### a. whereas better law-making is a common goal for all eu institutions , and should be achieved by increasing transparency , accountability and cooperation between the institutions and member states , citizens and stakeholders , ensuring full respect of all fundamental european values , including democracy , the rule of law and human rights; whereas legislation should be fit for purpose , balanced , clear , transparent and comprehensive in order to benefit citizens and stakeholders; ### a. whereas better law-making , which means drawing up and laying the foundations for eu policies and laws , enabling them to achieve their goals in the most effective way , is a common goal for all eu institutions , and should be achieved by increasing transparency , accountability and cooperation between the institutions and member states , citizens , social partners and stakeholders , ensuring full respect of all fundamental european values , including democracy , the rule of law and human rights; whereas legislation should be fit for purpose , balanced , clear , transparent and comprehensive in order to benefit citizens and stakeholders;


### a. whereas better law-making is a common goal for all eu institutions , and should be achieved by increasing transparency , accountability and cooperation between the institutions and member states , citizens and stakeholders , ensuring full respect of all fundamental european values , including democracy , the rule of law and human rights; whereas legislation should be fit for purpose , balanced , clear , transparent and comprehensive in order to benefit citizens and stakeholders; ### a. whereas better law-making is a common goal for all eu institutions , and should be achieved by increasing transparency , accountability and cooperation between the institutions and member states , citizens and stakeholders , ensuring full respect of all fundamental european values , including democracy , the rule of law and human rights;


### a. whereas better law-making is a common goal for all eu institutions , and should be achieved by increasing transparency , accountability and cooperation between the institutions and member states , citizens and stakeholders , ensuring full respect of all fundamental european values , including democracy , the rule of law and human rights; whereas legislation should be fit for purpose , balanced , clear , transparent and comprehensive in order to benefit citizens and stakeholders; ### a. whereas better law-making is a common goal for all eu institutions , and should be achieved by increasing transparency , accountability and cooperation between the institutions and member states , citizens and stakeholders , ensuring full respect of all fundamental european values , including democracy , the rule of law and human rights; whereas european legislation should be fit for purpose , proportionate , clear , transparent and comprehensive in order to effectively benefit citizens and stakeholders;


### c. whereas better law-making must aim to serve the eu’s political ambitions , especially its long-term objectives , such as social progress and the binding objective of union climate neutrality by 2050 , and the long-term priority objective for 2050 that citizens live well , within the limits of our planet; whereas sustainability should be at the heart of quality law-making , placing social , environmental and economic considerations on an equal footing; ### c. whereas better law-making must aim to serve the eu’s ambitions , especially its long-term objectives , such as generating economy and growth , boosting investment and job creation , taking care of a more competitive and democratic europe and fighting terrorism , while aiming social progress and the binding objective of union climate neutrality by 2050 , and the long-term priority objective for 2050 that citizens live well , within the limits of our planet; whereas a sustainability perspective should also be considered for an high quality law-making , placing social , environmental and economic considerations on an equal footing;


### c. whereas better law-making must aim to serve the eu’s political ambitions , especially its long-term objectives , such as social progress and the binding objective of union climate neutrality by 2050 , and the long-term priority objective for 2050 that citizens live well , within the limits of our planet; whereas sustainability should be at the heart of quality law-making , placing social , environmental and economic considerations on an equal footing; ### c. whereas better law-making must aim to serve the eu’s political ambitions , especially its long-term objectives for 2050; whereas sustainability and social market economy should be at the heart of quality law-making , placing social , economic and environmental considerations on an equal footing;


### d. whereas well carried out ex ante and ex post impact assessments and public consultations are essential tools for well-informed , better , efficient , accountable and transparent law-making; ### d. whereas well carried out ex ante and ex post impact assessments and public consultations are essential tools for well-informed , better , efficient , accountable and transparent law-making that is tailored to the needs of the beneficiaries; whereas this contributes to the quantification of impacts , factoring in their cost-benefit ratio;


### d. whereas well carried out ex ante and ex post impact assessments and public consultations are essential tools for well-informed , better , efficient , accountable and transparent law-making; ### d. whereas well carried out ex ante and ex post impact assessments , public consultations and the "evaluate first principle" are essential tools for well-informed , better , efficient , accountable and transparent law-making;


### e. whereas the ‘have your say’ web portal aims to boost involvement in eu policy-making; whereas the european court of auditors published a special report in 20192 with a set of recommendations to improve this portal , especially the use and availability of translations; ### e. whereas the ‘have your say’ web portal aims to boost involvement in eu policy-making; whereas the european court of auditors published a special report in 20192 with a set of recommendations to even improve this portal , especially to make it more user-friendly , including with regard to the availability of translations;


### f. whereas the regulatory scrutiny board assesses the quality of impact assessments as well as of fitness checks and major evaluations to support political decision-making; ### f. whereas the regulatory scrutiny board assesses the quality of impact assessments as well as of fitness checks and major evaluations to support high-quality decision-making;


### g. whereas the aim of the regulatory fitness and performance (refit) programme is to simplify eu laws and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens with a view to improve regulatory compliance; ### g. whereas the aim of the regulatory fitness and performance (refit) programme and the fit for future platform (f4f) are to simplify eu laws and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens with a view to improve regulatory compliance , increasing the focus on regulatory offsetting and fitness checks of previous , current and future legislation;


### g. whereas the aim of the regulatory fitness and performance (refit) programme is to simplify eu laws and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens with a view to improve regulatory compliance; ### g. whereas the aim of the regulatory fitness and performance (refit) programme is to simplify eu laws , avoid over-regulation and possible regulatory fragmentation and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and costs with a view to improve regulatory compliance and implementation;


### g. whereas the aim of the regulatory fitness and performance (refit) programme is to simplify eu laws and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens with a view to improve regulatory compliance; ### g. whereas the aim of the regulatory fitness and performance (refit) programmeis to simplify and reduce regulatory burden of eu laws and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and unnecessary regulatory costs , while achieving the underlying policy objectives;


### h. whereas in 2021 the commission introduced the ‘one in , one out’ approach with the intention of offsetting new burdens resulting from the commission’s legislative proposals by removing already existing burdens in the same policy area; ### h. whereas the commission introduced the ‘one in , one out’ approach with the intention of offsetting new burdens resulting from the commission’s legislative proposals by removing already existing burdens in the same policy area;


### 10. underlines that ‘strategic foresight’ could play a key role in helping to future-proof eu policy-making by ensuring that assessments of new initiatives are grounded in a longer-term perspective , emphasising the added value of quality legislation as an investment in the future; welcomes the integration of ‘foresight elements’ into the commission’s better regulation agenda in impact assessments and evaluations; considers , however , that the commission’s methodology for quantifying costs , deciding on trade-offs and implementing strategic foresight remains unclear , and that practice will allow assessment of how these approaches have been followed in practice; encourages the commission to look into innovative cost assessment tools; ### 10. underlines that ‘strategic foresight’ plays a key role in helping to future-proof eu policy-making by ensuring that assessments of new initiatives are grounded in a longer-term perspective , emphasising the added value of quality legislation as an investment in the future; welcomes the integration of ‘foresight elements’ into the commission’s better regulation agenda in impact assessments and evaluations; considers , however , that the commission’s methodology for quantifying costs , deciding on trade-offs and implementing strategic foresight remains unclear , and that the commission needs to provide prove how these approaches have been followed in practice; encourages the commission to look into innovative cost assessment tools;


### 11. takes note of the involvement of the regulatory scrutiny board in impact assessments , fitness checks , and major evaluations of current legislation; notes , however , that the transparency of the regulatory scrutiny board on meetings with stakeholders , reviews , recommendations and opinions should be significantly improved; underlines that the work of the board should not ultimately affect the commission’s capacity to propose legislation or unduly delay the adoption of legislative proposals; considers that all the board’s opinions should always be made public immediately after adoption without any exception; ### 11. takes note of the involvement of the regulatory scrutiny board in impact assessments , fitness checks , and major evaluations of current legislation; emphasises , however , that the independence of the board could be further improved; notes , that the transparency of the regulatory scrutiny board on meetings with stakeholders , reviews , recommendations and opinions should be significantly improved; underlines that the work of the board should not ultimately affect the commission’s capacity to propose legislation or unduly delay the adoption of legislative proposals; considers that all the board’s opinions should always be made public immediately after adoption without any exception;


### 11. takes note of the involvement of the regulatory scrutiny board in impact assessments , fitness checks , and major evaluations of current legislation; notes , however , that the transparency of the regulatory scrutiny board on meetings with stakeholders , reviews , recommendations and opinions should be significantly improved; underlines that the work of the board should not ultimately affect the commission’s capacity to propose legislation or unduly delay the adoption of legislative proposals; considers that all the board’s opinions should always be made public immediately after adoption without any exception; ### 11. welcomes and strongly supports the involvement of the regulatory scrutiny board (rsb) in impact assessments , fitness checks , and major evaluations of current legislation , as its involvement significantly improve the evidence-based work of the commission; recognises that the independence of the rsb has to be strengthened and calls on the commission to extend its collaboration with the rsb , strengthening it by providing more means and competences to its work; calls on the commission to publish all rsb´s opinions immediately after adoption without any exception and to delver them as well to the parliament and the council;


