### 4. considers that the conference on the future of europe provides an opportunity to discuss proposals to enhance transparency and democratic accountability with regard to the protection of the union’s financial interests. ### 4. considers that the conference on the future of europe provides an opportunity to discuss proposals to enhance transparency and democratic accountability with regard to the protection of the union’s financial interests , such as the possibility of a treaty change giving the parliament the explicit competence to grant discharge to all institutions and bodies individually; underlines that the impact of such changes on the inter-institutional balance as provided for in the treaties should be thoroughly examined by parliament's competent committee.


### 5. regrets that the council continues to be silent in relation to the remarks made by parliament in its discharge resolution of 28 april 20211 in relation to the trend from previous years; ### 5. regrets that the council continues to be silent in relation to the remarks made by parliament in its discharge resolution of 28 april 20211 in continuation of the trend from previous years;


### 6. recognises a slight reduction in the carry-over rate , amounting to 9 ,8 % , from 2019 to 2020 (as compared to a carry-over of 10 ,7 % from 2018 to 2019 and 11 ,5 % from 2017 to 2018); reminds the council of the need to strengthen its efforts to avoid budget over-estimates; ### 6. recognises a slight reduction in the carry-over rate , amounting to 9 ,8 % , from 2019 to 2020 (as compared to a carry-over of 10 ,7 % from 2018 to 2019 and 11 ,5 % from 2017 to 2018); reminds the council , however , that carry-overs are exceptions to the principle of annuality and calls on the council to strengthen its efforts to avoid budget over-estimates;


### 7. regrets that , in spite of its initial commitment , the council does not , so far , systematically carry out an adequate impact assessment of its substantial amendments to the commission’s proposals; reiterates that such assessment is one of the key factors to improve the quality of union legislation set out in the interinstitutional agreement of 13 april 2016 on better law-making2 ; ### 7. regrets that , in spite of its initial commitment , the council has not , so far , carried out any adequate impact assessment of its substantial amendments to the commission’s proposals; reiterates that such assessment is one of the key factors to improve the quality of union legislation set out in the interinstitutional agreement of 13 april 2016 on better law-making2 ;


### 10. regrets the lack of information from the council on effective actions taken to tackle gender and geographical imbalances , including at management level , and in this regard recalls parliament's resolution of 17 december 2020 on the need for a dedicated council configuration on gender equality3 , requesting ministers and secretaries of state in charge of gender equality to have a dedicated institutional forum to ensure stronger integration of gender equality in union strategies and policy processes , the coordination of all related policies , as well as the harmonisation of the protection of women’s rights and gender equality in the union via an intersectional approach; underlines that this specific configuration would represent a key element in unblocking the negotiations on the main files related to gender equality; ### 10. regrets the lack of information from the council on effective actions taken to tackle gender and geographical imbalances , including at management level;


### 11. notes in the context of modernisation the creation of a flatter management structure , by removing layers of hierarchy , with the aim of improving communication , making decision-making easier and empowering staff by allowing greater ownership of files; notes the introduction of a well-tested hr it tool (sysper) and other it tools used for managing the mission lifecycle; ### 11. notes , in the context of modernisation , the creation of a flatter management structure , by removing layers of hierarchy , with the aim of improving communication , making decision-making easier and empowering staff by allowing greater ownership of files; notes the introduction of a well-tested hr it tool (sysper) and other it tools used for managing the mission lifecycle; appreciates these steps and invites the council to continue such efforts;


### 12. regrets the lack of attention paid to the need for an ethical framework , transparency and the prevention , identification and avoidance of conflicts of interest; reiterates its deep concern over the conflicts of interests of a number of member state representatives involved in policy and budget decision-making processes; repeats parliament’s strong call on the council to ensure that member state representatives who benefit directly from union subsidies through the businesses they own (directly or indirectly) do not participate in related policy or budgetary discussions and votes; requests the council to provide parliament with information on the necessary measures put in place to avoid any conflict of interests; ### 12. regrets the lack of attention paid to the need for an ethical framework , transparency and the prevention , identification and avoidance of conflicts of interest; reiterates its deep concern over the conflicts of interests of a number of member state representatives involved in policy and budget decision-making processes; highlights in this regard the conclusions of the commission audit on czech prime minister andrej babiš and agrofert which confirm the existence of conflict of interest; repeats parliament’s strong call on the council to ensure that member state representatives who benefit directly from union subsidies through the businesses they own (directly or indirectly) do not participate in related policy or budgetary discussions and votes; requests the council to provide parliament with information on the necessary measures put in place to avoid any conflict of interests; deplores that the council categorically rejects parliaments' proposals to increase digitalisation in the area of audit and control and refuses to cooperate on increasing the interoperability of existing union and national databases and reporting and monitoring systems; is very concerned about the official and unofficial european council conclusions that , despite existing conflicts of interest , interfere with the common agricultural policy and with the cohesion negotiations on a capping of funding per natural and legal person;


### 13. regrets the resort to corporate sponsorship to cover some of the expenses incurred by member states to finance their council presidencies; is highly concerned by the possible reputational damage that this practice might cause to the council and the union; urges the adoption of clear guidelines aimed at preventing situations of conflict of interest and the definition of transparent and binding rules on sponsorship; ### 13. recalls that the financial resources from national budgets vary significantly among member states , meaning that the costs of a council presidency likely result in a higher per capita financial burden for tax payers in smaller member states; is of the opinion that each member state , independent of its size and budgetary means , should have equal opportunities to organise a successful council presidency without imposing a higher tax burden on its citizens; notes that corporate sponsorship allows member states to reduce the tax burden on citizens when financing their council presidency; underlines that possible reputational damage to the council due to conflicts of interests arising from corporate sponsorship of a council presidency must not occur; emphasises therefore , that member states should only seek corporate sponsorship of their council presidencies when the absence of conflicts of interests is fully ensured in a transparent manner; urges the adoption of clear guidelines aimed at preventing situations of conflict of interest;


### 14. regrets that reporting by the council on measures taken to improve legislative transparency remains less than completely satisfactory and reiterates its call on the council to step up its transparency efforts by , inter alia , publishing council working documents in a machine-readable format , by recording and publishing member states’ positions and making available more trilogue documents; ### 14. regrets that reporting by the council on measures taken to improve legislative transparency remains less than completely satisfactory and reiterates its call on the council to step up its transparency efforts by , inter alia , publishing council working documents , by recording and publishing member states’ positions and making available more trilogue documents;


### 20. is concerned not to find any chapter on an ethical framework on the official website of the council consisting of rules to prevent , identify and avoid potential conflict of interests; calls on the council to align with other union institutions in this respect such as with the european court of justice’s website which has a dedicated section on transparency; ### 20. is concerned not to find any chapter on an ethical framework on the official website of the council consisting of rules to prevent , identify and avoid potential conflict of interests; calls on the council to align with other union institutions in this respect such as with the european court of justice’s website which has a dedicated section on transparency; calls on the council to present a plan to introduce such measures with clearly set deadlines;


### 22. reiterates the need to improve cooperation between the institutions in the framework of the discharge procedure through a memorandum of understanding between parliament , the council and the commission in relation to the cooperation between parliament and the council during the annual discharge procedure; ### 22. reiterates the need to improve cooperation between the institutions in the framework of the discharge procedure through a memorandum of understanding between parliament , the council and the commission in relation to the cooperation between parliament and the council during the annual discharge procedure; reminds that parliament has informed council of the composition of its negotiation team more than a year ago and that it stands ready to resume dialogue any time , only awaiting council’s response;


### 18. calls on the council to report on its gender action plan , the related procedures put in place and the actions taken to achieve a balance between women and men on all hierarchical levels; calls further on the council to be provided with information on the geographical balance among its staff; ### 18. calls on the council to report on its gender action plan , the related procedures put in place and the actions taken to achieve a balance between women and men on all hierarchical levels; calls further on the council to be provided with information on the geographical balance among its staff and the measures taken in order to ensure such balance;


