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

P9_TA(2020)0212 A9-0143/2020

The European Parliament,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–  having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure,

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

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

A.  whereas between 1990 and 2016, 1,3 million square kilometres of the world’s forests was lost, with destructive effects on biodiversity, climate, people and the economy; whereas despite all efforts so far, a number of forest-related international commitments, such as target 15.2 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)(7) and target 5 of the Aichi Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)(8), are not on track to be adequately met by current policies; whereas the European Environment Agency report entitled ‘The European Environment – state and outlook 2020’ notes that ‘the forested area in Europe has been largely stable over the last two decades’, but also warns that ‘there has been little improvement in the conservation status of forest habitats and species since 2013’ and that ‘natural [...] and human‑induced disturbances [...] are threats to Europe’s forests’;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(1) Judgment of the Court of Justice of 17 April 2018, European Commission v Republic of Poland, C-441/17, EU:C:2018:255. (2) Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0005. (3) Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0015. (4) Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0078. (5) OJ C 433, 23.12.2019, p. 50. (6) OJ C 298, 23.8.2018, p. 2. (7) Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. (8) Target 5: By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, is at least halved and where feasible brought close to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced. (9) https://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/forests/why-eu-action-tackle-deforestation-should-not-let-finance-hook/ (10) Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 82). (11) Donato, D. et al., ‘Mangroves among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics’, Nature Geoscience, April 2011. (12) Directive 2014/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 amending Directive 2013/34/EU as regards disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups (OJ L 330, 15.11.2014, p. 1). (13) Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13). (14) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/807 of 13 March 2019 supplementing Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the determination of high indirect land-use change-risk feedstock for which a significant expansion of the production area into land with high carbon stock is observed and the certification of low indirect land-use change-risk biofuels, bioliquids and biomass fuels (OJ L 133, 21.5.2019, p. 1). (15) Doyle, A. & Roche, A., ‘Nineteen nations say they’ll use more bioenergy to slow climate change’, Reuters, 16 November 2017, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-accord-biofuels/nineteen-nations-say-theyll-use-more-bioenergy-to-slow-climate-change-idUSKBN1DG2DO (16) http://www.fao.org/food-loss-and-food-waste/en/ (17) Regulation (EU) No 995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the market (OJ L 295, 12.11.2010, p. 23). (18) Council Regulation (EC) No 2173/2005 of 20 December 2005 on the establishment of a FLEGT licensing scheme for imports of timber into the European Community (OJ L 347, 30.12.2005, p. 1). (19) Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Union (OJ L 176, 30.6.2016, p. 21).

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

P9_TA(2020)0213 A9-0129/2020

The European Parliament,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–  having regard to Rule 54 of its Rules of Procedure,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The action taken by the European Union and its Member States

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good governance and sustainable development

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

o
o   o

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

(1) OJ L 54I, 26.2.2020, p. 9. (2) OJ C 440, 30.12.2015, p. 38. (3) OJ C 86, 6.3.2018, p. 33. (4) OJ C 118, 8.4.2020, p. 113. (5) OJ L 130, 19.5.2017, p. 1. (6) OJ C 99 E, 3.4.2012, p. 56. (7) OJ C 419, 16.12.2015, p. 153. (8) Texts adopted, P8_TA(2019)0158. (9) Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0009. (10) Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0008. (11) JOIN(2015)0017. (12) European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report (Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0009).

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

P9_TA(2020)0214 B9-0251/2020

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission delegated regulation (C(2020)4891),

–  having regard to the Commission’s letter of 14 July 2020 asking Parliament to declare that it will raise no objections to the delegated regulation,

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

–  having regard to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–  having regard to Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories(1), and in particular Articles 25d(3) and 82(6) thereof,

–  having regard to Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation for a decision of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs,

–  having regard to the fact that no objections have been raised within the period laid down in the third and fourth indents of Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, which expired on 15 September 2020,

A.  whereas several delegated acts to be adopted under the recently amended Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (EMIR) specify how EMIR rules will apply to third-country central counterparties (CCPs) that provide services to Union firms; whereas those delegated acts will give effect to the enhanced powers of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA); whereas third-country CCPs that are considered to be systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or any of its Member States should be subject to specific requirements and enhanced supervision by ESMA in order to ensure a level playing field with Union CCPs and to safeguard the stability of the Union’s financial system;

B.  whereas Article 25d empowers the Commission to adopt a delegated act in order to specify further details regarding the fees that ESMA should charge to third-country CCPs in order to cover all costs incurred for the recognition and the performance of its tasks in relation to third-country CCPs;

C.  whereas this delegated regulation should enter into force as a matter of urgency to ensure that third-country CCPs contribute adequately to ESMA’s funding in a timely and appropriate manner;

1.  Declares that it has no objections to the delegated regulation;

2.  Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission.

(1) OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1.

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

P9_TA(2020)0215 B9-0252/2020

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission delegated regulation (C(2020)4892),

–  having regard to the Commission’s letter of 14 July 2020 asking Parliament to declare that it will raise no objections to the delegated regulation,

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

–  having regard to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–  having regard to Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories(1), and in particular Articles 25(2a) and 82(6) thereof,

–  having regard to Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation for a decision of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs,

–  having regard to the fact that no objections have been raised within the period laid down in the third and fourth indents of Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, which expired on 15 September 2020,

A.  whereas several delegated acts to be adopted under the recently amended Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (EMIR) specify how EMIR rules will apply to third-country central counterparties (CCPs) that provide services to Union firms; whereas those delegated acts will give effect to the enhanced powers of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA); whereas third-country CCPs that are considered to be systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or any of its Member States should be subject to specific requirements and enhanced supervision by ESMA in order to ensure a level playing field with Union CCPs and safeguard the stability of the Union’s financial system;

B.  whereas Article 25(2a) empowers the Commission to adopt a delegated act specifying further the criteria to be applied by ESMA when determining whether a third-country CCP is systemically important or likely to become systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or of one or more of its Member States;

C.  whereas this delegated regulation should enter into force as a matter of urgency to ensure the Union’s preparedness when Union law ceases to apply in the United Kingdom after the expiry of the transitional period;

1.  Declares that it has no objections to the delegated regulation;

2.  Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission.

(1) OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1.

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

P9_TA(2020)0216 B9-0253/2020

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission delegated regulation (C(2020)4895),

–  having regard to the Commission’s letter of 14 July 2020 asking Parliament to declare that it will raise no objections to the delegated regulation,

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

–  having regard to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–  having regard to Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories(1), and in particular Articles 25a(3) and 82(6) thereof,

–  having regard to Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation for a decision of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs,

–  having regard to the fact that no objections have been raised within the period laid down in the third and fourth indents of Rule 111(6) of its Rules of Procedure, which expired on 15 September 2020,

A.  whereas several delegated acts to be adopted under the recently amended Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (EMIR) specify how EMIR rules will apply to third-country central counterparties (CCPs) that provide services to Union firms; whereas those delegated acts will give effect to the enhanced powers of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA); whereas third-country CCPs that are considered to be systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or any of its Member States should be subject to specific requirements and enhanced supervision by ESMA in order to ensure a level playing field with Union CCPs and to safeguard the stability of the Union’s financial system;

B.  whereas Article 25a provides that a third-country CCP that is considered to be systemically important or likely to become systemically important for the financial stability of the Union or of one or more of its Member States (Tier 2 CCP) may request that ESMA assesses its comparable compliance, that is whether compliance with the applicable third-country framework can be deemed to satisfy compliance with the relevant requirements set out in EMIR;

C.  whereas this delegated regulation should enter into force as a matter of urgency to ensure the Union’s preparedness when Union law ceases to apply in the United Kingdom after the expiry of the transitional period;

1.  Declares that it has no objections to the delegated regulation;

2.  Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission.

(1) OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 1.

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

P9_TA(2020)0217 B9-0254/2020

The European Parliament,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(1) OJ L 243, 11.9.2002, p. 1. (2) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. (3) OJ L 320, 29.11.2008, p. 1.

Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 16 September 2020 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision No 1313/2013/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (COM(2020)0220 – C9-0160/2020 – 2020/0097(COD))(1)