### 12. takes note of the ‘one in , one out’ approach by which the commission aims to offset newly introduced burdens by relieving citizens and businesses of equivalent burdens at eu level in the same policy area; regrets the unilateral introduction of this approach by the commission , without a prior impact assessment or consultation; underlines that the implementation of this approach should not affect political imperatives or the objectives of better regulation , and emphasises that it should not lead to mechanical or mathematical decisions to repeal legislation , lower its standard or result in a chilling effect on legislation; recalls that the need for new legislation should not automatically imply that current legislation is no longer needed; calls for this approach to be based on a transparent and evidence-based methodology giving balanced consideration to all sustainability aspects , both in terms of benefits and costs , including the costs of non-compliance and inaction; calls on the commission , in this regard , to make its ‘one in , one out’ calculator public before applying this approach; ### 12. welcomes the ‘one in , one out’ approach by which the commission aims to offset newly introduced burdens by relieving citizens and businesses of equivalent burdens at eu level in the same policy area and asks the commission to make more efficient use of it and focusing more on regulatory offsetting; calls for new legislation to go hand in hand with replacing , merging and improving and for this approach to be based on a transparent and evidence-based methodology giving proportionate consideration to all aspects , both in terms of benefits and costs , including the costs of non-compliance and inaction; calls on the commission , in this regard , to make its ‘one in , one out’ calculator public before applying this approach and to develop the current "one in , one out" approach into a binding "one in , x out" approach applicable to all legislations , in order to allow for future-proof , coherent and less burdensome legislation;


### 12. takes note of the ‘one in , one out’ approach by which the commission aims to offset newly introduced burdens by relieving citizens and businesses of equivalent burdens at eu level in the same policy area; regrets the unilateral introduction of this approach by the commission , without a prior impact assessment or consultation; underlines that the implementation of this approach should not affect political imperatives or the objectives of better regulation , and emphasises that it should not lead to mechanical or mathematical decisions to repeal legislation , lower its standard or result in a chilling effect on legislation; recalls that the need for new legislation should not automatically imply that current legislation is no longer needed; calls for this approach to be based on a transparent and evidence-based methodology giving balanced consideration to all sustainability aspects , both in terms of benefits and costs , including the costs of non-compliance and inaction; calls on the commission , in this regard , to make its ‘one in , one out’ calculator public before applying this approach; ### 12. takes note of the ‘one in , one out’ principle , which is based on stake holder involvement , and by which the commission aims to offset newly introduced burdens especially for micro-enterprises and smes by relieving citizens and businesses of equivalent burdens at eu level in the same policy area; underlines that the implementation of this approach should not affect political imperatives or the objectives of better regulation , and emphasises that it should not lead to mechanical or mathematical decisions to repeal legislation , lower standards and that it aim should be to modernise and reform eu legislation to face new challenges; recalls that the need for new legislation should not automatically imply that current legislation is no longer needed; stresses at the same time that , while additional unnecessary administrative burdens should be avoided when designing , transposing and implementing eu acts , this should neither be translated into deregulation or ‘no regulation’ , nor should it prevent member states’ parliaments from maintaining or taking more ambitious measures in cases where only minimum standards are defined by union law;


### b. whereas articles 24 and 228 tfeu empower the european ombudsman to receive complaints concerning instances of maladministration in the activities of the union institutions , bodies , offices or agencies , with the exception of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) acting in its judicial role; ### b. whereas articles 20 , 24 and 228 tfeu and article 43 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union empower the european ombudsman to receive complaints concerning instances of maladministration in the activities of the union institutions , bodies , offices or agencies , with the exception of the court of justice of the european union (cjeu) acting in its judicial role;


### d. whereas the top three concerns in the inquiries closed by the ombudsman in 2020 were transparency , accountability (access to information and documents) (25 %) , culture of service (24 %) and proper use of discretionary powers , including in infringement procedures (17 %); whereas other concerns include ethical issues , respect for fundamental rights , sound financial management , whistleblowing , respect for procedural rights , recruitment and good management of eu personnel issues; ### d. whereas the top three concerns in the inquiries closed by the ombudsman in 2020 were transparency in environmental decision making , , accountability (access to information and documents) (25 %) , culture of service (24 %) and proper use of discretionary powers , including in infringement procedures (17 %); whereas other concerns include ethical issues , respect for fundamental rights , sound financial management , whistleblowing , respect for procedural rights , recruitment and good management of eu personnel issues;


### d. whereas the top three concerns in the inquiries closed by the ombudsman in 2020 were transparency , accountability (access to information and documents) (25 %) , culture of service (24 %) and proper use of discretionary powers , including in infringement procedures (17 %); whereas other concerns include ethical issues , respect for fundamental rights , sound financial management , whistleblowing , respect for procedural rights , recruitment and good management of eu personnel issues; ### d. whereas the top three concerns in the inquiries closed by the ombudsman in 2020 were transparency , accountability (access to information and documents) (25 %) , culture of service (24 %) and proper use of discretionary powers , including in infringement procedures (17 %); whereas other concerns include ethical issues in the eu administration , respect for fundamental rights , sound financial management , whistleblowing , respect for procedural rights , recruitment and good management of eu personnel issues;


### e. whereas the ombudsman plays a key role in ensuring the full transparency , democratic accountability and integrity of the eu decision-making processes; ### e. whereas the ombudsman plays a key role in ensuring transparency in the eu institutions and bodies and the democratic accountability and integrity of the eu decision-making processes;


### e. whereas the ombudsman plays a key role in ensuring the full transparency , democratic accountability and integrity of the eu decision-making processes; ### e. whereas the ombudsman plays a key role in ensuring transparency , democratic accountability and integrity of the eu decision-making processes;


### h. whereas following an inquiry into the performance of the european centre for disease prevention and control (ecdc) during the covid-19 crisis , the ombudsman found serious shortcomings in the ecdc’s transparency practices , including on the data underlying its risk assessments and interactions with international partners , and made proposals aimed at improving the public scrutiny of the ecdc’s activities related to the covid-19 vaccines; ### h. whereas following an inquiry into the performance of the european centre for disease prevention and control (ecdc) during the covid-19 crisis , the ombudsman found gaps in the ecdc’s transparency practices , including on the data underlying its risk assessments and interactions with international partners , and made proposals aimed at improving the public scrutiny of the ecdc’s activities related to the covid-19 vaccines; whereasthe ombudsman considered that this was not a case of maladministration; whereas the suggestions of the ombudsman were followed by the ecdc;


### j. whereas the eu has planned a period of unprecedented levels of spending and investment under nextgenerationeu , which will also create significant links with the private sector , therefore making it even more crucial for the eu institutions to have a decision-making process founded on full transparency and on the most stringent ethical rules in order to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption cases; ### j. whereas the eu has planned a period of unprecedented levels of spending and investment under nextgenerationeu , which will also create significant links with the private sector , therefore making it even more crucial for the eu institutions to have a decision-making process founded on transparency and on the most stringent ethical rules in order to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption cases;


### l. whereas the ombudsman launched an inquiry into the refusal by the council to address the issue of corporate sponsorships of the presidency of the council of the eu; whereas the ombudsman found maladministration in the council’s inaction in relation to eliminating the reputational risks that such commercial sponsorships entail to the impartiality of its presidency and for the image of the eu as a whole; ### l. whereas the ombudsman launched an inquiry into the refusal by the council to address the issue of corporate sponsorships of the presidency of the council of the eu; whereas the council accepted the ombudsman’s recommendation;


### n. whereas the ombudsman found that the commission should have carried out a more critical scrutiny of all risks of conflicts of interest before awarding a contract to carry out a study on integrating environmental , social and governance (esg) objectives into eu banking rules to blackrock investment management , a company managing investments in the fossil fuel and banking sectors , which are areas that fall within the scope of the new rules on esg; whereas the ombudsman underlined that the eu rules on public procurement are not robust and clear enough to prevent conflicts of interest; ### n. whereas the ombudsman found that the commission should have carried out a more in-depth scrutiny of all risks of conflicts of interest before awarding a contract to carry out a study on integrating environmental , social and governance (esg) objectives into eu banking rules to blackrock investment management , a company managing investments in the fossil fuel and banking sectors , which are areas that fall within the scope of the new rules on esg; whereas the ombudsman considered that this was not a case of maladministration;