### 28. recalls that parliament in its resolution of 17 january 2019 on the ombudsman’s strategic inquiry oi/2/2017 on the transparency of legislative discussions in the preparatory bodies of the council of the eu overwhelmingly supported the ombudsman’s proposals on legislative transparency and encourages the council to continue its efforts to improve legislative transparency , particularly by recording and publishing member state positions and making available more trilogue documents; ### 28. recalls that parliament in its resolution of 17 january 2019 on the ombudsman’s strategic inquiry oi/2/2017 on the transparency of legislative discussions in the preparatory bodies of the council of the eu overwhelmingly supported the ombudsman’s proposals on legislative transparency and encourages the council to continue its efforts to improve legislative transparency , particularly by recording and publishing member state positions and making available more trilogue documents; invites the council to report on other measures taken in order to improve legislative transparency;


### 29. draws attention to a complaint-based inquiry in which the ombudsman asked the general secretariat of the council to keep a full record of any meetings held between lobbyists and the president of the european council or members of his cabinet; echoes the ombudsman’s statement that members of the president’s cabinet should only meet with , or attend events organised by , interest representatives that are registered in the transparency register; ### 29. draws attention to a complaint-based inquiry in which the ombudsman asked the general secretariat of the council to keep a full record of any meetings held between lobbyists and the president of the european council or members of his cabinet; echoes the ombudsman’s statement that members of the president’s cabinet should only meet with , or attend events organised by , interest representatives that are registered in the transparency register; is concerned that this statement goes unnoticed and calls for a reply to the ombudsman;


### 42. advises that the positive trend of this process has been interrupted by the covid-19-epidemic; recalls , however , that in autumn 2020 all attempts from parliament’s side to meet for a first preliminary exchange with the council failed; ### 42. advises that the positive trend of this process has been interrupted by the covid-19-epidemic; notes with concern , however , that in autumn 2020 all attempts from parliament’s side to meet for a first preliminary exchange with the council failed;


### 2. stresses that the sanitary crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic has revealed that its rules of procedure did not provide for all appropriate measures in order to facilitate the functioning of parliament in extraordinary circumstances; ### 2. stresses that the sanitary crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic has revealed that its rules of procedure require more developed procedures in order to ensure the unlimited functioning of parliament in different types of extraordinary circumstances;


### 3. takes note of the temporary measures adopted by its president and its governing bodies in order to cope with such extraordinary circumstances; underlines that those measures were needed to guarantee the continuity of parliament’s business , allowing parliament to carry out its legislative , budgetary and political control functions during the crisis; ### 3. underlines the importance of the temporary measures adopted , in compliance with the rule of law , by its president and its governing bodies in the current sanitary crisis , in order to cope with such extraordinary circumstances; stresses that there were no alternatives to those measures in order to guarantee the continuity of parliament’s business as required by the treaties , and that they allowed parliament to carry out its legislative , budgetary and political control functions during the crisis in accordance with the procedures provided for by the treaties;


### 3. takes note of the temporary measures adopted by its president and its governing bodies in order to cope with such extraordinary circumstances; underlines that those measures were needed to guarantee the continuity of parliament’s business , allowing parliament to carry out its legislative , budgetary and political control functions during the crisis; ### 3. takes note of the temporary measures adopted by its president and its governing bodies in order to cope with such extraordinary circumstances; underlines that those measures were needed to guarantee the continuity of parliament’s business , which is required by the treaties , allowing parliament to carry out its legislative , budgetary and political control functions during the crisis;


### 4. recognises that those temporary measures were fully justified and ensured the validity of all votes taken during their period of application; ### 4. stresses that those temporary measures were fully justified and that they ensured the validity of all votes taken during their period of application;


### 4. recognises that those temporary measures were fully justified and ensured the validity of all votes taken during their period of application; ### 4. recognises that the motive and necessity of those temporary measures were tackling the circumstances caused by the covid-19 pandemic;


### a. whereas the 2019 european elections registered the highest turnout of the any elections to the european parliament in the last 20 years , with 50.2 % , ( an increase of eight percentage points compared to 2014) , sending a positive signal that european citizens believe that many of their concerns can be addressed at eu level; ### a. whereas the 2019 european elections registered the highest turnout of the any elections to the european parliament in the last 20 years , with 50.6 % , (an increase of eight percentage points compared to 2014) , sending a positive signal , given that it shows that european citizens are taking an increasing interest in developments at eu level and the impact that eu rules have on their daily lives;


### c. whereas the higher turnout was ultimately linked to gains by eurosceptics , which should be considered as a warning for european integration , especially in several founding member states where far-right extremists and anti-european forces won the elections; ### c. whereas the highest turnout in 20 years demonstrates a strong engagement of citizens in shaping the future of the union and can be pinned down to multiple reasons , such as a rise in the number of those voters who are in favour of the eu or who believe that their voice can make things change in the eu1a;


### c. whereas the higher turnout was ultimately linked to gains by eurosceptics , which should be considered as a warning for european integration , especially in several founding member states where far-right extremists and anti-european forces won the elections; ### c. whereas the higher turnout should not divert our attention from the gains of eurosceptic , populist and nationalist movements; whereas many of these radical forces from left to right are against the eu integration project;


### d. whereas the higher turnout is also a sign that eu citizens want the eu to act swiftly and effectively on important matters such as climate change , migration , protection of fundamental rights and democratisation; ### d. whereas the higher turnout is also a sign that eu citizens want the eu to act swiftly and effectively;


### d. whereas the higher turnout is also a sign that eu citizens want the eu to act swiftly and effectively on important matters such as climate change , migration , protection of fundamental rights and democratisation; ### d. whereas the higher turnout is also a sign that eu citizens want the eu to respond swiftly and effectively to their main concerns , namely employment , the cost of living , health , climate change and migration;


### h. whereas the amended electoral act , still pending ratification by some member states , already requires further improvements (i.e. regarding parental leave for meps); ### h. whereas the parliament should pursue its proposals for amendments to the electoral act , still pending ratification by some member states , with renewed vigour and to push for unified european electoral rules;


### j. whereas the 2019 elections failed to culminate in the choice of a commission president from among the various spitzenkandidaten , resulting in a backward step from the process which was established in 2014; ### j. whereas the 2019 elections failed to culminate in the choice of a commission president from among the various spitzenkandidaten;


### k. whereas the spitzenkandidaten process has yet to be fully developed; whereas it lacks , among other things , the possibility for spitzenkandidaten to stand as official candidates in all member states on transnational lists , allowing all european voters to choose and vote for their preferred spitzenkandidat; whereas parliament raised this issue in its decision of 7 february 2018 on the revision of the framework agreement on relations between the european parliament and the european commission15 ; ### k. whereas the spitzenkandidaten process has yet to be fully developed; whereas parliament raised this issue in its decision of 7 february 2018 on the revision of the framework agreement on relations between the european parliament and the european commission15 ;


### k. whereas the spitzenkandidaten process has yet to be fully developed; whereas it lacks , among other things , the possibility for spitzenkandidaten to stand as official candidates in all member states on transnational lists , allowing all european voters to choose and vote for their preferred spitzenkandidat; whereas parliament raised this issue in its decision of 7 february 2018 on the revision of the framework agreement on relations between the european parliament and the european commission15 ; ### k. whereas the spitzenkandidaten process has yet to be improved , allowing all european voters to know who are the candidates to the presidency of the european commission and how they were chosen by european political parties; whereas parliament raised this issue in its decision of 7 february 2018 on the revision of the framework agreement on relations between the european parliament and the european commission15;


