### (16) the lack of adequate information , in the context of electoral procedures , affects citizens in the exercise of their electoral rights as part of their rights as union citizens. it also affects the capacity of competent authorities to exercise their rights and to deliver on their obligations. member states should be required to designate authorities with special responsibilities for providing appropriate information to union citizens on their rights under article 20(2) , point (b) , and article 22(1) tfeu and the national rules and procedures regarding participation in and the organization of municipal elections. in order to ensure the effectiveness of communications , information should be provided in clear and comprehensible terms. ### (16) the lack of adequate information , in the context of electoral procedures , affects citizens in the exercise of their electoral rights as part of their rights as union citizens. it also affects the capacity of competent authorities to exercise their rights and to deliver on their obligations. member states should be required to designate authorities with special responsibilities for providing appropriate information to union citizens on their rights under article 20(2) , point (b) , and article 22(1) of the treaty on the functioning of the european union and the national rules and procedures regarding participation in and the organization of municipal elections. in order to ensure the effectiveness of communications , information should be provided in clear and comprehensible terms when citizens are registered as residents and sufficiently in advance of the election.


### (23) data regarding the exercise of rights and the application of this directive can be useful in the identification of measures necessary to ensure the effective exercise of union citizens’ electoral rights. in order to improve the collection of data for municipal elections , it is necessary to introduce regular monitoring and reporting of implementation by member states , which should include , besides statistical data , information on the measures taken to support participation in elections of non-national union citizens. the commission should assess the application of the directive , including any changes in the electorate that have taken place since its entry into force and submit a report in this connection to the european parliament and to the council. ### (23) data regarding the exercise of rights and the application of this directive is necessary in the identification of measures necessary to ensure the effective exercise of union citizens’ electoral rights. in order to improve the collection and communication of data for municipal elections , it is necessary to introduce , in accordance with a common methodology , regular monitoring and reporting of implementation by member states , which should include , besides statistical data , information on the measures taken to support participation in elections of non-national union citizens. the commission should assess the application of the directive , including any changes in the electorate that have taken place since its entry into force and submit a report in this connection to the european parliament and to the council.


### having regard to the treaty and to general legal principles , member states may take appropriate , necessary and proportional measures to ensure that the offices referred to in the first subparagraph can only be held and the interim functions referred to in the second subparagraph can be performed only by their own nationals. ### having regard to the treaty and to general legal principles , member states may take appropriate , necessary and proportional measures to ensure that the offices referred to in the first subparagraph can only be held and the interim functions referred to in the second subparagraph can be performed only by their own nationals. any limitation on the exercise of these functions must be duly justified by the member states.


### 3. member states where voting is not compulsory may provide for the automatic registration of voters pursuant to article 3 on the electoral roll. ### 3. only member states where voting is not compulsory may provide for the automatic registration of voters pursuant to article 3 on the electoral roll.


### in case of doubt regarding the content of the declaration pursuant to point (a) , to produce before or after the election an attestation from the competent administrative authorities in their home member state certifying that they have not been deprived of the right to stand as a candidate in that state or that no such disqualification is known to those authorities; ### in case of legitimate doubt regarding the content of the declaration pursuant to point (a) , to produce before the election an attestation from the competent administrative authorities in their home member state certifying that they have not been deprived of the right to stand as a candidate in that state or that no such disqualification is known to those authorities;


### member states that provide for the possibility for nationals to vote by means of advance voting , postal voting , and electronic and internet voting in municipal elections shall ensure that such means of voting are also available under the same conditions to voters pursuant to article 3. ### member states that provide for the possibility for nationals to vote by means of advance voting , postal voting , proxy voting and electronic and internet voting in municipal elections shall ensure that such means of voting are also available under the same conditions to voters pursuant to article 3.


### once available , the date of the election and how and where to vote , ### once available , the date of the election and how and where to vote , as well as the measures taken to facilitate the participation in the vote by people with disabilities;


### the information referred to in the first subparagraph shall , in addition to being communicated in one or more of the official languages of the host member state also be accompanied by a translation in at least one other official language of the union that is broadly understood by the largest possible number of european union citizens residing on its territory , in accordance with the quality requirements in article 9 of regulation (eu) 2018/1724 of the european parliament and of the council28. ### the information referred to in the first subparagraph shall , in addition to being communicated in one or more of the official languages of the host member state also be accompanied by a translation in at least one other official language of the union that is broadly understood by the largest possible number of european union citizens residing on its territory , in accordance with the quality requirements in article 9 of regulation (eu) 2018/1724 of the european parliament and of the council28. where possible , this information shall be translated into the mother tongue of the non-national voter.


### 1. within three years of the entry into force of this directive and every four years thereafter , the member states shall report to the commission on the application of this directive in their territory , including on the application of article 5(3) and (4). the report shall contain statistical data on the participation in municipal elections of voters and candidates pursuant to article 3 and a summary of measures taken in that regard. ### 1. within three years of the entry into force of this directive and every five years thereafter , the member states shall report to the commission on the application of this directive in their territory , including on the application of article 5(3) and (4). the report shall contain statistical data , collected in accordance with a common methodology , on the participation in municipal elections of voters and candidates pursuant to article 3 and a summary of measures taken to facilitate and encourage such participation.


### (3) the detailed arrangements governing the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections are set out in council directive 94/80/ec. ### (3) the detailed arrangements governing the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections by citizens of the union residing in a member state of which they are not nationals are set out in council directive 94/80/ec.


### (4) in the eu citizenship report 202022 , the commission stressed the need to update , clarify and strengthen the rules on the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections in order to ensure that they support the broad and inclusive participation of mobile union citizens. taking also into account the experience gained in its application to successive elections , and in order to take account of changes introduced by the amendments to the treaties , several of the provisions of that directive should be updated. ### (4) in the eu citizenship report 202022 , the commission stressed the need to update , clarify and strengthen the rules on the exercise of the right to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections in order to ensure that they support the broad and inclusive participation of union citizens residing in a member state of which they are not nationals. taking also into account the experience gained in its application to successive municipal elections , and in order to take account of changes introduced by the amendments to the treaties , several of the provisions of that directive should be updated.


### 2.3. the ombudsman shall treat a petition falling within the ombudsman's duties as defined in article 1(3) of the statute , which is transferred by the european parliament with the consent of the petitioner , as a complaint. ### deleted


### 2. urges the member states to make use of article 31(2) tue , which allows the council to take certain decisions by qualified majority in cfsp matters; calls on the member states to make full use of the passerelle clause contained in article 31(3) teu; ### 2. urges the member states to make use of article 31(2) tue , which allows the council to take certain decisions by qualified majority in cfsp matters without military implications , notably those concerning sanctions and human rights; calls on the member states to make full use of the passerelle clause contained in article 31(3) teu without further delay;


### 5. calls for the development of more integrated cooperation in the field of foreign and security policy with external alliances such as the north atlantic treaty organization and external like-minded countries , in particular the us , the uk and canada. ### 5. calls for the development of more integrated cooperation in the field of foreign and security policy with external alliances such as the north atlantic treaty organization and external like-minded democratic countries , in particular the us , the uk and canada; underlines the importance of cooperation with eu candidate and potential candidate countries in foreign affairs; reiterates its support to cfsp policy alignement during eu accession negotiations;


### — having regard to the report of the committee on foreign affairs (a9-0000/2022) , ### — having regard to the report of the committee on foreign affairs (a9-0251/2022) on a european parliament's recommendation to the council , the commission and the eeas on the new eu strategy for enlargement ,


### b. whereas a particular focus should be placed on the protection of the eu’s external borders; ### b. whereas a particular focus should be placed on the protection and stability of the eu’s external borders;


### b. whereas the participation of women in peacekeeping and military operations improves outcomes2 ; ### b. whereas the participation of women in peacekeeping and military operations improves outcomes2 and needs to be substantially encouraged and strengthened;


