Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Proposal for a

Proposal for a

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

establishing the Rights and Values programme

establishing the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1)  In accordance with Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union, ‘the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom democracy, equality, the rule of law and the respect for human rights, including the rights of the persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society where pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail’. Article 3 further specifies that the ‘Union’s aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its people’ and, among others, ‘it shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that Europe’s cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced’. Those values are further reaffirmed and articulated in the rights, freedoms and principles enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

(1)  In accordance with Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union, ‘the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom democracy, equality, the rule of law and the respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities Of those rights and values,, human dignity, as recognised by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is the primary foundation of all fundamental human rights. These values are common to the Member States in a society where pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail’. Article 3 further specifies that the ‘Union’s aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its people’ and, among others, ‘it shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that Europe’s cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced’. Those values are further reaffirmed and articulated in the rights, freedoms and principles enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

Justification

It is important to highlight the particular importance of human dignity, taking into account its inclusion in the opening article of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1a)  In its resolution of 30 May 2018 on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources , the European Parliament stressed the importance of the horizontal principles that should underpin the multiannual financial framework (MFF) and all related Union policies, including the mainstreaming of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into all Union policies and initiatives of the next MFF, emphasised that the elimination of discrimination is vital to fulfil the Union’s commitments towards an inclusive Europe and deplored the lack of gender mainstreaming and gender equality commitments in Union policies, as presented in the MFF proposals.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1b)  In its resolution of 14 March 2018 on the next MFF: Preparing the Parliament’s position on the MFF post-20201a the European Parliament expressed its support for programmes in the areas of culture, education, media, youth, sport, democracy, citizenship and civil society that have clearly demonstrated their European added value and enjoy lasting popularity among beneficiaries, underlined that a stronger and a more ambitious Union can only be achieved if it is provided with the financial means to do so, and recommended setting up an internal European Democracy Fund for the strengthened support of civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in the fields of democracy and human rights, to be managed by the Commission.. Continued support should be provided to existing policies, resources to the Union’ flagship programmes should be increased, and additional responsibilities should be matched with additional financial means.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2)  Those rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the EU project. Therefore, a new Justice, Rights and Values Fund, comprising the Rights and Values and the Justice programmes shall be created in the EU budget. At a time where European societies are confronted with extremism, radicalism and divisions, it is more important than ever to promote, strengthen and defend justice, rights and EU values: human rights, respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law. This will have profound and direct implications for political, social, cultural and economic life in the EU. As part of the new Fund, the Justice Programme will continue to support the further development of Union area of justice and cross-border cooperation. The Rights and Values Programme will bring together the 2014-2020 Programme Rights, Equality and Citizenship established by Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 and the Europe for Citizens programme established by Council Regulation (EU) No 390/20149 , (hereafter 'the predecessor Programmes').

(2)  Those rights and values must continue to be actively cultivated,protected and promoted by the Union and each Member State in all their policies in a consistent way and must be enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the EUproject, given that any deterioration in the protection of those rights and values in any Member State can have detrimental effects on the Union as a whole. Therefore, a new Justice, Rights and Values Fund, comprising the Rights and Values and the Justice programmes shall be created in the EU budget. At a time where European societies are confronted with extremism, radicalism and divisions and a continually shrinking space for independent civil society, it is more important than ever to promote, strengthen and defend justice, rights and EU values: human rights, respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, non-discrimination, and the rule of law. This will have profound and direct implications for political, social, cultural and economic life in the EU. As part of the new Fund, the Justice Programme will continue to support the further development of Union area of justice and cross-border cooperation. The Citizens, Rights, Equality and Values Programme (the ‘Programme’) will bring together the 2014-2020 Programme Rights, Equality and Citizenship established by Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 and the Europe for Citizens programme established by Council Regulation (EU) No 390/201499 , (hereafter 'the predecessor Programmes') and it will be adjusted to address new challenges to European values'.

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8 Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 62)

8 Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 62)

9 Council Regulation (EU) No 390/2014 of 14 April 2014 establishing the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme for the period 2014-2020 (OJ L 115, 17.4.2014, p.3)

9 Council Regulation (EU) No 390/2014 of 14 April 2014 establishing the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme for the period 2014-2020 (OJ L 115, 17.4.2014, p.3)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)  The Justice, Rights and Values Fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities, which contribute to make our common values, rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant. The ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain rights-based, equal, inclusive and democratic society. That includes a vibrant civil society, encouraging people's democratic, civic and social participation and fostering the rich diversity of European society, based on our common history and memory. Article 11 of the Treaty of the European Union further specifies that the institutions shall, by appropriate means, give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action.

(3)  The Justice, Rights and Values Fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus on people and entities, which contribute to make our common values, equality, rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant. The ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain rights-based, equal, open, inclusive and democratic society by funding activities that promote a vibrant, well-developed, resilient and empowered civil society, including advocacy for the promotion and protection of our common values, and that encourage people's democratic, civic and social participation and fosters peace and cultivates the rich diversity of European society, based on our common values, history and memory and heritage. Article 11 of the Treaty of the European Union requires that the institutions maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with civil society and, by appropriate means, give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3 a)  The Commission should ensure a regular, open and transparent dialogue with the beneficiaries of the Programme and other relevant stakeholders by setting up a Civil Dialogue Group. The Civil Dialogue Group should contribute to the exchange of experiences and good practices and to the discussion of policy developments within the fields and objectives covered by the Programme and related fields. The Civil Dialogue Group should consist of organisations which have been selected to receive an operating or action grant under the Programme and other organisations and stakeholders who have expressed an interest in the Programme or work in this policy area, but are not necessarily supported by the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4)  The Rights and Values programme (the 'Programme') should allow developing synergies to tackle the challenges that are common to the promotion and protection of values and to reach a critical dimension to have concrete results in the field. That should be achieved by building on the positive experience of the predecessor Programmes. This will enable to fully exploit the potential of synergies, to more effectively support the policy areas covered and to increase their potential to reach people. To be effective, the Programme should take into account the specific nature of the different policies, their different target groups and their particular needs through tailor-made approaches.

(4)  The Programme should allow developing synergies to tackle the challenges that are common to the promotion and protection of the values enshrined in the Treaties and to reach a critical dimension to have concrete results in the field. That should be achieved by building on and further developing the positive experience of the predecessor Programmes. This will enable to fully exploit the potential of synergies, to more effectively support the policy areas covered and to increase their potential to reach people. To be effective, the Programme should take into account the specific nature of the different policies, their different target groups and their particular needs and opportunities for participation through tailor-made and targeted approaches, including the promotion of all type of equality and gender-equality within.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4a)  Full respect and promotion of the rule of law and democracy is fundamental to building citizens' trust in the Union. Respect for the rule of law within the Union is a prerequisite for the protection of fundamental rights, as well as for upholding all rights and obligations enshrined in the Treaties. The way in which the rule of law is implemented in the Member States plays a vital role in ensuring mutual trust among Member States and their legal systems. The Programme should therefore promote and safeguard fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law at local, regional, national and transnational levels.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4b)  The rule of law, enshrined in Article 2 TEU as one of the Union values, include the principles of legality, implying a transparent, accountable, democratic and pluralistic process for enacting laws; legal certainty; prohibition of arbitrariness of executive powers; effective judicial protection by independent courts, including of fundamental rights; and separation of powers and equality before the law.

Justification

The Rapporteur suggests to better explore and highlight synergies between the Programme and the European Commission Proposal for a Regulation on the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5)  In order to bring the European Union closer to its citizens, a variety of actions and coordinated efforts are necessary. Bringing together citizens in town-twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens' engagement in society and ultimately their involvement in the democratic life of the Union. At the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding, diversity, dialogue and respect for others fosters a sense of belonging and a European identity, based on a shared understanding of European values, culture, history and heritage. The promotion of a greater sense of belonging to the Union and of Union values is particularly important amongst citizens of the EU outermost regions due to their remoteness and distance from continental Europe.

(5)  In order to bring the European Union closer to its citizens, to foster democratic participation and to empower citizens to make use of their rights linked to European citizenship, a variety of actions and coordinated efforts, aiming at a balanced geographical distribution, are necessary. Bringing together citizens in town-twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations at the local, regional, national and transnational level in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens' engagement in society and ultimately their active involvement in the democratic life of the Union as well as in shaping the Union’s political agenda. At the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding, intercultural dialogue, cultural, and linguistic diversity, reconciliation, social inclusion and respect for others, fosters a sense of belonging to the Union and a common citizenship under a European identity, based on a shared understanding of European values, culture, history and heritage. The promotion of a greater sense of belonging to the Union and of Union values is particularly important amongst citizens of the EU outermost regions due to their remoteness and distance from continental Europe.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5a)  Increasing plurality and global migration trends raise the importance of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue in our societies. Full support should be given through the Programme to intercultural and inter-religious dialogue as a part of social harmony in Europe and a key element to boost social inclusion and cohesion. While interreligious dialogue could help to highlight the positive contribution of religion to social cohesion, religious illiteracy risks setting the stage for the misuse of religious feeling among the population. The Programme should therefore support projects and initiatives developing religious literacy, fostering interreligious dialogue and mutual comprehension.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6)  Remembrance activities and critical reflection on Europe’s historical memory are necessary to make citizens aware of the common history, as the foundation for a common future, moral purpose and shared values. The relevance of historical, cultural and intercultural aspects should also be taken into account, as well as the links between remembrance and the creation of a European identity and sense of belonging together.

(6)  Remembrance activities and critical and creative thinking on Europe’s historical memory are necessary to make citizens, in particular young people, aware of their common history, as the foundation for a common future. The relevance of historical, social, cultural and intercultural aspects, tolerance and dialogue should also be taken into account in order to promote a common ground based on shared values, solidarity, diversity and peace, as well as the links between remembrance and the creation of a European identity and sense of belonging together.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)  Citizens should also be more aware of their rights deriving from citizenship of the Union, and should feel at ease about living, travelling, studying, working and volunteering in another Member State, and should feel able to enjoy and exercise all their citizenship rights, place their trust in equal access, full enforceability and protection of their rights without any discrimination, no matter where in the Union they happen to be. Civil society needs to be supported for the promotion, safeguarding and raising awareness of EU common values under Article 2 TEU and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law.

(7)  Union citizens are not sufficiently aware of their rights deriving from citizenship of the Union, such as the right to vote in European and local elections or the right to receive consular protection from other Member States’ embassies. Citizens should be made more aware of these rights and should feel at ease about living, travelling, studying, working and volunteering in another Member State, and should feel able to enjoy and exercise all their citizenship rights, place their trust in equal access, full enforceability and protection of their rights without any discrimination, no matter where in the Union they happen to be. Civil society needs to be strengthened at all levels for the promotion, safeguarding and raising awareness of EU common values under Article 2 TEU and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7a)  The European Parliament resolution of 2 April 2009 on European conscience and totalitarianism and the Council Conclusions of 9-10 June 2011 on the memory of the crimes committed by totalitarian regimes in Europe underline the importance of keeping the memories of the past alive as a means of building a common future and highlight the value of the Union's role in facilitating, sharing and promoting the collective memory of those crimes in a bid to breathe fresh life into a pluralist and democratic joint European identity.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8)  Equality between women and men is a fundamental value and an objective of the European Union. Discrimination against and unequal treatment of women violates their fundamental rights and prevents their full political, social and economic participation in society. In addition, the existence of structural and cultural barriers hinders the achievement of real gender equality. Promoting gender equality in all activities of the Union is therefore a core activity for the Union and a driver for economic growth and should be supported by the programme.

(8)  Gender equality is a fundamental value and an objective of the European Union. Article 8 of this Regulation gives the Union the task of eliminating inequalities and promoting equality between men and women through all its activities. Yet overall progress on gender equality is very slow, cf. the Gender Equality Index 2017, published by the European Institute for Gender Equality. Often silent and hidden intersectional discrimination against and unequal treatment of women and girls as well as various forms of violence against women violates their fundamental rights and prevents their full political, social and economic participation in society. In addition, the existence of political, structural and cultural barriers hinders the achievement of real gender equality. Promoting gender equality in all activities of the Union by supporting gender mainstreaming and non-discrimination objectives and by actively tackling stereotypes and addressing also silent discrimination is therefore a core activity for the Union and a driver for economic growth and should be supported by the programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9)  Gender-based violence and violence against children and young people constitute a serious violation of fundamental rights. Violence persists throughout the Union, in all social and economic contexts, and has serious repercussions on victims’ physical and psychological health and on society as a whole. Children, young people and women are particularly vulnerable to violence, in particular in close relationships. Action should be taken to promote the rights of the child and to contribute to the protection of children from harm and violence, which pose a danger to their physical and mental health and constitute a breach of their rights to development, protection and dignity. Combating all forms of violence, promoting prevention and protecting and supporting victims are priorities of the Union which help fulfil individuals’ fundamental rights and contribute to equality between women and men. Those priorities should be supported by the Programme.