P9_TA(2020)0218 A9-0148/2020

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

Text proposed by the Commission   Amendment Amendment 1 Proposal for a decision Citation 1 Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 196 and Article 322(1)(a) thereof, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 196 thereof, Amendment 2 Proposal for a decision Recital 1 a (new) (1a)  Climate change is leading to an increase in the frequency, intensity and complexity of natural disasters worldwide, and developing countries, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing states, are particularly vulnerable due, on the one hand, to their underdeveloped capacity to adapt to, and mitigate, the consequences of climate change, and to respond to climate-related disasters, and, on the other hand, to their geographical exposure to floods, droughts and forest fires. Amendment 3 Proposal for a decision Recital 2 (2)  Whilst recognising the primary responsibility of Member States for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters, the Union Mechanism promotes solidarity between Member States in accordance with Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union. (2)  Whilst the primary responsibility for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters remains with the Member States, the Union Mechanism, and in particular rescEU, promotes solidarity between Member States in accordance with Article 3(3) of the Treaty on European Union by complementing existing capacities of Member States, enabling more effective preparedness and response, where capacities at national level are not sufficient. Amendment 4 Proposal for a decision Recital 2 a (new) (2a)  Forest fires threaten lives, livelihoods and biodiversity, cause the release of high amounts of carbon emissions, and decrease the carbon absorption capacity of the planet, which further exacerbates climate change. Of particular concern are situations where primary forest or radioactively contaminated areas are destroyed by fire. The increase in climate-related disasters, including forest fires, requires a strengthening of the operations of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism outside the Union, including the activities focusing on prevention and disaster preparedness. Amendment 5 Proposal for a decision Recital 3 (3)  The unprecedented experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the Union effectiveness in managing a crisis is limited by the scope of its governance framework, but also by the degree of Union preparedness in case of disasters impacting a majority of Member States. (3)  The unprecedented experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the Union effectiveness in managing a crisis is limited by the scope of its governance framework, but also by the degree of Union preparedness in case of disasters impacting a majority of Member States. Moreover, it is clear that the Union and Member States are insufficiently prepared for more extreme and complex disasters with far-reaching, longer-term global consequences, such as a large-scale pandemic. Therefore, it is essential that Member States' civil protection actions be better coordinated and that rescEU be reinforced. Amendment 6 Proposal for a decision Recital 3 a (new) (3a)  The experience of the COVID-19 crisis has shown that the Union and Member States are not adequately prepared to respond to large-scale emergencies and that the existing legal framework is not sufficiently fit for purpose. The COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted how the consequences of catastrophes for human health, the environment, society and the economy can take on unprecedented proportions. In view of the need to strengthen the Union’s ability and actions as regards health and civil protection, it is essential that rescEU be reinforced and made more flexible, faster and that it be better coordinated with national civil protection authorities. It is also essential that sufficient information be provided by Member States on their prevention and preparedness with respect to emergencies. Amendment 7 Proposal for a decision Recital 3 b (new) (3b)  In order to maximise transparency and accountability for Union citizens, the Commission should bring forward guidance on how to measure the proportion of spending carried out through the Union Civil Protection mechanism that should qualify as Official Development Aid (ODA). Amendment 8 Proposal for a decision Recital 3 c (new) (3c)   Given the experience of the COVID-19 outbreak and considering the need to enhance the Union's response capability in the fields of health and civil protection, rescEU should be significantly reinforced to improve its performance in each of the three pillars of the Union Mechanism: prevention, preparedness and response. Amendment 9 Proposal for a decision Recital 5 (5)  In order to be better prepared when confronted with such events in the future, urgent action is required for reinforcing the Union Mechanism. (5)  In order to be better prepared when confronted with such events in the future, urgent action is required for reinforcing the Union Mechanism. The reinforcement of the Union Mechanism should complement Union policies and funds and should not be a substitute for the mainstreaming of the principle of disaster resilience into those policies and funds. Amendment 88 Proposal for a decision Recital 6 (6)  To improve planning in prevention and preparedness, the Union should continue advocating for investment in prevention of disasters across sectors, and for comprehensive risk management approaches that underpin prevention and preparedness, taking into account a multi-hazard approach, an ecosystem-based approach and the likely impacts of climate change, in close cooperation with the relevant scientific communities and key economic operators. To that effect, cross-sectoral and all-hazard approaches should be put at the forefront and be based on Union wide resilience goals feeding into a baseline definition of capacities and preparedness. The Commission is to work together with Member States when defining Union wide resilience goals. (6)  To improve resilience and planning in prevention and preparedness, the Union should reinforce investment in prevention of disasters across borders and across sectors, including those that arise due to seismic activity, such as earthquakes, or due to floods or due to hydrogeological instability, such as landslides, and comprehensive risk management approaches that underpin prevention and preparedness, taking into account a multi-hazard approach, an ecosystem-based approach and the likely impacts of climate change, in close cooperation with the relevant scientific communities, key economic operators and regional and local authorities, which are key players in the disaster management cycle, as well as the third sector and voluntary organisations operating in the field and must not jeopardise the established Union coordination mechanisms. To that effect, cross-sectoral, cross-border and all-hazard approaches should be put at the forefront and be based on Union wide resilience goals feeding into a baseline definition of capacities and preparedness. The Commission is to work together with Member States and the European Parliament when defining Union wide resilience goals and to take into account any operational emergency response plans that already exist at national, regional or local level. Amendment 11 Proposal for a decision Recital 6 a (new) (6a)   In order to ensure that disaster prevention is efficient, stress tests and a process for certification of the response capacities should be considered key elements. Regular risk assessments at regional and local level are necessary for national authorities to be able to take measures to reinforce resilience where necessary, including by using the existing Union funds. Such risk assessments should focus on features that are specific to each region, such as seismic activity, frequent floods or forest fires. Those assessments should also include the level of cross-border cooperation, in order for the Union Mechanism to have detailed information on locally available capacities so that intervention can become more targeted. Amendment 12 Proposal for a decision Recital 6 b (new) (6b)   The development of Union disaster resilience goals to support prevention and preparedness actions should involve an accurate assessment of and take into account the long-term social consequences observed in the first post-emergency stage that are managed by civil protection agencies, with particular attention being given to the most vulnerable people. Amendment 89 Proposal for a decision Recital 6 c (new) (6c)   The role of regional and local authorities in disaster prevention and management is of great importance, and their response capacities need to be appropriately involved in any coordination and deployment activities carried out under this Decision, in accordance with Member States' institutional and legal frameworks, with a view to minimising overlaps and to fostering interoperability. Such authorities can play an important preventive role and they are also the first to react in the aftermath of a disaster, together with their volunteers' capacities. Therefore, there is a need for on-going cooperation at local, regional and cross-border level with a view to establishing common alert systems for rapid intervention prior to the mobilisation of rescEU as well as regular public information campaigns on initial response measures. Amendment 13 Proposal for a decision Recital 8 a (new) (8a)   The creation of a pool of resources brings together a series of rescue teams, experts and equipment that Member States always keep in standby mode for Union Civil Protection missions. It is essential that those teams meet demanding criteria of quality and reliability to ensure their interoperability. Amendment 14 Proposal for a decision Recital 9 (9)  The Union Mechanism should make use of Union space infrastructures such as the European Earth Observation Programme (Copernicus), Galileo, Space Situational Awareness and GOVSATCOM, which provide important Union level tools to respond to internal and external emergencies. Copernicus Emergency Management Systems are providing support to the ERCC in the various emergency phases from early warning and prevention to disaster and recovery. GOVSATCOM is to provide secure satellite communication capability specifically tailored to the needs of governmental users in emergency management. Galileo is the first global satellite navigation and positioning infrastructure specifically designed for civilian purposes in Europe and worldwide, and can be used in other areas such as emergency management, including early warning activities. Galileo's relevant services will include an emergency service, which broadcasts, through emitting signals, warnings regarding natural disasters or other emergencies in particular areas. The Member States should be able to use this service. Where they decide to use it, in order to validate the system, they should identify and notify to the Commission the national authorities competent to use that emergency service. (9)  The Union Mechanism should make use of Union space infrastructures such as the European Earth Observation Programme (Copernicus), Galileo, Space Situational Awareness and GOVSATCOM, which provide important Union level tools to respond to internal and external emergencies. Copernicus Emergency Management Systems are providing support to the ERCC in the various emergency phases from early warning and prevention to disaster and recovery. GOVSATCOM is to provide secure satellite communication capability specifically tailored to the needs of governmental users in emergency management. Galileo is the first global satellite navigation and positioning infrastructure specifically designed for civilian purposes in Europe and worldwide, and can be used in other areas such as emergency management, including early warning activities. Galileo's relevant services will include an emergency service, which broadcasts, through emitting signals, warnings regarding natural disasters or other emergencies in particular areas. Given its potential for saving lives and facilitating the coordination of emergency actions, Member States should be encouraged to use this service. Where they decide to use it, in order to validate the system, they should identify and notify to the Commission the national authorities competent to use that emergency service. Amendment 15 Proposal for a decision Recital 9 a (new) (9a)  The Union Mechanism and rescEU should be developed in a way that enables the Union to effectively respond to a wide range of emergencies. Climate change is leading to an increase in the frequency, intensity and complexity of natural disasters within the Union and worldwide, requiring a high degree of solidarity among countries. Every year, many Member States are ravaged by forest fires that destroy thousands of hectares and claim numerous lives. This situation was particularly apparent during the 2017 forest fire season in Portugal, which led to the Commission’s rescEU proposal of November 2017. The prevention and response capability of Member States, including those most affected by forest fires, is often insufficient. It is therefore essential that prevention of, preparedness for and response to disasters is strengthened and that the Union Mechanism comprise sufficient capacities, including during the rescEU transition period, to act when forest fires and other natural disasters occur. Amendment 16 Proposal for a decision Recital 9 b (new) (9b)  During the COVID-19 pandemic, building on the existing provisions of Decision No 1313/2013/EU, the Commission was able to include in rescEU medical stockpiling, consisting of medical countermeasures such as intensive care medical equipment, personal protective equipment, laboratory supplies, vaccines and therapeutics, for the purpose of preparedness and response to a serious cross-border threat to health. From this medical stockpiling, personal protective equipment was delivered to Member States and candidate countries. Nevertheless, because only Member States may acquire, rent or lease rescEU capacities, more than one month passed between the adoption of the implementing act for the establishment of the above-mentioned stockpiling and the first deployment of the medical equipment and supplies concerned. Amendment 17 Proposal for a decision Recital 10 (10)  In order to have the operational capacity to respond swiftly to a large-scale emergency or to a low probability event with a high impact such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union should have the possibility of acquiring, renting, leasing or contracting rescEU capacities to be able to assist Member States overwhelmed by large-scale emergencies, in line with the supporting competence in the area of civil protection and with a particular attention to vulnerable people. Those capacities are to be pre-positioned in logistical hubs inside the Union or, for strategic reasons, via trusted networks of hubs such as the UN Humanitarian Response Depots. (10)  In order to have the operational capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to large-scale emergencies or to low probability events with a high impact such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Union should have the possibility of autonomously acquiring, renting, leasing or contracting rescEU capacities to be able to assist Member States overwhelmed by large-scale as well as cross-border emergencies, in line with the supporting competence in the area of civil protection. Those capacities are to be pre-positioned in logistical hubs inside the Union. EMA and ECDC should where necessary be consulted in the definition, management and distribution of capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies. Amendment 18 Proposal for a decision Recital 10 a (new) (10a)  In carrying out the activities of the Union Mechanism, particular attention should be paid to the protection of vulnerable people. In addition, and in order to prevent gender-based violence, including domestic violence during times of crisis, the Commission should develop, together with Member States, guidance based on best practices to support victims of gender-based violence within the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Amendment 19 Proposal for a decision Recital 10 b (new) (10b)  On the basis of the principles of solidarity and universal coverage of quality health services and the central role of the Union in accelerating progress on global health challenges, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism should, in a manner that achieves synergy and complementarity with other relevant Union programmes, in particular EU4Health, create a better prevention, preparedness and response capacity in respect of medical emergencies. Amendment 20 Proposal for a decision Recital 11 (11)  rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States could be used for national purposes, but only when not used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism. (11)  rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States or the Commission could be used for national purposes by the Member States hosting those capacities, but only when not used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism and with priority given to the fight against cross-border emergencies. Amendment 21 Proposal for a decision Recital 12 (12)  Where needed, the Union has an interest in responding to emergencies in third countries. Whilst primarily established for use as a safety net within the Union, in duly justified cases and taking into account the humanitarian principles, rescEU capacities could be deployed outside the Union. (12)  Where needed, the Union has an interest in responding to emergencies in third countries. Whilst primarily established for use as a safety net within the Union, in duly justified cases, in consultation with humanitarian actors prior to the interventions, and taking into account the humanitarian principles rescEU capacities could be deployed outside the Union. Amendment 22 Proposal for a decision Recital 13 (13)  In order to support Member States to deliver the assistance, the European Civil Protection Pool should be further reinforced by co-financing the operational costs of the committed capacities when deployed outside the Union. (13)  In order to support Member States to deliver the assistance also outside the Union, the European Civil Protection Pool should be further reinforced by co-financing the operational costs of the committed capacities at the same level, irrespective of whether they are deployed inside or outside the Union. Amendment 23 Proposal for a decision Recital 14 a (new) (14a)   To strengthen cooperation in aerial forest firefighting and in response to other disasters, administrative processes should be streamlined where possible in order to ensure prompt intervention. Amendment 24 Proposal for a decision Recital 16 (16)  Given that the deployment of rescEU capacities for response operations under the Union Mechanism provides significant Union added value by ensuring an effective and fast response to people in emergencies, further visibility obligations should be made to provide Union prominence. (16)  Given that the deployment of rescEU capacities for response operations under the Union Mechanism provides significant Union added value by ensuring an effective and fast response to people in emergencies, further visibility obligations should be made to provide information to Union citizens and media and also to provide Union prominence. National authorities should receive communication guidelines from the Commission for each particular intervention to ensure that the Union's role is appropriately publicised. Amendment 25 Proposal for a decision Recital 17 (17)  In order to increase flexibility as well as achieve optimal budget execution, indirect management should be included as a method of budget implementation. (17)  In order to increase flexibility as well as to achieve optimal budget implementation, this Decision should provide for indirect management as a method of budget execution, to be used where justified by the nature and content of the action concerned. Amendment 26 Proposal for a decision Recital 17 a (new) (17a)   In accordance with Article 155 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council1a (‘the Financial Regulation’), the entities listed in Article 62(1)(c) of that Regulation and in Article 25(2) of this Decision should annually fulfil their reporting obligations. The reporting requirements for those entities are laid down in the verification agreement referred to in Article 130(3) of the Financial Regulation. ____________________ 1a Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1). Amendment 27 Proposal for a decision Recital 18 (18)  In order to promote predictability and long-term effectiveness, when implementing Decision No 1313/2013/EU, the Commission should adopt annual or multi-annual work programmes indicating the planned allocations. This should help the Union to have more flexibility in budget execution and thereby enhance prevention and preparedness actions. deleted Amendment 28 Proposal for a decision Recital 18 a (new) (18a)   Delegated acts should define strengthened competences of leading Union Agencies to manage the rescEU capacities, lead the procurement process and to provide recommendations on specific quantities and products to be placed in geographically dispersed logistical hubs. Amendment 29 Proposal for a decision Recital 18 b (new) (18b)  The establishment, management and distribution of strategic Union reserves and stockpiles of capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies under the EU4Health programme should complement the reserves of rescEU. Amendment 30 Proposal for a decision Recital 22 a (new) (22a)   The Union Mechanism should also allow for the possibility of additional, voluntary contributions by Member States. Amendment 31 Proposal for a decision Recital 23 (23)  While prevention and preparedness measures are essential to enhance the robustness of the Union in facing natural and man-made disasters, the occurrence, timing and magnitude of disasters is by its nature unpredictable. As shown in the recent COVID-19 crisis, financial resources requested to ensure an adequate response may significantly vary from year to year and should be made available immediately. Reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes. Consequently, it is appropriate to authorise carry-over of unused appropriations, limited to the following year and solely devoted to response action, in addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation. (23)  While prevention and preparedness measures are essential to enhance the robustness of the Union in facing natural and man-made disasters, the occurrence, timing and magnitude of disasters is by its nature unpredictable. As shown in the recent COVID-19 crisis, financial resources requested to ensure an adequate response may significantly vary from year to year and should be made available immediately. Reconciling the principle of predictability with the need to react rapidly to new needs consequently means adapting the financial implementation of the programmes. Consequently, it is appropriate to authorise carry-over of unused appropriations, limited to the following year and devoted to prevention, preparedness and response actions, in addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation. Amendment 32 Proposal for a decision Recital 25 (25)  Annex I to Decision No 1313/2013/EU is not flexible enough to allow the Union to properly adjust investments in prevention, preparedness and response and thus it is deleted. Investment levels to be allocated to the different phases of the disaster risk management cycle need to be determined in advance. This absence of flexibility prevents the Union from being able to react to the unpredictable nature of disasters. deleted Amendment 33 Proposal for a decision Recital 25 a (new) (25a)  During the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to have functioning rescEU capacities and for the Union Mechanism to effectively respond to the needs of Union citizens, additional financial appropriations have been made available to finance actions under the Union Mechanism. It is important to give the Union the necessary flexibility to be able to react effectively to the unpredictable nature of disasters, while at the same time maintaining a certain predictability in the fulfilment of the objectives set out in this Decision. It is important to achieve the necessary balance in the fulfilment of those objectives. In order to update the percentages set out in Annex I, according to the priorities of the reformed Union Mechanism, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission. Amendment 34 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point -1 (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 1 – paragraph 2 (-1)   In Article 1, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: 2.  The protection to be ensured by the Union Mechanism shall cover primarily people, but also the environment and property, including cultural heritage, against all kinds of natural and man-made disasters, including the consequences of acts of terrorism, technological, radiological or environmental disasters, marine pollution, and acute health emergencies, occurring inside or outside the Union. In the case of the consequences of acts of terrorism or radiological disasters, the Union Mechanism may cover only preparedness and response actions. ‘2. The protection to be ensured by the Union Mechanism shall cover primarily people, but also the environment and property, including cultural heritage, against all kinds of natural and man-made disasters, including the consequences of acts of terrorism, technological, radiological or environmental disasters, marine pollution, hydrogeological instability and acute health emergencies, occurring inside or outside the Union. In the case of the consequences of acts of terrorism or radiological disasters, the Union Mechanism may cover only preparedness and response actions.’ Amendment 35 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point -1 a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 1 – paragraph 3 (-1a)   In Article 1, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: 3.  The Union Mechanism shall promote solidarity between the Member States through practical cooperation and coordination, without prejudice to the Member States' primary responsibility to protect people, the environment, and property, including cultural heritage, on their territory against disasters and to provide their disaster-management systems with sufficient capabilities to enable them to cope adequately and in a consistent manner with disasters of a nature and magnitude that can reasonably be expected and prepared for. ‘3. The Union Mechanism shall promote solidarity between the Member States through practical cooperation and coordination, without prejudice to the Member States' primary responsibility to protect people, the environment, land and property, including cultural heritage, on their territory against disasters and to provide their disaster-management systems with sufficient capabilities to enable them to prevent, and cope adequately and in a consistent manner with, disasters of a nature and magnitude that can reasonably be expected and prepared for.’ Amendment 36 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point -1 b (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c (-1b)   In Article 3(1), point (c) is replaced by the following: (c)  to facilitate rapid and efficient response in the event of disasters or imminent disasters, including by taking measures to mitigate the immediate consequences of disasters; ‘(c) to facilitate rapid and efficient response in the event of disasters or imminent disasters, including by removing any obstacles of a bureaucratic nature.’ Amendment 37 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 4 a (new) (1a)  In Article 4, the following point is inserted: “4a. ‘Union disaster resilience goals’ means objectives established to support prevention and preparedness actions for the purposes of improving the capacity of the Union and its Member States to withstand the effects of a disaster which causes or is capable of causing transboundary effects, to provide a common baseline regarding the preservation, in spite of the effects of such a disaster, of critical societal functions, and to ensure that the internal market functions properly in such a context;” Amendment 38 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 b (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c (1b)  In Article 5(1), point (c) is replaced by the following: (c)  establish and regularly update a cross-sectoral overview and map of natural and man-made disaster risks the Union may face, by taking a coherent approach across different policy areas that may address or affect disaster prevention and taking due account of the likely impacts of climate change; “(c) establish and regularly update a cross-sectoral overview and map of natural and man-made disaster risks, including disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects, the Union may face, by taking a coherent approach across different policy areas that may address or affect disaster prevention and taking due account of the likely impacts of climate change;” Amendment 39 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 c (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point h (1c)   In Article 5(1), point (h) is replaced by the following: (h)  promote the use of various Union funds which may support sustainable disaster prevention and encourage the Member States and regions to exploit those funding opportunities; ‘(h) promote the use of Union funds which may support sustainable disaster prevention, including prevention of disasters caused by hydrogeological instability, and encourage the Member States and regions to exploit those funding opportunities;’ Amendment 40 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point -a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c (-a)  In paragraph 1, point (c ) is replaced by the following: (c)  further develop and refine disaster risk management planning at national or appropriate sub- national level; “(c) further develop and refine disaster risk management planning at national or appropriate sub-national level, including as regards cross-border collaboration, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5) and the risks related to disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects;” Amendment 41 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point -a a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point d (-aa)  In paragraph 1, point (d) is replaced by the following: (d)  make available to the Commission a summary of the relevant elements of the assessments referred to in points (a) and (b), focusing on key risks. For key risks having cross-border impacts as well as, where appropriate, for low probability risks with a high impact, Member States shall describe priority prevention and preparedness measures. The summary shall be provided to the Commission by 31 December 2020 and every three years thereafter and whenever there are important changes; “(d) make available to the Commission a summary of the relevant elements of the assessments referred to in points (a) and (b), focusing on key risks. For key risks having cross-border impacts and risks related to disasters which cause or are capable of causing transboundary effects, as well as, where appropriate, for low probability risks with a high impact Member States shall describe priority prevention and preparedness measures. The summary shall be provided to the Commission by 31 December 2020 and every three years thereafter and whenever there are important changes;” Amendment 42 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point f (f)  improve disaster loss data collection at the national or appropriate sub-national level to ensure evidence-based scenario building as referred to in Article 10(1).; (f)  improve disaster loss data collection at the national or appropriate sub-national level to ensure evidence-based scenario building as referred to in Article 10(1), especially when it comes to identifying gaps in cross-border disaster-response capacities. Amendment 43 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 6 – paragraph 5 5.  The Commission shall define Union disaster resilience goals to support prevention and preparedness actions. Disaster resilience goals shall ensure a common baseline for maintaining critical societal functions in the face of cascading effects of a high impact disaster and for ensuring the functioning of the internal market. The goals shall be based on forward looking scenarios, including the impacts of climate change on disaster risk, data on past events and cross-sectoral impact analysis with a particular attention to vulnerable people. 5.  