### 55. emphasises in relation to the olaf findings of harassment against a member of the committee and pursuant to the decision of 9 june 2020 of the committee’s bureau that the member in question is fully discharged from all tasks related to the management and administration of the group i secretariat's staff; notes that as of 7 september 2020 , the member is no longer a candidate for the committee’s presidency; is concerned that he has been appointed as member for a new mandate; ### 55. emphasises in relation to the olaf findings of harassment against a member of the committee and pursuant to the decision of 9 june 2020 of the committee’s bureau that the member in question is fully discharged from all tasks related to the management and administration of the group i secretariat's staff; notes that as of 7 september 2020 , the member is no longer a candidate for the committee’s presidency; regrets that , given the legal principle of non-retroactivity of sanctions , the enforced sanctions regime under the revised code of conduct cannot be applied in this specific case; is deeply concerned that the perpetrator has been appointed by the council as member for a new mandate; highlights that he does not acknowledge or regret his wrongdoings , which demonstrates a complete lack of self-reflection and respect for the victims concerned;


### 15. states that the geographical proximity of france , belgium and germany to luxembourg may be a reason why these three nationalities are generally overrepresented among the staff at the court; notes , however , the court’s firm position that when recruiting new staff members the court acts solely in the interest of the service and without regard to nationality , as stipulated in article 7 of the staff regulations; ### 15. urges the court to strive for further improvements in the context of geographical balance of staff (specifically for ast functions groups 1-4 and 5-9 there is a significant overrepresentation of certain nationalities); calls on the court to prepare an action plan for the recruitment of new staff members with regard to nationality , as stipulated in article 7 of the staff regulations;


### 26. welcomes the administrative arrangement signed in 2019 between the european anti-fraud office (olaf) and the court in order to provide a structured framework for co-operation between olaf and the court , and to facilitate their timely exchange of information under regulation (eu , euratom) no 883/20136 and the court’s decisions related to internal investigations; notes that this arrangement also contains provisions on non-operational issues such as the organisation of training sessions , workshops and exchange of staff; notes that in 2019 , the court reported ten cases of suspected fraud compared to nine cases in 2018 (eight identified in the course of audit work and two denunciations made by third parties); ### 26. welcomes the administrative arrangement signed in 2019 providing a structured framework between the european anti-fraud office (olaf) and the court and facilitating a timely exchange of information under regulation (eu , euratom) no 883/20136 and the court’s decisions related to internal investigations; notes that this arrangement also contains provisions on non-operational issues such as the organisation of training sessions , workshops and exchange of staff; notes that in 2019 , the court reported ten cases of suspected fraud compared to nine cases in 2018 (eight identified in the course of audit work and two denunciations made by third parties);


### 26. welcomes the administrative arrangement signed in 2019 between the european anti-fraud office (olaf) and the court in order to provide a structured framework for co-operation between olaf and the court , and to facilitate their timely exchange of information under regulation (eu , euratom) no 883/20136 and the court’s decisions related to internal investigations; notes that this arrangement also contains provisions on non-operational issues such as the organisation of training sessions , workshops and exchange of staff; notes that in 2019 , the court reported ten cases of suspected fraud compared to nine cases in 2018 (eight identified in the course of audit work and two denunciations made by third parties); ### 26. welcomes the administrative arrangement signed in 2019 between the european anti-fraud office (olaf) and the court in order to provide a structured framework for co-operation between olaf and the court , and to facilitate their timely exchange of information under regulation (eu , euratom) no 883/20136 and the court’s decisions related to internal investigations; welcomes the fact that the arrangement already resulted in more efficient cooperation between the court and olaf , the establishment of permanent contact points allowing frequent exchanges , and faster and more regular feedback on cases transmitted by the court to olaf; notes that this arrangement also contains provisions on non-operational issues such as the organisation of training sessions , workshops and exchange of staff; notes that in 2019 , the court reported ten cases of suspected fraud compared to nine cases in 2018 (eight identified in the course of audit work and two denunciations made by third parties);


### 32. recognises that the court applies a set of key performance indicators to monitor progress made , such as for example measuring the implementation rate of the court’s recommendations; notes that the court’s analysis showed that 96 % of the recommendations made in the 2015 annual report and 94 % of the recommendations made in the 2015 special reports have been implemented in full , mostly or in some respects; notes that the court issued six annual reports , three opinions , 18 audit previews and four other publications , being part of the altogether 67 publications it issued in 2019; ### 32. recognises that the court applies a set of key performance indicators to monitor progress made; notes with appreciation that the court’s analysis showed that 96 % of the recommendations made in the 2015 annual report and 94 % of the recommendations made in the 2015 special reports have been implemented in full , mostly or in some respects; notes that the court issued six annual reports , three opinions , 18 audit previews and four other publications , being part of the altogether 67 publications it issued in 2019;


### 34. notes that the audit showed that the case of a former member investigated by olaf was an isolated case; stresses that the report concluded that the court’s management and control systems were affected by certain shortcomings which have , however , been effectively remedied since then and that , overall , the management and control procedures currently in place are reliable; takes into account that the ias made recommendations aimed at improving further the management and control system , that the audit report was strictly confidential and that all members and the secretary-general of the court received the report; ### 34. notes that the audit showed that the case of a former member investigated by olaf was an isolated case; notes that the report concluded that the court’s management and control systems were affected by certain shortcomings which have , however , been effectively remedied since then and that , overall , the management and control procedures currently in place are reliable; takes into account that the ias made recommendations aimed at improving further the management and control system , that the audit report was strictly confidential and that all members and the secretary-general of the court received the report;


### 37. welcomes that the ias considers that overall , reliable ex-post controls have been conducted for most of the high risk areas of the work of the directorates of the secretariat-general , based on the risk register and the operational objectives; appreciates being kept informed (in particular in the context of the past problems identified by an olaf investigation on a former member of the court)that the ias has not observed any shortcomings that are of such importance as to seriously call into question the overall reliability of the internal control systems put in place by the authorising officer by delegation with regard to the legality and regularity of financial operations in 2019; ### 37. welcomes that the ias considers that overall , reliable ex-post controls have been conducted for most of the high risk areas of the work of the directorates of the secretariat-general , based on the risk register and the operational objectives; appreciates being informed (in particular in the context of the past problems identified by an olaf investigation on a former member of the court)that the ias has not observed any shortcomings that are of such importance as to seriously call into question the overall reliability of the internal control systems put in place by the authorising officer by delegation with regard to the legality and regularity of financial operations in 2019 and would appreciate such updates also in the future;


### 39. notes that members are authorised to use official vehicles in the performance of official duties; notes that the use of official cars for other journeys is additional to the performance of such duties and that since 1 january 2017 , the costs and kilometres related to the use of official cars have decreased significantly; notes that new rules entered into force on 1 january 2020 and introduced a monthly eur 100 contribution for the non-official use of the vehicles as well as a liability on the part of the members and the secretary-general for certain costs and charges; ### 39. notes that members are authorised to use official vehicles in the performance of official duties; notes that the use of official cars for other journeys is additional to the performance of such duties and that since 1 january 2017 , the costs and kilometres related to the use of official cars have decreased significantly; emphasises the new rules on increased transparency with regards to the use of official cars and drivers to ensure that members’ journeys are related to the execution of their duties; notes that new rules entered into force on 1 january 2020 and introduced a monthly eur 100 contribution for the non-official use of the vehicles as well as a liability on the part of the members and the secretary-general for certain costs and charges;


### 41. asks the court to provide information on the results of three harassment complaints , which were reported and investigated in 2019; notes that they were handled in accordance with the procedures laid down in the policy for maintaining a satisfactory working environment and combating psychological and sexual harassment; notes that in terms of expenditure , the investigations of each case were carried out internally and thus did not entail any additional costs; notes that it is foreseen that the court's policy on protecting staff against harassment shall be evaluated every three years and that this exercise is due to be carried out in 2020; ### 41. asks the court to provide information on the results of three harassment complaints reported and investigated in 2019; notes that they were handled in accordance with the procedures laid down in the policy for maintaining a satisfactory working environment and combating psychological and sexual harassment; acknowledges that in terms of expenditure , the investigations of each case were carried out internally and thus did not entail any additional costs; welcomes the intention to evaluate the court's policy on protecting staff against harassment every three years and that this exercise is due to be carried out in 2020;


### 43. calls on the court to provide information on any decisions taken related to the process of reviewing and amending the code of conduct for its members; supports the conclusions of the peer review with respect to the need to introduce regular updates of declarations , which would increase their reliability; is in agreement that the ethics committee plays a crucial role to the extent that the president and the members may seek its advice on any question pertaining to ethics and on the interpretation of the code of conduct; notes , moreover , that the committee is entrusted with approving any external activity undertaken by the members , including former members who intend to carry out an activity in the year after they leave the court , which is an efficient tool in ensuring the absence of conflicts of interest. ### 43. urges the court to provide information on any decisions taken related to the process of reviewing and amending the code of conduct for its members; supports the conclusions of the peer review with respect to the need to introduce regular updates of declarations , which would increase their reliability; is in agreement that the ethics committee plays a crucial role to the extent that the president and the members may seek its advice on any question pertaining to ethics and on the interpretation of the code of conduct; notes , moreover , that the committee is entrusted with approving any external activity undertaken by the members , including former members who intend to carry out an activity in the year after they leave the court , which is an efficient tool in ensuring the absence of conflicts of interest.