(9)  Gender-based violence and violence against children, young and older people, persons with disabilities, refugees and migrants, and against members of different minority groups, such as members of ethnic minority groups and LGBTQI people, constitute a serious violation of fundamental rights. Violence persists throughout the Union, in all social and economic contexts, and has serious repercussions on victims’ physical and psychological health and on society as a whole. Combating gender-based violence requires a multi-dimensional approach covering legal, educational, health, including sexual and reproductive rights, economic and other societal aspects such as supporting women’s rights organisations, providing advice and assistance and projects seeking to achieve the goal of a more gender equal society. There is a need to actively tackle harmful stereotypes and norms from an early age, as well as all forms of hate speech and online violence. Action should be taken to promote the rights of the child and to contribute to the protection of children from harm and violence, which pose a danger to their physical and mental health and constitute a breach of their rights to development, protection and dignity. The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention) defines violence against women as ‘all acts of gender-based violence that result in, or are likely to result in, physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life’. Combating all forms of violence, promoting and prevention and protecting and supporting victims are priorities of the Union which help fulfil individuals’ fundamental rights and contribute to equality between women and men. Those priorities should be supported by the Programme. Prevention and victims’ rights support should be designed in cooperation with the target group and ensure that they meet the specific needs of those with multiple vulnerabilities.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9a)  Undocumented women are particularly vulnerable to violence and sexual abuse and lack access to support. It is crucial to implement a victim-centred approach and offer adequate support services to all women throughout the Union, regardless of their residence status. The need for a gender-sensitive perspective in asylum processes is very important for intersectional work and can contribute to increased gender equality.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10)  Strong political will and coordinated action based on the methods and results of the previous Daphne Programmes, the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme and the Justice Programme are necessary in order to prevent and combat all forms of violence and to protect victims. In particular, since its launch in 1997, the Daphne funding to support victims of violence and combat the violence against women, children and young people has been a genuine success, both in terms of its popularity with stakeholders (public authorities, academic institutions and non-governmental organisations) and in terms of the effectiveness of the funded projects. It has funded projects to raise awareness, to provide support services to victims, to support the activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on the ground. It has addressed all forms of violence, such as for instance domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking in human beings, as well as new emerging forms of violence such as cyber-bullying. It is therefore important to continue all these actions and that those results and lessons learned are taken into due consideration in the implementation of the Programme.

(10)  Strong political will and coordinated action based on the methods and results of the previous Daphne Programmes, the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme and the Justice Programme are necessary in order to prevent and combat all forms of violence and to protect victims. In particular, since its launch in 1997, the Daphne funding to support victims of violence and combat the violence against women, children and young people has been a genuine success, both in terms of its popularity with stakeholders (public authorities, academic institutions and non-governmental organisations) and in terms of the effectiveness of the funded projects. It has funded projects to raise awareness, to provide support services to victims, to support the activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on the ground. It has addressed all forms of violence, such as for instance domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking in human beings, stalking and traditional harmful practices such as FGM, as well as new emerging forms of violence such as cyber-bullying and cyber harassment. It is therefore important to continue all these actions with an independent budget allocation for Daphne and that those results and lessons learned are taken into due consideration in the implementation of the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11)  Non-discrimination is a fundamental principle of the Union. Article 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Non-discrimination is also enshrined in Article 21 of the Charter. The specific features of the diverse forms of discrimination should be taken into account and appropriate action should be developed in parallel to prevent and combat discrimination on one or more grounds. The Programme should support actions to prevent and combat discrimination, racism, xenophobia, anti-semitism, anti-muslim hatred and other forms of intolerance. In that context, particular attention should also be devoted to preventing and combating all forms of violence, hatred, segregation and stigmatisation, as well as combating bullying, harassment and intolerant treatment. The Programme should be implemented in a mutually reinforcing manner with other Union activities that have the same objectives, in particular with those referred to in the Commission Communication of 5 April 2011 entitled ‘An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 202010 ’ and in the Council Recommendation of 09 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States11 .

(11)  Non-discrimination is a fundamental principle of the Union. Article 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Non-discrimination is also enshrined in Article 21 of the Charter. The specific features of the diverse forms of discrimination, including direct, indirect and structural discrimination, should be taken into account and appropriate action should be developed in parallel to prevent and combat discrimination on one or more grounds. The Programme should support actions to prevent and combat discrimination, racism, xenophobia, afrophobia, anti-semitism, anti-ziganism, anti-muslim hatred, homophobia and other forms of intolerance, both on-line and off-line, against persons belonging to minorities, taking into account the multiple levels of discrimination faced by women. In that context, particular attention should also be devoted to preventing and combating all forms of violence, hatred, segregation and stigmatisation, as well as combating bullying, harassment and intolerant treatment. The Programme should be implemented in a mutually reinforcing manner with other Union activities that have the same objectives, in particular with those referred to in the Commission Communication of 5 April 2011 entitled ‘An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 202010 ’ and in the Council Recommendation of 09 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States11 .

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10 COM(2011)173.

10 COM(2011)173.

11 OJ C 378, 24.12.2013, p. 1.

11 OJ C 378, 24.12.2013, p. 1.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(12)  Attitudinal and environmental barriers as well as lack of accessibility hinder the full and effective participation of people with disabilities in society, on an equal basis with others. People with disabilities are faced with barriers to, among other things, access the labour market, benefit from an inclusive and quality education, avoid poverty and social exclusion, enjoy access to cultural initiatives and media, or use their political rights. As a party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the UNCRPD), the Union and all its Member States have committed to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities. The provisions of the UNCRPD have become an integral part of the Union legal order.

(12)  Attitudinal and environmental barriers as well as lack of accessibility hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society, on an equal basis with others. People with disabilities, including those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, are faced with barriers to, among other things, access the labour market, benefit from an inclusive and quality education, avoid poverty and social exclusion, enjoy access to cultural initiatives and media, or use their political rights. As a party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the UNCRPD), the Union and all its Member States have committed to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities. The provisions of the UNCRPD, the implementation of which is mandatory, have become an integral part of the Union legal order. In this regard the Programme should pay special attention to and fund awareness raising activities for the challenges people with disabilities face in participating fully in society and enjoying their rights as equal citizens.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13)  The right to respect for his or her private and family life, home and communications (right to privacy) is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 7 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The protection of personal data is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Article 16 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Compliance with the rules for the protection of personal data is subject to the control by independent supervisory authorities. The Unions’ legal framework, in particular Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council12 and Directive (EU) 2016/680 of the European Parliament and of the Council13 lay down provisions to ensure that the right to protection of personal data is effectively protected. These legal instruments entrust the national data protection supervisory authorities with the task of promoting public awareness and understanding of the risks, rules, safeguards and rights in relation to the processing of personal data. The Union should be able to conduct awareness-raising activities, carry out studies and other relevant activities given the importance of the right to the protection of personal data in times of rapid technological developments.

(13)  The right to respect for his or her private and family life, home and communications (right to privacy) is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 7 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The protection of personal data is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Article 16 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Compliance with the rules for the protection of personal data is subject to the control by independent supervisory authorities. The Unions’ legal framework, in particular Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council12 and Directive (EU) 2016/680 of the European Parliament and of the Council13 lay down provisions to ensure that the right to protection of personal data is effectively protected. These legal instruments entrust the national data protection supervisory authorities with the task of promoting public awareness and understanding of the risks, rules, safeguards and rights in relation to the processing of personal data. The Union should be able to conduct awareness-raising activities, support civil society organisations in advocating for data protection in line with Union standards, and carry out studies and other relevant activities given the importance of the right to the protection of personal data in times of rapid technological developments.

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12 OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1-88.

12 OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1-88.

13 OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 89-131.

13 OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 89-131.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13a)  Freedom of expression and information is enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Free access to information, evaluation of media framework conditions, and the responsible and safe use of information and communication networks are directly linked to the free development of public opinion and are essential for guaranteeing a functional democracy. It is necessary for the public to acquire the media literacy skills necessary for critical thinking and discernment and the ability to analyse complex realities, recognise differences between opinions and facts and resist any form of incitement to hatred. To this end, the Union should promote the development of media literacy for all citizens, regardless of their age, through training, awareness raising, studies and other relevant activities.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14)  Article 24 TFEU obliges the European Parliament and the Council to adopt provisions for the procedures and conditions required for a citizen's initiative within the meaning of Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union. This has been done by adopting Regulation [(EU) No 211/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council14. The Programme should support the financing of technical and organisational support to implement Regulation [(EU) No 211/2011], thereby underpinning the exercise by citizens of the right to launch and support European citizens’ initiatives.

(14)  The European citizens’ initiative is the first supranational instrument of participative democracy, creating a direct link between European citizens and the Union institutions. Article 24 TFEU obliges the European Parliament and the Council to adopt provisions for the procedures and conditions required for a citizen's initiative within the meaning of Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union. This has been done by adopting Regulation [(EU) No 211/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council14. The Programme should support the financing of technical and organisational support to implement Regulation [(EU) No 211/2011], thereby underpinning the exercise by citizens of the right to launch, support and encourage others to support European citizens’ initiatives.

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14 Regulation (EU) No 211/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 on the citizens’ initiative (OJ L 65, 11.3.2011, p. 1).

14 Regulation (EU) No 211/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 on the citizens’ initiative (OJ L 65, 11.3.2011, p. 1).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15)  Pursuant to Articles 8 and 10 TFEU, the Programme in all its activities should support gender mainstreaming and the mainstreaming of non-discrimination objectives.

(15)  Pursuant to Articles 8 and 10 TFEU, the Programme in all its activities should support gender mainstreaming and the mainstreaming of non-discrimination objectives and should also promote the use of gender budgeting and gender impact assessment where necessary throughout the Union budgetary process. The proper implementation of gender mainstreaming requires gender budgeting in all relevant budget lines and the allocation of adequate resources and transparency in the budget lines dedicated to promoting gender equality and to combating gender-based discrimination. The individual projects and the Programme as such should be reviewed at the end of the funding period to determine the extent to which they have served the principles noted above.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17)  In accordance with Union acts on equal treatment, Member States set up independent bodies for the promotion of equal treatment, commonly known as "equality bodies", in order to combat discrimination based on race and ethnic origin as well as gender. However, many Member States have gone beyond these requirements and ensured that equality bodies can also deal with discrimination based on the other grounds such as age, sexual orientation, religion and belief, disability or other grounds. Equality bodies play a key role in promoting equality and ensuring effective application of equal treatment legislation by providing in particular an independent assistance to victims of discrimination, conducting independent surveys concerning discrimination, publishing independent reports and making recommendations on any issue relating to discrimination in their country. It is essential that the work of equality bodies is coordinated at Union level in this respect. EQUINET was created in 2007. Its members are the national bodies for the promotion of equal treatment as established by Council Directives 2000/43/EC15 and 2004/113/EC16 , and by Directives 2006/54/EC17 and 2010/41/EU18 of the European Parliament and of the Council. EQUINET is in an exceptional situation, being the only entity which ensures coordination of activities between equality bodies. This coordination activity by EQUINET is key for the good implementation of Union anti-discrimination law in Member States and should be supported by the Programme.

(17)  In accordance with Union acts on equal treatment, Member States set up independent bodies for the promotion of equal treatment, commonly known as "equality bodies", in order to combat discrimination based on race and ethnic origin as well as gender. However, many Member States have gone beyond these requirements and ensured that equality bodies can also deal with discrimination based on the other grounds such as language, age, sexual orientation, religion and belief, disability or other grounds. Equality bodies play a key role in promoting equality and ensuring effective application of equal treatment legislation by providing in particular an independent assistance to victims of discrimination, conducting independent surveys concerning discrimination, publishing independent reports and making recommendations on any issue relating to discrimination in their country. It is essential that the work of all those relevant equality bodies is coordinated at Union level in this respect. EQUINET was created in 2007. Its members are the national bodies for the promotion of equal treatment as established by Council Directives 2000/43/EC15 and 2004/113/EC16, and by Directives 2006/54/EC17 and 2010/41/EU18 of the European Parliament and of the Council. On 22 June 2018 the Commission adopted its recommendation on standards for equality bodies, covering the mandate, independence, effectiveness and coordination and cooperation of equality bodies. EQUINET is in an exceptional situation, being the only entity which ensures coordination of activities between equality bodies. This coordination activity by EQUINET is key for the good implementation of Union anti-discrimination law in Member States and should be supported by the Programme.

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15 Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22).

15 Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22).

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

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

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

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

18 Directive 2010/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Council Directive 86/613/EEC (OJ L 180, 15.7.2010, p. 1).

18 Directive 2010/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Council Directive 86/613/EEC (OJ L 180, 15.7.2010, p. 1).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17a)  In order to increase accessibility and provide impartial guidance and practical information in relation to all aspects of the Programme, contact points should be set up in Member States to provide assistance to both beneficiaries and applicants. Programme contact points should be able to carry out their functions independently, without direct subordination or interference in their decision making from public authorities. It is possible for programme contact points to be managed by Member States or civil society organisations or consortia thereof. Programme contact points are not to have any responsibility regarding project selection;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18)  Independent human rights bodies and civil society organisations play an essential role in promoting, safeguarding and raising awareness of the Union’s common values under Article 2 TEU, and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. As reflected in the European Parliament Resolution of 18 April 2018, adequate financial support is key to the development of a conducive and sustainable environment for civil society organisations to strengthen their role and perform their functions independently and effectively. Complementing efforts at national level, EU funding should therefore contribute to support, empower and build the capacity of independent civil society organisations active in the promotion of human rights whose activities help the strategic enforcement of rights under EU law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including through advocacy and watchdog activities, as well as to promote, safeguard and raise awareness of the Union’s common values at national level.

