### b. whereas the european climate law commits the eu to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 with increased emission reductions by 2030; whereas addressing energy-related methane emissions is a key component of the european green deal , as are measures in the agriculture and waste sectors; whereas the eu strategy to reduce methane emissions notes that the eu should also play a role in ensuring methane emission reductions at global level , as the largest global importer of fossil fuels and a significant player in the agriculture sector; ### b. whereas the european climate law commits the eu as a whole to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and increasing emission reductions by 2030; whereas addressing energy-related methane emissions is a key component of the european green deal , as are measures in the agriculture and waste sectors; whereas the eu accounts for only 5% of global methane emissions , and the vast majority of methane emissions from the energy sector occur outside the eu's borders , and the eu therefore has limited influence on their reduction , although it should strive to develop effective methods for monitoring , reporting and reducing these emissions within the appropriate international forums , while making use of import regulations;


### c. whereas reducing methane emissions is indispensable in the fight against climate change , in line with the goals of the paris agreement; whereas methane emissions contribute to air pollution and it is therefore necessary to tackle these emissions in order to protect the health of eu citizens; ### c. whereas reducing methane emissions is indispensable in the fight against climate change , in line with the goals of the paris agreement;


### c. whereas reducing methane emissions is indispensable in the fight against climate change , in line with the goals of the paris agreement; whereas methane emissions contribute to air pollution and it is therefore necessary to tackle these emissions in order to protect the health of eu citizens; ### c. whereas methane emissions contribute to air pollution and it is therefore necessary to tackle these emissions in order to protect the health of eu citizens; whereas double regulation of methane emissions as both an air pollutant and a greenhouse gas in a way that represents an excessive administrative burden should be avoided;


### 1. welcomes the cross-sectoral approach outlined in the eu strategy to reduce methane emissions and fully supports a fair framework covering the agriculture , waste and energy sectors; ### 1. welcomes the cross-sectoral approach outlined in the eu strategy to reduce methane emissions and fully supports a fair framework covering the agriculture , waste and energy sectors; notes , however , that measurement and reporting methodologies differ significantly between these sectors , making them difficult to compare;


### 2. underlines the importance of improving measurement , reporting and verification (mrv) as well as leak detection and repair (ldar) standards; ### 2. underlines the importance of improving measurement , reporting and verification (mrv) as well as leak detection and repair (ldar) standards on the basis of the existing standards in the industrial emissions directive (ied);


### 3. underscores the need to revise eu climate and environmental legislation in a coherent manner; takes the view that the binding emissions reduction targets for member states in the effort sharing regulation5 should remain the main legislative tool to reduce methane emissions , while the industrial emissions directive6 and other legislation could serve as a complementary tool; ### 3. underscores the need to revise eu climate and environmental legislation in a coherent manner that prevents double regulation and unnecessary administrative burdens; takes the view that the binding emissions reduction targets for member states in the effort sharing regulation5 should remain the main legislative tool to reduce methane emissions , while the industrial emissions directive6 and other legislation could serve as a complementary tool;


### 4. stresses the importance of developing an inventory of best practices and available technologies to promote the wider uptake of innovative mitigating actions; ### 4. stresses the importance of developing an inventory of best practices and available technologies to promote the wider uptake of innovative mitigating actions , while taking into account the fact that not all companies have equal access to these practices and technologies;


### 6. recognises the importance of voluntary industry initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions and considers that any regulatory initiatives should build upon best practices from existing voluntary actions and must be duly preceded by thorough impact assessments; ### 6. recognises the importance of voluntary industry initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions and considers that any regulatory initiatives should build upon best practices from existing voluntary actions and must be duly preceded by thorough impact assessments and the taking into account of the differences between sectors and sub-sectors;


### 7. welcomes the upcoming legislative proposal on compulsory mrv for all energy-related methane emissions; ### 7. welcomes the upcoming legislative proposal on mrv for all energy-related methane emissions; notes that such a system must be cost-effective and avoid the duplication of obligations that already exist in law and the imposition of unnecessary administrative burdens;


### 8. welcomes the commission’s proposal to consider legislation on venting and flaring in the energy sector covering , if feasible , the full supply chain; considers that existing national legislation addressing routine venting and flaring , taking into account complex safety and environmental aspects , must be taken into consideration when developing eu legislation; ### 8. welcomes the commission’s proposal to consider legislation on venting and flaring in the energy sector covering , if feasible , the full supply chain; considers that the subsidiarity principle and existing national legislation addressing routine venting and flaring , taking into account complex safety and environmental aspects , must be taken into consideration when developing eu legislation;


### 9. acknowledges that imports comprise over four fifths of the oil and gas consumed in the eu and that most methane emissions associated with oil and gas occur outside eu borders; calls on the commission to explore regulatory tools for fossil energy imports , including extending forthcoming obligations on mrv , ldar , venting and flaring to imports; ### 9. acknowledges that imports comprise over four fifths of the oil and gas consumed in the eu and that most methane emissions associated with oil and gas occur outside eu borders; calls on the commission to explore the possibility of monitoring , verifying and reporting these emissions in a reliable manner in cooperation with the relevant partners at global level , also taking into account import mechanisms;


### 10. calls on the commission to support the establishment of an independent international methane emissions observatory , in partnership with the united nations environmental programme , the climate and clean air coalition and the international energy agency , tasked with collecting , reconciling , verifying and publishing anthropogenic methane emissions data at a global level; ### 10. supports the commission in its plans to establish an independent international methane emissions observatory , in partnership with the united nations environmental programme , the climate and clean air coalition and the international energy agency , tasked with collecting , reconciling , verifying and publishing anthropogenic methane emissions data at a global level;


### 11. welcomes the commission’s initiatives on the utilisation and mitigation of methane from coal mines; expresses its strong support for mandatory mrv for coal mine methane emissions , including the requirement for companies that own closed sites or member states (for abandoned mines where no existing owner is liable) to adopt the same mrv and ldar measures as for operating sites; ### 11. takes note of the commission’s initiatives on the utilisation and mitigation of methane from coal mines; expresses its strong support for improving mrv for coal mine methane emissions , including the requirement for companies that own closed sites or member states (for abandoned mines where no existing owner is liable) to also adopt mrv and ldar measures; notes that , in view of the increasing number of mine closures in the eu’s coal regions , technical and financial support will be necessary for them in order to support the just transition objectives , which could be disrupted by excessive burdens imposed on the operators that close down;


### 12. stresses that technologies and practices to limit methane emissions from agriculture are developing at a fast pace; calls on the commission to ensure that proven effective and cost-efficient innovations are quickly implemented in the eu and integrated into eu agriculture policies; ### 12. stresses that technologies and practices to limit methane emissions from agriculture are developing at a fast pace; calls on the commission to ensure that proven effective and cost-efficient innovations are implemented , as far as is technically and financially feasible , in the eu and integrated into eu agriculture policies; notes that the structure of agriculture differs widely between member states and that not all measures can be fully applied in every member state;


### 12. stresses that technologies and practices to limit methane emissions from agriculture are developing at a fast pace; calls on the commission to ensure that proven effective and cost-efficient innovations are quickly implemented in the eu and integrated into eu agriculture policies; ### 12. stresses that technologies and practices to limit methane emissions from agriculture are developing at a fast pace; calls on the commission to ensure that proven effective and cost-efficient innovations are quickly implemented in the eu and in eu agriculture policies and supported by means of either new or existing initiatives;


### 15. calls on the member states to fully comply with the existing requirements of the landfill directive , including the objective for 2035 , by which date the amount of municipal waste landfilled is to be reduced to 10 % or less of the total amount of municipal waste generated , by weight; calls on the commission to develop a comprehensive strategy to ensure that member states that are likely to miss that target take corrective measures and actions; ### 15. calls on the member states to fully comply with the existing requirements of the landfill directive , including the objective for 2035 , by which date the amount of municipal waste landfilled is to be reduced to 10 % or less of the total amount of municipal waste generated , by weight; calls on the commission to develop a comprehensive strategy to support member states in their efforts to move away from landfills and to ensure that member states that are likely to miss that target take corrective measures and actions; underlines the importance of setting more ambitious targets on commercial and industrial waste for which no legally binding targets to reduce landfilling are set yet;


### 16. emphasises that closure and after-care procedures for landfill cells are key to reducing leakages , taking into account the entire life cycle of landfill sites; calls on the commission to provide specific incentives suited to the conditions of each member state in order to ensure , to the greatest extent possible , separate collection of bio-waste , including by encouraging cooperation between the public and private sectors to secure a high degree of separate collection , recycling and recovery of biodegradable waste , leading to efficient diversion from landfill; ### 16. emphasises that closure and after-care procedures for landfill cells are key to reducing leakages , taking into account the entire life cycle of landfill sites; calls on the commission to provide specific incentives suited to the conditions of each member state in order to ensure , to the greatest extent possible , separate collection of bio-waste , including by encouraging cooperation between the public and private sectors to secure a high degree of separate collection , recycling and recovery of biodegradable waste , leading to efficient diversion from landfill; calls on the commission to provide specific incentives suited to the conditions of each member state in order to ensure , to the greatest extent possible , the treatment of the bio-degradable part of residual , non-recyclable waste left after separate collection , according to the waste hierarchy.