### 7. notes with satisfaction that the authority is proactive in identifying opportunities for efficiency and synergies with other agencies , in particular with the european banking authority and the european securities and markets authority through the european supervisory authorities’ joint committee and through joint procurement procedures; welcomes the news that the authority has been engaged with other agencies on areas related to fintech , innovation and cyber resilience; ### 7. notes with satisfaction that the authority is proactive in identifying opportunities for efficiency and synergies with other agencies , in particular with the european banking authority and the european securities and markets authority through the european supervisory authorities’ joint committee and through joint procurement procedures; welcomes the news that the authority has been engaged with other agencies on areas related to fintech , innovation and cyber resilience; strongly encourages the authority to actively seek further and broader cooperation with all union agencies;


### 5. underlines that the cjeu still overestimates some commitments as stated in the discharge resolution of 2017: for budget lines such as ‘missions for members’ , budget line 104: eur 299.750 committed versus eur 34 340 paid; ‘missions persons working with institution’ , budget line 162: eur 498 500 committed versus eur 272 898 paid; ‘training for members’ , budget line 106: eur 270 065 committed versus eur 164 263 paid; and ‘training persons working with institution’ , budget line 1612: eur 1.528.061 committed versus eur 706.717 paid; calls on the cjeu to pursue its efforts to ensure sound financial management for all budget lines in order to avoid significant discrepancies between commitments and payments; ### 5. notes with concern that the cjeu still overestimates some commitments as stated in the discharge resolution of 2017: for budget lines such as ‘missions for members’ , budget line 104: eur 299.750 committed versus eur 34 340 paid; ‘missions persons working with institution’ , budget line 162: eur 498 500 committed versus eur 272 898 paid; ‘training for members’ , budget line 106: eur 270 065 committed versus eur 164 263 paid; and ‘training persons working with institution’ , budget line 1612: eur 1.528.061 committed versus eur 706.717 paid; calls on the cjeu to pursue its efforts to ensure sound financial management for all budget lines in order to avoid significant discrepancies between commitments and payments;


### 5. points out that the court of justice registered a large number of new cases in 2019 – 966 , or a 13.78 % increase over 2018; welcomes the record number of closed cases – 865 , or a 13.8 % increase on the previous year; ### 5. points out that the court of justice registered a large number of new cases in 2019 – 966 , or a 13.78 % increase over 2018; points out that a large number of new cases were also referred to the court in 2019 , that is to say 939 , compared with 834 to 2018; welcomes the record number of closed cases at the court – 865 , or a 13.8 % increase on the previous year; notes with concern that the number of cases settled before the general court in 2019 (874) is significantly down from 2018 (1009);


### 6. is concerned nonetheless at the some 7 % increase in the number of cases pending over 2018 (2500 cases pending on 31 december 2019 as against 2334 the previous year); ### 6. notes the some 7% increase in the number of cases pending over 2018 (2 500 cases pending on 31 december 2019 as against 2 334 the previous year);


### 7. highlights the importance of addressing the lack of gender balance within the college of judges; welcomes , however , the fact that efforts in the field of equal opportunities are becoming increasingly visible at the administrative level with a share of women in middle management amounting to 41 % and in senior management amounting to 40 %; notes that the staff in general has a distribution of 39 % men and 61 % women and for ad staff a distribution of46 % men and 54 % women; ### 7. acknowledges that efforts in the field of equal opportunities are becoming increasingly visible at the administrative level with a share of women in middle management amounting to 41 % and in senior management amounting to 40 %; notes that the staff in general has a distribution of 39 % men and 61 % women and for ad staff a distribution of46 % men and 54 % women;


### 7. welcomes the steady increase in the number of accounts for accessing the e-curia application (6588 in 2019 as against 4865 in 2018) and the fact that it is used in all member states , evidence that effective action has been taken to raise public awareness of the existence , efficiency , speed and advantages of the application; also welcomes the fact that , at the general court , 93 % of procedural documents are lodged by e-curia , the figure for the court of justice being 80 %; ### 7. welcomes the steady increase in the number of accounts for accessing the e-curia application (6588 in 2019 as against 4865 in 2018) and the fact that it is used in all member states , evidence that the platform works efficiently and that effective action has been taken to raise public awareness of the existence , efficiency , speed and advantages of the application; also welcomes the fact that the percentage of procedural documents lodged through e-curia is increasing , reaching 93% in the case of the general court (compared to 85% in 2018) and 80% in the case of the court of justice (compared to 75% in 2018);


### 8. calls for improvements in the context of geographical balance of staff , in particular for management positions , as at present 15 out of 58 heads of unit (25 ,8 %) and 2 out of 15 directors (13 ,3 %) come from member states that have joined the union since may 2004 (compared to 15 out of 57 heads of unit and 2 out of 13 directors in 2018); acknowledges that these figures have to be seen in the context of the percentage of cjeu staff coming from those member states (29 %); calls on the cjeu to strengthen its efforts in this regard; ### 8. underlines the need for improvements in the context of geographical balance of staff , in particular for management positions , as at present 15 out of 58 heads of unit (25 ,8 %) and only 2 out of 15 directors (13 ,3 %) come from member states that have joined the union since may 2004 (compared to 15 out of 57 heads of unit and 2 out of 13 directors in 2018); urges the cjeu to strengthen its efforts in this regard by encouraging applications from candidates whose nationality is underrepresented and by making use of inter-institutional exchanges in that respect;


### 8. points up the positive turn that has been taken by the judicial network of the eu (rjue) and congratulates the court of justice for fostering transparency by making procedural and doctrinal documents from the rjue platform freely accessible on its website in 2019 , as recommended by the committee on legal affairs1; ### 8. points up the positive turn that has been taken by the judicial network of the eu (rjue) and congratulates the court of justice for fostering transparency by making procedural and doctrinal documents from the rjue platform freely accessible on its website in 2019 , as recommended by the committee on legal affairs1 ; assesses positively the progress made in the digital field , including in the form of the new ‘judicial documentation’ tool , which facilitates access to relevant documentation and information for the handling of certain cases brought before the court;


### 10. welcomes the steps taken by the cjeu to assess whether the workload is distributed proportionally across the different teams and members of staff to reduce cases of burnout and increase efficiency; notes that the presidents of the court of justice and the general court , respectively , have responsibility for allocating cases by taking into account the current and anticipated workload; highlights the fact that tools have been made available to assess accurately the situation including workload analysis every six weeks; notes that for the administrative services , by taking into account the continuous increase in the workload and the limited resources available , the managers monitor the workload and its distribution between the different members of staff on an ongoing basis in order to be able to make the necessary adjustments; ### 10. welcomes the steps taken by the cjeu to assess whether the workload is distributed proportionally across the different teams and members of staff to reduce cases of burnout and increase efficiency; notes that the presidents of the court of justice and the general court , respectively , have responsibility for allocating cases by taking into account the current and anticipated workload; highlights the fact that tools have been made available to assess accurately the situation including workload analysis every six weeks; notes that for the administrative services the managers monitor the workload and its distribution between the different members of staff on an ongoing basis in order to be able to make the necessary adjustments;


### 10. welcomes the fact that the proportion of women in managerial posts – 39 % in 2019 – has continued to increase , and encourages the court of justice to continue the process by actively promoting gender parity in the appointment of judges. ### 10. welcomes the fact that the court of justice is above average among the eu institutions regarding the representation of women in posts of administrative responsibility , with women occupying 54% of administrative posts in 2019 , compared to 53% in 2018 and 39% of middle and upper management posts in 2019 , compared to 37.5% in 2018; encourages the court of justice to continue the process by actively promoting gender parity in the appointment of judges.


### 10. welcomes the fact that the proportion of women in managerial posts – 39 % in 2019 – has continued to increase , and encourages the court of justice to continue the process by actively promoting gender parity in the appointment of judges. ### 10. welcomes the fact that the proportion of women in managerial posts – 39% in 2019 compared with 37.5% in 2018 - has continued to increase , and encourages the court of justice to continue the process by actively promoting gender parity in the appointment of judges , while continuing to place the emphasis on candidates' skills.