(18)  Independent human rights bodies, civil society organisations and human rights defenders play an essential role in promoting, safeguarding and raising awareness of the Union’s common values under Article 2 TEU, and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. As reflected in the European Parliament Resolution of 19 April 2018, an increase in funding and adequate financial support is key to the development of a conducive and sustainable environment for civil society organisations to strengthen their role and perform their functions independently and effectively. Complementing efforts at national level, EU funding should therefore contribute to support, empower and build , including through adequate core funding and simplified cost options, financial rules and procedures, the capacity of independent civil society organisations active in the promotion of Union values such as democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights whose activities help the strategic enforcement of rights under EU law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including through advocacy and watchdog activities, as well as to promote, safeguard and raise awareness of the Union’s common values at local, regional, national and transnational level.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(19)  The Commission should ensure overall consistency, complementarity and synergies with the work of Union bodies, offices and agencies, in particular the European Institute for Gender Equality and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, and should take stock of the work of other national and international actors in the areas covered by the Programme.

(19)  The Commission should ensure overall consistency, complementarity and synergies with the work of Union bodies, offices and agencies, in particular the European Institute for Gender Equality and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, and should take stock of the work of other national and international actors in the areas covered by the Programme. The Commission should actively guide participants of this Programme to use the reports and resources generated by these Union bodies, offices and agencies, such as the gender budgeting and gender assessment tools developed by the European Institute for Gender Equality.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(19 a)  A comprehensive Union mechanism on democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights should guarantee the regular and equal review of all Member States, providing the necessary information for the activation of measures related to general deficiencies of Union values in Member States.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(20)  The Programme should be open, subject to certain conditions, to the participation of European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA) and EFTA members which are not members of the EEA and other European countries. Acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy should also be able to participate in the Programme.

(20)  As regards the implementation of the specific objectives of promoting gender equality and rights, promoting citizens’ engagement and participation in the democratic life of the Union at local, regional, national and transnational level as well as combating violence, the Programme should be open, subject to certain conditions, to the participation of European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA) and EFTA members which are not members of the EEA and other European countries. Acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy should also be able to participate in the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(21)  In order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the Union, it is necessary to ensure the European added value of all actions carried out, their complementarity to Member States’ actions, while consistency, complementarity and synergies shall be sought with funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to each other, in particular within the Justice, Rights and Values Fund — and thus with the Justice Programme — as well as with Creative Europe programme, and Erasmus+ to realise the potential of cultural crossovers in the fields of culture, media, arts, education and creativity. It is necessary to create synergies with other European funding programmes, in particular in the fields of employment, internal market, enterprise, youth, health, citizenship, justice, migration, security, research, innovation, technology, industry, cohesion, tourism, external relations, trade and development.

(21)  In order to ensure efficient allocation of funds from the general budget of the Union, it is necessary to ensure the European added value of all actions carried out, including on local, national and international levels, directed at promoting and safeguarding the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU. The Commission should seek consistency, synergies and complementarity with Member States’ actions and with other funding programmes supporting policy areas with close links to Justice, Rights and Values Fund, including with Creative Europe programme, and Erasmus+, as well as with relevant policies of the Union.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(21a)  Pursuant to Article 9 TFEU a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection and the fight against social exclusion should be promoted. Actions under the Programme therefore should promote synergies between the fight against poverty, social exclusion and exclusion from the labour market and the promotion of equality and fight against all forms of discrimination. Therefore, the implementation of the Programme should be carried out in a way to ensure a maximum of synergies and complementarities both between its different strands and with the European Social Fund Plus. Furthermore, synergies should be ensured with both Erasmus and the European Social Fund Plus in order to ensure that these funds jointly contribute to delivering high quality education and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(22 a)   It is important to ensure sound financial management of the programme and its implementation in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while also ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme to all participants.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(22 b)   Improving implementation and quality of spending should constitute guiding principles for achieving the objectives of the programme while ensuring optimal use of the financial resources.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(23)  Regulation (EU, Euratom) No [the new FR] (the ‘Financial Regulation’) applies to this Programme. It lays down rules on the implementation of the Union budget, including the rules on grants, prizes, procurement, indirect implementation, financial assistance, financial instruments and budgetary guarantees.

(23)  Regulation (EU, Euratom) No [the new FR] (the ‘Financial Regulation’) applies to this Programme. It lays down rules on the implementation of the Union budget, including the rules on grants, prizes, procurement, indirect implementation, financial assistance, financial instruments and budgetary guarantees and demands full transparency with respect to the use of resources, sound financial management and prudent use of resources. In particular, rules concerning the possibility for local, regional, national and transnational civil society organisations, including for local grassroot civil society organisations, to be funded through multiannual operating grants, cascading grants (financial support for third parties) and provisions ensuring fast and flexible grant-making procedures, such as a two-step-application procedure, user-friendly applications and reporting procedures, should be operationalised and further strengthened as part of the implementation of this Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(24)  The types of financing and the methods of implementation under this Regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results, taking into account, in particular, the costs of controls, the administrative burden, and the expected risk of non-compliance. This should include consideration of the use of lump sums, flat rates and unit costs, as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in Article 125(1) of the Financial Regulation. In accordance with the Financial Regulation, Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council20 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2988/9521 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/9622 and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/193923 the financial interests of the Union are to be protected through proportionate measures, including the prevention, detection, correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, the imposition of administrative sanctions. In particular, in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 and Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out administrative investigations, including on-the-spot checks and inspections, with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the Union. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) may investigate and prosecute fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the Union as provided for in Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 . In accordance with the Financial Regulation, any person or entity receiving Union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the Union’s financial interests, to grant the necessary rights and access to the Commission, OLAF, the EPPO and the European Court of Auditors (ECA) and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of Union funds grant equivalent rights.

(24)  The types of financing and the methods of implementation under this Regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results, taking into account, in particular, the costs of controls, the administrative burden, the size and capacity of relevant stakeholders and targeted beneficiaries, and the expected risk of non-compliance. This should include consideration of the use of lump sums, flat rates, unit costs and cascading grants, as well as co-funding criteria which take into account volunteer work and financing not linked to costs as referred to in Article 125(1) of the Financial Regulation. Co-funding requirements should be accepted in kind and may be waived in cases of limited complementary funding. In accordance with the Financial Regulation, Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council20 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2988/9521 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/9622 and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/193923 the financial interests of the Union are to be protected through proportionate measures, including the prevention, detection, correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, the imposition of administrative sanctions. In particular, in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 and Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out administrative investigations, including on-the-spot checks and inspections, with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the Union. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) may investigate and prosecute fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the Union as provided for in Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 . In accordance with the Financial Regulation, any person or entity receiving Union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the Union’s financial interests, to grant the necessary rights and access to the Commission, OLAF, the EPPO and the European Court of Auditors (ECA) and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of Union funds grant equivalent rights.

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20 Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999,(OJ L248, 18.9.2013, p. 1.

20 Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999,(OJ L248, 18.9.2013, p. 1.

21 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (OJ L 312, 23.12.95, p.1).

21 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (OJ L 312, 23.12.95, p.1).

22 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (OJ L292.15.11.96,, p.2).

22 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (OJ L292.15.11.96,, p.2).

23 Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’) (OJ L283, 31.10.2017,, p.1).

23 Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’) (OJ L283, 31.10.2017,, p.1).

24 Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2017 on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law (OJ L 198, 28.7.2017, p. 29).

24 Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2017 on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law (OJ L 198, 28.7.2017, p. 29).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25)  Third countries which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA) may participate in Union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the EEA agreement, which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement. Third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments. A specific provision should be introduced in this Regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorizing officer responsible, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) as well as the European Court of Auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences.

(25)  In relation to the implementation of the specific objectives of promoting gender equality, rights, citizens’ engagement and participation in the democratic life of the Union at local, regional, national and transnational level and combating violence, third countries which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA) may participate in Union programmes in the framework of the cooperation established under the EEA agreement, which provides for the implementation of the programmes by a decision under that agreement. Third countries may also participate on the basis of other legal instruments. A specific provision should be introduced in this Regulation to grant the necessary rights for and access to the authorizing officer responsible, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) as well as the European Court of Auditors to comprehensively exert their respective competences.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(26 a)   The proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States aims to equip the Union to better protect its budget when weaknesses in the rule of law impair or threaten to impair sound financial management or the financial interests of the Union. It should complement the Rights and Values programme whose role is different, namely to fund policies in line with fundamental rights and European values that have at its core people's lives and participation.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(27)  Pursuant to [reference to be updated as appropriate according to a new decision on OCTs: Article 94 of Council Decision 2013/755/EU25], persons and entities established in overseas countries and territories (OCTs) are eligible for funding subject to the rules and objectives of the Programme and possible arrangements applicable to the Member State to which the relevant overseas country or territory is linked.

(27)  Pursuant to [reference to be updated as appropriate according to a new decision on OCTs: Article 94 of Council Decision 2013/755/EU25], persons and entities established in overseas countries and territories (OCTs) are eligible for funding subject to the rules and objectives of the Programme and possible arrangements applicable to the Member State to which the relevant overseas country or territory is linked. The constraints arising from the remoteness of OCTs must be taken into account when implementing the Programme, and their effective participation therein must be monitored and regularly evaluated.

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25 Council Decision 2013/755/EU of 25 November 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Union (Overseas Association Decision) (OJ L 344, 19.12.2013, p. 1).

25 Council Decision 2013/755/EU of 25 November 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Union (Overseas Association Decision) (OJ L 344, 19.12.2013, p. 1).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(28)  Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this Programme will contribute to mainstream climate action and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. Relevant actions will be identified during the Programme’s preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of its mid-term evaluation.

(28)  Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this Programme will contribute to mainstream climate action and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives over the MFF 2021-2027 period, and an annual target of 30 % as soon as possible and at the latest by 2027. Relevant actions will be identified during the Programme’s preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of its mid-term evaluation.

Justification

The European Parliament in its resolution of 14 March 2018 on the next MFF: Preparing the Parliament’s position on the MFF post-20206 (2017/2052(INI)) called for a 30 % target for the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives to be reached as soon as possible and at the latest by 2027.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(29)  Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate this Programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Programme on the ground.

(29)  Pursuant to paragraph 22 and 23 of the Inter-institutional agreement for Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016, there is a need to evaluate this Programme on the basis of information collected through specific monitoring requirements, while avoiding overregulation and administrative burdens, in particular on Member States. In this context, examples of applicants and beneficiaries who may not have the adequate resources and staff to meet the monitoring and reporting requirements, could be understood as civil society organisations, local public authorities, social partners, etc. These requirements, where appropriate, can include measurable indicators, as a basis for evaluating the effects of the Programme on the ground.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(30)  In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of indicators as indicated in Article 14 and 16 and Annex II. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States’ experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.

(30)  In order to supplement this Regulation with a view to carrying out the Programme and ensuring effective assessment of its progress towards the achievement of its objectives, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of work programmes pursuant to Article 13 and indicators as indicated in Articles 14 and 16 and Annex II. It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of delegated acts, the European Parliament and the Council receive all documents at the same time as Member States’ experts, and their experts systematically have access to meetings of Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts.

Justification

The work programmes should be adopted by means of delegated acts and this recital needs to be adapted accordingly. It should also be aligned with the wording of the delegation of powers referred to in Article 16.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(31)  In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council26 .

deleted

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26 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by the Member States of the Commission's exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13)

Justification

This recital needs to be deleted since the proposal should not include any reference to implementing acts.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

This Regulation establishes the Rights and Values programme (‘Programme’).

This Regulation establishes the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme (‘Programme’).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

It lays down the objectives of the Programme, the budget for the period 2021 – 2027, the forms of Union funding and the rules for providing such funding.

It lays down the objectives and scope of the Programme, the budget for the period 2021 – 2027, the forms of Union funding and the conditions for providing such funding.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The general objective of the Programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties, including by supporting civil society organisations, in order to sustain open, democratic and inclusive societies.

1.  The general objective of the Programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the Treaties, including democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights as enshrined in Article 2 TEU, in particular by supporting and building the capacity of civil society organisations at local, regional, national and transnational level, especially at grassroot level, and by encouraging civic and democratic participation, in order to sustain and further develop open, rights-based, democratic, equal and inclusive societies.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(-a)  to protect and promote democracy and the rule of law at local, regional, national and transnational level (Union values strand),

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  to promote equality and rights (Equality and rights strand),

(a)  to promote equality, including gender equality, rights, non-discrimination and advance gender mainstreaming (Equality, Rights and Gender Equality strand),

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  to promote citizens engagement and participation in the democratic life of the Union (Citizens' engagement and participation strand),

(b)  to raise citizens’, in particular young people’s, awareness of the importance of the Union through activities aimed at keeping alive remembrance of the historic events that led to its creation, and to promote democracy, freedom of expression, pluralism, civic engagement as well as meetings of citizens and their active participation in the democratic life of the Union (Active Citizenship strand);

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)  to fight violence (Daphne strand).