### c. whereas cooperation should be envisaged with the uk and possibly with the european political community , including on security and defence matters; ### c. whereas nato remains the most important eu defence and security ally and the cornerstone of collective defense for those member states which are also nato members; whereas cooperation should be envisaged with the uk and other like-minded democracies and possibly with the european political community , including on security and defence matters;


### 1. reiterates its call for the establishment of a permanent eu council of defence ministers chaired by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy (vp/hr); ### 1. reiterates its call for the establishment of a permanent eu council of defence ministers chaired by the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy (vp/hr); suggests that this permanent council could tackle a broader range of issues , including traditional csdp matters , but also systematically fighting foreign interference , spread of manipulative disinformation and other hybrid threats;


### 1. stresses that the russian invasion of ukraine underlines the unequivocal need for security and defence measures to be gender-responsive; ### 1. stresses that the unjustified russian invasion of ukraine underlines amongst others the unequivocal need for security and defence measures to be gender-responsive;


### 2. urges the member states to make use of article 31(2) of the treaty on european union (teu) , which allows the council to take certain decisions by qualified majority in common foreign and security policy (cfsp) matters; calls on the member states to make full use of the passerelle clause contained in article 31(3) teu; ### 2. urges the member states to make use of article 31(2) of the treaty on european union (teu) , which allows the council to take certain decisions by qualified majority in common foreign and security policy (cfsp) matters; calls on the member states to make full use of the passerelle clause contained in article 31(3) teu without delay;


### 3. considers that the operational capabilities necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the mutual assistance clause under article 42(7) teu should be strengthened swiftly; underlines that a treaty modification could define terrorist attacks , hybrid attacks , disinformation campaigns and economic coercion by third countries as elements that would trigger article 42(7) teu; calls for a clarification of the respective scope of application and interlinkage of article 42(7) teu and article 5 of the north atlantic treaty; ### 3. considers that the operational capabilities necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the mutual assistance clause under article 42(7) teu should be strengthened swiftly; underlines that a treaty modification could define terrorist attacks , hybrid attacks , disinformation campaigns and economic coercion by third countries as elements that would trigger article 42(7) teu; calls for a clarification of the respective scope of application and interlinkage of article 42(7) teu and article 5 of the north atlantic treaty; in this respect , calls for provisions enabling joint procurement of defence equipment and other security-related spending as well as the establishment of joint and permanently stationed military units , including command structures;


### 3. calls on the european external action service (eeas) and the member states to ensure effective gender mainstreaming across all common security and defence policy (csdp) missions; calls specifically for the next csdp compact to set targets for gender balance in the personnel , especially in leadership positions as there are only three female heads of civilian missions and no female commanders of military missions; ### 3. calls on the european external action service (eeas) and the member states to ensure effective gender mainstreaming across all common security and defence policy (csdp) missions; calls specifically for the next csdp compact to set targets for gender balance in the personnel , with tools in view of increasing the participation and representation of women at all levels , especially in leadership positions as there are only three female heads of civilian missions and no female commanders of military missions;


### 4. considers that a union mechanism should be established so as to allow all member states to benefit from innovation in the field of defence and state-of-the-art defence technology; ### 4. considers that a union mechanism should be established so as to allow all member states to benefit from innovation in the field of defence and state-of-the-art defence technology , which could lead to joint procurement schemes in these fields;


### 6. calls for ring-fencing of funding for gender-related actions within the csdp. ### 6. calls for ring-fencing of funding for adequate gender-related actions within the csdp.


### 13. expresses deep concern about developments in the sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; condemns the increasing presence of the kremlin-backed wagner group in the sahel; firmly believes that the latter’s involvement in west africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace , security and stability to the region; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed; expresses similar concern over the increased presence and activity of islamist terrorist groups , in particular al-qaeda , daesh and al-shabaab in the middle east and africa; ### 13. expresses deep concern about developments in the sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; strongly reiterates its position that any long-term security and political cooperation with eu actors will require realistic timetables for a return to democracy , including clear and measurable milestones; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed; underlines that a revision of the eu’s mandates and engagements should focus on making cooperation with west and sahelian african countries more preventive in nature; expresses strong concern about the increasing presence of islamist terrorist organisations and calls for increased efforts by all stakeholders to tackle this increasing problem; condemns the increasing presence of the kremlin-backed russian wagner group in the sahel; firmly believes that the involvement of the wagner group in west africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace , security and stability to the region and is incompatible with security and defence cooperation with the eu;


### 13. expresses deep concern about developments in the sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; condemns the increasing presence of the kremlin-backed wagner group in the sahel; firmly believes that the latter’s involvement in west africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace , security and stability to the region; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed; expresses similar concern over the increased presence and activity of islamist terrorist groups , in particular al-qaeda , daesh and al-shabaab in the middle east and africa; ### 13. expresses deep concern about developments in the sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; condemns the increasing presence of the kremlin-backed wagner group in the sahel; firmly believes that the latter’s involvement in west africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace , security and stability to the region; regrets the decision of malian authorities to withdraw from the g5 sahel and deplores the deteriorating security environment in the country that led to the suspension of eu's missions and operations; commends the activities and the role of the ongoing eu's civilian and military missions in the sahel region whose presence greatly contributes to safety and security of the region; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed; expresses similar concern over the increased presence and activity of islamist terrorist groups , in particular al-qaeda , daesh and al-shabaab in the middle east and africa;


### 13. expresses deep concern about developments in the sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; condemns the increasing presence of the kremlin-backed wagner group in the sahel; firmly believes that the latter’s involvement in west africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace , security and stability to the region; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed; expresses similar concern over the increased presence and activity of islamist terrorist groups , in particular al-qaeda , daesh and al-shabaab in the middle east and africa; ### 13. expresses deep concern about developments in the sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; condemns the increasing presence of the kremlin-backed wagner group in the sahel; firmly believes that the latter’s involvement in west africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace , security and stability to the region; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed; expresses similar concern over the increased presence and activity of islamist terrorist groups , in particular al-qaeda , daesh and al-shabaab in the middle east and africa; calls on the union and its member states accordingly to focus primarily on the spread of jihadism in these regions and provide effective assistance tailored to the needs of the affected countries in countering both the immediate effects of this expansion and the root causes of extremism and radicalisation;


### 13. expresses deep concern about developments in the sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; condemns the increasing presence of the kremlin-backed wagner group in the sahel; firmly believes that the latter’s involvement in west africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace , security and stability to the region; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed; expresses similar concern over the increased presence and activity of islamist terrorist groups , in particular al-qaeda , daesh and al-shabaab in the middle east and africa; ### 13. expresses deep concern about developments in the sahel region and the recent coups d’état in the region; highlights the strategic importance of that region to the eu; condemns the increasing presence of the kremlin-backed wagner group in the sahel; firmly believes that the latter’s involvement in africa runs counter to the objective of bringing peace , security and stability to the african continent and undermines eu efforts in that regard; acknowledges that the various international missions have not yet achieved their primary goal of lasting peace in the sahel region and that a reflection process on the mandates and roles of international missions and policies is therefore needed; expresses similar concern over the increased presence and activity of islamist terrorist groups , in particular al-qaeda , daesh and al-shabaab in the middle east and africa;


### 14. supports the review and reinforcement of all csdp missions and operations by providing them with more robust and flexible mandates; stresses the need to strengthen their resilience and effectiveness by enabling them to better address hybrid security challenges , such as through better cooperation with other eu actors and like-minded partners outside the eu; ### 14. supports the review and reinforcement of all csdp missions and operations by providing them with more robust and flexible mandates; stresses the need to strengthen their resilience and effectiveness by enabling them to better address hybrid security challenges , such as through better cooperation with other eu actors and justice and home affairs agencies (jha) as well as like-minded partners outside the eu;


