significantly reducing the capacity of Member States’ administration and judiciary to assume their responsibility to correctly implement EU law;

| 22. | Considers that Member States under economic adjustment programmes should still be able to fulfil their obligation to respect social and economic rights; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Considers that Member States under economic adjustment programmes should still be able to fulfil their obligation to respect social and economic rights;

| 23. | Recalls that the EU institutions, even when they act as members of groups of international lenders (‘troikas’), are bound by the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Recalls that the EU institutions, even when they act as members of groups of international lenders (‘troikas’), are bound by the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

| 24. | Stresses that it is of the utmost importance that the EU institutions respect the Treaties; notes that the Commission must help Member States to correctly implement EU law, in order to reinforce support for the EU and confidence in its legitimacy; encourages the Commission to publish concerns raised by Member States during the implementation process; stresses that the support of national parliaments in transposing legislation is essential in improving the application of EU law, and therefore calls for dialogue with national parliaments to be stepped up, including when subsidiarity concerns have been expressed; notes the crucial role of regular ex post assessments and the importance of seeking the views of national parliaments to address concerns or complexities of legislation that may not have previously been apparent; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Stresses that it is of the utmost importance that the EU institutions respect the Treaties; notes that the Commission must help Member States to correctly implement EU law, in order to reinforce support for the EU and confidence in its legitimacy; encourages the Commission to publish concerns raised by Member States during the implementation process; stresses that the support of national parliaments in transposing legislation is essential in improving the application of EU law, and therefore calls for dialogue with national parliaments to be stepped up, including when subsidiarity concerns have been expressed; notes the crucial role of regular ex post assessments and the importance of seeking the views of national parliaments to address concerns or complexities of legislation that may not have previously been apparent;

| 25. | Notes that the right to petition Parliament is one of the pillars of European citizenship, as laid down in Article 44 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 227 TFEU; points out that this right provides tools that are necessary, but not sufficient, for increasing public participation in the EU’s decision-making process, and plays an important role in identifying and assessing potential loopholes and violations in the implementation of EU legislation by Member States and informing the EU institutions thereof; underlines, in the light of the above, the crucial role of the Committee on Petitions as the effective juncture between EU citizens, Parliament, the Commission and national parliaments; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Notes that the right to petition Parliament is one of the pillars of European citizenship, as laid down in Article 44 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 227 TFEU; points out that this right provides tools that are necessary, but not sufficient, for increasing public participation in the EU’s decision-making process, and plays an important role in identifying and assessing potential loopholes and violations in the implementation of EU legislation by Member States and informing the EU institutions thereof; underlines, in the light of the above, the crucial role of the Committee on Petitions as the effective juncture between EU citizens, Parliament, the Commission and national parliaments;

| 26. | Welcomes the Commission’s acknowledgment of the vital role played by the complainant in helping it detect infringements of EU law; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Welcomes the Commission’s acknowledgment of the vital role played by the complainant in helping it detect infringements of EU law;

| 27. | Recalls that the European institutions, and in particular the Commission and the Council, must fully apply and comply with EU law and case-law in the field of transparency and access to documents; calls in this regard for the effective application of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (4) and of the related judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Recalls that the European institutions, and in particular the Commission and the Council, must fully apply and comply with EU law and case-law in the field of transparency and access to documents; calls in this regard for the effective application of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (4) and of the related judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union;

| 28. | Emphasises that the EU has been set up as a Union based on the rule of law and respect for human rights (Article 2 TEU); reiterates that careful monitoring of Member States’ and EU institutions’ acts and omissions is of utmost importance, and underlines that the number of petitions to Parliament and of complaints to the Commission concerning problems supposedly resolved by the Commission shows that citizens are paying increasing attention to the need for better application of EU law; calls on the Commission to respond more rapidly and clearly to notifications from citizens related to infringements of Union law; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Emphasises that the EU has been set up as a Union based on the rule of law and respect for human rights (Article 2 TEU); reiterates that careful monitoring of Member States’ and EU institutions’ acts and omissions is of utmost importance, and underlines that the number of petitions to Parliament and of complaints to the Commission concerning problems supposedly resolved by the Commission shows that citizens are paying increasing attention to the need for better application of EU law; calls on the Commission to respond more rapidly and clearly to notifications from citizens related to infringements of Union law;

| 29. | Notes the large number of infringement cases that were closed in 2013 before reaching the Court of Justice, with only approximately 6,6 % of all cases being concluded by court ruling; considers it essential, therefore, to continue to carefully monitor Member States’ actions, taking into consideration the fact that some of the petitions still refer to problems that persist even after the matter has been closed; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Notes the large number of infringement cases that were closed in 2013 before reaching the Court of Justice, with only approximately 6,6 % of all cases being concluded by court ruling; considers it essential, therefore, to continue to carefully monitor Member States’ actions, taking into consideration the fact that some of the petitions still refer to problems that persist even after the matter has been closed;

| 30. | Welcomes the fact that the Commission is attaching ever greater importance to petitions as a source of information regarding both citizens’ complaints against public authorities, including the EU itself, and potential infringements of EU law in its actual implementation, as evidenced by the fact that the two annual reports paid particular attention to petitions; notes that this has been accompanied by a corresponding increase in the number of petitions forwarded by the Committee on Petitions to the Commission with requests for information; regrets, however, the Commission’s delay in responding when asked to give an opinion in the case of numerous petitions; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Welcomes the fact that the Commission is attaching ever greater importance to petitions as a source of information regarding both citizens’ complaints against public authorities, including the EU itself, and potential infringements of EU law in its actual implementation, as evidenced by the fact that the two annual reports paid particular attention to petitions; notes that this has been accompanied by a corresponding increase in the number of petitions forwarded by the Committee on Petitions to the Commission with requests for information; regrets, however, the Commission’s delay in responding when asked to give an opinion in the case of numerous petitions;

| 31. | Notes also the need for a constructive dialogue with the Member States in the framework of the Committee on Petitions, and asks the Member States concerned by the relevant petitions to send representatives to address the Committee during its meetings; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Notes also the need for a constructive dialogue with the Member States in the framework of the Committee on Petitions, and asks the Member States concerned by the relevant petitions to send representatives to address the Committee during its meetings;

| 32. | Points out that petitions submitted by EU citizens or residents of a Member State refer to violations of EU law, particularly in the fields of fundamental rights, home affairs, justice, the internal market, health, consumers, transport, taxation, agriculture and rural development and the environment; considers that petitions give evidence of the fact that there are still frequent and widespread instances of incomplete transposition and lack of adequate enforcement, effectively leading to a misapplication of EU law; stresses that such a situation calls for increased efforts from Member States and for ongoing monitoring by the Commission; highlights in particular the large number of petitions submitted which report the existence of discrimination and barriers against people with disabilities; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Points out that petitions submitted by EU citizens or residents of a Member State refer to violations of EU law, particularly in the fields of fundamental rights, home affairs, justice, the internal market, health, consumers, transport, taxation, agriculture and rural development and the environment; considers that petitions give evidence of the fact that there are still frequent and widespread instances of incomplete transposition and lack of adequate enforcement, effectively leading to a misapplication of EU law; stresses that such a situation calls for increased efforts from Member States and for ongoing monitoring by the Commission; highlights in particular the large number of petitions submitted which report the existence of discrimination and barriers against people with disabilities;

| 33. | Points out that there continue to be difficulties in dialogue with some Member States and regions, which are reluctant to provide the documents or explanations requested; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Points out that there continue to be difficulties in dialogue with some Member States and regions, which are reluctant to provide the documents or explanations requested;

| 34. | Welcomes the Commission services’ commitment to strengthen the exchange of information with the Committee on Petitions, and wishes to reiterate its requests for:






  (a) | improved communication between the two parties, in particular with regard to the initiation and progress of infringement procedures brought by the Commission, including the EU Pilot procedure, so as to make sure that Parliament is fully informed with a view to constantly improving its legislative work; |
| --- | --- | --- |

34.

Welcomes the Commission services’ commitment to strengthen the exchange of information with the Committee on Petitions, and wishes to reiterate its requests for:

(a)

improved communication between the two parties, in particular with regard to the initiation and progress of infringement procedures brought by the Commission, including the EU Pilot procedure, so as to make sure that Parliament is fully informed with a view to constantly improving its legislative work;

| (b) | efforts to be made to give all possible relevant information on petitions relating to investigation and infringement procedures to the Committee on Petitions within a reasonable time-frame, thus allowing the committee to respond to citizens’ requests more effectively; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

efforts to be made to give all possible relevant information on petitions relating to investigation and infringement procedures to the Committee on Petitions within a reasonable time-frame, thus allowing the committee to respond to citizens’ requests more effectively;

| (c) | agreement by the Commission to take into account the reports of the Committee on Petitions, and particularly the findings and recommendations contained therein, when drawing up its communications and when preparing amendments to legislation; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

agreement by the Commission to take into account the reports of the Committee on Petitions, and particularly the findings and recommendations contained therein, when drawing up its communications and when preparing amendments to legislation;

| 35. | Deplores the fact that Parliament, which directly represents European citizens and is now a fully-fledged co-legislator that is more and more closely involved in complaints procedures, in particular via parliamentary questions and through the activities of the Committee on Petitions, does not yet automatically receive transparent and timely information on the implementation of EU laws, despite the fact that such information is essential, not only as a means of enhancing accessibility and legal certainty for European citizens, but also for the purposes of adopting amendments aimed at improving those laws; considers that improved communication between the European Parliament and national parliaments could be a helpful step in this regard; urges more effective and efficient cooperation between the EU institutions, and expects the Commission to apply in good faith the clause of the revised Framework Agreement on relations with Parliament in which it undertakes to ‘make available to Parliament summary information concerning all infringement procedures from the letter of formal notice, included, if so requested, on the issues to which the infringement procedure relates’; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Deplores the fact that Parliament, which directly represents European citizens and is now a fully-fledged co-legislator that is more and more closely involved in complaints procedures, in particular via parliamentary questions and through the activities of the Committee on Petitions, does not yet automatically receive transparent and timely information on the implementation of EU laws, despite the fact that such information is essential, not only as a means of enhancing accessibility and legal certainty for European citizens, but also for the purposes of adopting amendments aimed at improving those laws; considers that improved communication between the European Parliament and national parliaments could be a helpful step in this regard; urges more effective and efficient cooperation between the EU institutions, and expects the Commission to apply in good faith the clause of the revised Framework Agreement on relations with Parliament in which it undertakes to ‘make available to Parliament summary information concerning all infringement procedures from the letter of formal notice, included, if so requested, on the issues to which the infringement procedure relates’;

| 36. | Calls for the creation within the relevant Directorates-General of Parliament (DG IPOL, DG EXPO and DG Research) of an autonomous system for ex post assessment of the impact of the main EU laws adopted by Parliament under codecision and in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, including via cooperation with the national parliaments; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Calls for the creation within the relevant Directorates-General of Parliament (DG IPOL, DG EXPO and DG Research) of an autonomous system for ex post assessment of the impact of the main EU laws adopted by Parliament under codecision and in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure, including via cooperation with the national parliaments;

| 37. | Notes that the Court of Justice has pointed out that ‘damage caused by national institutions can only give rise to liability on the part of those institutions, and the national courts retain sole jurisdiction to order compensation for such damage’ (5); underlines, therefore, the importance of strengthening the means of redress available at national level, which would enable complainants to assert their rights more directly and more personally; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Notes that the Court of Justice has pointed out that ‘damage caused by national institutions can only give rise to liability on the part of those institutions, and the national courts retain sole jurisdiction to order compensation for such damage’ (5); underlines, therefore, the importance of strengthening the means of redress available at national level, which would enable complainants to assert their rights more directly and more personally;

| 38. | Notes that most of the complaints from citizens in the justice area are concerned with freedom of movement and the protection of personal data; reiterates that the right of free movement is one of the four fundamental freedoms of the EU enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and is guaranteed to all European citizens; recalls that as one of the fundamental freedoms of the European Union, the right of EU citizens to move freely and reside and work in other Member States needs to be guaranteed and protected; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Notes that most of the complaints from citizens in the justice area are concerned with freedom of movement and the protection of personal data; reiterates that the right of free movement is one of the four fundamental freedoms of the EU enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and is guaranteed to all European citizens; recalls that as one of the fundamental freedoms of the European Union, the right of EU citizens to move freely and reside and work in other Member States needs to be guaranteed and protected;

| 39. | Underlines that the full transposition and effective implementation of the Common European Asylum System is an absolute priority; calls on the Member States to make every effort to transpose the new Asylum Package in a correct and timely manner and in full; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Underlines that the full transposition and effective implementation of the Common European Asylum System is an absolute priority; calls on the Member States to make every effort to transpose the new Asylum Package in a correct and timely manner and in full;

| 40. | Notes that in the area of home affairs there were 22 infringement cases open in 2012 and 44 in 2013; deplores the fact that in 2013 most of the late infringement cases were launched due to the late transposition of Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings; notes that asylum remains an area where a large number of complaints have been lodged; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Notes that in the area of home affairs there were 22 infringement cases open in 2012 and 44 in 2013; deplores the fact that in 2013 most of the late infringement cases were launched due to the late transposition of Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings; notes that asylum remains an area where a large number of complaints have been lodged;

| 41. | Notes that in the area of justice there were 61 infringement cases open in 2012 and 67 in 2013; points out that most of these cases concerned citizenship and free movement of persons; deplores the fact that most of the late infringement cases were launched due to the late transposition of Directive 2010/64/EU on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings; expresses concern over the significant increase in the number of complaints in the justice area in 2013; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Notes that in the area of justice there were 61 infringement cases open in 2012 and 67 in 2013; points out that most of these cases concerned citizenship and free movement of persons; deplores the fact that most of the late infringement cases were launched due to the late transposition of Directive 2010/64/EU on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings; expresses concern over the significant increase in the number of complaints in the justice area in 2013;

| 42. | Welcomes the significant progress that has been made over the past years in strengthening the rights of defence of suspected or accused persons in the EU; underlines the crucial importance of the timely, complete and correct transposition of all measures stipulated in the Council’s Roadmap for strengthening procedural rights of suspected or accused persons in criminal proceedings; points out that these measures are crucial to the proper functioning of EU judicial cooperation in criminal matters; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Welcomes the significant progress that has been made over the past years in strengthening the rights of defence of suspected or accused persons in the EU; underlines the crucial importance of the timely, complete and correct transposition of all measures stipulated in the Council’s Roadmap for strengthening procedural rights of suspected or accused persons in criminal proceedings; points out that these measures are crucial to the proper functioning of EU judicial cooperation in criminal matters;

| 43. | Stresses that trafficking in human beings is a serious crime and represents a violation of human rights and human dignity that the Union cannot tolerate; deplores the fact that the number of people being trafficked to and from the EU is rising; points out that, although the legal framework is adequate, its concrete implementation by the Member States is still deficient; stresses that the current situation in the Mediterranean has increased the likelihood of trafficking, and calls on the Member States to take an extremely firm line with perpetrators of such crimes and to protect the victims as effectively as possible; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Stresses that trafficking in human beings is a serious crime and represents a violation of human rights and human dignity that the Union cannot tolerate; deplores the fact that the number of people being trafficked to and from the EU is rising; points out that, although the legal framework is adequate, its concrete implementation by the Member States is still deficient; stresses that the current situation in the Mediterranean has increased the likelihood of trafficking, and calls on the Member States to take an extremely firm line with perpetrators of such crimes and to protect the victims as effectively as possible;

| 44. | Recalls that the transitional period foreseen by Protocol 36 to the Lisbon Treaty came to an end on 1 December 2014; underlines that the end of this transitional period must be followed by a rigorous process of evaluation of the former third pillar measures and their implementation in Member States’ national legislation; points out that as of April 2015 Parliament has not been informed of the current situation of each pre-Lisbon legal instrument in the fields of judicial and police cooperation in each Member State; calls on the Commission to comply with the principle of loyal cooperation and to make this information available to Parliament as soon as possible; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Recalls that the transitional period foreseen by Protocol 36 to the Lisbon Treaty came to an end on 1 December 2014; underlines that the end of this transitional period must be followed by a rigorous process of evaluation of the former third pillar measures and their implementation in Member States’ national legislation; points out that as of April 2015 Parliament has not been informed of the current situation of each pre-Lisbon legal instrument in the fields of judicial and police cooperation in each Member State; calls on the Commission to comply with the principle of loyal cooperation and to make this information available to Parliament as soon as possible;

| 45. | Recalls that the European Council conclusions of June 2014 identified the consistent transposition, effective implementation and consolidation of the legal instruments and policy measures in place as the overall priority in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ) for the next five years; asks the Commission to put more emphasis on overseeing and ensuring the concrete implementation of EU law by the Member States; considers that this must be a political priority in view of the wide gap which is often observed between policies adopted at Union level and their implementation at national level; encourages national parliaments to become more involved in the European debate and the monitoring of the application of EU law, in particular in the field of home affairs; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Recalls that the European Council conclusions of June 2014 identified the consistent transposition, effective implementation and consolidation of the legal instruments and policy measures in place as the overall priority in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (AFSJ) for the next five years; asks the Commission to put more emphasis on overseeing and ensuring the concrete implementation of EU law by the Member States; considers that this must be a political priority in view of the wide gap which is often observed between policies adopted at Union level and their implementation at national level; encourages national parliaments to become more involved in the European debate and the monitoring of the application of EU law, in particular in the field of home affairs;

| 46. | Stresses that in its resolution of 11 September 2013 on endangered European languages and linguistic diversity in the European Union (6), Parliament recalled that the Commission should pay attention to the fact that, with their policies, some Member States and regions are endangering the survival of languages inside their borders, even if those languages are not in danger in the European context, and also called on the Commission to consider the administrative and legislative obstacles posed to projects relating to endangered languages on account of the small size of the language communities concerned; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to take into thorough consideration the rights of persons belonging to minorities when evaluating the application of EU law; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Stresses that in its resolution of 11 September 2013 on endangered European languages and linguistic diversity in the European Union (6), Parliament recalled that the Commission should pay attention to the fact that, with their policies, some Member States and regions are endangering the survival of languages inside their borders, even if those languages are not in danger in the European context, and also called on the Commission to consider the administrative and legislative obstacles posed to projects relating to endangered languages on account of the small size of the language communities concerned; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to take into thorough consideration the rights of persons belonging to minorities when evaluating the application of EU law;

| 47. | Stresses that not only in the AFSJ but also in the other policy areas there is a need to enhance the access of citizens to information and documents with regard to the application of EU law; calls on the Commission to identify the best possible ways to achieve this, to make use of the existing communication tools in order to enhance transparency, and to ensure proper access to information and documents on the application of EU law; calls on the Commission to propose a legally binding instrument on the administrative procedure concerning the handling of citizens’ complaints; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Stresses that not only in the AFSJ but also in the other policy areas there is a need to enhance the access of citizens to information and documents with regard to the application of EU law; calls on the Commission to identify the best possible ways to achieve this, to make use of the existing communication tools in order to enhance transparency, and to ensure proper access to information and documents on the application of EU law; calls on the Commission to propose a legally binding instrument on the administrative procedure concerning the handling of citizens’ complaints;

| 48. | Recalls that the smooth functioning of a true European area of justice based on respect for the different legal systems and traditions of the Member States is vital for the EU, and that the complete, correct and timely implementation of EU legislation is a prerequisite for achieving this objective; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Recalls that the smooth functioning of a true European area of justice based on respect for the different legal systems and traditions of the Member States is vital for the EU, and that the complete, correct and timely implementation of EU legislation is a prerequisite for achieving this objective;

| 49. | Underlines that the improvement of implementation is one of the Seventh Environmental Action Programme’s priorities; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Underlines that the improvement of implementation is one of the Seventh Environmental Action Programme’s priorities;

| 50. | Deplores the fact that EU environmental and health legislation continues to be affected by large numbers of cases of late transposition, incorrect transposition and bad application by the Member States; notes that the Commission’s 31st annual report on the application of EU law shows that in 2013 the biggest category of infringement proceedings was environment-related; recalls that the costs of failing to implement environmental policy — including the costs of infringement proceedings — are high, being estimated at around EUR 50 billion per annum (COWI et al., 2011); stresses, moreover, that the implementation of environmental policy would yield many socio-economic benefits which are not always registered by cost-benefit analyses; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Deplores the fact that EU environmental and health legislation continues to be affected by large numbers of cases of late transposition, incorrect transposition and bad application by the Member States; notes that the Commission’s 31st annual report on the application of EU law shows that in 2013 the biggest category of infringement proceedings was environment-related; recalls that the costs of failing to implement environmental policy — including the costs of infringement proceedings — are high, being estimated at around EUR 50 billion per annum (COWI et al., 2011); stresses, moreover, that the implementation of environmental policy would yield many socio-economic benefits which are not always registered by cost-benefit analyses;

| 51. | Calls on the Commission to be more rigorous in relation to the application of EU environmental legislation and to conduct faster and effective investigations into infringements relating to environmental pollution; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Calls on the Commission to be more rigorous in relation to the application of EU environmental legislation and to conduct faster and effective investigations into infringements relating to environmental pollution;

| 52. | Calls on the Commission to take stronger action against the late transposition of environmental directives and to make greater use of penalty payments; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Calls on the Commission to take stronger action against the late transposition of environmental directives and to make greater use of penalty payments;

| 53. | Calls on the Commission to submit a new proposal on access to justice in environmental matters and a proposal on environmental inspections, if possible without increasing red tape and administrative costs; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Calls on the Commission to submit a new proposal on access to justice in environmental matters and a proposal on environmental inspections, if possible without increasing red tape and administrative costs;

| 54. | Underlines the need to maintain a high level of environmental protection and warns against associating high levels of infringements with the need to reduce the level of ambition of environmental legislation; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Underlines the need to maintain a high level of environmental protection and warns against associating high levels of infringements with the need to reduce the level of ambition of environmental legislation;

| 55. | Expresses its concern that the Commission’s communication policy regarding the Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT) overstates the difficulty of implementing environmental and health legislation; stresses that environmental, food safety and health standards should not be undermined in the context of the REFIT programme; acknowledges the need for better regulation and takes the view that regulatory simplification should, inter alia, tackle problems encountered during implementation; takes the view that REFIT should deliver results for citizens and businesses in the least burdensome way; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Expresses its concern that the Commission’s communication policy regarding the Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT) overstates the difficulty of implementing environmental and health legislation; stresses that environmental, food safety and health standards should not be undermined in the context of the REFIT programme; acknowledges the need for better regulation and takes the view that regulatory simplification should, inter alia, tackle problems encountered during implementation; takes the view that REFIT should deliver results for citizens and businesses in the least burdensome way;

| 56. | Welcomes the new practice whereby the Commission can ask the Member States, in justified cases, to include explanatory documents when they notify the Commission of their transposition measures; reiterates, however, its call for mandatory correlation tables on the transposition of directives, which should be publicly available in all EU languages, and regrets the fact that REFIT was the result of a unilateral decision by the Commission, with no real social and parliamentary dialogue; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Welcomes the new practice whereby the Commission can ask the Member States, in justified cases, to include explanatory documents when they notify the Commission of their transposition measures; reiterates, however, its call for mandatory correlation tables on the transposition of directives, which should be publicly available in all EU languages, and regrets the fact that REFIT was the result of a unilateral decision by the Commission, with no real social and parliamentary dialogue;

| 57. | Points out that in relation to REFIT the Commission needs to facilitate dialogue on regulatory fitness with citizens, Member States, business and civil society at large, so as to ensure that the quality and social aspects of EU legislation are preserved and that one ideal does not progress at the expense of the other; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Points out that in relation to REFIT the Commission needs to facilitate dialogue on regulatory fitness with citizens, Member States, business and civil society at large, so as to ensure that the quality and social aspects of EU legislation are preserved and that one ideal does not progress at the expense of the other;

| 58. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

58.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 304, 20.11.2010, p. 47.

(2)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2014)0051.

(3)  Policy Department C: Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs for the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (2015).

(4)  Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43).

(5)  See judgment in Case 175/84.

(6)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0350.

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Wednesday 16 September 2015

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/254 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/254

---

P8_TA(2015)0323

Preparation of the Commission Work Programme 2016

European Parliament resolution of 16 September 2015 on the Commission Work Programme 2016 (2015/2729(RSP))

(2017/C 316/29)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Commission Work Programme 2015 — A New Start’ (COM(2014)0910) and Annexes 1 to 4 thereto, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Commission Work Programme 2015 — A New Start’ (COM(2014)0910) and Annexes 1 to 4 thereto,

| — | having regard to Rule 37(3) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 37(3) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas Europe needs to respond with a clear vision, direction, leadership, ambition and courage to the challenges we face both internally and externally, to show that it is capable of meeting the expectations of our citizens, offering them prospects and creating trust, by making the EU a truly democratic union, a parliamentary democracy and an arena where citizens can steer and shape their continent in the interests of preserving and consolidating their standard of living; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Europe needs to respond with a clear vision, direction, leadership, ambition and courage to the challenges we face both internally and externally, to show that it is capable of meeting the expectations of our citizens, offering them prospects and creating trust, by making the EU a truly democratic union, a parliamentary democracy and an arena where citizens can steer and shape their continent in the interests of preserving and consolidating their standard of living;

| B. | whereas the Europe 2020 strategy remains a valid basis for building smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in Europe and its targets are expected to be confirmed before the end of 2015, but its delivery instruments need updating and strengthening; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Europe 2020 strategy remains a valid basis for building smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in Europe and its targets are expected to be confirmed before the end of 2015, but its delivery instruments need updating and strengthening;

| C. | whereas future Commission Work Programmes should tackle the defining challenges of the 21st century, such as climate change, energy independence, resource efficiency, the transition towards a digital society, global competition, gender equality and rising inequality, while taking into account the cost of non-Europe; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas future Commission Work Programmes should tackle the defining challenges of the 21st century, such as climate change, energy independence, resource efficiency, the transition towards a digital society, global competition, gender equality and rising inequality, while taking into account the cost of non-Europe;

| D. | whereas the loss of European competitiveness in the global economy, high unemployment, demographic change and an increasingly ageing population, present the EU with unprecedented challenges; whereas only competitive economies with the right macroeconomic policy will be able to create jobs, raise the living standards of their citizens and generate the prosperity that funds investment in the future and provides for public services; whereas a reinforced focus on promoting free and fair competition is necessary for the achievement of the ambitious objectives for quality jobs, growth, investment and the global competitiveness of the European economy, especially in the light of the fact that other regions of the world are growing more quickly, with increasing levels of productivity and innovation; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the loss of European competitiveness in the global economy, high unemployment, demographic change and an increasingly ageing population, present the EU with unprecedented challenges; whereas only competitive economies with the right macroeconomic policy will be able to create jobs, raise the living standards of their citizens and generate the prosperity that funds investment in the future and provides for public services; whereas a reinforced focus on promoting free and fair competition is necessary for the achievement of the ambitious objectives for quality jobs, growth, investment and the global competitiveness of the European economy, especially in the light of the fact that other regions of the world are growing more quickly, with increasing levels of productivity and innovation;

| E. | whereas the EU has endured a lengthy economic crisis, with low growth, increased internal imbalances and a lack of job creation and investment, which will not be overcome without significant further European integration wherever justified, in particular in the internal market and in the context of economic and monetary union, with reinforced democratic control and accountability; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the EU has endured a lengthy economic crisis, with low growth, increased internal imbalances and a lack of job creation and investment, which will not be overcome without significant further European integration wherever justified, in particular in the internal market and in the context of economic and monetary union, with reinforced democratic control and accountability;

| F. | whereas financial resources should be targeted at the EU’s political priorities, in terms not only of amounts but also of flexibility and equilibrium, not least with regard to the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and the multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2014-2020, which provides for a set of flexibility mechanisms, including a revision clause, to enable the EU budget to adapt to unforeseen circumstances; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas financial resources should be targeted at the EU’s political priorities, in terms not only of amounts but also of flexibility and equilibrium, not least with regard to the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and the multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2014-2020, which provides for a set of flexibility mechanisms, including a revision clause, to enable the EU budget to adapt to unforeseen circumstances;

| G. | whereas EU policies and activities must comply with the subsidiarity and proportionality principles in order to help citizens anticipate and react to a rapidly changing society and economy; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas EU policies and activities must comply with the subsidiarity and proportionality principles in order to help citizens anticipate and react to a rapidly changing society and economy;

| H. | whereas Europe must be committed to an economic model which can ensure sustainable growth in order to provide this generation and the next with good jobs instead of debts; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas Europe must be committed to an economic model which can ensure sustainable growth in order to provide this generation and the next with good jobs instead of debts;

| I. | whereas sustainability and economic growth are compatible and can be mutually reinforcing, and whereas the Commission is urged to make sustainability a cornerstone of its jobs and growth agenda; whereas the Commission is the guardian of EU treaties in which sustainable development, social justice, solidarity and the fundamental rights of European are enshrined; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas sustainability and economic growth are compatible and can be mutually reinforcing, and whereas the Commission is urged to make sustainability a cornerstone of its jobs and growth agenda; whereas the Commission is the guardian of EU treaties in which sustainable development, social justice, solidarity and the fundamental rights of European are enshrined;

| J. | whereas Europe needs the Commission to have a well-focused and sufficiently ambitious Work Programme with which to tackle the real needs confronting the EU and its citizens; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas Europe needs the Commission to have a well-focused and sufficiently ambitious Work Programme with which to tackle the real needs confronting the EU and its citizens;

PART 1

| 1. | Urges the Commission to use its right of initiative to its full extent in order to give the Union clear leadership, and in particular to deliver the completion of the single market together with the strategic roadmap for economic union, political union and external action; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Urges the Commission to use its right of initiative to its full extent in order to give the Union clear leadership, and in particular to deliver the completion of the single market together with the strategic roadmap for economic union, political union and external action;

| 2. | Welcomes the focus of the Commission on 10 strategic priorities; emphasises the importance of promoting the Community interest and keeping the EU united and cohesive while respecting the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality; strongly believes, therefore, that efforts must be concentrated on these strategic priorities; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Welcomes the focus of the Commission on 10 strategic priorities; emphasises the importance of promoting the Community interest and keeping the EU united and cohesive while respecting the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality; strongly believes, therefore, that efforts must be concentrated on these strategic priorities;

| 3. | Welcomes the opening of negotiations for a new interinstitutional agreement on better law making; takes the view that this should lead to improvements in the quality of the Commission’s legislative drafting, the strengthening of its impact assessment of draft laws, including economic, social, environmental and SME-related impact assessments and, where appropriate, the use of regulations rather than directives in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality; expects the Commission to treat the two branches of the legislative authority equally in terms of the information and documentation provided throughout the legislative process; expects stronger commitment to ensuring proper interinstitutional consultation, a full follow-up to Parliament’s proposals and recommendations, and the provision of detailed justifications for each envisaged withdrawal; recalls that the multiannual programming, agreed between the three institutions, should provide the framework for the annual work programme and should form the basis of discussions on the specific annual work programme; recalls its view that better law making should not be seen as a tool for deprioritising areas falling within EU competences and that political decisions within the democratic decision-making process should prevail over technical assessments; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Welcomes the opening of negotiations for a new interinstitutional agreement on better law making; takes the view that this should lead to improvements in the quality of the Commission’s legislative drafting, the strengthening of its impact assessment of draft laws, including economic, social, environmental and SME-related impact assessments and, where appropriate, the use of regulations rather than directives in accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality; expects the Commission to treat the two branches of the legislative authority equally in terms of the information and documentation provided throughout the legislative process; expects stronger commitment to ensuring proper interinstitutional consultation, a full follow-up to Parliament’s proposals and recommendations, and the provision of detailed justifications for each envisaged withdrawal; recalls that the multiannual programming, agreed between the three institutions, should provide the framework for the annual work programme and should form the basis of discussions on the specific annual work programme; recalls its view that better law making should not be seen as a tool for deprioritising areas falling within EU competences and that political decisions within the democratic decision-making process should prevail over technical assessments;

| 4. | Urges the Commission to continue to improve the coherence of its legislative programme and to strengthen independent impact assessment of draft laws, including an SME test and a competitiveness test, these measures helping to remove red tape at all levels — European, national and regional — and for all economic actors and citizens in their day-to-day lives, thereby helping to foster job creation while respecting social and environmental standards; considers that SMEs and micro-enterprises should not suffer from unnecessary burdens when implementing legislation and complying with standards; calls on the Commission to aim at maximum simplification and, wherever possible, to promote the full use of digital solutions in order to ease the implementation of EU rules; considers that, where directives and regulations prove unsuitable for small companies, they may need to be reviewed to ensure that SMEs are not burdened; calls for micro-enterprises to be, as far as possible, exempt from all burdensome legislation, in particular to ensure that new start-ups and entrepreneurs are encouraged; |
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4.