By ... [18 months from the date of entry into force of this amending decision], the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 in order to supplement this Decision by establishing Union disaster resilience goals to support prevention and preparedness actions. Disaster resilience goals shall ensure a common baseline for maintaining critical societal functions in the face of cascading effects of a high impact disaster and for ensuring the functioning of the internal market. Those goals shall be based on forward looking scenarios, including the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on disaster risk, data on past events and cross-sectoral impact analysis and analysis of the long-term social impact on the regions affected, with a particular attention to vulnerable people. In the drafting of disaster resilience goals, the Commission shall specifically focus on recurrent disasters that hit Member States' regions and suggest that national authorities take concrete measures, including those to be implemented with the use of Union funds, to strengthen the resilience to crises. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, where necessary, delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 to define Union disaster resilience goals. Amendment 44 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 The ERCC shall in particular coordinate, monitor and support in real-time the response to emergencies at Union level. The ERCC shall work in close contact with national crisis systems, civil protection authorities and relevant Union bodies. The ERCC shall in particular coordinate, monitor and support in real-time the response to emergencies at Union level. The ERCC shall work in close contact with national crisis systems, civil protection authorities, community-level voluntary groups and relevant Union bodies. Amendment 45 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 8 – point c – indent 1 —  to develop transnational detection and warning systems of Union interest; —  to develop transnational detection and early warning systems of Union interest in order to mitigate the immediate effects of disasters or pandemics on human lives; Amendment 46 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 4 – point a Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 8 – point c – indent 3 a (new) —   to provide technical training assistance to local communities for the purpose of enhancing their capacities as regards their first unassisted reaction to a crisis; Amendment 47 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 9 – paragraph 10 a (new) (5a)   In Article 9, the following paragraph is added: ‘10a. Member States shall take appropriate actions in order to ensure that the first responders are properly equipped and prepared to respond to any kind of disaster as referred to in Article 1.’ Amendment 48 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 10 – paragraph 1 1.  The Commission and the Member States shall work together to improve cross-sectorial resilience planning, both for natural and man-made disasters likely to have a trans-boundary effect, including the adverse effects of climate change. The resilience planning shall include scenario-building at Union level for disaster prevention and response based on the risk assessments referred to in point (a) of Article 6(1) and the overview of risks referred to in point (c) of Article 5(1), disaster risk management planning referred to in point (c) of Article 6(1), disaster loss data referred to in point (f) of Article 6(1), asset mapping and the development of plans for the deployment of response capacities, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to Article 6(5). 1.  The Commission and the Member States shall work together to improve cross-sectorial, resilience planning, both for natural and man-made disasters likely to have a trans-boundary effect, including the adverse effects of climate change and the increasing incidence of cross-border wildfires. The resilience planning shall include scenario-building at Union level for disaster prevention and response based on the risk assessments referred to in point (a) of Article 6(1) and the overview of risks referred to in point (c) of Article 5(1), disaster risk management planning referred to in point (c) of Article 6(1), disaster loss data referred to in point (f) of Article 6(1), asset mapping and the development of plans for the deployment of response capacities, taking into account the Union disaster resilience goals referred to Article 6(5). Amendment 49 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 10 – paragraph 2 2.  The Commission and the Member States shall identify and promote synergies between civil protection assistance and humanitarian aid funding provided by the Union and Member States in disaster resilience planning of response operations for humanitarian crises outside the Union. 2.  The Commission and the Member States shall identify and promote synergies between civil protection assistance and humanitarian aid funding provided by the Union and Member States in disaster resilience planning of response operations for humanitarian crises outside the Union, in consultation with humanitarian actors including local ones and local authorities whenever possible. Amendment 50 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 7 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 11 – paragraph 2 2.  On the basis of identified risks, resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5), scenario-building referred to in Article 10(1) and overall capacities and gaps, the Commission shall define, by means of implementing acts in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2), the types and the number of key response capacities required for the European Civil Protection Pool ("capacity goals"). 2.  On the basis of identified risks, overall capacities, gaps and any existing Union disaster resilience goals as referred to in Article 6(5) and any existing scenario-building as referred to in Article 10(1), the Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, define the types and specify the number of key response capacities required for the European Civil Protection Pool ("capacity goals"). Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). Amendment 51 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a Directive No 1313/2013/EU Article 12 – paragraph 2 2.  The Commission shall define, by means of implementing acts adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2), the capacities rescEU shall consist of, based on the resilience goals referred to in Article 6(5), scenario-building as referred to in Article 10(1), taking into account identified and emerging risks and overall capacities and gaps at Union level, in particular in the areas of aerial forest fire fighting, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, and emergency medical response. 2.  The Commission shall establish, within logistical hubs, European reserves of medical countermeasures and equipment which would include the medical countermeasures that respond to high impact low probability events. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, define the capacities rescEU shall consist of, based inter alia on any existing Union disaster resilience goals as referred to in Article 6(5) and any existing scenario-building as referred to in Article 10(1), taking into account identified and emerging risks and overall capacities and gaps at Union level, in particular in the areas of aerial forest fire fighting, earthquake and flood rescues, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, and emergency medical response. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). The Commission shall regularly update the information on the number and classification of rescEU capacities and make that information directly available to other Union institutions. Amendment 52 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 12 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new) For capacities dedicated to responding to medical emergencies, such as a strategic stockpile, emergency medical teams and any other relevant capacities, the Commission shall ensure that effective coordination and synergies are achieved with other Union programmes and funds and in particular with the EU4Health Programme1a and with relevant Union and international actors. _______________________ 1a Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a Programme for the Union's action in the field of health for the period 2021-2027 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 282/2014 (“EU4Health Programme”)(COM(2020)0405). Amendment 53 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 rescEU capacities shall be acquired, rented, leased, and/or otherwise contracted by the Commission or Member States. The Commission may acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract rescEU capacities to stock and distribute supplies or to provide services to Member States, through procurement procedures in accordance with the Union's financial rules. Where rescEU capacities are acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States, direct grants may be awarded by the Commission to Member States without a call for proposals. rescEU capacities shall be acquired, rented, leased, and/or otherwise contracted by the Commission or Member States. The Commission may acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract rescEU capacities to stock and distribute high-quality supplies or to provide services to Member States, through procurement procedures in accordance with the Union's financial rules. Where the Commission acquires rescEU capacities, it shall retain the ownership of such capacities even when they are distributed to Member States. Where rescEU capacities are rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission, the Commission shall retain full control of such capacities. Where the Commission acquires non-reusable capacities, it may transfer ownership of such capacities to the requesting Member State. Where rescEU capacities are acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by Member States, direct grants may be awarded by the Commission to Member States without a call for proposals. Amendment 54 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3 rescEU capacities shall be hosted by the Member States that acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract those capacities. As a way to enhance Union resilience, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission are to be strategically pre-positioned inside the Union. In consultation with Member States, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission could also be located in third countries via trusted networks managed by relevant international organisations. rescEU capacities shall be hosted by the Member States that acquire, rent, lease or otherwise contract those capacities. As a way to enhance Union resilience, rescEU capacities acquired, rented, leased or otherwise contracted by the Commission are to be strategically pre-positioned inside the Union. Amendment 55 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point a a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 12 – paragraph 5 (aa)   Paragraph 5 is replaced by the following: 5.  A Member State that owns, rents or leases rescEU capacities shall ensure the registration of those capacities in CECIS, and the availability and deployability of those capacities for Union Mechanism operations. ‘5. The Commission or the Member State owning, renting, leasing or otherwise contracting rescEU capacities shall ensure the registration of those capacities in CECIS, and the availability and deployability of those capacities for Union Mechanism operations. rescEU capacities may only be used for national purposes, as referred to in Article 23(4a), when not being used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism. rescEU capacities may only be used for national purposes, as referred to in Article 23(4a), when not being used or needed for response operations under the Union Mechanism. rescEU capacities shall be used in accordance with implementing acts adopted under point (g) of Article 32(1) and with operational contracts between the Commission and the Member State owning, renting or leasing such capacities, which further specify the terms and conditions of deployment of rescEU capacities, including participating personnel. rescEU capacities shall be used in accordance with implementing acts adopted under point (g) of Article 32(1) and with operational contracts between the Commission and the Member State owning, renting or leasing such capacities, which further specify the terms and conditions of deployment of rescEU capacities, including participating personnel. The terms and conditions specified in the operational contracts shall also ensure that rescEU capacities are used in compliance with this Decision, notably with the requirement to make rescEU capacities available as laid down in paragraph 6 of this Article and with the general objectives as laid down in Article 1. Those terms and conditions shall also specify the measures to be taken in cases of non-compliance in order to safeguard the appropriate use of Union funding.’ Amendment 56 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 – point b Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 12 – paragraph 10 – subparagraph 1 rescEU capacities may be deployed outside the Union in accordance with paragraphs 6 to 9 of this Article. rescEU capacities may be deployed outside the Union in accordance with paragraphs 6 to 9 of this Article. Specific provisions shall be put in place by the Commission to guarantee accountability and the correct use of rescEU capacities in third countries, including providing for access by Union controlling officers. Visibility of the Union Mechanism in third countries shall be ensured in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 20a of this Decision. Amendment 57 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8 a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 13 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point f a (new) (8a)   In the second subparagraph of Article 13(1), the following point is added: ‘(fa) create capabilities of specific response expertise which can be used in the case of disasters affecting cultural heritage.’ Amendment 58 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point b (b)  collect and analyse validated information on the situation, in conjunction with the affected Member State, with the goal of generating common situational awareness, and disseminate it to the Member States; (b)  collect and analyse validated information on the situation, in conjunction with the affected Member State, with the goal of generating common awareness of the situation and the response to the situation, and disseminate it directly to the Member States; Amendment 59 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 9 a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 16 – paragraph 2 (9a)   In Article 16, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: 2.  Interventions under this Article may be conducted either as an autonomous assistance intervention or as a contribution to an intervention led by an international organisation. The Union coordination shall be fully integrated with the overall coordination provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and shall respect its leading role. In the case of man-made disasters or complex emergencies, the Commission shall ensure consistency with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, and respect for humanitarian principles. “2. Interventions under this Article may be conducted either as an autonomous assistance intervention or as a contribution to an intervention led by an international organisation. The Union coordination shall be fully integrated with the overall coordination provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and shall respect its leading role. In the case of man-made disasters or complex emergencies, the Commission shall, whenever possible, consult humanitarian actors including local ones and ensure consistency with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, and respect for humanitarian principles.” Amendment 60 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a (a)  upon request for prevention expertise in accordance with Article 5(2); (a)  upon request for prevention expertise in accordance with Article 5(2), particularly in the event of a pandemic; Amendment 61 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 10 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point b (b)  upon request for preparedness expertise in accordance with Article 13(3); (b)  upon request for preparedness expertise in accordance with Article 13(3), particularly in the event of a pandemic; Amendment 62 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 11 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new) (aa)   developing cartographical material for the swift deployment and mobilization of resources, especially bearing in mind the specificities of cross-border regions for the purpose of trans-boundary risks such as wildfires; Amendment 63 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point b a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 (ba)  in paragraph 3, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following: The financial allocation referred to in paragraph 1 may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, which are required for the management of the Union Mechanism and the achievement of its objectives. "The financial allocation referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a of this Article and in Article 19a may also cover expenses pertaining to preparatory, monitoring, control, audit and evaluation activities, which are required for the management of the Union Mechanism and the achievement of its objectives." Amendment 64 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point b b (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 19 – paragraph 3 a (new) (bb)  the following paragraph is inserted: "3a. The financial envelope referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a of this Article and in Article 19a shall be allocated to cover actions on preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters." Amendment 65 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point c Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 19 – paragraph 4 (c)  paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: deleted ‘4. The financial envelope referred to in paragraphs 1 and 1a shall be allocated to cover actions on preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters.’; Amendment 66 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point c a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 19 – paragraph 4 (ca)  Paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: 4.  The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated, over the period 2014-2020, according to the percentages and principles set out in Annex I. "4. The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1 shall be allocated, over the period 2014-2020, according to the percentages set out in point 1 of Annex 1 and the principles set out in point 3 of that Annex."; Amendment 67 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point c b (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 19 – paragraph 4 a (new) (cb)  the following paragraph is inserted: “4a. The financial envelope referred to in paragraph 1a of this Article and in Article 19a shall be allocated, over the period 2021-2027, according to the percentages set out in point 2 of Annex 1 and the principles set out in point 3 of that Annex."; Amendment 68 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point d Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 19 – paragraphs 5 and 6 (d)  paragraphs 5 and 6 are deleted. deleted Amendment 69 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point d a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 19 – paragraph 5 (da)  paragraph 5 is replaced by the following: 5.   The Commission shall review the breakdown set out in Annex I in the light of the outcome of the interim evaluation referred to in point (a) of Article 34(2). The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, where necessary in light of the results of that evaluation, delegated acts in accordance with Article 30, to adjust each of the figures in Annex I by more than 8 percentage points and up to 16 percentage points. Those delegated acts shall be adopted by 30 June 2017. "5. The Commission shall review the breakdown set out in Annex I in light of the outcome of the evaluation referred in Article 34(3). The Commission shall be empowered to adopt, where necessary in light of unexpected events affecting the execution of the budget or in light of the establishment of rescEU capacities, delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 in order to amend Annex I so as to adjust each of the figures in points 1 and 2 of Annex I by more than 10 percentage points."; Amendment 70 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point d b (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 19 – paragraph 6 (db)  paragraph 6 is replaced by the following 6.   Where, in case of a necessary revision of the budgetary resources available for response actions, imperative grounds of urgency so require, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts to adjust each of the figures in Annex I by more than 8 percentage points and up to 16 percentage points, within the available budgetary allocations and in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 31. “6. Where, in case of a necessary revision of the budgetary resources available for response actions, imperative grounds of urgency so require, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 in order to amend Annex I so as to adjust each of the figures in points 1 and 2 of Annex I by more than 10 percentage points, within the available budgetary allocations in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 31."; Amendment 71 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 12 – point d c (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 19 – paragraph 6 a (new) (dc)  In Article 19, the following paragraph is added: “6a. The European Parliament and the Council shall authorise the available annual appropriations without prejudice to the provisions of Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) No ..../... laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021-2027 and the Interinstitutional Agreement of ... 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on cooperation in budgetary matters and sound financial management.” Amendment 72 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 13 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 19a – paragraph 1 Measures referred to in Article 2 of Regulation [ERI] shall be implemented under this Decision through amounts referred to in point (iv) of Article 3(2)(a) of that Regulation, subject to its Article 4(4) and (8). Measures referred to in Article 2 of Regulation [ERI] shall be implemented under this Decision with an amount of EUR 2 187 620 000 in current prices as referred to in point (iv) of Article 3(2)(a) of that Regulation, subject to its Article 4(4) and (8). Amendment 73 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 20a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 Any assistance or funding provided under this Decision shall be given appropriate visibility. In particular, Member States shall ensure that public communication for operations funded under the Union Mechanism: Any assistance or funding provided under this Decision shall be given appropriate visibility in line with the specific guidelines issued by the Commission for specific interventions. In particular, Member States shall ensure that public communication for operations funded under the Union Mechanism: Amendment 74 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 14 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 20a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 a (new) Where RescEU capacities are used for national purposes as referred to in Article 12(5), Member States shall, by the same means as referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph, acknowledge the origin of those capacities and ensure the visibility of the Union funding used to acquire those capacities. Amendment 75 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point a a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point h (aa)   In Article 21(1), point (h) is replaced by the following: (h)  supporting the preparedness activities described in Article 13; ‘(h) supporting the preparedness activities described in Article 13, particularly through the reinforcement of existing training networks, the synergies between them, and fostering the creation of new networks with a focus on innovative solutions and new risks and challenges;’ Amendment 76 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 15 – point b Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 21 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3 The financial assistance referred to in this paragraph may be implemented by multi-annual work programmes. For actions extending beyond one year, budgetary commitments may be broken down into annual instalments. deleted Amendment 77 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 25 – paragraph 2 2.  The Commission shall implement the Union's financial support in accordance with the Financial Regulation in direct management or in indirect management with bodies referred to in Article 62(1)(c) of the Financial Regulation. 2.  The Commission shall implement the Union's financial support in direct management in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 or in indirect management with the bodies referred to in point (c) of Article 62(1) of that Regulation. When choosing the mode of implementation of financial support, priority shall be given to direct management. Where justified by the nature and content of the action concerned, the Commission may use indirect management. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 30 in order to supplement this Decision by setting out actions carried out under the Union Mechanism, which may be implemented by indirect management. Amendment 78 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 25 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 In order to implement this Decision, the Commission shall adopt annual or multi-annual work programmes, by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). The annual or multi-annual work programmes shall set out the objectives pursued, the expected results, the method of implementation and their total amount. They shall also contain a description of actions to be financed, an indication of the amount allocated to each action and an indicative implementation timetable. With regard to the financial support referred to in Article 28(2), the annual or multi-annual work programmes shall describe the actions foreseen for countries referred to therein. In order to implement this Decision, the Commission shall adopt annual work programmes, by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 33(2). The annual work programmes shall set out the objectives pursued, the expected results, the method of implementation and their total amount. They shall also contain a description of actions to be financed, an indication of the amount allocated to each action and an indicative implementation timetable. With regard to the financial support referred to in Article 28(2), the annual work programmes shall describe the actions foreseen for countries referred to therein. Amendment 79 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 25 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2 However no annual or multi-annual work programmes shall be required for actions falling under the disaster response laid down in Chapter IV, which cannot be provided for in advance. However no annual work programme shall be required for actions falling under the disaster response laid down in Chapter IV, which cannot be provided for in advance. Amendment 80 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 18 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 25 – paragraph 5 5.  In addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation, commitment and payment appropriations, which have not been used by the end of the financial year for which they were entered in the annual budget shall be automatically carried over and may be committed and paid up to 31 December of the following year. The carried-over appropriations shall be used solely for response actions. The carried-over appropriations shall be used first in the following financial year. 5.  In addition to Article 12(4) of the Financial Regulation, commitment and payment appropriations, which have not been used by the end of the financial year for which they were entered in the annual budget shall be automatically carried over and may be committed and paid up to 31 December of the following year. The carried-over appropriations shall be used for prevention, preparedness and response actions. The carried-over appropriations shall be used first in the following financial year. Amendment 81 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20 – point a Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 30 – paragraph 2 2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(5) and in the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027. 2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(5), Article 19(5) and (6), the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) and Article 25(2) shall be conferred on the Commission until 31 December 2027. Amendment 82 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20 – point a a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 30 – paragraph 3 (aa)   paragraph 3 is deleted; Amendment 83 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20 – point b Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 30 – paragraph 4 4.  The delegation of power referred to in Article 6(5) and in the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. 4.  The delegation of power referred to in Article 6(5), in Article 19(5) and (6), in the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) and in Article 25(2) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the Decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force Amendment 84 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 20 – point c Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 30 – paragraph 7 7.  A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6(5) or the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council. 7.  A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6(5), Article 19(5) and (6), the second subparagraph of Article 21(3) or Article 25(2) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council Amendment 85 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 22 a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Article 34 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new) (22a)  in Article 34(2), the following subparagraph is added: “By ... [24 months from the date of entry into force of this amending decision], the Commission shall evaluate the functioning of the Union Mechanism as well as the coordination and synergies achieved with the EU4Health Programme and other Union health legislation, with a view to presenting a legislative proposal that would include the creation of a specific European Health Response Mechanism." Amendment 86 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 23 Decision No 1313/2013/EU Annex I (23)  Annex I is deleted. deleted Amendment 87 Proposal for a decision Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 23 a (new) Decision No 1313/2013/EU Annex I (23a)  Annex I is amended as follows: Annex I "Annex I Percentages and principles for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1) and (1a) and Article 19a Percentages for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1) 1.  Percentages for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1) for the period 2014 to 2020 Prevention: 20 % +/- 8 percentage points Prevention: 10 % +/- 10 percentage points Preparedness: 50 % +/- 8 percentage points Preparedness: 65 % +/- 10 percentage points Response: 30 % +/- 8 percentage points Response: 25 % +/- 10 percentage points 2.  Percentages for allocation of the financial envelope for the implementation of the Union Mechanism referred to in Article 19(1a) and Article 19a for the period 2021 to 2027 Prevention: 8 % +/- 10 percentage points Preparedness: 80 % +/- 10 percentage points Response: 12 % +/- 10 percentage points Principles 3.  Principles When implementing this Decision, the Commission shall give priority to actions for which this Decision sets a deadline within the period leading to the expiry of that deadline, with the objective of meeting the deadline in question. When implementing this Decision, the Commission shall give priority to actions for which this Decision sets a deadline within the period leading to the expiry of that deadline, with the objective of meeting the deadline in question."