### 14. supports the review and reinforcement of all csdp missions and operations by providing them with more robust and flexible mandates; stresses the need to strengthen their resilience and effectiveness by enabling them to better address hybrid security challenges , such as through better cooperation with other eu actors and like-minded partners outside the eu; ### 14. supports a regular global evaluation of the missions to enhance their effectiveness and align them more closely with the real needs of the countries concerned; supports capacity building for all csdp missions and operations by providing them with more robust and flexible mandates , as well as the necessary staffing , funding , training and equipment to meet the requirements of more targeted mission objectives; stresses the need to strengthen their resilience and effectiveness by enabling them to better address security challenges , such as through better cooperation with other eu actors and like-minded partners outside the eu;


### (2) while progress has been made towards more consistent rules for the protection of european union classified information (‘euci’) and non-classified information , the interoperability of the relevant systems remains limited , preventing a seamless transfer of information between the different union institutions and bodies. further efforts should therefore be made to enable an interinstitutional approach to the sharing of euci and sensitive non-classified information , with common categories of information and common key handling principles. a baseline should also be envisaged to simplify procedures for sharing euci and sensitive non-classified information between union institutions and bodies and with member states. ### (2) while progress has been made towards more consistent rules for the protection of european union classified information (‘euci’) and non-classified information , the interoperability of the relevant systems remains limited , preventing a seamless transfer of information between the different union institutions and bodies. an interinstitutional approach to the sharing of euci and sensitive non-classified information , with common categories of information and common key handling principles is urgently needed. this includes common procedures for sharing euci and sensitive non-classified information between union institutions and bodies and with member states.


### (4) the recent pandemic caused a significant change in working practices with remote communication tools becoming the rule. therefore , many procedures that were still at least partly paper-based were rapidly adjusted to enable electronic processing and exchanges of information. these developments require changes in the handling and protection of information. this regulation takes account of the new working practices. ### (4) the recent pandemic caused a significant change in working practices with remote communication tools becoming the rule. therefore , many procedures that were still at least partly paper-based were rapidly adjusted to enable electronic processing and exchanges of information. these developments require changes in the procurement , handling and protection of information. this regulation takes account of the new working practices.


### (5) by creating a minimum common level of protection for euci and non-classified information , this regulation contributes to ensuring that the union institutions and bodies have the support of an efficient and independent administration in carrying out their missions. at the same time , each union institution and body retains its autonomy in determining how to implement the rules laid down in this regulation , in line with its own security needs. this regulation shall in no case prevent union institutions and bodies to fulfil their mission , as entrusted by the eu legislation , or encroach on their institutional autonomy. ### (5) by creating a minimum common level of protection for euci and non-classified information , this regulation contributes to ensuring that the union institutions and bodies have the support of an efficient and independent administration in carrying out their missions. at the same time , each union institution and body retains its autonomy in determining how to implement the rules laid down in this regulation , in line with its own security needs. this regulation shall in no case prevent union institutions and bodies to fulfil their mission , as entrusted by the eu legislation , or create disproportionate burdens on their institutional autonomy.


### (8) with a view to establishing a formal structure for cooperation between union institutions and bodies in the field of information security , it is necessary to set up an interinstitutional coordination group (the ‘coordination group’) in which all union institutions’ and bodies’ security authorities are represented. without having decision-making powers , the cordination group should enhance the coherence of policies in the field of information security and should contribute to the harmonisation of the information security procedures and tools across the union institutions and bodies. ### (8) with a view to establishing a formal structure for cooperation between union institutions and bodies in the field of information security , it is necessary to set up an interinstitutional coordination group (the ‘coordination group’) in which all union institutions’ and bodies’ security authorities are represented. the coordination group should adopt recommendations and provisions to enhance the coherence of policies in the field of information security and should contribute to the harmonisation of the information security procedures and tools across the union institutions and bodies.


### (25) furthermore , the sharing of euci between the union institutions and bodies and the exchange of classified information with international organisations and third countries should also be regulated by appropriate security measures for the protection of that information. where agreements on security of information are envisaged , the provisions of article 218 of the treaty should apply. ### (25) furthermore , the sharing of euci between the union institutions and bodies and the exchange of classified information with international organisations and third countries should also be regulated by appropriate security measures for the protection of that information. where agreements on security of information are envisaged , the provisions of article 218 tfeu should apply.


### 2. non-compliance with this regulation , in particular the unauthorised disclosure of information with the confidentiality levels referred to in article 2(2) , except information for public use shall be subject to investigation and may trigger personnel liability in accordance with the treaties or with their relevant staff rules. ### 2. non-compliance with this regulation , in particular the unauthorised disclosure of information with the confidentiality levels referred to in article 2(2) , except information for public use shall be subject to investigation and may trigger personnel liability in accordance with the treaties , with relevant criminal law and with their relevant staff rules.


### it shall be composed of all security authorities of the union institutions and bodies , and shall have a mandate to define their common policy in the field of information security. ### it shall be composed of all security authorities of the union institutions and bodies , and shall have a mandate to define common measures in the field of information security.


### establish guidance documents on the implementation of this regulation , in cooperation with the interinstitutional cybersecurity board referred to in article 9 of the regulation eu [...] laying down measures for a high common level of cybersecurity at the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies of the union , where appropriate; ### establish recommendations and guidance documents on the implementation of this regulation , in cooperation with the interinstitutional cybersecurity board referred to in article 9 of the regulation eu [...] laying down measures for a high common level of cybersecurity at the institutions , bodies , offices and agencies of the union , where appropriate;


### snc information shall be stored and processed in the union; ### snc information shall be stored and processed exclusively in the union;


### 1. the holder of any item of euci shall be responsible for its protection. ### 1. the holder of any item of euci shall be legally responsible for its protection. this shall include responsibility under the treaties , relevant criminal law and staff regulations.


### 1. union institutions and bodies shall decide whether and when to archive euci , and the corresponding practical measures , in accordance with their policy on document management. ### 1. union institutions and bodies shall decide upon a recommendation by the coordination group when to archive euci , and the corresponding practical measures.


### 2. euci documents shall not be transferred to the historical archives of the european union. ### 2. euci documents shall be transferred to the historical archives of the european union after 30 years. the historical archives of the european union shall take effective measures to protect euci from unauthorised access prior to declassification.


### 2. notes the union’s committed relationship with nato , which remains fundamental to eu security policy; welcomes , in this regard , the ongoing preparation of the new eu-nato joint declaration , which will be presented before the end of the year; ### 2. notes the union’s committed relationship with nato , which remains fundamental to eu security policy; underlines the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between eu and nato; notes that the recent global security challenges have brought forward a renewed debate on eu’s strategic autonomy; welcomes , in this regard , the ongoing preparation of the new eu-nato joint declaration , which will be presented before the end of the year;


### 2. notes the union’s committed relationship with nato , which remains fundamental to eu security policy; welcomes , in this regard , the ongoing preparation of the new eu-nato joint declaration , which will be presented before the end of the year; ### 2. notes the union’s committed relationship with nato , which remains fundamental to eu security policy; welcomes , in this regard , the ongoing preparation of the new eu-nato joint declaration , which will be presented before the end of the year; stresses the importance to elaborate the strategic compass , which is the core of the new european defence strategy tobetter operationalise the eu hard power , improving the existing tools;


### 3. calls for increased efforts to fight foreign disinformation and information manipulation , which negatively influence the union’s ability to implement effectively its internal and foreign policies; ### 3. calls for increased efforts to fight foreign interference and manipulative disinformation , which negatively influence the union’s ability to implement effectively its internal and foreign policies and undermines the values on which the eu is founded; notes the increase of disinformation campaigns linked to the covid-19 pandemic and the negative role certain state and non-state actors played in the dissemination of these campaigns;