Urges the Commission to continue to improve the coherence of its legislative programme and to strengthen independent impact assessment of draft laws, including an SME test and a competitiveness test, these measures helping to remove red tape at all levels — European, national and regional — and for all economic actors and citizens in their day-to-day lives, thereby helping to foster job creation while respecting social and environmental standards; considers that SMEs and micro-enterprises should not suffer from unnecessary burdens when implementing legislation and complying with standards; calls on the Commission to aim at maximum simplification and, wherever possible, to promote the full use of digital solutions in order to ease the implementation of EU rules; considers that, where directives and regulations prove unsuitable for small companies, they may need to be reviewed to ensure that SMEs are not burdened; calls for micro-enterprises to be, as far as possible, exempt from all burdensome legislation, in particular to ensure that new start-ups and entrepreneurs are encouraged;

| 5. | Expects the Commission, in the context of the Regulatory Fitness and Performance (REFIT) programme, to present a list of legislation and proposals to be reviewed or repealed where their appropriateness or EU added value no longer seems to be a given and where they are obsolete or no longer fit the initial purpose; stresses, however, that REFIT must not be used as a pretext for lowering the level of ambition on issues of vital importance, for deregulating or for lowering social and environmental standards; believes that simplification is about quality and not about quantitative targets; notes the aim of reducing by 25 % the administrative and bureaucratic burden and the related costs of new proposals for the whole policy cycle, including transposition, implementation and enforcement; calls for significant reductions to be made with the aim of initiating better conditions to create new jobs, retain jobs in Europe and re-shore jobs, fostering competition and sustainable growth; |
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5.

Expects the Commission, in the context of the Regulatory Fitness and Performance (REFIT) programme, to present a list of legislation and proposals to be reviewed or repealed where their appropriateness or EU added value no longer seems to be a given and where they are obsolete or no longer fit the initial purpose; stresses, however, that REFIT must not be used as a pretext for lowering the level of ambition on issues of vital importance, for deregulating or for lowering social and environmental standards; believes that simplification is about quality and not about quantitative targets; notes the aim of reducing by 25 % the administrative and bureaucratic burden and the related costs of new proposals for the whole policy cycle, including transposition, implementation and enforcement; calls for significant reductions to be made with the aim of initiating better conditions to create new jobs, retain jobs in Europe and re-shore jobs, fostering competition and sustainable growth;

| 6. | Expects the Commission to submit a proposal for the next phase of the Europe 2020 Strategy for Growth and Jobs which meets the big challenges and opportunities ahead of us, notably the energy transition, the digital revolution and preparing Europeans for these changes; considers that this strategy should combine the relevant reforms with big investment initiatives, building on the already launched energy union and digital single market and a new initiative for social investment and re-skilling; believes that the strategy should be supported by full use of the European Fund for Strategic Investments and a revised MFF 2014-20; considers that all Member States need to have the conditions to implement this strategy and that the Economic and Monetary Union should be completed to foster convergence in this direction; considers that the EU’s external strategic partnerships should also open new opportunities for this strategy to succeed; |
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6.

Expects the Commission to submit a proposal for the next phase of the Europe 2020 Strategy for Growth and Jobs which meets the big challenges and opportunities ahead of us, notably the energy transition, the digital revolution and preparing Europeans for these changes; considers that this strategy should combine the relevant reforms with big investment initiatives, building on the already launched energy union and digital single market and a new initiative for social investment and re-skilling; believes that the strategy should be supported by full use of the European Fund for Strategic Investments and a revised MFF 2014-20; considers that all Member States need to have the conditions to implement this strategy and that the Economic and Monetary Union should be completed to foster convergence in this direction; considers that the EU’s external strategic partnerships should also open new opportunities for this strategy to succeed;

| 7. | Urges the Commission to come up with a powerful response to address the EU’s social problems, notably unemployment, the skills gap, social inequalities and exclusion, as well as the risks of social dumping and the brain drain; considers that this calls for an economic recovery and investment fostering quality job creation, social investment focusing on skills, childcare and other social services, and the social economy; considers that it also requires stronger convergence to ensure that a set of fundamental social standards is respected across the Union; considers that, in this context, fair labour mobility should be promoted as a fundamental freedom in the single market; considers that concrete steps towards the promised ‘social triple A’ must start being delivered without delay; calls for the Commission to promote closer involvement of social partners at European and national level to this end; |
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7.

Urges the Commission to come up with a powerful response to address the EU’s social problems, notably unemployment, the skills gap, social inequalities and exclusion, as well as the risks of social dumping and the brain drain; considers that this calls for an economic recovery and investment fostering quality job creation, social investment focusing on skills, childcare and other social services, and the social economy; considers that it also requires stronger convergence to ensure that a set of fundamental social standards is respected across the Union; considers that, in this context, fair labour mobility should be promoted as a fundamental freedom in the single market; considers that concrete steps towards the promised ‘social triple A’ must start being delivered without delay; calls for the Commission to promote closer involvement of social partners at European and national level to this end;

| 8. | Underlines the fact that the level of unemployment remains unduly high, particularly for young people and women and that the EU’s economic recovery is still fragile; welcomes the adoption of the EFSI, urges its full implementation and expects a range of investment projects to be approved and developed as soon as possible to contribute to a robust recovery and balanced and sustainable growth, which will foster employment and economic, social and territorial cohesion throughout the EU; recalls its requests as regards transparency, democratic accountability and compliance with the investment guidelines; |
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8.

Underlines the fact that the level of unemployment remains unduly high, particularly for young people and women and that the EU’s economic recovery is still fragile; welcomes the adoption of the EFSI, urges its full implementation and expects a range of investment projects to be approved and developed as soon as possible to contribute to a robust recovery and balanced and sustainable growth, which will foster employment and economic, social and territorial cohesion throughout the EU; recalls its requests as regards transparency, democratic accountability and compliance with the investment guidelines;

| 9. | Calls on the Commission to emphasise growth and jobs as a cornerstone of the European social market economy and of the EU’s strategy for sustainable development; urges the Commission to make sustainability the core of any sound, future-oriented and crisis-solving economic policy and to give it substance in this and future work programmes via a dedicated heading focused on the comprehensive and rapid implementation of the 7th Environmental Action Programme; |
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9.

Calls on the Commission to emphasise growth and jobs as a cornerstone of the European social market economy and of the EU’s strategy for sustainable development; urges the Commission to make sustainability the core of any sound, future-oriented and crisis-solving economic policy and to give it substance in this and future work programmes via a dedicated heading focused on the comprehensive and rapid implementation of the 7th Environmental Action Programme;

| 10. | Welcomes the adoption of the digital single market (DSM) strategy and calls for its swift implementation, with clear legislative recommendations and financial ways and means, aiming to create a digital economy where Europe can lead the world, businesses can operate across borders and the rights of consumers, right-holders and citizens are protected; is convinced that Europe provides clear added value by fostering entrepreneurship and the knowledge economy and removing unnecessary barriers; takes the view that it should also be aimed at fostering innovation and generating new opportunities for EU citizens, businesses and consumers and thereby creating jobs, while ensuring basic social standards; emphasises that progress in this area will have a direct impact on citizens; believes that consumer protection and fundamental rights protection are both vital in order for Europeans to put their trust in the digital single market as part of the digitisation of their daily lives; |
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10.

Welcomes the adoption of the digital single market (DSM) strategy and calls for its swift implementation, with clear legislative recommendations and financial ways and means, aiming to create a digital economy where Europe can lead the world, businesses can operate across borders and the rights of consumers, right-holders and citizens are protected; is convinced that Europe provides clear added value by fostering entrepreneurship and the knowledge economy and removing unnecessary barriers; takes the view that it should also be aimed at fostering innovation and generating new opportunities for EU citizens, businesses and consumers and thereby creating jobs, while ensuring basic social standards; emphasises that progress in this area will have a direct impact on citizens; believes that consumer protection and fundamental rights protection are both vital in order for Europeans to put their trust in the digital single market as part of the digitisation of their daily lives;

| 11. | Believes that the design of balanced and fair tax policy must be seen as an integral part of the Member States’ structural reforms where appropriate, and that tax and competition policy should be regarded as two sides of the same coin in the internal market, for the benefit of all EU consumers and citizens with a view to further contributing to job creation; supports shifting the tax burden away from labour to other forms of sustainable taxation; |
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11.

Believes that the design of balanced and fair tax policy must be seen as an integral part of the Member States’ structural reforms where appropriate, and that tax and competition policy should be regarded as two sides of the same coin in the internal market, for the benefit of all EU consumers and citizens with a view to further contributing to job creation; supports shifting the tax burden away from labour to other forms of sustainable taxation;

| 12. | Calls on the Commission to reassess and strengthen the mechanisms and resources of competition policy and state aid; considers EU state aid policy and control to be important tools for combating tax practices which distort the single market; |
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12.

Calls on the Commission to reassess and strengthen the mechanisms and resources of competition policy and state aid; considers EU state aid policy and control to be important tools for combating tax practices which distort the single market;

| 13. | Reaffirms the importance it attaches to the ‘Community method’, the transparency of the legislative process, democratic legitimacy and the role and responsibility of national parliaments; |
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13.

Reaffirms the importance it attaches to the ‘Community method’, the transparency of the legislative process, democratic legitimacy and the role and responsibility of national parliaments;

| 14. | Insists on the need to fully, swiftly and effectively implement and apply existing legislation in areas such as the single market, environmental law, the revised common agricultural policy (CAP), common fisheries policy (CFP) and cohesion policy and the financial and banking sectors; calls on the Commission to better monitor the Member States’ progress in implementation; |
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14.

Insists on the need to fully, swiftly and effectively implement and apply existing legislation in areas such as the single market, environmental law, the revised common agricultural policy (CAP), common fisheries policy (CFP) and cohesion policy and the financial and banking sectors; calls on the Commission to better monitor the Member States’ progress in implementation;

| 15. | Calls for the adoption of Convergence Guidelines under the ordinary legislative procedure, which together with the Annual Growth Survey should form the basis for the country-specific recommendations; takes the view that Parliament’s scrutiny role in the European Semester should be formalised and that all euro-area national parliaments should follow each step of the European Semester process; |
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15.

Calls for the adoption of Convergence Guidelines under the ordinary legislative procedure, which together with the Annual Growth Survey should form the basis for the country-specific recommendations; takes the view that Parliament’s scrutiny role in the European Semester should be formalised and that all euro-area national parliaments should follow each step of the European Semester process;

| 16. | Invites the Commission, along with all stakeholders, to explore all options for strengthening the EMU and making it more resilient and conducive to growth, employment and stability, with a social dimension aimed at preserving Europe’s social market economy, respecting the right to collective bargaining, under which coordination of the social policies of the Member States would be ensured, including a minimum wage or income mechanism proper to, and decided by, each Member State, and supporting the fight against poverty and social exclusion, the reintegration of workers into the job market and voluntary mobility and flexibility between professions and Member States; |
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16.

Invites the Commission, along with all stakeholders, to explore all options for strengthening the EMU and making it more resilient and conducive to growth, employment and stability, with a social dimension aimed at preserving Europe’s social market economy, respecting the right to collective bargaining, under which coordination of the social policies of the Member States would be ensured, including a minimum wage or income mechanism proper to, and decided by, each Member State, and supporting the fight against poverty and social exclusion, the reintegration of workers into the job market and voluntary mobility and flexibility between professions and Member States;

| 17. | Emphasises that the EU budget must be used effectively to advance the EU’s priorities and policies and calls, therefore, on the Commission to address concerns about mismanagement and fraud; calls on the Commission to take steps to evaluate and improve existing controls, and to lighten the bureaucratic burden where possible; stresses that the Commission must ensure the best use of EU taxpayers’ money and underlines that performance outcomes are more important than simply spending the appropriations available; calls, therefore, for systematic, regular and independent evaluations to ensure that all spending is achieving the desired outcomes in a cost-effective manner; asks the Commission to renew its efforts to involve Member States in this task, particularly regarding funds which are disbursed by the Member States themselves; |
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17.

Emphasises that the EU budget must be used effectively to advance the EU’s priorities and policies and calls, therefore, on the Commission to address concerns about mismanagement and fraud; calls on the Commission to take steps to evaluate and improve existing controls, and to lighten the bureaucratic burden where possible; stresses that the Commission must ensure the best use of EU taxpayers’ money and underlines that performance outcomes are more important than simply spending the appropriations available; calls, therefore, for systematic, regular and independent evaluations to ensure that all spending is achieving the desired outcomes in a cost-effective manner; asks the Commission to renew its efforts to involve Member States in this task, particularly regarding funds which are disbursed by the Member States themselves;

| 18. | Stresses the need for more efficient use of taxpayers’ money and for further steps to protect the Union’s financial interests in order to ensure the legitimacy of EU spending in a cost-effective manner; calls, therefore, for an effective use of the EU budget by concentrating on better performance of existing controls, evaluation of controls and ways to ensure that performance and added value are considered more important than maximising the use of appropriations budgeted; takes the view that the proposal for a Controller of Procedural Guarantees for the anti-fraud office, OLAF (COM(2014)0340 — 2014/0173(COD)), should be maintained; |
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18.

Stresses the need for more efficient use of taxpayers’ money and for further steps to protect the Union’s financial interests in order to ensure the legitimacy of EU spending in a cost-effective manner; calls, therefore, for an effective use of the EU budget by concentrating on better performance of existing controls, evaluation of controls and ways to ensure that performance and added value are considered more important than maximising the use of appropriations budgeted; takes the view that the proposal for a Controller of Procedural Guarantees for the anti-fraud office, OLAF (COM(2014)0340 — 2014/0173(COD)), should be maintained;

| 19. | Welcomes the Commission’s European Agenda on Migration and the corresponding legislative proposals and related proposals for budgetary adjustments in 2015 and 2016 to ensure that the aims set out in the Agenda on Migration are implemented properly; reminds the Commission, however, of its commitment to tackling the growing pressure at the EU’s external borders, including firm measures against irregular migration and people trafficking and smuggling, and improvement of a managed migration policy, which means better linking the EU’s migration policy with its external policy; urges the Commission to further develop instruments for a human-rights based approach on people seeking protection from war and persecution in the EU; |
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19.

Welcomes the Commission’s European Agenda on Migration and the corresponding legislative proposals and related proposals for budgetary adjustments in 2015 and 2016 to ensure that the aims set out in the Agenda on Migration are implemented properly; reminds the Commission, however, of its commitment to tackling the growing pressure at the EU’s external borders, including firm measures against irregular migration and people trafficking and smuggling, and improvement of a managed migration policy, which means better linking the EU’s migration policy with its external policy; urges the Commission to further develop instruments for a human-rights based approach on people seeking protection from war and persecution in the EU;

| 20. | Is deeply concerned at the recent developments in the Mediterranean and in the Western Balkan route, where a record number of irregular migrants have crossed the EU borders, posing an unprecedented challenge to Europe and its Member States, which requires a common and resolute European response; expresses its support for the measures put forward by the Commission, and calls for swift adoption and implementation by the Member States; welcomes the Commission's initiatives on relocation and resettlement, including the new one for emergency relocation of an increased number of asylum seekers in need of international protection for the benefit of Greece, Italy and Hungary, as well as the proposal by the Commission for a permanent relocation mechanism, to be activated in emergency situations, taking into account the number of refugees present in the Member State, which is based on Article 78(2) of the TFEU; urges the Commission to activate the necessary mechanism, which was designed specifically for situations of mass influx; underlines, at the same time, the need to speed up the processing of asylum requests and the return of those whose requests have been rejected; expresses its support for the ‘hotspot’ approach, announced in the Agenda on Migration, aimed at strengthening the operational support when applicants first arrive, including for registration and the initial processing of applications, also for those who are not in need of protection; rejects any measures that de facto reinstate border controls, jeopardising the Schengen area; |
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20.

Is deeply concerned at the recent developments in the Mediterranean and in the Western Balkan route, where a record number of irregular migrants have crossed the EU borders, posing an unprecedented challenge to Europe and its Member States, which requires a common and resolute European response; expresses its support for the measures put forward by the Commission, and calls for swift adoption and implementation by the Member States; welcomes the Commission's initiatives on relocation and resettlement, including the new one for emergency relocation of an increased number of asylum seekers in need of international protection for the benefit of Greece, Italy and Hungary, as well as the proposal by the Commission for a permanent relocation mechanism, to be activated in emergency situations, taking into account the number of refugees present in the Member State, which is based on Article 78(2) of the TFEU; urges the Commission to activate the necessary mechanism, which was designed specifically for situations of mass influx; underlines, at the same time, the need to speed up the processing of asylum requests and the return of those whose requests have been rejected; expresses its support for the ‘hotspot’ approach, announced in the Agenda on Migration, aimed at strengthening the operational support when applicants first arrive, including for registration and the initial processing of applications, also for those who are not in need of protection; rejects any measures that de facto reinstate border controls, jeopardising the Schengen area;

| 21. | Recalls the Commission’s commitment to use all available tools, including the EU budget, to drive jobs and growth through smart investment in closer partnership with the Member States, national parliaments, regions and cities in order to bring about better implementation of existing policies and improve the effectiveness of action on the ground, specifically in the use of the European Structural and Investment Funds; stresses that the cohesion policy, in accordance with the economic governance process, remains the main source of such public investment, and therefore takes the view that synergies between the EFSI and other funds, especially the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), should be used; calls for synergies to be explored between ESIF and Horizon 2020; urges the crucial involvement of private partners and private investors in order to make the EFSI a success and highlights its job creation potential; calls, at the same time, for EU-level democratic control of the EFSI; takes the view that any funding diverted from Horizon 2020 and the Connecting Europe Facility should result in an equal or greater amount of investment in research and innovation, digital infrastructure, transport and energy, respectively, and invites the Commission to seize the opportunity afforded by the mandatory 2016 review exercise to prepare compensation for these two programmes; |
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21.

Recalls the Commission’s commitment to use all available tools, including the EU budget, to drive jobs and growth through smart investment in closer partnership with the Member States, national parliaments, regions and cities in order to bring about better implementation of existing policies and improve the effectiveness of action on the ground, specifically in the use of the European Structural and Investment Funds; stresses that the cohesion policy, in accordance with the economic governance process, remains the main source of such public investment, and therefore takes the view that synergies between the EFSI and other funds, especially the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), should be used; calls for synergies to be explored between ESIF and Horizon 2020; urges the crucial involvement of private partners and private investors in order to make the EFSI a success and highlights its job creation potential; calls, at the same time, for EU-level democratic control of the EFSI; takes the view that any funding diverted from Horizon 2020 and the Connecting Europe Facility should result in an equal or greater amount of investment in research and innovation, digital infrastructure, transport and energy, respectively, and invites the Commission to seize the opportunity afforded by the mandatory 2016 review exercise to prepare compensation for these two programmes;

| 22. | Calls for the swift implementation of the Connecting Europe Facility strategy, with better infrastructures and projects with European added value in the transport, energy and telecommunications sectors, which are essential for the functioning of the single market; |
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22.

Calls for the swift implementation of the Connecting Europe Facility strategy, with better infrastructures and projects with European added value in the transport, energy and telecommunications sectors, which are essential for the functioning of the single market;

| 23. | Notes that the Commission must launch a substantial and comprehensive fully-fledged ‘post-electoral review’ of the MFF 2014-2020 in 2016, accompanied by a legislative proposal to amend the MFF Regulation, as a way to use the EU budget and thus contribute to the recovery of the European economy; notes that a compulsory legislative revision of the MFF was one of Parliament’s main demands in the MFF negotiations; attaches, therefore, the utmost importance to this process; expresses its readiness to work constructively towards finding solutions to a number of pending issues, including those relating to the financing of the EFSI guarantee fund; |
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23.

Notes that the Commission must launch a substantial and comprehensive fully-fledged ‘post-electoral review’ of the MFF 2014-2020 in 2016, accompanied by a legislative proposal to amend the MFF Regulation, as a way to use the EU budget and thus contribute to the recovery of the European economy; notes that a compulsory legislative revision of the MFF was one of Parliament’s main demands in the MFF negotiations; attaches, therefore, the utmost importance to this process; expresses its readiness to work constructively towards finding solutions to a number of pending issues, including those relating to the financing of the EFSI guarantee fund;

| 24. | Encourages the Commission to draw lessons from the expected conclusions of the High-Level Group on Own Resources by the end of 2016 and to make concrete proposals during its term; reiterates its commitment to a reform of the EU own resources system before the launching of the next MFF; |
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24.

Encourages the Commission to draw lessons from the expected conclusions of the High-Level Group on Own Resources by the end of 2016 and to make concrete proposals during its term; reiterates its commitment to a reform of the EU own resources system before the launching of the next MFF;

| 25. | Reiterates its deep concern about the accumulated backlog in payments, which has undermined the credibility of the EU; welcomes the adoption of a joint statement by the Commission, the Council and Parliament on a payment plan for 2015-2016 aimed at reducing this backlog to a sustainable level by the end of 2016; reminds the Commission of its commitment to closely scrutinising the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes, setting up an early warning system and proposing the amendment of budgets without delay, should the level of authorised payments in 2016 not be sufficient; |
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25.

Reiterates its deep concern about the accumulated backlog in payments, which has undermined the credibility of the EU; welcomes the adoption of a joint statement by the Commission, the Council and Parliament on a payment plan for 2015-2016 aimed at reducing this backlog to a sustainable level by the end of 2016; reminds the Commission of its commitment to closely scrutinising the implementation of the 2014-2020 programmes, setting up an early warning system and proposing the amendment of budgets without delay, should the level of authorised payments in 2016 not be sufficient;

| 26. | Calls on the Commission to propose measures to improve the exchange of information and increase operational cooperation between Member States and with EU agencies, especially regarding the alert criteria, and to make it compulsory to issue alerts regarding people convicted or suspected of terrorism; calls on the Commission to use technical and financial means in order to ensure EU-level coordination and exchanges of best practices in the fight against terrorist propaganda, radical networks and recruitment on the internet; asks in particular, in this connection, that Europol be given all the necessary means to tackle terrorism and organised crime, in accordance with its mandate; |
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26.

Calls on the Commission to propose measures to improve the exchange of information and increase operational cooperation between Member States and with EU agencies, especially regarding the alert criteria, and to make it compulsory to issue alerts regarding people convicted or suspected of terrorism; calls on the Commission to use technical and financial means in order to ensure EU-level coordination and exchanges of best practices in the fight against terrorist propaganda, radical networks and recruitment on the internet; asks in particular, in this connection, that Europol be given all the necessary means to tackle terrorism and organised crime, in accordance with its mandate;

| 27. | Emphasises that reaching new trade deals is essential to develop an outward-looking, competitive European economic framework that is able to deliver tangible benefits and lower prices to consumers and generate new jobs by opening third-country markets and diversifying exports; recalls its view that balanced trade agreements can provide rules for globalisation; calls on the Commission, therefore, to ensure that European standards are not put at risk and stresses that trade must play its part in fighting poverty and enhancing development abroad; considers that the elimination of trade and investment barriers worldwide must therefore remain a key priority of the EU trade strategy; supports the Commission’s efforts, therefore, in all ongoing bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations with a view to reaching a positive outcome in respect of comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade agreements in 2016; emphasises that sustained EU efforts are needed in order to take advantage of the process opened in 2013 through the Bali Package agreed as part of the multilateral negotiations of the Doha Round, which should pave the way for global economic stability; emphasises the need to incorporate a chapter on more cooperation in the fight against tax evasion, tax havens, corruption and money laundering in the EU’s bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral trade; |
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27.

Emphasises that reaching new trade deals is essential to develop an outward-looking, competitive European economic framework that is able to deliver tangible benefits and lower prices to consumers and generate new jobs by opening third-country markets and diversifying exports; recalls its view that balanced trade agreements can provide rules for globalisation; calls on the Commission, therefore, to ensure that European standards are not put at risk and stresses that trade must play its part in fighting poverty and enhancing development abroad; considers that the elimination of trade and investment barriers worldwide must therefore remain a key priority of the EU trade strategy; supports the Commission’s efforts, therefore, in all ongoing bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations with a view to reaching a positive outcome in respect of comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade agreements in 2016; emphasises that sustained EU efforts are needed in order to take advantage of the process opened in 2013 through the Bali Package agreed as part of the multilateral negotiations of the Doha Round, which should pave the way for global economic stability; emphasises the need to incorporate a chapter on more cooperation in the fight against tax evasion, tax havens, corruption and money laundering in the EU’s bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral trade;

| 28. | Calls on the Commission to aim for a consistent and coherent foreign and security policy strategy that will strive to identify, in the rapidly changing security environment, the new and emerging challenges for the EU to face and address, the interests to defend and the values to promote, as well as to provide security for EU citizens and create an environment for sustained peace and stability; recalls, in this context, the importance of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the need for the EU to play a strong role in the world as regards development, peacemaking and peacebuilding, humanitarian aid and the worldwide promotion of human rights; |
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28.

Calls on the Commission to aim for a consistent and coherent foreign and security policy strategy that will strive to identify, in the rapidly changing security environment, the new and emerging challenges for the EU to face and address, the interests to defend and the values to promote, as well as to provide security for EU citizens and create an environment for sustained peace and stability; recalls, in this context, the importance of human rights and fundamental freedoms and the need for the EU to play a strong role in the world as regards development, peacemaking and peacebuilding, humanitarian aid and the worldwide promotion of human rights;

PART 2

A new boost for jobs, growth and investment

| 29. | Calls on the Commission to submit a proposal for the next phase of the Europe 2020 Strategy which meets the challenges of global competition, energy transition, the digital revolution and demographic trends; considers that this proposal should combine structural change with large investment initiatives building on existing instruments (EU budget, EFSI); |
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29.