### 4. highlights that , in 2020 , the authority finalised 697 questions through scientific opinions , technical reports and supporting publications; ### 4. highlights that , in 2020 , the authority finalised 697 questions through scientific outputs , technical reports and supporting publications , including external scientific and event reports;


### 5. recalls that , in 2020 , parliament adopted nine objections to the import of genetically modified crops for food and feed; highlights that one reason for these objections are gaps in the risk assessment undertaken by the authority's panel on genetically modified organisms; urges the authority to address and close these gaps as a matter of urgency; ### 5. recalls that the eu’s risk assessment for genetically modified crops for food and feed is one of the strictest in the world , providing member states and the public with many opportunities for input , and that products passing the authority's independent safety assessment should have fair market access;


### 6. invites the commission to grant the authority , in duly justified cases , the option of hiring contract agents in excess of the establishment plans , for a limited period of time and without exceeding the authority’s agreed annual budget envelope; considers that such flexibility would speed up the reduction of the cumulated backlog of work that has arisen owing to a lack of human resources; ### 6. invites the commission to grant the authority , in duly justified cases , the option of hiring contract agents in excess of the establishment plans , for a limited period of time and without exceeding the authority’s agreed annual budget envelope; considers that such flexibility would speed up the reduction of the cumulated backlog of work and the belated completion of ongoing dossiers owing to a lack of human resources;


### 7. notes with satisfaction that the authority is moving towards cutting-edge technologies , incorporating new approach methodologies and artificial intelligence to avoid animal testing methods; ### 7. notes with satisfaction that the authority is moving towards cutting-edge technologies , incorporating new approach methodologies in the risk management process and artificial intelligence to avoid animal testing methods;


### 1. stresses that all the conditions necessary to guarantee animal welfare during transport must be ensured at all times , regardless of their species , age , physical condition or the means and length of the journey; ### 1. stresses that all the conditions necessary to guarantee animal welfare during transport must be ensured at all times , regardless of their species , age , physical condition or the means and length of the journey; also in third countries;


### 2. agrees with the court of auditors that the eu3 has some of the world’s highest animal welfare standards , but insists that these only become effective if they are fully enforced; considers that the eu needs to step up its efforts to ensure that animal welfare during transport is fully respected everywhere , at all times , and by every party concerned , from the origin until the final destination; ### 2. agrees with the court of auditors that the eu has some of the world’s highest animal welfare standards although the standards are very high only in some member states , but insists that these only become effective if they are fully enforced; considers that the eu needs to step up its efforts to ensure that animal welfare during transport is fully respected everywhere , at all times , and by every party concerned , from the origin until the final destination;


### 29. recalls that the official controls regulation (eu) no 2017/625 will replace , as of 15 december 2022 , several provisions of regulation (ec) no 1/2005 , namely on checks on long journeys , training of the competent authorities’ staff , checks at exit points , emergency measures in the case of non-compliance , mutual assistance and exchange of information , infringements and on-the-spot checks by the commission; ### 29. recalls that the official controls regulation (eu) no 2017/625 will replace , as of 15 december 2022 , several provisions of regulation (ec) no 1/2005 , namely on checks on long journeys , training of the competent authorities’ staff , checks at exit points , emergency measures in the case of non-compliance , mutual assistance and exchange of information , infringements and on-the-spot checks by the commission; emphasises the need for frequent and thorough inspections;


### 32. notes that further improvements to data collection systems and to traces can be made in the current legislative framework , to help harmonise procedures between member states’ competent authorities; ### 32. notes that further improvements to data collection systems and to traces can and should be made in the current legislative framework , to help harmonise procedures between member states’ competent authorities;


### 8. explains that there is therefore a race for ai leadership within the global tech race; points out that the countries that master ai will gain key advantages; highlights , however , that ai is not a technology with magical powers but rather an efficient tool that we can put to good use; states that the rise of ai likewise does not require us to completely rewrite our laws to counter new kind of threats or to prevent intelligent machines from taking over; believes that although ai is indeed reshaping the world as we know it , the reality is much less dramatic and most developments in the field of ai are positive; ### 8. explains that there is therefore a race for ai leadership within the global tech race; points out that the countries that master ai will gain key advantages; highlights , however , that ai is not a technology with magical powers but rather an efficient tool that we can put to good use; believes that although ai is indeed reshaping the world as we know it , the reality is much less dramatic and most developments in the field of ai are positive; stresses nonetheless that it is crucial for the eu to be able to define the regulatory approach , including respect for personal rights , and not to be a rule-taker where standards are set by other global players with different regulatory traditions; stresses therefore , once more , the importance of the eu stepping-up its game to be a competitive world-player in ai and to collaboratively shape the regulatory landscape with other like-minded international partners;


### 12. notes that although today’s ai has become much more powerful than symbolic ai , it can still only solve tasks in domain-specific niches such as chess or facial recognition and does not understand the actions it performs; points out that it is therefore referred to as ‘narrow’ or ‘weak’ ai and is still not more than a tool that provides recommendations and predictions; explains that self-driving cars operate , for instance , through a combination of various one-task ai systems that together are able to provide a three-dimensional map of the surroundings of the vehicle so that its operating system can make the appropriate decisions; ### 12. notes that although today’s ai has become much more powerful than symbolic ai , it can still only solve tasks in domain-specific niches such as chess or facial recognition and does not understand the actions it performs; explains that ai-systems - contrary to their name - do not have actual 'intelligence'; points out that it is therefore referred to as ‘narrow’ or ‘weak’ ai and is still not more than a tool that provides recommendations and predictions; explains that self-driving cars operate , for instance , through a combination of various one-task ai systems that together are able to provide a three-dimensional map of the surroundings of the vehicle so that its operating system can make the appropriate decisions;


### 15. considers that the public debate should therefore be more focused on the enormous potential of ai; believes that ai offers humankind the unique chance to improve almost every area of our lives , from combating global societal challenges such as climate change , pandemics and starvation , to enhancing quality of life through personalised medicine , fitness programmes and assisted living; ### 15. considers that the public debate should therefore be more focused on the enormous potential of ai; believes that ai offers humankind the unique chance to improve almost every area of our lives , from combating global societal challenges such as climate change , pandemics and starvation , to enhancing quality of life through personalised medicine , fitness programmes and assisted living; stresses that building in the necessary safeguards will increase citizens' trust which will make them embrace the benefits of ai;


### 113. highlights , with regard to the third category , the gap in leadership on ai global governance , which gives the eu the chance to become the leading voice in aligning ai with the un sdgs and using ai technologies to push worldwide for their achievement; stresses , however , that not all ai technologies developed or applied in the eu should need to comply with all three categories; suggests , for example , that sustainable ai could only be mandated for ai implemented or procured by public tender or in specific sectors , while the majority of ai developers and companies would only be encouraged to align with the second and third categories through soft law; ### 113. highlights , with regard to the third category , the gap in leadership on ai global governance , which gives the eu the chance to become the leading voice in aligning ai with the un sdgs and using ai technologies to push worldwide for their achievement; stresses , however , that not all ai technologies developed or applied in the eu should need to comply with all three categories; suggests , for example , that sustainable ai could only be mandated for ai implemented or procured by public tender or in specific sectors;


### 114. is convinced that efforts to completely ‘de-bias’ ai algorithms are frequently misguided , because this strategy wrongly suggests that bias-free data sets exist; notes that in this regard the requirement that data used to train ai systems is ‘complete and free of errors’ needs to be revisited; stresses , however , that the eu should at the same time cooperate very closely with ai developers to counterbalance structural biases in our societies and daily life; ### 114. is convinced that efforts to completely ‘de-bias’ ai algorithms are frequently misguided , because this strategy wrongly suggests that bias-free data sets exist; notes that in this regard the requirement that data used to train ai systems is ‘complete and free of errors’ needs to be revisited; stresses , however , that the eu should at the same time cooperate very closely with ai developers to counterbalance structural biases in our societies and daily life; believes that the eu should apply itself to improving the transparency of data sets and algorithms , in order to become a world-leader in ethical ai;