### 3. calls for increased efforts to fight foreign disinformation and information manipulation , which negatively influence the union’s ability to implement effectively its internal and foreign policies; ### 3. calls for increased efforts to fight foreign disinformation and information manipulation , which negatively influence the union’s ability to implement effectively its internal and foreign policies; to this aim , calls for better and deeper coordination to identify and deter cyber-attacks that can jeopardise eu internal stability;


### 4. calls for the strengthening of parliamentary oversight of eu external action , including by continuing its regular consultations with the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy and the commission; calls for the swift conclusion of negotiations to replace the 2002 interinstitutional agreement on parliament’s access to sensitive information of the council in the field of security and defence policy; ### 4. calls for the strengthening of parliamentary oversight of eu external action , including by continuing its regular consultations with the vice-president of the commission / high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy and the commission; calls for the swift conclusion of negotiations to replace the 2002 interinstitutional agreement on parliament’s access to sensitive information of the council in the field of security and defence policy; calls for implementing the coordination of member state's security and information services;


### 5. offers other eu institutions its active participation in activities that aim to counteract the global backsliding of democracy , including through election observation and parliamentary diplomacy. ### 5. calls for the active involvement of european parliament’s instruments into the cfsp; underlines the importance and the unique set of european parliament’s democratisation programs aimed at fostering and strengthening the work of parliaments , such as the jean monnet dialogue; recalls that all eu institutions should participate and work together in activities that aim to counteract the global backsliding of democracy , including through election observation , mediation and dialogue activities , conflict prevention , the sakharov prize award and network and parliamentary diplomacy;


### 19. stresses that eu sovereignty in the field of security and defence means the development , coordination and deployment of strategic capabilities , an efficient division of labour between the member states and the eu’s ability to decide and act autonomously , in line with its own interests , principles and values; stresses that this approach reinforces cooperation with partners , in particular within the framework of nato; welcomes in this regard the commission president’s announcement that the eu and nato will present a joint declaration on cooperation by the end of 2021; welcomes the discussion on an ‘initial entry force’ as presented by the vp/hr; ### 19. stresses that eu strategic autonomy in the field of security and defence means the development , coordination and deployment of strategic capabilities , an efficient division of labour between the member states and the eu’s ability to decide and act autonomously , in line with its own interests , principles and values; stresses that this approach reinforces cooperation with partners , in particular within the framework of nato; welcomes in this regard the commission president’s announcement that the eu and nato will present a joint declaration on cooperation by the end of 2021; supports the ambition of creating a ‘rapid entry force’ as presented by the vp/hr; stresses that such a force would need to provide added value in comparison to the eu battlegroups , which have never been deployed; calls therefore on the council and the commission to assess and develop options for setting up a standing force financed from both the european peace facility and the union’s budget by making full use of the current possibilities offered by the eu treaties;


### a. whereas parliament has a duty and responsibility to exercise its democratic oversight over the common foreign and security policy (cfsp) and the common security and defence policy and should have the necessary and effective means to fulfil this role; ### a. whereas parliament has a duty and responsibility to exercise its democratic oversight and scrutiny over the common foreign and security policy (cfsp) and the common security and defence policy and should have the necessary and effective means to fulfil this role;


### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp; ### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic , the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , the signature of a defence pact between the united states , the united kingdom and australia without previous consultations with the eu , france or any other member state , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp;


### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp; ### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic and its consequences , the increasing assertiveness of the chinese communist party and other authoritarian and totalitarian regimes , and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp;


### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp; ### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the unprecedented covid-19 pandemic , rapidly changing global geopolitical environment and the recent collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , have exposed the vulnerability of the eu to the external events and accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp;


### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp; ### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic , the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , and the tensions in the indo-pacific , especially in the south and east china seas as well as in the taiwan strait , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp;


### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp; ### b. whereas recent international developments and challenges , including the covid-19 pandemic , the rapid collapse of the state structures of afghanistan and recent hybrid actions against the eu and its member states aimed at challenging our democratic foundations , have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the eu’s cfsp;


### a. whereas according to several eurobarometer surveys , a large proportion of eu citizens are not satisfied with the way democracy works in the eu and tend to distrust the eu institutions; whereas not only is this perception present at eu level , but also at national level; ### a. whereas the results of the 2019 european elections sent a positive signal that european citizens are taking an increasing interest in developments at eu level and that they believe that eu legislation has an impact on their daily lives; whereas in civic engagement eurobarometer 20201a , voting in european elections was regarded by 55% of respondents as the most effective way of ensuring voices are heard by decision-makers at eu level; whereas , nevertheless , according to several eurobarometer surveys , a proportion of eu citizens are not satisfied with the way democracy works in the eu;


### 3. notes the union’s committed relationship with nato , which remains fundamental to eu security policy; welcomes , in this regard , the ongoing preparation of the new eu-nato joint declaration , which will be presented before the end of the year; ### 3. notes the union’s committed relationship with nato , which remains fundamental to eu security policy; welcomes , in this regard , the ongoing preparation of the new eu-nato joint declaration , which will be presented before the end of the year; stresses the importance to elaborate the strategic compass , which is the core of the new european defence strategy to better operationalise the eu hard power , improving the existing tools;


### 4. calls for increased efforts to fight foreign interference in the union’s security and defence , which often takes the form of cyber threats or other types of hybrid warfare; supports , in this regard , the development of the european cyber defence policy , as announced by the president of the commission in the state of the union address; ### 4. calls for increased efforts to fight foreign interference in the union’s security and defence , which often takes the form of cyber threats or other types of hybrid warfare; supports , in this regard , the development of the european cyber defence policy , as announced by the president of the commission in the state of the union address; calls for implementing the coordination of member state's security and information services;


### 23. points out that , given the geopolitical maritime tensions , the union must protect its interests by guaranteeing freedom of navigation , the safety of maritime lines of communication and offshore infrastructure; ### 23. points out that , given the geopolitical maritime tensions , the union must protect its interests by guaranteeing freedom of navigation , the safety of maritime lines of communication and offshore infrastructure; underlines that in order to address these challenges eu needs to improve its capabilities and therefore welcomes the call for proposal for the development of a multirole and modular off-shore patrol vessel in the first call for proposals of the european defence fund;


### 23. points out that , given the geopolitical maritime tensions , the union must protect its interests by guaranteeing freedom of navigation , the safety of maritime lines of communication and offshore infrastructure; ### 23. points out that , given the growing geopolitical maritime tensions , the union must protect its interests by guaranteeing freedom of navigation , the safety of maritime lines of communication and of its vessels and crews , offshore infrastructure , and combating illegal , unreported and unregulated (iuu) fishing , as well as monitoring effectively its external maritime borders to prevent illegal activities;


### 23. points out that , given the geopolitical maritime tensions , the union must protect its interests by guaranteeing freedom of navigation , the safety of maritime lines of communication and offshore infrastructure; ### 23. points out that , given the geopolitical maritime tensions , the union must work together with the united states , the united kingdom and other allies to protect its interests by guaranteeing freedom of navigation , the safety of maritime lines of communication and offshore infrastructure;


### 24. calls on the union to build on and develop its csdp naval operations in order to provide a strong platform to further develop a more permanent operational commitment at international level; calls for consideration to be given to the possibility of organising regular naval exercises to enhance interoperability; ### 24. calls on the union to build on and develop its csdp naval operations in order to provide a strong platform to further develop a more permanent operational commitment at international level; calls on maritime member states to develop and increase their military naval capabilities to address both asymmetric and conventional threats to maritime security , freedom of navigation and the eu’s blue economy; considers it very important for the union to maintain a favourable balance of power in the seas surrounding it; calls for consideration to be given to the possibility of organising regular naval exercises to enhance interoperability;