(c)  to fight violence, including gender-based violence (Daphne strand).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 2 a

Union values strand

Within the general objective set out in Article 2(1) and within the specific objective set out in point (-a) of Article 2(2), the Programme shall focus on:

(a)  protecting and promoting democracy and the rule of law, including by supporting activities by civil society which promote the independence of the judiciary and an effective judicial protection by independent courts, including of fundamental rights; providing support for independent human rights defenders and civil society organisations undertaking monitoring compliance with the rule of law, for whistleblower defence and for initiatives that promote the shared culture of transparency, good governance and fight against corruption;

(b)  promoting the construction of a more democratic Union as well as protecting and raising awareness of the rights and values enshrined in the Treaties by providing financial support to independent civil society organisations which promote and cultivate these rights and values at local, regional, national and transnational level, thereby creating an environment that enables democratic dialogue and strengthening freedom of expression, peaceful assembly or association, media freedom and pluralism of the media, and academic freedom.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Equality and rights strand

Equality, Rights and Gender Equality strand

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Within the specific objective set out in point (a) of Article 2(2), the Programme shall focus on:

Within the general objective set out in Article 2(1) and within the specific objective set out in point (a) of Article 2(2), the Programme shall focus on:

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  preventing and combating inequalities and discrimination on grounds of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, and supporting comprehensive policies to promote gender equality and anti-discrimination and their mainstreaming as well policies to combat racism and all forms of intolerance;

(a)  promoting equality and preventing and combating inequalities and discrimination on grounds of sex, racial, social or ethnic origin, colour, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age, or sexual orientation or any other grounds and supporting comprehensive policies to promote equality and anti-discrimination and their mainstreaming as well as policies to combat racism and all forms of intolerance, both online and offline;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a a)  supporting comprehensive policies and programmes to promote women’s rights, gender equality, women’s empowerment and gender mainstreaming;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Citizens engagement and participation strand

Active Citizenship strand

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Within the specific objective set out in point (b) of Article 2(2), the Programme shall focus on:

Within the specific objective set out in point (a) of Article 2(2), the Programme shall pursue the following objectives:

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  increasing citizens’ understanding of the Union, its history, cultural heritage and diversity;

(a)  supporting projects put forward by citizens, with a particular focus on young people, aimed at encouraging people to not only remember the events that preceded the establishment of the Union, which build the core of its historical memory, but also to learn more about their shared history, culture and values, and to get a sense of the wealth of their common cultural heritage and of the cultural and linguistic diversity, which constitute the foundation for a common future; fostering citizens’ understanding of the Union, its origins, raison d’être and achievements, and increasing their awareness of its present and future challenges, and of the importance of mutual understanding and tolerance, which are at the very heart of the European project;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(aa)  promoting and supporting exchanges of good practice regarding formal and informal education for European citizenship;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  promoting exchange and cooperation between citizens of different countries; to promote citizens’ civic and democratic participation allowing citizens and representative associations to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action;

(b)  promoting public dialogue through town twinning, meetings of citizens, in particular young people, and through cooperation between municipalities, local communities and civil society organisations of different countries, so as to afford them direct practical experience of the wealth of cultural diversity and heritage in the Union, and to increase citizens’ engagement in society

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(ba)  encouraging and enhancing civic participation in the democratic life of the Union on local, national and transnational levels; allowing citizens and associations to promote intercultural dialogue and conduct proper public debates about all areas of Union action, thereby contributing to shaping the political agenda of the Union; supporting organisedjoint initiatives in the form of both citizens’ associations and networks of legal entities to implement more effectively the objectives set out in the previous paragraphs;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Within the specific objective set out in point (c) of Article 2(2), the Programme shall focus on:

Within the general objective set out in Article 2(1) and within the specific objective set out in point (c) of Article 2(2), the Programme shall focus on:

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(-a)  preventing and combating all forms of gender-based violence against women and promoting the full implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention) at all levels; and

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  preventing and combating all forms of violence against children, young people and women, as well as violence against other groups at risk;

(a)  preventing and combating all forms of violence against children, young people, as well as violence against other groups at risk, such as LGBTQI persons, persons with disabilities, minorities, elderly people, and migrants and refugees;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  supporting and protecting victims of such violence.

(b)  supporting and protecting victims of such violence, including by supporting the activities of civil society organisations that facilitate and ensure access to justice, to victim support services and to safe police reporting for all victims of violence, and supporting and ensuring the same level of protection throughout the Union for victims of gender-based violence.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021 – 2027 shall be EUR [641 705 000] in current prices.

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021 – 2027 shall be EUR [1 627 000 000] in 2018 prices [EUR 1 834 000 000 in current prices].

Justification

In line with the decision of the Conference of Presidents of 13 September 2018, this amendment reflects the figures contained in the interim report on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 adopted by the plenary on 14 November 2018.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(-a)  EUR [754 062 000 in 2018 prices] [EUR 850 000 000 in current prices] (i.e. 46,34% of the total financial envelope) for the specific objectives referred to in point (-a) of Article 2(2);

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  EUR [408.705.000] for the specific objectives referred to in article 2(2)(a) and 2(2)(c);

(a)  EUR [429 372 000 in 2018 prices] [EUR 484 000 000] (i.e. 26,39% of the total financial envelope) for the specific objectives referred to in points (a) and (c) of Article 2(2);

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  EUR [233.000.000] for the specific objective referred to in Article 2(2)(b);

(b)  EUR [443 566 000 in 2018 prices] [EUR 500 000 000] (i.e. 27,26% of the total financial envelope) for the specific objectives referred to in point (b) of Article 2(2).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall allocate at least 50% of the amounts referred to in points (-a) and (a) of the first subparagraph of this paragraph to support activities carried out by civil society organisations, of which at least 65% shall be allocated to local and regional civil society organisations.

The Commission shall not depart from the allocated percentages of the financial envelope, as set out in Annex I(-a) by more than five percentage points. Should it prove necessary to exceed that limit, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 16 to amend Annex 1(-a) by modifying by between five and ten percentage points the allocated percentages of Programme funds.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5.  Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request, be transferred to the Programme. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with Article 62(1)(a) of the Financial Regulation or indirectly in accordance with Article 62(1)(c). Where possible those resources shall be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned.

5.  Resources allocated to Member States under shared management may, at their request or at the Commission's request, be transferred to the Programme. The Commission shall implement those resources directly in accordance with Article 62(1)(a) of the Financial Regulation. Where possible, those resources shall be used for the benefit of the Member State.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 6 a

Values Support Mechanism

1.  In exceptional cases, where there is a serious and rapid deterioration in a Member State as regards compliance with Union values enshrined in Article 2 TEU, and those values are at risk of not being sufficiently protected and promoted, the Commission may open a call for proposals in the form of a fast-track procedure for grant applications for civil society organisations, with a view to facilitate, support and enhance the democratic dialogue in the Member State in question and to address the problem of insufficient compliance with the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU.

2.  The Commission shall earmark up to 5% of the amounts referred to in Article 6(2)(-a) to the values support mechanism referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. At the end of every budgetary year, the Commission shall transfer any non-committed funds under this mechanism to support other actions which fall under the objectives of the Programme.

3.  The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 16 to trigger the values support mechanism referred in paragraph 1 of this Article. The activation of the mechanism shall be based on a comprehensive, regular and evidence-based monitoring and evaluation of the situation in all Member States as regards democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights.

4.  Resources allocated to a Member State under shared management may be transferred to the Programme in the following cases:

(a)  where the Commission activates the EU Rule of Law Framework;

(b)  where one third of the Member States, the European Parliament or the Commission submits a reasoned proposal to the Council in accordance with Article 7(1) TEU to determine that there is a clear risk of a serious breach by the Member State concerned of the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU;

(c)  where one third of the Member States or the Commission submits a reasoned proposal to the European Council in accordance with Article 7(2) TEU to determine the existence of a serious and persistent breach by that Member State of the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU.

5.  The Commission shall implement the resources referred to in paragraph 4 of this Article directly in accordance with point (a) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation. Where possible, those resources shall be used for the benefit of the Member State concerned.

The Commission may make a proposal to the Council to transfer the resources as referred to in paragraph 4 of this Article after consulting the European Parliament. A proposal by the Commission shall be deemed adopted by the Council unless the Council decides, by means of an implementing act, to reject such a proposal by qualified majority within one month of the submission of the Commission proposal.

6.  The Commission shall keep the European Parliament informed of the implementation of this article. In particular, the Commission shall, when one of the conditions set out in paragraph 1 is fulfilled for a Member State, immediately inform the European Parliament and, in the cases listed in paragraph 4, provide details of the Funds and programmes which could be subject to a transfer of resources. The European Parliament may invite the Commission for a structured dialogue on the application of this Article.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Programme shall be implemented in direct management in accordance with the Financial Regulation or in indirect management with bodies referred to in Article 61(1)(c) of the Financial Regulation.

1.  The Programme shall be implemented in direct management in accordance with the Financial Regulation or in indirect management with bodies referred to in point (c) of Article 62(1) of the Financial Regulation.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The Programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the Financial Regulation.

2.  The Programme may provide funding in any of the forms laid down in the Financial Regulation, primarily through action grants as well as annual and multiannual operating grants. That funding shall be implemented in such a way as to ensure sound financial management, prudent use of public funds, lower levels of administrative burden for the Programme operator and for beneficiaries, as well as accessibility of the Programme funds to potential beneficiaries. Lump sums, unit costs, flat rates and cascading grants (financial support to third parties) may be used. Co-funding shall be accepted in kind and may be waived in cases of limited complementary funding.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Actions contributing to the achievement of a specific objective specified in Article 2 may receive funding under this Regulation. In particular, activities listed in Annex I shall be eligible for funding.

1.  Actions contributing to the achievement of a general or specific objective specified in Article 2 may receive funding under this Regulation. In particular, activities listed in Article 9 a (shall be eligible for funding).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  In line with Article 11(2) of the Treaty on the European Union, the Commission shall set up a ‘Civil Dialogue Group’ aimed at ensuring a regular, open and transparent dialogue with the beneficiaries of the Programme and other relevant stakeholders in order to exchange experiences and good practices and to discuss policy developments within the fields and objectives covered by the Programme and related fields.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 9 a

Activities eligible for funding

The general and specific objectives of the Programme set out in Article 2 will be carried out in particular, but not exclusively, by supporting the following activities:

(a)   awareness raising, public education, promotion and dissemination of information to improve the knowledge of the policies, principles and rights within the areas and objectives covered by the Programme;

(b)   mutual learning through the exchange of good practices among stakeholders to improve knowledge and mutual understanding and civic and democratic engagement;

(c)   analytical monitoring, reporting and advocacy activities to improve the understanding of the situation in Member States and at Union level in the areas covered by the Programme as well as to improve the proper transposition and implementation of Union law, policies and common Union values within Member States, such activities to include for instance the collection of data and statistics; the development of common methodologies and, where appropriate, indicators or benchmarks; studies, research, analyses and surveys; evaluations; impact assessment; the elaboration and publication of guides, reports and educational material;

(d)   training relevant stakeholders to improve their knowledge of the policies and rights in the fields covered by the Programme and strengthening relevant stakeholders’ independence and their capacity to advocate for the policies and rights in the fields covered by the Programme, including through strategic litigation;

(e)   promoting public awareness and understanding of the risks, rules, safeguards and rights in relation to the protection of personal data, privacy, and digital security;

(f)   strengthening citizen's awareness of European core values and their commitment to justice, equality, rule of law and democracy as well as of their rights and obligations derived from Union citizenship, such as the right to travel, work, study and live in another Member State, through information campaigns and the promotion of mutual understanding, intercultural dialogue and respect for diversity within the Union;

(g)   strengthening awareness among citizens, especially young people, of European culture, cultural heritage, identity, history and remembrance, and reinforcing their sense of belonging in the Union, particularly through initiatives to reflect on the causes of totalitarian regimes in Europe’s modern history and to commemorate the victims of those crimes, perpetrated injustices, and activities concerning other defining moments in recent European history;

(h)   bringing together citizens of different nationalities and cultures by giving them the opportunity to participate in town-twinning activities and small scale and civil society projects, thus creating the conditions for a stronger bottom-up approach;

(i)   encouraging and facilitating active and inclusive participation, with particular attention to marginalised groups of society, in the construction of a more democratic Union, as well as raising awareness and promoting and defending fundamental rights, rights and values through support to civil society organisations active in the areas covered by the Programme at all levels, as well as developing the capacity of European networks and civil society organisations to contribute to the development, awareness raising and monitoring of the implementation of Union law, policy goals, values and strategies;

(j)   financing the technical and organisational support to implement Regulation [(EU)No 211/2011], thereby underpinning the exercise by citizens of the right to launch and support European citizens’ initiatives;

(k)   enhancing knowledge of the Programme and dissemination and transferability of its results and fostering citizen and civil society outreach, including by setting up and supporting independent programme contact points;

(l) strengthening the capacity and independence of human rights defenders and civil society organisations monitoring the situation of the rule of law and supporting actions at local, regional, national and transnational levels;

(m)   supporting whistleblower defence, including initiatives and measures to establish safe channels for reporting within organisations and to public authorities or other relevant bodies, as well as measures to protect whistleblowers against dismissal, demotion or other forms of retaliation, including through information and training for relevant public authorities and stakeholders;

(n)   supporting initiatives and measures to promote and protect freedom and pluralism of the media and to build capacity for new challenges such as new media and countering hate speech as well as targeted misinformation through awareness raising, training, studies and monitoring activities;

(o)   supporting civil society organisations active in promoting and monitoring integrity, transparency and accountability of public administration and public authorities, and in fighting corruption;

(p)   supporting organisations helping, housing and protecting victims of violence and people under threat, including to women's’ shelters.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  Grants under the Programme shall be awarded and managed in accordance with Title VIII of the Financial Regulation.

1.  Grants under the Programme shall be awarded and managed in accordance with Title VIII of the Financial Regulation and shall include action grants, multiannual operating grants and cascading grants.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The evaluation committee may be composed of external experts.