(1) The matter was referred back for interinstitutional negotiations to the committee responsible, pursuant to Rule 59(4), fourth subparagraph (A9-0148/2020).

Amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 16 September 2020 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2015/757 in order to take appropriate account of the global data collection system for ship fuel oil consumption data (COM(2019)0038 – C8-0043/2019 – 2019/0017(COD))(1)

P9_TA(2020)0219 A9-0144/2020

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

Text proposed by the Commission   Amendment Amendment 1 Proposal for a regulation Recital -1 (new) (-1)  The unprecedented threat posed by climate change requires enhanced ambition on the part of and increased climate action by the Union and at global level. The Union is committed to stepping up efforts to tackle climate change and to delivering on the implementation of the Paris Agreement1a in line with the latest available science. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report of 2018 entitled 'Global warming of 1.5°C' confirmed that significant emissions reductions in all sectors are crucial to limit global warming to under 1.5°C. The IPCC special report of 2019 entitled 'The Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate' further stated that climate mechanisms depend on the health of ocean and marine ecosystems currently affected by global warming, pollution, overexploitation of marine biodiversity, acidification, deoxygenation and coastal erosion. The IPCC recalls that the oceans are part of the solution as regards mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change and underlines the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution of ecosystems, as well as of enhancing natural carbon sinks. __________________ 1a Paris Agreement (OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 4). Amendment 2 Proposal for a regulation Recital 1 (1)  Maritime transport has an impact on the global climate, as a result of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from shipping. In 2015, it emitted 13% of the total Union greenhouse gas emissions from transport15 . International maritime shipping remains the only means of transportation not included in the Union's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (1)  Maritime transport has an impact on climate change, on marine biodiversity, on air quality and public health, as a result of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and other emissions that it generates, such as methane, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, particulate matter and black carbon. In 2015, it emitted 13% of the total Union greenhouse gas emissions from transport15. Global maritime emissions are expected to increase by between 50% and 250% by 205015a. Unless further action is taken, EEA-related maritime emissions are expected to increase by 86% above 1990 levels by 2050, despite the adoption of minimum ship efficiency standards by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). International maritime shipping remains the only means of transportation not included in the Union's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. IMO adopted on 13 April 2018 its Initial Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships. Measures to implement that strategy are urgently needed both at global and Union-level to ensure that immediate actions are taken to reduce maritime emissions, contribute to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and achieve the Union-wide climate-neutrality objective, without undermining the climate efforts undertaken by other sectors. __________________ __________________ 15 https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/transport-emissions-of-greenhouse-gases/transport-emissions-of-greenhouse-gases-10. 15 https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/transport-emissions-of-greenhouse-gases/transport-emissions-of-greenhouse-gases-10. 15a https://gmn.imo.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/GHG3-Executive-Summary-and-Report_web.pdf. Amendment 3 Proposal for a regulation Recital 2 (2)  All sectors of the economy should contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in line with the commitment of the co-legislators as expressed in Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council16 and Directive (EU) 2018/410 of the European Parliament and of the Council17 . (2)  All sectors of the economy should contribute to the joint effort to complete the transition to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as soon as possible and by 2050 at the latest in line with the Union's commitments under the Paris Agreement and the European Council conclusions on climate change of 12 December 2019. __________________ 16 Regulation (EU) 2018/842 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030 contributing to climate action to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement and amending Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 (OJ L 156, 19.6.2018, p. 26). 17 Directive (EU) 2018/410 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 2018 amending Directive 2003/87/EC to enhance cost-effective emission reductions and low-carbon investments, and Decision (EU) 2015/1814 (OJ L 76, 19.3.2018, p. 3). Amendment 4 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 (3)  The European Parliament's Resolution of February 2014 on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies called on the Commission and the Member States to set a binding Union 2030 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% compared to 1990 levels. The European Parliament also noted that all sectors of the economy would need to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions if the Union is to deliver its fair share of global efforts. (3)  The European Parliament's Resolution of 14 March 2019 on climate change supported by a large majority the objective of reaching climate neutrality as early as possible and by 2050 at the latest. The European Parliament has also repeatedly called on the Commission and the Member States to increase the binding Union 2030 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 55% compared to 1990 levels. The European Parliament also noted that all sectors of the economy, including international aviation and maritime transport, must contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions if the Union is to reach its climate targets and deliver its fair share of global efforts. Rapid efforts to decarbonise the maritime transport sector are all the more important in view of the declaration by the Parliament on 28 November 2019 of a climate and environment emergency. Amendment 5 Proposal for a regulation Recital 3 a (new) (3a)  The European Parliament in its resolution of 28 November 2019 on the 2019 UN Climate Change Conference in Madrid, Spain (COP25) stressed the need for additional Union actions to address GHG emissions from the maritime sector in light of the slow and insufficient progress made by IMO. The European Parliament supported, in particular, the inclusion of the maritime sector in the Union system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading (the ‘EU ETS’), as well as the introduction of ship efficiency standards at Union level. Market-based emissions reduction policies alone are not sufficient to meet the Union's emissions reduction targets, and should be accompanied by binding regulatory emissions reduction requirements that are properly enforced. Amendment 6 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 (4)  In its Conclusions of 24 October 2014, the European Council endorsed a binding Union target of an at least 40% domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. The European Council also stated the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and risks related to fossil fuel dependency in the transport sector and invited the Commission to examine further instruments and measures for a comprehensive and technology-neutral approach, including for the promotion of emissions reduction, renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency in transport. (4)  In its Conclusions of 12 December 20191a, the European Council endorsed the objective of achieving a climate-neutral EU by 2050. The European Council also stated that all relevant EU legislation and policies need to be consistent with, and contribute to, the fulfilment of the climate neutrality objective while respecting a level playing field. __________________ 1a https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/41768/12-euco-final-conclusions-en.pdf Amendment 7 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 a (new) (4a)  Currently, maritime transport is the only sector not expressly the subject of a Union emissions reduction objective or specific mitigation measures. In its communication of 11 December 2019 on the European Green Deal, the Commission stated its intention to take additional measures to address GHG emissions from the maritime sector, and in particular to extend the EU ETS to the maritime sector, regulate the access of the most polluting ships to Union ports and oblige docked ships to use shore-side electricity. In its proposal of 4 March 2020 for a regulation establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 (European Climate Law)1a, the Commission confirms that additional action needs to be taken so as to reach the objective of climate neutrality by 2050 and that every sector will have to contribute as current policies are expected to only reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050. __________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/info/files/commission-proposal-regulation-european-climate-law_en Amendment 8 Proposal for a regulation Recital 4 b (new) (4b)  The removal of market barriers in the maritime sector, including the use of a transparent and robust monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system, is aimed at contributing to the uptake of energy efficiency technologies, thereby contributing to reducing maritime emissions by about 2% by 2030. For the maritime sector to contribute fully to the economy-wide effort to reach the Union's climate-neutrality objective as well as the 2030 targets and other potential intermediary targets, further action is therefore necessary. As the Union's primary instrument for monitoring, reporting and verifying GHG emissions and air pollution from maritime transport, the EU MRV Regulation constitutes a basis for further action. The scope of that Regulation should, therefore, be extended to include binding requirements for companies to reduce their GHG emissions per transport work, and it is also necessary to extend the EU ETS to cover the maritime transport sector. Amendment 9 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 (6)  In April 2015, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2015/757 on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport20 (the “EU MRV Regulation”), which was complemented in 2016 with two Delegated Regulations21 and two Implementing Regulations22. The aim of the EU MRV Regulation is to collect data on shipping emissions for further policymaking and to incentivise emission reductions by providing information on ships' efficiency to relevant markets. The EU MRV Regulation obliges companies to monitor, report and verify the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and energy efficiency of their ships on voyages to and from European Economic Area (EEA) ports on an annual basis, starting from 2018. It also applies to CO2 emissions within EEA ports. The first emissions reports are due by 30 April 2019. (6)  In April 2015, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2015/757 on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport20 (the “EU MRV Regulation”), which was complemented in 2016 with two Delegated Regulations21 and two Implementing Regulations22. The aim of the EU MRV Regulation is to collect data on shipping emissions for further policymaking and to incentivise emission reductions by providing information on ships' efficiency to relevant markets. The EU MRV Regulation was adopted as a first step in a staged approach for the inclusion of maritime emissions in the Union's GHG emissions reduction commitments and for the subsequent pricing of those emissions in line with the 'polluter pays' principle. When the EU MRV Regulation was adopted, the Commission committed to considering, in the context of future legislative proposals on maritime emissions, which next steps would be appropriate to ensure that the sector would make a fair contribution to the Union's emission reduction objectives, in particular the possibility of extending the EU ETS to the maritime sector. The EU MRV Regulation obliges companies to monitor, report and verify the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and energy efficiency of their ships on voyages to and from European Economic Area (EEA) ports on an annual basis, starting from 2018. This obligation also applies to CO2 emissions within EEA ports. The first emissions reports were due by 30 April 2019 and were published by the Commission on 30 June 2019. __________________ __________________ 20 Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and the Council of 29 April 2015 on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport and amending Directive 2009/16/EC, (OJ L 123, 19.5.2015, p. 55). 20 Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and the Council of 29 April 2015 on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport and amending Directive 2009/16/EC, (OJ L 123, 19.5.2015, p. 55). 21 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2072 on the verification activities and accreditation of verifiers pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (OJ L 320, 26.11.2016, p. 5); Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2071 of 22 September 2016 amending Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the methods for monitoring carbon dioxide emissions and the rules for monitoring other relevant information (OJ L 320, 26.11.2016, p. 1). 21 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2072 of 22 September 2016 on the verification activities and accreditation of verifiers pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (OJ L 320, 26.11.2016, p. 5); Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2071 of 22 September 2016 amending Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the methods for monitoring carbon dioxide emissions and the rules for monitoring other relevant information (OJ L 320, 26.11.2016, p. 1). 22 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1927 of 4 November 2016 on templates for monitoring plans, emissions reports and documents of compliance pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council on monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (OJ L 299, 5.11.2016, p. 1); Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1928 of 4 November 2016 on determination of cargo carried for categories of ships other than passenger, ro-ro and container ships pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (OJ L 299, 5.11.2016, p. 22). 22 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1927 of 4 November 2016 on templates for monitoring plans, emissions reports and documents of compliance pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council on monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (OJ L 299, 5.11.2016, p. 1); Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1928 of 4 November 2016 on determination of cargo carried for categories of ships other than passenger, ro-ro and container ships pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport (OJ L 299, 5.11.2016, p. 22). Amendment 10 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 a (new) (6a)  Reducing emissions from shipping and their impact on global warming and air pollution should not be implemented in a way that harms marine biodiversity, and should be accompanied by measures targeted towards the restauration of marine and coastal ecosystems impacted by the shipping industry, such as the substances discharged into the seas, including ballast water, hydrocarbons, heavy metals and chemicals, lost containers at sea and cetacean collisions. Amendment 11 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 b (new) (6b)  In the maritime sector, the shipowner is not always the same as the person or entity commercially operating the ship. Therefore, all the data required under the EU MRV Regulation should be collected by and attributed to the party responsible for the commercial operation of the ship, such as the manager, the time charterer or the bareboat charterer. Amendment 12 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 c (new) (6c)  The data collected under the EU MRV Regulation should be used to foster the transition towards zero-emissions ships through the establishment of an energy efficiency certificate for ships, with a rating scale, to enable a transparent comparison of ships, especially for sale or rent, and to encourage Member States to promote best practices and support the most efficient ships. Amendment 13 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 d (new) (6d)  A European shipping label for products should be developed by the Commission in cooperation with shipowners, other stakeholders and independent experts, in order to inform consumers about the environmental impact of maritime transport related to products that they purchase. Such a label would support the environmental and energy transition of the shipping sector by providing a reliable and transparent way of informing customers about voluntary initiatives. It would encourage consumers to purchase products transported by shipowners that have reduced their environmental impact, for example regarding greenhouse gases and pollutant emissions, noise pollution, waste and water management. Amendment 14 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 e (new) (6e)  Council Directive 92/106/EEC1a contributes to the reduction of transport emissions by promoting a shift from road freight transport to lower-emission transport modes, including zero-emission river corridors. A revision of that Directive is necessary, in order to step up the efforts to promote multimodal transport and increase efficiency and low emission alternatives. Zero-emission waterway transport is key to developing a sustainable modal shift from road to waterways, and it is therefore necessary to support investment in refuelling and recharging infrastructure in inland ports. __________________ 1a Council Directive 92/106/EEC of 7 December 1992 on the establishment of common rules for certain types of combined transport of goods between Member States (OJ L 368, 17.12.1992, p. 38). Amendment 15 Proposal for a regulation Recital 6 f (new) (6f)  Union ports constitute strategic hubs in the energy transition due to their geographical position and economic activities. They represent the main entry points of energy commodities, (from importation, storage or distribution), increasingly engage in the development of renewable energy production sites and develop new energy management and circular economy strategies. In line with the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Union should therefore accompany the decarbonisation of the maritime sector with a strategic approach of Union ports to support their role as facilitator of the energy transition. Member States should be encouraged to stimulate the development of zero-emission ports and invest in refuelling and recharging infrastructures. It would ensure immediate health benefits to all citizens living in port and coastal areas, as well as limit negative impacts on marine and coastal biodiversity in such areas, which also represent vast land territories, some of which are part of the Natura 2000 network. Amendment 16 Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 (7)  Article 22 of the EU MRV Regulation states that the Commission will, in the event of an international agreement on a global monitoring, reporting and verification system, review the EU MRV Regulation and, if appropriate, propose amendments in order to ensure alignment with that international agreement. (7)  Article 22 of the EU MRV Regulation states that the Commission will, in the event of an international agreement on a global monitoring, reporting and verification system, or on global measures to reduce GHG emissions from maritime transport, review the EU MRV Regulation and, if appropriate, propose amendments in order to ensure consistency with that international agreement. It is important that, irrespective of any global measures, the Union remains able to be ambitious and demonstrates climate leadership by maintaining or adopting more stringent measures within the Union. Amendment 17 Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 (8)  Under the Paris Agreement that was adopted in December 2015 at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)23 , the Union and its Member States have undertaken an economy-wide reduction target. Efforts to limit international maritime emissions through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are under way and should be encouraged. The IMO adopted24 in October 2016 a data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships ("the global IMO DCS"). (8)  Under the Paris Agreement that was adopted in December 2015 at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)23 , the Union and its Member States have undertaken an economy-wide reduction target. Efforts to limit international maritime emissions through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are under way and should be encouraged. The IMO adopted24 in October 2016 a data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships ("the global IMO DCS"). IMO also adopted on 13 April 2018 an initial strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships (‘IMO Initial Strategy’), seeking to cap the increase of those emissions as soon as possible and to reduce them by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008, and to pursue efforts towards phasing them out entirely. At the same time, the Member States and Associated Members of IMO, including all Union Member States, committed to reducing CO2 emissions per transport work, as an average across international maritime shipping, by at least 40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards a 70% reduction by 2050. It is therefore appropriate to include the core elements of the IMO Initial Strategy in Union law, while continuing to engage constructively with IMO Member States to reach a global agreement on the GHG emissions reduction measures. Companies should be obliged to linearly reduce the annual CO2 emissions per transport work by at least 40% by 2030 as an average across all ships under their responsibility, compared to the average performance per category of ships of the same size and type as reported under the MRV Regulation. The baseline for the GHG emission reduction measures should be established by using the data from the THETIS-MRV and the IMO DCS, while fully recognising the emission reductions already undertaken by the ‘decarbonising first movers’ companies. The Commission should adopt delegated acts to define the detailed rules for determining the baseline, the annual reduction factor for each ship category, the rules and means for calculating and collecting the excess emissions penalties, and any other rule necessary for the compliance and verification of compliance with this obligation. __________________ __________________ 23 Paris Agreement (OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 4). 