### o. whereas according to the ombudsman , the commission’s failure to finalise a ‘sustainability impact assessment’ (sia) before concluding the negotiations on a trade agreement between the eu and mercosur constituted maladministration; whereas the ombudsman’s findings confirmed that the commission had disregarded its own guidelines on the use of sias and violated the principles set out in article 21 teu , which also apply to trade policy; ### o. whereas according to the ombudsman , the commission’s failure to finalise a ‘sustainability impact assessment’ (sia) before concluding the negotiations on a trade agreement between the eu and mercosur constituted maladministration; whereas there is no legal requirement for the european commission to finalise the sia before the conclusion of the trade negotiations;


### p. whereas the ombudsman found instances of maladministration in the decision by the european banking authority (eba) to approve the job move of its then executive director as chief executive officer (ceo) of the association for financial markets in europe (afme) , a lobby organisation for the financial industry , failing to mitigate the risks of conflicts of interest , as well as continuing to give him access to confidential information; ### p. whereas the ombudsman found instances of maladministration in the decision by the european banking authority (eba) to approve the job move of its then executive director as chief executive officer (ceo) of the association for financial markets in europe (afme) , a lobby organisation for the financial industry , failing to mitigate the risks of conflicts of interest , as well as continuing to give him access to confidential information; whereas the eba took the requisite measures , enabling the ombudsman to close the inquiry;


### p. whereas the ombudsman found instances of maladministration in the decision by the european banking authority (eba) to approve the job move of its then executive director as chief executive officer (ceo) of the association for financial markets in europe (afme) , a lobby organisation for the financial industry , failing to mitigate the risks of conflicts of interest , as well as continuing to give him access to confidential information; ### p. whereas the ombudsman found instances of maladministration in the decision by the european banking authority (eba) to approve the job move of its then executive director as chief executive officer (ceo) of the association for financial markets in europe (afme) , a lobby organisation for the financial industry , failing to mitigate the risks of conflicts of interest , as well as continuing to give him access to confidential information; whereas eba has accepted and started to implement the ombudsman’s recommendations;


### q. whereas the commission’s strategy in dealing with petitions refers to its 2016 communication entitled ‘eu law: better results through better application’ , whose rules establish no administrative procedure or practice concerning petitions; whereas the commission’s approach , resulting in its systematic refusal to take action on individual petition issues and on petitions concerning areas under article 6 tfeu can amount to maladministration; ### q. whereas the commission’s strategy in dealing with petitions refers to its 2016 communication entitled ‘eu law: better results through better application’;


### q. whereas the commission’s strategy in dealing with petitions refers to its 2016 communication entitled ‘eu law: better results through better application’ , whose rules establish no administrative procedure or practice concerning petitions; whereas the commission’s approach , resulting in its systematic refusal to take action on individual petition issues and on petitions concerning areas under article 6 tfeu can amount to maladministration; ### q. whereas the commission’s strategy in dealing with petitions refers to its 2016 communication entitled ‘eu law: better results through better application’ , whose rules establish no administrative procedure or practice concerning petitions;


### r. whereas the ombudsman is a redress mechanism for citizens facing problems in gaining access to documents held by the eu institutions; whereas a significant number of the ombudsman’s inquiries in 2020 resulted in access being granted to documents of wider public interest , in spite of the fact that the applicable eu legislation is structurally inadequate , as it is outdated and no longer reflects the current practices adopted by the eu institutions; ### r. whereas the ombudsman is a potential redress mechanism for citizens facing problems in gaining access to documents held by the eu institutions; whereas a significant number of the ombudsman’s inquiries in 2020 resulted in access being granted to documents of wider public interest;


### 4. regrets the fact that the commission did not provide adequate explanations to the ombudsman’s requests on key elements of its work during the covid-19 crisis; criticises the fact that in relation to its decision-making on emergency public procurement , the commission did not clarify its approach on how it ensured transparency on the appointments procedure of the members of the various committees , as well as on their independence , and on how it monitored the use of the negotiated procedure; ### 4. notes that the commission did not provide adequate explanations to the ombudsman’s requests on key elements of its work during the covid-19 crisis; considers the fact that in relation to its decision-making on emergency public procurement , the commission could bring forth on how it ensured transparency on the appointments procedure of the members of the various committees , as well as on their independence , and on how it monitored the use of the negotiated procedure;


### 5. urges the commission to ensure full transparency on all details of the research into , and the development , purchase and distribution of covid-19 vaccines , by publishing non-redacted versions of the advance purchase agreements and the purchase agreement and by making the disclosure of all details in future contracts concerning covid-19 vaccines and covid-19 technologies mandatory; emphasises that any lack of transparency in the framework of the covid-19 pandemic is at odds with citizens’ right to information and fuels disinformation and distrust; ### 5. urges the commission to ensure transparency on all details of the research into , and the development , purchase and distribution of covid-19 vaccines; emphasises that the lack of transparency in the framework of the covid-19 pandemic is at odds with citizens’ right to information and fuels disinformation and distrust;


### 7. encourages the ombudsman to continue performing her work to ensure that citizens can fully exercise their democratic rights by , inter alia , directly participating in and following in detail the decision-making process within the eu institutions , as well as by having access to all the relevant information as also stipulated by the cjeu’s case law; ### 7. encourages the ombudsman to continue performing her work to ensure that citizens can fully exercise their democratic rights by , inter alia , directly participating in and following in detail the decision-making process within the eu institutions , as well as by having access to all the relevant information as also stipulated by the cjeu’s case law; welcomes the ombudsman’s practical recommendations for the eu administration on the use of 24 official languages when communicating with the public; underlines in this respect the importance of ensuring communication in as many eu official languages as possible; reminds that the equality of languages should be better ensured by the eu institutions; regrets that still many parts of eu institutions’ websites , including information on eu programmes and calls are available only in some languages;


### 8. calls on the ombudsman to adopt strengthened oversight of the implementation of the rules and procedures concerning the allocation and use of eu funds under nextgenerationeu to protect union citizens’ rights against possible conflicts of interest and corruption cases , as well as violations of the rule of law , contributing to ensuring the integrity , full transparency and democratic accountability of the eu institutions; ### deleted


### 8. calls on the ombudsman to adopt strengthened oversight of the implementation of the rules and procedures concerning the allocation and use of eu funds under nextgenerationeu to protect union citizens’ rights against possible conflicts of interest and corruption cases , as well as violations of the rule of law , contributing to ensuring the integrity , full transparency and democratic accountability of the eu institutions; ### 8. calls on the ombudsman to protect union citizens’ rights against possible conflicts of interest and corruption cases , as well as violations of the rule of law , contributing to ensuring the integrity , full transparency and democratic accountability of the eu institutions;


### 9. deeply regrets the fact that the council’s current practices with regard to its decision-making process are still marred by a lack of transparency; deplores the fact that the council is persisting in preventing citizens from having direct and timely access to its legislative documents , while the legislative process is ongoing , in breach of citizens’ right to participate effectively in the decision-making process; ### 9. deeply regrets the fact that the council’s current practices with regard to its decision-making process are still marred by a lack of transparency;


### 10. reiterates its call for the publication of all trilogue documents in order to uphold citizens’ democratic rights , as full transparency at all stages of the legislative process , including in the informal negotiations between the three main eu institutions , is crucial to enabling citizens to hold their elected representatives and governments accountable; ### 10. reiterates its call for the publication of trilogue documents once the procedures are closed , in order to uphold citizens’ democratic rights;


### 11. urges the commission to refrain from approving ‘active substances’ used in pesticides in cases where critical areas of concern or no safe use have been identified , or when additional data confirming their safety is needed , given the already serious consequences which the use of pesticides has caused for human health and the environment; ### 11. urges the commission to refrain from approving ‘active substances’ used in pesticides in cases where critical areas of concern or no safe use have been identified , given the already serious consequences which the use of pesticides has caused for human health and the environment;


### 12. calls on the commission to ensure an approval process for ‘active substances’ in pesticides , which is fully transparent and free from conflicts of interest , committing to put an end to the use of all synthetic pesticides by 2035 at the latest , as well as immediately prohibiting the export of pesticides that have been banned in the eu and stopping the import of foodstuffs produced outside the eu using such unsafe chemicals; asks the ombudsman to continue investigating the systems in place at eu level to make sure that the current policies and procedural safeguards in this field guarantee the highest levels of human health and environmental protection , and that the collection and examination of scientific evidence is fully transparent , accurate and free from conflicts of interest; ### 12. calls on the commission to ensure an approval process for ‘active substances’ in pesticides , which is transparent and free from conflicts of interest;


### 13. calls on the commission to improve its assessment processes of the independence of the scientific experts who advise it , including by fully implementing the ombudsman’s suggestions following her inquiry on this matter , ensuring that the experts concerned do not have any conflict of interest; ### 13. recalls that in march 2020 , the ombudsman closed her inquiry into how the commission ensures that scientific experts who advise it have no conflicts of interest; stresses that the ombudsman found these systems to be adequate; calls on the commission to improve its assessment processes of the independence of the scientific experts who advise it , including by fully implementing the ombudsman’s suggestions following her inquiry on this matter , ensuring that the experts concerned do not have any conflict of interest;