### 121. points out that , due to the characteristics of ai systems , such as their autonomy and opacity , there could also be cases where neither an updated product liability directive nor national fault-based liability regimes apply and where persons who suffer harm or whose property is damaged would end up without compensation; suggests , therefore , the introduction of a limited new liability mechanism for legal claims against the operator , who controls the risks associated with the ai system and who also often is the cheapest cost avoider; specifies that while high-risk ai systems should fall under strict liability , combined with mandatory insurance cover , victims of low-risk ai systems should only benefit from a presumption of fault against the operator; ### 121. points out that , due to the characteristics of ai systems , it should be assessed whether an update of the product liability directive can adequately protect the rights of the injured party , in particular taking into account that changes in ai-applications may occur autonomously after the product has been placed on the market; suggests a thorough assessment if and to what extent the burden of proof should be reversed in order to compensate the injured party , while satisfying a proportionality test , taking into account the possible intervention of third parties , the risk for abuse and the need for legal clarity; stresses that a reversal of the burden of proof , where demonstrated necessary , should be limited in scope; recommends that the basic distinction between a producer and its product , in this case an artificial intelligence application , should remain and ai should not be granted its own autonomous personality;


### 128. stresses that ai requires powerful hardware to make sophisticated algorithms useable , including high-performance and quantum computing and the iot; urges the maximisation of funding and research for such ai-enabled emerging technologies; finds that , similarly , nano-technologies and chips are essential to enabling ai to be embedded in , for example , medical devices , which also requires priority funding; ### 128. stresses that ai requires powerful hardware to make sophisticated algorithms useable , including high-performance and quantum computing and the iot; urges the maximisation of funding and research for such ai-enabled emerging technologies; finds that , similarly , nano-technologies and chips are essential to enabling ai to be embedded in , for example , medical devices , which also requires smart and targeted priority funding;


### 128. stresses that ai requires powerful hardware to make sophisticated algorithms useable , including high-performance and quantum computing and the iot; urges the maximisation of funding and research for such ai-enabled emerging technologies; finds that , similarly , nano-technologies and chips are essential to enabling ai to be embedded in , for example , medical devices , which also requires priority funding; ### 128. stresses that ai requires powerful hardware to make sophisticated algorithms useable , including high-performance and quantum computing and the iot; urges the maximisation of funding and research for such ai-enabled emerging technologies; finds that , similarly , nano-technologies and chips are essential to enabling ai to be embedded in , for example , medical devices or satellites , which also requires priority funding;


### 131. calls on the commission to establish a precise strategy with a clear timetable for 6g roll-out to better prepare for the next wave of digital infrastructure , enabling europe to take the lead; ### 131. calls on the commission to establish a precise strategy with a clear timetable for 6g roll-out to better prepare for the next wave of digital infrastructure , blending terrestrial and space , enabling europe to take the lead;


### 132. finds that it will not be possible to achieve the necessary deployment of dense edge-node connectivity for 5g in rural areas , where half of european households are not even connected through fibre; calls for a clear strategy on fibre-optic network deployment and broadband roll-out in rural areas , which is also key for data intensive technologies such as ai; recommends that european investment bank support for connectivity projects in rural areas be enhanced; ### 132. finds that it will not be possible to achieve the necessary deployment of dense edge-node connectivity for 5g in rural areas , where half of european households are not even connected through fibre; calls for a clear strategy on fibre-optic network deployment and broadband roll-out in rural areas with satellite complementarity , which is also key for data intensive technologies such as ai; recommends that european investment bank support for connectivity projects in rural areas be enhanced;


### 43. elaborates that the internet of things , as well as the fact that ai systems nowadays run a significant amount of key critical infrastructure , such as energy grids , the food chain , the atm network and hospital logistics , has created a massive ai cybersecurity threat; predicts that states will focus more and more on protecting their it logistics and care delivery as a domestic asset , which could in turn create the temptation to invoke ‘ai autarchy’; ### 43. elaborates that the internet of things , as well as the fact that ai systems nowadays run a significant amount of key critical infrastructure , such as energy grids , the space sector , the food chain , the atm network and hospital logistics , has created a massive ai cybersecurity threat; predicts that states will focus more and more on protecting their it logistics and care delivery as a domestic asset , which could in turn create the temptation to invoke ‘ai autarchy’;


### 63. acknowledges at the same time that the very same ai technologies used to address fundamental societal problems and achieve important public policy goals could also pose crucial ethical and legal questions; notes that there have already been documented instances which have led to serious wrongdoing within the eu; notes that in practice , member states rely heavily on the police to collect data , but also on private entities whose activities are often not supervised and who regularly sell the collected and highly sensitive data to other third parties; clarifies that this practice runs counter to european values and undermines the high level of fundamental rights in the eu , in particular the right to privacy; ### 63. acknowledges at the same time that the very same ai technologies could also pose crucial ethical and legal questions; notes that there have already been documented instances which have led to serious wrongdoing within the eu; notes that in practice , member states rely heavily on the police to collect data , but also on private entities whose activities are often not supervised and who regularly sell the collected and highly sensitive data to other third parties; clarifies that this practice runs counter to european values and undermines the high level of fundamental rights in the eu , in particular the right to privacy;


### 64. stresses that many authoritarian regimes apply ai systems to control , spy on , monitor and rank their citizens; believes that any form of unrestricted normative citizen scoring on a large scale by public authorities , especially within the field of law enforcement and the judiciary , leads to the loss of autonomy and is not in line with european values; highlights past cases of eu companies having sold biometric systems which would be illegal to use within the eu to authoritarian regimes in non-eu countries; ### 64. stresses that many authoritarian regimes apply ai systems to control , spy on , monitor and rank their citizens; believes that any form of unrestricted normative citizen scoring on a large scale by public authorities , especially within the field of law enforcement and the judiciary , leads to the loss of autonomy and is not in line with european values; condemns past cases of eu companies having sold biometric systems which would be illegal to use within the eu to authoritarian regimes in non-eu countries;


### 65. notes that dominant tech platforms nowadays not only have significant control over access to information and its distribution , but they also use ai technologies to obtain more information on a person’s identity and knowledge of decisional history than is possessed by public authorities or close personal advisors such as doctors , lawyers or bankers; stresses that this development challenges the sovereignty of our nation states , the foundations of our democratic systems and the safeguarding of our fundamental rights; ### 65. notes that dominant tech platforms nowadays not only have significant control over access to information and its distribution , but they also use ai technologies to obtain more information on a person’s identity and knowledge of decisional history; believes that such profiling can put pressure on our democratic systems as well as on the safeguarding of our fundamental rights; underlines the importance of regulatory approaches in addressing the use of data and consumer control over how they interact with companies in the digital space;


### 66. points out that digital platforms are also used to spread disinformation , acting as networks for propaganda , trolling and harassment with the aim of undermining electoral processes; stresses that machine learning enables in particular the targeted use of personal data to create personalised and convincing messages for potential voters , who are often completely unaware that the content has been created or manipulated through the use of ai; ### 66. points out that digital platforms are also used to spread disinformation , acting as networks for propaganda , trolling and harassment with the aim of undermining electoral processes; stresses that machine learning enables in particular the targeted use of personal data to create personalised and convincing messages for potential voters , who are often completely unaware that the content has been created or manipulated through the use of ai; stresses the importance of strong transparency obligations that are effectively enforced;


### 67. underlines that ai could , however , also be used to reduce anti-democratic and unethical activities on platforms and as a means to stop the distribution of fake news; notes that the effective use of ai for this purpose has so far been prevented by strongly diverging definitions of hate speech among member states and the lack of consensus on how to harness ai to effectively filter out illegal and harmful content; explains that it is also problematic that divisive language leads to greater user engagement , which is why removal of such language would be in direct conflict with the platform’s business model , based on maximising user engagement; ### 67. underlines that ai could , however , also be used to reduce anti-democratic and unethical activities on platforms and as a means to stop the distribution of fake news; notes that the effective use of ai for this purpose has so far been prevented by the lack of consensus on how to harness ai to effectively filter out illegal and harmful content , which is subject to different interpretations and tests across the member states; explains that it is also problematic that ai systems foster divisive language in order to create greater user engagement; notes that very large social platforms play an essential role in the public debate and the fact that anyone who is barred from these platforms is largely silenced; believes therefore it is not appropriate that these very large social platforms should be free to engage in censorship as they see fit , enabling them to steer the public debate (intentionally or unintentionally) in a particular direction; notes moreover that content moderation by automated means has shown to be context-insensitive and all too often removes humour , satire , irony , legitimate forms of protest and political opinions; believes therefore , in order to ensure the freedom of expression and of information , that very large social platforms should allow anyone , in principle , to post and receive content on their platform and remove , in line with applicable laws , only manifestly illegal content related to serious crimes; stresses that censorship has no place in a democracy;