Calls on the Commission to submit a proposal for the next phase of the Europe 2020 Strategy which meets the challenges of global competition, energy transition, the digital revolution and demographic trends; considers that this proposal should combine structural change with large investment initiatives building on existing instruments (EU budget, EFSI);

| 30. | Highlights the essential role of competition policy enforcement in creating a level playing field that fosters innovation, productivity, job creation and investment by all players across the single market and across all business models, including SMEs; asks the Commission to strictly enforce antitrust, state aid and merger control rules with a view to achieving a well-functioning internal market; |
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30.

Highlights the essential role of competition policy enforcement in creating a level playing field that fosters innovation, productivity, job creation and investment by all players across the single market and across all business models, including SMEs; asks the Commission to strictly enforce antitrust, state aid and merger control rules with a view to achieving a well-functioning internal market;

| 31. | Supports the development of a capital markets union, while pointing to the need to ensure that systemic financial risks do not increase and to frame it with the necessary infrastructure and reinforced supervision in order to boost sustainable non-banking credit and promote long-term investment in support for the real economy; |
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31.

Supports the development of a capital markets union, while pointing to the need to ensure that systemic financial risks do not increase and to frame it with the necessary infrastructure and reinforced supervision in order to boost sustainable non-banking credit and promote long-term investment in support for the real economy;

| 32. | Calls on the Commission to remove obstacles in the single market in order to improve the financing of companies, particularly SMEs and micro-enterprises, in order to boost private-sector investment; calls for the reinforcement and full implementation of the EU internal market rules, and urges the Commission to consistently develop the external dimension of the single market within EU trade policies, with a view to enhancing EU competitiveness and consumer protection while avoiding unfair competition from goods and products that do not comply with EU safety, environmental and social standards; |
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32.

Calls on the Commission to remove obstacles in the single market in order to improve the financing of companies, particularly SMEs and micro-enterprises, in order to boost private-sector investment; calls for the reinforcement and full implementation of the EU internal market rules, and urges the Commission to consistently develop the external dimension of the single market within EU trade policies, with a view to enhancing EU competitiveness and consumer protection while avoiding unfair competition from goods and products that do not comply with EU safety, environmental and social standards;

| 33. | Calls for an ambitious EU industrial policy, enabling the development of new goods and the restructuring of industrial processes through innovation, with a view to modernising EU industry by managing the sector’s digital transition and providing digital skills to take advantage of it; |
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33.

Calls for an ambitious EU industrial policy, enabling the development of new goods and the restructuring of industrial processes through innovation, with a view to modernising EU industry by managing the sector’s digital transition and providing digital skills to take advantage of it;

| 34. | Considers that the Europe 2020 Strategy covering competitiveness, growth and jobs should in its social dimension be aimed at sustaining and improving, through the coordination of the Member States’ social policies, inter alia by means of benchmarks or, where necessary, through legislation, a set of fundamental social standards such as quality of public employment services, provision of unemployment benefits linked with activation measures, access to healthcare services, affordable and good-quality childcare services, vocational training and lifelong learning; is of the opinion that the Europe 2020 social targets and the Scoreboard of key employment and social indicators could be used to monitor the implementation of these fundamental standards; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Considers that the Europe 2020 Strategy covering competitiveness, growth and jobs should in its social dimension be aimed at sustaining and improving, through the coordination of the Member States’ social policies, inter alia by means of benchmarks or, where necessary, through legislation, a set of fundamental social standards such as quality of public employment services, provision of unemployment benefits linked with activation measures, access to healthcare services, affordable and good-quality childcare services, vocational training and lifelong learning; is of the opinion that the Europe 2020 social targets and the Scoreboard of key employment and social indicators could be used to monitor the implementation of these fundamental standards;

| 35. | Urges the Commission to finalise and submit the labour mobility package by the end of the year, also addressing the negative effects of labour mobility; calls for strong cross-border labour inspections to fight abuse; considers that mobility across Europe is a basic right; calls on the Commission, furthermore, to take action to promote the integration and employability of European workers; reminds the Commission of its commitment regarding the Posting of Workers Directive; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Urges the Commission to finalise and submit the labour mobility package by the end of the year, also addressing the negative effects of labour mobility; calls for strong cross-border labour inspections to fight abuse; considers that mobility across Europe is a basic right; calls on the Commission, furthermore, to take action to promote the integration and employability of European workers; reminds the Commission of its commitment regarding the Posting of Workers Directive;

| 36. | Demands concrete action to eliminate persisting discrimination in the labour market, especially with regard to elderly workers, the long-term unemployed, women, workers with disabilities and young people; recalls the need to address the problems of the long-term unemployed not only through education and training but also through the inclusiveness of labour markets, better counselling and support for job-seekers, targeted hiring subsidies and in-work benefits; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Demands concrete action to eliminate persisting discrimination in the labour market, especially with regard to elderly workers, the long-term unemployed, women, workers with disabilities and young people; recalls the need to address the problems of the long-term unemployed not only through education and training but also through the inclusiveness of labour markets, better counselling and support for job-seekers, targeted hiring subsidies and in-work benefits;

| 37. | Hopes that the implementation of the Youth Guarantee, including support from the Youth Employment Initiative, will start to bear fruit and expresses its willingness to support any initiative, including any financial initiative, to strengthen this EU programme; calls on the Commission to ensure that education and training remain at the top of its priorities, including a rethinking of the skills needed for the current and future labour market, focusing on high quality, effectiveness, accessibility and equality; takes the view that particular attention should be paid to lifelong learning, dual systems, the recognition of diplomas and support for measures to reduce early school-leaving rates in order to ensure that students acquire basic literacy skills, as defined by the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), and in line with the Treaty competencies; calls for greater emphasis on the funding and facilitation of youth mobility, especially through apprenticeships, so as to match to the highest degree the skills available and the jobs on offer in the single market; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Hopes that the implementation of the Youth Guarantee, including support from the Youth Employment Initiative, will start to bear fruit and expresses its willingness to support any initiative, including any financial initiative, to strengthen this EU programme; calls on the Commission to ensure that education and training remain at the top of its priorities, including a rethinking of the skills needed for the current and future labour market, focusing on high quality, effectiveness, accessibility and equality; takes the view that particular attention should be paid to lifelong learning, dual systems, the recognition of diplomas and support for measures to reduce early school-leaving rates in order to ensure that students acquire basic literacy skills, as defined by the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), and in line with the Treaty competencies; calls for greater emphasis on the funding and facilitation of youth mobility, especially through apprenticeships, so as to match to the highest degree the skills available and the jobs on offer in the single market;

| 38. | Believes that the accessibility, affordability and quality of education and child healthcare is crucial to ensuring that no child is left behind and calls on the Commission, therefore, to reflect on further actions to promote social investment, and in particular to reduce child poverty; |
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38.

Believes that the accessibility, affordability and quality of education and child healthcare is crucial to ensuring that no child is left behind and calls on the Commission, therefore, to reflect on further actions to promote social investment, and in particular to reduce child poverty;

| 39. | Recalls that a proper balance between flexibility and security for both employers and employees should be taken into account in any new legislative proposal, as should employment and social considerations, including the impact of ageing and skill needs; notes that the notion of ‘worker’ is multifaceted due to new forms of employment and self-employment and would require to be addressed with a view to combating inequalities, which can put at risk the fairness and effectiveness of our social market economy; reminds the Commission of its call for revision of Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to carcinogens and mutagens at work, which was due by the end of 2012; |
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39.

Recalls that a proper balance between flexibility and security for both employers and employees should be taken into account in any new legislative proposal, as should employment and social considerations, including the impact of ageing and skill needs; notes that the notion of ‘worker’ is multifaceted due to new forms of employment and self-employment and would require to be addressed with a view to combating inequalities, which can put at risk the fairness and effectiveness of our social market economy; reminds the Commission of its call for revision of Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to carcinogens and mutagens at work, which was due by the end of 2012;

| 40. | Highlights the importance of the support which cohesion policy delivers to SMEs as the backbone of EU growth and employment, and calls for the establishment of synergies between cohesion policy funds, the programme for the competitiveness of enterprises and SMEs (COSME) and the Horizon 2020 programme; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Highlights the importance of the support which cohesion policy delivers to SMEs as the backbone of EU growth and employment, and calls for the establishment of synergies between cohesion policy funds, the programme for the competitiveness of enterprises and SMEs (COSME) and the Horizon 2020 programme;

| 41. | Emphasises the continued implementation of Horizon 2020, in particular its efforts towards a greater focus on turning world-class research into products and services that can contribute to reviving the competitiveness of the European economies; |
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41.

Emphasises the continued implementation of Horizon 2020, in particular its efforts towards a greater focus on turning world-class research into products and services that can contribute to reviving the competitiveness of the European economies;

| 42. | Calls for initiatives to develop the potential of the cultural and creative sector as a source of jobs and growth; stresses, in this connection, the importance of enforcing intellectual property rights (IPR), and urges the Commission to follow up on its action plan to combat IPR infringements, including a review of the IPR Enforcement Directive, which is out of step with the digital age and inadequate to combat online infringements, and also on the Green Paper on chargeback and related schemes as a potential EU-wide right to retrieve money unwittingly used to purchase counterfeit goods; calls on the Commission to further strengthen the remit of the EU Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, and welcomes the Commission’s creation of a group of experts on IPR enforcement; |
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42.

Calls for initiatives to develop the potential of the cultural and creative sector as a source of jobs and growth; stresses, in this connection, the importance of enforcing intellectual property rights (IPR), and urges the Commission to follow up on its action plan to combat IPR infringements, including a review of the IPR Enforcement Directive, which is out of step with the digital age and inadequate to combat online infringements, and also on the Green Paper on chargeback and related schemes as a potential EU-wide right to retrieve money unwittingly used to purchase counterfeit goods; calls on the Commission to further strengthen the remit of the EU Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, and welcomes the Commission’s creation of a group of experts on IPR enforcement;

| 43. | Welcomes the Commission’s aim to withdraw the proposal for a Common European Sales Law, and stresses that the new Commission proposal, as announced in the Digital Single Market Communication, has to be based on Parliament’s position at first reading; |
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43.

Welcomes the Commission’s aim to withdraw the proposal for a Common European Sales Law, and stresses that the new Commission proposal, as announced in the Digital Single Market Communication, has to be based on Parliament’s position at first reading;

| 44. | Underlines the importance of a competitive financial services sector which delivers beneficial products and transparent information to consumers; stresses that this will increase trust among consumers in financial services products; |
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44.

Underlines the importance of a competitive financial services sector which delivers beneficial products and transparent information to consumers; stresses that this will increase trust among consumers in financial services products;

| 45. | Is alarmed at the possible fallout from an economic and financial crisis in China, triggered by a stock market bubble burst; warns on the possible consequences of systemic fault lines in the Chinese financial services architecture; |
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45.

Is alarmed at the possible fallout from an economic and financial crisis in China, triggered by a stock market bubble burst; warns on the possible consequences of systemic fault lines in the Chinese financial services architecture;

Fight against tax fraud and tax evasion

| 46. | Welcomes the publication of a new tax policy package and asks the Commission to show ambition in seeking to ensure a fair taxation system, based on the principle that taxes are to be paid in the country where profits are generated, avoiding internal market distortion and unfair competition; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Welcomes the publication of a new tax policy package and asks the Commission to show ambition in seeking to ensure a fair taxation system, based on the principle that taxes are to be paid in the country where profits are generated, avoiding internal market distortion and unfair competition;

| 47. | Welcomes the work done by the Commission and Member States to promote actively the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion, aggressive tax planning and use of tax havens, drawing on the expertise of the OECD in fostering good governance in the tax field in all relevant international forums; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Welcomes the work done by the Commission and Member States to promote actively the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion, aggressive tax planning and use of tax havens, drawing on the expertise of the OECD in fostering good governance in the tax field in all relevant international forums;

| 48. | Calls on the Commission to come up with a communication to develop an EU definition of tax havens (uncooperative jurisdictions) based on the OECD criteria; believes that this policy should be combined with a clear view of how the list would be used; calls also on the Commission to come up with an improved EU initiative on a mandatory Common Consolidated Corporate Tax base, even if the consolidation part is postponed at the first stage, which should have considerable administrative implications and will require a smooth transition regime; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Calls on the Commission to come up with a communication to develop an EU definition of tax havens (uncooperative jurisdictions) based on the OECD criteria; believes that this policy should be combined with a clear view of how the list would be used; calls also on the Commission to come up with an improved EU initiative on a mandatory Common Consolidated Corporate Tax base, even if the consolidation part is postponed at the first stage, which should have considerable administrative implications and will require a smooth transition regime;

A connected and inclusive digital single market

| 49. | Strongly reminds the Commission that an ambitious digital single market (DSM) will not be possible without a proper mechanism to trigger investments on the ground, and supports the prioritisation of the DSM in view of the opportunities that digital activities can generate with regard to creating jobs and new start-ups, enhancing innovation, boosting productivity, increasing competitiveness, and thus delivering growth; emphasises the need to support the development of the digital sector, which should guarantee every European citizen a connection at the highest possible speed and lowest possible cost; |
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49.

Strongly reminds the Commission that an ambitious digital single market (DSM) will not be possible without a proper mechanism to trigger investments on the ground, and supports the prioritisation of the DSM in view of the opportunities that digital activities can generate with regard to creating jobs and new start-ups, enhancing innovation, boosting productivity, increasing competitiveness, and thus delivering growth; emphasises the need to support the development of the digital sector, which should guarantee every European citizen a connection at the highest possible speed and lowest possible cost;

| 50. | Recognises the Commission’s commitment to unlocking the potential of the digital economy by focusing its approach on three pillars, aiming at better access for consumers and businesses and a better environment for the development of digital services; emphasises the need to work with global regulators regarding competition, safety and security; insists on the importance of improving access to the network for all through high-speed broadband connections, in order to tackle the digital divide; welcomes the announcement of a European ‘free flow of data’ initiative, which needs to remove existing barriers to the single market for data; |
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50.

Recognises the Commission’s commitment to unlocking the potential of the digital economy by focusing its approach on three pillars, aiming at better access for consumers and businesses and a better environment for the development of digital services; emphasises the need to work with global regulators regarding competition, safety and security; insists on the importance of improving access to the network for all through high-speed broadband connections, in order to tackle the digital divide; welcomes the announcement of a European ‘free flow of data’ initiative, which needs to remove existing barriers to the single market for data;

| 51. | Supports the Commission’s efforts to conclude the EU’s Data Protection Package; |
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51.

Supports the Commission’s efforts to conclude the EU’s Data Protection Package;

| 52. | Believes that removing red tape and unjustified or disproportionate regulatory or non-regulatory obstacles to the Digital Single Market Strategy is also needed in order to fully exploit the potential of a digital transformation of industry and cross-border e-commerce; believes that more targeted measures could be considered in order to build greater consumer confidence and increase data protection in purchasing digital goods and services across the EU, as both are vital in order for Europeans to put their trust in the Digital Single Market as part of the digitalisation of their daily lives; |
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52.

Believes that removing red tape and unjustified or disproportionate regulatory or non-regulatory obstacles to the Digital Single Market Strategy is also needed in order to fully exploit the potential of a digital transformation of industry and cross-border e-commerce; believes that more targeted measures could be considered in order to build greater consumer confidence and increase data protection in purchasing digital goods and services across the EU, as both are vital in order for Europeans to put their trust in the Digital Single Market as part of the digitalisation of their daily lives;

| 53. | Asks the Commission to take account of ongoing technology convergence in the revision of the Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) Directive by making appropriate recommendations to adjust and future-proof the regulatory framework; calls on the Commission to continue promoting cultural and creative industries and to support and promote the establishment of the European Year of Cultural Heritage; emphasises, in this connection, that the cultural and creative sector accounts for up to 4,5 % of EU GDP and up to 8,5 million jobs, not only being important for cultural diversity but also contributing significantly to social and economic development across the EU; |
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53.

Asks the Commission to take account of ongoing technology convergence in the revision of the Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) Directive by making appropriate recommendations to adjust and future-proof the regulatory framework; calls on the Commission to continue promoting cultural and creative industries and to support and promote the establishment of the European Year of Cultural Heritage; emphasises, in this connection, that the cultural and creative sector accounts for up to 4,5 % of EU GDP and up to 8,5 million jobs, not only being important for cultural diversity but also contributing significantly to social and economic development across the EU;

| 54. | Counts on an ambitious review of the Universal Service Directive to bring end-user rights up to date; |
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54.

Counts on an ambitious review of the Universal Service Directive to bring end-user rights up to date;

Copyright

| 55. | Calls for further efforts to develop and modernise the EU’s intellectual property laws, in particular in the area of copyright, in order to render them fit for the digital age and to facilitate cross-border access to creative content on fair and reasonable terms across the EU, thereby creating legal certainty while protecting authors’ and performers’ rights; ensuring adequate remuneration and tackling digital piracy relating to value and employment in the creative and cultural sectors; calls on the Commission to base any legislative initiative to modernise copyright on independent evidence; considers that copyright should maintain its primary function, which is to allow creators to gain rewards for their efforts through others making use of their work; highlights the fact that the important contribution of traditional methods of promoting regional and European culture should not be hampered by modernisation or reform proposals; |
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55.

Calls for further efforts to develop and modernise the EU’s intellectual property laws, in particular in the area of copyright, in order to render them fit for the digital age and to facilitate cross-border access to creative content on fair and reasonable terms across the EU, thereby creating legal certainty while protecting authors’ and performers’ rights; ensuring adequate remuneration and tackling digital piracy relating to value and employment in the creative and cultural sectors; calls on the Commission to base any legislative initiative to modernise copyright on independent evidence; considers that copyright should maintain its primary function, which is to allow creators to gain rewards for their efforts through others making use of their work; highlights the fact that the important contribution of traditional methods of promoting regional and European culture should not be hampered by modernisation or reform proposals;

A resilient Energy Union with a forward-looking climate change policy

| 56. | Underlines the fact that the Energy Union can be achieved through enhanced EU action in the following areas: a competitive internal energy market, a strong European governance system, research and innovation, new investments improving cross-border infrastructure, and interconnectors bringing sustainability and security to an energy transition that will boost growth and job creation and, in the long run, offer affordable energy prices for households and industry and thus prevent and address energy poverty; |
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56.

Underlines the fact that the Energy Union can be achieved through enhanced EU action in the following areas: a competitive internal energy market, a strong European governance system, research and innovation, new investments improving cross-border infrastructure, and interconnectors bringing sustainability and security to an energy transition that will boost growth and job creation and, in the long run, offer affordable energy prices for households and industry and thus prevent and address energy poverty;

| 57. | Calls for the promotion of green investment, including through the strategic investment plan, and for a long-term and stable policy framework to promote a resource-efficient and low-carbon economy, strengthening the EU’s objectives of reducing CO2 emissions, increasing the share of renewables and improving energy efficiency, which entail investment in a pan-European electricity grid and a focus on building more fully on renewable energy sources; |
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57.

Calls for the promotion of green investment, including through the strategic investment plan, and for a long-term and stable policy framework to promote a resource-efficient and low-carbon economy, strengthening the EU’s objectives of reducing CO2 emissions, increasing the share of renewables and improving energy efficiency, which entail investment in a pan-European electricity grid and a focus on building more fully on renewable energy sources;

| 58. | Calls on the Commission to involve Parliament fully in common efforts to fight global warming, ensuring that climate action is taken into account in all EU policies by adapting them to the realities of climate change, and asks for legislative proposals to implement the 2030 climate and energy package under the ordinary legislative procedure; |
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58.

Calls on the Commission to involve Parliament fully in common efforts to fight global warming, ensuring that climate action is taken into account in all EU policies by adapting them to the realities of climate change, and asks for legislative proposals to implement the 2030 climate and energy package under the ordinary legislative procedure;

| 59. | Calls on the Commission to ensure the full implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC), along with proposals for effective regulation, including from Parliament, in order to allow ambitious renewable energy goals to be achieved; |
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59.

Calls on the Commission to ensure the full implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC), along with proposals for effective regulation, including from Parliament, in order to allow ambitious renewable energy goals to be achieved;

| 60. | Calls on the Commission to present a number of initiatives in order to establish an ambitious climate and energy framework for 2030 as the EU’s contribution to the conclusion of a global climate agreement ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change summit in Paris; highlights the importance of creating momentum towards a robust, universal, fair and legally binding agreement; calls on the Commission to ensure a proper follow-up to the Paris meeting and to put forward legislative proposals ensuring timely ratification of the agreement; |
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60.

Calls on the Commission to present a number of initiatives in order to establish an ambitious climate and energy framework for 2030 as the EU’s contribution to the conclusion of a global climate agreement ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change summit in Paris; highlights the importance of creating momentum towards a robust, universal, fair and legally binding agreement; calls on the Commission to ensure a proper follow-up to the Paris meeting and to put forward legislative proposals ensuring timely ratification of the agreement;

| 61. | Asks for a legislative proposal on the distribution of 2030 greenhouse gas emissions targets in the non-ETS sector, and for a review of the legislative framework for energy efficiency, including the energy performance of buildings, the Energy Efficiency Directive and other governance-related aspects of the 2030 framework, and for a revision of the Renewable Energy Directive; |
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61.

Asks for a legislative proposal on the distribution of 2030 greenhouse gas emissions targets in the non-ETS sector, and for a review of the legislative framework for energy efficiency, including the energy performance of buildings, the Energy Efficiency Directive and other governance-related aspects of the 2030 framework, and for a revision of the Renewable Energy Directive;

| 62. | Urges the Commission also to give priority to the EU’s geopolitical independence through unified EU negotiating positions vis-à-vis third countries, including through the timely revision of the Security of Gas Supply Regulation and of the decision setting up an information exchange mechanism with regard to intergovernmental agreements in the field of energy; stresses the importance of affordability, sustainability and security of energy supply; emphasises that while the right of each Member State to decide its energy sources mix is guaranteed by the Treaty, regional cooperation (e.g. in the Baltic region, South-East European region, Central and Western European region, and North Sea region) would allow for cost savings and benefits for the European energy system; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Urges the Commission also to give priority to the EU’s geopolitical independence through unified EU negotiating positions vis-à-vis third countries, including through the timely revision of the Security of Gas Supply Regulation and of the decision setting up an information exchange mechanism with regard to intergovernmental agreements in the field of energy; stresses the importance of affordability, sustainability and security of energy supply; emphasises that while the right of each Member State to decide its energy sources mix is guaranteed by the Treaty, regional cooperation (e.g. in the Baltic region, South-East European region, Central and Western European region, and North Sea region) would allow for cost savings and benefits for the European energy system;

Environmental and health issues

| 63. | Welcomes the Commission’s proposal on the Air Quality Package and the ongoing implementation of the REACH Regulation; calls for a more balanced approach to eco-design measures, based on their energy-saving potential and market relevance; strongly supports clear energy labelling with a view to giving consumers a choice, and presses for a new proposal concerning the Circular Economy Package; believes that investing in and incentivising the shift to a circular economy can support the Commission’s jobs, growth and competitiveness agenda and, by reducing the EU’s dependence on imported raw materials, has the potential to create a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved, with a view to advancing the transition to a circular economy through closed-loop manufacturing and sustainable product development; |
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63.

Welcomes the Commission’s proposal on the Air Quality Package and the ongoing implementation of the REACH Regulation; calls for a more balanced approach to eco-design measures, based on their energy-saving potential and market relevance; strongly supports clear energy labelling with a view to giving consumers a choice, and presses for a new proposal concerning the Circular Economy Package; believes that investing in and incentivising the shift to a circular economy can support the Commission’s jobs, growth and competitiveness agenda and, by reducing the EU’s dependence on imported raw materials, has the potential to create a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved, with a view to advancing the transition to a circular economy through closed-loop manufacturing and sustainable product development;

| 64. | Calls for comprehensive follow-up to the mid-term review of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Commission report entitled ‘The State of Nature in the European Union’, in order to address shortcomings, ensure the full implementation of the strategy and achieve the EU’s biodiversity targets; emphasises in general that this process must not be taken as a pretext for lowering the level of ambition on issues of vital importance to the protection of the environment; |
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64.

Calls for comprehensive follow-up to the mid-term review of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Commission report entitled ‘The State of Nature in the European Union’, in order to address shortcomings, ensure the full implementation of the strategy and achieve the EU’s biodiversity targets; emphasises in general that this process must not be taken as a pretext for lowering the level of ambition on issues of vital importance to the protection of the environment;

| 65. | Expects the Commission to reflect on current challenges in the environment and health fields, where the state of the environment adversely affects human health, and to make progress on the planned strategies, in particular scientifically-based horizontal criteria for endocrine disruptors, referred to in the 7th Environment Action Programme; stresses the need for a step forward towards a common European Health Technology Assessment (HTA) at EU level that does not create an extra layer of administrative burden and the need to tackle antimicrobial resistance; expects to receive the secondary legislation provided for under the Tobacco Products Directive; stresses the need for an urgent review of the Tissues and Cells Directive, to bring it in line with the principle of unpaid donation, and the Advanced Therapies Regulation, which needs to be made more applicable to SMEs; |
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65.

Expects the Commission to reflect on current challenges in the environment and health fields, where the state of the environment adversely affects human health, and to make progress on the planned strategies, in particular scientifically-based horizontal criteria for endocrine disruptors, referred to in the 7th Environment Action Programme; stresses the need for a step forward towards a common European Health Technology Assessment (HTA) at EU level that does not create an extra layer of administrative burden and the need to tackle antimicrobial resistance; expects to receive the secondary legislation provided for under the Tobacco Products Directive; stresses the need for an urgent review of the Tissues and Cells Directive, to bring it in line with the principle of unpaid donation, and the Advanced Therapies Regulation, which needs to be made more applicable to SMEs;

| 66. | Stresses the importance of ensuring that any future initiatives or revisions proposed by the Commission in the area of health and food safety are based on robust scientific evidence; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Stresses the importance of ensuring that any future initiatives or revisions proposed by the Commission in the area of health and food safety are based on robust scientific evidence;

An integrated and efficient transport sector

| 67. | Calls on the Commission to ensure better monitoring and proper implementation of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy, from planning to implementation; stresses the need to take forward the TEN-T network corridors, in order to link the transport networks of all EU regions, improving infrastructure and removing barriers, especially east-west; stresses the importance of full implementation of the NAIADES II action programme; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Calls on the Commission to ensure better monitoring and proper implementation of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) policy, from planning to implementation; stresses the need to take forward the TEN-T network corridors, in order to link the transport networks of all EU regions, improving infrastructure and removing barriers, especially east-west; stresses the importance of full implementation of the NAIADES II action programme;

| 68. | Calls for concrete measures ensuring the accessibility of efficient public transport, developing smart and innovative solutions and mobilising financial resources for sustainable urban mobility and interconnected transport system infrastructures, including sustainable transport with technological innovation and alternative fuels; |
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68.

Calls for concrete measures ensuring the accessibility of efficient public transport, developing smart and innovative solutions and mobilising financial resources for sustainable urban mobility and interconnected transport system infrastructures, including sustainable transport with technological innovation and alternative fuels;

| 69. | Demands fair and efficient pricing for sustainable transport through the revision of the Eurovignette Directive and the framework to promote European electronic tolling, the drawing-up of a master plan for the deployment of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems, a review of the Directive on the Promotion of Clean and Energy Efficient Road Transport Vehicles and a review of market access rules for road transport with a view to improving its energy efficiency; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Demands fair and efficient pricing for sustainable transport through the revision of the Eurovignette Directive and the framework to promote European electronic tolling, the drawing-up of a master plan for the deployment of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems, a review of the Directive on the Promotion of Clean and Energy Efficient Road Transport Vehicles and a review of market access rules for road transport with a view to improving its energy efficiency;

| 70. | Calls on the Commission to explore ways to ensure fair competition between transport operators and to address the working conditions of road transport workers and enhance road safety; |
| --- | --- |

70.

Calls on the Commission to explore ways to ensure fair competition between transport operators and to address the working conditions of road transport workers and enhance road safety;

| 71. | Emphasises that, as regards the Aviation Package, a competitiveness strategy, a revision of Regulation (EC) No 868/2004, which concerns unfair pricing in aviation, and a revision of the European Aviation Safety Agency Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 216/2008) are key priorities; |
| --- | --- |

71.

Emphasises that, as regards the Aviation Package, a competitiveness strategy, a revision of Regulation (EC) No 868/2004, which concerns unfair pricing in aviation, and a revision of the European Aviation Safety Agency Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 216/2008) are key priorities;

Agriculture and fisheries policies

| 72. | Notes the Commission’s commitment to simplification and the proposed fitness check and evaluation of the CAP with a view to cutting red tape and removing regulatory burdens; asks for a proposal that facilitates the implementation of the reform in order to guarantee that the administrative burden for farmers and Member States’ authorities is kept to an absolute minimum; underlines the need to ensure that the CAP’s vital role in ensuring food security is preserved, to stimulate export growth in the EU’s agri-food industry and to develop new markets, securing fair access for exporters, and stresses that the EU’s very high food safety and health standards should not be compromised; calls for links between research, farmers and industry to be strengthened through innovation; |
| --- | --- |

72.