### 14. calls on the ombudsman to launch an inquiry on the commission’s strategic approach in dealing with petitions , as its action is only limited to issues it considers of strategic importance or which reflect structural problems , founded on an arbitrary methodology and vague criteria , which can breach citizens’ right to good administration and is at odds with the commission’s duty to oversee the correct application of eu law throughout the union , arising from article 17 teu; ### deleted


### 15. strongly criticises the commission for its failure to finalise the sia before concluding the eu-mercosur trade negotiations; underlines that this meant that the commission concluded the negotiations without appropriate and updated information about the potential social , environmental and economic impacts of the proposed agreement and without properly taking into account the views of all stakeholders , which must represent an additional reason to stop the adoption of the eu-mercosur trade agreement; ### 15. regrets that the sia has not been published before concluding the eu-mercosur trade negotiations;


### 16. criticises the decision of those member states , which held the presidency of the council , to use corporate sponsorship , as it caused serious damages to the eu’s image , stressing the importance for the future to refrain from any sponsorship; considers paramount the adoption of the most stringent rules preventing such practices from taking place with a view to safeguarding the reputation and integrity of the council and of the eu as a whole; ### 16. considers that the council should provide guidance to those member states , which held the presidency of the council , on how to use corporate sponsorship; welcomes the decision of the council to accept the ombudsman’s recommendations; considers paramount the adoption of rules in order to preserve the reputation and integrity of the council and of the eu as a whole;


### 17. commends the ombudsman’s work to protect eu citizens’ right to access documents held by the eu institutions; considers it paramount to guarantee full transparency and full public access to the documents held by the eu institutions; believes that revision of regulation (ec) no 1049/20012 must take place as a matter of priority; regrets the fact that eu legislation on access to documents is very much obsolete , thereby also hampering the ombudsman’s activities on this matter; ### 17. commends the ombudsman’s work to protect eu citizens’ right to access documents held by the eu institutions; considers it paramount to guarantee transparency and public access to the documents held by the eu institutions; underlines that public access to documents is essential for public scrutiny of eu activity; points out , therefore , that transparency and the broadest possible access to documents held by the institutions must be the rule , in accordance with regulation (ec)no 1049/2001; believes that the fast-track procedure for dealing with public access complaints established by the ombudsman can improve and accelerate the handling of requests concerning access to documents;


### 19. asks the commission to comply fully and in a timely manner with the ombudsman’s recommendations made following her inquiry on the blackrock case by adopting strengthened and clearer rules , including in the framework of its internal guidelines , aimed at preventing any conflicts of interest in all procedures related to public procurement with a view to , inter alia , safeguarding the integrity of the decision-making processes concerning the adoption of new rules on esg issues at eu level; ### 19. welcomes the decision of the commission to update its internal guidelines , aimed at preventing any conflicts of interest in all procedures related to public procurement with a view to , inter alia , safeguarding the integrity of the decision-making processes concerning the adoption of new rules on esg issues at eu level;


### 20. supports the ombudsman’s activities aimed at guaranteeing the full and consistent implementation of the uncrpd by the eu administration , including the list of best practices set out to promote a consistent approach across the eu administration in accommodating the special needs of staff members with disabilities in the context of the covid-19 emergency; ### 20. supports the ombudsman’s activities aimed at guaranteeing the full and consistent implementation of the uncrpd by the eu administration , including the list of best practices set out to promote a consistent approach across the eu administration in accommodating the special needs of staff members with disabilities in the context of the covid-19 emergency; recalls , in this regard , that the ombudsman chaired the eu framework for the uncrpd in 2020;


### 22. congratulates the ombudsman on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the post , underlining that , since 1995 , the office has handled over 57 000 complaints and conducted more than 7 300 inquiries , which has greatly contributed to improving the ethical and accountability standards of the eu institutions across a wide range of areas; endorses the ombudsman’s strategy ‘towards 2024’ aimed at increasing the impact , visibility and relevance of the ombudsman’s office , setting out its objectives and priorities for the current term; ### 22. congratulates the ombudsman on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the post , underlining that , since 1995 , the office has handled over 57 000 complaints and conducted more than 7 300 inquiries , which has greatly contributed to improving the ethical and accountability standards of the eu institutions across a wide range of areas; endorses the ombudsman’s strategy ‘towards 2024’ aimed at increasing the impact , visibility and relevance of the ombudsman’s office , setting out its objectives and priorities , which include raising citizen awareness of the ombudsman's work , for the current term;


### 23. welcomes the adoption of the new statute of the ombudsman , whose provisions reinforce the ombudsman’s role , adding further competences on areas related to whistleblowing , harassment and conflicts of interest; considers it of the utmost importance to allocate an increased budget to the ombudsman , in order to provide her with the necessary resources to effectively handle her overall workload; ### 23. welcomes the adoption of the new statute of the ombudsman , whose provisions provide clarity on the ombudsman’s role and add further competences on areas related to whistleblowing , harassment and conflicts of interest in the institutions , bodies and agencies of the eu; considers it of the utmost importance to allocate an increased budget to the ombudsman , in order to provide her with the necessary resources to effectively handle her overall workload;


### 23. welcomes the adoption of the new statute of the ombudsman , whose provisions reinforce the ombudsman’s role , adding further competences on areas related to whistleblowing , harassment and conflicts of interest; considers it of the utmost importance to allocate an increased budget to the ombudsman , in order to provide her with the necessary resources to effectively handle her overall workload; ### 23. welcomes the adoption of the new statute of the ombudsman , whose provisions reinforce the ombudsman’s role , adding further competences on areas related to whistleblowing , harassment and conflicts of interest; considers it of the utmost importance to allocate an adequate budget to the ombudsman , in order to provide her with the necessary resources to effectively handle her overall workload;


### c. whereas the number of petitions submitted to the european parliament peaked in 2013 and is now on the decline; ### c. whereas the number of petitions submitted to the european parliament peaked in 2013 and is now falling; whereas a great many european citizens remain unaware of the right to petition;


### n. whereas articles 24 and 228 tfeu empower the european ombudsman to receive complaints concerning instances of maladministration in the activities of the union institutions , bodies , offices or agencies , with the exception of the court of justice of the european union acting in its judicial role; ### n. whereas articles 20 , 24 and 228 tfeu and article 43 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union empower the european ombudsman to receive complaints concerning instances of maladministration in the activities of the union institutions , bodies , offices or agencies , with the exception of the court of justice of the european union acting in its judicial role;


### 1. points out that the right to petition is the oldest instrument involving the direct participation of citizens at eu level and that it is the easiest and most direct way for citizens to contact the eu institutions and express their views on the legislation adopted and the policy choices made at eu level; ### 1. points out that the right to petition is the oldest instrument involving the direct participation of citizens at eu level and that it is the easiest and most direct way for citizens to contact the eu institutions and express their views on the legislation adopted and the policy choices made at eu level; recalls that the number of received petitions vis-à-vis the eu population remains modest and that significant differences exist between member states , regions and languages when it comes to exercising the right to petition; believes that targeted information campaigns and civic education about eu citizenship rights can reach a wider population and bring tangible results in awareness raising about citizens’ rights at eu level;


### 1. points out that the right to petition is the oldest instrument involving the direct participation of citizens at eu level and that it is the easiest and most direct way for citizens to contact the eu institutions and express their views on the legislation adopted and the policy choices made at eu level; ### 1. points out that the right to petition is the oldest instrument involving the direct participation of citizens at eu level and that it is the easiest and most direct way for citizens to contact the eu institutions and express their views on the legislation adopted and the policy choices made at eu level; notes that , in this context , the committee on petitions has a wide range of instruments at its disposal with which to respond to citizens' concerns and to induce the european parliament , the other european institutions and national authorities to take action , such as the drafting of reports and resolutions , public hearings , thematic workshops and fact-finding missions;


### 2. calls on the council and the commission to recognise the right of petition as a vital tool for communication between citizens and the eu institutions , as well as an essential element of democratic and transparent governance at eu level; ### 2. underlines that the right of petition is a key element of participatory democracy. calls in this regard on the council and the commission to recognise the right of petition as a vital tool for communication between citizens and the eu institutions , as well as an essential element of democratic and transparent governance at eu level;


### 4. points out , with that in mind , that an overly narrow or inconsistent interpretation of article 51 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union alienates citizens from the eu; asks the commission to come forward with measures that will ensure a coherent and extensive application of the provisions of article 51 and calls on the conference on the future of europe to address this issue; ### 4. points out , with that in mind , that an overly narrow or inconsistent interpretation of article 51 of the charter of fundamental rights of the european union may jeopardise citizens' trust in the eu; calls on the conference on the future of europe to address this issue;


