2. Calls on all the EU institutions and the Member States to place human rights at the centre of the EU’s relations with all third countries, including its strategic partners and in all high-level statements and meetings; emphasises the importance of effective, consistent and coherent implementation of the EU’s human rights policy, in line with the clear obligations laid down in Article 21 TEU and in the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy; commends the new VP/HR for openly stating her forthright commitment to the implementation of these principles;

The promotion of gender equality, gender mainstreaming and equal opportunities, as well as the fight against discrimination faced by children and their families on all grounds (particularly those related to sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation) should underpin any efforts to address child poverty and social exclusion.

D. whereas people should be the focus of all innovation action; whereas their full and harmonious development is the key to the successful implementation of all policies, and whereas the basis for all action taken by the EU should be the wellbeing of its inhabitants (broadly defined in terms of quality of life and long life), as members of local and regional communities and, at the same time, citizens of the Member States,

D. whereas people should be the focus of all innovation action; whereas their full and harmonious development is the key to the successful implementation of all policies, and whereas the basis for all action taken by the EU should be the wellbeing of its inhabitants (broadly defined in terms of quality of life and long life), as members of local and regional communities and, at the same time, citizens of the Member States,

D. whereas people should be the focus of all innovation action; whereas their full and harmonious development is the key to the successful implementation of all policies, and whereas the basis for all action taken by the EU should be the wellbeing of its inhabitants (broadly defined in terms of quality of life and long life), as members of local and regional communities and, at the same time, citizens of the Member States,

At the same time, however, we must ensure that the principles of budgetary rigour and prudence are at the core of all our budgetary decisions.