### 14. is satisfied with the significant changes to the rules governing members’ travel arrangements , especially in relation with the use of official cars and drivers; notes that the use of a driver is now only possible in two specific cases: prior authorised business trips carried out by members for the purpose of external activities (the rules governing such business trips do not provide for any situation , unless there are exceptional circumstances , in which a driver could be asked to travel to the member’s country of origin or to any other country without transporting the member in the vehicle) , and trips dictated by special circumstances (health or medical reasons , safety or security grounds and cases of force majeure); ### 14. welcomes the changes to the internal legal framework concerning members’ journeys , in particular with regard to the use of official cars and drivers; notes that the use of a driver is now only possible in two specific cases: prior authorised business trips carried out by members for the purpose of external activities (the rules governing such business trips do not provide for any situation , unless there are exceptional circumstances , in which a driver could be asked to travel to the member’s country of origin or to any other country without transporting the member in the vehicle) , and trips dictated by special circumstances (health or medical reasons , safety or security grounds and cases of force majeure);


### 17. welcomes the training entitled ‘rules of good conduct’ conducted in 2019 with the participation of 63 staff members; notes that such training have been set up in order to inform newcomers and other staff members on their obligations under the staff regulations and on the conditions of employment of other servants; notes with satisfaction that the courses cover topics such as harassment , whistleblowing , prevention of conflicts of interest and other ethical issues; welcomes that whistleblowing and conflicts of interest have also been included in the content of financial training; ### 17. welcomes the training entitled ‘rules of good conduct’ conducted in 2019 with the participation of 63 staff members; notes that such training have been set up in order to inform newcomers and other staff members on their obligations under the staff regulations and on the conditions of employment of other servants; notes with satisfaction that the courses cover topics such as harassment , whistleblowing , prevention of conflicts of interest and other ethical issues; welcomes that whistleblowing and conflicts of interest have also been included in the content of financial training; encourages such activities and invites the cjeu to promote trainings of similar nature;


### 24. encourages the cjeu to publish on its website the members’ cvs and to take into consideration the approaches followed by the other institutions and the member states in this area; welcomes the cjeu’s willingness to examine how a greater transparency can best be achieved; ### 24. welcomes the cjeu’s willingness to ensure greater transparency; encourages to publish on its website the members’ cvs and calls on the cjeu to take into consideration the approaches followed by the other institutions and the member states in this area;


### 29. encourages the cjeu to enhance transparency and welcomes the cjeu’s decision to livestream the delivery of the judgments of its grand chamber; takes note that the livestreaming of hearings themselves would be an extremely complex and costly matter since it operates in 24 languages and without access to simultaneous interpretation it would be meaningless for the vast majority of union citizens; welcomes also the fact that as of november 2019 the cjeu publishes requests for preliminary ruling from national courts , internal research notes and national judicial decisions on the website of the judicial network of the european union; ### 29. encourages the cjeu to enhance transparency and welcomes the cjeu’s decision to livestream the delivery of the judgments of its grand chamber; takes note that the livestreaming of hearings themselves would be a complex and costly matter since it operates in 24 languages and without access to simultaneous interpretation it would be extremely difficult for the vast majority of union citizens to follow; welcomes also the fact that as of november 2019 the cjeu publishes requests for preliminary ruling from national courts , internal research notes and national judicial decisions on the website of the judicial network of the european union;


### 4. welcomes the fact that the two courts comprising the court of justice of the european union closed a combined total of 1739 cases in 2019 , which represents a high level of productivity in spite of a slight reduction over 2018 (1769 cases); notes furthermore that there was a record total number of cases brought before the two courts – 1905 as against 1683 in 2018 – and that in this context , and in order to ease congestion in the court of justice , the mechanism for prior determination as to whether appeals should be allowed to proceed came into force on 1 may 2019; ### 4. welcomes the fact that the two courts comprising the court of justice of the european union closed a combined total of 1739 cases in 2019 , which represents a high level of productivity in spite of a slight reduction over 2018 (1 769 cases); notes furthermore that there was a record total number of cases brought before the two courts – 1 905 as against 1 683 in 2018 – and in this connection welcomes the introduction from 1 may 2020 of the mechanism for prior determination as to whether appeals should be allowed to proceed , which should ease congestion in the european court of justice;


### 1. notes that , according to the observations of the court of auditor’s (‘the court’s’) annual report related to chapter 9 'administration - mff heading 5' , no specific issues were identified in the sample of transactions concerning the eeas for the third consecutive year and no material level of error was identified in the eeas’s annual activity report; ### 1. notes with satisfaction that , according to the observations of the court of auditor’s (‘the court’s’) annual report related to chapter 9 'administration - mff heading 5' , no specific issues were identified in the sample of transactions concerning the eeas for the third consecutive year and no material level of error was identified in the eeas’s annual activity report;


### 1. notes growing instability and the rise of unprecedented challenges in the international environment , which increased demands on the union to act as a global player; highlights the european external action service’s (eeas) central role in conducting the external policy of the union; notes that the eeas’s enhanced role has not been underpinned by a corresponding staff increase; calls for sufficient human resources to be made available in order not to put at risk the union’s effectiveness on the international scene; ### 1. notes growing instability and the rise of unprecedented challenges in the international environment , which increased demands on the union to act as a global player; highlights the european external action service’s (eeas) central role in conducting the external policy of the union , together with the special envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief , and in cooperation with the european parliament’s intergroup on freedom of religion or belief and religious tolerance; notes that the eeas’s enhanced role has not been underpinned by a corresponding staff increase; calls for sufficient human resources to be made available , particularly through greater efficiency , in order not to put at risk the union’s effectiveness on the international scene;


### 2. notes the court’s general observations on the increase in the number of contract staff and the related budget appropriations from 2012 to 2018; observes that for the eeas , such an increase was due to new tasks reflecting the placing of new operational and political responsibilities on the eeas , in particular in the areas of the common security and defence policy , the implementation of the action plan against disinformation as well as the urgent priority to reinforce physical and it security in eu delegations; observes for the eeas an overall increase in contract staff from 322 to 444 (i.e. a growth of 38 %); ### 2. notes the court’s general observations on the increase in the number of contract staff and the related budget appropriations from 2012 to 2018; observes that for the eeas , such an increase was due to new tasks reflecting the placing of new operational and political responsibilities on the eeas , in particular in the areas of the common security and defence policy , the implementation of the action plan against disinformation as well as the urgent priority to reinforce physical and it security in eu delegations; observes for the eeas an overall increase in contract staff from 322 to 444 (i.e. a growth of 38 %); supports the eeas efforts to strengthen its administration and asks eeas to report back to the budgetary control committee on the results and the impact of the increased contract staff numbers; encourages eeas to create and divulge guidelines of the best practices on how to conduct recruitment procedures to ensure openness , fairness and transparency;


### 2. notes the persisting gender and geographical imbalances within the eeas staff , despite positive trends in recent years; reiterates the importance of ensuring a balanced distribution of staff in terms of gender and geographical origin within different categories and grades , particularly at middle and senior management levels; points also to persisting over-representation of some member states’ diplomats among the heads of delegation; calls for further efforts to address those imbalances; ### 2. notes the persisting gender and geographical imbalances within the eeas staff , despite positive trends in recent years; reiterates the importance of ensuring a balanced distribution of staff in terms of gender and geographical origin within different categories and grades , particularly at middle and senior management levels; points also to persisting over-representation of some member states’ diplomats among the heads of delegation; calls for further efforts to address those imbalances; highlights the fact that an improvement of the geographical and gender balance in the eeas would contribute to improving the union’s coherence in external action initiatives;


### 2. notes the persisting gender and geographical imbalances within the eeas staff , despite positive trends in recent years; reiterates the importance of ensuring a balanced distribution of staff in terms of gender and geographical origin within different categories and grades , particularly at middle and senior management levels; points also to persisting over-representation of some member states’ diplomats among the heads of delegation; calls for further efforts to address those imbalances; ### 2. notes the persisting gender and geographical imbalances within the eeas staff , despite positive trends in recent years; reiterates the importance of ensuring a balanced distribution of staff in terms of gender , religion and geographical origin within different categories and grades , particularly at middle and senior management levels; points also to persisting over-representation of some member states’ diplomats among the heads of delegation; calls for further efforts to address those imbalances;


### 6. notes the geographical imbalances in the composition of the eeas staff; stresses that the eeas , like all european institutions , must ensure that all member states are proportionally represented while at the same time respecting the competences and merits of the candidates; calls on the eeas to enhance the geographical balance in order to have a proper representation of nationals from all member states , reflecting the diversity of member states; ### 6. is concerned about the geographical imbalances in the composition of the eeas staff; notes considerable discrepancies between the representation of countries with comparable population size and between west and east european countries (in 2018 , 347posts out of 2491 were occupied by belgian citizens , i.e. almost 14%of total eeas jobs , whereas belgian citizens represent only about 2 ,6% of all eu population); stresses that the eeas , like all european institutions , must ensure that all member states are proportionally represented while at the same time respecting the competences and merits of the candidates; urges the eeas to enhance the geographical balance in order to have a proper representation of nationals from all member states , reflecting the diversity of member states;