### 8. calls on the council and the member states to show more interest in participating in discussions on petitions and to provide responses to questions raised by petitioners at eu level , in particular by sending the petitions to the relevant and competent authorities , ensuring adequate follow-up and participating in parliamentary debates; ### 8. calls on the council and the member states to continue to express their interest in discussions on petitions and to provide responses to questions raised by petitioners at eu level , in particular by sending the petitions to the relevant and competent authorities;


### 10. calls on civil society as a whole to tap the full potential of the right to petition when it comes to effecting policy and legislative changes at eu level; calls on civil society organisations to make better use of petitions as instruments of direct democracy; ### 10. encourages civil society to make better use of the right of petition;


### 14. calls for a eurobarometer survey to be carried out to gauge how much eu citizens know about the right to petition the european parliament , with the aim of collecting data to use as a basis for a strong awareness-raising campaign; ### 14. calls for a eurobarometer survey to be carried out to gauge how much eu citizens know about the right to petition the european parliament , with the aim of collecting data to use as a basis for a strong awareness-raising campaign; takes the view that regular eu-wide surveys , based on cross-border polls , help raise the european institutions' awareness of citizens' concerns;


### 14. calls for a eurobarometer survey to be carried out to gauge how much eu citizens know about the right to petition the european parliament , with the aim of collecting data to use as a basis for a strong awareness-raising campaign; ### 14. calls for a eurobarometer survey to be carried out to gauge how much eu citizens know about the right to petition the european parliament , with the aim of collecting data to use as a basis for a strong and accessible awareness-raising campaign;


### 17. calls for the petitions web portal to be improved to make it more user-friendly , easier to navigate and accessible to all citizens , especially to persons with disabilities; calls for the possibility of co-signing the petitions submitted via the petitions web portal to be streamlined and accelerated; ### 17. calls for the petitions web portal to be improved to make it more user-friendly , easier to navigate and accessible to all citizens , especially to persons with disabilities; is of the opinion that a simplified process for citizens to support a petition submitted via the online portal would enable better use to be made of their right to petition;


### 17. calls for the petitions web portal to be improved to make it more user-friendly , easier to navigate and accessible to all citizens , especially to persons with disabilities; calls for the possibility of co-signing the petitions submitted via the petitions web portal to be streamlined and accelerated; ### 17. calls for the petitions web portal to be improved to make it more visible for the public , user-friendly , easier to navigate and accessible to all citizens , especially to persons with disabilities; calls for the possibility of co-signing the petitions submitted via the petitions web portal to be streamlined and accelerated;


### 18. calls for more information to be made public and available on the petitions web portal , including , for example , the progress of the petition and inquiries launched with other institutions; in this regard , calls for more synergy between the portal and parliament’s internal database; ### 18. observes that petitioners do not have real-time access to information on the status of their petitions; calls , therefore , for more information to be made public and available on the petitions web portal; in this regard , calls for more synergy between the portal and parliament’s internal database;


### 22. calls on the ombudsman to look more closely at the manner in which eu funds and the eu budget are spent , and to check that the union’s interests are not undermined by breaches of the rule of law , corruption or conflicts of interest , including in the context of next generation eu , the european recovery plan; emphasises that respect for the rule of law is an essential condition for access to eu funds; takes the view that this conditionality concerning respect for the rule of law and the fact that the european union does not compromise on its values are factors that can strengthen citizens’ trust in the union; ### deleted


### 23. welcomes the recent changes made to the statute of the european ombudsman , which will further enhance the right of eu citizens and residents to complain about maladministration , in particular in the areas of whistle-blower protection , harassment and conflicts of interest; ### 23. welcomes the recent changes made to the statute of the european ombudsman , which bring the exercise of the ombudsman's functions into line with the lisbon treaty and will further enhance the right of eu citizens and residents to complain about maladministration , in particular in the areas of whistle-blower protection , harassment and conflicts of interest at the eu's institutions , bodies or agencies; recalls that the ombudsman's new statute also clarifies the conditions under which the ombudsman may conduct own-initiative enquiries , reiterating that the ombudsman may cooperate with the authorities of the member states and with eu institutions , bodies and agencies;


### 24. congratulates the ombudsman on the work she has done on the accessibility of documents , in particular the application of the fast-track procedure to deal with such requests; calls on the ombudsman to continue her efforts in this direction , because timely access to documents is essential to ensure proper engagement of citizens and civil society in the decision-making process; ### 24. recalls that eu citizens have the right to access the eu institutions' documents; congratulates the ombudsman on the work she has done on the accessibility of documents held by eu institutions , in particular the application of the fast-track procedure to deal with such requests; calls on the ombudsman to continue her efforts in this direction , because timely access to documents in the eu's 24 official languages is essential to ensure proper engagement of citizens and civil society in the decision-making process;


### 25. considers it very important to continue to properly inform eu citizens about the ombudsman’s role and the scope of the activities carried out by the ombudsman , and of the ombudsman’s influence on the development of the eu institutions; calls on the ombudsman to continue to disseminate information about the outcomes of inquiries that have resulted in eu trade negotiations becoming more transparent , to make public the results of clinical trials of medicines evaluated in the eu , to set up complaints mechanisms for asylum seekers , and to tighten ethics rules for european commissioners; ### 25. considers it very important to continue to properly inform eu citizens about the ombudsman’s role and the scope of the activities carried out by the ombudsman , and of the ombudsman’s influence on the development of the eu institutions; calls on the ombudsman to continue to disseminate information about the outcomes of inquiries that have resulted in the eu decision-making process becoming more transparent


### 26. calls on the ombudsman to further strengthen the european network of ombudsmen in order to promote the right to refer matters to an ombudsman at both national and european level and in order to remain connected with and keep abreast of the national realities of citizens; ### 26. calls on the ombudsman to further strengthen the european network of ombudsmen in order to promote the right to refer matters to an ombudsman at both national and european level and in order to remain connected with and keep abreast of the national realities of citizens; believes it necessary to step up interactions and exchanges of best practices between national and regional ombudsmen with the european ombudsman to ensure that citizens are better informed about their rights and have better guidance when making complaints;


### 29. calls on the commission to inform the public about the eu’s competences to make sure that ecis concern subjects and issues that fall within the eu’s remit; emphasises that recent ecis have called for the eu to take more action , more quickly , in the fight against climate change; ### 29. calls on the commission to inform the public about the eu’s competences to make sure that ecis concern subjects and issues that fall within the eu’s remit; emphasises that the recent ecis concern the fight against climate change , consumer rights and health;


### 29. calls on the commission to inform the public about the eu’s competences to make sure that ecis concern subjects and issues that fall within the eu’s remit; emphasises that recent ecis have called for the eu to take more action , more quickly , in the fight against climate change; ### 29. calls on the commission to inform the public about the eu’s competences to make sure that ecis concern subjects and issues that fall within the eu’s remit; emphasises that recent ecis have called , inter alia , for the eu to take more action , more quickly , in the fight against climate change and in protecting indigenous national minorities and language communities;


### 32. highlights the need to establish a proper follow-up mechanism for unsuccessful ecis in order to take citizens’ input seriously , including redirecting citizens to the committee on petitions , as the lack of impact could lead to disengagement; underlines the role that the committee on petitions must play throughout hearing processes; calls on the commission to collaborate in a timely manner with parliament after an eci is deemed successful , to enable parliament to make full use of the three-month period for the organisation of hearings; ### 32. highlights the need to establish a proper follow-up mechanism for unsuccessful ecis in order to take citizens’ input seriously , including redirecting citizens to the committee on petitions , as the lack of impact could lead to disengagement; underlines the role that the committee on petitions must play throughout hearing processes; calls on the commission to collaborate in a timely manner with parliament after an eci is deemed successful , to enable parliament to make full use of the three-month period , and to organise the public hearing and prepare the plenary debate as part of its eci assessment;


### 32. highlights the need to establish a proper follow-up mechanism for unsuccessful ecis in order to take citizens’ input seriously , including redirecting citizens to the committee on petitions , as the lack of impact could lead to disengagement; underlines the role that the committee on petitions must play throughout hearing processes; calls on the commission to collaborate in a timely manner with parliament after an eci is deemed successful , to enable parliament to make full use of the three-month period for the organisation of hearings; ### 32. highlights the need to establish a proper follow-up mechanism for unsuccessful ecis in order to take citizens’ input seriously , including redirecting citizens to the committee on petitions , as the lack of impact could lead to disengagement; underlines the role that the committee on petitions must play throughout hearing processes; calls on the commission to collaborate in a timely manner with parliament after an eci is deemed successful , to enable parliament to make full use of the three-month period for the organisation of hearings by the relevant committees;