### l. whereas the spitzenkandidaten system needs to be improved and formalised in the eu’s primary law after an in-depth institutional reflection; whereas this reflection should also include the de facto political role of the commission and its president and any related changes to the decision-making process of the union; ### l. whereas the spitzenkandidaten system needs to be addressed and reflected upon in the conference for the future of europe; whereas this reflection should also include the de facto political role of the commission and its president and any related changes to the decision-making process of the union;


### m. whereas institutional improvements such as transnational lists , as acknowledged by parliament in its resolution of 7 february 2018 on the composition of the european parliament , or the transformation of the council into a second legislative chamber of the union , as proposed in its resolution of 16 february 2017 on possible evolutions of and adjustments to the current institutional set-up of the european union , would radically transform the european elections into one true european election , as opposed to the collection of 27 separate national elections that it is today; ### m. whereas institutional improvements are needed in order to achieve a true european political sphere as opposed to the collection of 27 separate national debates that it is today;


### m. whereas institutional improvements such as transnational lists , as acknowledged by parliament in its resolution of 7 february 2018 on the composition of the european parliament , or the transformation of the council into a second legislative chamber of the union , as proposed in its resolution of 16 february 2017 on possible evolutions of and adjustments to the current institutional set-up of the european union , would radically transform the european elections into one true european election , as opposed to the collection of 27 separate national elections that it is today; ### m. whereas european elections are a joint european exercise in democracy where separate elections in member states with national parties from pan-european political families lead to a common european result; whereas in the past parliament has discussed various improvements to this exercise , such as in its resolution of 7 february 2018 on the composition of the european parliament or in its resolution of 16 february 2017 on possible evolutions of and adjustments to the current institutional set-up of the european union;


### o. whereas democratic processes at both member state and eu levels have been targeted by foreign powers in order to influence the outcome of elections and weaken the union; whereas the mechanisms put in place by the european institutions , such as the code of practice against disinformation and the rapid alert system for elections contributed to the mitigation of foreign interference during the election campaign; ### o. whereas democratic processes at both member state and eu levels have been targeted by foreign powers in order to influence the outcome of elections and weaken the union; whereas the mechanisms put in place by the european institutions , such as the code of practice against disinformation and the rapid alert system for elections contributed to the mitigation of foreign interference during the election campaign , but whereas , in the light of rapid developments in technologies and disinformation methods , constant vigilance and coordination among the member states are essential;


### p. whereas the commission’s requests to social media platforms ahead of the elections created confusion and had unintended consequences such as the ban on europe-wide political advertisements , which is the only way for european political parties to advertise during european election campaigns; whereas especially on that matter , the institutions should develop an interinstitutional approach in order to have a positive impact on the security and stability of the electoral process; ### p. whereas the commission’s requests to social media platforms ahead of the elections created confusion and had unintended consequences such as the ban on europe-wide political advertisements , which is the only way for european political parties to be identified and recognised by voters during european election campaigns; whereas especially on that matter , the institutions should develop an interinstitutional approach in order to have a positive impact on the security and stability of the electoral process;


### q. whereas european political parties and foundations are the primary facilitators of a successful european political debate , both during and beyond european elections; ### q. whereas european political parties and foundations are the primary facilitators of a successful european political debate , both during and beyond european elections and should be rendered more visible;


### 1. takes note of the higher turnout in the 2019 european elections; considers that this shows that an increasing proportion of citizens consider the eu to be the appropriate level at which to address the challenges of our time such as climate change and environmental concerns , social and gender inequalities , sustainable growth , and geopolitical concerns such as migration and foreign policy; urges all the european institutions , therefore , to take responsibility and to act upon the mandate they have been given , directly or indirectly , by the citizens; regrets both the lack of decisiveness by the council and the lack of clear intent to achieve solutions based on a common approach; ### 1. takes note of the higher turnout in the 2019 european elections , but expresses disappointment at the continuing high abstention rate; considers that the higher turnout shows that an increasing proportion of citizens are taking an interest in the eu and the role it can play in addressing the challenges of our time , such as unemployment and the cost of living , improving the quality and resilience of health systems , climate change and environmental concerns , the digital transition , social and gender inequalities , the economy and sustainable growth , migration and demographics , security and the eu's role in the world; urges all the european institutions , therefore , to take responsibility and to act upon the mandate they have been given , directly or indirectly , by the citizens;


### 1. takes note of the higher turnout in the 2019 european elections; considers that this shows that an increasing proportion of citizens consider the eu to be the appropriate level at which to address the challenges of our time such as climate change and environmental concerns , social and gender inequalities , sustainable growth , and geopolitical concerns such as migration and foreign policy; urges all the european institutions , therefore , to take responsibility and to act upon the mandate they have been given , directly or indirectly , by the citizens; regrets both the lack of decisiveness by the council and the lack of clear intent to achieve solutions based on a common approach; ### 1. takes note of the higher turnout in the 2019 european elections; considers that this shows that an increasing proportion of citizens consider the eu to be the appropriate level at which to address the challenges of our time as economy and sustainable growth , public health , climate change and environmental protection , digital revolution , the promotion of freedom , human rights and democracy , social and gender inequalities , migration and demography , security and the role of the eu in the world; urges all the european institutions , therefore , to take responsibility and to act upon the mandate they have been given , directly or indirectly , by the citizens;


### 2. welcomes the substantial increase of youth participation in the elections; reiterates its call on the council and the commission to take into account their concerns , which are critical for the lives of the next generations; ### 2. welcomes the substantial increase of youth participation in the elections , but expresses disappointment at the continuing high abstention rate; calls on the council and commission to take account of young people's concerns and the impact of eu rules on future generations , while taking heed of the message sent by those citizens who do not vote;


### 3. deplores the fact that the outcome of the elections did not lead to genuine gender balance in parliament; calls on the commission , in cooperation with parliament and other bodies such as the venice commission , to formulate recommendations to member states with a view to increasing the representation of women in the european parliament; ### 3. welcomes the fact that the gender balance in parliament has improved over the last elections; stresses however that there is still room for further improvements in order to achieve a genuine gender-balanced parliament; calls on the commission , in cooperation with parliament and other bodies such as the venice commission , to formulate recommendations to member states with a view to increasing the representation of women in the european parliament;


### 5. is of the opinion that the reason why the spitzenkandidaten process failed to produce a president of the european commission after the 2019 elections is because no improvements were made to it following the experience of 2014; intends to strengthen the democratic process for choosing the commission president before the next european elections of 2024; ### 5. acknowledges that the spitzenkandidaten process failed to produce a president of the european commission after the 2019 elections; intends to strengthen the democratic process for choosing the commission president before the next european elections of 2024;


### 6. welcomes the up-coming joint declaration of the three european institutions on the conference on the future of europe , recalls the commitment by the commission president to address the issue of transnational lists and the spitzenkandidaten process as the priority institutional issues during the conference; ### 6. calls for the swift adoption of the joint declaration of the three european institutions on the conference on the future of europe;


### 7. stresses that the election of the commission president depends on a majority of parliament’s members , which de facto requires the formation of a coalition; recommends that the election procedure be reversed so that parliament proposes and elects the president of the commission , after obtaining the consent of the european council; ### 7. recalls the commitment by the commission president to address the issue of the spitzenkandidaten process and transnational lists in the context of the conference on the future of europe; stresses that the election of the commission president depends on a majority of parliament’s members , which de facto requires the formation of a coalition , as shown in the election of july 2019 of the von der leyen commission;


### 8. considers that the outcome of the european elections has reinforced the political dimension of the election of the european commission , and therefore the need for more accurate and objective scrutiny of the declarations of interests of the commissioners-designate; calls for the creation of an independent body , endowed with the appropriate means , to have this scrutiny included in its responsibilities; ### 8. considers that the outcome of the european elections has reinforced the political dimension of the election of the european commission , and therefore the need for more accurate and objective scrutiny of the declarations of interests of the commissioners-designate; calls for the strengthening of this scrutiny before , during and after the mandate of the commissioners-designate by reinforcing the role of the already existing independent ethical committee;