23 Paris Agreement (OJ L 282, 19.10.2016, p. 4). 24 IMO Resolution MEPC.278(70) amending MARPOL Annex VI. 24 IMO Resolution MEPC.278(70) amending MARPOL Annex VI. Amendment 18 Proposal for a regulation Recital 9 (9)  Considering the co-existence of these two monitoring, reporting and verification systems, the Commission assessed pursuant to Article 22 of the EU MRV Regulation how to align the two systems so as to reduce administrative burden for ships, while preserving the objectives of the EU MRV Regulation. (9)  Considering the co-existence of these two monitoring, reporting and verification systems, the Commission assessed pursuant to Article 22 of the EU MRV Regulation how to align the two systems so as to reduce administrative burden for ships, especially those owned by SMEs, while preserving the objectives of the EU MRV Regulation. Amendment 19 Proposal for a regulation Recital 10 (10)  The impact assessment indicated that a partial alignment of the two monitoring, reporting and verification systems could contribute to reducing the administrative burden for shipping companies, while preserving the key objectives of the EU MRV Regulation. Such a partial alignment should however not modify the governance, scope, verification, transparency or CO2 reporting requirements of the EU MRV Regulation as it would severely undermine its objectives and affect its capacity to inform future policy-making decisions and to incentivise the uptake of energy efficiency measures and behaviours in shipping. Any amendments to the EU MRV Regulation should therefore limit the alignment with the global IMO DCS in relation to definitions, monitoring parameters, monitoring plans and templates. (10)  The impact assessment indicated that a partial alignment of the two monitoring, reporting and verification systems could contribute to reducing the administrative burden for shipping companies, while preserving the key objectives of the EU MRV Regulation. Such a partial alignment should however not modify the governance, verification, transparency or CO2 reporting requirements of the EU MRV Regulation as it would severely undermine its objectives and affect its capacity to inform future policy-making decisions and to incentivise the uptake of energy efficiency measures and behaviours in shipping. Any amendments to the EU MRV Regulation should therefore limit the alignment with the global IMO DCS in relation to ships covered by the EU MRV Regulation, definitions, monitoring parameters, monitoring plans and templates. Amendment 20 Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 (12)  Global IMO DCS provisions on data to be monitored and reported annually should be taken into account so as to ensure that streamlined data is collected for ships' activities falling under both systems. In order to do so, the parameter "deadweight tonnage" should be reported but "cargo carried" should remain on a voluntary basis. "Time at sea" should be replaced by the global IMO DCS definition of “hours underway". Finally, calculation of “distance travelled” should be based on global IMO DCS25 to reduce administrative burden. (12)  Global IMO DCS provisions on data to be monitored and reported annually should be taken into account so as to ensure that streamlined data is collected for ships' activities falling under both systems. In order to do so, the parameter "deadweight tonnage" should be reported in addition to “cargo carried”. "Time at sea" should be replaced by the global IMO DCS definition of “hours underway". Finally, calculation of“ distance travelled” should be based on global IMO DCS25 to reduce administrative burden. __________________ __________________ 25 IMO Resolution MEPC 282 (70). 25 IMO Resolution MEPC 282 (70). Amendment 21 Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 (13)  Content of monitoring plans should be streamlined so as to take into consideration the global IMO DCS except for the parts of the plan which are necessary to ensure that only Union-related data are monitored and reported under the EU MRV Regulation. Therefore, any "per voyage" provisions should remain as part of the monitoring plan. (13)  Content of monitoring plans should be streamlined so as to take into consideration the global IMO DCS except for the parts of the plan which are necessary to ensure that only Union-related data are monitored and reported under the EU MRV Regulation. Therefore, any "per voyage" provisions should remain as part of the monitoring plan. The Commission should also assist the Member States by sharing expertise and good practices, as well as the implementation of new technologies, with the objective of decreasing administrative barriers and of retrieving data efficiently and securely. Amendment 22 Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 a (new) (13a)  The impact assessment conducted by the Commission in 2013 and accompanying the proposal for the EU MRV Regulation showed the effectiveness of the EU ETS for maritime emissions and identified an EU ETS system or a target-based compensation fund as the options that could ensure the necessary emissions reductions are achieved in the sector. In order to include maritime shipping in the Union's emissions reduction effort, Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council1a should be amended to cover maritime emissions. The Commission should adopt delegated acts for setting the total quantity of allowances for maritime transport in line with other sectors, and the method of allocation of allowances for maritime transport through full auctioning. When preparing those delegated acts, the Commission should update the 2013 impact assessment, in particular to take account of the Union’s economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law] and the economic impact including in terms of possible risks of unintended modal shifts and carbon leakage. The Commission should publish the results of that assessment. It is important that the Union and its Member States support measures at international level to reduce the climate impact of maritime transport. The Commission should keep under review any progress made towards the adoption of a market-based measure by IMO, and should in the event of adoption of a global market-based measure, consider how to ensure that there is consistency between Union and global measures in a manner that preserves the environmental integrity and effectiveness of Union climate action. Amendment 23 Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 b (new) (13b)  The successful transition to zero-emission shipping requires an integrated approach and the appropriate enabling environment to stimulate innovation, both on ships and in ports. That enabling environment involves public and private investment in research and innovation, technological and operational measures to improve the energy efficiency of ships, and the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia, that are produced from renewable energy sources and of zero-emission propulsion technologies, including the necessary refuelling and recharging infrastructure in ports. An Ocean Fund should be established from revenues generated from the auctioning of maritime allowances under the EU ETS to improve the energy efficiency of ships and support investment aimed at helping to decarbonise maritime transport, including in short sea shipping and ports. The Commission should also develop measures to regulate the access of the most polluting ships to Union ports and to oblige docked fossil-fuel ships to use shore-side electricity or alternative zero-emission options. The Commission should also assess the possibility of requiring ports to adopt demurrage tariffs based on emissions. Amendment 24 Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 c (new) (13c)  The successful transition towards zero-emission and green ships requires an integrated approach to promote innovative measures for greener ships, for example regarding hull design, new engines and sustainable alternative fuels, and wind propulsion, and operational measures, which can be implemented in the short term to reduce fuel consumption and thus emissions, such as speed reduction or better route planning. Speed reduction, also referred to as slow steaming, was tested on a large scale between 2006 and 2012 due to the sharp increase in fuel prices: a 10% reduction in speed led to a reduction in consumption of around 19%1a and a corresponding reduction in emissions. Market based measures such as the EU ETS will encourage the reduction of emissions and investment in research and innovation, to improve the energy efficiency of ships, and the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels and propulsion technologies, including the necessary refuelling and recharging infrastructures in ports and inland ports. __________________ 1a ‘The impact of international shipping on European air quality and climate forcing’, European Environment Agency, Technical report No 4/2013. Amendment 25 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 a (new) (14a)  In order to maintain a high quality of data reported in the THETIS-MRV register, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) should be given the necessary powers and resources to be able to check emissions reports that have been verified as satisfactory by a verifier. Amendment 26 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 b (new) (14b)  The Commission should review the functioning of Regulation (EU) 2015/757, taking into account the experience gained in the implementation of that Regulation and of the global IMO DCS, as well as other relevant developments aimed at reducing GHG emissions from maritime transport. Amendment 27 Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 c (new) (14c)  Maritime transport is also a source of air pollutants, such as sulphur oxide (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM), ozone depleting substances (ODS) and volatile organic compounds (VOC)1a. Air pollutants adversely impact both the environment and the health of citizens, in particular those living or working in coastal or port areas. The Commission should review the relevant legislation by June 2021 and make concrete proposals to address the problem of air pollution emissions from maritime transport. The Commission should also work on the extension of Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECA) and NOx Emission Control Areas (NECA) in all European seas, including in the Mediterranean sea, and further address the problem of the discharge of washwater from scrubbers and the discharge of other substances, such as ballast water, hydrocarbons, heavy metals and chemicals, into open waters, and the problem of the impact of such substances on marine biodiversity. Amendment 28 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 (15)  The objective of Regulation (EU) 2015/757 is to monitor, report and verify CO2 emissions from ships calling at EEA ports as the first step of a staged approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of its scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level. The global IMO DCS should be taken into account and this Regulation ensures the continued comparability and reliability of collected data based on a single set of requirements. The Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective. (15)  The objective of Regulation (EU) 2015/757 is to monitor, report and verify GHG emissions from ships calling at EEA ports, to reduce their average carbon intensity per transport work, including by significantly reducing their emissions when at berth, and to price those emissions so as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector. This cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of its scale and effects, be better achieved at Union level. The global IMO DCS should be taken into account and this Regulation ensures the continued comparability and reliability of collected data based on a single set of requirements. The Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective. Amendment 29 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 a (new) (15a)  The transition to climate neutral shipping has yet to be achieved and regulatory measures in that regard have been hitherto inadequate. Ports can have a significant role in the decarbonisation of maritime transport. Operators of ships calling at Union ports should be obliged to ensure, through means such as connecting to shore-side electricity, that when at berth their ships do not emit greenhouse gas or air-polluting emissions. This would be particularly important in the case of berths located close to urban areas, in order to reduce the effects of air pollution on human health. Given the differential impacts of ships in relation to greenhouse gas and air-polluting emissions, most polluting ships, including large passenger ships, should be required to comply with that requirement first. Amendment 30 Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 b (new) (15b)  Ship operators should ensure they operate the vessels in the most energy-efficient manner possible, keeping emissions to the lowest possible levels. Shipbuilders should ensure they make emissions reduction a priority when building new ships. Amendment 31 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – title (new) Amendments to Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Amendment 32 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph -1 (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 is amended as follows: Amendment 33 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph -1 a (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Recital 23 (-1a)  Recital 23 is replaced by the following: (23)  Other greenhouse gases, climate forcers or air pollutants should not be covered by the Union MRV system at this stage to avoid requirements to install not sufficiently reliable or commercially available measuring equipment, which could impede the implementation of the Union MRV system. "(23) The Union MRV system should be extended to cover also other greenhouse gases, climate forcers and air pollutants, where sufficiently reliable or commercially available measuring equipment exists, to better protect the climate, the environment and human health." Amendment 34 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph -1 b (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 1 (-1b)  Article 1 is replaced by the following: Article 1 "Article 1 Subject matter Subject matter This Regulation lays down rules for the accurate monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and of other relevant information from ships arriving at, within or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State, in order to promote the reduction of CO2 emissions from maritime transport in a cost effective manner. This Regulation lays down rules for the accurate monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and of other relevant information from ships arriving at, within or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State. In order to contribute to achieving the Union economy-wide climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law], while taking account of the IMO Initial Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships adopted on 13 April 2018, this Regulation imposes obligations on companies to reduce their annual average CO2 emissions per transport work in accordance with Article 12a.” Amendment 35 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph -1 c (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 2 – paragraph 1 (-1c)  In Article 2, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: 1.   This Regulation applies to ships above 5 000 gross tonnage in respect of CO 2 emissions released during their voyages from their last port of call to a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State and from a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State to their next port of call, as well as within ports of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State. "1. This Regulation applies to ships of 5 000 gross tonnage and above in respect of GHG emissions released during their voyages from their last port of call to a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State and from a port of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State to their next port of call, as well as within ports of call under the jurisdiction of a Member State." Amendment 36 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point -a (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new) (-a)  The following point is inserted: "(aa) 'greenhouse gas emissions' means the release of greenhouse gases by ships, as listed in Annex II to Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council;* _______________________ * Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32)." Amendment 37 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point -a a (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b (-aa)  Point (b) is replaced by the following: (b)  ‘port of call’ means the port where a ship stops to load or unload cargo or to embark or disembark passengers; consequently, stops for the sole purposes of refuelling, obtaining supplies, relieving the crew, going into dry-dock or making repairs to the ship and/or its equipment, stops in port because the ship is in need of assistance or in distress, ship-to-ship transfers carried out outside ports, and stops for the sole purpose of taking shelter from adverse weather or rendered necessary by search and rescue activities are excluded; "(b) ‘port of call’ means the port where a ship stops to load or unload a substantial part of its cargo or to embark or disembark passengers; consequently, stops for the sole purposes of refuelling, obtaining supplies, relieving the crew, going into dry-dock or making repairs to the ship and/or its equipment, stops in port because the ship is in need of assistance or in distress, ship-to-ship transfers carried out outside ports, and stops for the sole purpose of taking shelter from adverse weather or rendered necessary by search and rescue activities are excluded;" Amendment 38 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d (d)  'company' means the shipowner or any other organisation or person such as the manager or the bareboat charterer, which has assumed the responsibility for the operation of the ship from the shipowner and has agreed to take over all the duties and responsibilities imposed by Regulation (EC) No 336/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council; “(d) 'company' means the shipowner or any other organisation or person such as the manager; the time charterer or the bareboat charterer, which has assumed the responsibility for the commercial operation of the ship from the shipowner and is responsible for paying for fuel consumed by the ship;” Amendment 39 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point i (aa)  Point (i) is replaced by the following: (i)  ‘other relevant information’ means information related to CO2 emissions from the consumption of fuels, to transport work and to the energy efficiency of ships, which enables the analysis of emission trends and the assessment of ships' performances; “(i) ‘other relevant information’ means information related to CO2 emissions from the consumption of fuels, to transport work, to shore-to-ship power supply during docking and to the energy efficiency of ships, which enables the analysis of emission trends and the assessment of ships' performances;” Amendment 40 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 a (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 4 – paragraph 1 (1a)  In Article 4, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: 1.  