Notes the Commission’s commitment to simplification and the proposed fitness check and evaluation of the CAP with a view to cutting red tape and removing regulatory burdens; asks for a proposal that facilitates the implementation of the reform in order to guarantee that the administrative burden for farmers and Member States’ authorities is kept to an absolute minimum; underlines the need to ensure that the CAP’s vital role in ensuring food security is preserved, to stimulate export growth in the EU’s agri-food industry and to develop new markets, securing fair access for exporters, and stresses that the EU’s very high food safety and health standards should not be compromised; calls for links between research, farmers and industry to be strengthened through innovation;

| 73. | Calls on the Commission to help farmers anticipate market crises, with new and robust market tools aimed at avoiding loss of incomes, and by communicating changing market conditions, using accurate and real-time data where possible; |
| --- | --- |

73.

Calls on the Commission to help farmers anticipate market crises, with new and robust market tools aimed at avoiding loss of incomes, and by communicating changing market conditions, using accurate and real-time data where possible;

| 74. | Stresses the need for strong measures to address imbalances in the food supply chain, particularly to ensure fairness and transparency in the relationship between primary producers, processors, suppliers and distributors, and calls on the Commission to investigate the imbalance in the supply chain and the sustainable role of the primary producer within the chain; |
| --- | --- |

74.

Stresses the need for strong measures to address imbalances in the food supply chain, particularly to ensure fairness and transparency in the relationship between primary producers, processors, suppliers and distributors, and calls on the Commission to investigate the imbalance in the supply chain and the sustainable role of the primary producer within the chain;

| 75. | Urges the Commission to put forward multiannual management plans, which are one of the main tools for the implementation of the reformed CFP with a view to the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources, as well as the legislative framework on technical measures, which is already expected in 2015, and a proposal for revision of the control regulation under the ordinary legislative procedure; |
| --- | --- |

75.

Urges the Commission to put forward multiannual management plans, which are one of the main tools for the implementation of the reformed CFP with a view to the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources, as well as the legislative framework on technical measures, which is already expected in 2015, and a proposal for revision of the control regulation under the ordinary legislative procedure;

| 76. | Asks the Commission, as part of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, to continue its efforts to create jobs by applying the concept of a circular economy and establishing synergies in the marine and maritime sectors as a whole (blue growth); |
| --- | --- |

76.

Asks the Commission, as part of the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, to continue its efforts to create jobs by applying the concept of a circular economy and establishing synergies in the marine and maritime sectors as a whole (blue growth);

| 77. | Stresses that the regulation on the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU fishing) has been a success and should continue to be implemented in 2016, in particular against non-cooperating countries and all organisations contributing to IUU fishing; calls on the Commission to ensure the coherence of all EU policies, including the CFP and trade policy; |
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77.

Stresses that the regulation on the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU fishing) has been a success and should continue to be implemented in 2016, in particular against non-cooperating countries and all organisations contributing to IUU fishing; calls on the Commission to ensure the coherence of all EU policies, including the CFP and trade policy;

| 78. | Stresses that the objective of a single European ecolabel for fishery and aquaculture products must be pursued through a report; |
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78.

Stresses that the objective of a single European ecolabel for fishery and aquaculture products must be pursued through a report;

A deeper and fairer Economic and Monetary Union

| 79. | Urges the Commission to follow up on the ‘five presidents’ report’ and to submit an ambitious blueprint putting forward all the measures required to make the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) more resilient and turn it into a framework for better coordination and structural convergence, using the Community method; |
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79.

Urges the Commission to follow up on the ‘five presidents’ report’ and to submit an ambitious blueprint putting forward all the measures required to make the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) more resilient and turn it into a framework for better coordination and structural convergence, using the Community method;

| 80. | Calls on the Commission to take measures to improve the implementation of country-specific recommendations by Member States and to accelerate and enforce the implementation of structural reforms and investments aimed at modernising the EU economy, using the tools provided for in the Six Pack and Two Pack, and the economic governance legislation; calls on the Commission to take into due consideration its duties and powers under the Two Pack legislation when dealing with countries under enhanced surveillance or under a macroeconomic adjustment programme; |
| --- | --- |

80.

Calls on the Commission to take measures to improve the implementation of country-specific recommendations by Member States and to accelerate and enforce the implementation of structural reforms and investments aimed at modernising the EU economy, using the tools provided for in the Six Pack and Two Pack, and the economic governance legislation; calls on the Commission to take into due consideration its duties and powers under the Two Pack legislation when dealing with countries under enhanced surveillance or under a macroeconomic adjustment programme;

International trade policies

| 81. | Recalls its view that balanced trade agreements can provide rules for globalisation; calls on the Commission, therefore, to ensure that European standards are not put at risk and stresses that trade must play its part in fighting poverty and enhancing development abroad; considers that the elimination of trade and investment barriers worldwide remains a key priority of the EU trade strategy; notes, in this connection, that the Commission’s 2014 Trade and Investment Barriers Report identifies significant and unjustified barriers in the EU’s commercial relations with major third countries; reiterates, therefore, its call on the Commission to pursue this agenda and to combat unjustified protectionist measures; |
| --- | --- |

81.

Recalls its view that balanced trade agreements can provide rules for globalisation; calls on the Commission, therefore, to ensure that European standards are not put at risk and stresses that trade must play its part in fighting poverty and enhancing development abroad; considers that the elimination of trade and investment barriers worldwide remains a key priority of the EU trade strategy; notes, in this connection, that the Commission’s 2014 Trade and Investment Barriers Report identifies significant and unjustified barriers in the EU’s commercial relations with major third countries; reiterates, therefore, its call on the Commission to pursue this agenda and to combat unjustified protectionist measures;

| 82. | Notes the importance of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement; reminds the Commission of the importance of cooperation, transparency and the exchange of information with Parliament throughout the whole process; |
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82.

Notes the importance of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement; reminds the Commission of the importance of cooperation, transparency and the exchange of information with Parliament throughout the whole process;

Other trade issues

| 83. | Calls on the Commission to anticipate the revision of the regulation on transitional arrangements for bilateral investment treaties scheduled for 2020 in order to create the necessary instruments for additional steps to be taken in the elaboration of the EU’s investment policy; |
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83.

Calls on the Commission to anticipate the revision of the regulation on transitional arrangements for bilateral investment treaties scheduled for 2020 in order to create the necessary instruments for additional steps to be taken in the elaboration of the EU’s investment policy;

| 84. | Asks the Commission to continue its work towards new and revised free trade agreements and welcomes the Commission’s intention to propose draft directives to the Member States for the modernisation of the existing agreements with Mexico, Chile and Turkey; |
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84.

Asks the Commission to continue its work towards new and revised free trade agreements and welcomes the Commission’s intention to propose draft directives to the Member States for the modernisation of the existing agreements with Mexico, Chile and Turkey;

| 85. | Notes with concern the lack of progress towards an EU-India FTA and asks that the Commission make further efforts to overcome the current road blocks in the negotiations; |
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85.

Notes with concern the lack of progress towards an EU-India FTA and asks that the Commission make further efforts to overcome the current road blocks in the negotiations;

| 86. | Stresses that multilateralism must remain an essential goal of EU trade policy, and calls on the Commission to work towards an agreement at the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in December 2015; |
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86.

Stresses that multilateralism must remain an essential goal of EU trade policy, and calls on the Commission to work towards an agreement at the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in December 2015;

An area of justice and fundamental rights based on mutual trust

| 87. | Asks the Commission to consider addressing gaps and loopholes in the application of Article 2 TEU and the values on which the EU is based, namely respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, inter alia through a binding mechanism relying on a set of objective indicators, thus allowing a gradual response to breaches of these values, including fundamental rights, at both EU and Member State level; recalls that respect for human rights will have to be implemented effectively through compliance with all Treaty provisions regarding democracy; |
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87.

Asks the Commission to consider addressing gaps and loopholes in the application of Article 2 TEU and the values on which the EU is based, namely respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, inter alia through a binding mechanism relying on a set of objective indicators, thus allowing a gradual response to breaches of these values, including fundamental rights, at both EU and Member State level; recalls that respect for human rights will have to be implemented effectively through compliance with all Treaty provisions regarding democracy;

| 88. | Calls for the completion of a comprehensive EU-US data protection umbrella agreement and the revision of the Safe Harbour principles to be compliant and to not allow any legal loopholes, thanks to an ambitious EU Data Protection Package setting out a new legislative framework at EU level for the protection of personal data; |
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88.

Calls for the completion of a comprehensive EU-US data protection umbrella agreement and the revision of the Safe Harbour principles to be compliant and to not allow any legal loopholes, thanks to an ambitious EU Data Protection Package setting out a new legislative framework at EU level for the protection of personal data;

| 89. | Calls on the Commission to review the Brussels IIa Regulation on conflict-of-law issues in family law between Member States; urges the Commission, therefore, to prevent international ‘child abductions’ via a mediation scheme and to promote specific training for mediators and judges dealing with transnational proceedings involving children, and encourages the Member States to centralise child abduction cases in specialised courts; |
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89.

Calls on the Commission to review the Brussels IIa Regulation on conflict-of-law issues in family law between Member States; urges the Commission, therefore, to prevent international ‘child abductions’ via a mediation scheme and to promote specific training for mediators and judges dealing with transnational proceedings involving children, and encourages the Member States to centralise child abduction cases in specialised courts;

| 90. | Welcomes the adoption of the European Agenda on Security for the 2015-2020 period and the priorities set in the fields of counter-terrorism, cross-border organised crime and cybercrime, and fully supports the Commission’s commitment in the Internal Security Strategy to help address threats to the internal security of the Member States in relation to foreign fighters and terrorism; emphasises that the EU must face up to a growing threat of home-grown terrorism posed by ‘foreign fighters’, namely individuals who travel to a state other than their state of residence or nationality for the purpose of the perpetration, planning or preparation of terrorist acts or of providing or receiving terrorist training, including in connection with armed conflicts; agrees that prevention of violent extremism should be a priority for the EU; |
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90.

Welcomes the adoption of the European Agenda on Security for the 2015-2020 period and the priorities set in the fields of counter-terrorism, cross-border organised crime and cybercrime, and fully supports the Commission’s commitment in the Internal Security Strategy to help address threats to the internal security of the Member States in relation to foreign fighters and terrorism; emphasises that the EU must face up to a growing threat of home-grown terrorism posed by ‘foreign fighters’, namely individuals who travel to a state other than their state of residence or nationality for the purpose of the perpetration, planning or preparation of terrorist acts or of providing or receiving terrorist training, including in connection with armed conflicts; agrees that prevention of violent extremism should be a priority for the EU;

| 91. | Calls on the Commission to prevent the movement of terrorist individuals by strengthening external border controls, checking travel documents more systematically and effectively, tackling illicit arms trafficking and fraudulent use of identity, and identifying risk areas; awaits the Commission’s new proposal on the Smart Borders Package; |
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91.

Calls on the Commission to prevent the movement of terrorist individuals by strengthening external border controls, checking travel documents more systematically and effectively, tackling illicit arms trafficking and fraudulent use of identity, and identifying risk areas; awaits the Commission’s new proposal on the Smart Borders Package;

| 92. | Calls on the Commission to take action regarding better exchange of information between Member States’ law enforcement authorities and EU agencies; calls on the Commission to help improve, intensify and accelerate law enforcement information-sharing and for more effective operational cooperation among Member States through more expeditious and efficient sharing of relevant data and information, with full respect for fundamental rights and data protection principles; |
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92.

Calls on the Commission to take action regarding better exchange of information between Member States’ law enforcement authorities and EU agencies; calls on the Commission to help improve, intensify and accelerate law enforcement information-sharing and for more effective operational cooperation among Member States through more expeditious and efficient sharing of relevant data and information, with full respect for fundamental rights and data protection principles;

| 93. | Notes the Commission’s proposals in the European Agenda on Security on the fight against cybercrime, and notes that terrorist organisations increasingly use the internet and communications technology to plan attacks, spread propaganda and raise funds; calls on the Commission to encourage internet and social media companies to work with governments and law enforcement authorities in order to combat this problem, whilst ensuring that fundamental rights and the rule of law are fully respected; |
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93.

Notes the Commission’s proposals in the European Agenda on Security on the fight against cybercrime, and notes that terrorist organisations increasingly use the internet and communications technology to plan attacks, spread propaganda and raise funds; calls on the Commission to encourage internet and social media companies to work with governments and law enforcement authorities in order to combat this problem, whilst ensuring that fundamental rights and the rule of law are fully respected;

| 94. | Calls on the Commission to put forward a proposal for a reform of the European Arrest Warrant; |
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94.

Calls on the Commission to put forward a proposal for a reform of the European Arrest Warrant;

| 95. | Reiterates that the Commission should ensure full implementation of EU legislation within the transposition deadlines, and calls on the Commission to take appropriate measures against those Member States which have failed to properly transpose Directive 2011/93/EU on child sexual abuse; calls on the Commission to continue and step up its efforts to improve procedures for identifying cyber predators and protecting children against them; |
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95.

Reiterates that the Commission should ensure full implementation of EU legislation within the transposition deadlines, and calls on the Commission to take appropriate measures against those Member States which have failed to properly transpose Directive 2011/93/EU on child sexual abuse; calls on the Commission to continue and step up its efforts to improve procedures for identifying cyber predators and protecting children against them;

| 96. | Encourages the Commission to take into account the Court of Justice opinion in progressing towards EU accession to the European Convention on Human Rights and addressing the remaining legal challenges; |
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96.

Encourages the Commission to take into account the Court of Justice opinion in progressing towards EU accession to the European Convention on Human Rights and addressing the remaining legal challenges;

| 97. | Urges the Commission to continue to ensure the proper implementation of EU legislation in the area of justice and to work more systematically on judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters; |
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97.

Urges the Commission to continue to ensure the proper implementation of EU legislation in the area of justice and to work more systematically on judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters;

| 98. | Calls on the Commission to help the EU actively promote dialogue with a global partnership against terrorism, working closely with regional actors such as the African Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League, and in particular with the countries which are neighbours of Syria and Iraq and countries which have been dramatically impacted by the conflict, such as Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, and including the UN, NATO and notably the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee; |
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98.

Calls on the Commission to help the EU actively promote dialogue with a global partnership against terrorism, working closely with regional actors such as the African Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League, and in particular with the countries which are neighbours of Syria and Iraq and countries which have been dramatically impacted by the conflict, such as Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, and including the UN, NATO and notably the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee;

| 99. | Strongly supports action to end all forms of discrimination and expects the Commission to put forward initiatives to strengthen the fight against discrimination on grounds of gender, racial or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability or age; |
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99.

Strongly supports action to end all forms of discrimination and expects the Commission to put forward initiatives to strengthen the fight against discrimination on grounds of gender, racial or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability or age;

| 100. | Underlines the fact that the rise of racism and xenophobia in Europe poses one of the main challenges for the EU as it constitutes a threat against democracy and the respect for human rights; calls therefore on the Commission to put forward initiatives to fight racism and xenophobia in the EU; |
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100.

Underlines the fact that the rise of racism and xenophobia in Europe poses one of the main challenges for the EU as it constitutes a threat against democracy and the respect for human rights; calls therefore on the Commission to put forward initiatives to fight racism and xenophobia in the EU;

| 101. | Takes note of the Commission’s decision to withdraw its proposal for the revision of Directive 92/85/EEC on the safety and health at work of pregnant workers, and of the Commission’s willingness to open up the way for a new initiative that can be agreed on and can lead to real improvements in the lives of working parents and carers, with the aim of better reconciling professional, family and private life, facilitating female participation in the labour market, providing minimum protection to mothers and reducing inequalities between men and women; |
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101.

Takes note of the Commission’s decision to withdraw its proposal for the revision of Directive 92/85/EEC on the safety and health at work of pregnant workers, and of the Commission’s willingness to open up the way for a new initiative that can be agreed on and can lead to real improvements in the lives of working parents and carers, with the aim of better reconciling professional, family and private life, facilitating female participation in the labour market, providing minimum protection to mothers and reducing inequalities between men and women;

| 102. | Expects the Commission to make 2017 the year for the elimination of violence against women and to step up its efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings and protect victims of such trafficking; calls on the Commission, in this connection, to initiate the procedure for the EU’s accession to the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention); calls also on the Commission to adopt a new separate strategy for women’s rights and gender-equality in Europe for 2015-2020, aimed at creating equal opportunities, reducing the gender pay, poverty and pension gaps, and combating violence against women; insists on the need to further address gender balance in terms of commitment within the economic decision-making process and invites the Commission to address the factors that discourage women from engaging in entrepreneurship; |
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102.

Expects the Commission to make 2017 the year for the elimination of violence against women and to step up its efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings and protect victims of such trafficking; calls on the Commission, in this connection, to initiate the procedure for the EU’s accession to the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention); calls also on the Commission to adopt a new separate strategy for women’s rights and gender-equality in Europe for 2015-2020, aimed at creating equal opportunities, reducing the gender pay, poverty and pension gaps, and combating violence against women; insists on the need to further address gender balance in terms of commitment within the economic decision-making process and invites the Commission to address the factors that discourage women from engaging in entrepreneurship;

A holistic approach to migration and asylum

| 103. | Reiterates its call for a comprehensive and global approach to asylum and migration policy; stresses the need to provide safety for asylum seekers in the process of requesting refugee status and to remove refugees’ need to choose risky routes into the EU, tackling the root causes of irregular migration and efficiently combating migrant smugglers, strengthening solidarity and responsibility-sharing among all the Member States; supports the need for migration to be linked to the EU’s external policy through cooperation with countries of origin and transit countries; supports the Commission’s proposal to offer humanitarian assistance; underlines the need for further action as regards the recent tragedies in the Mediterranean, in order to prevent the loss of lives at sea; calls for medium- and long-term challenges to be faced and for the development of a comprehensive response, as defined in the European Agenda on Migration; stresses that the Blue Card Directive should be revised to offer the prospect of legal migration to the EU; |
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103.

Reiterates its call for a comprehensive and global approach to asylum and migration policy; stresses the need to provide safety for asylum seekers in the process of requesting refugee status and to remove refugees’ need to choose risky routes into the EU, tackling the root causes of irregular migration and efficiently combating migrant smugglers, strengthening solidarity and responsibility-sharing among all the Member States; supports the need for migration to be linked to the EU’s external policy through cooperation with countries of origin and transit countries; supports the Commission’s proposal to offer humanitarian assistance; underlines the need for further action as regards the recent tragedies in the Mediterranean, in order to prevent the loss of lives at sea; calls for medium- and long-term challenges to be faced and for the development of a comprehensive response, as defined in the European Agenda on Migration; stresses that the Blue Card Directive should be revised to offer the prospect of legal migration to the EU;

| 104. | Underlines its readiness to deal with the new emergency relocation scheme in a fast-track procedure and declares its intention to advance all other measures proposed by the Commission in parallel in order to ensure that Member States do not delay the permanent relocation scheme; reminds the Council that Parliament is strongly in favour of a binding relocation mechanism based on clear and well defined criteria and which takes into account the preferences of refugees; |
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104.

Underlines its readiness to deal with the new emergency relocation scheme in a fast-track procedure and declares its intention to advance all other measures proposed by the Commission in parallel in order to ensure that Member States do not delay the permanent relocation scheme; reminds the Council that Parliament is strongly in favour of a binding relocation mechanism based on clear and well defined criteria and which takes into account the preferences of refugees;

| 105. | Calls on the Commission to address deficiencies regarding the quality of detention conditions and asylum procedures within the EU, both of which have a significant impact on dealing with migratory pressures in an effective and efficient manner; supports the Commission’s proposals to offer enhanced assistance to frontline receiving Member States from the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (FRONTEX) and the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) in order to achieve this; |
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105.

Calls on the Commission to address deficiencies regarding the quality of detention conditions and asylum procedures within the EU, both of which have a significant impact on dealing with migratory pressures in an effective and efficient manner; supports the Commission’s proposals to offer enhanced assistance to frontline receiving Member States from the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (FRONTEX) and the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) in order to achieve this;

| 106. | Welcomes the Commission’s proposal to increase the efficiency of the returns system for failed asylum seekers; encourages the Commission to come forward, however, with a proposal on a rapid returns policy following the evaluation and review of existing measures, for example to include within this framework the enhanced assistance of FRONTEX; insists that any return actions should be carried out with full respect for fundamental rights; |
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106.

Welcomes the Commission’s proposal to increase the efficiency of the returns system for failed asylum seekers; encourages the Commission to come forward, however, with a proposal on a rapid returns policy following the evaluation and review of existing measures, for example to include within this framework the enhanced assistance of FRONTEX; insists that any return actions should be carried out with full respect for fundamental rights;

A stronger global actor

| 107. | Highlights the importance of underpinning the common security and defence policy (CSDP) with a genuine internal market for defence and security, deepened cooperation among European defence industries, a competitive European defence technological and industrial base and a more collaborative approach to security and defence R&D and procurement; highlights the need for the Commission to come up with a proposal to establish a Europe-wide security-of-supply regime, which is essential for developing, sustaining and transferring critical defence capabilities as well as being an expression of solidarity and confidence between Member States; expresses full support for the launch of the preparatory action for CSDP-related defence research and the pilot project proposed by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

107.

Highlights the importance of underpinning the common security and defence policy (CSDP) with a genuine internal market for defence and security, deepened cooperation among European defence industries, a competitive European defence technological and industrial base and a more collaborative approach to security and defence R&D and procurement; highlights the need for the Commission to come up with a proposal to establish a Europe-wide security-of-supply regime, which is essential for developing, sustaining and transferring critical defence capabilities as well as being an expression of solidarity and confidence between Member States; expresses full support for the launch of the preparatory action for CSDP-related defence research and the pilot project proposed by Parliament;

| 108. | Believes that the defence and promotion of freedom, support for our allies, and the prevention of atrocities must remain at the heart of the foreign policy aims, including the defence of the rights of persecuted religious and other minority groups; |
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108.

Believes that the defence and promotion of freedom, support for our allies, and the prevention of atrocities must remain at the heart of the foreign policy aims, including the defence of the rights of persecuted religious and other minority groups;

| 109. | Recalls its view that, in order to deliver results, the Commission should put in place a revised neighbourhood policy, with a comprehensive and consistent approach between external action and internal policies; asks for a review of the European Neighbourhood Policy, in which the following points should be addressed: (a) differentiation and ‘more for more’; (b) engagement beyond the neighbourhood; (c) support for democracy, justice reform, the rule of law and institutional capacity-building; (d) a diversified offer: priority sectors; (e) the security dimension; (f) fostering regional integration; |
| --- | --- |

109.

Recalls its view that, in order to deliver results, the Commission should put in place a revised neighbourhood policy, with a comprehensive and consistent approach between external action and internal policies; asks for a review of the European Neighbourhood Policy, in which the following points should be addressed: (a) differentiation and ‘more for more’; (b) engagement beyond the neighbourhood; (c) support for democracy, justice reform, the rule of law and institutional capacity-building; (d) a diversified offer: priority sectors; (e) the security dimension; (f) fostering regional integration;

| 110. | Is of the view that there should be a clear distinction between neighbourhood and enlargement policies; is convinced that enlargement has been one of the EU’s success stories and should be kept on the agenda, by prioritising and objectively monitoring reforms in candidate countries until the end of the term, with a view to maintaining their motivation and the EU’s capacity to spread its values; recalls that only such a perspective can motivate the countries concerned; |
| --- | --- |

110.

Is of the view that there should be a clear distinction between neighbourhood and enlargement policies; is convinced that enlargement has been one of the EU’s success stories and should be kept on the agenda, by prioritising and objectively monitoring reforms in candidate countries until the end of the term, with a view to maintaining their motivation and the EU’s capacity to spread its values; recalls that only such a perspective can motivate the countries concerned;

| 111. | Calls for stronger emphasis on the interreligious dialogue aimed at analysing and understanding religious developments in order to promote tolerance and active engagement within EU foreign policy against violent and extremist radicalisation; |
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111.

Calls for stronger emphasis on the interreligious dialogue aimed at analysing and understanding religious developments in order to promote tolerance and active engagement within EU foreign policy against violent and extremist radicalisation;

| 112. | Continues to support the work of international partners to secure long-term stability, peace, and political reform in Southern and Eastern Neighbourhood countries, and supports the aspirations of those countries seeking closer ties with the EU, including those applicant countries working to fulfil the criteria for EU membership, including economic, political and social reforms, and respect for human rights and the rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

112.

Continues to support the work of international partners to secure long-term stability, peace, and political reform in Southern and Eastern Neighbourhood countries, and supports the aspirations of those countries seeking closer ties with the EU, including those applicant countries working to fulfil the criteria for EU membership, including economic, political and social reforms, and respect for human rights and the rule of law;

| 113. | Considers that the recent financial market turmoil in China represents an important turning point for China’s development model and that strong cooperation between the EU and China is needed to avoid possible negative implications for trade in both directions; calls on the Commission and the High Representative to consider the possibility of updating the EU-China strategic partnership, assess financial risks, and step up mutual cooperation with a view to ensuring better market access based on reciprocity, which will be beneficial for both the EU and China; |
| --- | --- |

113.

Considers that the recent financial market turmoil in China represents an important turning point for China’s development model and that strong cooperation between the EU and China is needed to avoid possible negative implications for trade in both directions; calls on the Commission and the High Representative to consider the possibility of updating the EU-China strategic partnership, assess financial risks, and step up mutual cooperation with a view to ensuring better market access based on reciprocity, which will be beneficial for both the EU and China;

| 114. | Urges the Commission to work with the Member States and third countries to take a series of measurable steps to eradicate practices that are harmful to women and girls, including child and forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), honour killings, forced sterilisation, rape in conflict, stoning and all other forms of brutality; urges the Commission to work with the European External Action Service (EEAS) to improve the support available for victims of such brutality; |
| --- | --- |

114.

Urges the Commission to work with the Member States and third countries to take a series of measurable steps to eradicate practices that are harmful to women and girls, including child and forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), honour killings, forced sterilisation, rape in conflict, stoning and all other forms of brutality; urges the Commission to work with the European External Action Service (EEAS) to improve the support available for victims of such brutality;

Development policy

| 115. | Highlights the fact that, in the European Year for Development, the Commission must deliver tangible results, and calls on the Commission to develop and deliver a follow-up action plan to the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid with a view to ensuring coherence and continued joint implementation of its commitment to the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence; |
| --- | --- |

115.

Highlights the fact that, in the European Year for Development, the Commission must deliver tangible results, and calls on the Commission to develop and deliver a follow-up action plan to the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid with a view to ensuring coherence and continued joint implementation of its commitment to the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence;

| 116. | Emphasises that development aid must be focused on efforts to promote good governance, to establish the rule of law, to fight corruption, illicit capital flows, money laundering, and tax avoidance and evasion, and to increase transparency and accountability of all stakeholders, including the national governments of developing countries and the private sector; asks the Commission, therefore, to develop a comprehensive strategy and action plan to tackle this issue in developing countries, in order to ensure that the EU’s development and cooperation agenda is also adapted and conditionality upgraded to effectively fight tax evasion and tax avoidance; |
| --- | --- |

116.

Emphasises that development aid must be focused on efforts to promote good governance, to establish the rule of law, to fight corruption, illicit capital flows, money laundering, and tax avoidance and evasion, and to increase transparency and accountability of all stakeholders, including the national governments of developing countries and the private sector; asks the Commission, therefore, to develop a comprehensive strategy and action plan to tackle this issue in developing countries, in order to ensure that the EU’s development and cooperation agenda is also adapted and conditionality upgraded to effectively fight tax evasion and tax avoidance;

| 117. | Draws attention to the fact that SMEs are the driving force of job and wealth creation in developing countries, generating about 90 % of jobs; calls on the Commission to help support MSMEs and focus on working with the partner governments to implement reforms aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, fighting corruption and tax evasion, developing public financial management and effective public institutions, promoting entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in this context, and further strengthening access to micro-credit and micro-financing; |
| --- | --- |

117.

Draws attention to the fact that SMEs are the driving force of job and wealth creation in developing countries, generating about 90 % of jobs; calls on the Commission to help support MSMEs and focus on working with the partner governments to implement reforms aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, fighting corruption and tax evasion, developing public financial management and effective public institutions, promoting entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in this context, and further strengthening access to micro-credit and micro-financing;

| 118. | Calls on the Commission to focus on fragile states and elaborate strategies on peace-building and state-building; stresses that it is imperative to engage in structural and long-term partnerships that prioritise the establishment of the rule of law and democratic institutions in these countries; |
| --- | --- |

118.

Calls on the Commission to focus on fragile states and elaborate strategies on peace-building and state-building; stresses that it is imperative to engage in structural and long-term partnerships that prioritise the establishment of the rule of law and democratic institutions in these countries;

| 119. | Calls for increased investment in access to education in humanitarian emergencies, as a means of child protection in crisis situations, which also reflects the need to bridge the gaps between humanitarian and development assistance by linking relief, rehabilitation and development; |
| --- | --- |

119.

Calls for increased investment in access to education in humanitarian emergencies, as a means of child protection in crisis situations, which also reflects the need to bridge the gaps between humanitarian and development assistance by linking relief, rehabilitation and development;

A Union of democratic change

Institutional issues

| 120. | Urges the Commission to align the legislation of all pending pre-Lisbon files (under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny) to the Lisbon Treaty as regards delegated and implementing acts; |
| --- | --- |

120.