### gender policy ### deleted


### 26. notes the rate of anomalies detected in ex ante verifications of commitments and payments (respectively , 308 errors out of 1193 and 394 out of 2119); is concerned that in both cases errors are of an administrative nature i.e. incorrect amounts for commitments or missing supporting documents for payments presented for ex-ante financial verification; ### 26. notes the rate of anomalies detected in ex ante verifications of commitments and payments (respectively , 308 errors out of 1193 and 394 out of 2119); is concerned that in both cases errors are of an administrative nature i.e. incorrect amounts for commitments or missing supporting documents for payments presented for ex-ante financial verification; calls for the implementation of measures that would contribute to a reduction of the level of errors in general terms;


### 29. notes with appreciation the reinforcement of the eeas’s strategic communication capacity and toolkit in order to tackle disinformation threats and hybrid threats , with the setting-up of three task forces for the east , western balkans and south and the eeas’;s participation in the rapid alert system established among the union institutions and member states; invites the eeas to pursue the development of such a policy with the parliament’s new special committee on foreign interference in order to refine its capacity response; ### 29. notes with appreciation the reinforcement of the eeas’s strategic communication capacity and toolkit in order to tackle disinformation threats and hybrid threats , with the setting-up of three task forces for the east , western balkans and south and the eeas’;s participation in the rapid alert system established among the union institutions and member states; invites the eeas to pursue the development of such a policy with the parliament’s new special committee on foreign interference in order to refine its capacity response; recognises and welcomes the cooperation between the eeas and numerous european parliament liaison offices (eplo) to combat disinformation during the european election campaign 2019;


### 30. underlines that the spread of deliberate , large-scale systematic disinformation is an acute strategic challenge for the union’s public diplomacy for which adequate financial , it and human resources should be devoted in the short-to-medium term; ### 30. underlines that the spread of deliberate , large-scale systematic disinformation is an acute strategic challenge for the union’s public diplomacy for which adequate financial , it and human resources should be devoted in the short term; supports the reinforcement of the linkage between policy making , public diplomacy and strategic communication;


### 31. notes that only two delegations provided motivated reservations , i.e. the delegation to syria (since 2017) and the delegation in djibouti in relation to the management of their administrative expenditure , in particular linked to procurement issues; ### 31. notes that only two delegations provided motivated reservations , i.e. the delegation to syria (since 2017) and the delegation in djibouti in relation to the management of their administrative expenditure , in particular linked to procurement issues; calls on eeas to undertake necessary steps to examine these issues;


### 33. welcomes the fact that the eeas is continuously adapting its anti-fraud strategy in conjunction with all the relex directorates general and with a dedicated format with olaf; believes that all necessary efforts have to be made to share and exchange information on their operational challenges to better identify risky areas in their activities and programmes; ### 33. welcomes the fact that the eeas is continuously adapting its anti-fraud strategy in conjunction with all the relex directorates general and with a dedicated format with olaf; believes that all necessary efforts have to be made to share and exchange information on their operational challenges to better identify risky areas in their activities and programmes; calls on the eeas to identify any possible specific policy fields where tighter collaboration with olaf might be needed to ensure an effective fraud prevention


### 39. underlines that post-public employment and ‘revolving door’ conflict of interests situations is a recurring issue in the eu institutions; calls for the eeas for the effective and consistent application of the staff regulations , in particular article 16 thereof , in order to prevent conflicts of interests , in particular – but not only – concerning senior officials; ### 39. underlines that post-public employment and ‘revolving door’ conflict of interests situations is a recurring issue in the eu institutions; calls for the eeas for the effective and consistent application of the staff regulations , in particular article 16 thereof , in order to prevent conflicts of interests , in particular – but not only – concerning senior officials and seconded national experts;


### 44. notes with appreciation that this increase in colocations has been coupled with a consolidation and standardisation of the system of recovery of costs through further centralisation of incurred colocations’ revenues and the application of administrative fees in the agreed service level agreements; observes that approximately eur 10 million of revenues were generated in 2019; ### 44. notes with appreciation that this increase in colocations has been coupled with a consolidation and standardisation of the system of recovery of costs through further centralisation of incurred colocations’ revenues and the application of administrative fees in the agreed service level agreements; observes that approximately eur 10 million of revenues were generated in 2019; calls on the eeas to present an overview of the allocation of this revenues to ensure transparency;


### 50. regrets the fact that there are still unpaid trainees in eu delegations; encourages the eeas to take step to assure that trainees have means to support themselves; ### 50. regrets the fact that there are still unpaid trainees in eu delegations; encourages the eeas to take step to assure that trainees have means to support themselves; urges the eeas to follow the recommendation of the european ombudsman to pay all trainees an appropriate allowance;


### 3. stresses the importance of continuing to improve the rationalisation and modernisation of the financial and administrative management; welcomes the ongoing discussions on the eeas budget simplifications and calls on modernising and simplifying the eeas administration , also through full implementation of the “innovative 2019” project; ### 3. stresses the importance of continuing to improve the rationalisation and modernisation of the financial and administrative management; welcomes the ongoing discussions on the eeas budget simplifications; points out in this regard the need for the eeas to continue its efforts in order to achieve the simplification of the budgets lines; calls on modernising and simplifying the eeas administration , also through full implementation of the “innovative 2019” project;


### 4. stresses the need to fight foreign propaganda and to expose disinformation and malicious foreign influence; underlines the importance of the eeas strategic communication task force and calls for the broadening of its mandate , including in relation to state sponsored disinformation originating in china , and providing it with further necessary financial and human resources; ### 4. stresses the need to communicate strategically , to fight foreign propaganda and to expose disinformation and malicious foreign influence; underlines the importance of the eeas strategic communication task force and calls for the broadening of its mandate , including in relation to state sponsored disinformation originating in china and in russia , and providing it with further necessary financial and human resources; stresses that strategic communication must include fighting disinformation about the covid-19 pandemic;


### 4. stresses the need to fight foreign propaganda and to expose disinformation and malicious foreign influence; underlines the importance of the eeas strategic communication task force and calls for the broadening of its mandate , including in relation to state sponsored disinformation originating in china , and providing it with further necessary financial and human resources; ### 4. stresses the need to fight foreign propaganda and to expose disinformation and malicious foreign influence; underlines the importance of the eeas strategic communication task force and calls for the broadening of its mandate , including in relation to state sponsored disinformation originating in china and the middle east , particularly iran , and providing it with further necessary financial and human resources;


### 4. encourages the agency to pursue the digitalisation of its services; ### 4. encourages the agency to pursue the digitalisation of its services as a way to reduce bureaucracy;


### 1. grants its president discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european parliament for the financial year 2019/postpones its decision on granting its president discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european parliament for the financial year 2019; ### 1. grants its president discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the european parliament for the financial year 2019;


### 17. regrets that no further steps have been taken regarding the voluntary pension fund due to a number of members of the pension fund challenging the bureau decision of 10 december 2018 before the european court of justice (the ‘court of justice’); calls on the secretary-general to inform the parliament’s committee on budgetary control immediately on the court of justice’s ruling; ### 17. notes that no further steps have been taken regarding the voluntary pension fund due to a number of members of the pension fund challenging the bureau decision of 10 december 2018 before the european court of justice (the ‘court of justice’); calls on the secretary-general to inform the parliament’s committee on budgetary control immediately on the court of justice’s ruling;


### 21. recalls that rule 11 of the rules of procedure has introduced an obligation for rapporteurs , shadow rapporteurs and committee chairs to publish information on meetings held with interest representatives in the context of their reports; notes with satisfaction that , since the start of the new legislature , the necessary infrastructure has been available on parliament’s website to allow members to publish scheduled meetings with interested representatives in order to improve transparency; ### 21. recalls that rule 11 of the rules of procedure has introduced an obligation for rapporteurs , shadow rapporteurs and committee chairs to publish information on meetings held with interest representatives in the context of their reports; notes with satisfaction that , since the start of the new legislature , the necessary infrastructure has been available on parliament’s website to allow members to publish scheduled meetings with interested representatives in order to make parliament more open , transparent , and accountable to citizens; encourages efforts that would improve easy access and usability of this tool;


### 33. notes that parliament's bureau assigned to dg comm the task ofincreasing awareness among citizens across the union about the upcoming elections , with the aim of increasing democratic participation; welcomes the contribution of parliament’s 2019 election and information campaign to the highest-recorded voter turnout in 20 years; expresses its supportfor parliament’s innovative institutional communication strategy for the 2019 european elections , aimed at raising awareness about the elections and encouraging people to vote; observes that the strategy was based on reinforcing and strengthening the relations with media and the development of a robust network of partners; considers it is of great importance for parliament to continuously engage with union citizens through various communication channels not only during the electoral year but throughout the entire legislature; ### 33. notes that parliament's bureau assigned to dg comm the task of increasing awareness among citizens across the union about the upcoming elections , with the aim of increasing democratic participation; welcomes the contribution of parliament’s 2019 election and information campaign to the highest-recorded voter turnout in 20 years; expresses its support for parliament’s innovative institutional communication strategy for the 2019 european elections , aimed at raising awareness about the elections and encouraging people to vote; observes that the strategy was based on reinforcing and strengthening the relations with media and the development of a robust network of partners; considers it is of great importance for parliament to continuously engage with union citizens through various communication channels not only during the electoral year but throughout the entire legislature; stresses the importance of establishing synergies with existing channels and enhance cooperation with european parliament liaison offices to avoid duplication and effectively use taxpayers' money;