In accordance with Articles 8 to 12, companies shall, for each of their ships, monitor and report on the relevant parameters during a reporting period. They shall carry out that monitoring and reporting within all ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State and for any voyages to or from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State. "1. In accordance with Articles 8 to 12, companies shall, for each of the ships under their commercial operational control, monitor and report on the relevant parameters during a reporting period. They shall carry out that monitoring and reporting within all ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State and for any voyages to or from a port under the jurisdiction of a Member State." Amendment 41 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 b (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new) (1b)  In Article 5, the following paragraph is added: “2a. By 31 December 2021, the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23, in order to supplement this Regulation by specifying the methods for determining methane (CH4) emissions. In addition to the adoption of the delegated acts referred to in the first subparagraph, the Commission shall, by 31 December 2021, assess and report to the European Parliament and the Council on the impact on the global climate of GHG emissions, other than CO2 and CH4 , from ships arriving at, within or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State. That report shall be accompanied, where appropriate, by a legislative proposal to address the question of how to deal with those emissions.” Amendment 72 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point a – point i a (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point c a (new) (ia)  the following point is inserted: ‘(ca) emission factors for alternative fuels, including for liquefied natural gas, biofuels, carbon-containing renewable fuels of non-biological origin, shall be expressed in CO2 equivalent terms and include all GHG, and be based on life-cycle analysis. These emission factors shall be determined by the Commission by means of implementing acts. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 24(2);’ Amendment 42 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 3 – point a Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point f (f)  cargo carried, on a voluntary basis; deleted Amendment 43 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 9 – paragraph 2 – point a (3a)  In Article 9(2), point (a) is replaced by the following: (a)  all of the ship´s voyage during the reporting period either start from or end at a port under the jurisdiction of a Member state; and "(a) no less than 90 % of the ship´s voyage during the reporting period either start from or end at a port under the jurisdiction of a Member state; and" Amendment 44 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point a a (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point j a (new) (aa)  The following point is added : ‘(ja) cargo carried.’ Amendment 45 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 5 – point a Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 11 – paragraph 2 2.  Where there is a change of company, the previous company shall submit to the Commission and to the authorities of the flag State concerned, as close as practical to the day of the completion of the change and no later than three months thereafter, a report covering the same elements as the emissions report but limited to the period corresponding to the activities carried out under its responsibility.; “2. Where there is a change of company, the previous company shall submit to the Commission and to the authorities of the flag State concerned, on the day of the completion of the change or as close as practical to the day of the completion of the change and no later than one month thereafter, a report covering the same elements as the emissions report but limited to the period corresponding to the activities carried out under its responsibility. The new company shall ensure that each ship under its responsibility complies with the requirements of this Regulation for the remainder of the reporting period following the change.” Amendment 46 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 5 – point b a (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 11 – paragraph 3 – point xi a (new) (ba)  In point (a) of paragraph 3, the following point is added: ‘(xia) cargo carried;’ Amendment 47 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 5 – point b b (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 11 – paragraph 3 – point xi b (new) (bb)  In point (a) of paragraph 3, the following point is added: ‘(xib) size of the ship;’ Amendment 48 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 5 a (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Chapter II a (new) – Article 12 a (new) (5a)  The following chapter is inserted: "CHAPTER II a EMISSIONS REDUCTION Article 12a Reduction of emissions 1.  Companies shall linearly reduce the annual CO2 emissions per transport work by at least 40% by 2030 as an average across all ships under their responsibility, compared to the average performance per category of ships of the same size and type as reported under this Regulation. 2.  Where, in a given year, a company fails to comply with the annual reduction referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall impose a financial penalty, which shall be effective, proportionate, dissuasive and compatible with a market-based trading emission system, such as the EU ETS. Payment of the excess emissions penalty shall not release the company from its obligation under paragraph 1 for the period until 2030. In the case of companies that have failed to comply with the emission limits laid down under this Article, the provisions of Article 20(3) and 20(4) shall apply. 3.  The Commission shall adopt delegated acts by... [6 months after the entry into force of this Regulation] in accordance with Article 23 to supplement this Regulation by defining the ship categories referred to in paragraph 1, by determining the baseline and the annual linear reduction factor to be applied for each ship category by using the data from the THETIS-MRV, including the mandatory parameter ‘cargo carried’, and the IMO DCS, while fully recognising the emission reductions already undertaken by the ‘decarbonising first movers’ companies, so as to achieve the target referred to in paragraph 1, by specifying the rules and means for calculating and collecting the excess emissions penalty referred to in paragraph 2, and by specifying any other rule necessary for the compliance and verification of compliance with this Article. 4.  Within 12 months of the adoption by IMO of measures to implement the Initial Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships adopted on 13 April 2018 and before those measures take effect, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council in which it shall examine the ambition and overall environmental integrity of the measures decided upon by IMO, including their general ambition in relation to targets under the Paris Agreement, to the Union economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and to the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law]. 5.  Where appropriate, the Commission may accompany the report referred to in paragraph 4 with a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council to amend this Regulation in a manner that is consistent with the aim of preserving the environmental integrity and effectiveness of Union climate action, in particular the Union economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law]." Amendment 49 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 5 b (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 12 b (new) (5b)  The following article is inserted: “Article 12b Emissions from ships at berth Companies shall ensure that, by 2030, no ships under their responsibility emit GHG emissions when at berth.” Amendment 50 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 5 c (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 21 – paragraph 1 (5c)  In Article 21, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: 1.  By 30 June each year, the Commission shall make publicly available the information on CO2 emissions reported in accordance with Article 11 as well as the information set out in paragraph 2 of this Article. "1. By 30 June each year, the Commission shall make publicly available the information reported in accordance with Article 11 as well as the information set out in paragraph 2 of this Article." Amendment 51 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 5 d (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point a (5d)  In Article 21, point (a) of paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: (a)  the identity of the ship (name, IMO identification number and port of registry or home port); "(a) the identity of the ship (name, company, IMO identification number and port of registry or home port);" Amendment 74 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 6 a (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point d (6a)  In Article 21(2), point d is amended as follows: (d)  the annual total fuel consumption for voyages; (d)  the annual total fuel consumption, per fuel type, for voyages; Amendment 52 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 6 b (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point k a (new) (6b)  In Article 21, paragraph 2, the following point is added: ‘(ka) the size of the ship.’ Amendment 76 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 6 c (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point k b (new) (6c)  In Article 21(2), the following point is added: ‘(kb) total distance;’ Amendment 77 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 6 d (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 21 – paragraph 2 – point k c (new) (6d)  In Article 21(2), the following point is added: ‘(kc) deadweight tonnage;’ Amendment 78 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – ­ paragraph 6 e (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 21 ­ – paragraph 2 ­ – point k d (new) (6e)  In Article 21(2), the following point is added: ‘(kd) transport work;’ Amendment 79 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – ­ paragraph 6 f (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 21 ­ – paragraph 2 – ­ point k e (new) (6f)  In Article 21(2), the following point is added: ‘(ke) name of the shipowner;’ Amendment 80 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – ­ paragraph 6 g (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 21 – ­ paragraph 2 – ­ point k f (new) (6g)  In Article 21(2), the following point is added: ‘(kf) cargo carried.’ Amendment 53 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 6 h (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 21 – paragraph 6 a (new) (6h)  In Article 21, the following paragraph is added: "6a. In line with its 2020-2022 work programme, EMSA shall perform further statistical verification of the data submitted under Article 11(1) to ensure that the data provided are consistent.” Amendment 54 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 6 i (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 21 a (new) (6i)  The following article is inserted: "Article 21a Environmental performance labelling of ships 1.  So as to incentivise emissions reductions and increase the transparency of information, the Commission shall set up a holistic Union labelling system for the environmental performance of ships which shall apply to the ships covered by this Regulation. 2.  By 1 July 2021, the Commission shall adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 to supplement this Regulation by setting out the detailed provisions of the functioning of the Union labelling system for the environmental performance of ships as well as the technical standards which constitute its basis." Amendment 55 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 6 j (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 22 – paragraph 3 (6j)  In Article 22, paragraph 3 is deleted; Amendment 56 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 6 k(new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 22 a (new) (6k)  The following article is inserted: "Article 22a Review 1.  By 31 December 2022, the Commission shall review the functioning of this Regulation, taking into account the experience gained in its implementation, as well as other relevant developments aimed at reducing GHG emissions from maritime transport and at fulfilling the Union’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. As part of the review, the Commission shall propose additional requirements to reduce GHG emissions other than CO2, as well as to reduce air pollutants and the discharge of wastewater, including from scrubbers, into open waters from ships. The review shall also consider the extension of the scope of this Regulation to include ships between 400 and 5000 gross tonnage. The review shall, where appropriate, be accompanied by a legislative proposal to amend this Regulation. 2.  As part of the forthcoming review of Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council* and Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council**, the Commission shall also make a proposal to lay down binding targets for Member States to ensure that there is an adequate supply of shore-side electricity in maritime and inland ports. __________________ * Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (OJ L 307, 28.10.2014, p. 1). ** Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans- European transport network and repealing Decision No 661/2010/EU (OJ L 348, 20.12.2013, p. 1)." Amendment 57 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 6 l (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 23 – paragraph 2 (6l)  In Article 23, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: 2.  The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 5(2), 15(5) and 16(3) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 1 July 2015. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. "2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Articles 5(2), 5(2a), 12a(3), 15(5) and 16(3) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years from 1 July 2015. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period." Amendment 58 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 6 m (new) Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 23 – paragraph 3 (6m)  In Article 23, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: 3.  The delegation of power referred to in Articles 5(2), 15(5) and 16(3) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force. "3. The delegation of power referred to in Articles 5(2), 5(2a), 12a(3), 15(5) and 16(3) may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force." Amendment 59 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 6 n Regulation (EU) 2015/757 Article 23 – paragraph 5 (6n)  In Article 23, paragraph 5 is replaced by the following: 5.  A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 5(2), 15(5) and 16(3) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council. "5. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Articles 5(2), 5(2a), 12a(3), 15(5) and 16(3) shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council." Amendment 60 Proposal for a regulation Article 1 a (new) Directive 2003/87/EC Chapter II a (new) Article 1a Amendments to Directive 2003/87/EC Directive 2003/87/EC is amended as follows: (1)  the following chapter is inserted: ‘CHAPTER IIa MARITIME TRANSPORT Article 3ga Scope The provisions of this Chapter shall apply from 1 January 2022 to the issue and allocation of allowances in respect of greenhouse gas emissions from ships arriving at, within, or departing from ports under the jurisdiction of a Member State covered by Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council*.Where there is a change of company pursuant to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2015/757, the new company shall only be required to acquire allowances in respect of greenhouse gas emissions related to the period during which the activities of the ship were carried out under its responsibility. Article 3gb Total quantity and method of allocation of allowances for maritime transport 1.  By 31 December 2020, the Commission shall update the impact assessment carried out in 2013 and accompanying the Commission proposal for Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council** and adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 to supplement this Directive by setting the total quantity of allowances for maritime transport in line with other sectors and the method of allocation of allowances for maritime transport through full auctioning, as well as laying down the special provisions with regard to the administering Member State. The delegated acts shall be based on the best available data and on an assessment of the impact of different options, including the impact on emissions as well as the economic impact. 2.  Articles 12 and 16 shall apply to allowances for maritime transport in the same manner as to allowances related to other activities. 3.  At least 50% of the revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be used through the Fund established under Article 3gc. 4.  Revenues generated from the auctioning of allowances that are not used through the Fund defined in Article 3gc and which are allocated to Member States shall be used in a way that is consistent with the aims of this Directive, in particular to tackle climate change in the Union and third countries, to protect and restore marine ecosystems impacted by global warming, and to support a just transition in Member States, supporting redeployment, re-skilling and up-skilling of workers, education, job-seeking initiatives and start-ups, in dialogue with social partners. All information on the use of those revenues shall be made public. 5.  The Commission shall monitor the implementation of this Chapter and possible trends as regards companies seeking to avoid being bound by the requirements of this Directive. If appropriate, the Commission shall propose measures to prevent such avoidance. Article 3gc Ocean Fund 1.  An Ocean Fund (‘the Fund’) shall be established for the period from 2022 to 2030 to improve the energy efficiency of ships and support investment in innovative technologies and infrastructure to decarbonise the maritime transport sector, including in short sea shipping and ports, and the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia, that are produced from renewables, and of zero-emission propulsion technologies, including wind technologies. 20% of the revenues under the Fund shall be used to contribute to the protection, restoration and better management of marine ecosystems impacted by global warming, such as marine protected areas; and to promote a crosscutting sustainable blue economy such as renewable marine energy. All investment supported by the Fund shall be made public and shall be consistent with the aims of this Directive. 2.  By way of derogation from Article 12 of this Directive, maritime transport companies may pay an annual membership contribution to the Fund in accordance with their total emissions reported for the preceding calendar year under Regulation (EU) 2015/757 to limit the administrative burden for maritime companies, including small and medium sized companies and companies that are not frequently active within the scope of this Directive. The Fund shall surrender allowances collectively on behalf of maritime transport companies that are members of the Fund. The membership contribution per tonne of emissions shall be set by the Fund by 28 February each year, but shall be at least equal to the highest recorded primary or secondary market settlement price for allowances in the preceding year. 3.  The Fund shall acquire allowances equal to the collective total quantity of contributions referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article during the preceding calendar year and shall surrender them to the registry established under Article 19 of this Directive by 30 April each year for subsequent cancellation. All information on the contributions shall be made available to the public. 4.  The Fund shall be managed centrally through a Union body whose governance structure shall be similar to the governance of the fund provided for in Article 10a(8) of this Directive. Its governance structure and decision making process shall be transparent and inclusive, in particular in the setting of priority areas, criteria and grant allocation procedures. Relevant stakeholders shall have an appropriate consultative role. All information on the investments and all other relevant information on the functioning of the Fund shall be made available to the public 5.  The Commission shall engage with third countries with regard to how they can also make use of the Fund. 6.  The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 to supplement this Directive concerning the implementation of this Article. Article 3gd Reporting and review by the Commission concerning the implementation of climate mitigation measures at the International Maritime Organisation 1.  Within 12 months of the adoption by IMO of global market-based measures to reduce GHG emissions from maritime transport, and before those measures become operational, the Commission shall present a report to the European Parliament and to the Council in which it shall examine the ambition and overall environmental integrity of those measures, including their general ambition in relation to targets under the Paris Agreement, and to the Union economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law]. That report shall particularly take into account the level of participation in those global measures, their enforceability, transparency, the penalties for non-compliance, the processes for public input, the use of offset credits, monitoring, reporting and verification of emissions, registries, accountability as well as rules on the use of biofuels. 2.  Where appropriate, the Commission shall accompany the report referred to in paragraph 1 with a legislative proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council to amend this Directive in a manner that is consistent with the aim of preserving the environmental integrity and effectiveness of Union climate action, in particular the Union economy-wide GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and the climate-neutrality objective as defined in Regulation (EU) .../... [European Climate Law]. __________________ * Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 on the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport, and amending Directive 2009/16/EC (OJ L 123, 19.5.2015, p. 55). ** Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on a mechanism for monitoring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions and for reporting other information at national and Union level relevant to climate change and repealing Decision No 280/2004/EC (OJ L 165, 18.6.2013, p. 13).”