Urges the Commission to align the legislation of all pending pre-Lisbon files (under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny) to the Lisbon Treaty as regards delegated and implementing acts;

| 121. | Reiterates its request to the Commission to submit, on the basis of Article 298 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a proposal for a regulation on a European law of administrative procedure; |
| --- | --- |

121.

Reiterates its request to the Commission to submit, on the basis of Article 298 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a proposal for a regulation on a European law of administrative procedure;

| 122. | Urges the Commission to prioritise unblocking the revision of the regulation on access to documents, and to follow up the recommendations made by Parliament in successive resolutions on transparency and access to documents; |
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122.

Urges the Commission to prioritise unblocking the revision of the regulation on access to documents, and to follow up the recommendations made by Parliament in successive resolutions on transparency and access to documents;

| 123. | Strongly supports the initiative for a mandatory transparency register based on an interinstitutional agreement; reiterates Parliament’s demand for a legislative proposal; |
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123.

Strongly supports the initiative for a mandatory transparency register based on an interinstitutional agreement; reiterates Parliament’s demand for a legislative proposal;

| 124. | Calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to ensure EU accession to the European Convention on Human Rights, while taking into account the legal arguments recently raised by the European Court of Justice; |
| --- | --- |

124.

Calls on the Commission to step up its efforts to ensure EU accession to the European Convention on Human Rights, while taking into account the legal arguments recently raised by the European Court of Justice;

| 125. | Calls on the Commission to evaluate the low percentage of successful European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECIs), which has a negative impact on citizens’ acceptance of this instrument of transnational direct participatory democracy, and to ensure that decisions on the admissibility of ECIs correspond to the EU’s legal competence, and expects the Commission to give proper follow-up to each successful ECI when it has committed to doing so, and more generally to address the weaknesses and limitations of this instrument, in particular by facilitating the process and improving its somewhat bureaucratic and lengthy procedures as part of a prompt revision of the ECI Regulation, with the aim of transforming it into a credible agenda-setting tool; |
| --- | --- |

125.

Calls on the Commission to evaluate the low percentage of successful European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECIs), which has a negative impact on citizens’ acceptance of this instrument of transnational direct participatory democracy, and to ensure that decisions on the admissibility of ECIs correspond to the EU’s legal competence, and expects the Commission to give proper follow-up to each successful ECI when it has committed to doing so, and more generally to address the weaknesses and limitations of this instrument, in particular by facilitating the process and improving its somewhat bureaucratic and lengthy procedures as part of a prompt revision of the ECI Regulation, with the aim of transforming it into a credible agenda-setting tool;

o

o o

| 126. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

126.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission.

---

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

European Parliament

Tuesday 8 September 2015

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/270 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/270

---

P8_TA(2015)0282

Request for the waiver of the immunity of Janusz Korwin-Mikke

European Parliament decision of 8 September 2015 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Janusz Korwin-Mikke (2015/2102(IMM))

(2017/C 316/30)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the request for waiver of the immunity of Janusz Korwin-Mikke, forwarded on 13 March 2015 by the Prosecutor-General of the Republic of Poland in connection with legal proceedings brought by the Chief of Municipal Police of Piotrków Trybunalski, dated 9 March 2015 (Case No. SM.O.4151-F.2454/16769/2014), and announced in plenary on 15 April 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for waiver of the immunity of Janusz Korwin-Mikke, forwarded on 13 March 2015 by the Prosecutor-General of the Republic of Poland in connection with legal proceedings brought by the Chief of Municipal Police of Piotrków Trybunalski, dated 9 March 2015 (Case No. SM.O.4151-F.2454/16769/2014), and announced in plenary on 15 April 2015,

| — | having heard Mr Korwin-Mikke in accordance with Rule 9(5) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having heard Mr Korwin-Mikke in accordance with Rule 9(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 8 and 9 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage,

| — | having regard to the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 12 May 1964, 10 July 1986, 15 and 21 October 2008, 19 March 2010, 6 September 2011 and 17 January 2013 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 12 May 1964, 10 July 1986, 15 and 21 October 2008, 19 March 2010, 6 September 2011 and 17 January 2013 (1),

| — | having regard to Article 105(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland and Articles 7b(1) and 7c(1) in connection with Article 10b of the Polish Act of 9 May 1996 on the exercise of the mandate of Deputy and Senator, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 105(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland and Articles 7b(1) and 7c(1) in connection with Article 10b of the Polish Act of 9 May 1996 on the exercise of the mandate of Deputy and Senator,

| — | having regard to Rule 5(2), Rule 6(1) and Rule 9 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 5(2), Rule 6(1) and Rule 9 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A8-0229/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A8-0229/2015),

| A. | whereas the Prosecutor-General of the Republic of Poland has forwarded a request from the Chief of Municipal Police of Piotrków Trybunalski for authorisation to take action against a Member of the European Parliament, Janusz Korwin-Mikke, with regard to an offence under Article 92a of the Act of 20 May 1971 establishing a Code of Petty Offences in connection with Article 20(1) of the Road Traffic Act of 20 June 1997; whereas, in particular, the alleged offence amounts to exceeding the permitted speed limit in a built-up area; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Prosecutor-General of the Republic of Poland has forwarded a request from the Chief of Municipal Police of Piotrków Trybunalski for authorisation to take action against a Member of the European Parliament, Janusz Korwin-Mikke, with regard to an offence under Article 92a of the Act of 20 May 1971 establishing a Code of Petty Offences in connection with Article 20(1) of the Road Traffic Act of 20 June 1997; whereas, in particular, the alleged offence amounts to exceeding the permitted speed limit in a built-up area;

| B. | whereas, according to Article 8 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, Members of the European Parliament may not be subject to any form of inquiry, detention or legal proceedings in respect of opinions expressed or votes cast by them in the performance of their duties; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, according to Article 8 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, Members of the European Parliament may not be subject to any form of inquiry, detention or legal proceedings in respect of opinions expressed or votes cast by them in the performance of their duties;

| C. | whereas, according to Article 9 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, Members of the European Parliament must enjoy, in the territory of their own state, the immunities accorded to members of their parliament; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas, according to Article 9 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union, Members of the European Parliament must enjoy, in the territory of their own state, the immunities accorded to members of their parliament;

| D. | whereas, under Article 105(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, a deputy shall not be subjected to criminal liability without the consent of the Sejm; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas, under Article 105(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, a deputy shall not be subjected to criminal liability without the consent of the Sejm;

| E. | whereas it is for Parliament alone to decide whether immunity is or is not to be waived in a given case; whereas Parliament may reasonably take account of the Member’s position in reaching its decision on whether or not to waive his or her immunity (2); |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas it is for Parliament alone to decide whether immunity is or is not to be waived in a given case; whereas Parliament may reasonably take account of the Member’s position in reaching its decision on whether or not to waive his or her immunity (2);

| F. | whereas the alleged offence does not have a direct or obvious connection with Mr Korwin-Mikke’s performance of his duties as a Member of the European Parliament, and nor does it constitute an opinion expressed or a vote cast in the performance of his duties as a Member of the European Parliament within the meaning of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the alleged offence does not have a direct or obvious connection with Mr Korwin-Mikke’s performance of his duties as a Member of the European Parliament, and nor does it constitute an opinion expressed or a vote cast in the performance of his duties as a Member of the European Parliament within the meaning of Article 8 of Protocol No 7 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Union;

| G. | whereas in this case Parliament has found no evidence of fumus persecutionis, that is to say, a sufficiently serious and precise suspicion that the case has been brought with the intention of causing political damage to the Member concerned; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas in this case Parliament has found no evidence of fumus persecutionis, that is to say, a sufficiently serious and precise suspicion that the case has been brought with the intention of causing political damage to the Member concerned;

| 1. | Decides to waive the immunity of Janusz Korwin-Mikke; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Decides to waive the immunity of Janusz Korwin-Mikke;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision and the report of its committee responsible immediately to the competent authority of the Republic of Poland and to Janusz Korwin-Mikke. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward this decision and the report of its committee responsible immediately to the competent authority of the Republic of Poland and to Janusz Korwin-Mikke.

---

(1)  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 12 May 1964, Wagner v Fohrmann and Krier, 101/63, ECLI:EU:C:1964:28; judgment of the Court of Justice of 10 July 1986, Wybot v Faure and others, 149/85, ECLI:EU:C:1986:310; judgment of the General Court of 15 October 2008, Mote v Parliament, T-345/05, ECLI:EU:T:2008:440; judgment of the Court of Justice of 21 October 2008, Marra v De Gregorio and Clemente, C-200/07 and C-201/07, ECLI:EU:C:2008:579; judgment of the General Court of 19 March 2010, Gollnisch v Parliament, T-42/06, ECLI:EU:T:2010:102; judgment of the Court of Justice of 6 September 2011, Patriciello, C-163/10, ECLI: EU:C:2011:543; judgment of the General Court of 17 January 2013, Gollnisch v Parliament, T-346/11 and T-347/11, ECLI:EU:T:2013:23.

(2)  Case T-345/05 Mote v Parliament (cited above), paragraph 28.

---

Wednesday 9 September 2015

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/272 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/272

---

P8_TA(2015)0295

Questions for written answer (interpretation of Rule 130(3) of the Rules of Procedure)

European Parliament decision of 9 September 2015 concerning the questions for written answer (interpretation of Rule 130(3) of the Rules of Procedure) (2015/2152(REG))

(2017/C 316/31)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the letter of 4 September 2015 from the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of 4 September 2015 from the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs,

| — | having regard to Rule 226 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 226 of its Rules of Procedure,

| 1. | Decides to append the following interpretation to Rule 130(3) of the Rules of Procedure:
  ‘The expression “by way of exception” is to be interpreted as meaning that the additional question concerns a matter of urgency and that the submission of that question cannot wait until the following month. Furthermore, the number of questions tabled under the second subparagraph of paragraph 3 must be smaller than the norm of five questions per month.’ |
| --- | --- |

1.

Decides to append the following interpretation to Rule 130(3) of the Rules of Procedure:

‘The expression “by way of exception” is to be interpreted as meaning that the additional question concerns a matter of urgency and that the submission of that question cannot wait until the following month. Furthermore, the number of questions tabled under the second subparagraph of paragraph 3 must be smaller than the norm of five questions per month.’

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

2.

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

---

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/273 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/273

---

P8_TA(2015)0296

Suspension or closure of a sitting (interpretation of Rule 191 of the Rules of Procedure)

European Parliament decision of 9 September 2015 concerning the suspension or closure of a sitting (interpretation of Rule 191 of the Rules of Procedure) (2015/2153(REG))

(2017/C 316/32)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the letter of 4 September 2015 from the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of 4 September 2015 from the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs,

| — | having regard to Rule 226 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 226 of its Rules of Procedure,

| 1. | Decides to append the following interpretation to Rule 191 of the Rules of Procedure:
  ‘If a request to suspend or close the sitting is presented, the procedure to vote on that request is to be initiated without undue delay. The usual means of announcing plenary votes should be used and, in line with existing practice, sufficient time should be given for Members to reach the Chamber.
  By analogy with the second subparagraph of Rule 152(2), if such a request has been rejected, a similar request cannot be tabled again during the same day. In accordance with the interpretation to Rule 22(1), the President has the right to put an end to excessive use of requests presented under this Rule.’ |
| --- | --- |

1.

Decides to append the following interpretation to Rule 191 of the Rules of Procedure:

‘If a request to suspend or close the sitting is presented, the procedure to vote on that request is to be initiated without undue delay. The usual means of announcing plenary votes should be used and, in line with existing practice, sufficient time should be given for Members to reach the Chamber.

By analogy with the second subparagraph of Rule 152(2), if such a request has been rejected, a similar request cannot be tabled again during the same day. In accordance with the interpretation to Rule 22(1), the President has the right to put an end to excessive use of requests presented under this Rule.’

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

2.

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

---

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/274 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/274

---

P8_TA(2015)0297

Denomination of an interparliamentary delegation

European Parliament decision of 9 September 2015 on the denomination of an interparliamentary delegation (2015/2842(RSO))

(2017/C 316/33)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal of the Conference of Presidents, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal of the Conference of Presidents,

| — | having regard to its decision of 12 March 2014 on the number of interparliamentary delegations, delegations to joint parliamentary committees and delegations to parliamentary cooperation committees and to multilateral parliamentary assemblies (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its decision of 12 March 2014 on the number of interparliamentary delegations, delegations to joint parliamentary committees and delegations to parliamentary cooperation committees and to multilateral parliamentary assemblies (1),

| — | having regard to Rule 212 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 212 of its Rules of Procedure,

| 1. | Decides that its delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council shall be renamed ‘Delegation for relations with Palestine’; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Decides that its delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council shall be renamed ‘Delegation for relations with Palestine’;

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

2.

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

---

(1)  Texts adopted of that date, P7_TA(2014)0217.

---

III Preparatory acts

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Tuesday 8 September 2015

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/275 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/275

---

P8_TA(2015)0281

ILO Forced Labour Convention: social policy ***

European Parliament legislative resolution of 8 September 2015 on the draft Council decision authorising Member States to ratify, in the interests of the European Union, the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, of the International Labour Organisation with regard to matters related to social policy (06732/2015 — C8-0079/2015 — 2014/0259(NLE))

(Consent)

(2017/C 316/34)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Council decision (06732/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Council decision (06732/2015),

| — | having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 153(2), in conjunction with Article 153(1)(a) and (b), Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v) and Article 218(8) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0079/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 153(2), in conjunction with Article 153(1)(a) and (b), Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v) and Article 218(8) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0079/2015),

| — | having regard to the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, of the International Labour Organisation; |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, of the International Labour Organisation;

| — | 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 Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0243/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (A8-0243/2015),

| 1. | Gives its consent to the draft Council decision; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Gives its consent to the draft Council decision;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

2.

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

---

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/276 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/276

---

P8_TA(2015)0283

Correct application of the law on customs and agricultural matters ***II

European Parliament legislative resolution of 8 September 2015 on the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) No 515/97 on mutual assistance between the administrative authorities of the Member States and cooperation between the latter and the Commission to ensure the correct application of the law on customs and agricultural matters (08257/3/2015 — C8-0159/2015 — 2013/0410(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: second reading)

(2017/C 316/35)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Council position at first reading (08257/3/2015 — C8-0159/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council position at first reading (08257/3/2015 — C8-0159/2015),

| — | having regard to the opinion of the Court of Auditors of 25 February 2014 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the Court of Auditors of 25 February 2014 (1),

| — | having regard to its position at first reading (2) on the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2013)0796), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its position at first reading (2) on the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2013)0796),

| — | having regard to Article 294(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 294(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Rule 76 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 76 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the recommendation for second reading of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (A8-0234/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation for second reading of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (A8-0234/2015),

| 1. | Approves the Council position at first reading; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Council position at first reading;

| 2. | Notes that the act is adopted in accordance with the Council position; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Notes that the act is adopted in accordance with the Council position;

| 3. | Instructs its President to sign the act with the President of the Council, in accordance with Article 297(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to sign the act with the President of the Council, in accordance with Article 297(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;

| 4. | Instructs its Secretary-General to sign the act, once it has been verified that all the procedures have been duly completed, and, in agreement with the Secretary-General of the Council, to arrange for its publication, in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its Secretary-General to sign the act, once it has been verified that all the procedures have been duly completed, and, in agreement with the Secretary-General of the Council, to arrange for its publication, in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

---

(1)  OJ C 94, 31.3.2014, p. 1.

(2)  Texts adopted of 15.4.2014, P7_TA(2014)0344.

---

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/277 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/277

---

P8_TA(2015)0284

Trade in seal products ***I

European Parliament legislative resolution of 8 September 2015 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009 on trade in seal products (COM(2015)0045 — C8-0037/2015 — 2015/0028(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

(2017/C 316/36)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2015)0045), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2015)0045),

| — | having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8-0037/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C8-0037/2015),

| — | having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 27 May 2015 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 27 May 2015 (1),

| — | having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 30 June 2015 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 30 June 2015 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the opinions of the Committee on International Trade and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A8-0186/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the opinions of the Committee on International Trade and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A8-0186/2015),

| 1. | Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

---

(1)  Not yet published in the Official Journal.

---

P8_TC1-COD(2015)0028

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 8 September 2015 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1007/2009 on trade in seal products and repealing Commission Regulation (EU) No 737/2010

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EU) 2015/1775.)

---

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/278 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/278

---

P8_TA(2015)0285

Cloning of animals kept and reproduced for farming purposes ***I

European Parliament legislative resolution of 8 September 2015 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the cloning of animals of the bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine species kept and reproduced for farming purposes (COM(2013)0892 — C7-0002/2014 — 2013/0433(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

(2017/C 316/37)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2013)0892), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2013)0892),

| — | having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 43(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7-0002/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 43(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7-0002/2014),

| — | 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 its legislative resolution of 7 July 2010 on the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on novel foods, amending Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 258/97 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1852/2001 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its legislative resolution of 7 July 2010 on the Council position at first reading with a view to the adoption of a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on novel foods, amending Regulation (EC) No 1331/2008 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 258/97 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1852/2001 (1),

| — | having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 30 April 2014 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 30 April 2014 (2),

| — | having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the joint deliberations of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development under Rule 55 of the Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint deliberations of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development under Rule 55 of the Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the opinion of the Committee on International Trade (A8-0216/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the opinion of the Committee on International Trade (A8-0216/2015),

| 1. | Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

---

(1)  Texts adopted of that date, P7_TA(2010)0266.

(2)  OJ C 311, 12.9.2014, p. 73.

---

P8_TC1-COD(2013)0433

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 8 September 2015 with a view to the adoption of Directive
  Regulation (EU) 2015/... of the European Parliament and of the Council on the cloning of animals of the bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine species kept and reproduced for farming purposes [Am. 1. The first part of this amendment, namely the change from Directive to Regulation, applies throughout the text]

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43(2),

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (2),

Whereas:

| (-1) | In the implementation of Union policy, and having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a high level of protection of human health and consumer protection, as well as a high level of animal welfare and environmental protection, should be guaranteed. At all times, the precautionary principle, as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (3)

  , should be applied. [Am. 2] |
| --- | --- |

(-1)

In the implementation of Union policy, and having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a high level of protection of human health and consumer protection, as well as a high level of animal welfare and environmental protection, should be guaranteed. At all times, the precautionary principle, as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (3)

  , should be applied. [Am. 2]

| (1) | The cloning of animals is not in line with
  Council Directive 98/58/EC (4)

  , which
  lays down general minimum welfare standards for animals bred or kept for farming purposes. It

  Directive 98/58/EC
  calls on Member States to avoid unnecessary pain, suffering or injury of farm animals
  , and, more specifically, states in point 20 of its Annex that ‘natural or artificial breeding or breeding procedures which cause, or are likely to cause, suffering or injury to any of the animals concerned must not be practised’
  . If cloning causes unnecessary pain, suffering or injury, Member States have to act at national level to avoid it. Different national approaches to animal cloning
  or the use of products derived from animal cloning
  could lead to market distortion. It is thus necessary to ensure that the same conditions apply to all involved in the production and distribution of live animals
  and of products derived from animals
  throughout the Union. [Am. 3] |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The cloning of animals is not in line with
  Council Directive 98/58/EC (4)

  , which
  lays down general minimum welfare standards for animals bred or kept for farming purposes. It

  Directive 98/58/EC
  calls on Member States to avoid unnecessary pain, suffering or injury of farm animals
  , and, more specifically, states in point 20 of its Annex that ‘natural or artificial breeding or breeding procedures which cause, or are likely to cause, suffering or injury to any of the animals concerned must not be practised’
  . If cloning causes unnecessary pain, suffering or injury, Member States have to act at national level to avoid it. Different national approaches to animal cloning
  or the use of products derived from animal cloning
  could lead to market distortion. It is thus necessary to ensure that the same conditions apply to all involved in the production and distribution of live animals
  and of products derived from animals
  throughout the Union. [Am. 3]

| (2) | The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
  concluded, in its 2008 opinion on animal cloning

   (5)

  , that ‘the health and welfare of a significant proportion of clones have been found to be adversely affected, often severely and with a fatal outcome’. More specifically, EFSA
  has confirmed that surrogate dams used in cloning suffer in particular from placenta dysfunctions contributing to increased levels of miscarriages (6),
  with possible adverse effects on their health
  . This contributes, amongst other things, to the low efficiency of the technique, 6 to 15 % for bovine and 6 % for porcine species, and the need to implant embryo clones into several dams to obtain one clone. In addition, clone abnormalities and unusually large offspring result in difficult births and neonatal deaths.
  High mortality rates at all development stages are characteristic of the cloning technique

   (7)
  . [Am. 4] |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
  concluded, in its 2008 opinion on animal cloning

   (5)

  , that ‘the health and welfare of a significant proportion of clones have been found to be adversely affected, often severely and with a fatal outcome’. More specifically, EFSA
  has confirmed that surrogate dams used in cloning suffer in particular from placenta dysfunctions contributing to increased levels of miscarriages (6),
  with possible adverse effects on their health
  . This contributes, amongst other things, to the low efficiency of the technique, 6 to 15 % for bovine and 6 % for porcine species, and the need to implant embryo clones into several dams to obtain one clone. In addition, clone abnormalities and unusually large offspring result in difficult births and neonatal deaths.
  High mortality rates at all development stages are characteristic of the cloning technique

   (7)
  . [Am. 4]

| (2a) | As regards food safety, EFSA has stressed the importance of acknowledging that the database is limited, and in its 2008 opinion on animal cloning concluded: ‘Uncertainties in the risk assessment arise due to the limited number of studies available, the small sample sizes investigated and, in general, the absence of a uniform approach that would allow all the issues relevant to this opinion to be more satisfactorily addressed.’ For example, EFSA has stated that information is limited on the immunological competence of clones and recommended in that opinion that, if evidence of reduced immunocompetence of clones becomes available, the question should be investigated as to ‘whether, and if so, to what extent, consumption of meat and milk derived from clones or their offspring may lead to an increased human exposure to transmissible agents’. [Am. 5] |
| --- | --- |

(2a)

As regards food safety, EFSA has stressed the importance of acknowledging that the database is limited, and in its 2008 opinion on animal cloning concluded: ‘Uncertainties in the risk assessment arise due to the limited number of studies available, the small sample sizes investigated and, in general, the absence of a uniform approach that would allow all the issues relevant to this opinion to be more satisfactorily addressed.’ For example, EFSA has stated that information is limited on the immunological competence of clones and recommended in that opinion that, if evidence of reduced immunocompetence of clones becomes available, the question should be investigated as to ‘whether, and if so, to what extent, consumption of meat and milk derived from clones or their offspring may lead to an increased human exposure to transmissible agents’. [Am. 5]

| (2b) | As regards potential impacts on the environment, EFSA has stated that limited data is available and, with regard to potential impacts on genetic diversity, EFSA has drawn attention to the fact that there could be an indirect effect due to overuse of a limited number of animals in breeding programmes, and that increased homogeneity of a genotype within an animal population may increase the susceptibility of that population to infection and other risks. [Am. 6] |
| --- | --- |

(2b)

As regards potential impacts on the environment, EFSA has stated that limited data is available and, with regard to potential impacts on genetic diversity, EFSA has drawn attention to the fact that there could be an indirect effect due to overuse of a limited number of animals in breeding programmes, and that increased homogeneity of a genotype within an animal population may increase the susceptibility of that population to infection and other risks. [Am. 6]

| (2c) | The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies in its specific report on cloning in 2008

   (8)

  expressed doubts that animal cloning for food production purposes can be justified ‘considering the current level of suffering and health problems of surrogate dams and animal clones’. [Am. 7] |
| --- | --- |

(2c)

The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies in its specific report on cloning in 2008

   (8)

  expressed doubts that animal cloning for food production purposes can be justified ‘considering the current level of suffering and health problems of surrogate dams and animal clones’. [Am. 7]

| (2d) | One of the objectives of the Union’s common agriculture policy enshrined in Article 39 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) is to ‘increase agricultural productivity by promoting technical progress and by ensuring the rational development of agricultural production’. That objective aims, inter alia, at improving production and, with regard to the rational development of agricultural production, it entails the optimum utilisation of the factors of production, namely appropriate production for marketing purposes that takes into account the interests of consumers. [Am. 8] |
| --- | --- |

(2d)

One of the objectives of the Union’s common agriculture policy enshrined in Article 39 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) is to ‘increase agricultural productivity by promoting technical progress and by ensuring the rational development of agricultural production’. That objective aims, inter alia, at improving production and, with regard to the rational development of agricultural production, it entails the optimum utilisation of the factors of production, namely appropriate production for marketing purposes that takes into account the interests of consumers. [Am. 8]

| (2e) | In accordance with the case-law

   (9)

  of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Article 43 TFEU is the appropriate legal basis for any legislation concerning the production and marketing of agricultural products listed in Annex I TFEU which contributes to the achievement of one or more of the objectives of the common agricultural policy set out in Article 39 TFEU. Even where such legislation could be directed to objectives other than those of the common agricultural policy, which, in the absence of specific provisions, would be pursued on the basis of Article 114 TFEU, it may involve the harmonisation of provisions of national law in that area without recourse to Article 114 being necessary. Furthermore, measures taken in the context of the common agricultural policy may also affect importation of the products concerned. [Am. 9] |
| --- | --- |

(2e)

In accordance with the case-law

   (9)

  of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Article 43 TFEU is the appropriate legal basis for any legislation concerning the production and marketing of agricultural products listed in Annex I TFEU which contributes to the achievement of one or more of the objectives of the common agricultural policy set out in Article 39 TFEU. Even where such legislation could be directed to objectives other than those of the common agricultural policy, which, in the absence of specific provisions, would be pursued on the basis of Article 114 TFEU, it may involve the harmonisation of provisions of national law in that area without recourse to Article 114 being necessary. Furthermore, measures taken in the context of the common agricultural policy may also affect importation of the products concerned. [Am. 9]

| (2f) | As clearly and consistently shown by consumer research, the majority of Union citizens disapprove of cloning for farming purposes due to, inter alia, animal welfare and general ethical concerns

   (10)

  . Cloning for farming purposes could lead to animal clones or the descendants of animal clones entering the food chain. Consumers are strongly opposed to the consumption of food from animal clones or from their descendants. [Am. 10] |
| --- | --- |

(2f)

As clearly and consistently shown by consumer research, the majority of Union citizens disapprove of cloning for farming purposes due to, inter alia, animal welfare and general ethical concerns

   (10)

  . Cloning for farming purposes could lead to animal clones or the descendants of animal clones entering the food chain. Consumers are strongly opposed to the consumption of food from animal clones or from their descendants. [Am. 10]

| (2 g) | Animal cloning for food production purposes jeopardises the defining characteristics of the European farming model, which is based on product quality, food safety, consumer health, strict animal welfare rules and the use of environmentally sound methods. [Am. 11] |
| --- | --- |

(2 g)

Animal cloning for food production purposes jeopardises the defining characteristics of the European farming model, which is based on product quality, food safety, consumer health, strict animal welfare rules and the use of environmentally sound methods. [Am. 11]

| (3) | Taking into account the objectives of the Union's
  common
  agricultural policy, the results of the recent scientific assessments of EFSA and

  based on the available studies,
  the animal welfare requirement provided in Article 13 of the Treaty

  TFEU and the citizens' concerns
  , it is prudent

  appropriate
  to provisionally prohibit the use of cloning in animal production for farm

  farming
  purposes of certain species

  and the placing on the market of animals and products derived from the use of the cloning technique
  . [Am. 12] |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Taking into account the objectives of the Union's
  common
  agricultural policy, the results of the recent scientific assessments of EFSA and

  based on the available studies,
  the animal welfare requirement provided in Article 13 of the Treaty

  TFEU and the citizens' concerns
  , it is prudent

  appropriate
  to provisionally prohibit the use of cloning in animal production for farm

  farming
  purposes of certain species

  and the placing on the market of animals and products derived from the use of the cloning technique
  . [Am. 12]

| (3a) | Animal clones are not produced in order to serve for meat or milk production, but rather to use their germinal products for breeding purposes. It is the sexually reproduced descendants of animal clones which become the food-producing animals. Although animal welfare concerns might not be apparent in the case of descendants of cloned animals, as they are born by means of conventional sexual reproduction, in order for there even to be a descendant, a cloned animal progenitor is required, which entails significant animal welfare and ethical concerns. Measures aimed at addressing animal welfare concerns and consumers’ perceptions relating to the cloning technique should therefore include within their scope germinal products of animal clones, descendants of animal clones and products derived from descendants of animal clones. [Am. 13] |
| --- | --- |

(3a)

Animal clones are not produced in order to serve for meat or milk production, but rather to use their germinal products for breeding purposes. It is the sexually reproduced descendants of animal clones which become the food-producing animals. Although animal welfare concerns might not be apparent in the case of descendants of cloned animals, as they are born by means of conventional sexual reproduction, in order for there even to be a descendant, a cloned animal progenitor is required, which entails significant animal welfare and ethical concerns. Measures aimed at addressing animal welfare concerns and consumers’ perceptions relating to the cloning technique should therefore include within their scope germinal products of animal clones, descendants of animal clones and products derived from descendants of animal clones. [Am. 13]

| (4) | Currently animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine species are likely to be cloned for farming purposes. The scope of this Directive should therefore be limited to the use of cloning for farming purposes of those five species.
  [Am. 14] |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Currently animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine species are likely to be cloned for farming purposes. The scope of this Directive should therefore be limited to the use of cloning for farming purposes of those five species.
  [Am. 14]

| (4a) | With regard to the marketing of agricultural products, in connection with the ban on the use of cloning and in order to address consumer perceptions on cloning linked to, inter alia, animal welfare, the lack of adequate research and general ethical concerns, it is necessary to ensure that food from animal clones and their descendants does not enter the food chain. Less restrictive measures, such as food labelling, would not entirely address citizens’ concerns since the marketing of food produced with a technique that involves animal suffering would still be allowed. [Am. 15] |
| --- | --- |