### 35. emphasises the role of these three participatory instruments , which is to facilitate and encourage the engagement of citizens and residents of the eu; calls for the establishment and promotion of a large-scale , one-stop interinstitutional website to provide information on all the instruments that enable the public to participate directly in and influence decision-making at eu level; ### 35. emphasises the role of these three participatory instruments , which is to facilitate and encourage the engagement of citizens and residents of the eu; calls for the establishment and promotion of a large-scale , one-stop interinstitutional eu citizens’ website (and application , which is easily accessible for everyone , also taking as example the so-called citizens’ app of the parliament) to provide information on all the rights and instruments that enable the public to participate directly in and influence decision-making at eu level;


### 35. emphasises the role of these three participatory instruments , which is to facilitate and encourage the engagement of citizens and residents of the eu; calls for the establishment and promotion of a large-scale , one-stop interinstitutional website to provide information on all the instruments that enable the public to participate directly in and influence decision-making at eu level; ### 35. emphasises the role of these three participatory instruments , which is to facilitate and encourage the engagement of citizens and residents of the eu; calls for the establishment and promotion of a large-scale , one-stop , accessible interinstitutional website to provide information on all the instruments that enable the public to participate directly in and influence decision-making at eu level;


### 35. emphasises the role of these three participatory instruments , which is to facilitate and encourage the engagement of citizens and residents of the eu; calls for the establishment and promotion of a large-scale , one-stop interinstitutional website to provide information on all the instruments that enable the public to participate directly in and influence decision-making at eu level; ### 35. emphasises the role of these three participatory instruments , which is to facilitate and encourage the engagement of citizens and residents of the eu; calls for the establishment and promotion of a large-scale , one-stop interinstitutional website to provide information on all the instruments that enable the public to participate directly in and influence decision-making at eu level; takes the view that such a one-stop platform would not only provide citizens with greater visibility of their rights , but also promote complementarity between these different instruments;


### 36. calls for public awareness of these three participatory instruments to be raised to ensure that they become effective tools for democratic participation; emphasises that all the european institutions should maximise their communication efforts to ensure that as many citizens as possible know about , and are encouraged to participate in , the instruments; ### 36. calls for public awareness of these three participatory instruments to be raised to ensure that they become effective tools for democratic participation; emphasises that all the european institutions should maximise their efforts at communication , which should be accessible and available in as many languages as possible , to ensure that as many citizens as possible know about , and are encouraged to participate in , the instruments;


### 37. calls on the member states to make it mandatory for pupils in schools to be taught about the eu’s three participatory instruments; points out that civic engagement among young people is vital for the future of all democracies; ### 37. underlines the crucial educational role that academic stakeholders must play in dispensing european civic education; invites the member states to teach pupils in schools and universities about the eu’s three participatory instruments; asks the commission to strengthen the erasmus+ programme's targets on young people's active participation in democratic life , particularly by means of learning activities to develop civic skills and an understanding of european policies; points out that civic engagement among young people is vital for the future of all democracies;


### 37. calls on the member states to make it mandatory for pupils in schools to be taught about the eu’s three participatory instruments; points out that civic engagement among young people is vital for the future of all democracies; ### 37. calls on the member states to make it available and highly recommended for pupils in schools to be taught about the eu’s three participatory instruments; points out that civic engagement among young people is vital for the future of all democracies;


### 39. recalls that the eu’s multilingual communication policy is a crucial element in communicating with and engaging citizens from all member states; highlights its importance in all communication channels , including social media , in order to better connect with citizens; welcomes the guidelines published by the ombudsman instructing the institutions on how to develop their language policy in the most citizen-friendly manner; ### 39. recalls that the eu’s multilingual communication policy and the publication of information and documents in all the official languages of the eu is a crucial element in communicating with and engaging citizens from all member states; highlights its importance in all communication channels , including social media , in order to better connect with citizens; welcomes the guidelines published by the ombudsman instructing the institutions on how to develop their language policy in the most citizen-friendly manner;


### 39. recalls that the eu’s multilingual communication policy is a crucial element in communicating with and engaging citizens from all member states; highlights its importance in all communication channels , including social media , in order to better connect with citizens; welcomes the guidelines published by the ombudsman instructing the institutions on how to develop their language policy in the most citizen-friendly manner; ### 39. recalls that the eu’s multilingual communication policy is a crucial element in communicating with and engaging citizens from all member states , with particular regard to the special needs of persons with disabilities (sign language , braille); highlights its importance in all communication channels , including social media , in order to better connect with citizens; welcomes the guidelines published by the ombudsman instructing the institutions on how to develop their language policy in the most citizen-friendly manner;


### 39. recalls that the eu’s multilingual communication policy is a crucial element in communicating with and engaging citizens from all member states; highlights its importance in all communication channels , including social media , in order to better connect with citizens; welcomes the guidelines published by the ombudsman instructing the institutions on how to develop their language policy in the most citizen-friendly manner; ### 39. recalls that the eu’s multilingual communication policy is a crucial element in communicating with and engaging citizens from all member states , which needs to be strengthened; highlights its importance in all communication channels , including social media , in order to better connect with citizens; welcomes the guidelines published by the ombudsman instructing the institutions on how to develop their language policy in the most citizen-friendly manner;


### 40. stresses the need to address the shortcomings of the eu petition system , in order to ensure its full democratic potential and agenda-setting role; calls on the eu institutions to use their resources to increase the attractiveness of this tool and promote citizens’ participation in eu law-making; in this regard , stresses the need for more eu funding to be allocated to the promotion of the participatory mechanisms; ### 40. stresses the need to address the shortcomings of the eu petition system , taking into consideration the special needs of persons with disabilities , in order to ensure its full democratic potential and agenda-setting role; calls on the eu institutions to use their resources to increase the attractiveness of this tool and promote citizens’ participation in eu law-making; in this regard , stresses the need for more eu funding to be allocated to the promotion of the participatory mechanisms;


### 41. with a view to improving public participation , emphasises the need for citizens to have clear guidance to help them choose the most appropriate participatory tool; takes the view that there is a need to understand and overcome the obstacles people encounter when they are drawing up petitions to parliament , complaints to the ombudsman and initiatives for the commission; ### 41. with a view to improving public participation , emphasises the need for citizens to have clear guidance to help them choose the most appropriate participatory tool; takes the view that there is a need to understand and overcome the obstacles citizens , particularly europeans with disabilities , encounter when they are drawing up petitions to parliament , complaints to the ombudsman and initiatives for the commission;


### 1. ‘whereas the citizens of the union have the right enshrined in article 11(4) teu to apply to the commission directly to ask it to submit a proposal , within the framework of its powers , for a legal act of the union for the purpose of implementing the treaties; whereas the court of justice of the european union has confirmed in its case law that the notion of a ‘legal act for the purpose of implementing the treaties’ should not be interpreted restrictively and that by virtue of article 288 tfeu such an act can mean both legislative and non-legislative measures’; ### 1. ‘whereas democratic elections to the european parliament constitute the main bottom-up instrument for citizens in the union; whereas the eci contributes to the democratic functioning of the union; whereas the citizens of the union have the right enshrined in article 11(4) teu to apply to the commission directly to ask it to submit a proposal , within the framework of its powers , for a legal act of the union for the purpose of implementing the treaties; whereas the court of justice of the european union has confirmed in its case law that the notion of a ‘legal act for the purpose of implementing the treaties’ should not be interpreted restrictively and that by virtue of article 288 tfeu such an act can mean both legislative and non-legislative measures';


### 3. ‘whereas , in order to achieve those objectives , the procedures and conditions required for the eci should ensure that valid initiatives are considered and responded to appropriately by the commission; whereas at least one million signatures from at least a quarter of the member states are required for an eci to be valid and to be submitted to the commission; whereas regulation (eu) 2020/1042 has made the time limits for the collection , verification and examination stages more flexible in response to the covid-19 pandemic through the introduction of temporary measures; whereas the application of those measures has been extended through commission implementing acts; whereas this regulation is only temporary in nature and applicable only until the end of 2022 , which is also the date by which the individual online collection systems provided for by article 11 of regulation (eu) 2019/788 will be phased out’; ### 3. ‘whereas , in order to achieve those objectives and achieve the full potential of the eci , the procedures and conditions required for the eci should ensure that valid initiatives are considered and responded to appropriately by the commission; whereas the commission is legally obliged to state the action it intends to take on a valid eci , if any , and to state , in a detailed manner , the reasons for taking or not taking action; whereas at least one million signatures from at least a quarter of the member states are required for an eci to be valid and to be submitted to the commission; whereas regulation (eu) 2020/1042 has made the time limits for the collection , verification and examination stages more flexible in response to the covid-19 pandemic through the introduction of temporary measures; whereas the application of those measures has been extended through commission implementing acts; whereas this regulation is only temporary in nature and applicable only until the end of 2022 , which is also the date by which the individual online collection systems provided for by article 11 of regulation (eu) 2019/788 will be phased out’;