### 37. notes that , at its meeting of 11 february 2019 , the bureau confirmed the continuation of parliament’s office in london; notes that on 5 october 2020 , the bureau acknowledged the closure of the edinburgh antenna office at the end of 2020; acknowledges that the liaison office in the united kingdom will continue to play a crucial role for parliament in providing services to members on delegations to the united kingdom and in order to further engage with citizens , civil society , government , the parliamentary environment and media in that country; ### 37. notes that , at its meeting of 11 february 2019 , the bureau confirmed the continuation of parliament’s office in london; notes that on 5 october 2020 , the bureau acknowledged the closure of the edinburgh antenna office at the end of 2020; acknowledges that the liaison office in the united kingdom will continue to play a crucial role for parliament in providing services to members on delegations to the united kingdom and in order to further engage with citizens , civil society , government , the parliamentary environment and media in that country; calls in this regard to coordinate the work of the liaison office in the united kingdom with the european union external action service to avoid duplication of work;


### 37. notes that , at its meeting of 11 february 2019 , the bureau confirmed the continuation of parliament’s office in london; notes that on 5 october 2020 , the bureau acknowledged the closure of the edinburgh antenna office at the end of 2020; acknowledges that the liaison office in the united kingdom will continue to play a crucial role for parliament in providing services to members on delegations to the united kingdom and in order to further engage with citizens , civil society , government , the parliamentary environment and media in that country; ### 37. notes that , at its meeting of 11 february 2019 , the bureau confirmed the continuation of parliament’s office in london; notes that on 5 october 2020 , the bureau acknowledged the closure of the edinburgh antenna office at the end of 2020; acknowledges that the liaison office in the united kingdom will continue to play a crucial role for parliament in providing services to members on delegations to the united kingdom and in order to further engage with citizens , civil society , government , the parliamentary environment and media in that country; calls on the bureau and european union external action service to find a practical solution with the british authorities to grant diplomatic status to parliament's staff working at the liaison office in london;


### 50. recalls that in 2020 , parliament launched an international architectural competition with two options , a comprehensive environmental renovation or reconstruction of the spaak building; expects a detailed evaluation of the cost on the basis of the summary pre-project , which is to be developed by the winning architect in the course of 2021; demands that the renovation/reconstruction take into account parliament’s current needs as described in the updated building strategy beyond 2019; ### 50. recalls that in 2020 , parliament launched an international architectural competition with two options , a comprehensive environmental renovation or reconstruction of the spaak building; expects a detailed evaluation of the cost on the basis of the summary pre-project , which is to be developed by the winning architect in the course of 2021; demands that the renovation/reconstruction take into account parliament’s current needs as described in the updated building strategy beyond 2019; points out that parliament has a building which meets its functional needs in strasbourg , its seat; warns against the potentially high cost of the complete reconstruction of the spaak building , and calls for the works to be restricted to essential maintenance and renovation , in the interests of european taxpayers;


### 50. recalls that in 2020 , parliament launched an international architectural competition with two options , a comprehensive environmental renovation or reconstruction of the spaak building; expects a detailed evaluation of the cost on the basis of the summary pre-project , which is to be developed by the winning architect in the course of 2021; demands that the renovation/reconstruction take into account parliament’s current needs as described in the updated building strategy beyond 2019; ### 50. recalls that in 2020 , parliament launched an international architectural competition with two options , a comprehensive environmental renovation or reconstruction of the spaak building; expects as soon as possible a detailed evaluation of the cost on the basis of the summary pre-project to be presented to parliament’s committee on budgets and committee on budgetary control , which is to be developed by the winning architect in the course of 2021; demands that the renovation/reconstruction take into account parliament’s current needs as described in the updated building strategy beyond 2019;


### 51. notes the bureau's decision of 25 november 2019 to set up a europa experience visitors’ facilities in all member states by the end of the current legislature (2024) and the current implementation of this decision; ### 51. notes the bureau's decision of 25 november 2019 to set up a europa experience visitors’ facilities in all member states by the end of the current legislature (2024) and the current implementation of this decision; calls on the secretary general to regularly inform the parliament’s committee on budgets and the committee on budgetary control on the state of implementation;


### 52. welcomes the idea that parliament is committed to undertaking the necessary adaptation and renovation of its buildings in order to create an environment accessible to all users in line with union standards and national legal frameworks; stresses that works to improve the accessibility for persons with disabilities and those with reduced mobility has already started in strasbourg and that the projects will continue in both brussels and strasbourg , but also in six european parliament liaison offices; asks that such renovations be continued in all other buildings of parliament by committing to the functional accessibility requirements for the built environment laid down in annex iii to the directive (eu) 2019/8829 , and by referring to relevant international and european standards to fulfil those requirements in procurement procedures so members , staff and visitors with disabilities and those with reduced mobility can access the buildings and make use of its facilities on an equal basis with others in line with the obligations set by the united nation convention on the rights of persons with disabilities; underlines that funds should efficiently cover these measures/expenses; ### 52. welcomes the idea that parliament is committed to undertaking the necessary adaptation and renovation of its buildings in order to create an environment accessible to all users in line with union standards and national legal frameworks; stresses that works to improve the accessibility for persons with disabilities and those with reduced mobility has already started in strasbourg and that the projects will continue in both brussels and strasbourg , but also in six european parliament liaison offices; insists that such renovations be continued in all other buildings of parliament by committing to the functional accessibility requirements for the built environment laid down in annex iii to the directive (eu) 2019/8829 , and by referring to relevant international and european standards to fulfil those requirements in procurement procedures so members , staff and visitors with disabilities and those with reduced mobility can access the buildings and make use of its facilities on an equal basis with others in line with the obligations set by the united nation convention on the rights of persons with disabilities; underlines that funds should efficiently cover these measures/expenses;


### 57. welcomes the measures taken to upgrade parliament’s buildings security , in particular security screening of external service providers’ personnel , and the internalisation of general security services in luxembourg , approved by the bureau in 2012 , but which was impacted by the construction work of the new adenauer ii building; ### 57. welcomes the measures taken to upgrade parliament’s buildings security , in particular security screening of external service providers’ personnel , and the internalisation of general security services in luxembourg , approved by the bureau in 2012 , but which was impacted by the construction work of the new adenauer ii building; underlines that incidents of violent protesters entering public institutions in member states and threatening staff and members is an issue of concern and therefore encourages dg safe to assess the current safety measures and make recommendations for further improvement;


### 70. calls for improvements in the current set up of tracking and tracing of it-related issues between operating units of parliament’s services in order to increase efficiency and transparency; ### 70. calls for improvements in the current set up of tracking and tracing of it-related issues between operating units of parliament’s services in order to increase efficiency and transparency; stresses that on-site support for members and their offices often solves it-related issues quicker and more efficient than telephone support;


### d. whereas the diversity of legal and administrative systems in the member states needs to be adequately addressed in order to overcome irregularities and combat fraud and corruption; ### d. whereas the diversity of legal and administrative systems in the member states needs to be adequately addressed in order to overcome irregularities and combat fraud and corruption; whereas the commission should further strengthen its efforts to ensure that the fight against fraud and corruption is implemented effectively and produces more tangible and more satisfactory results;


### 1. welcomes the 31st annual report on the protection of the eu’s financial interests and the fight against fraud , which underlines the achievements of 2019 with regards to the consolidation of the institutional framework on the fight against fraud and irregularities at union level achieved by the transposition into national law by 12 member states of the measures provided for in the directive on the fight against fraud to the union’s financial interests by means of criminal law (‘the pif directive’) with the remaining 22 member states doing so by june 2020; ### 1. welcomes the 31st annual report on the protection of the eu’s financial interests and the fight against fraud , which underlines the achievements of 2019 with regards to the consolidation of the institutional framework on the fight against fraud and irregularities at union level achieved by the transposition into national law by 18 member states by the end of 2019 of the measures provided for in the directive on the fight against fraud to the union’s financial interests by means of criminal law (‘the pif directive’) with a total of 22 member states having done so by june 2020;