(4a)

With regard to the marketing of agricultural products, in connection with the ban on the use of cloning and in order to address consumer perceptions on cloning linked to, inter alia, animal welfare, the lack of adequate research and general ethical concerns, it is necessary to ensure that food from animal clones and their descendants does not enter the food chain. Less restrictive measures, such as food labelling, would not entirely address citizens’ concerns since the marketing of food produced with a technique that involves animal suffering would still be allowed. [Am. 15]

| (4b) | The use of cloning in animal production for farming purposes is already taking place in certain third countries. Pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, food imported from third countries for placing on the market within the Union is to comply with Union relevant requirements of food law or with conditions recognised by the Union to be at least equivalent to those requirements. Therefore, measures should be taken to avoid the import from third countries into the Union of animal clones and their descendants and of products obtained from animal clones and their descendants. The Commission should supplement or propose to amend the relevant zootechnical and animal health legislation to ensure that import certificates accompanying animals and germinal products and food and feed of animal origin indicate whether they are, or are derived from, animal clones or descendants of animal clones. [Am. 16] |
| --- | --- |

(4b)

The use of cloning in animal production for farming purposes is already taking place in certain third countries. Pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, food imported from third countries for placing on the market within the Union is to comply with Union relevant requirements of food law or with conditions recognised by the Union to be at least equivalent to those requirements. Therefore, measures should be taken to avoid the import from third countries into the Union of animal clones and their descendants and of products obtained from animal clones and their descendants. The Commission should supplement or propose to amend the relevant zootechnical and animal health legislation to ensure that import certificates accompanying animals and germinal products and food and feed of animal origin indicate whether they are, or are derived from, animal clones or descendants of animal clones. [Am. 16]

| (4c) | Animal clones, embryo clones, descendants of animal clones, germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants, and food and feed from animal clones and their descendants cannot be considered like products to animals, embryos, germinal products, food and feed that do not derive from the use of the cloning technique within the meaning of Article III.4 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Furthermore, the prohibition of the cloning of animals and of the placing on the market and import of animal clones, embryo clones, descendants of animal clones, germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants, and food and feed from animal clones and their descendants is a measure that is necessary to protect public morals and to protect animal health within the meaning of Article XX of the GATT. [Am. 17] |
| --- | --- |

(4c)

Animal clones, embryo clones, descendants of animal clones, germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants, and food and feed from animal clones and their descendants cannot be considered like products to animals, embryos, germinal products, food and feed that do not derive from the use of the cloning technique within the meaning of Article III.4 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Furthermore, the prohibition of the cloning of animals and of the placing on the market and import of animal clones, embryo clones, descendants of animal clones, germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants, and food and feed from animal clones and their descendants is a measure that is necessary to protect public morals and to protect animal health within the meaning of Article XX of the GATT. [Am. 17]

| (4d) | Steps should be taken to ensure that trade agreements which are currently being negotiated do not encourage the authorisation of practices which may have an adverse effect on the health of consumers and farmers, on the environment or on animal welfare. [Am. 18] |
| --- | --- |

(4d)

Steps should be taken to ensure that trade agreements which are currently being negotiated do not encourage the authorisation of practices which may have an adverse effect on the health of consumers and farmers, on the environment or on animal welfare. [Am. 18]

| (4e) | The application of this Regulation can be jeopardised if it is impossible to trace food obtained from animal clones and their descendants. Therefore, pursuant to the precautionary principle and in order to enforce the prohibitions set out in this Regulation, it is necessary to establish, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, traceability systems at Union level. Such systems would enable competent authorities and economic operators to collect data on animal clones, descendants of animal clones and germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants, and food from animal clones and their descendants. The Commission should endeavour to obtain commitments in this regard from trading partners of the Union in which cloning of animals is carried out for farming purposes, within the framework of ongoing and future trade negotiations, at both bilateral and multilateral levels. [Am. 19] |
| --- | --- |

(4e)

The application of this Regulation can be jeopardised if it is impossible to trace food obtained from animal clones and their descendants. Therefore, pursuant to the precautionary principle and in order to enforce the prohibitions set out in this Regulation, it is necessary to establish, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, traceability systems at Union level. Such systems would enable competent authorities and economic operators to collect data on animal clones, descendants of animal clones and germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants, and food from animal clones and their descendants. The Commission should endeavour to obtain commitments in this regard from trading partners of the Union in which cloning of animals is carried out for farming purposes, within the framework of ongoing and future trade negotiations, at both bilateral and multilateral levels. [Am. 19]

| (4f) | In its 2010 report to the European Parliament and the Council, the Commission stated that measures to establish the traceability of imports of semen and embryos in order to set up data banks of offspring in the Union were appropriate. The Commission should therefore act accordingly. [Am. 20] |
| --- | --- |

(4f)

In its 2010 report to the European Parliament and the Council, the Commission stated that measures to establish the traceability of imports of semen and embryos in order to set up data banks of offspring in the Union were appropriate. The Commission should therefore act accordingly. [Am. 20]

| (4 g) | Consistent with the implementation of the ban on cloning which is laid down in this Regulation, targeted trade promotion measures adopted by the Commission should be applied in order to support high-quality meat production and animal husbandry in the Union. [Am. 21] |
| --- | --- |

(4 g)

Consistent with the implementation of the ban on cloning which is laid down in this Regulation, targeted trade promotion measures adopted by the Commission should be applied in order to support high-quality meat production and animal husbandry in the Union. [Am. 21]

| (5) | It is expected that the knowledge on the impact of the cloning technique on the welfare of the animals used will increase. The cloning technique is likely to improve over time. Consequently prohibitions should only apply provisionally. This Directive

  Regulation
  should therefore be reviewed within a reasonable time, taking into account the experience gained by the Member States in its implementation

  application
  , scientific and technical progress
  , the evolution of consumer perceptions,
  and international developments
  , in particular trade flows and the Union's trade relations
  . [Am. 22] |
| --- | --- |

(5)

It is expected that the knowledge on the impact of the cloning technique on the welfare of the animals used will increase. The cloning technique is likely to improve over time. Consequently prohibitions should only apply provisionally. This Directive

  Regulation
  should therefore be reviewed within a reasonable time, taking into account the experience gained by the Member States in its implementation

  application
  , scientific and technical progress
  , the evolution of consumer perceptions,
  and international developments
  , in particular trade flows and the Union's trade relations
  . [Am. 22]

| (5a) | According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, the majority of Europeans do not consider animal cloning in food production to be safe for their health or for that their family. Furthermore, when it comes to animal cloning, there are more countries in Europe expressing a clear preference for decisions to be taken primarily from the standpoint of moral and ethical issues, rather than on the basis of scientific evidence. Therefore, before this legislation is reviewed, the Commission should carry out an official EU-Survey to reassess consumers' perceptions. [Am. 23] |
| --- | --- |

(5a)

According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, the majority of Europeans do not consider animal cloning in food production to be safe for their health or for that their family. Furthermore, when it comes to animal cloning, there are more countries in Europe expressing a clear preference for decisions to be taken primarily from the standpoint of moral and ethical issues, rather than on the basis of scientific evidence. Therefore, before this legislation is reviewed, the Commission should carry out an official EU-Survey to reassess consumers' perceptions. [Am. 23]

| (5b) | The power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the establishment of rules for traceability systems for animal clones, descendants of animal clones and for germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council. [Am. 24] |
| --- | --- |

(5b)

The power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the establishment of rules for traceability systems for animal clones, descendants of animal clones and for germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council. [Am. 24]

| (6) | This Directive

  Regulation
  respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and notably

  in particular
  the freedom to conduct a business and the freedom of the sciences. This Directive

  Regulation
  has to be implemented

  applied
  in accordance with these rights and principles. [Am. 25] |
| --- | --- |

(6)

This Directive

  Regulation
  respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and notably

  in particular
  the freedom to conduct a business and the freedom of the sciences. This Directive

  Regulation
  has to be implemented

  applied
  in accordance with these rights and principles. [Am. 25]

| (6a) | Since the objective of this Regulation cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of its scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective, [Am. 26] |
| --- | --- |

(6a)

Since the objective of this Regulation cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of its scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective, [Am. 26]

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE

  REGULATION
  :

Article 1

Subject matter and scope

This Directive

  Regulation
  lays down rules on:

| (a) | the cloning of animals in the Union; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the cloning of animals in the Union;

| (b) | the placing on the market
  and import
  of embryo clones and animal clones
  , embryo clones, descendants of animal clones, germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants, and food and feed from animal clones and their descendants
  . [Am. 27] |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the placing on the market
  and import
  of embryo clones and animal clones
  , embryo clones, descendants of animal clones, germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants, and food and feed from animal clones and their descendants
  . [Am. 27]

It shall apply to
  all species of
  animals of the bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine and equine species (‘the animals’) kept and reproduced for farming purposes. [Am. 28]

Article 1a

Objective

The objective of this Regulation is to address concerns relating to animal health and welfare and to consumers' perceptions and ethical considerations with regard to the cloning technique. [Am. 29]

Article 2

Definitions

For the purposes of this Directive

  Regulation
  , the following definitions shall apply:

| (a) | ‘animals "kept and reproduced for farming purposes’
  (‘animals’)
  means animals kept and reproduced for the production of food,
  feed,
  wool, skin or fur or for other farming purposes. It shall not include animals kept and reproduced exclusively for other purposes such as research, the production of medicinal products and medical devices,
  and
  the preservation of rare breeds or endangered species, sporting and cultural events

  and of rare breeds identified as such by the competent authorities of the Member States, where no alternative methods are available
  ; [Am. 30] |
| --- | --- |

(a)

‘animals "kept and reproduced for farming purposes’
  (‘animals’)
  means animals kept and reproduced for the production of food,
  feed,
  wool, skin or fur or for other farming purposes. It shall not include animals kept and reproduced exclusively for other purposes such as research, the production of medicinal products and medical devices,
  and
  the preservation of rare breeds or endangered species, sporting and cultural events

  and of rare breeds identified as such by the competent authorities of the Member States, where no alternative methods are available
  ; [Am. 30]

| (b) | ‘cloning’ means asexual reproduction of animals with

  to create, by, inter alia, using
  a technique whereby the nucleus of a cell of an individual animal is transferred into an oocyte from which the nucleus has been removed to create, genetically identical individual embryos (‘embryo clones’), that can subsequently be implanted into surrogate mothers in order to produce populations of genetically identical animals (‘animal clone

  clones
  ’); [Am. 31] |
| --- | --- |

(b)

‘cloning’ means asexual reproduction of animals with

  to create, by, inter alia, using
  a technique whereby the nucleus of a cell of an individual animal is transferred into an oocyte from which the nucleus has been removed to create, genetically identical individual embryos (‘embryo clones’), that can subsequently be implanted into surrogate mothers in order to produce populations of genetically identical animals (‘animal clone

  clones
  ’); [Am. 31]

| (ba) | ‘descendants of animal clones’ means animals, other than animal clones, where at least one of the progenitors is an animal clone;

  [Am. 32] |
| --- | --- |

(ba)

‘descendants of animal clones’ means animals, other than animal clones, where at least one of the progenitors is an animal clone;

  [Am. 32]

| (bb) | ‘germinal products’ means semen, oocytes and embryos collected or produced from animals for the purpose of reproduction;

  [Am. 33] |
| --- | --- |

(bb)

‘germinal products’ means semen, oocytes and embryos collected or produced from animals for the purpose of reproduction;

  [Am. 33]

| (bc) | ‘traceability’ means the ability to trace and follow a food, feed, food-producing animal or substance intended to be, or expected to be incorporated into a food or feed, through all stages of production, processing and distribution;

  [Am. 34] |
| --- | --- |

(bc)

‘traceability’ means the ability to trace and follow a food, feed, food-producing animal or substance intended to be, or expected to be incorporated into a food or feed, through all stages of production, processing and distribution;

  [Am. 34]

| (c) | ‘placing on the market’ means the first making available of an animal or a product on the internal market; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

‘placing on the market’ means the first making available of an animal or a product on the internal market;

| (ca) | ‘food’ means food as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.

  [Am. 35] |
| --- | --- |

(ca)

‘food’ means food as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.

  [Am. 35]

Article 3

Provisional Prohibition [Am. 36]

Member States

  The following
  shall provisionally prohibit

  be prohibited
  : [Am. 37]

| (a) | the cloning of animals; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the cloning of animals;

| (b) | the placing on the market of animal clones and embryo clones

  and import of animal clones, embryo clones, descendants of animal clones, germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants, and food and feed from animal clones and their descendants
  . [Am. 38] |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the placing on the market of animal clones and embryo clones

  and import of animal clones, embryo clones, descendants of animal clones, germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants, and food and feed from animal clones and their descendants
  . [Am. 38]

Article 3a

Import conditions

Animals shall not be imported from third countries unless the accompanying import certificates show that they are not animal clones or descendants of animal clones.

Germinal products and food and feed of animal origin shall not be imported from third countries unless the accompanying import certificates show that they are not derived from animal clones or descendants of animal clones.

In order to ensure that import certificates accompanying animals and germinal products and food and feed of animal origin indicate whether they are, or are derived from, animal clones or descendants of animal clones, the Commission shall adopt specific import conditions under Article 48 or Article 49 of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (11)

  by ...

   (*1)

  and shall, if necessary, present a proposal to amend other legislation in the field of animal health or zootechnical and genealogical conditions for imports. [Am. 39]

Article 3b

Traceability

To provide competent authorities and economic operators with the information they need for the application of point (b) of Article 3, traceability systems shall be established for:

| (a) | animal clones; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

animal clones;

| (b) | descendants of animal clones; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

descendants of animal clones;

| (c) | germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

germinal products of animal clones and of their descendants.

The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts, in accordance with Article 4a, to establish detailed rules for the inclusion of the information referred to in points (a) to (c) of the first subparagraph in the certificates provided for in animal health and zootechnical legislation or in the certificates drawn up by the Commission for those purposes. Those delegated acts shall be adopted by ...

   (*2)
  . [Am. 40]

Article 4

Penalties

Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the national provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive

  Regulation
  and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented

  applied
  . The penalties provided for must

  shall
  be effective, proportionate and, dissuasive
  and shall ensure a level playing field
  . Member States shall notify those provisions to the Commission by [date for transposition of the Directive] at the latest ... (*3) and shall notify it without delay of any subsequent amendment affecting them.’

  thereto. [Am. 41]

Article 4a

Exercise of the delegation

1.
     
  The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred on the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.

2.
     
  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 3a shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from ...

   (*4)

  . The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.

3.
     
  The delegation of power referred to in Article 3a may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

4.
     
  As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council.

5.
     
  A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 3a shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

  [Am. 42]

Article 5

Reporting and Review

1.   By [date = 5 years after the date of transposition of this Directive] ... (*5), the Member States shall report to the Commission on the experience gained by them on the application of this Directive

  Regulation
  . [Am. 43]

2.   The Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the application of this Directive

  Regulation
  taking into account:

| (a) | the reports submitted by Member States in accordance with paragraph 1; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the reports submitted by Member States in accordance with paragraph 1;

| (b) | all available
  scientific and technical
  evidence of
  progress, in particular relating to the animal welfare aspects of cloning
  and food safety issues, and the progress made in establishing reliable traceability systems for clones and the descendants of clones
  ; [Am. 44] |
| --- | --- |

(b)

all available
  scientific and technical
  evidence of
  progress, in particular relating to the animal welfare aspects of cloning
  and food safety issues, and the progress made in establishing reliable traceability systems for clones and the descendants of clones
  ; [Am. 44]

| (ba) | the evolution of consumer perceptions on cloning;

  [Am. 45] |
| --- | --- |

(ba)

the evolution of consumer perceptions on cloning;

  [Am. 45]

| (c) | international developments; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

international developments;

| (ca) | consumers' concerns in relation to public health and animal welfare;

  [Am. 46] |
| --- | --- |

(ca)

consumers' concerns in relation to public health and animal welfare;

  [Am. 46]

| (cb) | ethical issues relating to animal cloning.

  [Am. 47] |
| --- | --- |

(cb)

ethical issues relating to animal cloning.

  [Am. 47]

2a.
     
  The Commission shall make the report referred to in paragraph 2 publicly available. [Am. 48]

2b.
     
  By means of an official EU-Survey, the Commission shall launch a public consultation aimed at assessing any new trends regarding consumers' perceptions of food products from cloned animals. [Am. 49]

Article 6

Transposition

1.   Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by [date = 12 month after the date of transposition of this Directive]. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions.

When Member States adopt those provisions, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or be accompanied by such a reference on the occasion of their official publication. Member States shall determine how such reference is to be made.

2.   Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.
  [Am. 50]

Article 7

Entering

  Entry
  into force [Am. not concerning all languages]

This Directive

  Regulation
  shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from ...

   (*6)
  . [Am. 52]

Article 8

Addressees

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
  [Am. 53]

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. [Am. 54]

Done at

For the European Parliament

The President

For the Council

The President

---

(1)  OJ C 311, 12.9.2014, p. 73.

1

(2)  Position of the European Parliament of 8 September 2015.

2

(3)  
  Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1).

3

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1).

(4)  Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes (OJ L 221, 8.8.1998, p. 23).

4

(5)  
  http://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/scientific_output/files/main_documents/sc_op_ej767_animal_cloning_en.pdf

5

http://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/scientific_output/files/main_documents/sc_op_ej767_animal_cloning_en.pdf

(6)  Scientific Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food Safety, Animal Health and Welfare and Environmental Impact of Animals derived from Cloning by Somatic Cell Nucleus Transfer (SCNT) and their Offspring and Products Obtained from those Animals http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/cloning.htm?wtrl=01

6

(7)  
  http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/doc/2794.pdf

7

http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/doc/2794.pdf

(8)  
  Ethical aspects of animal cloning for food supply 16 January 2008: http://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/publications/opinion23_en.pdf

8

Ethical aspects of animal cloning for food supply 16 January 2008: http://ec.europa.eu/bepa/european-group-ethics/docs/publications/opinion23_en.pdf

(9)  
  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 23 February 1988, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland v Council of the European Communities, C-68/86, EU:C:1988:85; Judgment of the Court of Justice of 16 November 1989, Commission of the European Communities v Council of the European Communities, C-131/87, EU:C:1989:581; Judgment of the Court of Justice of 16 November 1989, Commission of the European Communities v Council of the European Communities, C-11/88, EU:C:1989:583.

9

Judgment of the Court of Justice of 23 February 1988, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland v Council of the European Communities, C-68/86, EU:C:1988:85; Judgment of the Court of Justice of 16 November 1989, Commission of the European Communities v Council of the European Communities, C-131/87, EU:C:1989:581; Judgment of the Court of Justice of 16 November 1989, Commission of the European Communities v Council of the European Communities, C-11/88, EU:C:1989:583.

(10)  
  See e.g. Eurobarometer reports of 2008 and 2010: http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl_238_en.pdf and http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf

10

See e.g. Eurobarometer reports of 2008 and 2010: http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/flash/fl_238_en.pdf and http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf

(11)  
  Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on offical controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules (OJ L 165, 30.4.2004, p. 1).

11

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on offical controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules (OJ L 165, 30.4.2004, p. 1).

(*1)  
  6 months from the entry into force of this Regulation.

*1

6 months from the entry into force of this Regulation.

(*2)  
  6 months from the entry into force of this Regulation.

*2

6 months from the entry into force of this Regulation.

(*3)  
  1 year from the entry into force of this Regulation.

*3

1 year from the entry into force of this Regulation.

(*4)  
  Date of entry into force of this Regulation.

*4

Date of entry into force of this Regulation.

(*5)  
  6 years from the entry into force of this Regulation.

*5

6 years from the entry into force of this Regulation.

(*6)  
  1 year from the entry into force of this Regulation.

*6

1 year from the entry into force of this Regulation.

---

Wednesday 9 September 2015

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/287 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/287

---

P8_TA(2015)0298

Fisheries partnership agreement with Guinea-Bissau: fishing opportunities and financial contribution (consent) ***

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (11667/2012 — C8-0278/2014 — 2012/0134(NLE))

(Consent)

(2017/C 316/38)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Council decision (11667/2012), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Council decision (11667/2012),

| — | having regard to the draft protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (11671/2012), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (11671/2012),

| — | having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43, Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), and Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0278/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43, Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), and Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0278/2014),

| — | having regard to its non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 (1) on the draft Council decision, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 (1) on the draft Council decision,

| — | 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 Fisheries and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Budgets (A8-0233/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Fisheries and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Budgets (A8-0233/2015),

| 1. | Gives its consent to conclusion of the Protocol; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Gives its consent to conclusion of the 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 Guinea-Bissau. |
| --- | --- |

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 Guinea-Bissau.

---

(1)  Texts adopted of that date, P8_TA(2015)0299.

---

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/288 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/288

---

P8_TA(2015)0300

Fisheries partnership agreement with Cape Verde: fishing opportunities and financial contribution (consent) ***

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (15848/2014 — C8-0003/2015 — 2014/0329(NLE))

(Consent)

(2017/C 316/39)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Council decision (15848/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Council decision (15848/2014),

| — | having regard to the draft protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (15849/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (15849/2014),

| — | having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43, Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), and Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0003/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43, Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), and Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0003/2015),

| — | having regard to its non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 (1) on the draft Council decision, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 (1) on the draft Council decision,

| — | 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 Fisheries and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Budgets (A8-0201/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Fisheries and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Budgets (A8-0201/2015),

| 1. | Gives its consent to conclusion of the Protocol; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Gives its consent to conclusion of the 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 Cape Verde. |
| --- | --- |

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 Cape Verde.

---

(1)  Texts adopted of that date, P8_TA(2015)0301.

---

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/289 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/289

---

P8_TA(2015)0302

Fisheries partnership agreement with Madagascar: fishing opportunities and financial contribution ***

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Madagascar and the European Community (15225/2014 — C8–0002/2015 — 2014/0319(NLE))

(Consent)

(2017/C 316/40)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Council decision (15225/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Council decision (15225/2014),

| — | having regard to the draft protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Madagascar and the European Community (15226/2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Madagascar and the European Community (15226/2014),

| — | having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43, Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), and Article 218(7), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8–0002/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 43, Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), and Article 218(7), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8–0002/2015),

| — | 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 Fisheries and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Budgets (A8-0196/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Fisheries and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Budgets (A8-0196/2015),

| 1. | Gives its consent to conclusion of the Protocol; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Gives its consent to conclusion of the 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 Madagascar. |
| --- | --- |

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 Madagascar.

---

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/290 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/290

---

P8_TA(2015)0303

Protocol amending the Marrakesh agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (consent) ***

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (06040/2015 — C8-0077/2015 — 2015/0029(NLE))

(Consent)

(2017/C 316/41)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Council decision (06040/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Council decision (06040/2015),

| — | having regard to the draft Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (06041/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (06041/2015),

| — | having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 207(4) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a) (v), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0077/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 207(4) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a) (v), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0077/2015),

| — | having regard to its non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 (1) on the draft decision, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its non-legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 (1) on the draft decision,

| — | 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 and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A8-0237/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A8-0237/2015),

| 1. | Gives its consent to conclusion of the Protocol; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Gives its consent to conclusion of the Protocol;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and to the World Trade Organization. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and to the World Trade Organization.

---

(1)  Texts adopted of that date, P8_TA(2015)0304.

---

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/291 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/291

---

P8_TA(2015)0305

Authorisation for Austria, Belgium and Poland to ratify, or to accede to, the Budapest Convention on the Contract for the Carriage of Goods by Inland Waterways (CMNI)***

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the draft Council decision authorising the Kingdom of Belgium and the Republic of Poland, respectively, to ratify, and the Republic of Austria to accede to the Budapest Convention on the Contract for the Carriage of Goods by Inland Waterways (CMNI) (08223/2015 — C8-0173/2015 — 2014/0345(NLE))

(Consent)

(2017/C 316/42)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the draft Council decision (08223/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the draft Council decision (08223/2015),

| — | having regard to the Budapest Convention on the Contract for the Carriage of Goods by Inland Waterways (08223/15/ADD1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Budapest Convention on the Contract for the Carriage of Goods by Inland Waterways (08223/15/ADD1),

| — | having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 81(2) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0173/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 81(2) and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C8-0173/2015),

| — | 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 Legal Affairs (A8-0231/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A8-0231/2015),

| 1. | Gives its consent to the draft Council decision authorising the Kingdom of Belgium and the Republic of Poland, respectively, to ratify, and the Republic of Austria to accede to the Budapest Convention on the Contract for the Carriage of Goods by Inland Waterways; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Gives its consent to the draft Council decision authorising the Kingdom of Belgium and the Republic of Poland, respectively, to ratify, and the Republic of Austria to accede to the Budapest Convention on the Contract for the Carriage of Goods by Inland Waterways;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

2.

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

---

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/292 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/292

---

P8_TA(2015)0306

Provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece *

European Parliament legislative resolution of 9 September 2015 on the proposal for a Council decision establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece (COM(2015)0286 — C8-0156/2015 — 2015/0125(NLE))

(Consultation)

(2017/C 316/43)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2015)0286), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2015)0286),

| — | having regard to Article 78(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C8-0156/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 78(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C8-0156/2015),

| — | having regard to the letter of the Council of 30 July 2015 by which it informed Parliament of its general approach, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of the Council of 30 July 2015 by which it informed Parliament of its general approach,

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

—

having regard to the letter of the Committee on Budgets,

| — | having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 59 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A8-0245/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A8-0245/2015),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Approves its statement annexed to this resolution; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Approves its statement annexed to this resolution;

| 3. | Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, in accordance with Article 293(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, in accordance with Article 293(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union;

| 4. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 5. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the Commission proposal; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the Commission proposal;

| 6. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

Amendment 1

Proposal for a decision

Citation 3 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Chapter I and Articles 18 and 19 thereof, |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Chapter I and Articles 18 and 19 thereof,

Amendment 2

Proposal for a decision

Recital 2 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (2a) | In line with Article 78(3) and Article 80 of the Treaty, the solidarity measures envisaged in this Decision are binding. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2a)

In line with Article 78(3) and Article 80 of the Treaty, the solidarity measures envisaged in this Decision are binding.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a decision

Recital 4 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (4a) | The temporary measures for emergency relocation are only one part of the holistic approach to migration as outlined in the Commission’s communication of 13 May 2015 entitled, ‘A European Agenda on Migration’ and the forthcoming own-initiative report by the European Parliament. The European Parliament stresses that all dimensions of the holistic approach are important and should be advanced in parallel. At its meeting of 25 and 26 June 2015, the European Council agreed, in particular, in the light of the current emergency situation and of the commitment to reinforce solidarity and responsibility, on the temporary and exceptional relocation over two years from Italy and Greece to other Member States of 40 000 persons in clear need of international protection. Member States should agree on binding quota for the distribution of such persons. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4a)

The temporary measures for emergency relocation are only one part of the holistic approach to migration as outlined in the Commission’s communication of 13 May 2015 entitled, ‘A European Agenda on Migration’ and the forthcoming own-initiative report by the European Parliament. The European Parliament stresses that all dimensions of the holistic approach are important and should be advanced in parallel. At its meeting of 25 and 26 June 2015, the European Council agreed, in particular, in the light of the current emergency situation and of the commitment to reinforce solidarity and responsibility, on the temporary and exceptional relocation over two years from Italy and Greece to other Member States of 40 000 persons in clear need of international protection. Member States should agree on binding quota for the distribution of such persons.

Amendment 4

Proposal for a decision

Recital 5

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (5) | In its resolution of 29 April 2015, the European Parliament reiterated the need for the Union to base its response to the latest tragedies in the Mediterranean on solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility and to step up its efforts in this area towards Member States which receive the highest number of refugees and applicants for international protection in either absolute or proportional terms. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5)

In its resolution of 29 April 2015, the European Parliament reiterated the need for the Union to base its response to the latest tragedies in the Mediterranean on solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility and to step up its efforts in this area towards Member States which receive the highest number of refugees and applicants for international protection in either absolute or proportional terms.

| (5) | In its resolution of 29 April 2015, the European Parliament reiterated the need for the Union to base its response to the latest tragedies in the Mediterranean on solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility and to step up its efforts in this area towards Member States which receive the highest number of refugees and applicants for international protection in either absolute or proportional terms
  on the basis of the criteria for establishing the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (1bis).
  The European Parliament called for binding quota for the distribution of asylum seekers among all the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

In its resolution of 29 April 2015, the European Parliament reiterated the need for the Union to base its response to the latest tragedies in the Mediterranean on solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility and to step up its efforts in this area towards Member States which receive the highest number of refugees and applicants for international protection in either absolute or proportional terms
  on the basis of the criteria for establishing the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (1bis).
  The European Parliament called for binding quota for the distribution of asylum seekers among all the Member States.