### 4. ‘whereas organising and supporting an eci is a political right for the citizens of the union and a unique instrument for setting the priorities for participatory democracy in the eu , allowing the public to play an active role in the projects and processes that concern them’; ### 4. ‘whereas organising and supporting an eci is a political right for the citizens of the union and a unique instrument for setting the priorities for participatory democracy in the eu , allowing the public to play an active role in the projects and processes that concern them; whereas there have been six successful european citizens' initiatives to date , most recently the "minority safepack" initiative and the "end the cage age" initiative; whereas the "minority safepack" initiative was the first eci to have been debated in the european parliament based on the new regulation(eu) 2019/788 , and was overwhelmingly supported by parliament in december 2020 with 76% of the votes cast’;


### 6. ‘considers it essential that citizens be able to contribute to the exercise of the union’s competences; considers it key , therefore , that valid ecis should lead to the initiation of concrete proposals for both legislative and non-legislative acts referred to in article 288 tfeu; recalls parliament’s obligation to assess the measures taken by the commission in line with article 16 of regulation (eu) 2019/788 and rule 222(9) of parliament’s rules of procedure , particularly when the commission fails to put forward any such proposals or fails to implement them’; ### 6. ‘considers it essential that citizens be able to contribute to the exercise of the union’s competences; calls , therefore , on the commission to carry out a thorough assessment of the proposals of each valid eci , and to comply fully with its legal obligation to set out , in a detailed manner , its reasons for taking or not taking action; recalls parliament’s obligation to assess the measures taken by the commission in line with article 16 of regulation (eu) 2019/788 and rule 222(9) of parliament’s rules of procedure , particularly when the commission fails to put forward any such proposals or fails to implement them’;


### 9. ‘calls on the commission to outline the legislative and non-legislative measures which could be introduced to improve how the citizens of the union can exercise their right to support an eci , given the low number of valid ecis that have ultimately been successful in providing for the initiation of legal acts; calls for a thorough assessment of the exercise of this right in the next eu citizenship report’; ### 9. ‘highlights the measures outlined in regulation (eu) 2019/788 to improve how the citizens of the union can exercise their right to support an eci , given the low number of valid ecis that have ultimately been successful in providing for the initiation of legal acts; calls for an assessment of the implementation of these measures; calls for a thorough assessment of the exercise of this right in the next eu citizenship report’;


### b. whereas approximately 1 % of all petitions received each year by the committee on petitions relate to various disability issues; whereas social protection and employment rights , use of the european structural and investment funds in compliance with eu regulations and the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (un crpd) , and other issues falling within the competences of the committee on employment and social affairs , are among the most common disability equality concerns voiced in the petitions received by parliament; ### b. whereas approximately 1 % of all petitions received each year by the committee on petitions relate to various disability issues which shows the interest and concerns of european citizens about the rights of persons with disabilities despite the low visibility of the opportunity to petition the parliament among the disability communities; whereas social protection and employment rights , use of the european structural and investment funds in compliance with eu regulations and the un convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (un crpd) , and other issues falling within the competences of the committee on employment and social affairs , are among the most common disability equality concerns voiced in the petitions received by parliament;


### e. whereas the committee on petitions plays a ‘protection role’ to ensure eu compliance with the crpd within the policymaking and legislative actions at eu level; ### e. whereas the committee on petitions plays a ‘protection role’ to ensure eu compliance with the crpd within the policymaking and legislative actions at eu level; whereas the european parliament’s petitions committee has been identified to form the eu framework together with the european ombudsman , the eu agency for fundamental rights , and the european disability forum , as adopted by the council at its 3513th meeting held on 16 january 2017;


### o. whereas several petitions illustrate the problems of accessibility for persons with disabilities to the built environment , to transport , as well as accessibility to information and communications technologies and systems (ict) , and other facilities and services provided to the public; ### o. whereas several petitions illustrate the problems of and the need to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities to the built environment , to transport , as well as accessibility to information and communications technologies and systems (ict) , and other facilities and services provided to the public;


### q. whereas several petitions prove that the covid-19 pandemic has aggravated the situation of persons with disabilities , including violations of persons with disabilities’ most basic human rights , such as access to healthcare treatment and protective measures against the spread of the disease; ### q. whereas several petitions prove that the covid-19 pandemic has aggravated the situation of persons with disabilities , including violations of persons with disabilities’ most basic human rights , such as access to healthcare treatment and protective measures against the spread of the disease as well as increased deaths and appalling conditions for persons with disabilities living in segregated institutions;


### 1. stresses the need to raise awareness at all levels of the rights enshrined in the crpd for persons with disabilities in order to protect their rights and dignity , and to promote fruitful cooperation and the exchange of good practices between member states; ### 1. stresses the need to raise awareness at all levels of the rights enshrined in the crpd for persons with disabilities in order to protect their rights and dignity , and to promote fruitful cooperation and the exchange of good practices between member states; highlights the need for commonly accepted definitions of disability , deinstitutionalization , living in the community , independent living and inclusive education;


### 1. calls on the commission to ensure that the member states comply with the relevant eu and un obligations on the rights of persons with disabilities , in particular the un crpd and the crpd committee’s general comments to the convention , and with the relevant eu measures and funding rules , and to provide support to them in this regard; ### 1. calls on the commission to ensure that the member states comply with the relevant eu and un obligations on the rights of persons with disabilities , in particular the un crpd and the crpd committee’s general comments to the convention , and with the relevant eu measures and funding rules , and to provide support to them and enable exchange of the best practices in this regard;


### 2. calls on the commission and the member states to harmonise the definition of disability and to ensure mutual recognition of disability status across member states , so as to ensure the free movement of persons with disabilities and their enjoyment of their eu citizenship rights; ### 2. calls on the commission and the member states to conduct a thorough analysis of the national legislations concerning the criteria for the recognition of disability and its degrees and based on this , harmonise the definition of disability and to ensure mutual recognition of disability status across member states , so as to ensure the free movement of persons with disabilities and their enjoyment of their eu citizenship rights;


### 3. welcomes the fact that as part of the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 , an eu-wide disability card will be available by the end of 2023; ### 3. welcomes the fact that as part of the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 , an eu-wide disability card will be available by the end of 2023; calls on the commission to put forward a clear legislative proposal on the eu-wide disability card in a timely manner so the card is available for all persons with disabilities within this time frame; calls on the commission in this regard to use the digital tools to create the eu-wide disability card widely accepted , accessible for all persons with disabilities and interconnected with other tools like disability parking card; calls furthermore on the commission to use the european disability card to clarify all aspects of the portability of all rights connected to the officially recognized disability status;


### 4. takes note of the progress made by member states in effectively implementing and monitoring the crpd and in adapting accessibility measures to comply with the standards of the crpd; calls on the member states to designate responsible authorities to serve as focal points , and to establish coordinating mechanisms at all administrative levels , in accordance with article 33 of the crpd , for its implementation and monitoring; ### 4. takes note of the progress made by member states in effectively implementing and monitoring the crpd and in adapting accessibility measures to comply with the standards of the crpd; calls on the member states to designate responsible authorities to serve as focal points , and to establish coordinating mechanisms at all administrative levels , in accordance with article 33 of the crpd , for its implementation and monitoring; stresses that member states should ensure the significant participation of persons with disabilities in these authorities;


### 4. takes note of the progress made by member states in effectively implementing and monitoring the crpd and in adapting accessibility measures to comply with the standards of the crpd; calls on the member states to designate responsible authorities to serve as focal points , and to establish coordinating mechanisms at all administrative levels , in accordance with article 33 of the crpd , for its implementation and monitoring; ### 4. takes note of the progress made by member states in effectively implementing and monitoring the crpd and in adapting accessibility measures to comply with the standards of the crpd; calls on the member states to designate , without further delay , responsible authorities to serve as focal points , and to establish coordinating mechanisms at all administrative levels , in accordance with article 33 of the crpd , for its implementation and monitoring;


### 6. acknowledges the commission’s call for all eu institutions , bodies , agencies and delegations to designate ‘disability coordinators’; reiterates its call for focal points to be established in all eu institutions and agencies , including parliament and the council , with the central focal point within the commission’s general secretariat and supported by an appropriate interinstitutional mechanism; ### 6. acknowledges the commission’s call for all eu institutions , bodies , agencies and delegations to designate ‘disability coordinators’; reiterates its call for focal points to be established in all eu institutions and agencies , including parliament and the council , with the central focal point within the commission’s general secretariat and supported by an appropriate interinstitutional mechanism; calls on the eu institutions to prioritise the appointment of disabled persons as coordinators;


### 8. stresses the need to consult and actively involve organisations of persons with disabilities in each stage of planning , adoption , implementation and monitoring of all types of measures so that these measures do not lead to the violation of their fundamental rights; welcomes the commission’s commitment to involve organisations of persons with disabilities in the implementation of the european disability strategy 2021-2030; ### 8. stresses the need to consult and actively involve organisations of persons with disabilities in each stage of planning , adoption , implementation and monitoring of all types of measures so that these measures do not lead to the violation of their fundamental rights; welcomes the commission’s commitment to adequately involve organisations of persons with disabilities at all stages of the implementation of the european disability strategy 2021-2030;