(1) The matter was referred back for interinstitutional negotiations to the committee responsible, pursuant to Rule 59(4), fourth subparagraph (A9-0144/2020).

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

P9_TA(2020)0220 A9-0146/2020

(Special legislative procedure – consultation)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Council draft (10025/2020),

–  having regard to Article 311 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 106a of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C9‑0215/2020),

–  having regard to its resolutions of 14 March 2018 on the next MFF: preparing the Parliament’s position on the MFF post-2020(1) and on reform of the European Union’s system of own resources(2),

–  having regard to its resolution of 30 May 2018 on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources(3),

–  having regard to its interim report of 14 November 2018 on the multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 – Parliament’s position with a view to an agreement(4),

–  having regard to its resolution of 10 October 2019 on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources: time to meet citizens' expectations(5),

–  having regard to the statements by the Commission and the Council of 10 October 2019 on the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and own resources: time to meet citizens’ expectations,

–  having regard to its resolution of 15 May 2020 on the new multiannual financial framework, own resources and the recovery plan(6),

–  having regard to the Commission Communication on the “The EU budget powering the recovery plan for Europe” (COM(2020)0442),

–  having regard to the final report and recommendations of the High-Level Group on Own Resources, published in December 2016 and presented to the European Parliament and Council in January 2017,

–  having regard to its resolution of 23 July 2020 on the conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting of 17-21 July 2020(7),

–  having regard to Rule 82 of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A9-0146/2020),

1.  Approves the Council draft as amended;

2.  Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

3.  Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to substantially amend its draft;

4.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Council draft   Amendment Amendment 1 Draft decision Recital 1 a (new) (1a)  This Decision provides the legal basis for the Commission to borrow funds on the capital markets in order to finance expenditure in the framework of the Next Generation EU Recovery Package. The related costs of the principal and interest of the repayments must be re-financed by the Union budget in a pre-defined time frame depending on the maturities of the bonds issued and the debt repayment strategy. Such costs should not lead to an undue reduction in programme expenditure or investment instruments under the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), nor should they result in sharp increases in national contributions. Therefore, and in order to enhance the credibility and sustainability of the Next Generation EU repayment plan, such costs should be covered entirely by income from genuine new own resources. The related expenditure appropriations should be counted over and above the MFF ceilings, as to be provided for in the new MFF Regulation. Amendment 2 Draft decision Recital 1 b (new) (1b)   Any amounts generated by new own resources beyond the level necessary to cover the repayment obligations in a given year should remain in the Union budget as general revenue. After the end of the repayment plan, those own resources should continue to fund the Union budget as general revenue. The introduction of a basket of new own resources should guarantee the appropriate level of financing of Union spending in the MFF, while mitigating the predominance of national GNI-based contributions in the financing of the Union's annual budget, and thereby diminish the conception of the Union budget as a "zero sum game" marked by the "juste retour" routines. This in turn could facilitate a better focus of expenditure at Union level on priority areas and common public goods with high efficiency gains compared to national spending. Amendment 3 Draft decision Recital 1 c (new) (1c)  In order for their proceeds to be available when the interest and repayment obligations occur, the new categories of own resources should be introduced as of 2021. The new own resources should be aligned with Union policy objectives and should support the European Green Deal and the functioning of the single market, as well as efforts to improve the effectiveness of corporate taxation and to strengthen the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance. The European Parliament, in its MFF-Own Resources Interim Report of November 2018, has already endorsed a possible basket of new own resources and other revenue that display such characteristics; that basket could be enlarged to include further options. Amendment 4 Draft decision Recital 5 (5)  The present system for determining the VAT-based own resource has been repeatedly criticised by the Court of Auditors, the European Parliament and Member States as overly complex. The European Council of 17 - 21 July 2020 has therefore concluded that it is appropriate to simplify the calculation of that own resource. (5)  The own resource based on Value Added Tax is a well-established source of income for the Union budget and should continue to reflect the intrinsic link between consumers in the single market and the Union public finances. However, the present system for determining the VAT-based own resource has been repeatedly criticised by the Court of Auditors, the European Parliament and Member States as overly complex. It is therefore appropriate to simplify the calculation of that own resource. Amendment 5 Draft decision Recital 6 (6)  In order to better align the Union's financing instruments with its policy priorities, to better reflect the role of the Union's budget in the functioning of the Single Market, to better support the objectives of Union policies and to reduce Member States' contributions based on Gross National Income (GNI) to the Union's annual budget, the European Council of 17 - 21 July 2020 concluded that the Union would over the coming years work towards reforming the own resources system and introduce new own resources.. (6)  In order to finance at least the costs of principal and interest of the repayments of the Union Recovery Instrument, to better align the Union's financing instruments with its policy priorities, to better reflect the Union's budget role for the functioning of the Single Market, to better support the objectives of Union policies, such as the European Green Deal and digital transformation, whilst mitigating the predominance of Member States' GNI-based contributions to the Union's annual budget, it is necessary to introduce new categories of own resources based on the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, the national revenue stemming from the European Union Emissions Trading System and a national contribution calculated on the basis of non-recycled plastic packaging waste, encouraging circular economy. Moreover, new own resources based on a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, in full compatibility with WTO rules, a digital services tax and the Financial Transaction Tax, implemented preferably according to a scheme agreed by all Member States, should be introduced to that end as soon as the underlying legislative conditions are in place. The Commission should make the necessary legislative proposals for those new own resources and potential other new own resources, which support the European Green Deal as well as the functioning of the single market and efforts to improve the effectiveness of corporate taxation, as soon as possible. Potential new own resources already communicated by the Commission, such as the single market levy, should be further assessed before being presented to the European Parliament and the Council. Amendment 6 Draft decision Recital 7 (7)  As a first step, a new category of own resources based on a national contribution calculated on the basis of non-recycled plastic packaging waste should be introduced. In line with the European strategy for plastics, the Union budget can contribute to reduce pollution from plastic packaging waste. An own resource which is based on a national contribution proportional to the quantity of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled in each Member State will provide an incentive to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics, foster recycling and boost the circular economy. At the same time, Member States will be free to take the most suitable measures to achieve those goals, in line with the principle of subsidiarity. In order to avoid an excessively regressive impact on national contributions, an adjustment mechanism with an annual lump sum reduction should be applied to contributions of Member States with a GNI per capita in 2017 below the EU average. The reduction should correspond to 3.8 kg multiplied by the population in 2017 of the Member States concerned. (7)  In line with the Union strategy on plastics, the Union budget can contribute to reduce pollution from plastic packaging waste and achieve the packaging waste recycling targets. An own resource which is based on a national contribution proportional to the quantity of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled in each Member State will provide an incentive to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics, foster recycling and boost the circular economy. The Commission should establish a streamlined calculation method, as well as effective registration and control mechanisms. At the same time, Member States will be free to take the most suitable measures to achieve those goals, in line with the principle of subsidiarity. Given that that contribution is intended to be an own resource building on the polluter pays principle, it should not be subject to any correction mechanism. Amendment 7 Draft decision Recital 7 a (new) (7a)  The Union considers it a priority to achieve its emission reduction target of at least 40 % between 1990 and 2030 in accordance with its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement. The European Union Emissions Trading System (ETS) is one of the main instruments that has been put in place to implement that objective and generates revenue through the auctioning of emission allowances. Considering the harmonised nature of the ETS as well as the funding provided by the Union to foster mitigation and adaptation efforts in Member States, it is appropriate to introduce a new own resource for the Union budget in that context. That own resource should be based on the allowances to be auctioned by Member States, including transitional free allocation to the power sector. In order to take account of the specific provisions for certain Member States provided for in Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council1a , allowances redistributed for the purposes of solidarity, growth and interconnections as well as allowances dedicated to the Innovation Fund and the Modernisation Fund should not be counted for determining the own resource contribution. The own resource based on the ETS should also be defined in a way that includes the potential additional revenue resulting from future expansion of the scope of the ETS Directive to new sectors or geographical regions, while ensuring Union competitiveness. __________________ 1a Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). Amendment 8 Draft decision Recital 8 (8)   The European Council of 17 - 21 July 2020 noted that, as a basis for additional own resources, the Commission will put forward in the first semester of 2021 proposals on a carbon border adjustment mechanism and on a digital levy with a view to their introduction at the latest by 1 January 2023. The European Council invited the Commission to put forward a revised proposal on Emissions Trading System, possibly extending it to the aviation and maritime sectors. It concluded that the Union will, in the course of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the period 2021-2027, work towards the introduction of other own resources, which may include a Financial Transaction Tax. (8)   The required additional own resources should be introduced at the latest by 2028 according to a legally binding calendar set out in this Decision, which should ensure that the underlying legislation can be adopted in time and be made operational so that the proceeds are available when the costs occur. The Commission should make legislative proposals to that effect. An interinstitutional agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission should set out more detailed arrangements and other provisions relating to that legally binding calendar such as the dates of entry into force or possible retroactive application of certain new own resources. Amendment 9 Draft decision Recital 8 a (new) (8a)  As a first step, the contribution based on non-recycled plastic packaging waste will complement the existing own resources as of January 2021. Moreover, 30 % of the revenue of the auctioning proceeds of the ETS will constitute general income for the Union budget as of 2021. As a second step, the Commission will make the necessary proposals to turn the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) into a basis for an own resource as of 2024. The Commission will also make legislative proposals during the first semester of 2021 to introduce new own resources based on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and on a digital levy. The proceeds will become available as of 2023. If the CBAM takes the form of additional customs tariffs on imports, it will be covered by the traditional own resources legislation and would not require a separate own resources decision. If the CBAM takes the form of an extension of the scope of the ETS, it should be fully covered by the ETS-based own resource. As a third step, and as part of the midterm review / revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework in the first semester of 2024, the Commission will make further new - or re-cast former - proposals to turn the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) into a basis for an own resource. The legislation should come into effect in time for the proceeds of these new own resources to be available as of 2026. Tax-based own resources will not have to be applied retroactively. Amendment 10 Draft decision Recital 9 (9)   The European Council of 17 - 21 July 2020 concluded that the own resources arrangements should be guided by the overall objectives of simplicity, transparency and equity, including fair burden-sharing. It also concluded that Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria and Sweden, and in the context of the support for the recovery and resilience, as well as Germany, are to benefit from lump sum corrections to their annual GNI-based contributions for the period 2021-2027. (9)  Rebates and other correction mechanisms should be abolished. Amendment 11 Draft decision Recital 9 a (new) (9a)  The Union will work towards the introduction of potential additional other new own resources over the coming years and before 2028. If the European Parliament or the Council suggest a new own resource, the Commission will assess it. Amendment 12 Draft decision Recital 9 b (new) (9b)  In view of future deliberations about treaty changes, and using the momentum of the Conference on the Future of Europe, the democratic legitimacy, accountability, resilience and alignment with major policy objectives of the Union budget’s revenue side, should be further strengthened by granting the European Parliament enhanced competences in the legislative decision making and a more active role in the monitoring of the implementation of the own resources system as well as in the underlying sectoral legislation. Amendment 13 Draft decision Recital 10 (10)  Member States should retain, by way of collection costs, 25% of the amounts of traditional own resources collected by them. (10)  The retention, by way of collection costs, of 20 % of the amounts collected by the Member States for traditional own resources constitutes a high share of own resources not being made available to the Union budget. The collection costs retained by Member States from the traditional own resources should be restored from 20 % to the original level of 10 % to better align financial support for customs equipment, staff and information with the actual costs and needs. That share should be the same for all Member States. Amendment 14 Draft decision Recital 11 (11)  In accordance with the fourth paragraph of Article 311 of the Treaty on the Functioning for the European Union a Council Regulation laying down implementing measures for the Union's own resources system will be established. Such measures should include provisions of a general and technical nature, applicable to all categories of own resources. Those measures should include detailed rules for the calculation and budgeting of the balance, as well as provisions and arrangements necessary for controlling and supervising the collection of own resources. (11)  In accordance with the fourth paragraph of Article 311 of the Treaty on the Functioning for the European Union the Council is to lay down implementing measures for the Union's own resources system. Such measures should include provisions of a general and technical nature, applicable to all types of own resources and for which appropriate parliamentary oversight is particularly important. Those measures should include detailed rules for establishing the amounts of the own resources referred to in Article 2(1) to be made available, including the applicable call rates for the own resources referred to in points (b) to (e) of Article 2(1), the technical issues related to Gross National Income, the provisions and arrangements necessary for controlling and supervising the collection of own resources, including rules on inspections and on powers of officials and other servants authorised by the Commission to carry out inspections and any relevant reporting requirements. Those measures should also include practical provisions to periodically inform Member States and the European Parliament as one arm of the budgetary authority, about the state of play of the borrowing, the debt management and related risk management strategies as well as the repayment plan. Amendment 15 Draft decision Recital 13 (13)  A sufficient margin should be preserved under the own resources ceilings for the Union to cover all of its financial obligations and contingent liabilities falling due in any given year. The total amount of own resources allocated to the Union budget to cover annual appropriations for payments should not exceed 1,40 % of the sum of all the Member States’ GNIs. The total amount of annual appropriations for commitments should not exceed 1,46 % of the sum of all the Member States' GNIs. (13)  In order to preserve a sufficient margin under the own resources ceilings for the Union to cover all of its financial obligations and contingent liabilities falling due in any given year, the own resources ceiling should be increased to a level of 1,50 % of the sum of the Member States’ Gross National Income at market prices for appropriations for payments. Amendment 16 Draft decision Recital 16 a (new) (16a)  For the sole purpose of covering the additional financial obligations and contingent liabilities arising from the exceptional and temporary empowerment to borrow funds and to ensure financial sustainability even in times of economic downturn, the ceiling for payment appropriations should be increased by 0,6 percentage points. Amendment 17 Draft decision Recital 19 (19)  The repayment of funds borrowed in order to provide non-repayable support, repayable support through financial instruments or provisioning for budgetary guarantees, as well as the interest due, should be funded by the Union budget. The borrowed funds which are granted as loans to Member States should be repaid by the sums received from beneficiary Member States. The necessary resources need to be allocated and made available to the Union for it to be able to cover all of its financial obligations and contingent liabilities resulting from the exceptional and temporary empowerment to borrow in any given year and under any circumstances in compliance with Article 310(4) TFEU and Article 323 TFEU. (19)  The repayment of funds borrowed in order to provide non-repayable support, repayable support through financial instruments or provisioning for budgetary guarantees, as well as the interest due, should be funded by proceeds from the new own resources introduced in the Union budget. The borrowed funds which are granted as loans to Member States should be repaid by the sums received from beneficiary Member States. The necessary resources need to be allocated and made available to the Union for it to be able to cover all of its financial obligations and contingent liabilities resulting from the exceptional and temporary empowerment to borrow in any given year and under any circumstances in compliance with Article 310(4) TFEU and Article 323 TFEU. Amendment 18 Draft decision Recital 25 (25)  This Decision should enter into force only once it has been approved by all Member States in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements thus fully respecting national sovereignty. The European Council of 17 - 21 July 2020 noted the intention of Member States to proceed with the approval of this Decision as soon as possible. Due to the need to urgently enable borrowings with a view to financing measures addressing the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, this Decision should enter into force on the first day of the first month following receipt of the last notification of the completion of the procedures for the adoption of this Decision. (25)  In order to allow the beginning of the process of ratification this Decision is adopted by the Council after having consulted the European Parliament. The European Parliament expressed its intention to swiftly provide the consultative opinion which is legally necessary to expedite the process authorising the Commission to start with the borrowing operations to finance the European Recovery Instrument. This Decision should enter into force only once it has been approved by all Member States in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements thus fully respecting national sovereignty, including with regard to new categories of own resources. The European Council of 17 - 21 July 2020 noted the intention of Member States to proceed with the approval of this Decision as soon as possible. Due to the need to urgently enable borrowings with a view to financing measures addressing the consequences of the COVID-19 crisis, this Decision should enter into force on the first day of the first month following receipt of the last notification of the completion of the procedures for the adoption of this Decision. Amendment 19 Draft decision Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c (c)  the application of a uniform call rate to the weight of plastic packaging waste generated in each Member State that is not recycled. The call rate shall be EUR 0,80 per kilogram. An annual lump sum reduction for certain Member States as defined in the fourth subparagraph shall apply; (c)  the application, as of 1 January 2021, of a uniform call rate to the weight of plastic packaging waste that is not recycled; the actual call rate shall not exceed EUR 2,00 per kilogram; Amendment 20 Draft decision Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new) (ca)  the application, as of 1 January 2021 of a uniform call rate to the amount representing the revenue generated by the allowances to be auctioned referred to in point (a) of Article 10(2) of Directive 2003/87/EC and the market value of transitional free allowances for the modernisation of the energy sector as determined in Article 10c(3) of that Directive; the actual call rate shall not exceed 50 %; the entirety of the incremental revenue generated by any future enlargement of the scope of the Emissions Trading System after 1 January 2021 to additional sectors and regions; Amendment 21 Draft decision Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c b (new) (cb)  the revenue generated by a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism pursuant to Commission proposal [.../...] by 1 January 2023; Amendment 22 Draft decision Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c c (new) (cc)  the revenue collected from the Digital Services taxation, pending adoption and implementation of the Council Directive on a common system of a digital services tax on revenues resulting from the provision of certain digital services (COM(2018)0148) by 1 January 2023; the actual call rate shall not exceed 100 %; Amendment 23 Draft decision Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c d (new) (cd)  the application, as of 1 January 2026 of a uniform call rate to the share of taxable profits attributed to each Member State pursuant to Union rules on the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base; the actual call rate shall not exceed 6 %; Amendment 24 Draft decision Article 2 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c e (new) (ce)  the application, as of 1 January 2024, of a financial transaction tax to be levied pursuant to Council Directive (EU) No […/…], with the applicable call rates in the amount of a share not exceeding the minimum rates set out in that Directive; if the Financial Transaction Tax directive is temporarily implemented under enhanced cooperation, this own resource shall not affect the Member States that are not participating in the enhanced cooperation; Amendment 25 Draft decision Article 2 – paragraph 2 2.  For the period 2021-2027, Austria shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 565 million, Denmark shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 377 million, Germany shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 3 671 million, The Netherlands shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 1 921 million and Sweden shall benefit from a gross reduction in its annual GNI-based contribution of EUR 1 069 million. Those amounts shall be measured in 2020 prices and adjusted to current prices by applying the most recent gross domestic product deflator for the Union expressed in euros, as provided by the Commission, which is available when the draft budget is drawn up. Those gross reductions shall be financed by all Member States. 2.  No Member State is to benefit from any rebate or correction. Amendment 26 Draft decision Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new) 2a.  The European Parliament and the Council, in close cooperation with the Commission, shall set out the detailed arrangements and other necessary provisions for the application of a legally binding calendar for the introduction of new own resources in an interinstitutional agreement by 1 January 2021. The revenues from those new own resources shall be sufficient to at least cover the repayment of the borrowing costs implied by the borrowing capacity established under Article 3b. The new own resources should also guarantee the appropriate level of financing of Union spending in the MFF, while mitigating the predominance of GNI-based contributions. The Commission shall make the appropriate legislative proposals to that end. The mid-term revision of the MFF 2021-2027 shall be used, amongst other things, to adapt and, if necessary, adopt new legislation in order to reach the objectives set out in this paragraph. Amendment 27 Draft decision Article 3 – paragraph 1 1.  The total amount of own resources allocated to the Union to cover annual appropriations for payments shall not exceed 1,40% of the sum of all the Member States’ GNIs. 1.  The total amount of own resources allocated to the Union to cover annual appropriations for payments shall not exceed 1,50 % of the sum of the Gross National Incomes of all Member States. Amendment 28 Draft decision Article 3 – paragraph 2 2.  The total annual amount of appropriations for commitments entered in the Union's budget shall not exceed 1,46% of the sum of all the Member States' GNIs. deleted Amendment 29 Draft decision Article 3 – paragraph 3 3.  An orderly ratio between appropriations for commitments and appropriations for payments shall be maintained to guarantee their compatibility and to enable the ceiling set in paragraph 1 to be complied with in subsequent years. deleted Amendment 30 Draft decision Article 3 – paragraph 4 4.  Where amendments to Regulation (EU) No 549/2013 result in significant changes in the level of GNI, the Commission shall recalculate the ceilings set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 as temporarily increased in accordance with Article 3c on the basis of the following formula: deleted GNIt-2 + GNIt-1 + GNIt ESA current x% (y %) *_________________ GNIt-2 + GNIt-1 + GNIt ESA modified In that formula, ‘t’ is the latest full year for which the data defined by Regulation (EU) No 2019/5165 is available, x refers to the own resources ceiling for payment appropriations and y to the own resources ceiling for commitment appropriations. In that formula, ‘ESA’ is the European system of national and regional accounts in the Union. ___________________ 5 Regulation (EU) 2019/516 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2019 on the harmonisation of gross national income at market prices and repealing Council Directive 89/130/EEC, Euratom and Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1287/2003 (GNI Regulation) (OJ L 91, 29.3.2019, p. 19). Amendment 31 Draft decision Article 3b – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 The repayment of the principal of the funds used for expenditure referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 and the related interest due shall be borne by the general budget of the Union. The budgetary commitments may be broken down into annual instalments over several years in accordance with Article 112(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council6. The repayment of the principal of the funds used for expenditure referred to in point (b) of paragraph 1 and the related interest due shall be borne by proceeds from new own resources introduced in the general budget of the Union. The budgetary commitments may be broken down into annual instalments over several years in accordance with Article 112(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046. _____________________ 6 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) no 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p.1.). Amendment 32 Draft decision Article 5 Article 5 deleted Carry-over of surplus Any surplus of the Union's revenue over total actual expenditure during a financial year shall be carried over to the following financial year. Amendment 33 Draft decision Article 6 – paragraph 2 2.  Member States shall retain, by way of collection costs, 25 % of the amounts referred to in Article 2(1)(a). 2.  Member States shall retain, as a compensation for the costs of collection, 10 % of the amounts referred to in Article 2(1)(a). Amendment 34 Draft decision Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new) (ba)  the budgetary treatment of revenue stemming from competition fines and infringement cases; Amendment 35 Draft decision Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b b (new) (bb)   rules for establishing the amounts of the own resources referred to in points (a) - (ce) of Article 2(1) to be made available, including the applicable call rates for those own resources, within the limits set in those points as well as the calculation of the applicable rate of the own resource based on Gross National Income; Amendment 36 Draft decision Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point b c (new) (bc)   the reference Gross National Income, the provisions to adjust Gross National Income and the provisions to recalculate the ceilings for payments and commitments in case of significant changes to Gross National Income, for the purposes of applying Article 2(1);