### 76. notes that there are a number of transversal obstacles that the eu needs to overcome in order to achieve a widespread use of ai and to fully harness its benefits; states that in particular , legal uncertainty , insufficient digital infrastructure and a lack of ai skills can be observed as barriers to the successful application of ai in all fields analysed; ### 76. notes that there are a number of transversal obstacles that the eu needs to overcome in order to achieve a widespread use of ai and to fully harness its benefits; states that in particular , legal uncertainty , insufficient digital infrastructure , insufficient investment in research and development and a lack of ai skills can be observed as barriers to the successful application of ai in all fields analysed;


### 86. emphasises that central to the eu regulatory approach is a strong attention to ethical considerations in line with core human rights values and democratic principles; underlines that the commission thereby hopes to achieve another gdpr-like ‘brussels effect’ , meaning that the eu’s regulatory and market power leads to a competitive edge in ai; states that establishing the world’s first regulatory framework for ai could indeed leverage a first-mover advantage in setting international ai standards based on european values , as well as successfully exporting ‘trustworthy ai’ around the world; ### 86. emphasises that central to the eu regulatory approach is a strong attention to ethical considerations in line with core human rights values and democratic principles; underlines that the commission thereby hopes to achieve another gdpr-like ‘brussels effect’ , meaning that the eu’s regulatory and market power leads to a competitive edge in ai; states that establishing the world’s first regulatory framework for ai could indeed leverage a first-mover advantage in setting international ai standards based on european values , as well as successfully exporting ‘trustworthy ai’ around the world; believes however that the eu should strengthen its global impact through cooperation with like-minded partners; stresses the importance of transatlantic cooperation and the functioning of the eu-us trade and technology council ('ttc'); believes that the eu and us should create a global 'ttc-effect' for ai standards;


### 88. points out that in recent years , many of the eu’s most successful digital companies have been acquired by us tech giants; refers also to the ongoing debate about so-called ‘killer acquisitions’; notes that us firms , with 130 acquisitions in 2020 alone , acquired many more ai companies than eu and chinese firms combined , which made 30 and three comparable acquisitions respectively; ### 88. points out that in recent years , many of the eu’s most successful digital companies have been acquired by us tech giants; notes that us firms , with 130 acquisitions in 2020 alone , acquired many more ai companies than eu and chinese firms combined , which made 30 and three comparable acquisitions respectively; refers also to the ongoing debate about so-called 'killer-acquisitions'; welcomes the european commission's ambition to tackle acquisitions that may have a significant impact on effective competition on the digital market , even if they do not meet national notification thresholds; believes nevertheless that the european commission should avoid over-enforcement which could (further) complicate access to capital , increase costs and eventually deprive consumers of innovation; points out that acquisition may be the primary objective of start-up creators and their funders , as one legitimate method to derive benefits from their innovative ideas;


### 93. points out that although private investments in the eu ai industry are rising strongly , with eur 3.4 billion invested in 2018 , the investment gap compared with the us (eur 31 billion) and china (eur 21 billion) has grown further37 ; states that the us is also leading in venture capital and private equity funding , which is particularly important for ai start-ups , with eur 12.3 billion , against eur 4.8 billion for china and eur 1.2 billion for the eu; notes that as a consequence , many european ai entrepreneurs are crossing the atlantic to scale up their businesses in the us; ### 93. points out that although private investments in the eu ai industry are rising strongly , with eur 3.4 billion invested in 2018 , the investment gap compared with the us (eur 31 billion) and china (eur 21 billion) has grown further37 and is truly alarming; states that the us is also leading in venture capital and private equity funding , which is particularly important for ai start-ups , with eur 12.3 billion , against eur 4.8 billion for china and eur 1.2 billion for the eu; notes that as a consequence , many european ai entrepreneurs are crossing the atlantic to scale up their businesses in the us;


### 100. underlines that the eu’s efforts to strengthen its global ai footprint were severely set back by brexit , as the uk was one of the leading eu countries in ai with london as one of the eu’s most important ai hubs , home to 1.000 ai companies , 35 tech hubs and reputed research centres such as the alan turing institute; ### 100. underlines that the eu’s efforts to strengthen its global ai footprint were severely set back by brexit , as the uk was one of the leading eu countries in ai with london as one of the eu’s most important ai hubs , home to 1.000 ai companies , 35 tech hubs and reputed research centres such as the alan turing institute; stresses however that the uk should remain a valued partner of the eu bolstering the competitiveness of both partners and the promotion of shared regulatory outlooks in global standard setting;


### 103. calls on the commission to propose only legislative acts in the form of regulations for new digital laws in areas such as ai , as the digital single market needs to undergo a process of genuine harmonisation; is convinced that due to rapid technological development , digital legislation should always be swiftly adaptable , principle-based and future-proof , while adopting a risk-based approach; stresses , furthermore , the importance of legal certainty and , consequently , the need for robust , practical and unambiguous applicability criteria , definitions and obligations in all legal texts; ### 103. calls on the commission to propose only legislative acts in the form of regulations for new digital laws in areas such as ai , as the digital single market needs to undergo a process of genuine harmonisation; is convinced that due to rapid technological development , digital legislation should always be swiftly adaptable , principle-based and future-proof , while adopting a risk-based approach; stresses , furthermore , the importance of legal certainty and , consequently , the need for robust , practical and unambiguous applicability criteria , definitions and obligations in all legal texts; reminds that the stability and predictability of the law is essential to any business activities; emphasizes in this regard the negative impact of frequent changes of the regulatory framework , including via commission’s delegated powers;


### 103. calls on the commission to propose only legislative acts in the form of regulations for new digital laws in areas such as ai , as the digital single market needs to undergo a process of genuine harmonisation; is convinced that due to rapid technological development , digital legislation should always be swiftly adaptable , principle-based and future-proof , while adopting a risk-based approach; stresses , furthermore , the importance of legal certainty and , consequently , the need for robust , practical and unambiguous applicability criteria , definitions and obligations in all legal texts; ### 103. calls on the commission to propose only legislative acts in the form of regulations for new digital laws in areas such as ai , as the digital single market needs to undergo a process of genuine harmonisation; is convinced that due to rapid technological development , digital legislation should always be swiftly adaptable , principle-based and future-proof , while adopting a risk-based and proportionate approach , avoiding unnecessary regulatory burden; stresses , furthermore , the importance of legal certainty and , consequently , the need for robust , practical and unambiguous applicability criteria , definitions and obligations in all legal texts;


### 146. calls on member states to deliver on the tallinn declaration on egovernment and put mechanisms in place to provide borderless , interoperable , personalised , user-friendly , and end-to-end digital public services based on ai to all individuals and businesses at all levels of public administration; is of the opinion that the objective should be to increase the number of people that use egovernment services , with a focus on ai , to up to 80 % of all eu citizens over the next five years; ### 146. calls on member states to deliver on the tallinn declaration on egovernment and put mechanisms in place to provide borderless , interoperable , personalised , user-friendly , and end-to-end digital public services based on ai to all individuals and businesses at all levels of public administration; is of the opinion that the objective should be to increase the number of people that use egovernment services , with a focus on ai , to up to 80 % of all eu citizens over the next five years; stresses that no one should be left behind and that alternatives should still be provided where necessary;


### 147. calls for human-centred design and an evidence-based approach to ai in health that focuses on patient-oriented and high-quality digital healthcare and that seeks consumer and user feedback throughout the development process; calls on the commission to set the global tone on cutting-edge healthcare and well-being , placing the benefits of ai at the centre of policy-making; urges the prioritisation of funding , the setting of strategic goals , the fostering of cooperation and the adoption of ai applications in healthcare as a critical sector; ### 147. calls for human-centred design and an evidence-based approach to ai in health that focuses on patient-oriented and high-quality digital healthcare and that seeks consumer and user feedback throughout the development process , while fully respecting the competence of the member states; calls on the commission to set the global tone on cutting-edge healthcare and well-being , placing the benefits of ai at the centre of policy-making; urges the prioritisation of funding , the setting of strategic goals , the fostering of cooperation and the adoption of ai applications in healthcare as a critical sector;


### 150. points out that the eu should forge a strong international core value-based technology alliance , working together with like-minded partners in order to overcome regulatory divergence in the fields of privacy rights , data flows or competition rules and to remedy strategic vulnerabilities by building on each other’s assets and pooling resources in areas where it is mutually beneficial to do so; ### 150. points out that the eu should forge a strong international core value-based technology alliance , working together with like-minded partners in order to overcome regulatory divergence in the fields of privacy rights , data flows or competition rules and to remedy strategic vulnerabilities by building on each other’s assets and pooling resources in areas where it is mutually beneficial to do so; welcomes in particular the establishment of the eu-us trade and technology council;