2.  The evaluation committee may be composed of external experts. The composition of the evaluation committee shall ensure gender balance.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.   An action that has received a contribution under the Programme may also receive a contribution from any other Union programme, including Funds under shared management, provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs. [The cumulative financing shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and the support from different Union programmes may be calculated on a pro-rata basis].

1.   An action that has received a contribution under the Programme may also receive a contribution from any other Union programme, including Funds under shared management, provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs, and double sourcing of funds is avoided by clearly indicating the sources of funding for each category of expenditure, in line with the principle of sound financial management. [The cumulative financing shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and the support from different Union programmes may be calculated on a pro-rata basis].

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

–  a Member State or an overseas country or territory linked to it;

–  a Member State or an overseas country or territory linked to a Member State;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

—  a third country associated to the Programme;

—  for the specific objectives referred to in points (a) and (c) of Article 2(2), a third country associated to the Programme in accordance with Article 7 of this Regulation;

Justification

This formulation seeks to exclude third countries from participating in funding for objectives relating to the new Union values strand as per Article 2(2)(-a) new.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  any legal entity created under Union law or any international organisation;

(b)  any non-profit legal entity created under Union law or any international organisation;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.  An operating grant may be awarded without a call for proposals to The European Network of Equality Bodies (EQUINET) to cover expenditure associated to its permanent work programme.

3.  An operating grant may be awarded without a call for proposals to the European Network of Equality Bodies (EQUINET), under Article 6(2)(a), to cover expenditure associated with its permanent work programme, provided that a gender impact assessment of their work programme has been completed.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Work programme

Work programme and multiannual priorities

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The Programme shall be implemented by work programmes referred to in Article 110 of Financial Regulation.

1.  The Programme shall be carried out by work programmes referred to in Article 110 of Financial Regulation.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a.  The Commission shall apply the partnership principle when deciding its priorities under the Programme and provide for a comprehensive involvement of stakeholders into planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of this Programme and its work programmes in accordance with Article 15a.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The work programme shall be adopted by the Commission by means of an implementing act. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 19.

2.  The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 16 to supplement this Regulation by establishing the appropriate work programme.

Justification

The work programmes should be adopted by means of delegated acts. This amendment proposes the appropriate wording.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  Indicators to report on progress of the Programme towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in Article 2 are set out in Annex II.

1.  Indicators to report on progress of the Programme towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in Article 2 shall, where applicable, be collected disaggregated by gender. The list of indicators are set out in Annex II.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.  The performance reporting system shall ensure that data for monitoring programme implementation and results are collected efficiently, effectively, and in a timely manner. To that end, proportionate reporting requirements shall be imposed on recipients of Union funds and Member States.

3.  The performance reporting system shall ensure that data for monitoring programme implementation and results are collected efficiently, effectively, and in a timely manner. To that end, proportionate and least burdensome reporting requirements shall be imposed on recipients of Union funds and Member States. In order to facilitate reporting requirements being met, the Commission shall make available user-friendly formats and provide orientation and support programmes particularly targeted to civil society organisations, who may not always have the know-how and adequate resources and staff to meet reporting requirements.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  Evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision-making process.

1.  Evaluations shall be gender sensitive, providing gender-disaggregated figures, include a specific chapter for each strand and take into account the number of people reached, their feedback and their geographical coverage and be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision-making process.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The interim evaluation of the Programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the Programme, but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation. The mid-term evaluation shall take into account the results of the evaluations of the long-term impact of the predecessor programmes (Rights Equality and Citizenship and Europe for Citizens).

2.  The interim evaluation of the Programme shall be performed once there is sufficient information available about the implementation of the Programme, but no later than four years after the start of the programme implementation. The interim evaluation shall take into account the results of the evaluations of the long-term impact of the predecessor programmes (Rights Equality and Citizenship and Europe for Citizens). The interim evaluation shall include a gender impact assessment to assess the extent to which gender equality goals of the Programme are being achieved, to ensure no component of the Programme is having unintended negative impacts on gender equality and to identify recommendations for how future calls for proposals and operating grant decisions can be developed to actively promote gender equality considerations.

Justification

This amendment aims at ensuring a more consistent wording within the same paragraph.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4.  The Commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations, to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

4.  The Commission shall communicate the conclusions of the evaluations accompanied by its observations, to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The Commission shall make the evaluation public and easilyy accessible by publishing it on its website.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 14 shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027.

2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 13 and 14 shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027.

Justification

The work programmes should be adopted by means of delegated acts. This amendment proposes the appropriate wording.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.  The delegation of power referred to in Article 14 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 power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

3.  The delegation of power referred to in Articles 13 and 14 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 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.

Justification

The work programmes should be adopted by means of delegated acts. This amendment proposes the appropriate wording.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4.  Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016.

4.  Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making. The composition of the group of experts consulted shall ensure gender balance. When preparing and drawing up delegated acts, the Commission shall ensure a timely and simultaneous transmission of all documents, including the draft acts, to the European Parliament and the Council at the same time as to Member States' experts. Where they consider this necessary, the European Parliament and the Council may each send experts to meetings of the Commission expert groups dealing with the preparation of delegated acts to which Member States' experts are invited. To that end, the European Parliament and the Council shall receive the planning for the following months and invitations for all experts meetings.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5.  As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council.

5.  As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and to the Council. Based on the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making, citizens and other stakeholders may express their opinion on the draft text of a delegated act during a four-week period. The European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions shall be consulted on the draft text, based on the experience of NGOs and local and regional authorities with respect to the implementation of the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

6.  A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 14 shall enter into force if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

6.  A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 13 or 14 shall enter into force if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

Justification

The work programmes should be adopted by means of delegated acts. This amendment proposes the appropriate wording.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding (in particular when promoting the actions and their results) by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences, including the media and the public.

1.  The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding (in particular when promoting the actions and their results), by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information, and in a form which is also accessible for people with disabilities, to multiple audiences, including the media and the public and, where appropriate, beneficiaries of actions funded in this way and participants therein, thereby showing the Union added value and aiding the data gathering efforts of the Commission in order to enhance budgetary transparency

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The Commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the Programme, and its actions and results. Financial resources allocated to the Programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in Article 2.

2.  The Commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the Programme, and its actions and results.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 18 a

Programme Contact Points

In each Member State there shall be an independent programme contact point with qualified staff tasked, in particular, with providing the stakeholders and beneficiaries of the Programme with impartial guidance, practical information and assistance regarding all aspects of the Programme, including in relation to the application procedure.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 19

deleted

Committee procedure

1.  The Commission shall be assisted by a committee. This committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

2.  Where reference is made to this paragraph, Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 shall apply.

3.  The committee may meet in specific configurations to deal with the individual strands of the Programme.

Justification

This article needs to be deleted since the proposal should not include any reference to implementing acts.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Annex -I

The available Programme funds referred to in Article 6(1) shall be allocated as follows:

(a) Within the amount referred to in point (a) of Article 6(2):

- at least 15% to activities implementing the specific objective under point (aa) of Article 3;

- at least 40% to activities implementing the specific objectives under point (-a) of Article 5; and

- at least 45% to activities implementing the specific objectives under points (a) and (b) of Article 3 and points (a) and (b) of Article 5;

(b) Within the amount referred to in point (b) of Article 6(2):

- 15% to remembrance activities;

- 65% to democratic participation;

- 10% to promotional activities; and

- 10% to administration.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Annex I

deleted

Activities of the Programme

The specific objectives of the Programme referred to in Article 2(2) will be pursued in particular through support to the following activities:

(a)   awareness raising, dissemination of information to improve the knowledge of the policies and rights in the areas covered by the Programme;

(b)   mutual learning through exchange of good practices among stakeholders to improve knowledge and mutual understanding and civic and democratic engagement;

(c)   analytical and monitoring activities1 to improve the understanding of the situation in the Member States and at EU level in the areas covered by the Programme as well as to improve the implementation of EU law and policies;

(d)   training relevant stakeholders to improve their knowledge of the policies and rights in the fields covered;

(e)   information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools development and maintenance;

(f)   strengthening citizen's awareness of European culture, history and remembrance as well as their sense of belonging to the Union;

(g)   bringing together Europeans of different nationalities and cultures by giving them the opportunity to participate in town-twinning activities;

(h)   encouraging and facilitating active participation in the construction of a more democratic Union as well as awareness of rights and values through support to civil society organisations;

(i)   financing the technical and organisational support to implement Regulation [(EU)No 211/2011], thereby underpinning the exercise by citizens of the right to launch and support European citizens’ initiatives;

(j)   developing the capacity of European networks to promote and further develop Union law, policy goals and strategies as well as supporting civil society organisations active in the areas covered by the Programme;

(k)   enhancing knowledge of the programme and dissemination and transferability of its results and fostering citizen outreach, including by setting up and supporting programme desks/national contact network.

1  These activities include for instance the collection of data and statistics; the development of common methodologies and, where appropriate, indicators or benchmarks; studies, researches, analyses and surveys; evaluations; impact assessment; the elaboration and publication of guides, reports and educational material.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the Programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs. To that end, data will be collected as regards the following set of key indicators:

The Programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of result indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the Programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs. Where possible, indicators are to be broken down by age, sex and any other collectable data, such as for instance ethnicity, disability and gender identity. To that end, data will be collected as regards the following set of key indicators:

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Number of people reached by:

Number of people, disaggregated by sex and age, reached by:

(i) training activities;

(i) training activities;

(ii) mutual learning and exchange of good practices activities;

(ii) mutual learning and exchange of good practices activities;

(iii) awareness raising, information and dissemination activities.

(iii) awareness raising, information and dissemination activities.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall also publish the following output indicators annually:

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Number of applications and activities funded per list in Article 9(1) and per strand

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The level of funding requested by applicants and granted by listing of Article 9(1) and per strand

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Number of transnational networks and initiatives focusing on European memory and heritage as a result of programme intervention

Number of transnational networks and initiatives focusing on European remembrance, heritage and civil dialogue as a result of programme intervention.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Geographical distribution of projects

Draft legislative resolution

Amendment

1a.   Recalls its resolution of 30 May 2018 on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources1a; stresses the importance of the horizontal principles that should underpin the MFF and all related Union policies; requests, therefore, the mainstreaming of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into all Union policies and initiatives of the next MFF; further emphasises that the elimination of discrimination is vital to fulfil the EU’s commitments towards an inclusive Europe and deplores the lack of gender mainstreaming and gender equality commitments in Union policies, as presented in the MFF proposals;

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a Text adopted, P8_TA(2018)0226

Draft legislative resolution

Amendment

1b.   Recalls its resolution of 14 March 2018 on the next MFF: Preparing the Parliament’s position on the MFF post-20201a; reiterates its support for programmes in the areas of culture, education, media, youth, sport, democracy, citizenship and civil society that have clearly demonstrated their European added value and enjoy lasting popularity among beneficiaries; recalls its recommendation on setting up an internal European Democracy Fund for the strengthened support of civil society and NGOs working in the fields of democracy and human rights, to be managed by the Commission;

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1a Text adopted, P8_TA(2018)0075

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Proposal for a

Proposal for a

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

establishing the Rights and Values programme

establishing the Rights, Values and Citizenship programme

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1a)  In its resolution of 14 March 2018 on the next MFF: Preparing the Parliament’s position on the MFF post-20201a the European Parliament expressed its support for programmes in the areas of culture, education, media, youth, sport, democracy, citizenship and civil society that have clearly demonstrated their European added value and enjoy lasting popularity among beneficiaries and underlines that a stronger and a more ambitious Union can only be achieved if it is provided with reinforced financial means. Continuous support should be provided to existing policies, resources to the Union’ flagship programmes should be increased, and additional responsibilities should be matched with additional financial means.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)  Citizens should also be more aware of their rights deriving from citizenship of the Union, and should feel at ease about living, travelling, studying, working and volunteering in another Member State, and should feel able to enjoy and exercise all their citizenship rights, place their trust in equal access, full enforceability and protection of their rights without any discrimination, no matter where in the Union they happen to be. Civil society needs to be supported for the promotion, safeguarding and raising awareness of EU common values under Article 2 TEU and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law.

(7)  Citizens should also be more aware of their rights deriving from citizenship of the Union, and should feel at ease about living, travelling, studying, working and volunteering in another Member State, and should feel able to enjoy and exercise all their citizenship rights, place their trust in equal access, full enforceability and protection of their rights without any discrimination, no matter where in the Union they happen to be. Civil society, together with local and regional authorities as well as their representative associations at the national and European level, need to be supported for the promotion, safeguarding and raising awareness of EU common values under Article 2 TEU and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law. The Programme shall ensure continued support for the implementation and further development of existing local and regional initiatives that contribute to the achievement of these objectives, such as the European Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8)  Equality between women and men is a fundamental value and an objective of the European Union. Discrimination against and unequal treatment of women violates their fundamental rights and prevents their full political, social and economic participation in society. In addition, the existence of structural and cultural barriers hinders the achievement of real gender equality. Promoting gender equality in all activities of the Union is therefore a core activity for the Union and a driver for economic growth and should be supported by the programme.