### 4. notes that the number of fraudulent irregularities reported in 2019 (939 cases) and their related financial amounts (approximately eur 461.4 million) decreased significantly compared to 2018; notes that in 2019 , 514 irregularities reported as fraudulent relating to expenditure represented 0.3% of 2019 payments , and 425 reported as fraudulent on revenue corresponded to 0.3% of gross amount of traditional own resources collected for 2019; ### 4. notes that the number of fraudulent irregularities reported in 2019 (939 cases) and their related financial amounts (approximately eur 461.4 million) decreased significantly compared to 2018; notes that , looking at a5-year period (2015-2019) , the number of reported fraudulent irregularities was 40% less than in 2015 , and 25% below the 5-year average; notes that in 2019 , 514 irregularities reported as fraudulent relating to expenditure represented 0.3% of 2019 payments , and 425 reported as fraudulent on revenue corresponded to 0.3% of gross amount of traditional own resources collected for 2019;


### 6. urges member states together with the commission to cooperate more closely with regard to exchanges of information , improving data collection , and enhancing the effectiveness of controls; ### 6. urges member states together with the commission to cooperate more closely with regard to exchanges of information , improving data collection , and enhancing the effectiveness of controls; strongly calls on the commission to conduct a thorough analysis of the underlying reasons and potential structural problems causing the persisting systemic weaknesses in the reliability of the work of some national authorities and pay special attention to any potential country-specific differences; calls on the commission to address clear country-specific recommendations to the national authorities; asks the commission to establish a structured dialogue with the national authorities and the eca to continuously work on capacity building and exchange of best practice to improve the reliability of national authorities’ work and keep parliament informed about the progress made; calls on the commission to offer further support to improve the cooperation under eurofisc;


### 10. notes that sixteen revenue anti-fraud measures were reported by the member states in 2019 , in particular eight in the area of customs fraud , five in tax fraud , and three measures concerning both customs and tax fraud; ### 10. notes that sixteen revenue anti-fraud measures were reported by the member states in 2019 , in particular eight in the area of customs fraud , five in tax fraud , and three measures concerning both customs and tax fraud; notes that an evaluation process on regulation 515/97 started in 2019 within the commission , to determine how useful regulation 515/97 has been on preventing customs fraud;


### 13. notes that serious doubts exist about the accuracy of the traditional own resources (custom duties) amounts transferred to the union budget by the united kingdom as a consequence of investigations carried out by olaf on undervaluation fraud concerning textiles and shoes imported from china via the united kingdom , and those conducted by the commission within the framework of own resources management; notes that in march 2019 , the commission referred to the cjeu its infringement case against the uk concerning the tor losses due to undervalued imports; asks the commission to report on any developments in this regard; ### 13. notes that serious doubts exist about the accuracy of the traditional own resources (custom duties) amounts transferred to the union budget by the united kingdom as a consequence of investigations carried out by olaf on undervaluation fraud concerning textiles and shoes imported from china via the united kingdom , and those conducted by the commission within the framework of own resources management; strongly criticises that uk still refuses to make available to the eu budget the tor amounts lost during the period 2011 - 2017 amounting to eur 2.679bn (gross); welcomes that in march 2019 , the commission referred to the cjeu its infringement case against the uk concerning the tor losses due to undervalued imports; asks the commission to report on any developments in this regard;


### 23. stresses the importance of prioritising the development and establishment of national anti-fraud strategies (nafss) by all member states , also in the light of the new challenges of the covid-19 crisis and the recovery and resilience plans; calls on member states who have not yet adopted a nafs to do so without delay; ### 23. stresses the importance of prioritising the development and establishment of national anti-fraud strategies (nafss) by all member states , also in the light of the new challenges of the covid-19 crisis and the recovery and resilience plans; regrets that the follow-up for 2018 showed that only 10 member states reported that they have adopted or updated a nafs and communicated it to olaf , whereas 17 member states have still not adopted a nafs1a; calls on those member states who have not yet adopted a nafs to do so without any further undue delay;


### 31. reiterates its call on the commission to establish a uniform system for the collection of comparable data on irregularities and cases of fraud from the member states in order to standardise the reporting process and ensure the quality and comparability of the data provided and underlines the importance of harmonising definitions to obtain comparative data across the eu; ### 31. reiterates its call on the commission to establish a digital and interoperable uniform system for the collection of comparable data on irregularities and cases of fraud from the member states in order to standardise the reporting process and ensure the quality and comparability of the data provided and underlines the importance of harmonising definitions to obtain comparative data across the eu;


### 33. stresses the importance of the early detection and exclusion system (edes); invites the commission to analyse the impact of a possible extension of edes to shared management; ### 33. stresses the importance of the early detection and exclusion system (edes); invites the commission to include the extension of edes to shared management in its proposal for the revision of the financial regulation;


### 33. stresses the importance of the early detection and exclusion system (edes); invites the commission to analyse the impact of a possible extension of edes to shared management; ### 33. stresses the importance of the early detection and exclusion system (edes); notes the judgment of the general court of 13 may 2020 in case t-290/18 , "agmin" v commission , in which the court of justice has confirmed the validity of the respective roles of the panel and the authorising officers , and that the adversarial procedure led by the panel had fully respected the right to be heard of the entity concerned; invites the commission to analyse the impact of a possible extension of edes to shared management;


### 34. recalls the need for a more incisive and effective response and coordination at both union and national level in the fight against corruption and organised crime with particular focus on transnational and cross-border aspects , in order to tackle , also through the use of artificial intelligence tools , fraudsters’ constant ability to adapt to new technologies and scenarios; ### 34. recalls the need for a more incisive and effective response and coordination at both union and national level in the fight against corruption and organised crime with particular focus on transnational and cross-border aspects , in order to tackle , also through the use of artificial intelligence tools , while respecting the protection of personal data , fraudsters’ constant ability to adapt to new technologies and scenarios;


### 34. recalls the need for a more incisive and effective response and coordination at both union and national level in the fight against corruption and organised crime with particular focus on transnational and cross-border aspects , in order to tackle , also through the use of artificial intelligence tools , fraudsters’ constant ability to adapt to new technologies and scenarios; ### 34. recalls the need for a more incisive and effective response and coordination at both union and national level in the fight against corruption and organised crime with particular focus on transnational and cross-border aspects , in order to tackle , also through the use of artificial intelligence tools , data-mining and other relevant digitalised tools , fraudsters’ constant ability to adapt to new technologies and scenarios;


### 35. recalls the importance of supporting and strengthening cooperation among the eu institutions , the eppo , olaf , the eu agencies , in particular europol and eurojust , and national authorities , in order to detect and tackle fraud and corruption more effectively; reiterates its call to ensure adequate resources for the eppo , olaf and relevant eu agencies in this regard; ### 35. recalls the importance of supporting and strengthening cooperation among the eu institutions , the eppo , olaf , the eu agencies , in particular europol and eurojust , and national authorities , in order to detect and tackle fraud and corruption more effectively; reiterates its call to ensure adequate resources for the eppo , olaf and relevant eu agencies , especially in view of the increased workload arising from the adoption of the eu’s new long-term budget , nextgenerationeu and other cost-driven projects;


### 36. highlights the importance of structured information exchange among competent authorities for the cross-checking of accounting records for transactions between two or more member states , in order to prevent cross-border fraud in respect of the structural and investment funds; reiterates its request to the commission for including in its working programme a legislative proposal for an horizontal regulation on mutual administrative assistance in the area of eu expenditures; ### 36. highlights the importance of structured information exchange among competent authorities for the cross-checking of accounting records for transactions between two or more member states , in order to prevent cross-border fraud in respect of the structural and investment funds; reiterates its request to the commission for including in its working programme a legislative proposal for an horizontal regulation on mutual administrative assistance in the area of eu expenditures; emphasises that the exchange of information should occur in a digital format and through interoperable or shared it systems and tools to facilitate a more timely and efficient cooperation;


### 37. notes that only 13 member states made use of arachne during their risk analysis; reiterates the importance of this tool , as well as of interoperability of it systems and databases for fraud risk analysis and fraud detection purposes; reiterates its call on the commission to consider making the use of arachne mandatory; ### 37. notes that only 13 member states made use of arachne during their risk analysis; reiterates the importance of this tool , as well as of interoperability of it systems and databases for fraud risk analysis and fraud detection purposes; reiterates its call on the commission and particularly , the member states in the council , to move towards parliament’s position of making the use of arachne mandatory;


### 38. notes with concern that no information is provided on the analysis of cases of conflicts of interest , despite the relevance of the new provision adopted in 2018 in the financial regulation and the well-known importance and impact of this phenomenon and calls on the commission to fill this gap in the next pif report; ### 38. notes with concern that no information is provided on the analysis of cases of conflicts of interest , despite the relevance of the new provision adopted in 2018 in the financial regulation and the well-known importance and impact of this phenomenon and calls on the commission to fill this gap in the next pif report , as well as to pay further attention to frauds related to public procurement;