### 9. regrets that the attribution of portfolios in the commission follows solely a logic where national interests take priority over the european common interest; ### deleted


### 10. insists that all european voters should be allowed to vote for their preferred candidate for the president of the commission; reiterates , therefore , that the spitzenkandidaten should be able to stand as official candidates at the next elections in a joint european constituency across all member states; ### deleted


### 10. insists that all european voters should be allowed to vote for their preferred candidate for the president of the commission; reiterates , therefore , that the spitzenkandidaten should be able to stand as official candidates at the next elections in a joint european constituency across all member states; ### 10. insists that all european voters should be allowed be allowed to know who the candidates to the presidency of the european commission are , giving them the choice to vote for his or her political party; reiterates , that the spitzenkandidaten should stand as official candidates in the european elections;


### 11. believes that granting european voters a second vote for transnational lists in a joint european constituency , drawn up by european political parties and movements , would elevate the european elections above purely national campaigns based on national interests , particularly if such lists were headed by the respective spitzenkandidaten; ### deleted


### 12. points out that the proposed changes to the eu’s primary law within this report , which reflect the increased political role of the commission within the eu framework , should also include the individual and collective responsibility of the commission towards parliament and the council , as well as the transformation of the council into a second legislative chamber of the union; ### deleted


### 13. acknowledges that despite the fact that the agreed reform of the electoral law has not yet been ratified by some member states , further improvements are required , such as provisions for remote voting operations in defined or exceptional circumstances , as well as on the elections in the joint european constituency; ### 13. acknowledges that despite the fact that the agreed reform of the electoral law has not yet been ratified by some member states , further improvements should be addressed at the conference on the future of europe;


### 13. acknowledges that despite the fact that the agreed reform of the electoral law has not yet been ratified by some member states , further improvements are required , such as provisions for remote voting operations in defined or exceptional circumstances , as well as on the elections in the joint european constituency; ### 13. acknowledges that despite the fact that the agreed reform of the electoral law has not yet been ratified by some member states , further improvements are required , such as provisions for remote voting operations in defined or exceptional circumstances;


### 14. takes note of the efforts by the commission and other institutions to tackle foreign interference during the electoral campaign; points out , nevertheless , that the financial and human resources needed to counter these attacks on european democracy , including at national level , are many times superior to the combined designated european resources; urges the commission and the member states to raise significantly the financing they make available for the fight against foreign interference; ### 14. commends the efforts by the commission and other institutions to tackle foreign interference during the electoral campaign; points out , nevertheless , that the financial and human resources needed to counter these attacks on european democracy , including at national level , are many times superior to the combined designated european resources; urges the commission and the member states to raise significantly the financing they make available for the fight against foreign interference;


### 15. urges the commission and the council to consider , in accordance with the work of parliament’s special committee on foreign interference and disinformation , the urgent creation of a european organisation dedicated to the fight against foreign interference; encourages the commission and the council to work much more closely with parliament on these matters , as the protection of our democratic institutions is a core competence of the european parliament; ### 15. urges the commission and the council to fully engage with the parliament’s new special committee on foreign interference and disinformation and take into consideration the outcome of its work; encourages the commission and the council to work much more closely with parliament on these matters , as the protection of our democratic institutions is a core competence of the european parliament;


### 16. recognises the important role of european political parties and foundations in fostering a european political debate; points out , however , that owing to restrictive measures at european and national levels , european political parties cannot fully participate in european election campaigns; stresses , moreover , that they are not allowed to campaign in referendums that concern european matters , including international trade agreements or the uk’s 2016 referendum on eu membership; ### 16. recognises the important role of european political parties and foundations in fostering a european political debate; points out , however , that owing to restrictive measures at european and national levels , european political parties cannot fully participate in european election campaigns; stresses , moreover , that they are not allowed to campaign in referendums that concern european matters;


### 18. considers that the outcome of the european elections is a clear signal for an in-depth institutional reflection that will allow citizens , civil society and their representatives to shape the future of the union; calls , therefore , on all institutional partners to assume their responsibility and deliver an ambitious conference on the future of europe; ### 18. considers that the outcome of the european elections presents an opportunity for an in-depth reflection about the future of the union; calls , therefore , on all institutional partners to assume their responsibility and deliver an ambitious , interactive and inclusive conference on the future of europe open to citizens , civil society and their representatives , and which can strengthen representative democracy as well as eu's resilience by delivering tangible results for its citizens , including on health protection and security


### 18. considers that the outcome of the european elections is a clear signal for an in-depth institutional reflection that will allow citizens , civil society and their representatives to shape the future of the union; calls , therefore , on all institutional partners to assume their responsibility and deliver an ambitious conference on the future of europe; ### 18. considers that the outcome of the european elections is a clear signal for an in-depth institutional reflection that will allow citizens , civil society and their representatives to shape the future of the union; calls , therefore , on all institutional partners to assume their responsibility and deliver in due course an ambitious conference on the future of europe;


### 1. stresses that the eu institutions have an obligation to implement article 15(3) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) and to adopt a legal instrument on access to documents in line with the democratic principles expressed in article 10(3) of the treaty on european union (teu) and with the rights of eu citizens enshrined in article 42 of the charter of fundamental rights; highlights that article 15(3) of the tfeu envisages enhanced institutional scope; ### 1. stresses that the eu institutions have an obligation to implement article 15(3) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union (tfeu) and to adopt a legal instrument on access to documents in line with the democratic principles expressed in article 10(3) of the treaty on european union (teu) and with the rights of eu citizens enshrined in article 42 of the charter of fundamental rights; highlights that article 15(3) of the tfeu envisages enhanced institutional scope; believes that an updated legal regime would have the potential of taking into account technological developments , experience with the application of the regulation 1049/2001 and relevant jurisprudence;


### 2. underlines the fact that article 10(3) of the teu grants eu citizens the right to participate in the democratic life of the union and stipulates that decisions must be taken as openly and closely as possible to the citizen; insists that all institutions must strive to implement these principles; ### 2. underlines the fact that article 10(3) of the teu grants eu citizens the right to participate in the democratic life of the union and stipulates that decisions must be taken as openly and closely as possible to the citizen; insists that all institutions must strive to implement these principles; stresses that as an integral part of the eu legislature , the council is bound by the same transparency obligations as the other institutions of the eu; calls therefore on the council to live up to these obligations;


### 2. calls on the council and the member states to continue reinforcing coherence between all instruments and initiatives within the framework of common security and defence policy (csdp) in order to achieve the required level of effectiveness in ensuring strategic autonomy , and of ambition in the progressive framing of a common union defence policy in line with the treaty on european union; ### 2. calls on the council and the member states to continue reinforcing coherence between all instruments and initiatives within the framework of common security and defence policy (csdp) in order to achieve the required level of effectiveness in ensuring strategic autonomy , and of ambition in the progressive framing of a common union defence policy in line with the treaty on european union; highlights the strong traditions of military neutrality in several member states;


### 7. reiterates that parliament should play a prominent role in the scrutiny and supervision of the implementation and evaluation of the csdp; expects in this regard that parliament will be fully informed and consulted by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy in the context of the current strategic review of the first pesco phase , which ends in 2020. ### 7. reiterates that parliament should play a prominent role in the scrutiny and supervision of the implementation and evaluation of the csdp; expects in this regard that , in line with article 26 teu , parliament will be fully informed and consulted by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy in the context of the current strategic review of the first pesco phase , which ends in 2020.