Amendment 5

Proposal for a decision

Recital 7

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (7) | Among the Member States witnessing situations of particular pressure and in light of the recent tragic events in the Mediterranean, Italy and Greece in particular have experienced unprecedented flows of migrants, including applicants for international protection who are in clear need of international protection, arriving on their territories, generating a significant pressure on their migration and asylum systems. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)

Among the Member States witnessing situations of particular pressure and in light of the recent tragic events in the Mediterranean, Italy and Greece in particular have experienced unprecedented flows of migrants, including applicants for international protection who are in clear need of international protection, arriving on their territories, generating a significant pressure on their migration and asylum systems.

| (7) | Among the Member States witnessing situations of particular pressure and in light of the recent tragic events in the Mediterranean, Italy and Greece in particular have experienced unprecedented flows of migrants, including applicants for international protection who are in clear need of international protection, arriving on their territories, generating a significant pressure on their migration and asylum systems,
  thus indicating the negative impact of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 for the first country of entry into the Union, which regrettably has not yet led to the suspension of that regulation or at least the removal of the reference to the first country of entry into the Union
  .
  However, other Member States within the Union are also experiencing large increases in the number asylum seekers they receive. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Among the Member States witnessing situations of particular pressure and in light of the recent tragic events in the Mediterranean, Italy and Greece in particular have experienced unprecedented flows of migrants, including applicants for international protection who are in clear need of international protection, arriving on their territories, generating a significant pressure on their migration and asylum systems,
  thus indicating the negative impact of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 for the first country of entry into the Union, which regrettably has not yet led to the suspension of that regulation or at least the removal of the reference to the first country of entry into the Union
  .
  However, other Member States within the Union are also experiencing large increases in the number asylum seekers they receive.

Amendment 6

Proposal for a decision

Recital 7 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (7a) | The expert forecast shows an increased migratory pressure in the short- and mid-term on the external maritime and land borders of the Union. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7a)

The expert forecast shows an increased migratory pressure in the short- and mid-term on the external maritime and land borders of the Union.

Amendment 7

Proposal for a decision

Recital 8

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (8) | According to data of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders (Frontex), the Central and Eastern Mediterranean route were the main areas for irregular border crossing into the Union in 2014. In 2014, more than 170 000 migrants arrived in Italy alone in an irregular manner, representing an increase of 277 % compared to 2013. A steady increase was also witnessed by Greece with more than 50 000 irregular migrants reaching the country, representing an increase of 153 % compared to 2013. Statistics for the first months of 2015 confirm this clear trend in respect of Italy. In addition, Greece has faced in the first months of 2015 a sharp increase in the number of irregular border crossings, corresponding to
  more than 50 % of the total number of irregular border crossings in 2014 (almost 28 000 in the first four months of 2015
  in comparison to a total number of almost 55 000 in 2014). A significant proportion of the total number of irregular migrants detected in these two regions included migrants of nationalities which, based on the Eurostat data, meet a high Union level recognition rate (in 2014, the Syrians and the Eritreans, for which the Union recognition rate is more than 75 %, represented more than 40 % of the irregular migrants in Italy and more than 50 % of them in Greece). According to Eurostat, 30 505 Syrians were found to be irregularly present in Greece in 2014 compared to 8 220 in 2013. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8)

According to data of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders (Frontex), the Central and Eastern Mediterranean route were the main areas for irregular border crossing into the Union in 2014. In 2014, more than 170 000 migrants arrived in Italy alone in an irregular manner, representing an increase of 277 % compared to 2013. A steady increase was also witnessed by Greece with more than 50 000 irregular migrants reaching the country, representing an increase of 153 % compared to 2013. Statistics for the first months of 2015 confirm this clear trend in respect of Italy. In addition, Greece has faced in the first months of 2015 a sharp increase in the number of irregular border crossings, corresponding to
  more than 50 % of the total number of irregular border crossings in 2014 (almost 28 000 in the first four months of 2015
  in comparison to a total number of almost 55 000 in 2014). A significant proportion of the total number of irregular migrants detected in these two regions included migrants of nationalities which, based on the Eurostat data, meet a high Union level recognition rate (in 2014, the Syrians and the Eritreans, for which the Union recognition rate is more than 75 %, represented more than 40 % of the irregular migrants in Italy and more than 50 % of them in Greece). According to Eurostat, 30 505 Syrians were found to be irregularly present in Greece in 2014 compared to 8 220 in 2013.

| (8) | According to data of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders (Frontex), the Central and Eastern Mediterranean route were the main areas for irregular border crossing into the Union in 2014. In 2014, more than 170 000 migrants arrived in Italy alone in an irregular manner, representing an increase of 277 % compared to 2013
  , including more than 26 100 children, of whom around 13 000 were unaccompanied minors, representing 7,6  % of the total migrants
  . A steady increase was also witnessed by Greece with more than 50 000 irregular migrants reaching the country, representing an increase of 153 % compared to 2013. Statistics for the first months of 2015 confirm this clear trend in respect of Italy.
  From January to June 2015, Italy witnessed a 5 % increase of irregular border crossings as compared to the same period in the previous year.
  In addition, Greece has faced in the first months of 2015 a sharp increase in the number of irregular border crossings, corresponding to
  a more than six-fold increase in comparison with the same period in the previous year and an increase of nearly 140 % compared to the previous year as a whole (76 293 from January to June 2015, according to Frontex data,
  in comparison to a total number of almost 55 000 in 2014). A significant proportion of the total number of irregular migrants detected in these two regions included migrants of nationalities which, based on the Eurostat data, meet a high Union level recognition rate (in 2014, the Syrians and the Eritreans, for which the Union recognition rate is more than 75 %, represented more than 40 % of the irregular migrants in Italy and more than 50 % of them in Greece
  ; from January to June 2015 Syrians and Eritreans represented 30 % of arrivals to Italy and nearly 60 % to Greece
  ). According to Eurostat, 30 505 Syrians were found to be irregularly present in Greece in 2014 compared to 8 220 in 2013. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

According to data of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders (Frontex), the Central and Eastern Mediterranean route were the main areas for irregular border crossing into the Union in 2014. In 2014, more than 170 000 migrants arrived in Italy alone in an irregular manner, representing an increase of 277 % compared to 2013
  , including more than 26 100 children, of whom around 13 000 were unaccompanied minors, representing 7,6  % of the total migrants
  . A steady increase was also witnessed by Greece with more than 50 000 irregular migrants reaching the country, representing an increase of 153 % compared to 2013. Statistics for the first months of 2015 confirm this clear trend in respect of Italy.
  From January to June 2015, Italy witnessed a 5 % increase of irregular border crossings as compared to the same period in the previous year.
  In addition, Greece has faced in the first months of 2015 a sharp increase in the number of irregular border crossings, corresponding to
  a more than six-fold increase in comparison with the same period in the previous year and an increase of nearly 140 % compared to the previous year as a whole (76 293 from January to June 2015, according to Frontex data,
  in comparison to a total number of almost 55 000 in 2014). A significant proportion of the total number of irregular migrants detected in these two regions included migrants of nationalities which, based on the Eurostat data, meet a high Union level recognition rate (in 2014, the Syrians and the Eritreans, for which the Union recognition rate is more than 75 %, represented more than 40 % of the irregular migrants in Italy and more than 50 % of them in Greece
  ; from January to June 2015 Syrians and Eritreans represented 30 % of arrivals to Italy and nearly 60 % to Greece
  ). According to Eurostat, 30 505 Syrians were found to be irregularly present in Greece in 2014 compared to 8 220 in 2013.

Amendment 8

Proposal for a decision

Recital 10

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (10) | According to Frontex data, another important migration route into the Union in 2014 was the Western Balkan route with 43 357 irregular border crossings.
  However, the majority of migrants using the Balkan route are not prima facie in need of international protection, with 51 % of the arrivals being made up only of Kosovars. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10)

According to Frontex data, another important migration route into the Union in 2014 was the Western Balkan route with 43 357 irregular border crossings.
  However, the majority of migrants using the Balkan route are not prima facie in need of international protection, with 51 % of the arrivals being made up only of Kosovars.

| (10) | According to Frontex data, another important migration route into the Union in 2014 was the Western Balkan route with 43 357 irregular border crossings.
  The number of irregular border crossings has increased dramatically in 2015. From January to June 2015, 67 444 migrants and refugees used the route through the borders of Turkey with Greece and Bulgaria and the land borders of Hungary. This amounts to an increase of 962 % compared to the same period in the previous year. The route is now increasingly also used by persons fleeing war and persecution. From January to June 2015, 17 955 refugees from Afghanistan, 13 225 refugees from Syria, 3 021 refugees from Iraq and 196 refugees from Eritrea entered the Union via this route. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

According to Frontex data, another important migration route into the Union in 2014 was the Western Balkan route with 43 357 irregular border crossings.
  The number of irregular border crossings has increased dramatically in 2015. From January to June 2015, 67 444 migrants and refugees used the route through the borders of Turkey with Greece and Bulgaria and the land borders of Hungary. This amounts to an increase of 962 % compared to the same period in the previous year. The route is now increasingly also used by persons fleeing war and persecution. From January to June 2015, 17 955 refugees from Afghanistan, 13 225 refugees from Syria, 3 021 refugees from Iraq and 196 refugees from Eritrea entered the Union via this route.

Amendment 9

Proposal for a decision

Recital 13 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (13a) | There should be a rapid and full transposition and effective implementation of the Common European Asylum System by all participating Member States, thereby ensuring common Union standards, including reception conditions for asylum seekers and respect for fundamental rights, as provided for in existing Union law. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13a)

There should be a rapid and full transposition and effective implementation of the Common European Asylum System by all participating Member States, thereby ensuring common Union standards, including reception conditions for asylum seekers and respect for fundamental rights, as provided for in existing Union law.

Amendment 10

Proposal for a decision

Recital 15

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (15) | If a Member State other than Italy or Greece should be confronted with a similar emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries, the Council, on a proposal from the Commission, and after consulting the European Parliament, may adopt provisional measures for the benefit of the Member State concerned, in line with Article 78(3) of the Treaty. Such measures may include, where appropriate, a suspension of the obligations of that Member State provided for in this Decision. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15)

If a Member State other than Italy or Greece should be confronted with a similar emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries, the Council, on a proposal from the Commission, and after consulting the European Parliament, may adopt provisional measures for the benefit of the Member State concerned, in line with Article 78(3) of the Treaty. Such measures may include, where appropriate, a suspension of the obligations of that Member State provided for in this Decision.

| (15) | Taking into account the ongoing instability and conflicts in the immediate neighbourhood of the Union and the changing nature of migratory flows,
  if a Member State other than Italy or Greece should be confronted with a similar emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries, the Council, on a proposal from the Commission, and after consulting the European Parliament, may adopt provisional measures for the benefit of the Member State concerned, in line with Article 78(3) of the Treaty. Such measures may include, where appropriate, a suspension of the obligations of that Member State provided for in this Decision. |
| --- | --- |

(15)

Taking into account the ongoing instability and conflicts in the immediate neighbourhood of the Union and the changing nature of migratory flows,
  if a Member State other than Italy or Greece should be confronted with a similar emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries, the Council, on a proposal from the Commission, and after consulting the European Parliament, may adopt provisional measures for the benefit of the Member State concerned, in line with Article 78(3) of the Treaty. Such measures may include, where appropriate, a suspension of the obligations of that Member State provided for in this Decision.

Amendment 11

Proposal for a decision

Recital 17

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (17) | The measures foreseen in this Decision entail a temporary derogation from the criterion laid down in Article 13(1) of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013
  of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (1) and the procedural steps, including the time limits, laid down in Articles 21, 22 and 29 of that Regulation. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17)

The measures foreseen in this Decision entail a temporary derogation from the criterion laid down in Article 13(1) of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013
  of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (1) and the procedural steps, including the time limits, laid down in Articles 21, 22 and 29 of that Regulation.

| (17) | The measures foreseen in this Decision entail a temporary derogation from the criterion laid down in Article 13(1) of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 and the procedural steps, including the time limits, laid down in Articles 21, 22 and 29 of that Regulation.
  Relocation measures should not prevent Member States from making full use of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, including a proactive and efficient use of all criteria, such as family reunification, special protection of unaccompanied minors, and the discretionary clause on humanitarian grounds. |
| --- | --- |

(17)

The measures foreseen in this Decision entail a temporary derogation from the criterion laid down in Article 13(1) of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 and the procedural steps, including the time limits, laid down in Articles 21, 22 and 29 of that Regulation.
  Relocation measures should not prevent Member States from making full use of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, including a proactive and efficient use of all criteria, such as family reunification, special protection of unaccompanied minors, and the discretionary clause on humanitarian grounds.

Amendment 12

Proposal for a decision

Recital 18

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (18) | A choice had to be made in respect of the criteria to be applied when deciding which and how many applicants are to be relocated from Italy and Greece. A clear and workable system is envisaged based on a threshold of the average rate at Union level of decisions granting international protection in the procedures at first instance as defined by Eurostat out of the total number at Union level of decisions on asylum applications for international protection taken at first instance, based on the latest available statistics. On the one hand, this threshold would have to ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that all applicants who are most likely in need of international protection would be in a position to fully and swiftly enjoy their protection rights in the Member State of relocation. On the other hand, it would prevent, to the maximum extent possible, applicants who are likely to receive a negative decision to their application from being relocated to another Member State and therefore prolong unduly their stay in the Union. Based on Eurostat data for 2014 first instance decisions, a threshold of 75 %, which corresponds in that year to decisions on applications for Syrians and Eritreans, should be used in this Decision. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18)

A choice had to be made in respect of the criteria to be applied when deciding which and how many applicants are to be relocated from Italy and Greece. A clear and workable system is envisaged based on a threshold of the average rate at Union level of decisions granting international protection in the procedures at first instance as defined by Eurostat out of the total number at Union level of decisions on asylum applications for international protection taken at first instance, based on the latest available statistics. On the one hand, this threshold would have to ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that all applicants who are most likely in need of international protection would be in a position to fully and swiftly enjoy their protection rights in the Member State of relocation. On the other hand, it would prevent, to the maximum extent possible, applicants who are likely to receive a negative decision to their application from being relocated to another Member State and therefore prolong unduly their stay in the Union. Based on Eurostat data for 2014 first instance decisions, a threshold of 75 %, which corresponds in that year to decisions on applications for Syrians and Eritreans, should be used in this Decision.

| (18) | A choice had to be made in respect of the criteria to be applied when deciding which and how many applicants are to be relocated from Italy and Greece. A clear and workable system is envisaged based on a threshold of the average rate at Union level of decisions granting international protection in the procedures at first instance as defined by Eurostat out of the total number at Union level of decisions on asylum applications for international protection taken at first instance, based on the latest available statistics. On the one hand, this threshold would have to ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that all applicants who are most likely in need of international protection would be in a position to fully and swiftly enjoy their protection rights in the Member State of relocation. On the other hand, it would prevent, to the maximum extent possible, applicants who are likely to receive a negative decision to their application from being relocated to another Member State and therefore prolong unduly their stay in the Union. Based on Eurostat data for 2014 first instance decisions, a threshold of 75 %, which corresponds in that year to decisions on applications for Syrians and Eritreans, should be used in this Decision.
  In order to take into account the changing nature of migratory flows, the targeted group of beneficiaries for relocation should be assessed on a quarterly basis. |
| --- | --- |

(18)

A choice had to be made in respect of the criteria to be applied when deciding which and how many applicants are to be relocated from Italy and Greece. A clear and workable system is envisaged based on a threshold of the average rate at Union level of decisions granting international protection in the procedures at first instance as defined by Eurostat out of the total number at Union level of decisions on asylum applications for international protection taken at first instance, based on the latest available statistics. On the one hand, this threshold would have to ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that all applicants who are most likely in need of international protection would be in a position to fully and swiftly enjoy their protection rights in the Member State of relocation. On the other hand, it would prevent, to the maximum extent possible, applicants who are likely to receive a negative decision to their application from being relocated to another Member State and therefore prolong unduly their stay in the Union. Based on Eurostat data for 2014 first instance decisions, a threshold of 75 %, which corresponds in that year to decisions on applications for Syrians and Eritreans, should be used in this Decision.
  In order to take into account the changing nature of migratory flows, the targeted group of beneficiaries for relocation should be assessed on a quarterly basis.

Amendment 13

Proposal for a decision

Recital 19

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (19) | The provisional measures are intended to relieve the significant asylum pressure from Italy and Greece, in particular by relocating an important number of applicants in clear need of international protection who have arrived in the territory of Italy and Greece following the date on which this Decision becomes applicable. Based on the overall number of third-country nationals who have entered irregularly Italy and Greece in 2014 and the number of those who are in clear need of international protection, a total of 40 000 applicants in clear need of international protection should be relocated from Italy and Greece. This number corresponds to approximately 40 % of the total number of third country nationals in clear need of international protection who have entered irregularly in Italy and Greece in 2014. Thus, the relocation measure proposed in this Decision constitutes fair
  burden
  sharing between Italy and Greece on the one hand and the other Member States on the other hand. Based on the same overall available figures in 2014 and in the first four months of 2015 in Italy compared to Greece, 60 % of these applicants should be relocated from Italy and 40 % from Greece. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(19)

The provisional measures are intended to relieve the significant asylum pressure from Italy and Greece, in particular by relocating an important number of applicants in clear need of international protection who have arrived in the territory of Italy and Greece following the date on which this Decision becomes applicable. Based on the overall number of third-country nationals who have entered irregularly Italy and Greece in 2014 and the number of those who are in clear need of international protection, a total of 40 000 applicants in clear need of international protection should be relocated from Italy and Greece. This number corresponds to approximately 40 % of the total number of third country nationals in clear need of international protection who have entered irregularly in Italy and Greece in 2014. Thus, the relocation measure proposed in this Decision constitutes fair
  burden
  sharing between Italy and Greece on the one hand and the other Member States on the other hand. Based on the same overall available figures in 2014 and in the first four months of 2015 in Italy compared to Greece, 60 % of these applicants should be relocated from Italy and 40 % from Greece.

| (19) | The provisional
  emergency
  measures are intended
  to set up a fair and equitable relocation mechanism,
  to relieve the significant asylum pressure from Italy and Greece, in particular by relocating an important number of applicants in clear need of international protection who have arrived in the territory of Italy and Greece following the date on which this Decision becomes applicable. Based on the overall number of third-country nationals who have entered irregularly Italy and Greece in 2014 and the number of those who are in clear need of international protection, a total of 40 000 applicants in clear need of international protection should be relocated from Italy and Greece. This number corresponds to approximately 40 % of the total number of third country nationals in clear need of international protection who have entered irregularly in Italy and Greece in 2014. Thus, the relocation measure proposed in this Decision constitutes
  fair sharing of responsibility
  between Italy and Greece on the one hand and the other Member States on the other hand. Based on the same overall available figures in 2014 and in the first four months of 2015 in Italy compared to Greece, 60 % of these applicants should be relocated from Italy and 40 % from Greece.
  Within six months after the date of entry into force of this Decision, the Commission should evaluate the share of persons to be relocated from Italy and Greece, based on latest available data, with a view to adapting it to changing refugee flows. The emergency relocation mechanism is not a solution to the long-term challenge of asylum pressure on the external borders of the Union, but, rather, a test case with a view to the upcoming legislative proposal on a permanent emergency relocation scheme based on Article 78(2) of the Treaty and is therefore initially restricted to a total of 40 000 applicants. However, a further increase of relocation places should be considered, if necessary, to adapt to rapidly changing refugee flows and trends in the course of the application of this Decision. Any proposal for a permanent emergency relocation mechanism must be based on a more substantial contribution to solidarity and responsibility-sharing among Member States, including a significant increase in the number of available relocation places to adapt to rapidly changing migratory flows and trends. It should be built on clearly defined criteria, including on sudden inflow of nationals of third countries and exceptional asylum pressure, allowing for its triggering on the basis of transparent and objective indicators. |
| --- | --- |

(19)

The provisional
  emergency
  measures are intended
  to set up a fair and equitable relocation mechanism,
  to relieve the significant asylum pressure from Italy and Greece, in particular by relocating an important number of applicants in clear need of international protection who have arrived in the territory of Italy and Greece following the date on which this Decision becomes applicable. Based on the overall number of third-country nationals who have entered irregularly Italy and Greece in 2014 and the number of those who are in clear need of international protection, a total of 40 000 applicants in clear need of international protection should be relocated from Italy and Greece. This number corresponds to approximately 40 % of the total number of third country nationals in clear need of international protection who have entered irregularly in Italy and Greece in 2014. Thus, the relocation measure proposed in this Decision constitutes
  fair sharing of responsibility
  between Italy and Greece on the one hand and the other Member States on the other hand. Based on the same overall available figures in 2014 and in the first four months of 2015 in Italy compared to Greece, 60 % of these applicants should be relocated from Italy and 40 % from Greece.
  Within six months after the date of entry into force of this Decision, the Commission should evaluate the share of persons to be relocated from Italy and Greece, based on latest available data, with a view to adapting it to changing refugee flows. The emergency relocation mechanism is not a solution to the long-term challenge of asylum pressure on the external borders of the Union, but, rather, a test case with a view to the upcoming legislative proposal on a permanent emergency relocation scheme based on Article 78(2) of the Treaty and is therefore initially restricted to a total of 40 000 applicants. However, a further increase of relocation places should be considered, if necessary, to adapt to rapidly changing refugee flows and trends in the course of the application of this Decision. Any proposal for a permanent emergency relocation mechanism must be based on a more substantial contribution to solidarity and responsibility-sharing among Member States, including a significant increase in the number of available relocation places to adapt to rapidly changing migratory flows and trends. It should be built on clearly defined criteria, including on sudden inflow of nationals of third countries and exceptional asylum pressure, allowing for its triggering on the basis of transparent and objective indicators.

Amendment 14

Proposal for a decision

Recital 20 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (20a) | When drafting the permanent mechanism for relocation under Article 78(2) of the Treaty, the Commission should include the territory of a Member State as a criterion for determining the distribution key of migrants. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(20a)

When drafting the permanent mechanism for relocation under Article 78(2) of the Treaty, the Commission should include the territory of a Member State as a criterion for determining the distribution key of migrants.

Amendment 15

Proposal for a decision

Recital 21

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (21) | The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) set up by Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) provides support to
  burden-sharing
  operations agreed between Member States and is open to new policy developments in that field. Article 7(2) of Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 foresees the possibility for Member States to implement actions related to the transfer of applicants for international protection as part of their national programmes, while Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 foresees the possibility of a lump sum of EUR 6 000 for the transfer of beneficiaries of international protection from another Member State. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(21)

The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) set up by Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) provides support to
  burden-sharing
  operations agreed between Member States and is open to new policy developments in that field. Article 7(2) of Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 foresees the possibility for Member States to implement actions related to the transfer of applicants for international protection as part of their national programmes, while Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 foresees the possibility of a lump sum of EUR 6 000 for the transfer of beneficiaries of international protection from another Member State.

| (21) | The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) set up by Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) provides support to
  the fair sharing of responsibility
  operations agreed between Member States and is open to new policy developments in that field. Article 7(2) of Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 foresees the possibility for Member States to implement actions related to the transfer of applicants for international protection as part of their national programmes, while Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 foresees the possibility of a lump sum of EUR 6 000 for the transfer of beneficiaries of international protection from another Member State |
| --- | --- |

(21)

The Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) set up by Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) provides support to
  the fair sharing of responsibility
  operations agreed between Member States and is open to new policy developments in that field. Article 7(2) of Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 foresees the possibility for Member States to implement actions related to the transfer of applicants for international protection as part of their national programmes, while Article 18 of Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 foresees the possibility of a lump sum of EUR 6 000 for the transfer of beneficiaries of international protection from another Member State

Amendment 16

Proposal for a decision

Recital 21 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (21a) | The Commission should control the spending of the sum of EUR 6 000 for the relocation of each applicant. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(21a)

The Commission should control the spending of the sum of EUR 6 000 for the relocation of each applicant.

Amendment 17

Proposal for a decision

Recital 25

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (25) | When deciding which applicants in clear need of international protection should be relocated from Italy and Greece, priority should be given to vulnerable applicants within the meaning of
  Article
  22 of Directive 2013/33/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (10). In this respect, special needs of applicants, including health, should be of primary concern. The best interests of the child should always be a primary consideration. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25)

When deciding which applicants in clear need of international protection should be relocated from Italy and Greece, priority should be given to vulnerable applicants within the meaning of
  Article
  22 of Directive 2013/33/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (10). In this respect, special needs of applicants, including health, should be of primary concern. The best interests of the child should always be a primary consideration.

| (25) | When deciding which applicants in clear need of international protection should be relocated from Italy and Greece, priority should be given to vulnerable applicants
  , — and among those, special attention should be given to unaccompanied minors -
  within the meaning of
  Articles 21 and
  22 of Directive 2013/33/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (10).
  In order to take into account the specific situation of vulnerable persons, Member States are required under Directive 2013/33/EU and Directive 2013/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (1 bis)

  to conduct an individual evaluation of the vulnerabilities of individuals in terms of their special reception and procedural needs. Therefore, Member States must take active steps to assess the individual needs of asylum seekers and cannot rely solely on their self-identification to effectively guarantee their rights under Union law.
  In this respect, special needs of applicants, including health, should be of primary concern. The best interests of the child should always be a primary consideration
  in all procedures put in place following this Decision and the key principles established in judgment of the Court of Justice of 6 June 2013 in Case C-648/11

   (1 ter)

  should never be put at stake
  . |
| --- | --- |

(25)

When deciding which applicants in clear need of international protection should be relocated from Italy and Greece, priority should be given to vulnerable applicants
  , — and among those, special attention should be given to unaccompanied minors -
  within the meaning of
  Articles 21 and
  22 of Directive 2013/33/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (10).
  In order to take into account the specific situation of vulnerable persons, Member States are required under Directive 2013/33/EU and Directive 2013/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (1 bis)

  to conduct an individual evaluation of the vulnerabilities of individuals in terms of their special reception and procedural needs. Therefore, Member States must take active steps to assess the individual needs of asylum seekers and cannot rely solely on their self-identification to effectively guarantee their rights under Union law.
  In this respect, special needs of applicants, including health, should be of primary concern. The best interests of the child should always be a primary consideration
  in all procedures put in place following this Decision and the key principles established in judgment of the Court of Justice of 6 June 2013 in Case C-648/11

   (1 ter)

  should never be put at stake
  .

Amendment 18

Proposal for a decision

Recital 26

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (26) | In addition, in order to decide which specific Member State should be the Member State of relocation, specific account should be given to the specific qualifications of the applicants concerned which could facilitate their integration into the Member State of relocation, such as their language skills. In the case of particularly vulnerable applicants, consideration should be given to the capacity of the Member State of relocation to provide adequate support to those applicants. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(26)

In addition, in order to decide which specific Member State should be the Member State of relocation, specific account should be given to the specific qualifications of the applicants concerned which could facilitate their integration into the Member State of relocation, such as their language skills. In the case of particularly vulnerable applicants, consideration should be given to the capacity of the Member State of relocation to provide adequate support to those applicants.

| (26) | In addition, in order to decide which specific Member State should be the Member State of relocation, specific account should be given to the
  preferences and
  specific qualifications of the applicants concerned which could facilitate their integration into the Member State of relocation, such as their language skills
  , family ties beyond the definition of family members in Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, social relations, cultural ties, previous stay in a Member State, previous study and previous work experience with a company or an organisation of a specific Member State as well as specific qualifications that could be relevant for the integration of applicants into the labour market of the Member State of relocation. Member States should therefore facilitate the effective recognition of diplomas, qualifications and skills of applicants. In addition, Member States may inform applicants of their labour market opportunities
  . In the case of particularly vulnerable applicants, consideration should be given to the capacity of the Member State of relocation to provide adequate support to those applicants.
  While applicants do not have a right to choose the Member State of their relocation, their needs, preferences and specific qualification should be taken into account to the extent possible. |
| --- | --- |

(26)

In addition, in order to decide which specific Member State should be the Member State of relocation, specific account should be given to the
  preferences and
  specific qualifications of the applicants concerned which could facilitate their integration into the Member State of relocation, such as their language skills
  , family ties beyond the definition of family members in Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, social relations, cultural ties, previous stay in a Member State, previous study and previous work experience with a company or an organisation of a specific Member State as well as specific qualifications that could be relevant for the integration of applicants into the labour market of the Member State of relocation. Member States should therefore facilitate the effective recognition of diplomas, qualifications and skills of applicants. In addition, Member States may inform applicants of their labour market opportunities
  . In the case of particularly vulnerable applicants, consideration should be given to the capacity of the Member State of relocation to provide adequate support to those applicants.
  While applicants do not have a right to choose the Member State of their relocation, their needs, preferences and specific qualification should be taken into account to the extent possible.