(1) OJ C 162, 10.5.2019, p. 51. (2) OJ C 162, 10.5.2019, p. 71. (3) Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0226. (4) Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0449. (5) Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0032. (6) Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0124. (7) Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0206.

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

P9_TA(2020)0221 A9-0136/2020

The European Parliament,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Political dialogue and parliamentary elections

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

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

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

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

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

The rule of law, good governance and media freedom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms

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

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

20.  Welcomes the work of the Human Rights Department of the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs and insists that the existing human rights and anti-discrimination legislation must be thoroughly and efficiently implemented; calls for further efforts to address discrimination against women, LGBT persons, Roma people and religious minorities in the social, economic, labour and health areas and to step up the investigation and prosecution of hate speech and violent crimes against all minorities and vulnerable groups; calls on all the religious communities, including the Georgian Orthodox Church, and civil society to work to engender a climate of tolerance;

21.  Underlines the importance of further strengthening the child protection system, including by preventing violence and the sexual exploitation of minors; calls for awareness to be raised regarding digital risks and for access to education to be guaranteed for all, including children with disabilities; underlines the Georgian Government’s responsibility to monitor the situation of children in orphanages;

Institutional provisions

22.  Underlines the importance of reducing antagonism and the polarisation of politics and of ensuring constructive cooperation in the country’s democratic institutions, in particular the Parliament of Georgia; emphasises the need, therefore, to improve the political climate and build trust among all political and institutional actors, as well as between them and the Georgian people;

23.  Calls on the Parliament of Georgia to make full use of the opportunities available to Georgia as a priority country for the European Parliament’s democracy support activities and to engage in a dialogue to identify its needs;

24.  Calls on the Parliament of Georgia to strengthen its capacities to exercise parliamentary control mechanisms, particularly control over the security system; encourages a greater role for the opposition in the parliamentary oversight process, simplified procedures for summoning members of the government and other accountable officials, and the establishment of a centralised recording system to provide timely and complete information on parliamentary control to all interested stakeholders;

Economic and trade relations

25.  Notes with satisfaction that the EU is Georgia’s main trading partner, accounting for 27 % of its total trade; welcomes the continued approximation of Georgia’s legislation in trade-related areas; emphasises the need to increase and diversify Georgian exports to the EU beyond agricultural commodities and raw materials and to attract investments from the EU in Georgia in order to provide more jobs and improve Georgia’s trade balance with the EU and macro-financial stability, first and foremost by strengthening the rule of law, by fighting corruption, money laundering and tax evasion and by supporting approximation to EU standards; stresses the importance of supporting a favourable business environment for regional and small and medium-sized enterprises in order to enhance Georgia’s ability to innovate further in different economic sectors; calls on the Commission to explore increased sectoral cooperation in the digital economy, education, research and innovation, to enhance the ICT sector, digitalisation and green technologies, and to share know-how and best practices; emphasises the importance of targeted youth programmes to create fair job opportunities;

26.  Recalls that the EU-Georgia AA/DCFTA aims to gradually integrate Georgia into the single market; calls on the Commission to be more vocal in setting a target of securing single market access for Georgia and to step up initiatives aimed at deeper sectoral integration with a view to achieving more policy convergence with the EU and making the deliverables of bilateral cooperation more visible and tangible for both sides;

27.  Underlines the importance of transparency and encourages the Georgian authorities to further inform local entrepreneurs and mass media about the implementation of the DCFTA;

28.  Calls on the Commission to support the full implementation of the DCFTA through coordinated assistance, with a focus on sustainable economic development in line with the European Green Deal and on support for SMEs and structural reforms in cooperation with business and civil society, including a major reform of the banking and financial sector aimed at combating money laundering and tax evasion;

29.  Underlines the importance of structural reforms to further improve the investment climate in Georgia, including for attracting foreign direct investment and ensuring transparency thereof; encourages the Georgian authorities to bolster the capacities of the responsible institutions and increase political support and unity for infrastructure projects of strategic importance;

Sectoral cooperation

30.  Encourages the Georgian Government to continue its comprehensive reform of labour legislation so as to ensure better regulation of working conditions, including continued improvements in labour inspections and social dialogue; highlights in particular the need to amend the Labour Safety Law in order to set up a fully-fledged inspection system and a proper anti-discrimination mechanism to explicitly monitor full respect of labour rights and systematically verify any workplace hazards, to include a modern anti-corruption mechanism and to ratify all the relevant ILO conventions; encourages the involvement of civil society organisations and trade unions in these reforms in the light of their importance for workers’ and social rights in Georgia;

31.  Recalls that DCFTAs must always include robust, binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters that fully respect international commitments, in particular the Paris Agreement, and must be compliant with WTO rules; encourages the speeding up of the implementation of the third National Environment Action Programme and the approximation of Georgian legislation with the EU acquis relating to the environment, in line with the AA requirements on environmental protection; calls on Georgia to further enhance its engagement in the fight against climate change and calls on the Commission to facilitate Georgia’s participation in the European Green Deal and to ensure that the DCFTA does not contradict the environmental objectives and initiatives set out therein;

32.  Welcomes what has been achieved under the Single Support Framework and encourages a swift and effective implementation of the new assistance programmes, which focus on energy efficiency, solid waste management and water supply and sanitation;

33.  Welcomes the allocation by the Commission of EUR 3,4 billion for 18 priority projects in Georgia under the indicative trans-European transport network (TEN-T) investment action plan; calls on Georgia to improve its energy sector and connectivity, while ensuring environmental sustainability, in particular the preservation of biodiversity and protected sites, and taking into account local communities during the implementation process;

34.  Welcomes Georgia’s new education programme, the review of the 2017-2021 strategy for education and science, the new Vocational Education and Training Law, and the progress made in aligning its education quality assurance mechanism with the AA; welcomes Georgia’s successful participation in Erasmus+, which has seen almost 7 500 students and academic staff partake in exchanges between Georgia and the EU, as well as the Eastern Partnership European School and the first European School established by the EU and the Georgian Government;

35.  Recommends that the Commission continues its efforts to enable the participation of Georgia in EU-supported programmes and agencies that are open to non-EU countries, under a legally appropriate status;

o
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36.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government and Parliament of Georgia.

(1) Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0457. (2) OJ C 28, 27.1.2020, p. 97. (3) OJ C 162, 10.5.2019, p. 138. (4) OJ C 11, 12.1.2018, p. 82. (5) OJ C 294, 12.8.2016, p. 111. (6) Final report of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission of 28 February 2019 on the presidential election in Georgia, p. 30.