### 39. invites the commission to explore new avenues for the pif report to be shared and analysed alongside other annual reports and sources of information , including through an enhanced dialogue between europol , eurojust and eppo , to help identify trends in fraudulent and non-fraudulent irregularities , to detect weaknesses and to provide useful lessons learnt to enhance the adoption of fraud-proofing measures by all stakeholders; ### 39. invites the commission to explore new avenues for the pif report to be shared and analysed alongside other annual reports , including the rule of law report , and sources of information , including through an enhanced dialogue between europol , eurojust and eppo , to help identify trends in fraudulent and non-fraudulent irregularities , to detect weaknesses and to provide useful lessons learnt to enhance the adoption of fraud-proofing measures by all stakeholders;


### 4. welcomes the fact that the agency has continued to outsource accounting services to the commission and to share resources with other agencies in the areas of human resources management , information and communication technology management , budget and finance , procurement and facility management; ### 4. welcomes the fact that the agency has continued to outsource accounting services to the commission and to share resources with other agencies in the areas of human resources management , information and communication technology management , budget and finance , procurement and facility management; considers that initiative to be an example for other union institutions worth following;


### 12. notes from the court’s report that the joint undertaking has set up reliable ex-ante control procedures based on financial and operational desk reviews , and that at the end of 2019 , the joint undertaking had not yet started the implementation process of the commission’s new internal control framework (icf) , based on 17 internal control principles , that it is obliged to implement; notes from the joint undertaking’s reply that it started to transition into the new icf during 2020 with an action plan , and that it is defining the internal control monitoring criteria prior to validation by management , and furthermore that prior to completing its transition to the new icf , it continues to apply and monitor its comprehensive set of existing internal control standards; ### 12. notes from the court’s report that the joint undertaking has set up reliable ex-ante control procedures based on financial and operational desk reviews , and that at the end of 2019 , the joint undertaking had not yet started the implementation process of the commission’s new internal control framework (icf) , based on 17 internal control principles , that it is obliged to implement; notes from the joint undertaking’s reply that it started to transition into the new icf during 2020 with an action plan , and that it is defining the internal control monitoring criteria prior to validation by management , and furthermore that prior to completing its transition to the new icf , it continues to apply and monitor its comprehensive set of existing internal control standards; calls on the joint undertaking to report to the discharge authority an update on that regard;


### 1. grants the european ombudsman discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the for the financial year 2019 / postpones its decision on granting the european ombudsman discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the for the financial year 2019; ### 1. postpones its decision on granting the european ombudsman discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the for the financial year 2019;


### 9. encourages the ombudsman to maintain and expand contacts with bodies at union and national level , which serve the purpose of exchanging information and best practices and adopting common approaches , where possible , on general administrative , financial , personnel and it matters as well as on ethics , transparency and public integrity; ### 9. encourages the ombudsman to maintain and expand contacts with bodies at union and national level , which serve the purpose of exchanging information and best practices and adopting common approaches (such as the guidelines developed via the inter-institutional online communication committee) , where possible , on general administrative , financial , personnel and it matters as well as on ethics , transparency and public integrity;


### 21. notes that the internal auditor's annual report for 2018 concluded that , subject to closure of the remaining action on business continuity management , the ombudsman's risk management , control and governance systems are effective and efficient and provide the reasonable assurance thjat it will attain its control objectives on a consistent basis; asks the ombudsman to inform it on any follow-up in relation to the actions carried over in respect of business continuity management; ### 21. notes that the internal auditor's annual report for 2018 concluded that , subject to closure of the remaining action on business continuity management , the ombudsman's risk management , control and governance systems are effective and efficient and provide the reasonable assurance that it will attain its control objectives on a consistent basis; notes that the ombudsman developed synergies with the commission , to use corporate tools and/or services for staff management , financial management and accounting , public procurement , management of missions and recruitment; asks the ombudsman to inform it on any follow-up in relation to the actions carried over in respect of business continuity management;


### 24. takes the opportunity to congratulate the ombudsman on the opening of an investigation (oi/2/2017) on the transparency of the council’s legislative work in 2017 in order to allow citizens to more easily follow the legislative process of the union; welcomes the recent positive echoing by the ombudsman of the new transparency steps taken by the council , for example by proactively publishing progress reports on negotiations on draft laws , a development which is in line with proposals made by the ombudsman as a result of her inquiries; ### 24. takes the opportunity to congratulate the ombudsman on the opening of an investigation (oi/2/2017) on the transparency of the council’s legislative work in 2017 in order to allow citizens to more easily follow the legislative process of the union; welcomes the recent positive echoing by the ombudsman of the new transparency steps taken by the council , for example by proactively publishing progress reports on negotiations on draft laws , a development which is in line with proposals made by the ombudsman as a result of her inquiries; appreciates ombudsman´s proposals to ensure a more systematic and effective approach to dealing with former staff members moving to the private sector or people moving from the private sector to the commission;


### 28. welcomes that the ombudsman supports the importance of data protection , and commits to enhance further the awareness of users of the importance of online data protection; ### 28. welcomes that the ombudsman supports the importance of data protection , and commits to enhance further the awareness of users of the importance of online data protection; appreciates he creation of the register of records of processing operations of the european ombudsman and the cooperation with the european parliament;


### 29. welcomes the fact that the ombudsman exceeded the targets set for social media in 2019; notes that the ombudsman reached 36.717 mentions on twitter (target 20 000) and that the number of twitter followers went from 22.600 at the end of 2018 to 26.300 in december 2019 , which represents a 16 % increase; notes that the fastest-growing channel was instagram , where the audience grew by 47 % during the year and on linkedin , the number of followers increased by 21 %; ### 29. notes that the ombudsman spent 102 050 eur on communication activities , more than half of this amount (64 505 eur) was spent for outreach conferences and events; welcomes the fact that the ombudsman exceeded the targets set for social media in 2019; notes that the ombudsman reached 36.717 mentions on twitter (target 20 000) and that the number of twitter followers went from 22.600 at the end of 2018 to 26.300 in december 2019 , which represents a 16 % increase; notes that the fastest-growing channel was instagram , where the audience grew by 47 % during the year and on linkedin , the number of followers increased by 21 %;


### 6. notes that the total number of staff in 2019 was 576 (compared to 538 in 2018 and 533 in 2017); notes that the number of posts in the establishment plan amounts to 491 which is considered by the committee as insufficient; recognises the results of a workload assessment finalised in 2019 for a potential reorganisation with the objective to make further efficiency gains and create synergies; is informed that the committee wants the union budgetary authorities to address the issue and balance the current staff situation progressively; ### 6. notes that the total number of staff in 2019 was 576 (compared to 538 in 2018 and 533 in 2017); notes that the number of posts in the establishment plan amounts to 491 which is considered by the committee as insufficient; recognises the results of a workload assessment finalised in 2019 for a potential reorganisation with the objective to make further efficiency gains and create synergies; is informed that the committee wants the union budgetary authorities to address the issue and balance the current staff situation progressively; encourages the committee to deepen its administrative cooperation with the eesc via jointservices to pool staff in order to develop more synergies.


### 7. acknowledges the committee’s continued efforts to reinforce its political role and to face the increased need for permanent expertise in political and administrative domains; notes the talent pool created to motivate and retain experienced staff in the committee; notes that the first general internal competition in the history of the committee was finalised in the first half of 2019 with a total of 40 laureates out of 113 candidate staff members; ### deleted


### 8. acknowledges that the situation in terms of gender balance in middle and senior management positions has remained relatively stable since 2018 with 35 % of these positions being filled by women; acknowledges that a new equal opportunity strategy containing concrete objectives to be reached by 2025 is being adopted and should enter in force in 2020; ### 8. acknowledges that the situation in terms of gender balance in middle and senior management positions has remained relatively stable since 2018 with 35 % of these positions being filled by women; acknowledges that a new equal opportunity strategy containing concrete objectives to be reached by 2025 is being adopted and should enter in force in 2020; calls upon the committee to present an outline of its adoption and its planned impact;


### 11. underlines that the committee uses contract staff mainly to provide appropriate support in the form of replacements for mid to long term absences and for specific projects in different directorates with the objective of providing additional support to members of the committee; ### 11. underlines that the committee uses contract staff mainly to provide appropriate support in the form of replacements for mid to long term absences and for specific projects in different directorates with the objective of providing additional support to members of the committee; notes that in 2019 , as the consequence of the cooperation between the committee and parliament , the number of long-term contract staff decreased in the directorate for translation compared to the years 2013-2017;


### 12. notes that the committee needs to upgrade its security control systems and ensure a safe work place for its members and staff , which require additional specialised resources and that the ratio of resources dedicated to both physical security and it support per member of staff is very low in comparison to other european institutions. ### 12. notes that the committee needs to upgrade its security control systems and ensure a safe workplace for its members and staff , which require additional specialised resources and that the ratio of resources dedicated to both physical security and it support per member of staff is very low in comparison to other european institutions; encourages the committee to continue preparing new project to boost cybersecurity;