### 24. calls on the union to build on and develop its csdp naval operations in order to provide a strong platform to further develop a more permanent operational commitment at international level; calls for consideration to be given to the possibility of organising regular naval exercises to enhance interoperability; ### 24. calls on the union to build on and develop its csdp naval operations in order to provide a strong platform to further develop a more permanent operational commitment at international level; calls for consideration to be given to the possibility of organising regular naval exercises to enhance interoperability; reiterates the need to strengthen the union’s role as guarantor of international maritime security;


### 25. welcomes , in this context , the launch of the concept of coordinated maritime presences (cmps) and a pilot project in the gulf of guinea; calls for this concept to be extended to other areas of interest , in particular the indo-pacific region; calls for the union to update its maritime security strategy by 2022; ### 25. welcomes , in this context , the launch of the concept of coordinated maritime presences (cmps) and a pilot project in the gulf of guinea; calls for this concept to be extended to other areas of interest , in particular the remaining waters around the african continent and the indo-pacific region; calls for the union to update its maritime security strategy by 2022; further calls on the commission to pay particular attention to security and defence aspects in the next update of its communication on international ocean governance , scheduled for 2022;


### countering cyberattacks ### countering hybrid threats


### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the union and its member states; ### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the union and its member states; underlines the need for all eu institutions and eu member states to cooperate at all levels to build a cyber-security strategy , whose main objective should be to further strengthen resilience , and develop common , but also better , national , robust civilian and military cyber capabilities and cooperation in order to respond to lasting security challenges; urges in this regard the vp/hr and/or the member states to increase financial and personnel resources in order to strengthen the eu’s ability to defend itself against cyberattacks , and provide an adequate political , civilian , and military response to such attacks; underlines the need for eu-nato cooperation to address and counter hybrid threats;


### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the union and its member states; ### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states improve its capabilities to identify and assess hybrid threats and to react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the union and its member states and calls on member states to improve national cyber defence capabilities;


### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the union and its member states; ### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the union and its member states; points out that effective cyber defence and deterrence also requires the expertise and ability to conduct offensive cyber operations;


### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the union and its member states; ### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for an urgent revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the union and its member states;


### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and deterrence capacity of the union and its member states; ### 26. condemns the malicious acts committed against member states; insists that the union and the member states react firmly and in coordination against any new malicious , illegal or destabilising activity; calls on the union to work towards the creation of a legal instrument to respond to hybrid threats and to develop a comprehensive cyber capacity; calls for a revision of the cyber-defence policy framework in order to increase the prevention and responsiveness capacity of the union and its member states;


### 1. stresses the need to strengthen democratic scrutiny of the european union’s economic governance instruments; calls on the commission and the council to respond to that need , in particular through closer and ex ante involvement of the european parliament , the national parliaments , the social partners and civil society; ### 1. stresses the need to strengthen democratic legitimacy and accountability of the economic governance framework; calls for the integration of intergovernmental constructions such as the treaty on stability , coordination and governance in the economic and monetary union (the "fiscal compact") into the eu legal framework as well as for the incorporation of the european stability mechanism (esm) and the single resolution fund (srf) into eu law; believes that to improve ownership , responsibilities must be assigned at the level where decisions are taken or implemented; calls for the further development of the inter-parliamentary conference foreseen in article 13 of the fiscal compact , to allow for substantial and timely discussions where needed;


### 2. calls for the conclusion of an interinstitutional agreement in order to formalise parliamentary scrutiny of every stage of the european semester; ### 2. recalls the importance of parliamentary scrutiny in the economic governance of the union; welcomes the adoption of the interinstitutional agreements between the european parliament , the council and the commission on better law-making as well as on budgetary discipline , on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management , as well as on new own resources , including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources; calls on the commission to ensure adequate parliamentary scrutiny in its review of the union's economic governance framework;


### 3. calls urgently on the commission to closely integrate the european pillar of social rights into the economic governance of the union; ### 3. underlines the importance of coordinating the economic , social and environmental policies in the union; stresses that the union's economic governance framework aims to ensure sound public finances , to prevent excessive macroeconomic imbalances , to support structural reforms , to create more jobs and growth and to boost investment while taking into account the union's economic , social and environmental objectives; stresses the importance of the implementation of the european pillar of social rights (epsr); notes that the social scoreboard is taken into account for monitoring the member states' performances related to the epsr's principles; recalls that the epsr affirms that social partners should be consulted on economic , employment and social policies according to national practices;


### 4. recalls that the eurogroup and the euro summit are informal formations of the union; notes that this represents a significant impediment to the democratic legitimacy of the union as a whole; ### 4. notes that the eurogroup and the euro summit are informal intergovernmental forums of discussion; calls on the member states to act within the community framework ensuring the european parliament's role as co-legislator and its right to democratic oversight;


### 5. stresses that the suspension of the famous convergence criteria which prohibited having government debt above 60% of gdp and a general government deficit above 3% of gdp made possible the essential public investment for responding to the health , social and economic crisis; welcomes the speed with which it was possible to apply the general escape clause; ### 5. stresses that the activation of the general escape clause does not suspend the procedures of the stability and growth pact (sgp) but allows the member states to depart temporarily from the adjustment path towards the medium-term budgetary objective , provided that this does not endanger fiscal sustainability in the medium term; welcomes that the general escape clause allows the commission and the council to undertake the necessary policy coordination measures within the rules-based framework of the sgp; stresses that the general escape clause should be lifted as soon as epidemiological conditions allow for economic activity to normalise;


### 6. recalls the importance of parity; regrets that only applications from male candidates have been submitted to parliament for the latest posts to be filled in the economic bodies of the union; ### 6. recalls the importance of gender equality enshrined in article 23 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union; recalls that the union's economic and monetary affairs nominations are to respect the principles of qualification , experience and gender balance; calls for the national and eu institutions to ensure that these principles are respected;


### 7. considers that the establishment of an economic and monetary union (emu) is inseparable from consolidation of the rule of law; welcomes the agreement on a regulation for a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the union budget; ### 7. stresses that the economic governance in the union is essential in order to identify the need for action to ensure sound financial management , growth and employment; notes , however , that it cannot replace the necessary strengthening of the economic and monetary union (emu); underlines that the emu must be further deepened in light of the ‘five presidents’ report’ of 2015 and the ‘reflection paper on the deepening of the emu’ of 2017 and the corresponding positions of the european parliament; stresses that the union's economic governance is stemming from the treaty and is inseparable from the respect for the rule of law; welcomes the adoption of the regulation on the protection of the union's budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in member states;


### 8. stresses the importance of an economic governance debate as part of the conference on the future of europe; calls for the conclusions of that conference to be properly taken into account , even if they mean amending the treaties. ### 8. stresses the importance of an economic governance debate as part of the conference on the future of europe; commits itself to a genuine follow-up of the conference without delay , with legislative proposals , initiating treaty change or otherwise; calls on the other two institutions to make the same commitment.