Amendment 19

Proposal for a decision

Recital 26 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (26a) | Based on the lessons learned from the pilot project on relocation from Malta (EUREMA), expectations and preferences should be taken into account to the extent possible. As an initial step, applicants should be given the opportunity to express their preferences. They should rank Member States by order of preference and support their preferences by elements such as family ties, social ties and cultural ties such as language skills, previous stay, previous studies and previous work experience. This should take place in the course of the initial processing. As a second step, the respective Member States should be informed about the applicants’ preferences. They should then be given the opportunity to indicate their preferences for applicants among those applicants who had expressed their preference for the Member State concerned. Member States should support their preferences by aspects such as family, social and cultural ties. Liaison officers appointed by Member States could facilitate the procedure by conducting interviews with the respective applicants. Applicants should also have the opportunity to consult other actors such as non-governmental organisations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Finally, Italy and Greece, with the assistance of EASO, should take a decision to relocate each of the applicants to a specific Member State by taking the preferences into account to the extent possible. The UNHCR should be consulted on their best practices developed in resettlement including on the management of preferences and specific qualifications. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(26a)

Based on the lessons learned from the pilot project on relocation from Malta (EUREMA), expectations and preferences should be taken into account to the extent possible. As an initial step, applicants should be given the opportunity to express their preferences. They should rank Member States by order of preference and support their preferences by elements such as family ties, social ties and cultural ties such as language skills, previous stay, previous studies and previous work experience. This should take place in the course of the initial processing. As a second step, the respective Member States should be informed about the applicants’ preferences. They should then be given the opportunity to indicate their preferences for applicants among those applicants who had expressed their preference for the Member State concerned. Member States should support their preferences by aspects such as family, social and cultural ties. Liaison officers appointed by Member States could facilitate the procedure by conducting interviews with the respective applicants. Applicants should also have the opportunity to consult other actors such as non-governmental organisations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Finally, Italy and Greece, with the assistance of EASO, should take a decision to relocate each of the applicants to a specific Member State by taking the preferences into account to the extent possible. The UNHCR should be consulted on their best practices developed in resettlement including on the management of preferences and specific qualifications.

Amendment 20

Proposal for a decision

Recital 26 b (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (26b) | The principle of non-discrimination laid down in Article 10 of the Treaty should be fully respected during the whole relocation procedure. Discrimination on grounds of sex, age, ethnicity, disabilities and religion is a clear infringement of the Treaty. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(26b)

The principle of non-discrimination laid down in Article 10 of the Treaty should be fully respected during the whole relocation procedure. Discrimination on grounds of sex, age, ethnicity, disabilities and religion is a clear infringement of the Treaty.

Amendment 21

Proposal for a decision

Recital 28

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (28) | The legal and procedural safeguards set out in Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 remain applicable in respect of applicants covered by this Decision. In addition, applicants should be informed of the relocation procedure set out in this Decision and notified with the relocation decision.
  Considering that an applicant does not have the right under EU law to choose the Member State responsible for his/her application,
  the applicant, should have the right to an effective remedy against the relocation decision in line with Regulation (EU) No 604/2013
  , only in view of ensuring respect of his/her fundamental rights
  . |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(28)

The legal and procedural safeguards set out in Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 remain applicable in respect of applicants covered by this Decision. In addition, applicants should be informed of the relocation procedure set out in this Decision and notified with the relocation decision.
  Considering that an applicant does not have the right under EU law to choose the Member State responsible for his/her application,
  the applicant, should have the right to an effective remedy against the relocation decision in line with Regulation (EU) No 604/2013
  , only in view of ensuring respect of his/her fundamental rights
  .

| (28) | The legal and procedural safeguards set out in Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 remain applicable in respect of applicants covered by this Decision. In addition, applicants should be informed of the relocation procedure set out in this Decision and notified with the relocation decision. The applicant should have the right to an effective remedy against the relocation decision in line with Regulation (EU) No 604/2013
  and Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
  . |
| --- | --- |

(28)

The legal and procedural safeguards set out in Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 remain applicable in respect of applicants covered by this Decision. In addition, applicants should be informed of the relocation procedure set out in this Decision and notified with the relocation decision. The applicant should have the right to an effective remedy against the relocation decision in line with Regulation (EU) No 604/2013
  and Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
  .

Amendment 22

Proposal for a decision

Recital 30

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (30) | Measures should be taken in order to avoid secondary movements of relocated persons from the Member State of relocation to other Member States.
  In particular
  , applicants should be informed of the consequences of onward movement within the Member States and of the fact that, if the Member State of relocation grants them international protection, in principle, they are only entitled to the rights attached to international protection in that Member State. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(30)

Measures should be taken in order to avoid secondary movements of relocated persons from the Member State of relocation to other Member States.
  In particular
  , applicants should be informed of the consequences of onward movement within the Member States and of the fact that, if the Member State of relocation grants them international protection, in principle, they are only entitled to the rights attached to international protection in that Member State.

| (30) | Measures should be taken in order to avoid secondary movements of relocated persons from the Member State of relocation to other Member States.
  Taking the preferences of applicants, including family ties beyond the provisions regarding family in Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, social and cultural ties, as much as possible into account is a straightforward measure for applicants to develop a sense of belonging to the Member State of relocation. Applicants should be provided with all necessary information, in a language they understand or are reasonably supposed to understand, about their destination and, where their preference cannot be fully taken into account, of the reasons for this. To further avoid secondary movements,
  applicants should be informed of the consequences of onward movement within the Member States
  as provided for in Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013
  and of the fact that, if the Member State of relocation grants them international protection, in principle, they are only entitled to the rights attached to international protection in that Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(30)

Measures should be taken in order to avoid secondary movements of relocated persons from the Member State of relocation to other Member States.
  Taking the preferences of applicants, including family ties beyond the provisions regarding family in Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, social and cultural ties, as much as possible into account is a straightforward measure for applicants to develop a sense of belonging to the Member State of relocation. Applicants should be provided with all necessary information, in a language they understand or are reasonably supposed to understand, about their destination and, where their preference cannot be fully taken into account, of the reasons for this. To further avoid secondary movements,
  applicants should be informed of the consequences of onward movement within the Member States
  as provided for in Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013
  and of the fact that, if the Member State of relocation grants them international protection, in principle, they are only entitled to the rights attached to international protection in that Member State.

Amendment 23

Proposal for a decision

Recital 30 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (30a) | Consent of applicants or beneficiaries of international protection to relocation is an established principle in Union secondary law, enshrined in Article 7(2) of Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 and, by analogy, in Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 439/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (1 bis)

  and in Article 17(2) of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, whereas on the basis of Article 78(3) of the Treaty, derogations from Union law are possible under very restricted conditions. The effective implementation of the emergency relocation mechanism needs to be ensured, whereas consent is of particular importance to prevent secondary movement and should therefore, in principle, be required before relocation. Where a person does not consent, he or she should not, in principle, be relocated, but another person should be offered that opportunity. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(30a)

Consent of applicants or beneficiaries of international protection to relocation is an established principle in Union secondary law, enshrined in Article 7(2) of Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 and, by analogy, in Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 439/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council

   (1 bis)

  and in Article 17(2) of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, whereas on the basis of Article 78(3) of the Treaty, derogations from Union law are possible under very restricted conditions. The effective implementation of the emergency relocation mechanism needs to be ensured, whereas consent is of particular importance to prevent secondary movement and should therefore, in principle, be required before relocation. Where a person does not consent, he or she should not, in principle, be relocated, but another person should be offered that opportunity.

Amendment 24

Proposal for a decision

Article 1

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| This Decision establishes provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece in view of enabling them to cope with an emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries in those Member States. | This Decision establishes
  binding
  provisional
  emergency
  measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece in view of enabling them to cope with an emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries
  or stateless persons
  in those Member States. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

This Decision establishes provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece in view of enabling them to cope with an emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries in those Member States.

This Decision establishes
  binding
  provisional
  emergency
  measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece in view of enabling them to cope with an emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries
  or stateless persons
  in those Member States.

Amendment 25

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — point b

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | ‘applicant’ means a third-country national or a stateless person who has made an application for international protection in respect of which a final decision has not yet been taken; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)

‘applicant’ means a third-country national or a stateless person who has made an application for international protection in respect of which a final decision has not yet been taken;

| (b) | ‘applicant’ means a third-country national or a stateless person who has made an application for international protection in respect of which a final decision has not yet been taken
  as referred to point (i) of Article 2 of Directive 2011/95/EU
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

‘applicant’ means a third-country national or a stateless person who has made an application for international protection in respect of which a final decision has not yet been taken
  as referred to point (i) of Article 2 of Directive 2011/95/EU
  ;

Amendment 26

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — point d

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | ‘family members’
  means
  family members as defined in point (g) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  ; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d)

‘family members’
  means
  family members as defined in point (g) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  ;

| (d) | ‘close relatives’
  means
  the spouse, children, parents, persons exercising parental authority, grandparents and grandchildren
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

‘close relatives’
  means
  the spouse, children, parents, persons exercising parental authority, grandparents and grandchildren
  ;

(Horizontal amendment. Applies throughout the text of the Commission proposal.)

Amendment 27

Proposal for a decision

Article 2 — paragraph 1 — point f a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | (fa) | ‘preference’ means the preference expressed by an applicant for a certain Member State or the preference expressed by a Member State for a certain applicant supported by elements such as family ties beyond the definition of family members as defined in point (g) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, social ties such as ties to ethnic and cultural communities, and cultural ties to the preferred Member State such as language skills, former stay in a Member State or former study or work relations with companies or organisations of that Member State. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(fa)

‘preference’ means the preference expressed by an applicant for a certain Member State or the preference expressed by a Member State for a certain applicant supported by elements such as family ties beyond the definition of family members as defined in point (g) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, social ties such as ties to ethnic and cultural communities, and cultural ties to the preferred Member State such as language skills, former stay in a Member State or former study or work relations with companies or organisations of that Member State.

Amendment 28

Proposal for a decision

Article 3 — paragraph 2 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | 2a.
     
  Given the changing nature of migratory flows, the targeted group of beneficiaries for relocation should be assessed on a quarterly basis. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a.
     
  Given the changing nature of migratory flows, the targeted group of beneficiaries for relocation should be assessed on a quarterly basis.

Amendment 47

Proposal for a decision

Article 4

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | -1.
     
  In order to relieve the significant asylum pressure from Italy and Greece, but also to act as an important test case with a view to the upcoming legislative proposal on a permanent emergency relocation scheme based on Article 78(2) of the Treaty, an initial total of 110 000 applicants shall be relocated from Italy and Greece. A further increase shall be considered, if necessary, to adapt to rapidly changing refugee flows and trends in the course of the application of this Decision. |
| 1.   
  24 000
  applicants shall be relocated from Italy to the territory of the other Member States
  as set out in Annex I
  . | 1.   
  Initially, 40 000
  applicants shall be relocated from Italy to the territory of the other Member States. |
| 2.   
  16 000
  applicants shall be relocated from Greece to the territory of the other Member States
  as set out in Annex II
  . | 2.   
  Initially, 70 000
  applicants shall be relocated from Greece to the territory of the other Member States. |
| | 2a.
     
  By [six months after the entry into force of this Decision] the Commission shall evaluate the respective share of persons to be relocated from Italy and Greece with a view to adapting it to changing refugee flows, on basis of the latest available Frontex data. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

-1.
     
  In order to relieve the significant asylum pressure from Italy and Greece, but also to act as an important test case with a view to the upcoming legislative proposal on a permanent emergency relocation scheme based on Article 78(2) of the Treaty, an initial total of 110 000 applicants shall be relocated from Italy and Greece. A further increase shall be considered, if necessary, to adapt to rapidly changing refugee flows and trends in the course of the application of this Decision.

1.   
  24 000
  applicants shall be relocated from Italy to the territory of the other Member States
  as set out in Annex I
  .

1.   
  Initially, 40 000
  applicants shall be relocated from Italy to the territory of the other Member States.

2.   
  16 000
  applicants shall be relocated from Greece to the territory of the other Member States
  as set out in Annex II
  .

2.   
  Initially, 70 000
  applicants shall be relocated from Greece to the territory of the other Member States.

2a.
     
  By [six months after the entry into force of this Decision] the Commission shall evaluate the respective share of persons to be relocated from Italy and Greece with a view to adapting it to changing refugee flows, on basis of the latest available Frontex data.

Amendment 30

Proposal for a decision

Article 4 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Article 4a |
| | Consent |
| | The consent of the applicant to his or her relocation should, in principle, be required. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 4a

Consent

The consent of the applicant to his or her relocation should, in principle, be required.

Amendment 31

Proposal for a decision

Article 5 — paragraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   Italy and Greece shall, at regular intervals during the period of application of this Decision, with the assistance of EASO and
  , where applicable, of Member States' liaison officers referred to in paragraph 8
  , identify the individual applicants to be relocated to the other Member States and communicate to the contact points of those Member States and to EASO the number of applicants that can be relocated. Priority shall be given for that purpose to vulnerable applicants within the meaning of
  Article
  22 of Directive 2013/33/EU. | 2.   Italy and Greece shall, at regular intervals during the period of application of this Decision, with the assistance of EASO and
  other relevant agencies
  , identify the individual applicants to be relocated to the other Member States and communicate to the contact points of those Member States and to EASO the number of applicants that can be relocated. Priority shall be given for that purpose to vulnerable applicants within the meaning of
  Articles 21 and
  22 of Directive 2013/33/EU
  , and particular attention should be given to unaccompanied minors
  . |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.   Italy and Greece shall, at regular intervals during the period of application of this Decision, with the assistance of EASO and
  , where applicable, of Member States' liaison officers referred to in paragraph 8
  , identify the individual applicants to be relocated to the other Member States and communicate to the contact points of those Member States and to EASO the number of applicants that can be relocated. Priority shall be given for that purpose to vulnerable applicants within the meaning of
  Article
  22 of Directive 2013/33/EU.

2.   Italy and Greece shall, at regular intervals during the period of application of this Decision, with the assistance of EASO and
  other relevant agencies
  , identify the individual applicants to be relocated to the other Member States and communicate to the contact points of those Member States and to EASO the number of applicants that can be relocated. Priority shall be given for that purpose to vulnerable applicants within the meaning of
  Articles 21 and
  22 of Directive 2013/33/EU
  , and particular attention should be given to unaccompanied minors
  .

Amendment 32

Proposal for a decision

Article 5 — paragraph 3

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 3.   As soon as possible after receiving the information referred to in paragraph 2, Member States shall indicate the number of applicants who can be relocated immediately to their territory and any other relevant information, within the numbers set out in Annex I and Annex II respectively. | 3.   As soon as possible after receiving the information referred to in paragraph 2, Member States shall
  provide information about the available capacity for reception of migrants and
  indicate the number of applicants who can be relocated immediately to their territory and any other relevant information, within the numbers set out in Annex I and Annex II respectively. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.   As soon as possible after receiving the information referred to in paragraph 2, Member States shall indicate the number of applicants who can be relocated immediately to their territory and any other relevant information, within the numbers set out in Annex I and Annex II respectively.

3.   As soon as possible after receiving the information referred to in paragraph 2, Member States shall
  provide information about the available capacity for reception of migrants and
  indicate the number of applicants who can be relocated immediately to their territory and any other relevant information, within the numbers set out in Annex I and Annex II respectively.

Amendment 33

Proposal for a decision

Article 5 — paragraph 3 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | 3a.
     
  Italy and Greece shall, with the assistance of EASO, provide applicants with information, in a language that they understand or are reasonably supposed to understand, about the Member States involved in the emergency relocation. Applicants shall also have access to information provided by other actors such as non-governmental organisations, the UNHCR and IOM. During the initial processing applicants shall be asked to rank Member States by order of preferences and to support their preference. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3a.
     
  Italy and Greece shall, with the assistance of EASO, provide applicants with information, in a language that they understand or are reasonably supposed to understand, about the Member States involved in the emergency relocation. Applicants shall also have access to information provided by other actors such as non-governmental organisations, the UNHCR and IOM. During the initial processing applicants shall be asked to rank Member States by order of preferences and to support their preference.

Amendments 34 and 48

Proposal for a decision

Article 5 — paragraph 5

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 5.   Applicants whose fingerprints are required to be taken pursuant to the obligations set out in Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No 603/2013 may only be relocated if their fingerprints have been taken. | 5.   Applicants whose fingerprints are required to be taken
  and transmitted
  pursuant to the obligations set out in Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No 603/2013 may only be relocated if their fingerprints have been taken
  , in full respect of their fundamental rights without recourse to any coercion or detention measure
  . |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5.   Applicants whose fingerprints are required to be taken pursuant to the obligations set out in Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No 603/2013 may only be relocated if their fingerprints have been taken.

5.   Applicants whose fingerprints are required to be taken
  and transmitted
  pursuant to the obligations set out in Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No 603/2013 may only be relocated if their fingerprints have been taken
  , in full respect of their fundamental rights without recourse to any coercion or detention measure
  .

Amendment 35

Proposal for a decision

Article 5 — paragraph 8

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 8.
     
  For the implementation of all aspects of the relocation procedure described in this Article Member States may decide to send to Italy and Greece liaison officers. | deleted |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

8.
     
  For the implementation of all aspects of the relocation procedure described in this Article Member States may decide to send to Italy and Greece liaison officers.

deleted

Amendment 36

Proposal for a decision

Article 6 — paragraph 4

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 4.   When the decision to relocate an applicant has been taken and before the actual relocation, Italy and Greece shall notify the person concerned of the decision to relocate him in writing. That decision shall specify the Member State of relocation. | 4.   When the decision to relocate an applicant has been taken and before the actual relocation, Italy and Greece
  , with the assistance of EASO and other actors such as liaison officers, if available,
  shall
  inform the person concerned of the Member State of relocation in a comprehensive manner and in a language that the applicant understands or is reasonably supposed to understand or, if the applicant’s preferences are not taken into account, of the reasons for that decision. Italy and Greece shall also
  notify the person concerned of the decision to relocate him in writing. That decision shall specify the Member State of relocation. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4.   When the decision to relocate an applicant has been taken and before the actual relocation, Italy and Greece shall notify the person concerned of the decision to relocate him in writing. That decision shall specify the Member State of relocation.

4.   When the decision to relocate an applicant has been taken and before the actual relocation, Italy and Greece
  , with the assistance of EASO and other actors such as liaison officers, if available,
  shall
  inform the person concerned of the Member State of relocation in a comprehensive manner and in a language that the applicant understands or is reasonably supposed to understand or, if the applicant’s preferences are not taken into account, of the reasons for that decision. Italy and Greece shall also
  notify the person concerned of the decision to relocate him in writing. That decision shall specify the Member State of relocation.

Amendment 37

Proposal for a decision

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — point b

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (b) | the initial processing of the applications; |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)

the initial processing of the applications;

| (b) | the initial processing of the applications
  , including the identification of vulnerabilities and preferences, for the purpose of identifying potential applicants for relocation and the screening of applicants, including their clear identification, fingerprinting and registration of the applications for international protection
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the initial processing of the applications
  , including the identification of vulnerabilities and preferences, for the purpose of identifying potential applicants for relocation and the screening of applicants, including their clear identification, fingerprinting and registration of the applications for international protection
  ;

Amendment 38

Proposal for a decision

Article 7 — paragraph 1 — point d

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| (d) | the implementation of the transfer of the applicants to the Member State of relocation. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d)

the implementation of the transfer of the applicants to the Member State of relocation.

| (d) | the implementation of the transfer of the applicants to the Member State of relocation.
  The transfer costs to the Member State of relocation should not be an additional burden to Greece and Italy
  . |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the implementation of the transfer of the applicants to the Member State of relocation.
  The transfer costs to the Member State of relocation should not be an additional burden to Greece and Italy
  .

Amendment 39

Proposal for a decision

Article 8 — paragraph 2

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| 2.   If Italy or Greece does not comply with the obligation referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission may decide to suspend this Decision with regard to that Member State for a period of up to three months. The Commission may decide once to extend such suspension for a further period of up to three months. | 2.   If Italy or Greece does not comply with the obligation referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission may decide
  , having given the Member State concerned the opportunity to present its views,
  to suspend this Decision with regard to that Member State for a period of up to three months. The Commission may decide once to extend such suspension for a further period of up to three months. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.   If Italy or Greece does not comply with the obligation referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission may decide to suspend this Decision with regard to that Member State for a period of up to three months. The Commission may decide once to extend such suspension for a further period of up to three months.

2.   If Italy or Greece does not comply with the obligation referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission may decide
  , having given the Member State concerned the opportunity to present its views,
  to suspend this Decision with regard to that Member State for a period of up to three months. The Commission may decide once to extend such suspension for a further period of up to three months.

Amendment 40

Proposal for a decision

Article 9

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| In the event of an emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries in a Member State of relocation, the Council, on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament, may adopt provisional measures for the benefit of the Member State concerned, pursuant to Article 78(3) of the Treaty. Such measures may include, where appropriate, a suspension of the obligations of that Member State provided for in this Decision. | In the event of an emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries in a Member State of relocation, the Council, on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament, may adopt provisional measures for the benefit of the Member State concerned, pursuant to Article 78(3) of the Treaty. Such measures may
  in addition
  include, where appropriate, a suspension of the obligations of that Member State provided for in this Decision. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

In the event of an emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries in a Member State of relocation, the Council, on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament, may adopt provisional measures for the benefit of the Member State concerned, pursuant to Article 78(3) of the Treaty. Such measures may include, where appropriate, a suspension of the obligations of that Member State provided for in this Decision.

In the event of an emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries in a Member State of relocation, the Council, on a proposal from the Commission and after consulting the European Parliament, may adopt provisional measures for the benefit of the Member State concerned, pursuant to Article 78(3) of the Treaty. Such measures may
  in addition
  include, where appropriate, a suspension of the obligations of that Member State provided for in this Decision.

Amendment 41

Proposal for a decision

Article 11

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| Italy and Greece shall report to the Council and the Commission on the implementation of this Decision, including on the roadmaps referred to in Article 8, every three months. | Italy and Greece shall report to the Council and the Commission on the implementation
  and the proper use of the funds received in the framework
  of this Decision, including on the roadmaps referred to in Article 8, every three months. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Italy and Greece shall report to the Council and the Commission on the implementation of this Decision, including on the roadmaps referred to in Article 8, every three months.

Italy and Greece shall report to the Council and the Commission on the implementation
  and the proper use of the funds received in the framework
  of this Decision, including on the roadmaps referred to in Article 8, every three months.

Amendment 42

Proposal for a decision

Article 11 a (new)

| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
| --- | --- |
| | Article 11a




  Evaluation




  By July 2016 the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a mid-term evaluation on the application of this Decision and, where appropriate, shall propose the necessary recommendations for a permanent relocation mechanism, including in perspective of the announced Dublin fitness check.




  By...

   (*1)

  the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a final evaluation report on the application of this Decision.




  Member States shall submit to the Commission all information appropriate for the preparation of that report in due time. |

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 11a

Evaluation

By July 2016 the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a mid-term evaluation on the application of this Decision and, where appropriate, shall propose the necessary recommendations for a permanent relocation mechanism, including in perspective of the announced Dublin fitness check.

By...

   (*1)

  the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a final evaluation report on the application of this Decision.

Member States shall submit to the Commission all information appropriate for the preparation of that report in due time.

Amendment 43

Proposal for a decision

Annex II a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Annex IIa

The Relocation Procedure

Procedure as envisaged in the Commission proposal; additional procedural steps inserted by the European Parliament are underlined

| | 1 – | Initial processing of persons seeking international protection |
| --- | --- | --- |

1 –

| — | Identification of persons for which another Member State is (or should be) responsible under the Dublin Regulation |
| --- | --- |

—

Identification of persons for which another Member State is (or should be) responsible under the Dublin Regulation

→ Dublin transfers

| — | Identification of vulnerable applicants |
| --- | --- |

—

Identification of vulnerable applicants

| — | Identification of close relatives for joint relocation |
| --- | --- |

—

Identification of close relatives for joint relocation

| — | Identification of the preferences of applicants for certain Member States |
| --- | --- |

—

Identification of the preferences of applicants for certain Member States

↓

| 2 – | Selection of applicants for relocation |
| --- | --- |

2 –

| — | Italy/Greece determine the applicants to be relocated. |
| --- | --- |

—

Italy/Greece determine the applicants to be relocated.

| — | They inform Member States of the number of places needed as well as of the preferences of the applicants |
| --- | --- |

—

They inform Member States of the number of places needed as well as of the preferences of the applicants

↓

| 3 – | Involvement of Member States |
| --- | --- |

3 –

| — | Member States inform Italy/Greece of the number of available relocation places |
| --- | --- |

—

Member States inform Italy/Greece of the number of available relocation places

| — | Liaison officers can conduct interviews with applicants who expressed a preference for their Member State |
| --- | --- |

—

Liaison officers can conduct interviews with applicants who expressed a preference for their Member State

| — | Member States indicate their preferences for applicants |
| --- | --- |

—

Member States indicate their preferences for applicants

↓

| 4 – | Relocation decision |
| --- | --- |

4 –

| — | Italy/Greece decide which applicant is to be relocated to which Member State by taking the preferences of applicants and Member States into account |
| --- | --- |

—

Italy/Greece decide which applicant is to be relocated to which Member State by taking the preferences of applicants and Member States into account

↓

| 5 – | Information and consent |
| --- | --- |

5 –

| — | Applicants are informed comprehensively about their Member State of relocation |
| --- | --- |

—

Applicants are informed comprehensively about their Member State of relocation

| — | In principle, applicants give their consent to be relocated to that Member State |
| --- | --- |

—

In principle, applicants give their consent to be relocated to that Member State

↓

| 6 – | Transfer |
| --- | --- |

6 –

Transfer of applicants to the Member State of relocation within one month

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(1bis)  
  Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (OJ L 180, 29.6.2013, p. 31).

(1)  
  Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (OJ L 180, 29.6.2013, p. 31).

(1)  Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, amending Council Decision 2008/381/EC and repealing Decisions No 573/2007/EC and No 575/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Decision 2007/435/EC (OJ L 150, 20.5.2014, p. 168).

(1)  Regulation (EU) No 516/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 establishing the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, amending Council Decision 2008/381/EC and repealing Decisions No 573/2007/EC and No 575/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Decision 2007/435/EC (OJ L 150, 20.5.2014, p. 168).

(10)  Directive 2013/33/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 laying down standards for the reception of applicants for international protection (recast) (OJ L 180, 29.6.2013, p. 96).

(10)  Directive 2013/33/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 laying down standards for the reception of applicants for international protection (recast) (OJ L 180, 29.6.2013, p. 96).

(1 bis)  
  Directive 2013/32/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on common procedures for granting and withdrawing international protection (OJ L 180, 29.6.2013, p. 60).

(1 ter)  
  Judgment of the Court of Justice of 6 June 2013, MA and others, C-648/11, ECLI:EU:C:2013:367.

(1 bis)  
  Regulation (EU) No 439/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 establishing a European Asylum Support Office (OJ L 132, 29.5.2010, p. 11).

(*1)  
  OJ: please insert the date: 30 months after the date of entry into force of this Decision.

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ANNEX TO THE LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

STATEMENT BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

The European Parliament, in light of the need to adopt immediate measures for the benefit of Member States confronted with an emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of nationals of third countries, has agreed to the legal basis of Article 78(3) TFEU as proposed by Commission for the Council Decision establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece. Nevertheless, the European Parliament can accept Article 78 (3) TFEU as a legal basis only as an emergency measure, which will be followed by a proper legislative proposal to structurally deal with any future emergency situations. It insists that Article 78 (2) TFEU requiring the ordinary legislative procedure for measures for determining which Member State is responsible for considering an application for international protection jointly with Article 80, second sentence TFEU giving in its provisions effect to the principle of solidarity as expressed in Article 80, first sentence, is the correct legal basis. The European Parliament further underlines the fact that the adoption of this Decision is strictly without prejudice to the range of legal bases available to the co-legislator in the future, in particular with regard to Article 78 jointly with Article 80 TFEU. The European Parliament urges the Commission to table a legislative proposal on a permanent relocation scheme based on Article 78(2) and Article 80 by the end of 2015, as announced by the Commission in its European Agenda on Migration. The European Parliament reserves its right to prepare a legislative own-initiative report in case the Commission does not come forward with such a legislative proposal in due time.

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Thursday 17 September 2015

| 22.9.2017 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 316/314 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.9.2017

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 316/314

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P8_TA(2015)0324

Provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy, Greece and Hungary *

European Parliament legislative resolution of 17 September 2015 on the proposal for a Council decision establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy, Greece and Hungary (COM(2015)0451 — C8-0271/2015 — 2015/0209(NLE))

(Consultation)

(2017/C 316/44)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2015)0451), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2015)0451),

| — | having regard to Article 78(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C8-0271/2015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 78(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C8-0271/2015),

| — | having regard to its position of 9 September 2015 on the proposal for a Council decision establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its position of 9 September 2015 on the proposal for a Council decision establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece (1),

| — | having regard to the exceptional situation of urgency and the need to address the situation with no further delay, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the exceptional situation of urgency and the need to address the situation with no further delay,

| — | having regard to Rules 59 and 154 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 59 and 154 of its Rules of Procedure,

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal;

| 2. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 3. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the Commission proposal; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend the Commission proposal;

| 4. | Informs the Council that this approval is without prejudice to its position that it subsequently takes on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a crisis relocation mechanism and amending Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (COM(2015)0450); |
| --- | --- |

4.

Informs the Council that this approval is without prejudice to its position that it subsequently takes on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a crisis relocation mechanism and amending Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (COM(2015)0450);

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

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(1)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0306.

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