### 151. considers it to be of paramount importance for the safety and security of citizens that law enforcement agencies are well advanced in ai development , making full use of the potential of digital technologies to prevent and investigate serious crimes through real-time facial recognition in select locations; underlines that diligently developed algorithms for crime prevention and investigation , based on highly qualitative data , may provide a higher level of efficiency , neutrality and legal certainty than human law enforcement agents , and should thus be promoted; ### 151. considers it to be of paramount importance for the safety and security of citizens that law enforcement agencies are well advanced in ai development , making full use of the potential of digital technologies to prevent and investigate the most serious crimes through real-time facial recognition in select locations; underlines that the use of biometric identification should be limited to exceptional circumstances and should be strictly proportional; underlines that diligently developed algorithms for crime prevention and investigation , based on highly qualitative data , may provide a higher level of efficiency , neutrality and legal certainty than human law enforcement agents , and should thus be promoted;


### 151. considers it to be of paramount importance for the safety and security of citizens that law enforcement agencies are well advanced in ai development , making full use of the potential of digital technologies to prevent and investigate serious crimes through real-time facial recognition in select locations; underlines that diligently developed algorithms for crime prevention and investigation , based on highly qualitative data , may provide a higher level of efficiency , neutrality and legal certainty than human law enforcement agents , and should thus be promoted; ### 151. underlines paramount importance for the safety and security of citizens that law enforcement agencies are well advanced in ai development , making full use of the potential of digital technologies to prevent and investigate wide range of serious crimes through real-time facial recognition in select locations; underlines that diligently developed algorithms for crime prevention and investigation , based on highly qualitative data , may provide a higher level of efficiency , neutrality and legal certainty than human law enforcement agents , and should thus be promoted and deployed;


### 152. asks member states to confer competences in the field of cybersecurity to the european level in order to enable the eu to better pool resources , more efficiently coordinate and streamline national cybersecurity policies , further increase cybersecurity capacity building and awareness raising , and swiftly provide cybersecurity knowledge and technical assistance to smes as well as to other more traditional sectors; ### 152. calls on the eu , in the field of cybersecurity , to better pool resources , more efficiently coordinate and streamline national cybersecurity policies within the revised legal frameworks adopted , further increase cybersecurity capacity building and awareness raising , and work with the member states to swiftly provide cybersecurity knowledge and technical assistance to smes as well as to other more traditional sectors;


### 156. highlights that ai , while often portrayed as an unpredictable threat , is in reality a powerful digital tool that is already a game changer in core fields that bring benefits for the good of society , including in our aspirations to combat climate change , provide innovate healthcare , revolutionise employment , strengthen our security and democratic systems and boost our competitiveness on a global scale; stresses that these benefits should guide and inform regulation and public communication on ai; ### 156. highlights that ai , while often portrayed as an unpredictable threat , is in reality a powerful digital tool that is already a game changer in core fields that bring benefits for the good of society , including in our aspirations to combat climate change , provide innovate healthcare , revolutionise employment , strengthen our security and democratic systems and boost our competitiveness on a global scale; stresses that these benefits should guide and inform regulation and public communication on ai; highlights that it is of course crucial that the theoretical benefits of ai contribute to well-being and prosperity for all;


### 157. highlights further that the eu , with its regulatory and market powers , has the potential to shape the international debate on ai and to push for common standards for the ethics-driven , sustainable and trustworthy development and use of this technology , fully in line with european principles and values; highlights , however , that the window of opportunity for consolidating such a distinctive european approach to ai on the international stage is closing fast , which is why the eu needs to join forces and agree on a joint ai strategy , including a balanced regulatory framework , very soon; ### 157. highlights further that the eu , with its regulatory and market powers , has the potential to shape the international debate on ai and to push for common standards for the ethics-driven , sustainable and trustworthy development and use of this technology , fully in line with european principles and values; highlights , however , that the window of opportunity for consolidating such a distinctive european approach to ai on the international stage is closing fast , which is why the eu needs to join forces and agree on a joint ai strategy , including a balanced regulatory framework , very soon; underlines the importance of transatlantic cooperation and our shared responsibility to elaborate a common strategy towards china;


### 158. stresses that currently , the eu does not meet any of the preconditions that would allow us to fully capture the potential of ai , especially compared to the ai frontrunners china and the us; finds that a lack of legal certainty , access to and sharing of high-quality data , harmonised rules and standards , funding , research , skills and infrastructure for core technologies , as well as high regulatory burdens , have led to a situation in which the eu’s competitiveness is constantly decreasing; is convinced that only by executing a bold and comprehensive eu roadmap for ai will the eu manage to catch up; states that parliament needs an ad hoc digital committee with legislative powers in order to be able to respond effectively to these horizontal challenges , ; notes that as long as this committee is not established , clear competences among existing committees need to be defined in order to enable them to follow up effectively on all specific parts of this roadmap; ### 158. stresses that currently , the eu does not meet any of the preconditions that would allow us to fully capture the potential of ai , especially compared to the ai frontrunners china and the us; finds that a lack of legal certainty , access to and sharing of high-quality data , harmonised rules and standards , funding , research , skills and infrastructure for core technologies , as well as high regulatory burdens , have led to a situation in which the eu’s competitiveness is constantly decreasing; is convinced that only by executing a bold and comprehensive eu roadmap for ai will the eu manage to catch up; states that horizontal challenges , such as artificial intelligence , are increasingly common and the parliament's structure cannot always accommodate the policy challenges these complex issues pose; considers that a future review of the parliament's functioning should contemplate new ways to organise the preparatory stages before plenary and evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of moving away from sole reliance on the traditional committee model; underlines that in the interim clear competences among existing committees should be defined and respected , in order to enable them to follow up effectively on policy challenges and to avoid time consuming and wasteful competence fights which only delay the work of the parliament and prioritise political profile over development of policy expertise and political results for european citizens and businesses;


### 159. concludes that it is the eu’s responsibility to quickly set up a favourable regulatory environment for ai that provides for swift digital law-making , effective governance and balanced ethical standards , while at the same time preventing overregulation and giving enough leeway for innovation; urges that the adequate development and training of ai will require better access to high-quality data , common standards and incentives for voluntary data sharing; calls on its committees on legal affairs (juri) , internal market and consumer protection (imco) , industry , research and energy (itre) , civil liberties , justice and home affairs (libe) , and constitutional affairs (afco) to ensure that these goals are met; ### 159. concludes that it is the eu’s responsibility to quickly set up a favourable regulatory environment for ai that provides for swift digital law-making , effective governance and balanced ethical standards , while at the same time preventing overregulation and giving enough leeway for innovation; urges that the adequate development and training of ai will require better access to high-quality data , common standards and incentives for voluntary data sharing;


### 160. concludes that our digital ambitions in fields such as ai can only be achieved through a fully integrated and fully harmonised digital single market that promotes cross-border exchange and that guarantees that the same rules and standards apply to all ai researchers and companies across the eu; stresses in this regard that the eu also needs to target abuses of market power in order to level the playing field; calls on the economic and monetary affairs (econ) , imco and juri committees to guarantee this; ### 160. concludes that our digital ambitions in fields such as ai can only be achieved through a fully integrated and fully harmonised digital single market that promotes cross-border exchange and that guarantees that the same rules and standards apply to all ai companies across the eu; stresses in this regard that the eu also needs to target abuses of market power in line with competition rules;


### 161. concludes that ai systems require robust infrastructure and connectivity; stresses that digital green infrastructure which is in line with the green deal will target all sectors , including agriculture , electricity , housing , transport , businesses , value chains and the circular economy; stresses that ai will not , however , be functional without strong deployment of broadband , fibre , edge nodes and 5g , or if key emerging technologies such as quantum computing are not made a priority; calls on the environment , public health and food safety (envi) , agriculture and rural development (agri) , regional development (regi) , transport and tourism (tran) , itre , econ and imco committees to follow up on these points; ### 161. concludes that ai systems require robust infrastructure and connectivity; stresses that digital green infrastructure which is in line with the green deal will target all sectors , including agriculture , electricity , housing , transport , businesses , value chains and the circular economy; stresses that ai will not , however , be functional without strong deployment of broadband , fibre , edge nodes and 5g , or if key emerging technologies such as quantum computing are not made a priority;


### 162. concludes that in order to promote innovation in ai , it is necessary to provide eu citizens with the means to acquire digital skills; stresses that in order to increase digital literacy and resilience and to combat the digital divide among citizens in the digital age , digital and ai education needs to start at an early stage and remain available at all levels of employment; finds that initiatives to establish ai ecosystems of excellence , to increase the pool of ai talent in the eu and to combat brain drain are of vital importance; calls on the culture and education (cult) , employment and social affairs (empl) and itre committee to focus their resources on these fields; ### 162. concludes that in order to promote innovation in ai , it is necessary to provide eu citizens with the means to acquire digital skills; stresses that in order to increase digital literacy and resilience and to combat the digital divide among citizens in the digital age , digital and ai education needs to start at an early stage and remain available at all levels of employment; finds that initiatives to establish ai ecosystems of excellence , to increase the pool of ai talent in the eu and to combat brain drain are of vital importance;