### 11. warmly welcomes the adoption of stronger rail passenger rights for people with disabilities and with reduced mobility , especially the phasing out of the current exemptions for member states and the reduction of the period of advance notice to be given by persons with disabilities or reduced mobility who require assistance; encourages the member states to arrange , where possible , shorter pre-notification periods for persons with disabilities who require assistance with travel , in order to allow persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility to more readily exercise their free movement rights; calls for the swift implementation of the rules laid down in the recast of regulation (ec) no 1371/200718 in all member states; ### 11. warmly welcomes the adoption of stronger rail passenger rights for people with disabilities and with reduced mobility , especially the phasing out of the current exemptions for member states and the reduction of the period of advance notice to be given by persons with disabilities or reduced mobility who require assistance; encourages the member states to arrange , where possible , shorter pre-notification periods for persons with disabilities who require assistance with travel , in order to allow persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility to more readily exercise their free movement rights as well as to define accessibility timeframes; calls for the swift implementation of the rules laid down in the recast of regulation (ec) no 1371/200718 in all member states;


### 11. warmly welcomes the adoption of stronger rail passenger rights for people with disabilities and with reduced mobility , especially the phasing out of the current exemptions for member states and the reduction of the period of advance notice to be given by persons with disabilities or reduced mobility who require assistance; encourages the member states to arrange , where possible , shorter pre-notification periods for persons with disabilities who require assistance with travel , in order to allow persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility to more readily exercise their free movement rights; calls for the swift implementation of the rules laid down in the recast of regulation (ec) no 1371/200718 in all member states; ### 11. warmly welcomes the adoption of stronger rail passenger rights for people with disabilities and with reduced mobility , especially the phasing out of the current exemptions for member states and the reduction of the period of advance notice to be given by persons with disabilities or reduced mobility who require assistance; calls the member states to arrange , as soon as possible , shorter pre-notification periods for persons with disabilities who require assistance with travel , in order to allow persons with disabilities and with reduced mobility to more readily exercise their free movement rights; calls for the swift implementation of the rules laid down in the recast of regulation (ec) no 1371/200718 in all member states;


### 12. notes the commission’s proposal for the creation of the ‘accessibleeu’ resource centre by 2022; calls on the commission to create an eu agency on accessibility (‘eu access board’) that would be in charge of developing technical specifications on accessibility in support of specific eu policies and legislation , carrying out consultations with rights-holders and stakeholders , helping member states and eu institutions to implement accessibility in a harmonised way for the benefit of the single market , and raising awareness of the importance of accessibility for inclusive societies; ### 12. notes the commission’s proposal for the creation of the ‘accessibleeu’ resource centre by 2022;


### 14. calls on the member states to ensure the swift implementation at all levels of directive 2016/2102 on the accessibility of public sector bodies’ websites and mobile applications , in order to guarantee that persons with disabilities are able to access all information they require in an accessible format; welcomes the commission’s initiative for an action plan on web accessibility for all eu institutions , bodies and agencies with a view to ensuring the compliance of eu websites , and the documents published on these websites and online platforms , with european accessibility standards; urges all eu institutions , bodies and agencies to comply with the european accessibility standards as quickly as possible; ### 14. calls on the member states to ensure the swift implementation at all levels of directive 2016/2102 on the accessibility of public sector bodies’ websites and mobile applications , in order to guarantee that persons with disabilities are able to access all information they require in an accessible format , including national sign languages; welcomes the commission’s initiative for an action plan on web accessibility for all eu institutions , bodies and agencies with a view to ensuring the compliance of eu websites , and the documents published on these websites and online platforms , with european accessibility standards; urges all eu institutions , bodies and agencies to comply with the european accessibility standards as quickly as possible;


### 15. encourages the relevant parliament services to continue their efforts and finalise the project on the inter-service working group on sign language in the shortest possible time frame in order to meet the requests of petition 1056/2016 to allow for the tabling of petitions in international and national sign languages used in the eu and thereby make the fundamental right to petition more accessible for sign language users; ### 15. urges the relevant parliament services to continue their efforts and finalise the project on the inter-service working group on sign language in the shortest possible time frame in order to meet the requests of petition 1056/2016 to allow for the tabling of petitions in international and national sign languages used in the eu and thereby make the fundamental right to petition more accessible for sign language users;


### 16. notes that there is no mutual recognition of disability status between member states; calls on the member states to work together in a spirit of mutual trust to recognise the status assigned in another member state; emphasises the commission’s goal of working with member states to expand the scope of the mutual recognition of disability status in areas such as labour mobility and the benefits related to the conditions of service provision; ### 16. notes that there is no mutual recognition of disability status between member states; calls on the member states to work together in a spirit of mutual trust to recognise the status assigned in another member state; emphasises the commission’s goal of working with member states to expand the scope of the mutual recognition of disability status in areas such as labour mobility and the benefits related to the conditions of service provision; reiterates the need for mutual recognition of deinstitutionalization and its implementation and ''independent living in the community'' , towards better aligning member states' strategies and the eu funds to the uncrpd;


### 16. notes that there is no mutual recognition of disability status between member states; calls on the member states to work together in a spirit of mutual trust to recognise the status assigned in another member state; emphasises the commission’s goal of working with member states to expand the scope of the mutual recognition of disability status in areas such as labour mobility and the benefits related to the conditions of service provision; ### 16. notes that there is no mutual recognition of disability status between member states; calls on the member states to work together in a spirit of mutual trust to recognise the status assigned in another member state; emphasises the commission’s goal of working with member states to expand the scope of the mutual recognition of disability status in areas such as labour mobility , statistics and the benefits related to the conditions of service provision;


### 17. stresses the urgent need for eu legislation aimed at protecting citizens against all forms of discrimination in the eu; urges the member states to adopt the eu horizontal anti-discrimination directive tabled by the commission in 2008; calls on the commission to present an alternative solution in order to move forward in tackling discrimination across the eu , in all areas of life , as soon as possible; ### 17. stresses the urgent need for eu legislation aimed at protecting citizens against all forms of discrimination in the eu; urges the member states to adopt the eu horizontal anti-discrimination directive tabled by the commission in 2008; calls on the commission to present an alternative solution in order to move forward in tackling discrimination across the eu , in all areas of life , as soon as possible; calls on the member states to consider shifting from intellectually impaired persons' legal capacity deprivation to supported decision making schemes;


### 19. reiterates its call on the commission to work with the court of justice of the european union on communication and accessibility strategies in order to ensure that persons with disabilities have the ability to access the eu justice system without facing any form of discrimination; ### 19. reiterates its call on the commission to work with the court of justice of the european union on communication and accessibility strategies in order to ensure that persons with disabilities have the ability to access the eu justice system without facing any form of discrimination; calls on the commission and the member states to continue empowerment programs for persons with disabilities enabling them to recognize and report cases of discrimination against them;


### 21. calls on the member states to make use of cohesion policy funds to improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities , while respecting the principles of accessibility and non-discrimination , and investing in equal opportunities and the participation of persons with disabilities in all areas of life , including in supporting the transition from institutional to community-based living; asks the commission to monitor closely the use of eu funds in line with the crpd; ### 21. calls on the member states to make use of cohesion policy funds to improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities , while respecting the principles of accessibility and non-discrimination , and investing in equal opportunities and the participation of persons with disabilities in all areas of life , including in supporting the transition from institutional to community-based living; asks the commission to monitor closely the use of eu funds in line with the crpd; stresses the need for a gradual convergence on the definitions of accessibility , participation and community-based living as a means of enhancing cohesion among member states;


### 23. welcomes the fact that member states are willing to implement inclusive educational policies , but calls on them to further increase their education systems’ capacity to provide high-quality inclusive education for all learners , and calls on the commission to strengthen the role of the child guarantee in ensuring the inclusion of children with disabilities; ### 23. welcomes the fact that member states are willing to implement inclusive educational policies , but calls on them to further increase their education systems’ capacity to provide high-quality inclusive education for all learners , and calls on the commission to strengthen the role of the child guarantee in ensuring the inclusion of children with disabilities; reiterates that the implementation and allocation of the relevant eu funding programmes should contribute to the transition towards inclusive education;


### a. whereas the committee on employment and social affairs highly appreciates the role of the committee on petitions as a bridge between the union’s citizens , parliament and the other eu institutions; ### a. whereas the committee on employment and social affairs highly appreciates the role of the committee on petitions as a bridge between the union’s citizens , parliament and the other eu institutions; whereas the right to petition the european parliament is one of the fundamental rights of eu citizens; whereas the right to petition offers eu citizens and residents an open , democratic and transparent mechanism for addressing their elected representatives directly , and is therefore an important element of active citizens' participation in the eu’s fields of activity;