### a. whereas according to article 42(2) of the teu , the common security and defence policy (csdp) includes the progressive framing of a common eu defence policy , which could lead to common defence being put in place; ### a. whereas according to article 42(2) of the teu , the common security and defence policy (csdp) includes the progressive framing of a common eu defence policy , which will lead to a common defence , when the european council , acting unanimously , so decides;


### d. whereas the three-fold level of ambition under the eu global strategy in the field of security and defence covers securing external borders , countering hybrid threats and fighting against terrorism; whereas no member state can protect itself alone , since security and defence threats faced by the eu , and which are targeted against its citizens and territory , are a joint threat and cannot be addressed by one single member state on its own; whereas an effective eu system for addressing burden-sharing would be advantageous for the eu’s overall level of security and defence; ### d. whereas the three-fold level of ambition under the eu global strategy in the field of security and defence covers the protection of europe and its citizens , crisis management and capacity building of partners , countering hybrid threats and fighting against terrorism; whereas no member state can protect itself alone , since security and defence threats faced by the eu , and which are targeted against its citizens and territory , are a joint threat and cannot be addressed by one single member state on its own; whereas an effective eu system for addressing burden-sharing would be advantageous for the eu’s overall level of security and defence;


### f. whereas pesco’s long-term vision is to achieve a coherent full-spectrum force package available to the member states; whereas pesco should enhance the eu’s capacity to act as an international security provider in order to protect eu citizens and maximise the effectiveness of defence spending; whereas the cost of non-europe in security and defence is estimated to be more than eur 100 billion per year; ### f. whereas pesco’s long-term vision is to achieve a coherent full-spectrum force package available to the member states; whereas pesco should enhance the eu’s capacity to act as an international security provider in order to protect eu citizens and maximise the effectiveness of defence spending;


### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence; ### deleted


### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence; ### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas the pandemic has demonstrated the need to develop eu military mobility , as important element in support for management of major civilian crises; whereas by developing capabilities under pesco this experience and lessons identified should be taken into account; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence;


### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence; ### g. whereas it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence;


### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence; ### g. whereas it makes sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories as well as strengthen its resilience; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence;


### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to establish an eu common defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence; ### g. whereas the covid-19 pandemic has shown the consequences of the eu not having enough competence when it comes to health care; whereas , by the same analogy , it would make sense to evolve to an eu common integrated security and defence strategy in order to be able to respond to an attack on the eu’s borders and territories; whereas pesco constitutes an important step towards achieving the objective of a common defence;


### i. whereas pesco creates a binding framework between the pms , which committed themselves to jointly investing , planning , developing and operating defence capabilities within union framework in a permanent and structured manner by subscribing to 20 binding commitments in five areas set by the teu; whereas these commitments should constitute a move from mere defence cooperation towards the integration of member states’ defence forces; whereas despite these binding commitments , no effective compliance mechanism for pesco is in place; ### i. whereas pesco creates a binding framework between the pms , which committed themselves to jointly investing , planning , developing and operating defence capabilities within union framework in a permanent and structured manner by subscribing to 20 binding commitments in five areas set by the teu; whereas despite these binding commitments , no effective compliance mechanism for pesco is in place;


### i. whereas pesco creates a binding framework between the pms , which committed themselves to jointly investing , planning , developing and operating defence capabilities within union framework in a permanent and structured manner by subscribing to 20 binding commitments in five areas set by the teu; whereas these commitments should constitute a move from mere defence cooperation towards the integration of member states’ defence forces; whereas despite these binding commitments , no effective compliance mechanism for pesco is in place; ### i. whereas pesco creates a binding framework between the pms , which committed themselves to jointly investing , planning , developing and operating defence capabilities within union framework in a permanent and structured manner by subscribing to 20 binding commitments in five areas set by the teu; whereas these commitments should constitute a move from mere defence cooperation towards the integration of member states’ defence forces; whereas these binding commitments are annually evaluated in the national implementation plans by the pesco secretariat which can be consulted by the participating member states;


### i. whereas pesco creates a binding framework between the pms , which committed themselves to jointly investing , planning , developing and operating defence capabilities within union framework in a permanent and structured manner by subscribing to 20 binding commitments in five areas set by the teu; whereas these commitments should constitute a move from mere defence cooperation towards the integration of member states’ defence forces; whereas despite these binding commitments , no effective compliance mechanism for pesco is in place; ### i. whereas pesco creates a binding framework between the pms , which committed themselves to jointly investing , planning , developing and operating defence capabilities within union framework in a permanent and structured manner by subscribing to 20 binding commitments in five areas set by the teu; whereas these commitments should constitute a move from mere defence cooperation towards the enhancement of member states’ defence forces; whereas despite these binding commitments , no effective compliance mechanism for pesco is in place;


### j. whereas the pms do not pay enough attention to the 20 binding commitments to which they have subscribed , and not enough progress has been achieved with regard to significantly embedding pesco into national defence planning processes; ### j. whereas the pms should enhance their commitment to the 20 binding commitments to which they have subscribed; notes that military capacity planning cycles usually take longer than 3 years; highlights that the current national military capacity planning cycles are mostly driven by the previously established nato defence planning process;


### k. whereas pesco was originally conceived as an avant-garde , comprising the member states willing and able to upgrade their cooperation in defence to a new level of ambition; whereas the fact that there are 25 pms means that pesco is at risk of being constrained by the ‘lowest common denominator’ approach; ### k. whereas pesco was originally conceived as an avant-garde , comprising the member states willing and able to upgrade their cooperation in defence to a new level of ambition; whereas the fact that there are 25 pms means that pesco is at risk of being constrained by the ‘lowest common denominator’ approach; whereas the number of pms indicates a willingness for closer cooperation in security and defence;


### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms proposing 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase; ### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms proposing 47 projects; whereas to date , none has come to fruition; whereas the projects in the first wave are mainly capability-building projects involving as many member states as possible; whereas the inclusive nature of pesco projects should not lead the pms to water down their ambitions; whereas it is essential that pesco focus on projects that deliver genuine added value; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , scope , strategic ambition so that the most obvious capability gaps will not be filled , and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase;


### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms proposing 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase; ### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms proposing 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase; whereas the development of ambitious military capacity projects can take up to 10 years;


### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms proposing 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase; ### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms proposing 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately fully address critical shortfalls as identified by the headline goal process; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase;


### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms proposing 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase; ### l. whereas work on the first three waves of pesco projects has led to the pms establishing 47 projects; whereas the current list of projects lacks coherence , strategic ambition and does not adequately address priority shortfalls as identified by the pms; whereas one of these projects has been stopped in order to avoid unnecessary duplication; whereas other projects did not make sufficient progress or are at risk of being stopped , and around 30 projects are still in the ideation and preparatory phase;


### m. whereas only the most strategic pesco projects , such as eufor crisis response operation core (eufor croc) have the potential to decisively contribute to the creation of a coherent full spectrum force package; ### m. whereas certain strategic pesco projects are focussed on the operational deployment , such as eufor crisis response operation core (eufor croc) and other projects are more focussed on the development of military capacities; whereas both are needed to decisively contribute to evolvement to an eu common integrated security and defence strategy;


### o. whereas it is crucial to fill the capability gaps identified in the capability development plan (cdp) , and by the coordinated annual defence on review (card); ### o. whereas it is crucial to address the capability priorities identified in the capability development plan (cdp) , and to build on the coordinated annual defence on review (card);


### p. whereas only some of the current pesco projects do sufficiently address the most obvious capability gaps or already sufficiently take into account high impact capacity goals (hicg) deriving from the capability development plan (cdp) , and should be considered as a priority; ### p. whereas only some of the current pesco projects do sufficiently address the capability shortcomings identified under the capability development plan (cdp) and card or already sufficiently take into account high impact capacity goals (hicg) deriving from the capability development plan (cdp) , and should be considered as a priority;