### — having regard to the treaty on european union , signed in maastricht on 7 february 1992 , establishing in article 2 that ‘the community shall have as its task , by establishing a common market and an economic and monetary union and by implementing the common policies or activities referred to in articles 3 and 3a , to promote throughout the community a harmonious and balanced development of economic activities , sustainable and non-inflationary growth respecting the environment , a high degree of convergence of economic performance , a high level of employment and of social protection , the raising of the standard of living and quality of life , and economic and social cohesion and solidarity among member states’ , ### — having regard to article 2 of the treaty on european union ,


### — having regard to the treaty on european union , signed in maastricht on 7 february 1992 , establishing in article 2 that ‘the community shall have as its task , by establishing a common market and an economic and monetary union and by implementing the common policies or activities referred to in articles 3 and 3a , to promote throughout the community a harmonious and balanced development of economic activities , sustainable and non-inflationary growth respecting the environment , a high degree of convergence of economic performance , a high level of employment and of social protection , the raising of the standard of living and quality of life , and economic and social cohesion and solidarity among member states’ , ### — having regard to the treaty on european union , signed in maastricht on 7 february 1992 , establishing in article 2 ,


### — having regard to its resolution of 26 march 2019 on financial crimes , tax evasion and tax avoidance10 , ### deleted


### — having regard to its resolution of 18 december 2019 on ‘fair taxation in a digitalised and globalised economy: beps 2.0’11 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the commission communication of 11 december 2019 on the european green deal (com(2019)0640) , ### deleted


### — having regard to its resolution of 15 january 2020 on the european green deal12 , ### deleted


### — having regard to the commission communication of 19 march 2020 entitled ‘temporary framework for state aid measures to support the economy in the current covid-19 outbreak’ (c(2020)1863) , and to the amendment thereto of 4 april 2020 (c(2020)2215) , ### deleted


### — having regard to the treaty on european union (teu) , and in particular article 50 thereof , ### — having regard to the treaty on european union (teu) , and in particular article 50 and article 8 thereof ,


### a. whereas article 50 of the teu solved the pre-existing uncertainty and ambiguity surrounding the right to withdraw from the eu by explicitly giving member states the unilateral right to withdraw , subject to no conditions apart from compliance with their own national constitutional requirements; ### a. whereas article 50 of the teu solved the pre-existing uncertainty and ambiguity surrounding the right to withdraw from the eu by explicitly giving member states the unilateral right to withdraw , subject to no conditions apart from compliance with their own national constitutional requirements; whereas , while the compliance with such requirements is a question of the national law of the member state wishing to withdraw , uncertainty may arise if different branches of government express conflicting views on what compliance requires;


### b. whereas article 50 of the teu establishes the only procedure under which a member state may lawfully withdraw from the eu; ### b. whereas article 50 of the teu establishes an exclusive procedure under which a member state may lawfully withdraw from the eu by integrating withdrawal into the eu legal order and thereby excluding relevant provisions from international law;


### c. whereas article 50 of the teu is silent on several aspects of the procedure that arose during the withdrawal of the uk from the union; ### c. whereas article 50 of the teu is silent on several aspects of the procedure that arose during the withdrawal of the uk from the union; whereas many of the political solutions adopted through the negotiations with the united kingdom would serve as likely precedents in case of a future application of the article , in particular in terms of deadlines and their extension , the sequencing of negotiations , the recourse of a transition period and the definition of the future relationship of the exiting country with the eu;


### e. whereas article 50 of the teu confers on the union the exceptional horizontal competence to negotiate an agreement covering all matters necessary to arrange the withdrawal of a member state; ### e. whereas article 50 of the teu confers on the union institutions the exceptional horizontal competence to negotiate an agreement covering all matters necessary to arrange the withdrawal of a member state;


### g. whereas under the teu , citizens are directly represented at union level in the european parliament; ### g. whereas under the teu , citizens are directly represented at union level in the european parliament; whereas in order to be able to give its consent to the withdrawal agreement , as foreseen in article 50 , parliament should be closely involved in the negotiations especially in what regards citizens' rights;


### g. whereas under the teu , citizens are directly represented at union level in the european parliament; ### g. whereas under the teu , eu citizens are directly represented at union level in the european parliament;


### 1. highlights that the withdrawal of a member state has been an unprecedented and extremely critical process for the european union; ### 1. highlights that the withdrawal of one of its member states has been an unprecedented and extremely critical process for the european union;


### 3. underlines that the provisions of article 50 of the teu and the way in which they were interpreted and implemented reflect the common values that are at the foundation of the union , in particular freedom , democracy and the rule of law; ### 3. underlines that the provisions of article 50 of the teu and the way in which they were interpreted and implemented reflect and uphold the common values and the goals that are at the foundation of the union , in particular freedom , democracy and the rule of law;


### 4. believes that article 50 of the teu has met its objectives of preserving the sovereign right of a member state to withdraw from the european union and of ensuring the orderly withdrawal of the uk from the union , while allowing for the subsequent building of an enhanced relationship between the eu and the uk as a third country; ### 4. believes that article 50 of the teu has met its objectives of preserving the sovereign right of a member state to withdraw from the european union , thus confirming explicitly the voluntary nature of eu membership , and of ensuring the orderly withdrawal of the uk from the union , while allowing for the subsequent building of an enhanced relationship between the eu and the uk as a third country;


### 7. believes that the clear division of tasks among the institutions and the inclusive and transparent approach adopted by the commission and its chief negotiator were paramount in maintaining unity within the eu and in promoting the eu’s priorities and interests in the negotiations; ### 7. believes that the clear division of tasks among the institutions and the unprecedented inclusive and transparent approach of the commission and its chief negotiator were paramount in maintaining coherence and unity within the eu in promoting the eu’s priorities and interests in the negotiations , and safeguarding the integrity of the legal order of the union;


### 8. believes , nevertheless , that the withdrawal process was characterised by hesitancy on the part of the uk , leading to protracted uncertainty from the outset , reflected in the time gap between the referendum and the withdrawal notification under article 50 of the teu , and until the end of the negotiations , due to the spectre of a no-deal withdrawal; ### 8. believes , nevertheless , that the withdrawal process was characterised by volatility , on the part of the uk , leading to protracted uncertainty from the outset , reflected in the time gap between the referendum and the withdrawal notification under article 50 of the teu , and until the end of the negotiations; considers that raising the spectre of a no-deal withdrawal amounted to brinkmanship and gravely endangered the prospects of an orderly withdrawal;


### 11. considers that article 50 of the teu strikes a balance between ensuring a withdrawal process and safeguarding the flexibility necessary for adaptation to the specific circumstances; believes , however , that , in the framework of a future reform of the treaty , the opportunity of remedying some of the loopholes identified in article 50 of the teu could be assessed , with particular regard to the following: ### 11. considers that article 50 of the teu strikes a balance between ensuring a legally sound withdrawal process and safeguarding the political flexibility necessary for adaptation to the specific circumstances; believes , however , that the complexity of the withdrawal process and the far-reaching nature of its consequences are disproportional in relation to the lack of detail of the provisions of article 50 of the teu , including on the following aspects:


### - delimited requirements for the extension of the period of two years set out under article 50(3) of the teu , ### - the extension of the period of two years set out under article 50(3) of the teu ,


### - a legal basis and strict conditions for transitional arrangements , ### - the transitional arrangements ,


### - explicit conditions for the revocation of the notification of the intention to leave , ### - the revocation of the notification of the intention to leave ,


### - clarification of the application of the provisions of article 218 of the tfeu , notably on the role of the court of justice of the european union in the procedure; ### - the application of the provisions of article 218 of the tfeu other than its paragraph 3 , and in particular on the role of the european parliament and of the court of justice of the european union in the procedure;


### 12. believes , furthermore , that the withdrawal provisions of the treaty should , as much as possible , ensure legal certainty for the eu citizens affected by the withdrawal , setting out minimum standards for the protection of their rights; ### 12. regrets that the withdrawal of the uk from the union entailed the departure of an entire community of eu citizens; believes that the withdrawal provisions of the treaty should , as much as possible , ensure legal certainty for the vast number of eu citizens affected by the withdrawal , setting out minimum standards for the protection of their rights obtained on the basis of eu law;


### 15. reiterates that , until a withdrawal agreement enters into force or , failing that , the two-year period mentioned in article 50(3) of the teu has elapsed , the withdrawing state remains a member state , and enjoys all the rights and is under all the obligations deriving from the treaties without exception , including the principle of sincere cooperation laid down in article 4(3) of the teu , as well as the obligation to hold elections to the european parliament; ### 15. reiterates that , until a withdrawal agreement enters into force or , failing that , the two-year period mentioned in article 50(3) of the teu has elapsed , the withdrawing state remains a member state , and enjoys all the rights and is under all the obligations deriving from the treaties without exception , including the principle of sincere cooperation laid down in article 4(3) of the teu , as well as the obligation to hold elections to the european parliament and to appoint its representatives in the institutions and bodies of the union;