(8)  Equality between women and men is a fundamental value and an objective of the European Union. Discrimination against and unequal treatment of women violates their fundamental rights and prevents their full political, social and economic participation in society. In addition, the existence of structural and cultural barriers hinders the achievement of real gender equality. Promoting gender equality in all activities of the Union is therefore a core activity for the Union and a driver for economic growth and should be supported by the programme with maximum synergies with the European Social Fund Plus.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8 a)   Article 8 TFEU lays down the principle of gender mainstreaming in all Union activities. A proper implementation of gender mainstreaming requires the allocation of adequate resources and transparency in the budget lines dedicated to promoting gender equality and to combating gender discrimination.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(22 a)   It is important to ensure sound financial management of the programme and its implementation in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while also ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the programme to all participants.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(22 b)   Improving implementation and quality of spending should constitute guiding principles for achieving the objectives of the programme while ensuring optimal use of the financial resources.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(26 a)   The proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on the protection of the Union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States aims to equip the Union to better protect its budget when weaknesses in the rule of law impair or threaten to impair sound financial management or the financial interests of the Union. It should complement the Rights and Values programme whose role is different, namely to fund policies in line with fundamental rights and European values that have at its core people's lives and participation.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(28)  Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this Programme will contribute to mainstream climate action and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives. Relevant actions will be identified during the Programme’s preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of its mid-term evaluation.

(28)  Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change in line with the Union’s commitments to implement the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this Programme will contribute to mainstream climate action and to the achievement of an overall target of 25 % of the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives over the MFF 2021-2027 period, and an annual target of 30 % as soon as possible and at the latest by 2027. Relevant actions will be identified during the Programme’s preparation and implementation, and reassessed in the context of its mid-term evaluation.

Justification

The European Parliament in its resolution of 14 March 2018 on the next MFF: Preparing the Parliament’s position on the MFF post-20206 (2017/2052(INI)) called for a 30 % target for the EU budget expenditures supporting climate objectives to be reached as soon as possible and at the latest by 2027.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The general objective of the Programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties, including by supporting civil society organisations, in order to sustain open, democratic and inclusive societies.

1.  The general objective of the Programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties, including by supporting civil society organisations and local and regional authorities and their representative associations, in order to sustain open, democratic and inclusive societies.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  to promote citizens engagement and participation in the democratic life of the Union (Citizens’ engagement and participation strand),

(b)  to promote a Europe for citizens through enhancing their engagement and participation in the democratic life of the Union (Citizens’ engagement and participation strand),

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a.  The Commission shall have a regular dialogue with the beneficiaries of the Programme, in particular civil society as well as local and regional authorities and their representative associations in the definition of multi-annual and annual priorities along the programming period. A Civil Dialogue will be established as the main platform for this purpose, which shall be structured along the different specific objectives of the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  preventing and combating all forms of violence against children, young people and women, as well as violence against other groups at risk;

(a)  preventing and combating all forms of harassment and violence against children, young people and women, as well as violence against other groups at risk, that occur online and/or in the physical realm, including places of work and public spaces.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021 – 2027 shall be EUR [641 705 000] in current prices.

1.  The financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme for the period 2021-2027 shall be EUR 1 627 000 000 in 2018 prices (EUR 1 834 000 000 in current prices).

Justification

In line with the decision of the Conference of Presidents of 13 September 2018, the compromise amendment reflects the latest breakdown of the MFF per programme as proposed for adoption by the MFF Rapporteurs in view of the vote on the draft interim report on the proposal for a Council regulation on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 – Parliament’s position with a view to an agreement.#

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.   An action that has received a contribution under the Programme may also receive a contribution from any other Union programme, including Funds under shared management, provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs. [The cumulative financing shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and the support from different Union programmes may be calculated on a pro-rata basis].

1.   An action that has received a contribution under the Programme may also receive a contribution from any other Union programme, including Funds under shared management, provided that the contributions do not cover the same costs, and double sourcing of Funds is avoided by clearly indicating the sources of funding for each category of expenditure, in line with the principle of sound financial management. [The cumulative financing shall not exceed the total eligible costs of the action and the support from different Union programmes may be calculated on a pro-rata basis].

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The work programme shall be adopted by the Commission by means of an implementing act. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 19.

2.  The work programme shall be adopted by the Commission by means of a delegated act. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 16.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  Indicators to report on progress of the Programme towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in Article 2 are set out in Annex II.

1.  Indicators to report on progress of the Programme towards the achievement of the specific objectives set out in Article 2 shall be collected, where applicable, disaggregated by gender. The list of indicators are set out in Annex II.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  Evaluations shall be carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision-making process.

1.  Evaluations shall be gender mainstreamed, include a specific chapter for each strand and carried out in a timely manner to feed into the decision-making process.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 14 shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027.

2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 13 and 14 shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.   The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding (in particular when promoting the actions and their results) by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences, including the media and the public.

1.   The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding (in particular when promoting the actions and their results) by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences, including the media and the public, thereby showing the Union added value and aiding the data gathering efforts of the Commission in order to enhance budgetary transparency.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The specific objectives of the Programme referred to in Article 2(2) will be pursued in particular through support to the following activities:

The specific objectives of the Programme referred to in Article 2(2) will be pursued in particular through support to the following activities, at subnational, national and European levels:

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)  analytical and monitoring activities1 to improve the understanding of the situation in the Member States and at EU level in the areas covered by the Programme as well as to improve the implementation of EU law and policies;

(c)  analytical and monitoring activities1 to improve the understanding of the situation in the Member States and at EU level in the areas covered by the Programme as well as to improve the implementation of EU law and policies;

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1 These activities include for instance the collection of data and statistics; the development of common methodologies and, where appropriate, indicators or benchmarks; studies, researches, analyses and surveys; evaluations; impact assessment; the elaboration and publication of guides, reports and educational material

1 These activities include for instance the collection of data and statistics, disaggregated by sex and age; the development of common methodologies and, where appropriate, indicators or benchmarks; studies, researches, analyses and surveys; evaluations; impact assessment; the elaboration and publication of guides, reports and educational material.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(g)  bringing together Europeans of different nationalities and cultures by giving them the opportunity to participate in town-twinning activities;

(g)  bringing together Europeans of different nationalities and cultures by giving them the opportunity to participate in town-twinning activities, including small bilateral twinning projects and network of towns;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(h)  encouraging and facilitating active participation in the construction of a more democratic Union as well as awareness of rights and values through support to civil society organisations;

(h)  encouraging and facilitating active participation in the construction of a more democratic Union as well as awareness of rights and values through support to civil society organisations and local and regional authorities as well as their representative associations;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(j)  developing the capacity of European networks to promote and further develop Union law, policy goals and strategies as well as supporting civil society organisations active in the areas covered by the Programme.

(j)  developing the capacity of European networks through multiannual operating grants to promote and further develop Union law, enhance bottom-up critical debates on policy goals and strategies and supporting civil society as well as local and regional authorities and their representative associations active in the areas covered by the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(ka)  Strengthening National Contact Points (NCPs) and create better synergies between the policy developments in the field of citizenship, the objectives of the Programme and the work of NCPs and beneficiaries.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(kb)  Strengthen the online platform showcasing projects developed by beneficiaries, as well as provide guidance for potential beneficiaries, disseminate project results and enhance visibility and follow-up.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(kc)  Further support critical but constructive exchanges addressing challenges which mark the daily life of Europeans such as: employment, integration of migrants, housing, mobility or education.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the Programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs. To that end, data will be collected as regards the following set of key indicators:

The Programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the Programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs. To that end, data will be collected as regards the following set of key indicators which should be, where relevant, broken down by sex, age and disability:

Justification

Tracking of the above-mentioned categories within the programme participants would support the mainstreaming of gender equality and non-discrimination in concrete terms.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Number of people reached by:

Number of people, disaggregated by sex and age, reached by:

(i) training activities;

(i) training activities;

(ii) mutual learning and exchange of good practices activities;

(ii) mutual learning and exchange of good practices activities;

(iii) awareness raising, information and dissemination activities.

(iii) awareness raising, information and dissemination activities.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall also publish the following output indicators yearly:

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Number of applications and activities funded per list in Article 9(1) and per strand

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The level of funding requested by applicants and granted by listing of Article 9(1) and per strand

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1a)  Guided furthermore by acts that further outline these values, in particular Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin and Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, and following the obligations of the EU party to the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, and in line with Inter-institutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (2017/C 428/09) as well as the European Parliament Resolution of 19 April 2008 on the need to establish a European Values Instrument to support civil society organisations which promote fundamental values within the European Union at local and national level (2018/2619(RSP), the Union should continue to uphold and promote the rights and values spelled out in Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty of the European Union.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2)  Those rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the EU project. Therefore, a new Justice, Rights and Values Fund, comprising the Rights and Values and the Justice programmes shall be created in the EU budget. At a time where European societies are confronted with extremism, radicalism and divisions, it is more important than ever to promote, strengthen and defend justice, rights and EU values: human rights, respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law. This will have profound and direct implications for political, social, cultural and economic life in the EU. As part of the new Fund, the Justice Programme will continue to support the further development of Union area of justice and cross-border cooperation. The Rights and Values Programme will bring together the 2014-2020 Programme Rights, Equality and Citizenship established by Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 and the Europe for Citizens programme established by Council Regulation (EU) No 390/20149, (hereafter 'the predecessor Programmes').

(2)  Those rights and values cannot be taken for granted and must continue to be protected, promoted, enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the EU project. Therefore, a new Justice, Rights and Values Fund, comprising the Rights and Values and the Justice programmes shall be created in the EU budget. At a time where European societies are confronted with extremism, radicalism, and divisions and the still persisting challenges of intolerance and discrimination it is more important than ever to promote, strengthen and defend justice, rights, EU values and the rule of law, which is inseparable from democracy itself, and a condition for its effectiveness. To promote and support human rights, respect for human dignity, social rights, rights of minorities, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law will have profound and direct implications for political, social, cultural and economic life in the EU. As part of the new Fund, the Justice Programme will continue to support the further development of Union area of justice and cross-border cooperation. The Rights and Values Programme will bring together the 2014-2020 Programme Rights, Equality and Citizenship established by Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 and the Europe for Citizens programme established by Council Regulation (EU) No 390/20149, (hereafter 'the predecessor Programmes').

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8 Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 62)

8 Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 62)

9 Council Regulation (EU) No 390/2014 of 14 April 2014 establishing the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme for the period 2014-2020 (OJ L 115, 17.4.2014, p.3)

9 Council Regulation (EU) No 390/2014 of 14 April 2014 establishing the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme for the period 2014-2020 (OJ L 115, 17.4.2014, p.3)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)  The Justice, Rights and Values Fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities, which contribute to make our common values, rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant. The ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain rights-based, equal, inclusive and democratic society. That includes a vibrant civil society, encouraging people's democratic, civic and social participation and fostering the rich diversity of European society, based on our common history and memory. Article 11 of the Treaty of the European Union further specifies that the institutions shall, by appropriate means, give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action.

(3)  The Justice, Rights and Values Fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus on people and entities, which contribute to support, disseminate and protect our common values, rights and rich diversity, keeping them alive and vibrant. The ultimate objective is to defend, nurture and sustain a rights-based, equal, inclusive and democratic society including a vibrant civil society. The activities financed should aim at encouraging people's democratic, civic and social participation and fostering the rich diversity of European society both within and among Member States, based on our common values, history and memory. Article 11 of the Treaty of the European Union further specifies that the institutions shall, by appropriate means, give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4)  The Rights and Values programme (the 'Programme') should allow developing synergies to tackle the challenges that are common to the promotion and protection of values and to reach a critical dimension to have concrete results in the field. That should be achieved by building on the positive experience of the predecessor Programmes. This will enable to fully exploit the potential of synergies, to more effectively support the policy areas covered and to increase their potential to reach people. To be effective, the Programme should take into account the specific nature of the different policies, their different target groups and their particular needs through tailor-made approaches.

(4)  The Rights and Values programme (the 'Programme') should allow developing synergies to tackle the challenges that are common to the dissemination, promotion and protection of values and to reach a critical dimension to have concrete results in the field. That should be achieved by building on the positive experience of the predecessor Programmes and also developing new innovative measures. This will enable to fully exploit the potential of synergies, to more effectively support the policy areas covered and to increase their potential to reach people. To be effective, the Programme should take into account the specific nature of the different policies, their different target groups and their particular needs through tailor-made approaches.

Justification

Reliance should not be placed entirely on existing measures, but new ones should also be developed.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5)  In order to bring the European Union closer to its citizens, a variety of actions and coordinated efforts are necessary. Bringing together citizens in town-twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens' engagement in society and ultimately their involvement in the democratic life of the Union. At the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding, diversity, dialogue and respect for others fosters a sense of belonging and a European identity, based on a shared understanding of European values, culture, history and heritage. The promotion of a greater sense of belonging to the Union and of Union values is particularly important amongst citizens of the EU outermost regions due to their remoteness and distance from continental Europe.

(5)  In order to bring the European Union closer to its citizens, a variety of actions and coordinated efforts are necessary. Bringing together citizens in town-twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens' awareness and active engagement in society and ultimately their involvement in the democratic and social life of the Union, strengthening social inclusion and fighting marginalization. At the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding, diversity, dialogue and respect for others fosters a sense of belonging, social integration and a European identity, based on a shared understanding of European values, culture, history and heritage. The promotion of a greater sense of belonging to the Union and of Union values is particularly important amongst citizens of the EU outermost regions due to their remoteness and distance from continental Europe. The values of mutual understanding, dialogue and respect for diversity can only be embedded on a European level if they are well-rooted in Member States themselves and in their regions. Therefore the Programme should also promote these values within Member States among the various national, ethnic, linguistic or religious groups that together form the cultural richness and diversity of their society.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7)  Citizens should also be more aware of their rights deriving from citizenship of the Union, and should feel at ease about living, travelling, studying, working and volunteering in another Member State, and should feel able to enjoy and exercise all their citizenship rights, place their trust in equal access, full enforceability and protection of their rights without any discrimination, no matter where in the Union they happen to be. Civil society needs to be supported for the promotion, safeguarding and raising awareness of EU common values under Article 2 TEU and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law.