### s. whereas interactions between member states’ national priorities , eu priorities and nato priorities should be synchronised at the earliest possible convenience; whereas pesco can be an effective tool in order to achieve eu and nato targets simultaneously; ### s. whereas pesco can be an effective tool in order to achieve eu and nato targets simultaneously;


### s. whereas interactions between member states’ national priorities , eu priorities and nato priorities should be synchronised at the earliest possible convenience; whereas pesco can be an effective tool in order to achieve eu and nato targets simultaneously; ### s. whereas interactions between member states’ national priorities , eu priorities and nato priorities should be synchronised at the earliest possible convenience; whereas pesco can be an effective tool in order to provide military capabilities that can address eu and nato targets simultaneously;


### u. whereas currently , pesco projects are dependent on the 25 participating member states’ financial contributions; whereas it is expected that , as a result of the covid-19 pandemic , national defence budgets will suffer reductions; whereas paradoxically , several of the currently 47 pesco projects , if funded accordingly , could strengthen member states’ preparedness , should another massive public health crisis occur: military mobility – a flagship pesco project – , the european medical command and many other projects in areas related to logistics and transportation , health care , disaster relief and the fight against malicious cyber activities; whereas cutting funding for the strategic capabilities that the eu and its member states currently lack would also weaken their ability to jointly act against future pandemics; ### u. whereas currently , pesco projects are dependent on the 25 participating member states’ financial contributions; whereas it is expected that , as a result of the covid-19 pandemic , national defence budgets will suffer reductions; whereas paradoxically , several of the currently 47 pesco projects , if funded accordingly , could strengthen member states’ preparedness , should another massive public health crisis occur: military mobility , the european medical command and many other projects in areas related to logistics and transportation , health care , disaster relief and the fight against malicious cyber activities; whereas cutting funding for the strategic capabilities that the eu and its member states currently lack would also weaken their ability to jointly act against future pandemics;


### v. whereas the prospect of co-financing certain pesco projects via the future european defence fund (edf) has led pms to multiply their proposals , and despite the fact that this has encouraged exchanges and cooperation , not all proposals necessarily have the eu’s best strategic interest in mind; ### v. whereas the prospect of receiving co-financing for the development capacities deriving from certain pesco projects via the future european defence fund (edf) has led pms to multiply their proposals , and despite the fact that this has encouraged exchanges and cooperation , not all proposals necessarily have the eu’s best strategic interest in mind;


### w. whereas the participation of third countries in individual pesco projects might be in the strategic interest of the european union , particularly in case of the united kingdom; ### w. whereas the participation of third countries in individual pesco projects might be in the strategic interest of the european union , particularly in case of the united kingdom and eastern partnership partner countries , particularly those that have signed framework participation agreements with the eu;


### w. whereas the participation of third countries in individual pesco projects might be in the strategic interest of the european union , particularly in the case of the united kingdom; ### w. whereas the participation of third countries in individual pesco projects , subject to very strict conditions and on the basis of established and effective reciprocity , might be in the strategic interest of the european union;


### w. whereas the participation of third countries in individual pesco projects might be in the strategic interest of the european union , particularly in case of the united kingdom; ### w. whereas , in some specific cases , participation of third countries in individual pesco projects might be in the strategic interest of the european union , particularly in case of the united kingdom;


### z. whereas deepening defence cooperation among member states at eu level should go hand in hand with the strengthening of parliament’s power of scrutiny; ### deleted


### z. whereas deepening defence cooperation among member states at eu level should go hand in hand with the strengthening of parliament’s power of scrutiny; ### z. whereas deepening defence cooperation among member states at eu level should go hand in hand with an increase in the information made available to parliament;


### define the union’s strategic vision , by , inter alia , implementing the level of ambition defined by the 2016 eu global strategy in the ongoing work of the strategic compass and , strengthen pesco’s operational dimension; ### define the union’s strategic vision and perception of common threats , by , inter alia , implementing the level of ambition defined by the 2016 eu global strategy in the ongoing work of the strategic compass and , strengthen pesco’s operational dimension;


### define the union’s strategic vision , by , inter alia , implementing the level of ambition defined by the 2016 eu global strategy in the ongoing work of the strategic compass and , strengthen pesco’s operational dimension; ### implement the level of ambition defined by the 2016 eu global strategy , inter alia , through the ongoing work of the strategic compass , which needs to be carried out in cooperation with the commission and , strengthen pesco’s operational dimension;


### prepare , on the basis of the results of the discussion on the strategic compass , a fully-fledged eu security and defence white book; ### prepare , on the basis of the results of the discussion on the strategic compass , a fully-fledged eu security and defence white book; notes that the first results of the strategic compass are expected in the first half of 2022;


### encourage the pms to switch from a strictly national focus on defence to a european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls; ### undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls;


### encourage the pms to switch from a strictly national focus on defence to a european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls; ### encourage the pms through focused proposals and adequate communication to switch from a strictly national focus on defence to a european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls;


### encourage the pms to switch from a strictly national focus on defence to a european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls; ### encourage the pms to switch from a strictly national focus on defence to a stronger european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls;


### encourage the pms to switch from a strictly national focus on defence to a european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls; ### encourage the pms to evolve from a strictly national focus on defence to a european one and to undertake structured efforts to increase the use of european collaborative approach as a priority , as no individual pms alone has the potential to address identified capacity shortfalls;


### maintain the eu’s budgetary ambition for the strengthening of defence capabilities , notably thought the sufficient financing of edf in the upcoming mff; ### increase the eu’s budgetary ambition for the strengthening of defence capabilities , notably through the sufficient financing of edf and military mobility in the upcoming mff;


### maintain the eu’s budgetary ambition for the strengthening of defence capabilities , notably thought the sufficient financing of edf in the upcoming mff; ### maintain the eu’s budgetary ambition for the strengthening of defence initiatives , notably thought the sufficient financing of edf and military mobility in the upcoming mff;


### ensure that pesco is effectively used as an instrument to reach eu defence integration as a common goal , in line with the ambition for greater eu strategic autonomy; ### ensure that pesco is effectively used as an instrument to reach eu defence integration as a common goal , in line with the ambition for greater eu strategic autonomy , whilst maintaining close cooperation with nato and other international partners;


### ensure that pesco is effectively used as an instrument to reach eu defence integration as a common goal , in line with the ambition for greater eu strategic autonomy; ### ensure that pesco is effectively used as an instrument to reach a eu common integrated and defence strategy as a common goal , in line with the ambition for greater eu strategic autonomy;


### ensure that the funding of pesco projects by the edf is focused on a limited set of strategic key projects , in line with the hcig of the cdp , in order to maximise its impact; ### ensure that the funding of capacities derived from pesco projects by the edf is focused on a limited set of strategic key projects , in line with the high impact capacity goals (hicg) of the capacity development priorities (cdp) , in order to maximise its impact; ensure that the selection of pesco project is in line with hicg of the cdp;


### ensure that the funding of pesco projects by the edf is focused on a limited set of strategic key projects , in line with the hcig of the cdp , in order to maximise its impact; ### ensure that the funding of pesco projects by the edf is focused on a limited set of strategic key projects , in line with the cdp priorities , in order to maximise its impact;


### incorporate directly into the pesco project cycle the link between pesco and edidp/edf; impose the documentation of each project , before selection on the budgetary side; ### deleted


### focus pesco efforts on projects with a strategic and integrative dimension , such as eufor croc , and link those to other pesco projects in order to create additional synergies and effects of scale; ### focus pesco efforts on projects with a more operational focus , in direct response to the needs of european armed forces engaged in operations , and with a strategic and integrative dimension , such as eufor croc , and link those to other pesco projects in order to create additional synergies and effects of scale;