### 14. underlines that an external evaluation of the communication strategy of the committee was carried out in accordance with the standards applied by all other union institutions using a shared framework contract; notes that the overall quality of the committee’s communication mostly meets audience needs and is effective as key stakeholders have a positive perception of the committee; ### 14. underlines that an external evaluation of the communication strategy of the committee was carried out in accordance with the standards applied by all other union institutions using a shared framework contract; notes that the overall quality of the committee’s communication mostly meets audience needs and is effective as key stakeholders have a positive perception of the committee; invites the committee to improve digital communication with the public and to enhance the visibility of its studies for stakeholders and for union citizens;


### 16. is aware that the bureau of the committee adopted a digital strategy at the beginning of 2019 and that the implementation started following the adoption; notes that the main deliverables of the strategy are member-centric information systems to support the political work of the committee , information systems to support paperless administrative processes and a digital workplace programme; ### 16. is aware that the bureau of the committee adopted a digital strategy at the beginning of 2019 and that the implementation started following the adoption; notes that the main deliverables of the strategy are member-centric information systems to support the political work of the committee , information systems to support paperless administrative processes and a digital workplace programme; invites the committee to enhance digitalisation also through interinstitutional cooperation;


### 19. welcomes the fact that a series of measures has been implemented to ensure adequate building security standards , such as the installation of new equipment for access control; notes that the related security standards have reached the same level as the standards of parliament and the commission and that , moreover , first steps have been taken to buy a new visitor's management system that will be implemented in 2020; ### 19. welcomes the fact that a series of measures has been implemented to ensure adequate building security standards , such as the installation of new equipment for access control and the installation of new closed-circuit television (cctv) system; notes that the related security standards have reached the same level as the standards of parliament and the commission and that , moreover , first steps have been taken to buy a new visitor's management system that will be implemented in 2020;


### 23. notes that a compliance and effectiveness exercise was launched in 2019 to assess to what extent the committee complies with the 16 internal control standards; notes that the 2019 compliance exercise has shown that the overall state of implementation and effectiveness of the requirements remained satisfactory and stable as compared to 2018; notes , however , that areas for further improvement have been identified including the alignment of the committee’s mission and organisational structure with new priorities , further digitalisation of data storage and simplification of administrative processes as well as an in-depth revamp of the existing business continuity plan arising from the experiences acquired during the current covid-19 situation; ### 23. notes that a compliance and effectiveness exercise was launched in 2019 to assess to what extent the committee complies with the 16 internal control standards; notes that the 2019 compliance exercise has shown that the overall state of implementation and effectiveness of the requirements remained satisfactory and stable as compared to 2018; notes , however , that areas for further improvement have been identified including the alignment of the committee’s mission and organisational structure with new priorities , administrative cooperation between the parliament and the committee , further digitalisation of data storage and simplification of administrative processes as well as an in-depth revamp of the existing business continuity plan arising from the experiences acquired during the current covid-19 situation;


### 35. supports the committee and the eesc in the view that in the event of an extension of the current agreement or of a new agreement with parliament all outstanding issues such as the unbalanced situation for the committee and the eesc , which transferred a total of 60 translators to parliament (24 from the committee) and in exchange obtained only the use of the services of the european parliamentary research service must be settled; notes with concern that as a consequence the committee and the eesc had to hire contract staff and outsourced their translation services which resulted in an effective budget reduction; ### deleted


### 35. supports the committee and the eesc in the view that in the event of an extension of the current agreement or of a new agreement with parliament all outstanding issues such as the unbalanced situation for the committee and the eesc , which transferred a total of 60 translators to parliament (24 from the committee) and in exchange obtained only the use of the services of the european parliamentary research service must be settled; notes with concern that as a consequence the committee and the eesc had to hire contract staff and outsourced their translation services which resulted in an effective budget reduction; ### 35. supports the committee and the eesc in the view that in the event of an extension of the current agreement or of a new agreement with parliament all outstanding issues such as the unbalanced situation for the committee and the eesc , which transferred a total of 60 translators to parliament (24 from the committee) and in exchange obtained a guarantee for a sustainable working relationship with the parliament , intensified cooperation with the parliamentary committees , involvement in the european semester work , a reserved seat during parliamentary committee meetings , the use of the services of the european parliamentary research service , joint projects and synergies on translation , opening of pathways between parliament and the buildings of the committees , a service level agreement including provisions of interpretation services and technical support by parliament , regular use of parliament buildings in brussels as well as parliament’s liaison offices in the member states for events and activities , intensified cooperation in the area of informatics , mutual access to canteens , several cooperation mechanisms to ensure a coherent approach and create synergies in the field of information and communication and if required legal advice in technical and/or administrative matters of the parliament’s legal service should be reviewed; notes that as a consequence the committee and the eesc had to hire contract staff and outsourced their translation services which resulted in an effective budget reduction;


### 38. congratulates the committee on the ongoing efforts in the framework of the environmental management system as regards the lowering of the carbon footprint and plastic , food and paper waste; agrees that the reduction of the carbon footprint is among the most important objectives for the coming years; encourages the committee to participate in related projects with the other union bodies and to elaborate a comprehensive plan for the committee to implement the principles and recommendations presented in the european green deal , with the general objective of becoming climate neutral by 2030; ### 38. notes the committee´s efforts in the framework of the environmental management system as regards the lowering of the carbon footprint and plastic , food and paper waste; agrees that the reduction of the carbon footprint is among the most important objectives for the coming years; encourages the committee to participate in related projects with the other union bodies and to elaborate a comprehensive plan for the committee to implement the principles and recommendations presented in the european green deal , with the general objective of becoming climate neutral by 2030;


### 39. underlines that on 5 december 2019 the committee adopted a code of conduct for its members laying down a detailed procedure in the event of alleged harassment of a member of staff by a committee member , which is largely based on parliament's bureau’s decision of 2 july 2018 on harassment complaints; notes that the code of conduct includes a number of sanctions in order to ensure its observance and that the committee has set up an advisory board on harassment; ### 39. underlines that on 5 december 2019 the committee adopted a code of conduct for its members laying down a detailed procedure in the event of alleged harassment of a member of staff by a committee member , which is largely based on parliament's bureau’s decision of 2 july 2018 on harassment complaints; notes that the code of conduct includes a number of sanctions in order to ensure its observance and that the committee has set up an advisory board on harassment; asks the committee to present a report on the implementation of the code of conduct;


### 44. recalls that the invalidity committee confirmed that the invalidity of the former internal auditor , mr mccoy , arose from an occupational disease , and that , consequently , on 26 june 2019 the committee formally endorsed this conclusion; notes that pursuant to article 78(5) of the staff regulations mr mccoy was reimbursed in july 2019 in respect of all his contributions to the pension scheme between the date he started receiving the invalidity allowance (1 july 2007) and the day before he started receiving retirement pension (31 july 2010); ### 44. appreciates the progress on the case concerning the former internal auditor , mr mccoy , in response to the 2018 discharge , notes the work done by the rapporteur for the other institutions who opened the long-stalled dialogue; recalls that the invalidity committee confirmed that the invalidity of mr mccoy arose from an occupational disease , and that , consequently , on 26 june 2019 the committee formally endorsed this conclusion; notes that pursuant to article 78(5) of the staff regulations mr mccoy was reimbursed in july 2019 in respect of all his contributions to the pension scheme between the date he started receiving the invalidity allowance (1 july 2007) and the day before he started receiving retirement pension (31 july 2010);


### 46. appreciates the exchange held in the context of the 2019 discharge procedure on 10 november 2020 with the mediator , the former internal auditor and a representative of the committee; underlines the importance of deescalating the situation and bringing the positions of the former internal auditor and of the committee together; welcomes the mediator’s suggestion of a meeting between the president of the committee and mr mccoy as a starting point for reconciliation before any negotiations will take place; ### 46. appreciates the exchange held in the context of the 2019 discharge procedure on 10 november 2020 with the mediator , the former internal auditor and a representative of the committee; recalls that mr. mccoy and the committee were invited to a meeting of parliament's committee on budgetary control based on a suggestion by the epp coordinator; underlines the importance of deescalating the situation and bringing the positions of the former internal auditor and of the committee together; welcomes the mediator’s suggestion of a meeting between the president of the committee and mr mccoy as a starting point for reconciliation before any negotiations will take place;


### 4. notes that the external evaluation , to which the centre was subject in 2017 as required by the financial rules , has assessed the centre’s work positively; welcomes the actions planned to address the issued recommendations and calls on the centre to continue to pursue further cooperation with other agencies; encourages the centre to continue to implement its performance measurement indicators to present the implemented policies in a more detailed manner; welcomes the introduction of an environmental indicator; ### 4. notes that the external evaluation , to which the centre was subject in 2017 as required by the financial rules , has assessed the centre’s work positively; welcomes the actions planned to address the issued recommendations and calls on the centre to continue to pursue further cooperation with other agencies; encourages the centre to continue to implement its performance measurement indicators and to align the performance indicator methodologies with other agencies in order to present the implemented policies in a more detailed manner; welcomes the introduction of an environmental indicator;