### 17. considers , in this context , that the role of the parliament is essential in safeguarding the parliamentary and democratic dimension of a procedure with such a constitutional and institutional impact on the union; considers that its role must be enhanced in any future treaty reform , in all aspects of the process from the negotiations to the implementation of a withdrawal agreement , including for major decisions such as extensions in accordance with article 50(3) of the teu; ### 17. considers , in this context , that the role of the parliament is essential in safeguarding the parliamentary and democratic dimension of a procedure with such a constitutional and institutional impact on the union and on the rights of eu citizens; considers that its role must be enhanced in any future treaty reform , in all aspects of the process from the negotiations to the implementation of a withdrawal agreement , including for major decisions such as extensions in accordance with article 50(3) of the teu;


### 18. considers that article 50 of the teu addresses and solves the procedural aspect of a member state’s withdrawal , but does not solve the significant political and economic consequences and disruptive effects of the withdrawal of a member state from the eu; ### 18. considers that article 50 of the teu addresses and allows to solve the procedural aspect of a member state’s withdrawal , but does not solve the significant political and economic consequences and disruptive effects of the withdrawal of a member state from the eu;


### 19. reiterates its call for an in-depth reflection on the withdrawal of the uk from the european union , and on its impact on the future of the eu; believes that such a reflection should ensure an open and broadened dialogue on the reforms that the union needs in order to reinforce democracy and the capacity to deliver on citizens needs and expectations; ### 19. reiterates its call for an in-depth reflection on the withdrawal of the uk from the european union , and on its impact on the future of the eu; believes that such a reflection should ensure an open and broadened dialogue on the reforms that the union needs in order to reinforce democracy and the capacity to deliver on citizens needs and expectations; recalls in this context that the union has embarked on an unprecedented process of reflection on its future in the framework on the conference of the future of europe;


### 20. believes that it is the responsibility and role of the union and its member states to prevent the repetition of a withdrawal from the eu; calls on member states to consistently provide wide-reaching information to eu citizens on the functioning of the european union , its areas of action and its decision-making processes; considers that for this purpose the conference on the future of europe offers an opportunity for enhanced dialogue with citizens and civil society on the european union and how it should evolve; ### 20. believes that it is the responsibility and role of the union and its member states to preserve the nature of the european integration through their commitment to the european values and principles , including loyal cooperation principle and to prevent the repetition of a withdrawal from the eu; regrets in this context the restraint and limited engagement of the european parliament and its committees in the run-up to the uk referendum which did not allow to improve access of the european citizens of uk to the information on the functioning of the eu and implications of withdrawal process; calls on member states to consistently provide wide-reaching information to eu citizens on the functioning of the european union , its areas of action and its decision-making processes; considers that for this purpose the conference on the future of europe offers an opportunity for enhanced dialogue with citizens and civil society on the european union and how it should evolve;


### a. whereas since 1976 , when the european electoral act paved the way for the election of the representatives of the european parliament by direct universal suffrage for the first time , the ep has continuously requested the reform of eu electoral law and moves towards a more a genuine , uniform and european electoral procedure; ### a. whereas since 1976 , when the european electoral act paved the way for the election of the representatives of the european parliament by direct universal suffrage for the first time , the ep has continuously requested the reform of eu electoral law and moves towards a genuine , more harmonised and european electoral procedure;


### d. whereas the procedure for the 2014 elections set a precedent for the role of the parliament in the selection of the ec president; whereas it was not possible for that procedure to become part of an overall reform of eu electoral law , which contributed to creating the political background for the unexpected disapplication of the lead candidate principle following the european elections of 2019 , which resulted from the lack of a common indication from the european political parties and parliamentary groups in support of one of the lead candidates and the european council’s lack of agreement on nominating any of the lead candidates; ### d. whereas the procedure for the 2014 elections set a precedent for the role of the parliament in the selection of the ec president through the lead candidate principle; whereas it was not possible for that procedure to become part of an overall reform of eu electoral law , which contributed to creating the political background for the unexpected disapplication of the lead candidate principle following the european elections of 2019 , which resulted from the lack of a common indication from the european political parties and parliamentary groups in support of one of the lead candidates and the european council’s lack of agreement on nominating any of the lead candidates;


### f. whereas , despite some steps forward in defining common standards of electoral procedures for the european parliament , today eu elections are still mostly governed by national laws and therefore more improvements are needed to establish a genuinely uniform procedure for european elections; ### f. whereas , despite some steps forward in defining common standards of electoral procedures for the european parliament , today eu elections are still mostly governed by national laws; whereas more improvements are needed to establish a more uniform procedure for european elections;


### f. whereas , despite some steps forward in defining common standards of electoral procedures for the european parliament , today eu elections are still mostly governed by national laws and therefore more improvements are needed to establish a genuinely uniform procedure for european elections; ### f. whereas , despite some steps forward in defining common standards of electoral procedures for the european parliament , today eu elections are still mostly governed by national laws and therefore more improvements are needed to establish a more harmonised procedure for european elections;


### j. whereas the conclusion of the ratification process for council’s decision 2018/994 of 13 july 2018 is still pending but cannot hold back the necessary changes in the union’s electoral systems; ### j. whereas the conclusion of the ratification process for council’s decision 2018/994 of 13 july 2018 is still pending;


### m. whereas the reform of the european parliament's electoral procedure should aim to enhance the democratic and transnational dimension of the european elections and the democratic legitimacy of the union decision-making process , reinforce the concept of citizenship of the union , improve the functioning of the european parliament and the governance of the union , make the work of the european parliament more legitimate , strengthen the principles of electoral equality and equal opportunities , enhance the effectiveness of the system for conducting european elections , and bring members of the european parliament closer to their voters , and in particular the youngest amongst them; ### m. whereas the reform of the european parliament's electoral procedure should aim to enhance the democratic and european dimension of the european elections and the democratic legitimacy of the union decision-making process , reinforce the concept of citizenship of the union , improve the functioning of the european parliament and the governance of the union , make the work of the european parliament more legitimate , strengthen the principles of electoral equality and equal opportunities , enhance the effectiveness of the system for conducting european elections , and bring members of the european parliament closer to their voters , and in particular the youngest amongst them;


### m. whereas the reform of the european parliament's electoral procedure should aim to enhance the democratic and transnational dimension of the european elections and the democratic legitimacy of the union decision-making process , reinforce the concept of citizenship of the union , improve the functioning of the european parliament and the governance of the union , make the work of the european parliament more legitimate , strengthen the principles of electoral equality and equal opportunities , enhance the effectiveness of the system for conducting european elections , and bring members of the european parliament closer to their voters , and in particular the youngest amongst them; ### m. whereas the reform of the european parliament's electoral procedure should aim to enhance the democratic dimension of the european elections and the democratic legitimacy of the union decision-making process , reinforce the concept of citizenship of the union , improve the functioning of the european parliament and the governance of the union , make the work of the european parliament more legitimate , strengthen the principles of electoral equality and equal opportunities , enhance the effectiveness of the system for conducting european elections , and bring members of the european parliament closer to their voters , and in particular the youngest amongst them;


### o. whereas the right of all citizens of the union to participate , on an equal basis , in the democratic life of the union would be promoted by a genuine harmonisation of the procedure for elections to the european parliament in all the member states , which would also strengthen the political dimension of european integration; ### o. whereas the right of all citizens of the union to participate , on an equal basis , in the democratic life of the union would be promoted by an increasing harmonisation of the procedure for elections to the european parliament in all the member states , which would also strengthen the political dimension of european integration;


### o. whereas the right of all citizens of the union to participate , on an equal basis , in the democratic life of the union would be promoted by a genuine harmonisation of the procedure for elections to the european parliament in all the member states , which would also strengthen the political dimension of european integration; ### o. whereas the right of all citizens of the union to participate , on an equal basis , in the democratic life of the union would be promoted by a deeper harmonisation of the procedure for elections to the european parliament in all the member states , which would also strengthen the political dimension of european integration;


### t. whereas the establishment of a joint constituency in which lists are headed by each political family’s candidate for the post of president of the commission would greatly strengthen european democracy and further legitimise the election of the president of the commission; ### deleted


### t. whereas the establishment of a joint constituency in which lists are headed by each political family’s candidate for the post of president of the commission would greatly strengthen european democracy and further legitimise the election of the president of the commission; ### t. whereas a strong link between elected members and constituents is a crucial element of any representative democracy; whereas the principle of geographic representation is therefore crucial for allocation of all seats in european elections.