### focus pesco efforts on projects with a strategic and integrative dimension , such as eufor croc , and link those to other pesco projects in order to create additional synergies and effects of scale; ### focus pesco efforts on projects with a strategic and integrative dimension , such as eufor croc , and link those to other pesco projects in order to create additional synergies and effects of scale where appropriate;


### ensure that future key land , sea , air and other platforms for the armed forces of the member states are brought under pesco or are at least closely connected to it; ### encourage that future key land , sea , air and other platforms for the armed forces of the member states are brought under pesco where appropriate;


### consider , as part of the reform of the eu battlegroup system , to bring it under pesco in order to increase its operational capacity , modularity and agility; ### consider , as part of the reform of the eu battlegroup system , to bring it under pesco in order to increase its operational capacity , modularity and agility and to enhance the eu’s ability to conduct crisis management operations , including the most demanding ones such as peacemaking;


### consider , as part of the reform of the eu battlegroup system , to bring it under pesco in order to increase its operational capacity , modularity and agility; ### suggest that the study for adaptation of the eu battle group (eu bg) as strategic reserve force could advise to bring eu bg under pesco in order to increase its operational capacity , modularity and agility;


### group pesco projects into capability clusters and make a distinction between strategically relevant and other projects; ### where relevant , group pesco projects into capability clusters;


### promote compliance with the 20 pesco commitments by establishing clearer definition of compliance benchmarks , and by ensuring that future project proposals must address a specific cdp priority; ensure that any reviews of project progress should be based on clear and transparent criteria; ensure that such criteria serve as benchmark for all member states participating in pesco projects; ### promote compliance with the 20 pesco commitments by establishing a clear and simple definition of compliance benchmarks , and by ensuring that future project proposals must address a specific eu capability development priorities; ensure that any reviews of project progress should be based on clear and transparent criteria; ensure that such criteria serve as benchmark for all member states participating in pesco projects;


### promote compliance with the 20 pesco commitments by establishing clearer definition of compliance benchmarks , and by ensuring that future project proposals must address a specific cdp priority; ensure that any reviews of project progress should be based on clear and transparent criteria; ensure that such criteria serve as benchmark for all member states participating in pesco projects; ### promote compliance with the 20 pesco commitments by establishing clearer definition of compliance indicators , and by ensuring that future project proposals must address a specific cdp priority; ensure that any reviews of project progress should be based on clear and transparent criteria; ensure that such criteria serve as benchmark for all member states participating in pesco projects;


### use the synergies between the pesco project cycle and other defence capability processes such as card , hlg and edf in order to enable more mature and well-documented projects to be submitted; allow projects to be submitted outside the cycle in order to enable the synchronised implementation of several european initiatives , including the edf; ### use the synergies between the pesco project cycle and other defence capability processes such as card , hlg and edf in order to enable more mature and well-documented projects to be submitted;


### use the synergies between the pesco project cycle and other defence capability processes such as card , hlg and edf in order to enable more mature and well-documented projects to be submitted; allow projects to be submitted outside the cycle in order to enable the synchronised implementation of several european initiatives , including the edf; ### use the synergies between the pesco project cycle and other defence capability processes such as hlgp , cdp and card in order to enable more mature and well-documented projects to be submitted;


### define an effective and strong project steering committee , reaffirm the central role of the pesco secretariat as a single point of contact for all projects and invite the secretariat to carry out regular situation points on the progress of projects for the benefit of all the stakeholders , including parliament , via information collected member state(s) in charge of project coordination; ### define an effective and strong project steering committee , reaffirm the central role of the pesco secretariat as a single point of contact for all projects and invite the secretariat to carry out regular situation points on the progress of projects for the benefit of all the stakeholders , including parliament , via information collected from the member state(s) in charge of project coordination;


### define an effective and strong project steering committee , reaffirm the central role of the pesco secretariat as a single point of contact for all projects and invite the secretariat to carry out regular situation points on the progress of projects for the benefit of all the stakeholders , including parliament , via information collected member state(s) in charge of project coordination; ### define an effective and strong project steering committee , reaffirm the central role of the pesco secretariat as a single point of contact for all projects and invite the secretariat to carry out regular situation points on the progress of projects for the benefit of all the stakeholders , including parliament , via information collected from member state(s) in charge of project coordination;


### establish an eu council on defence based on the existing eda ministerial steering board and the pesco format of eu defence ministers , in order to guarantee the prioritisation of resources , and the effective cooperation and integration among the member states; ### establish an eu council on defence based on the existing eda ministerial steering board and the pesco format of eu defence ministers , in order to guarantee the prioritisation of resources , and the effective cooperation among the member states;


### clarify or define the link between the governance of pesco and that of the edf and to involve parliament in the ex-post control process when it comes to edf funding of pesco projects; ### deleted


### clarify or define the link between the governance of pesco and that of the edf and to involve parliament in the ex-post control process when it comes to edf funding of pesco projects; ### clarify or define the link between the governance of pesco and that of the edf;


### clarify the rules governing third-party participation in pesco , taking into consideration the importance of eu decision-making autonomy and full reciprocity , with a case-by-case approach considered to be most beneficial for the eu; ### clarify the rules governing third-party participation in pesco , taking into consideration the importance of eu decision-making autonomy and full reciprocity , with a case-by-case approach considered to be most beneficial for the eu; the decision-making process regarding the involvement of a third-party should be ensured at the level of each pesco project , by the member states involved;


### clarify the rules governing third-party participation in pesco , taking into consideration the importance of eu decision-making autonomy and full reciprocity , with a case-by-case approach considered to be most beneficial for the eu; ### clarify the rules governing third-party participation in pesco , taking into consideration the importance of eu decision-making autonomy and full reciprocity , with a case-by-case approach considered to be most beneficial for the eu; to consider the benefits of third-party participation of the united kingdom after brexit;


### 2. highlights that the support of eu citizens is crucial to underpinning the political ambition of eu defence policy; underlines the fact that according to the latest public opinion surveys , three quarters of eu citizens are in favour of a common defence and security policy for the member states , a proportion that has remained above 70 % since 2004; ### 2. highlights that the support of eu citizens is crucial to underpinning the political ambition of eu defence policy; underlines the fact that according to the latest public opinion surveys , three quarters of eu citizens are in favour of a common defence and security policy for the member states , a proportion that has remained above 70 % since 2004; respects the strong traditions of military neutrality in several member states;


### — having regard to the treaty on european union (teu) , ### — having regard to the treaty on european union (teu) and the treaty on the functioning of the european union ,


### 41. welcomes the commission’s proposal of june 2017 to create a european defence fund (edf) , which would foster cooperation between member states and support the european defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which community funds are to be used in direct support of defence projects; recognises that this is a major step forward for european defence , from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the edf could finance structural projects such as the future european aircraft or tank or a european anti-missile defence capability; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action will focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies , two key areas for maintaining europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes , also , the adoption by the commission in march 2019 of the first european defence industrial development programme (edidp) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019 , including for the eurodrone , which is a key capability for europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020 , covering priority areas in all domains (air , land , sea , cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the member states and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the edf; ### 41. welcomes the commission’s proposal of june 2017 to create a european defence fund (edf) , which would foster cooperation between member states and support the defence industry throughout the union , including cross-border smes; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which community funds are to be used in direct support of defence projects; recognises that this is a major step forward for european defence , from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the edf could finance structural projects such as the future european aircraft or tank or a european anti-missile defence capability as well as small and medium projects creating innovative future orientated solutions for defence; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies , two key areas for maintaining europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes , also , the adoption by the commission in march 2019 of the first work programme european defence industrial development programme (edidp) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019; notes that edidp 2019 calls included the eurodrone , which is an important capability for europe’s strategic autonomy , and a call specifically devoted for small and medium enterprises , encouraging innovation throughout the union; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020 , covering priority areas in all domains (air , land , sea , cyber and space); notes the importance of edf in contributing to innovation , competitiveness , efficiency and cross-border cooperation of the european defence industry throughout the eu; notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the member states and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the edf;