### 163. concludes that in order to build trust in ai among citizens , public services and their administrative structures need to lead by example; stresses that the eu needs to accelerate the uptake of ai in egovernance in order to facilitate the secure use of ai in public administrations and to strengthen democratic structures as well as the eu’s core ethical principles; stresses furthermore that ai in the healthcare sector , if provided with the means to securely access patients’ data , will revolutionise healthcare systems; calls on the envi , itre , juri and libe committees to monitor and accelerate these developments; ### 163. concludes that in order to build trust in ai among citizens , public services and their administrative structures need to lead by example; stresses that the eu needs to accelerate the uptake of ai in egovernance in order to facilitate the secure use of ai in public administrations and to strengthen democratic structures as well as the eu’s core ethical principles; stresses furthermore that ai in the healthcare sector , if provided with the means to access patients’ data security and with respect for privacy , will revolutionise healthcare systems;


### 164. concludes that the eu’s ai strategy should not overlook military and security considerations that arise with the global deployment of ai technologies; stresses that international cooperation with like-minded partners needs to be increased in order to safeguard our ethical principles and values but also to protect our continent against new technological threats; finds that our entire security system is affected by the digital transformation; urges the eu , therefore , to come up with new policy responses and tactics; calls on the foreign affairs (afet) , international trade (inta) and libe committees , and the subcommittee on security and defence (sede) to develop effective responses; ### 164. concludes that the eu’s ai strategy should not overlook military and security considerations that arise with the global deployment of ai technologies; stresses that international cooperation with like-minded partners needs to be increased in order to safeguard our ethical principles and values but also to protect our continent against new technological threats; finds that our entire security system is affected by the digital transformation; urges the eu , therefore , to come up with new policy responses and tactics;


### 17. maintains that the lack of gender balance within the college of judges needs to be addressed; is aware of the fact that the members of the court of justice and of the general court are appointed by common accord of the governments of the member states and that the cjeu has no say over the selection of judges or advocate generals , just as neither the council nor parliament have any role in this respect; appreciates that , following the parliament call , on 26 march 2021 the president of the general court sent a letter to the president of the conference of the representatives of the governments of the member states concerning the expiry of the terms of office of 26 judges of the general court to underline the importance of ensuring gender balance within the general court and inviting the governments of the member states to take that objective into account when nominating candidates for the partial replacement of judges , consistently with recital 11 of regulation (eu , euratom) 2015/24221; ### 17. is aware of the fact that the members of the court of justice and of the general court are appointed by common accord of the governments of the member states and that the cjeu has no say over the selection of judges or advocate generals just as neither the council nor parliament have any role in this respect;


### 20. notes that the geographical balance is pursued by the cjeu by encouraging applications from underrepresented nationalities , by publishing its vacancy notices within the interinstitutional portal and by working closely with the staff selection and recruitment service of the commission (epso) to explore ways to improve the recruitment of personnel; remarks that the unbalance is still significant and encourages the cjeu to pursue a more even representation of member states among its staff; ### 20. notes that a better geographical balance should be pursued by the cjeu by encouraging applications from underrepresented nationalities , by publishing its vacancy notices within the interinstitutional portal and by working closely with the staff selection and recruitment service of the commission (epso) to explore ways to improve the recruitment of personnel; remarks that the unbalance is significant and encourages the cjeu to pursue a more even representation of member states , particularly of the 'new member states' , among its staff;


### 58. remarks that curia web site had 6 ,1 million visitors and 25 ,3 million page views in 2021; highlights the increasing role of e-curia as gateway for communications between the court of justice and the general court , on the one hand , and the parties and their representatives , on the other; ### 58. remarks that curia web site had 6 ,1 million visitors and 25 ,3 million page views in 2021; highlights the increasing role of e-curia as gateway for communications between the court of justice and the general court , on the one hand , and the parties and their representatives , on the other; encourages further development of e-curia functionalities;


### 9. 'notes that the surplus generated by the covid-19 pandemic was , via c and p budgetary transfers in 2021 , mainly allocated to finance parliament’s building policy , namely ‘lease payments’ was reinforced with eur 33 559 035 to continue the investment in the adenauer ii building project while "acquisition of immovable property" was reinforced with eur 22 007 230 , allowing the acquisition of the treves ii building , which together made up 52 ,1% of the c transfers in 2021; notes that other important transfers addressed unanticipated needs resulting from the covid-19 pandemic , e.g. for health and prevention measures , technical equipment and expenditure on interpretation to support teleworking and hybrid meetings; notes that further transfers were related to the conference on the future of europe and to investments in various aspects of it services; ### 9. 'notes that the surplus generated by the covid-19 pandemic was , via c and p budgetary transfers in 2021 , mainly allocated to finance parliament’s building policy , namely ‘lease payments’ was reinforced with eur 33 559 035 to continue the investment in the adenauer ii building project while "acquisition of immovable property" was reinforced with eur 22 007 230 , allowing the acquisition of the treves ii building , which together made up 52 ,1% of the c transfers in 2021; notes that other important transfers addressed unanticipated needs resulting from the covid-19 pandemic , e.g. for health and prevention measures , technical equipment and expenditure on interpretation to support teleworking and hybrid meetings; notes that further transfers to dg linc of at least eur 5 250 000 were related to the logistics of the conference on the future of europe and to investments in various aspects of it services; considers erroneous the bureau decision of april 2021 to commit eur 10 644 359 and to pay eur 5 227 276 in relation to the conference on the future of europe;


### 84. notes that , in 2021 , the overall cost of technical solutions to allow remote voting sessions amounted to eur 1 275 500 , including an extension of the plenary applications (eur 120 000) , the development of the epvote application (eur 233 500) , it support to members (eur 529 200) , to deploy the evoting system (eur 250 000) and ad-hoc services to allow members’ participation from eplos (eur 142 800); points out that all innovations implemented will require an investment for their maintenance in view of future uses; ### 84. notes that , in 2021 , the overall cost of technical solutions to allow remote voting sessions amounted to eur 1 275 500 , including an extension of the plenary applications (eur 120 000) , the development of the epvote application (eur 233 500) , it support to members (eur 529 200) , to deploy the evoting system (eur 250 000) and ad-hoc services to allow members’ participation from eplos (eur 142 800); takes note of the importance of all of the it systems that ensure proper remote functioning of the parliament , points out , however , that all innovations implemented will require an investment for their maintenance in view of future uses;


### 102. notes with satisfaction that emissions in 2021 are lower than in 2019 , with 2 501 tonnes of co2; welcomes the fact that several practices developed or expanded in 2020 and 2021 to ensure business continuity and proved beneficial for parliament’s environmental performance are likely to be maintained in the future , in particular measures related to digitalisation and teleworking , that helped to reduce the paper consumption (11.8 kg/fte in 2021 compared to 28.1 kg/fte in 2019) , the transport of documentation between the three places of work (49 tonnes of co2 compared to 72 tonnes in 2019) and the co2 emissions caused by commuting and travelling; ### 102. notes with satisfaction that emissions in 2021 are lower than in 2019 , with 2 501 tonnes of co2; welcomes the fact that several practices developed or expanded in 2020 and 2021 to ensure business continuity and proved beneficial for parliament’s environmental performance are likely to be maintained in the future , in particular measures related to digitalisation and teleworking , that helped to reduce the paper consumption (11.8 kg/fte in 2021 compared to 28.1 kg/fte in 2019) , the transport of documentation between the three places of work (49 tonnes of co2 compared to 72 tonnes in 2019) and the co2 emissions caused by commuting and travelling; further encourages the installation of solar panels on all buildings in order to increase the institution's carbon efficiency;


### 3. welcomes the eeas’s efforts to ensure gender balance also in higher grades in headquarters and eu delegations; ### 3. welcomes merit-based recruitment in headquarters and eu delegations;


### 29. notes with satisfaction that the number of middle managers from eu13 increased from 13 ,8% in 2020 to 16 ,2% in 2021 , the number of senior managers from these countries increased from 7 ,3% to 8 ,9% and the number of ambassadors from these countries increased 14 ,1% in 2020 to 18% in 2021; encourages the eeas to continue working towards ensuring a reasonable geographical balance across all stands of staff and management; ### 29. notes with satisfaction that the number of middle managers from eu13 increased from 13 ,8% in 2020 to 16 ,2% in 2021 , the number of senior managers from these countries increased from 7 ,3% to 8 ,9% and the number of ambassadors from these countries increased 14 ,1% in 2020 to 18% in 2021; strongly encourages the eeas to continue working towards ensuring a reasonable geographical balance across all stands of staff and management;