### w. whereas an electoral authority , acting as a network of member states' single contact authorities , should be set up at union level , as this would facilitate access to information on the rules governing the european elections , as well as streamlining the process , managing the joint constituency and enhancing the european character of those elections; ### deleted


### x. whereas postal , electronic and internet voting could make the conduct of european elections more efficient and more appealing for voters , whilst ensuring the highest possible standards of data protection; ### x. whereas postal , electronic and internet voting could make the conduct of european elections more efficient and more appealing for voters , on condition that such procedures ensure the highest possible standards of data protection;


### x. whereas postal , electronic and internet voting could make the conduct of european elections more efficient and more appealing for voters , whilst ensuring the highest possible standards of data protection; ### x. whereas postal voting could make the conduct of european elections more efficient and more appealing for voters , whilst ensuring the highest possible standards of election integrity;


### 2. considers it essential to improve the transparency and democratic accountability of the parliament , by strengthening the european dimension of the elections , notably by shifting the debate in election campaigns away from national topics towards genuinely european issues; in addition , considers it essential to transform the european elections into a single european election , as opposed to the collection of 27 separate national elections , which is the way that european elections are mainly perceived today; ### 2. considers it essential to improve the transparency and democratic accountability of the parliament , by strengthening the european dimension of the elections , notably by shifting the debate in election campaigns away from national topics towards genuinely european issues;


### 3. believes that european political parties and movements should play a more central role in the european elections process and should become clearly visible for voters; ### 3. believes that european political parties should play a more central role in the european elections process and should become clearly visible for voters;


### 8. considers gender equality to be a key horizontal element for improving the quality of eu democracy and enhancing a european public space; calls on member states to apply this principle and the provisions contained in the parliament’s proposal in the attached legislative act in a comprehensive way , in accordance with their own competences; calls for the introduction of lists of candidates with an equal number of male and female candidates for the electable places , for example through the use of zipped lists or other equivalent methods , since , in many member states , there is no legislation that ensures political gender parity in elections; ### 8. considers gender equality to be a key element for improving representation in elections; considers quotas based on identity categories to be no issue for european legislation as in some member states constitutional courts have judged them to be in contradiction of freedom of association.


### 9. considers it essential that both european and national political parties and movements adopt democratic , informed and transparent procedures for the selection of candidates to the european parliament , including the lead candidate , ensuring the direct involvement of individual citizens who are party members , including , but not limited to , the election of delegates; considers that such democratic selection should be accompanied by the necessary information as regards the capacities and performance of the aspiring candidates; ### 9. considers it essential that both european and national political parties adopt democratic , informed and transparent procedures for the selection of candidates to the european parliament , including the lead candidate , ensuring the direct involvement of individual citizens who are party members , including , but not limited to , the election of delegates; considers that such democratic selection should be accompanied by the necessary information as regards the capacities and performance of the aspiring candidates;


### 10. believes that all european voters should be allowed to indicate their preferred candidate for the president of the commission , and that leading candidates should be able to stand in all member states , nominated by a european political party , by a movement or by a coalition of european parties , putting forward a common electoral programme; ### 10. believes that all european voters should be allowed to indicate their preferred candidate for the president of the commission;


### 10. believes that all european voters should be allowed to indicate their preferred candidate for the president of the commission , and that leading candidates should be able to stand in all member states , nominated by a european political party , by a movement or by a coalition of european parties , putting forward a common electoral programme; ### 10. believes that all european voters should be able to identify their preferred candidate for the president of the commission , nominated by a european political party , putting forward a common electoral programme;


### 10. believes that all european voters should be allowed to indicate their preferred candidate for the president of the commission , and that leading candidates should be able to stand in all member states , nominated by a european political party , by a movement or by a coalition of european parties , putting forward a common electoral programme; ### 10. believes that all european voters should be allowed to indicate their preferred candidate for the president of the commission , and that leading candidates should be able to stand in all member states , nominated by a european political party putting forward a common electoral programme;


### 11. calls on european political parties and movements to nominate their candidates for the position of president of the commission - or common candidates of a coalition of european parties and movements - at least 12 weeks before the start of the electoral period; considers that binding democratic procedures and transparency in the selection should be ensured; expects candidates to be placed in the first position of the corresponding list of the joint constituency; ### 11. calls on european political parties to nominate their candidates for the position of president of the commission at least 12 weeks before the start of the electoral period; considers that binding democratic procedures and transparency in the selection should be ensured;


### 11. calls on european political parties and movements to nominate their candidates for the position of president of the commission - or common candidates of a coalition of european parties and movements - at least 12 weeks before the start of the electoral period; considers that binding democratic procedures and transparency in the selection should be ensured; expects candidates to be placed in the first position of the corresponding list of the joint constituency; ### 11. calls on european political parties and movements to nominate their candidates for the position of president of the commission - or common candidates of a coalition of european parties and movements - at least 12 weeks before the start of the electoral period; considers that binding democratic procedures and transparency in the selection should be ensured;


### 11. calls on european political parties and movements to nominate their candidates for the position of president of the commission - or common candidates of a coalition of european parties and movements - at least 12 weeks before the start of the electoral period; considers that binding democratic procedures and transparency in the selection should be ensured; expects candidates to be placed in the first position of the corresponding list of the joint constituency; ### 11. calls on european political parties to nominate their candidates for the position of president of the commission at least 12 weeks before the start of the electoral period; considers that binding democratic procedures and transparency in the selection should be ensured; expects candidates to be placed in the first position of the corresponding list of the joint constituency;


### 12. calls for enhancing the visibility of european parties and movements through media campaigns and on ballot papers and all electoral materials; determines that national parties shall indicate their affiliation to the european political parties and to the corresponding lead candidate during the electoral campaign; ### 12. calls for enhancing the visibility of european parties through media campaigns and on ballot papers and all electoral materials; determines that national parties shall indicate their affiliation to the european political parties and to the corresponding lead candidate during the electoral campaign;


### 13. expects the leaders of the european political parties and parliamentary groups to agree on a common indication to the european council on the basis of the outcome of the european elections as well as on the availability of a potential majority in the newly elected parliament as regards the nomination of a candidate for president of the european commission; expects the president of the european council to consult the said leaders of the european political parties and parliamentary groups in order to inform the nomination process , considers that this process could be formalised by a political agreement between the european political parties and by an inter-institutional agreement between parliament and european council; ### 13. expects the leaders of the european political parties and parliamentary groups to agree on a common indication to the european council on the basis of the outcome of the european elections; expects that the lead candidate whose european political party has received the overall highest number of votes in the union-wide constituency will be tasked with forming a coalition majority in the newly elected parliament as regards the nomination of a candidate for president of the european commission; expects the president of the european council to consult the said leaders of the european political parties and parliamentary groups in order to inform the nomination process , considers that this process could be formalised by a political agreement between the european political parties and by an inter-institutional agreement between parliament and european council;