(7)  Citizens should also be more aware of the full set of their rights deriving from citizenship of the Union, including non-discrimination provisions within the free movement of workers, as set out in Article 45(2) TFEU and should feel at ease about living, travelling, studying, working and volunteering in another Member State, and should be entitled to enjoy and exercise all their citizenship rights, place their trust in equal access, full enforceability and protection of their rights including their social rights without any discrimination on any grounds, no matter where in the Union they happen to be. Furthermore, given that part of civil society is currently facing multiple difficulties in Member State, civil society and in particular civil society organizations needs to be supported for the promotion, safeguarding and raising awareness of EU common values under Article 2 TEU and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law with special regard to the Charter.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8)  Equality between women and men is a fundamental value and an objective of the European Union. Discrimination against and unequal treatment of women violates their fundamental rights and prevents their full political, social and economic participation in society. In addition, the existence of structural and cultural barriers hinders the achievement of real gender equality. Promoting gender equality in all activities of the Union is therefore a core activity for the Union and a driver for economic growth and should be supported by the programme.

(8)  Equality between women and men is a fundamental value and an objective of the European Union. Article 8 TFEU gives the Union the task of eliminating inequalities and promoting an effective equality between men and women through all its activities. Discrimination against and unequal treatment of any person based on their sex and/or gender violates their fundamental rights and prevents their full political, social and economic participation in society. In addition, the existence of structural and cultural barriers hinders the achievement of real gender equality. Promoting and mainstreaming gender equality in all activities of the Union, including in work and employment, where discrimination persists on the level of pay and on access to the labour market, is therefore a core activity for the Union and a driver for economic growth and should be supported by the programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10)  Strong political will and coordinated action based on the methods and results of the previous Daphne Programmes, the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme and the Justice Programme are necessary in order to prevent and combat all forms of violence and to protect victims. In particular, since its launch in 1997, the Daphne funding to support victims of violence and combat the violence against women, children and young people has been a genuine success, both in terms of its popularity with stakeholders (public authorities, academic institutions and non-governmental organisations) and in terms of the effectiveness of the funded projects. It has funded projects to raise awareness, to provide support services to victims, to support the activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on the ground. It has addressed all forms of violence, such as for instance domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking in human beings, as well as new emerging forms of violence such as cyber-bullying. It is therefore important to continue all these actions and that those results and lessons learned are taken into due consideration in the implementation of the Programme.

(10)  Strong political will and coordinated action based on the methods and results of the previous Daphne Programmes, the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme and the Justice Programme are necessary in order to prevent and combat all forms of violence and to protect victims, groups at risk and particularly vulnerable persons. An effort must be made to avoid overlaps between programmes and double funding. In particular, since its launch in 1997, the Daphne funding to support victims of violence and combat the violence against women, children and young people has been a genuine success, both in terms of its popularity with stakeholders (public authorities, academic institutions and non-governmental organisations) and in terms of the effectiveness of the funded projects. It has funded projects to raise awareness, to provide support services to victims, groups at risk, and particularly vulnerable persons, to support the activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on the ground. It has addressed all forms of violence, such as for instance domestic violence, sexual violence, trafficking in human beings, as well as new emerging forms of violence such as cyber-bullying. It is therefore important to continue all these actions and that those results and lessons learned are taken into due consideration in the implementation of the Programme.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11)  Non-discrimination is a fundamental principle of the Union. Article 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Non-discrimination is also enshrined in Article 21 of the Charter. The specific features of the diverse forms of discrimination should be taken into account and appropriate action should be developed in parallel to prevent and combat discrimination on one or more grounds. The Programme should support actions to prevent and combat discrimination, racism, xenophobia, anti-semitism, anti-muslim hatred and other forms of intolerance. In that context, particular attention should also be devoted to preventing and combating all forms of violence, hatred, segregation and stigmatisation, as well as combating bullying, harassment and intolerant treatment. The Programme should be implemented in a mutually reinforcing manner with other Union activities that have the same objectives, in particular with those referred to in the Commission Communication of 5 April 2011 entitled ‘An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 202010 ’ and in the Council Recommendation of 09 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States11 .

(11)  Non-discrimination is a fundamental principle of the Union. Article 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Non-discrimination is also enshrined in Article 21 of the Charter which states that any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited, and that within the scope of application of the Treaties and without prejudice to those Treaties or the special provisions contained therein, discrimination on grounds of nationality should be prohibited, while the whole chapter III of the Charter is dedicated to equality. Equality and anti-discrimination are not only legal questions but fundamental challenges for society, therefore, the specific features of the diverse forms of discrimination should be taken into account and appropriate action should be developed in parallel to prevent and combat discrimination on one or more grounds as well as intersectional discrimination.

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11  OJ C 378, 24.12.2013, p. 1.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11a)  The Programme should support actions to prevent and combat discrimination, racism, xenophobia, anti-semitism, anti-gypsyism, afrophobia, anti-muslim hatred and other forms of intolerance such as disability, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation as well as recognising the rights of all persons to be treated with dignity. In that context, particular attention should also be devoted to preventing and combating all forms of violence, hatred, segregation and stigmatisation, as well as combating bullying (including cyber-bullying), harassment and intolerant treatment.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11b)  The Programme should be implemented in a mutually reinforcing manner with other Union activities that have the same objectives, in particular with those referred to in the Commission Communication of 5 April 2011 entitled ‘An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020’ and in the Council Recommendation of 9 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States1a. Promoting tolerant and inclusive work places and recognising the rights of all to be treated with dignity within the workplace and society in general are ongoing goals which require more and stronger coordinated action, including by the allocation of sufficient funding.

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1a  OJ C 378, 24.12.2013, p. 1.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(12)  Attitudinal and environmental barriers as well as lack of accessibility hinder the full and effective participation of people with disabilities in society, on an equal basis with others. People with disabilities are faced with barriers to, among other things, access the labour market, benefit from an inclusive and quality education, avoid poverty and social exclusion, enjoy access to cultural initiatives and media, or use their political rights. As a party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the UNCRPD), the Union and all its Member States have committed to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities. The provisions of the UNCRPD have become an integral part of the Union legal order.

(12)  Attitudinal and environmental barriers as well as lack of accessibility hinder the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society, on an equal basis with others. Persons with disabilities, which include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, are faced with barriers to, among other things, access the labour market, benefit from an inclusive and quality education, avoid poverty and social exclusion, enjoy access to cultural initiatives and media, or use their political rights. As a party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the UNCRPD), the Union and all its Member States have committed to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities. The provisions of the UNCRPD have become an integral part of the Union legal order. In this regard the Programme should pay special attention to awareness raising activities to the challenges people with disability face in participating fully in society and enjoying their rights as equal citizens.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15)  Pursuant to Articles 8 and 10 TFEU, the Programme in all its activities should support gender mainstreaming and the mainstreaming of non-discrimination objectives.

(15)  Pursuant to Articles 8 and 10 TFEU, the Programme in all its activities should support the mainstreaming and promotion of gender equality and non-discrimination objectives.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17)  In accordance with Union acts on equal treatment, Member States set up independent bodies for the promotion of equal treatment, commonly known as "equality bodies", in order to combat discrimination based on race and ethnic origin as well as gender. However, many Member States have gone beyond these requirements and ensured that equality bodies can also deal with discrimination based on the other grounds such as age, sexual orientation, religion and belief, disability or other grounds. Equality bodies play a key role in promoting equality and ensuring effective application of equal treatment legislation by providing in particular an independent assistance to victims of discrimination, conducting independent surveys concerning discrimination, publishing independent reports and making recommendations on any issue relating to discrimination in their country. It is essential that the work of equality bodies is coordinated at Union level in this respect. EQUINET was created in 2007. Its members are the national bodies for the promotion of equal treatment as established by Council Directives 2000/43/EC15 and 2004/113/EC16 , and by Directives 2006/54/EC17 and 2010/41/EU18 of the European Parliament and of the Council. EQUINET is in an exceptional situation, being the only entity which ensures coordination of activities between equality bodies. This coordination activity by EQUINET is key for the good implementation of Union anti-discrimination law in Member States and should be supported by the Programme.

(17)  In accordance with Union acts on equal treatment, Member States set up independent bodies for the promotion of equal treatment, commonly known as "equality bodies", in order to combat discrimination based on race and ethnic origin as well as gender. However, many Member States have gone beyond these requirements and ensured that equality bodies can also deal with discrimination based on the other grounds such as age, sexual orientation, religion and belief, disability or other grounds. Equality bodies play a key role in promoting equality and ensuring effective application of equal treatment legislation by providing in particular an independent assistance to victims of discrimination, conducting independent surveys concerning discrimination, publishing independent reports and making recommendations on any issue relating to discrimination in their country. It is essential that the work of all those relevant equality bodies is coordinated at Union level in this respect. EQUINET was created in 2007. Its members are the national bodies for the promotion of equal treatment as established by Council Directives 2000/43/EC15 and 2004/113/EC16, and by Directives 2006/54/EC17 and 2010/41/EU18 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The Commission adopted a recommendation on standards for equality bodies [C(2018) 3850 final], covering the mandate, independence, effectiveness and coordination and cooperation of equality bodies. EQUINET is in an exceptional situation, being the only entity which ensures coordination of activities between equality bodies. This coordination activity by EQUINET is key for the good implementation of Union anti-discrimination law in Member States and should be supported by the Programme.

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15 Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22).

15 Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin (OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22).

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

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

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

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

18 Directive 2010/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Council Directive 86/613/EEC (OJ L 180, 15.7.2010, p. 1).

18 Directive 2010/41/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2010 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity and repealing Council Directive 86/613/EEC (OJ L 180, 15.7.2010, p. 1).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18)  Independent human rights bodies and civil society organisations play an essential role in promoting, safeguarding and raising awareness of the Union’s common values under Article 2 TEU, and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. As reflected in the European Parliament Resolution of 18 April 2018, adequate financial support is key to the development of a conducive and sustainable environment for civil society organisations to strengthen their role and perform their functions independently and effectively. Complementing efforts at national level, EU funding should therefore contribute to support, empower and build the capacity of independent civil society organisations active in the promotion of human rights whose activities help the strategic enforcement of rights under EU law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including through advocacy and watchdog activities, as well as to promote, safeguard and raise awareness of the Union’s common values at national level.

(18)  Independent human rights bodies and civil society organisations play an essential role in promoting, safeguarding and raising awareness of the Union’s common values under Article 2 TEU, and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. As reflected in the European Parliament Resolution of 18 April 2018, adequate financial support is key to the development of a conducive and sustainable environment for civil society organisations to strengthen their role and perform their functions independently and effectively. Complementing efforts at national level, EU funding should therefore contribute to support, empower and build the capacity of independent civil society organisations active in the promotion of human rights whose activities help the strategic enforcement of rights under EU law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including through advocacy and watchdog activities, as well as to promote, safeguard and raise awareness of the Union’s common values at local, regional and national level.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(21a)  Pursuant to Article 9 TFEU a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection and the fight against social exclusion should be promoted. Actions under the Programme therefore should promote synergies between the fight against poverty, social exclusion and exclusion from the labour market and the promotion of equality and fight against all forms of discrimination. Therefore, the implementation of the Programme should be done in a way to ensure a maximum of synergies and complementarities both between its different strands and with the European Social Fund Plus. Furthermore, synergies should be ensured both with Erasmus and the European Social Fund Plus in order to ensure that these funds jointly contribute to delivering high quality education and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(24)  The types of financing and the methods of implementation under this Regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results, taking into account, in particular, the costs of controls, the administrative burden, and the expected risk of non-compliance. This should include consideration of the use of lump sums, flat rates and unit costs, as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in Article 125(1) of the Financial Regulation. In accordance with the Financial Regulation, Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council20 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2988/9521 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/9622 and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/193923 the financial interests of the Union are to be protected through proportionate measures, including the prevention, detection, correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, the imposition of administrative sanctions. In particular, in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 and Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out administrative investigations, including on-the-spot checks and inspections, with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the Union. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) may investigate and prosecute fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the Union as provided for in Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 . In accordance with the Financial Regulation, any person or entity receiving Union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the Union’s financial interests, to grant the necessary rights and access to the Commission, OLAF, the EPPO and the European Court of Auditors (ECA) and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of Union funds grant equivalent rights.

(24)  The types of financing and the methods of implementation under this Regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results, taking into account, in particular, the costs of controls, the administrative burden, and the expected risk of non-compliance. This should include consideration of the use of lump sums, flat rates, unit costs, as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in Article 125(1) of the Financial Regulation. In order to facilitate participation to the Programme, including by small organizations, assistance should be ensured and any unnecessary administrative burden eliminated. Where appropriate, due consideration should be given to the possibility of a two-stage evaluation procedure and to the option of cascading grants and multiannual operating grants. As for co-funding rates, they should take into account the type and size of organizations for whom the programme calls are intended. In accordance with the Financial Regulation, Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council20 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2988/9521 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/9622 and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/193923 the financial interests of the Union are to be protected through proportionate measures, including the prevention, detection, correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, the imposition of administrative sanctions. In particular, in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 and Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out administrative investigations, including on-the-spot checks and inspections, with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the Union. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) may investigate and prosecute fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the Union as provided for in Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 . In accordance with the Financial Regulation, any person or entity receiving Union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the Union’s financial interests, to grant the necessary rights and access to the Commission, OLAF, the EPPO and the European Court of Auditors (ECA) and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of Union funds grant equivalent rights.