### 30. notes that in 2021 , 15 middle management and five senior management posts in eeas headquarters and five middle management posts in eu delegations were vacant for an average period of three months and that 15 staff members acted in management positions during the vacancies; ### 30. notes with concern that in 2021 , 15 middle management and five senior management posts in eeas headquarters and five middle management posts in eu delegations were vacant for an average period of three months and that 15 staff members acted in management positions during the vacancies;


### 4. deplores the remaining lack of diversity , gender and geographical imbalances within the eeas staff; reiterates the importance of ensuring an intersectional distribution , greater diversity , and gender equality , as well as promoting a balance of staff in terms of gender and geographical origin within different categories and grades , particularly at senior management levels; calls on the eeas to significantly improve the representation of women and marginalised groups across all levels and calls on all member states to nominate more women and candidates from marginalised groups to seconded positions in the eeas; draws attention to the remaining overrepresentation of some member states’ diplomats among the heads of delegation and calls for further efforts to address those imbalances; encourages the eeas to create and share guidelines on best practices on the conducting of recruitment procedures in order to ensure diversity , openness , fairness and transparency; ### 4. regrets the focus on diversity , gender and geographical imbalances; reiterates the importance of merit based recruitment; calls for further efforts to address the lacking focus on merits; encourages the eeas to create and share guidelines on best practices on the conducting of recruitment procedures in order to ensure a meritocratic approach , openness , fairness and transparency;


### 1. draws attention to the steadily worsening context in which the union’s development and humanitarian aid policies are conducted , characterised in particular by the covid pandemic , the relentless aggravation of the impacts of climate change and the mounting repercussions of russia’s war in ukraine; notes the ever-growing gap between the funds needed and those available to respond to the deepening hunger , debt and other crises and to halt the ongoing movement further away from the un’s sustainable development goals (sdgs) instead of towards them; ### 1. draws attention to the steadily worsening context in which the union’s development and humanitarian aid policies are conducted , characterised in particular by the covid pandemic , the relentless aggravation of the impacts of climate change and the mounting repercussions of russia’s war in ukraine; notes the ever-growing gap between the funds needed and those available to respond to the deepening hunger , debt and other crises and to halt the ongoing movement further away from the un’s sustainable development goals (sdgs) instead of towards them; emphasises that , despite the numerous challenges that the eu is facing linked to the covid-19 pandemic , and the russian aggression in ukraine and its geopolitical and economic effects , spending on development assistance needs to be scaled up;


### 36. welcomes the continuous attention devoted to specific issues related to gender , such as the appointment , in 2021 , at the occasion of the international day against homophobia biphobia , intersexism and transphobia , of the first lgbti+ contact person to assist colleagues who would like to discuss their personal experience working in the committee or who have lgbti+ family members; encourages the committee to continue endorsing bottom-up initiatives that contribute to making the committee a more inclusive workplace; ### deleted


### 31. notes that women are the majority in the committee’s staff (448 out of 699) , both in the assistant category and the administrator category; welcomes the well-balanced gender representation in middle and senior management functions with 52 % women and 48 % men in such positions , compared to 46 % women and 54 % men in 2020 and 48 % women and 52 % men in 2019; appreciates the action of the committee’s equal opportunities officer in shaping the upcoming diversity and inclusion strategy and action plan and is aware that the committee’s caf is looking into the practical implementation of gender budgeting in public institutions , based on information given by external speakers , including the chair of parliaments committee on women's rights and gender equality , which will be brought forward via an in-depth analysis of the ways in which this tool could help to address gender equality; ### 31. notes that women are the majority in the committee’s staff (448 out of 699) , both in the assistant category and the administrator category; acknowledges the well-balanced gender representation in middle and senior management functions with 52 % women and 48 % men in such positions , compared to 46 % women and 54 % men in 2020 and 48 % women and 52 % men in 2019; is aware that the committee’s caf is looking into the practical implementation of gender budgeting in public institutions , based on information given by external speakers , including the chair of parliaments committee on women's rights and gender equality , which will be brought forward via an in-depth analysis of the ways in which this tool could help to address gender equality;


### 32. underlines that , while every member state is represented on the committee’s staff , the geographical balance is suboptimal (with few member states over represented); observes that managers from the 13 member states that joined the union after 2004 made up 19 % in 2021 , compared to 15 % in 2020 , while the distribution of administrators per grade shows that 65 % of nationals from those member states are currently in grade brackets ad 8 – ad 10 , making them eligible to apply for a management position; encourages the committee to continue to take action to reach a proper geographical distribution within its staff , with a particular focus on the management level; ### 32. underlines that , while every member state is represented on the committee’s staff , the geographical balance is skewed , with several member states over-represented at the expense of those admitted after 2004; observes that managers from the 13 member states that joined the union after 2004 made up 19 % in 2021 , compared to 15 % in 2020 , while the distribution of administrators per grade shows that 65 % of nationals from those member states are currently in grade brackets ad 8 – ad 10 , making them eligible to apply for a management position; encourages the committee to continue to step up its efforts to reach a proper geographical distribution within its staff , with a particular focus on the management level;


### 35. notes that , in 2021 , the committee assessed its action plan for equal opportunities and diversity in order to launch the drawing of an up scaled diversity and inclusion strategy; observes that online events were organised at the occasion of the international day against homophobia and that the committee took part in the joint committees on equal opportunities of the eu institutions conference and in various interinstitutional networks in the field of diversity and equal opportunities; encourages the committee to continue endorsing bottom-up initiatives that contribute to making the committee a more inclusive workplace; asks the committee to include into the upcoming new strategy and action plan on diversity and inclusion specific actions on recruiting and on-boarding of candidates with disabilities and to pay similar attention when carrying out building renovation for accessibility and mobility; ### 35. notes that , in 2021 , the committee assessed its action plan for equal opportunities and diversity in order to launch the drawing of an up scaled diversity and inclusion strategy; observes that the committee took part in the joint committees on equal opportunities of the eu institutions conference and in various interinstitutional networks in the field of diversity and equal opportunities; encourages the committee to continue endorsing bottom-up initiatives that contribute to making the committee a more inclusive workplace; asks the committee to include into the upcoming new strategy and action plan on diversity and inclusion specific actions on recruiting and on-boarding of candidates with disabilities and to pay similar attention when carrying out building renovation for accessibility and mobility;


### 27. maintains that the lack of gender balance within the court’s college requires actions; underlines that in the court’s history , out of 116 members , only 16 have been women , and that in the current college out of 27 members , 8 are women; points out that gender equality is enshrined as one of the core values in article 2 of the treaty on european union; highlights that gender equality should not only play a role in all the union’s policies , but also in the internal organisation of its institutions; ### 27. maintains that the lack of gender balance within the court’s college requires actions; underlines that in the court’s history , out of 116 members , only 16 have been women , and that in the current college out of 27 members , 8 are women; points out that gender equality is enshrined as one of the core values in article 2 of the treaty on european union; highlights that gender equality should not only play a role in all the union’s policies , but also in the internal organisation of its institutions; recalls , however , that candidates are nominated by the member states;


### 28. regrets that the court keeps a reputation of being a historically male-dominated institution; remarks with concern that 13 member states have never sent a woman to the court; calls on the president of the court to encourage the national authorities entrusted with the presentation of the candidates to present candidates of different genders with the aim of achieving a reasonable gender balance across the members of the court; ### 28. regrets that the court keeps a reputation of being a historically male-dominated institution; remarks with concern that 13 member states have never sent a woman to the court; calls on the president of the court to encourage the national authorities entrusted with the presentation of the candidates to present candidates of different genders with the aim of achieving a reasonable gender balance across the members of the court; recalls , however , that candidates are nominated by the member states;


### 11. stresses that , while the current situation has to be improved through better interinstitutional cooperation within the framework of the treaties , a revision of the treaties could render the discharge procedure clearer and more transparent by giving parliament the explicit competence to grant discharge to all union institutions , bodies , offices and agencies individually; ### 11. stresses that the current situation has to be improved through better interinstitutional cooperation within the framework of the treaties and the discharge procedure should be clearer and more transparent;


### 21. believes that the use of the unanimity voting procedure in the council on certain policy areas is paralysing the union’s decision-making process and therefore making it prone to blackmailing by member states , especially those who fail to respect the rule of law; calls on the council to apply the qualified majority voting procedures whenever possible and consider the review of the treaties regulating the voting procedures; believes that the generalised shift to a qualified majority voting procedure in the council is a crucial step towards more efficient policy-making; ### deleted


### 22. expresses its concern about the increasing role of the european council with respect to legislative files despite that institution having neither a legislative nor an executive function and not applying the same transparency standards as the council , meaning that it is not being held accountable; ### 22. expresses its deep concern about the increasing role of the european council with respect to legislative files despite that institution having neither a legislative nor an executive function and not applying the same transparency standards as the council , meaning that it is not being held accountable;