### 41. welcomes the commission’s proposal of june 2017 to create a european defence fund (edf) , which would foster cooperation between member states and support the european defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which community funds are to be used in direct support of defence projects; recognises that this is a major step forward for european defence , from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the edf could finance structural projects such as the future european aircraft or tank or a european anti-missile defence capability; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action will focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies , two key areas for maintaining europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes , also , the adoption by the commission in march 2019 of the first european defence industrial development programme (edidp) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019 , including for the eurodrone , which is a key capability for europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020 , covering priority areas in all domains (air , land , sea , cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the member states and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the edf; ### 41. welcomes the commission’s proposal of june 2017 to create a european defence fund (edf) , which would foster cooperation between member states and cooperative arms programmes to develop capabilities , and would support the european defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which community funds are to be used in direct support of cooperative defence projects; recognises that this is a major step forward for european defence , from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the edf could finance structural projects such as the future european aircraft or tank or a european anti-missile defence capability; welcomes the results of the eu-funded pilot projects euroswarm and spider; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action will focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies , two key areas for maintaining europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes , also , the adoption by the commission in march 2019 of the first european defence industrial development programme (edidp) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019 , including for the eurodrone , which is a key capability for europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020 , covering priority areas in all domains (air , land , sea , cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the member states and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the edf;


### 42. welcomes the effective implementation of permanent structured cooperation (pesco) as an important step towards closer cooperation in security and defence among member states; stresses that this provision , introduced in the 2009 lisbon treaty (article 46 of the treaty on the functioning of the european union) , is legally binding and includes a set of ambitious commitments to enable european countries wishing to do so to move ahead faster on common defence projects; recognises the role that pesco can play in structuring european demand; notes that a significant number of edidp-eligible projects are being developed within the pesco framework and may also benefit from higher rates of subsidy; supports full consistency between pesco projects and the edf; ### 42. welcomes the effective implementation of permanent structured cooperation (pesco) as an important step towards closer cooperation in security and defence among member states; stresses that this provision , introduced in the 2009 lisbon treaty (article 46 of the treaty on european union) , is legally binding and includes a set of ambitious commitments to enable european countries wishing to do so to move ahead faster on common defence projects; recognises the role that pesco can play in structuring european demand; calls on the council to explain to what extent council decision (cfsp) 2017/2315 of 11 december 2017 , which was adopted by a qualified majority , and its article 8(2) , do not conflict with article 41(2) teu , which requires unanimity; notes that a significant number of edidp-eligible projects are being developed within the pesco framework and may also benefit from higher rates of subsidy; supports full consistency between pesco projects and the edf;


### (5) the electoral procedure related to municipal elections falls within the competences of the member states that organise them reflecting their specific traditions and in accordance with international and european standards. in line with international covenant on civil and political rights as well as the law of the european convention on human rights , member states should not only recognise and respect the right of union citizens to vote and to stand as a candidate but also ensure easy access to their electoral rights by removing as many obstacles to their participation in elections as possible. ### (5) the electoral procedure related to municipal elections falls within the competences of the member states that organise them reflecting their constitutional traditions and in accordance with international and european standards. in line with international covenant on civil and political rights as well as the law of the european convention on human rights , member states should not only recognise and respect the right of union citizens to vote and to stand as a candidate but also ensure easy and effective access to their electoral rights and to information by removing all obstacles to their participation in elections.


### (5) the electoral procedure related to municipal elections falls within the competences of the member states that organise them reflecting their specific traditions and in accordance with international and european standards. in line with international covenant on civil and political rights as well as the law of the european convention on human rights , member states should not only recognise and respect the right of union citizens to vote and to stand as a candidate but also ensure easy access to their electoral rights by removing as many obstacles to their participation in elections as possible. ### (5) the electoral procedure related to municipal elections falls within the competences of the member states that organise them reflecting their specific traditions and in accordance with international and european standards. in line with the international covenant on civil and political rights as well as the law of the european convention on human rights , member states should not only recognise and respect the right of union citizens residing in a member state of which they are not nationals to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections but also ensure easy access to their electoral rights by removing as many obstacles to their participation in municipal elections as possible.


### (5) the electoral procedure related to municipal elections falls within the competences of the member states that organise them reflecting their specific traditions and in accordance with international and european standards. in line with international covenant on civil and political rights as well as the law of the european convention on human rights , member states should not only recognise and respect the right of union citizens to vote and to stand as a candidate but also ensure easy access to their electoral rights by removing as many obstacles to their participation in elections as possible. ### (5) the electoral procedure related to municipal elections falls within the competences of the member states that organise them reflecting their constitutional traditions and in accordance with international and european standards. in line with international covenant on civil and political rights as well as the law of the european convention on human rights , member states should not only recognise and respect the right of union citizens to vote and to stand as a candidate but also ensure easy and effective access to their electoral rights and to information by removing all obstacles to their participation in elections as possible.


### (7) in addition , non-national union citizens should not be required to fulfil any special conditions in order to exercise the right to vote or stand in municipal elections unless , exceptionally , a different treatment of nationals and non-nationals is justified by circumstances specific to the latter distinguishing them from the former. ### (7) in addition , non-national union citizens should not be required to fulfil any special conditions in order to exercise the right to vote or stand in municipal elections unless a different treatment of nationals and non-nationals is justified by exceptional circumstances specific to the latter distinguishing them from the former. any such difference in treatment must , in any event , be justified.


### (8) in order to facilitate the exercise by union citizens of their right to vote and to stand as a candidate in their country of residence , such citizens should be entered on the electoral roll in sufficient time in advance of polling day. the formalities applicable to their registration should be as simple as possible. it should be sufficient for the union citizens concerned to produce a valid identity card and a formal declaration that include elements evidencing their entitlement to participate in the elections. once registered , non-national union citizens should remain on the electoral roll under the same conditions as union citizens who are nationals of the member state concerned , for as long as they satisfy the conditions for exercising the right to vote. additionally , union citizens should provide the competent authorities with contact information , enabling those authorities to keep them informed on a regular basis. ### (8) in order to facilitate the exercise by union citizens of their right to vote and to stand as a candidate in their country of residence , such citizens should be able to be entered on the electoral roll in sufficient time in advance of polling day. where voting is not compulsory , member states should be encouraged to enter such citizens on the electoral roll automatically when they are registered as residents. the formalities applicable to their registration should be as simple as possible. it should be sufficient for the union citizens concerned to produce a valid identity card and , where necessary , a formal declaration that include elements evidencing their entitlement to participate in the elections. once registered , non-national union citizens should remain on the electoral roll under the same conditions as union citizens who are nationals of the member state concerned , for as long as they satisfy the conditions for exercising the right to vote. additionally , union citizens should provide the competent authorities with contact information , enabling those authorities to keep them informed on a regular basis of their rights , the holding of elections and the voting procedures.


### (11) since the duties of the leadership of basic local government units may involve taking part in the exercise of official authority and in the safeguarding of the general interest , member states should be able to reserve those offices for their nationals in full respect of the principle of proportionality . ### (11) since the duties of the leadership of basic local government units may involve taking part in the exercise of official authority and in the safeguarding of the general interest , member states should be able to reserve those offices for their nationals in full respect of the principle of proportionality. any limitation of the right to stand as a candidate must be duly justified by the member states.


### (15) the accessibility of information on electoral rights and procedures is a key component in ensuring the effective exercise of the right enshrined in article 20(2) , point (b) and article 22(1) tfeu. ### (15) the accessibility , clarity and intelligibility of information on electoral rights and procedures are key components in ensuring the effective exercise of the right enshrined in article 20(2) , point (b) and article 22(1) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union.