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20 Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999,(OJ L248, 18.9.2013, p. 1.

20 Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999,(OJ L248, 18.9.2013, p. 1.

21 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (OJ L 312, 23.12.95, p.1).

21 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (OJ L 312, 23.12.95, p.1).

22 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (OJ L292.15.11.96,, p.2).

22 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (OJ L292.15.11.96,, p.2).

23 Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’) (OJ L283, 31.10.2017,, p.1).

23 Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’) (OJ L283, 31.10.2017,, p.1).

24 Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2017 on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law (OJ L 198, 28.7.2017, p. 29).

24 Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2017 on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law (OJ L 198, 28.7.2017, p. 29).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The general objective of the Programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties, including by supporting civil society organisations, in order to sustain open, democratic and inclusive societies.

1.  The general objective of the Programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties, including by supporting civil society organisations of all sizes, in order to preserve, nurture and sustain rights-based, equal, inclusive, open and democratic societies.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  to promote citizens engagement and participation in the democratic life of the Union (Citizens' engagement and participation strand),

(b)  to promote people`s engagement and participation in the democratic life of the Union (Citizens' engagement and participation strand),

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  preventing and combating inequalities and discrimination on grounds of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, and supporting comprehensive policies to promote gender equality and anti-discrimination and their mainstreaming as well policies to combat racism and all forms of intolerance;

(a)  promoting equality for all by preventing and combating inequalities and any kind of discrimination on grounds of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation as well as discrimination on the grounds set out in Article 21(1) of the Charter and supporting comprehensive policies to promote gender equality, social inclusion and anti-discrimination and their mainstreaming as well policies to combat racism and all forms of intolerance both online and offline;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(aa)  promoting mutual understanding, dialogue and respect for diversity within Member States and the Union.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  protecting and promoting the rights of the child, the rights of people with disabilities, Union citizenship rights and the right to the protection of personal data.

(b)  protecting and promoting the rights of the child, the rights of seniors, the rights of people with disabilities, Union citizenship rights, including social rights,and the right to the protection of personal data including data processing situations in the employment context or for social protection purposes as laid down in the GDPR Regulation1a.

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1a Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1).

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  increasing citizens’ understanding of the Union, its history, cultural heritage and diversity;

(a)  increasing citizens’ understanding of the Union, its shared values, history– with particular regard to the history of totalitarian regimes –, cultural heritage and diversity;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  promoting exchange and cooperation between citizens of different countries; to promote citizens’ civic and democratic participation allowing citizens and representative associations to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action;

(b)  promoting exchange and cooperation between citizens of different national and cultural backgrounds; to promote citizens’ civic and democratic participation allowing citizens and representative associations to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action and to foster solidarity;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a)  preventing and combating all forms of violence against children, young people and women, as well as violence against other groups at risk;

(a)  preventing, including with informative and educational actions, and combating all forms of violence, including domestic violence, against children, young people, women and seniors, as well as violence against other groups at risk, and particularly vulnerable persons;

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b)  supporting and protecting victims of such violence.

(b)  supporting and protecting victims, groups at risk, and particularly vulnerable persons of such violence.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Actions contributing to the achievement of a specific objective specified in Article 2 may receive funding under this Regulation. In particular, activities listed in Annex I shall be eligible for funding.

Actions contributing to the achievement of a specific objective specified in Article 2 may receive funding under this Regulation. In particular the following activities shall be eligible for funding:

(a)  awareness raising, creative actions, educational activities and dissemination of information to improve the use and knowledge of the policies and rights in the areas covered by the Programme;

(b)  mutual learning through exchange of good practices among stakeholders to improve civic and democratic engagement based on knowledge and mutual understanding; and

(c)  advocacy, creative, analytical and monitoring activities1a to improve the understanding of the situation in the Member States and at Union level in the areas covered by the Programme as well as to improve the implementation of Union law and policies;

(d)  training relevant stakeholders to improve their awareness, ability to use and knowledge of the policies and rights in the fields covered;

(e)  information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools development and maintenance accessible for all;

(f)  strengthening citizen's awareness of European culture, values, history and remembrance as well as their sense of solidarity belonging to the Union;

(g)  bringing together Europeans of different nationalities and cultures by giving them the opportunity to participate in twinning activities, including town-twinning activities;

(h)  encouraging and facilitating active inclusive participation and public mobilization in the construction of a more democratic Union as well as use of and awareness of rights and values through support to civil society organisations;

(i)  financing the technical and organisational support to implement Regulation (EU)No 211/2011, thereby underpinning the exercise by citizens of the right to launch and support European citizens’ initiatives;

(j)  developing the capacity of European networks to promote, apply and further develop Union law, policy goals and strategies as well as supporting civil society organisations of all sizes active in the areas covered by the Programme;

(k)  enhancing knowledge of the Programme and dissemination and transferability of its results and fostering citizen outreach, including by setting up and supporting programme desks/national contact networks.

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1a These activities include for instance the collection of data and statistics; the development of common methodologies and, where appropriate, indicators or benchmarks; studies, researches, analyses and surveys; evaluations; impact assessment; the elaboration and publication of guides, reports and educational material.

(Points (a) to (k) are amended points of Annex I, paragraph 1)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.  The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding (in particular when promoting the actions and their results) by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information to multiple audiences, including the media and the public.

1.  The recipients of Union funding shall acknowledge the origin and ensure the visibility of the Union funding (in particular when promoting the actions and their results) by providing coherent, effective and proportionate targeted information – in a form which is also accessible for people with disabilities – to multiple audiences, including the media and the public.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.  The Commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the Programme, and its actions and results. Financial resources allocated to the Programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in Article 2.

2.  The Commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the Programme, and its actions and results.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

ANNEX I

deleted

Activities of the Programme

The specific objectives of the Programme referred to in Article 2(2) will be pursued in particular through support to the following activities:

(a)  awareness raising, dissemination of information to improve the knowledge of the policies and rights in the areas covered by the Programme;

(b)  mutual learning through exchange of good practices among stakeholders to improve knowledge and mutual understanding and civic and democratic engagement;

(c)   analytical and monitoring activities1 to improve the understanding of the situation in the Member States and at EU level in the areas covered by the Programme as well as to improve the implementation of EU law and policies;

(d)  training relevant stakeholders to improve their knowledge of the policies and rights in the fields covered;

(e)  information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools development and maintenance;

(f)  strengthening citizen's awareness of European culture, history and remembrance as well as their sense of belonging to the Union;

(g)  bringing together Europeans of different nationalities and cultures by giving them the opportunity to participate in town-twinning activities;

(h)  encouraging and facilitating active participation in the construction of a more democratic Union as well as awareness of rights and values through support to civil society organisations;

(i)  financing the technical and organisational support to implement Regulation [(EU)No 211/2011], thereby underpinning the exercise by citizens of the right to launch and support European citizens’ initiatives;

(j)  developing the capacity of European networks to promote and further develop Union law, policy goals and strategies as well as supporting civil society organisations active in the areas covered by the Programme.

(k)  enhancing knowledge of the programme and dissemination and transferability of its results and fostering citizen outreach, including by setting up and supporting programme desks/national contact network.

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1 These activities include for instance the collection of data and statistics; the development of common methodologies and, where appropriate, indicators or benchmarks; studies, researches, analyses and surveys; evaluations; impact assessment; the elaboration and publication of guides, reports and educational material.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the Programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs. To that end, data will be collected as regards the following set of key indicators:

The Programme will be monitored on the basis of a set of result indicators intended to measure the extent to which the general and specific objectives of the Programme have been achieved and with a view to minimising administrative burdens and costs. To that end, data will be collected as regards the following set of key indicators:

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall also publish the following output indicators yearly:

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Geographical coverage of activities per strand

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Number of applications and activities funded per list in Article 9(1) and per strand

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The level of funding requested by applicants and granted per activity listed in Article 9(1) and per strand

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Proposal for a

Proposal for a

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

establishing the Rights and Values programme

establishing the Europe for Citizens, Rights and Values programme

(This amendment applies throughout the text. Adopting it will necessitate corresponding changes throughout.)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 16(2), Article 19(2), Article 21(2), Article 24, Article 167, and Article 168 thereof,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 16(2), Article 19(2), Article 21(2), Article 24, Article 167, and Article 168 thereof and to Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union,

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1)  In accordance with Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union, ‘the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom democracy, equality, the rule of law and the respect for human rights, including the rights of the persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society where pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail’. Article 3 further specifies that the ‘Union’s aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its people’ and, among others, ‘it shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that Europe’s cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced’. Those values are further reaffirmed and articulated in the rights, freedoms and principles enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

(1)  In accordance with Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union, ‘the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom democracy, equality, the rule of law and the respect for human rights, including the rights of the persons belonging to minorities. In particular, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, human dignity is the foundation of all inalienable human rights. These principles and values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail. Article 3 further specifies that the ‘Union’s aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its people’ and, among others, ‘it shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that Europe’s cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced’. Those values are further reaffirmed and articulated in the rights, freedoms and principles enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2)  Those rights and values must continue to be promoted and enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the EU project. Therefore, a new Justice, Rights and Values Fund, comprising the Rights and Values and the Justice programmes shall be created in the EU budget. At a time where European societies are confronted with extremism, radicalism and divisions, it is more important than ever to promote, strengthen and defend justice, rights and EU values: human rights, respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law. This will have profound and direct implications for political, social, cultural and economic life in the EU. As part of the new Fund, the Justice Programme will continue to support the further development of Union area of justice and cross-border cooperation. The Rights and Values Programme will bring together the 2014-2020 Programme Rights, Equality and Citizenship established by Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 and the Europe for Citizens programme established by Council Regulation (EU) No 390/20149 , (hereafter 'the predecessor Programmes').

(2)  Those rights and values must continue to be promoted, enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the EU project. Therefore, a new Justice, Rights and Values Fund, comprising the Europe for Citizens, Rights and Values and the Justice programmes should be created in the EU budget. At a time where European societies are confronted with many challenges, such as extremism, radicalism and divisions , and the rule of law is ever more clearly in retreat in certain countries, it is more important than ever to promote, strengthen and defend justice, rights and EU values, such as human rights, including the rights of the persons belonging to minorities, children and youth rights, pluralism, tolerance, respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, solidarity and the rule of law. The Europe for Citizens, Rights and Values Programme will bring together the 2014-2020 Programme Rights, Equality and Citizenship established by Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 and the Europe for Citizens programme established by Council Regulation (EU) No 390/20149, (hereafter 'the predecessor Programmes').

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8 Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 62)

8 Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 62)

9 Council Regulation (EU) No 390/2014 of 14 April 2014 establishing the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme for the period 2014-2020 (OJ L 115, 17.4.2014, p.3)

9 Council Regulation (EU) No 390/2014 of 14 April 2014 establishing the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme for the period 2014-2020 (OJ L 115, 17.4.2014, p.3)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3)  The Justice, Rights and Values Fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities, which contribute to make our common values, rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant. The ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain rights-based, equal, inclusive and democratic society. That includes a vibrant civil society, encouraging people's democratic, civic and social participation and fostering the rich diversity of European society, based on our common history and memory. Article 11 of the Treaty of the European Union further specifies that the institutions shall, by appropriate means, give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action.

(3)  The Justice, Rights and Values Fund and its two funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities which contribute to the embodiment of our common principles values and rights and demonstrate the wealth of our diversity. The ultimate objective is to sustain rights-based, equal, fair, tolerant, inclusive, plural and democratic societies. The activities financed should aim at sustaining and strengthening an active civil society and encouraging democratic, civic, cultural and social participation based on our common values, history, memory, cultural heritage and roots. Article 11 of the Treaty of the European Union further specifies that the institutions shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with civil society and shall, by appropriate means, give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4)  The Rights and Values programme (the 'Programme') should allow developing synergies to tackle the challenges that are common to the promotion and protection of values and to reach a critical dimension to have concrete results in the field. That should be achieved by building on the positive experience of the predecessor Programmes. This will enable to fully exploit the potential of synergies, to more effectively support the policy areas covered and to increase their potential to reach people. To be effective, the Programme should take into account the specific nature of the different policies, their different target groups and their particular needs through tailor-made approaches.

(4)  The Europe for Citizens, Rights and Values programme (the 'Programme') should allow synergies to be developed to tackle the challenges that are common to the promotion and protection of values, active citizenship and education for European citizenship and to reach a critical dimension to have concrete results in the field. That should be achieved by building on the positive experience of the predecessor Programmes that are now incorporated in the new Programme. This will enable to fully exploit the potential of synergies, to more effectively support the policy areas covered and to increase their potential to reach people. To be effective, the Programme should take into account the specific nature of the different policies, their different target groups and their particular needs, with a special focus on the multilingual character of the Union and the need to include young people, underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, such as people with special needs, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers through tailor-made approaches.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4a)  Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union establishes a Dialogue between the EU and churches and organisations mentioned in it. It recognizes their specific contribution in fostering protection and promotion of fundamental human rights, in light of which they should be granted the same access as civil society organisations to the relevant funding opportunities provided by the programme.