### 54. calls on the council to follow up to the european parliament resolution of 9 june 2022 on the call for a convention for the revision of the treaties; ### deleted


### 1. grants the executive director of the fuel cells and hydrogen 2 joint undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018 / postpones its decision on granting the executive director of the fuel cells and hydrogen 2 joint undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018; ### 1. grants the executive director of the fuel cells and hydrogen 2 joint undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018;


### 1. grants the executive director of the bio-based industries joint undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018 / postpones its decision on granting the executive director of the bio-based industries joint undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018; ### 1. grants the executive director of the bio-based industries joint undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018;


### 1. grants the executive director of the european securities and markets authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the authority’s budget for the financial year 2018 / postpones its decision on granting the executive director of the european securities and markets authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the authority for the financial year 2018; ### 1. grants the executive director of the european securities and markets authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the authority’s budget for the financial year 2018


### 5. recalls that 100 % of the budgetary surplus has been allocated to the commission whereas member states consider that their contribution share should be refunded to them; calls on the commission to resolve that issue; ### 5. recalls that 100 % of the budgetary surplus has been allocated to the commission whereas member states consider that their contribution share should be refunded to them; calls on the commission to agree to refund any future budgetary surplus to member states based on their share of contributions;


### 6. observes that the cumulated surpluses over the period 2015 to 2018 resulting from fees paid by credit rating agencies and trade repositories in relation to registration , certification and supervision of these entities amounts to eur 1 ,1m; is of the opinion that those surpluses should not be used to finance other activities. ### 6. observes that the cumulated surpluses over the period 2015 to 2018 resulting from fees paid by credit rating agencies and trade repositories in relation to registration , certification and supervision of these entities amounts to eur 1 ,1m; is of the opinion that those surpluses should be returned to the member states.


### 1. grants the director-general of the euratom supply agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2018 / postpones its decision on granting the director-general of the euratom supply agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2018; ### 1. grants the director-general of the euratom supply agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2018;


### 1. grants the executive director of the ecsel joint undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018 / postpones its decision on granting the executive director of the ecsel joint undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018; ### 1. grants the executive director of the ecsel joint undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018;


### 21. deplores that the eib in 2018 approved financing for large gas infrastructure projects including gas pipelines to the eu from turkmenistan and azerbaijan (trans anatolia natural gas pipeline) and from greece to italy via albania and the adriatic sea (trans-adriatic pipeline); stresses that these investments will exacerbate the eu’s large excess of gas import capacities , contain a high risk of assets to become stranded and are inconsistent with the emission reductions required by the paris agreement; ### deleted


### 22. considers the new eib energy lending policy a major improvement , in particular the decision to stop lending to fossil-fuel energy projects by the end of 2021 and the example it sets for other banks; regrets that gas projects can benefit from eib financing until the end of 2021 and that support for gas projects planned for the transport of low-carbon gases is set to continue; calls on the eib to avoid that the provisions on low-carbon gases lead to any approval of lending to projects with carbon intensive lock-in effects using loopholes and calls on the eib to refrain from signing contracts for new gas projects before the fossil fuels ban enters into force; calls for the energy lending policy to be reviewed at the start of 2022 to remove existing exemptions to the fossil-fuel ban and fully align it to the paris agreement ### deleted


### 24. expresses its concern that the share of financing provided to roads , motorways , and air transport in 2018 was higher than the 2014-2018 average whereas the financing to railways in 2018 was lower than the 2014-2018 average; notes that total financing provided to air transport in 2018 amounts to 725 million eur; calls on the eib in the review of its transport lending policy to end lending to air transport and to full alignment it with the paris agreement; ### 24. recognises the fact that the share of financing provided to roads , motorways , and air transport in 2018 was higher than the 2014-2018 average whereas the financing to railways in 2018 was lower than the 2014-2018 average; calls on the eib to rethink its transport lending policy to to correct discrepancies by affording preference to railways;


### 1. notes that the union is confronted with an increasingly challenging international environment , which has led to increasing demands on the union to play a leading role on the international scene; highlights the european external action service’s (eeas) central role in conducting the union’s foreign policy under the guidance of the high representative / vice-president of the commission; notes that the eeas’s enhanced role has not been underpinned by a corresponding staff increase; calls for sufficient human resources to be made available in order not to put at risk the union’s effectiveness as a global actor; ### 1. notes that european union member states are confronted with an increasingly challenging international environment , which highlights the need for a coordinated response from member states , rather than european external action service (eeas) centralised policy-making at a european union level; calls for reduced resources to be made available for eeas and greater autonomy for member states to determine their own foreign policy;


### 2. calls on the eeas to consider creating posts for local agent responsible for reporting on legislative work in countries of strategic interest (particularly accession countries and those of the eastern partnership) in order to increase the union’s understanding of the neighbourhood and its approximation to the acquis; ### deleted


### 4. welcomes the short-term secondment programme between the eeas and the european parliament; highlights its role in enhancing the mutual understanding of each institution’s structures and working methods and thereby improving the cooperation between the two institutions; encourages the eeas to promote this programme more actively among its staff in order to boost the number of participants; recommends further to expand the diplomatic exchange and secondment programme between the eeas and the member states’ diplomatic services that is aimed at contributing to the evolution of a shared diplomatic culture. ### deleted


### 3. notes the remaining gender and geographical imbalances within the eeas staff , despite positive trends in recent years; reiterates the importance of ensuring a balanced distribution of staff in terms of gender and geographical origin within different categories and grades , particularly at middle and senior management levels; points also to the overrepresentation of member states’ diplomats among heads of delegation; calls for further efforts to address these imbalances; ### 3. notes that diplomatic posts at all levels should be filled purely on the basis of qualification and ability , and any other criteria for selection and subsequent appointment leads to social engineering;


### 1. grants the executive director of the innovative medicines initiative 2 joint undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018/ postpones its decision on granting the director of the innovative medicines initiative 2 joint undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018; ### 1. grants the executive director of the innovative medicines initiative 2 joint undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018;


### 13. notes with concern the court’s finding that in 2018 , the imi 2 joint undertaking’s staff turnover rate was high at an average of 21 % , and particularly high for contract agents at 60 % , and the situation worsened due to eight people being on long-term sick leave of which four were new cases in 2018 , thus only half of the imi 2 joint undertaking’s staff was operational in 2018 , which increased the risk that the imi 2 joint undertaking’s operational objectives would not be achieved as planned; notes that to resolve the staffing difficulties , the imi 2 joint undertaking made use of interim staff , which represented 9 ,6% of its total staff in 2018; ### 13. notes with concern the court’s finding that in 2018 , the imi 2 joint undertaking’s staff turnover rate was high at an average of 21 % , and particularly high for contract agents at 60 % , and the situation worsened due to eight people being on long-term sick leave of which four were new cases in 2018 , thus only half of the imi 2 joint undertaking’s staff was operational in 2018 , which increased the risk that the imi 2 joint undertaking’s operational objectives would not be achieved as planned; notes that to resolve the staffing difficulties , the imi 2 joint undertaking made use of interim staff , which represented 9 ,8% of its total staff in 2018;


### 1. grants the executive director of the european banking authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the authority’s budget for the financial year 2018 / postpones its decision on granting the executive director of the european banking authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the authority for the financial year 2018; ### 1. grants the executive director of the european banking authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the authority’s budget for the financial year 2018;


### 5. recalls that 100 % of the budgetary surplus has been allocated to the commission whereas member states consider that 60 % thereof should be refunded to them; calls on the commission to resolve that issue; ### 5. recalls that 100 % of the budgetary surplus has been allocated to the commission whereas member states consider that 60 % thereof should be refunded to them; calls on the commission to agree to refund 60 % of any budgetary surplus in the future;


### 1. grants the director of the european institute of innovation and technology discharge in respect of the implementation of the institute’s budget for the financial year 2018/ postpones its decision on granting the director of the european institute of innovation and technology discharge in respect of the implementation of the institute’s budget for the financial year 2018; ### 1. grants the director of the european institute of innovation and technology discharge in respect of the implementation of the institute’s budget for the financial year 2018;


### 1. grants the executive director of the european union agency for cybersecurity discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2018/ postpones its decision on granting the director of the european union agency for cybersecurity discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2018; ### 1. grants the executive director of the european union agency for cybersecurity discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2018;


### 1. grants the director of the european joint undertaking for iter and the development of fusion energy discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018 / postpones its decision on granting the director of the european joint undertaking for iter and the development of fusion energy discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018; ### 1. grants the director of the european joint undertaking for iter and the development of fusion energy discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2018;